THE importance of a reliable free-taker is a key issue behind last night's decision by Kerry to recall Dara Ó Cinnéide to the starting fifteen for Sunday's All-Ireland final against Tyrone.

Kerry’s water-tight defence provided a key platform in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi final win over Cork. But the ultimate challenge lies ahead. Tony Leen reports.

THERE's no easy way to tell a player he's not playing in an All-Ireland semi-final. "It's the least palatable part of the job," Kerry coach Jack O'Connor said yesterday.

KERRY Allstar Paul Galvin is expected to recover from a throat infection to take his place in the Kingdom's attack for Sunday's All-Ireland quarter-final against Mayo at Croke Park.

KERRY coach Jack O’Connor wants his All-Ireland champions to take the most direct route to Croke Park — because he fears the pitfalls of the qualifier route.

ALL-IRELAND champions Kerry will require the full breadth of their extended panel on Sunday for their first competitive fixture since September’s decider against Mayo.

KERRY GAA chairman Seán Walsh believes next year's GAA Congress will take the landmark decision to open up Croke Park to soccer and rugby.

Munster take on Leinster in the second of the M Donnelly inter-provincial football semi-finals at Portlaoise (3pm) today.

Beaten provincial finalists Laois have four players in the Leinster squad for Sunday's M Donnelly inter-provincial semi-final against Munster in Portlaoise.

THREE Kerry men will manage the Munster senior football side for the Martin Donnelly-sponsored interprovincial series at the end of the month.

Clare 0-09 Kerry 2-10

KERRY’S success in Croke Park on Sunday will not have the effect of putting them under additional pressure going into the championship, according to former star and current selector Johnny Culloty.

KERRY’S disappointment at their dramatic opening day defeat to Longford has inspired the side to an NFL Final according to County Board Chairman Sean Walsh yesterday.

KERRY Allstar, Colm Cooper will be out of football for up to three months after undergoing a groin operation yesterday.

Kerry football selector Ger O'Keeffe has told former AllStar Maurice Fitzgerald that he is welcome to rejoin the county panel after a lengthy absence.

JACK O'CONNOR was last night unanimously ratified as the new Kerry football manager for a two-year term, replacing Páidi Ó Sé.

THE memory of Connacht rugby player and all-round sports fanatic Dr Joe Costello will be honoured on Friday when a galaxy of sporting stars gather at Galway Golf Club.