Special branch cracks to reveal spy in Kerry camp

GAA espionage reached a new level in Fitzgerald Stadium on Tuesday evening when a man scarpered having been spotted attempting to watch Kerry’s behind-closed-doors training session — from a tree!

A Kerry source confirmed the individual was discovered after team management noticed branches breaking and hearing the rustle of a large palm tree overlooking the pitch on the uncovered stand side close to the dressing rooms.

A backroom team member approached only for the man to run away. However, in his haste he left behind a piece of identification. It’s understood the man is living in the Killarney area but is not a native of Kerry. It’s also believed he saw little or nothing of the session. The Kerry County Board refused to comment on the matter.

For the majority of the championship, both Kerry and Donegal have operated a behind-closed-doors training policy. Eamonn Fitzmaurice brought it into operation last year, explaining in an open letter to supporters the reasons why he felt it was necessary.

Kerry have had reason to be suspicious since 2008 when a spectator recorded a training session on a camcorder.

Tomás Ó Flatharta claimed his late friend Páidí Ó Sé’s Kerry were monitored prior to their 2003 semi-final against Tyrone.

Donegal have been behind lock and key for a lot of their championship preparations since Jim McGuinness took over in July 2010. Of the five known training camps they’ve been on this summer, all have been away from prying eyes — Portugal, Inishowen, Mullingar, Johnstown and Enniskillen. They also operate a similar policy when they train in MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.

Earlier this month, McGuinness joked about using his contacts in Kerry to glean information on the side. “I have a great group of friends down there and I am sending them an odd text at the moment that if you hear anything in the Kerry team to let me know. But there is nobody responding to anything!” On a more serious point, he stressed: “Nobody knows what is going on behind anybody’s dressing room door.”