Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Plenty on the line as Kerry and Donegal look to lay down a marker
UP AND RUNNING: Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, right, and Dublin manager Dessie Farrell last weekend. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
This weekend was due to be a down weekend for the county's footballers but because of weather postponements we have more action to look forward to, most notably with Kerry taking on Donegal in Killarney today. The forecast is good so both teams will get a further opportunity to add to their winning starts from last weekend.
Last time Jim McGuinness brought his team to Fitzgerald Stadium it was in the spring of 2012. They were beaten by double scores on the day, 2-16 to 1-08. McGuinness documented it well in his book. The disappointment, the anger and the frustration was clear. But valuable lessons were learned. It was an important staging point on their journey to success the following September. It should mean that there will be a bit of an edge to the game today, as he will be anxious to avoid a repeat of that performance. The fact the Ulster men didn’t travel two weeks ago gives the Kerry camp their own angle. Two league points are on the line but two genuine All-Ireland contenders also have an opportunity to lay down an early season marker, minus a few of their big guns. It is fascinating observing the various teams adapting week by week to the new rules. All of us watching on have plenty to analyse. I am really enjoying it. Here are a few considerations to keep an eye on this weekend and areas where I think will evolve further over time.
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