McKernan clarifies position on trio

Down footballer Kevin McKernan has refuted claims he was furious with three of his team-mates for leaving the country.

“I’d like to clarify my position in relation to my comments in various press reports today,” he said.

“At no point did I ‘slam’ or was I ‘furious’ with my three Down colleagues who are travelling abroad this summer. I was disappointed purely because we’d be in a healthier state with these three players on board, they’ve left panel and I wished them well on their travels.

“I believe that the comments were taken out of context and may I add that I made them nine days ago.”

Interestingly McKernan also used the profile of his statement to promote a charity. However, now that I have your attention I’d like to publicise our charity penalty kick challenge taking place in Down this weekend.

“It is the first of our ‘KEEP’ERLIT’ fundraising initiatives for my cousin Mark. During Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21 I will be travelling around all 44 football clubs in our county. The challenge is aptly named ‘Kevin Kicks to KEEP ‘ER LIT’ as I’m aiming to take a penalty kick in each club and stay for 15 minutes in each to talk to supporters. We have been astounded by the response to this challenge in the locality and indeed the province and it looks set to be a great weekend’s fun!

“This will be rounded off by a pre-moonlit sponsored walk from St Marys GAC Burren from 7-8pm followed by Kevin’s final kick in his home club.”

Check out www.facebook.com/KEEP.ER.LIT.13 for more information.