Kerry boss Jack O'Connor criticises timing of Sam Maguire draw

His views on the draw, which sees their Division 1 League final conquerors visiting Killarney on the weekend of May 23/24, are rather black and white. He doesn’t agree with the timing of the draw and felt the decision to stage it in advance of the provincial finals, rather than after, will hurt the promotion of this Sunday’s first Cork-Kerry Munster decider in five years.

“I suppose it isn't ideal, really, to have the draw before the Munster final because I actually think it takes from the Munster final,” O’Connor began.

“The Munster final should be a big standalone fixture in its own right, and I just hope it won't distract people, that's all. We'll be doing our level best to make sure it doesn't distract the players, which is the most important thing. But I have no interest in discussing that game [Donegal] until the Cork game is over because we'll have our hands full with Cork besides worrying about the game that is coming afterwards.

“Munster Council this week will be trying to promote the Munster final and then you have this draw which will get people talking about the All-Ireland series. It just looks like a bit of disconnect there somewhere.

“I am not making a big song and dance about it, I just think the Munster final should be an important enough fixture to give it everybody's full attention.” 

With Cork and Kerry both earning home advantage in Monday’s All-Ireland series draw as reward for having reached the Munster final, what is the reward, if any, for going and winning the Munster final?

“That is a valid question,” O’Connor replied.

“There is pride at stake. This time of year, you are trying to build a bit of confidence, build morale, and it is never nice to get turned over by your nearest and dearest neighbours. Kerry have a proud record in Killarney in the Munster championship. We'll certainly be trying to hold on to that.” 

On the injury front, the Kerry manager rated All-Star Tom O’Sullivan as “doubtful” to participate in this Sunday’s game in Killarney. The dynamic corner-back departed the Clare win with a calf injury on 39 minutes.

“He's done bits and pieces since, but he hasn't trained with the group so Tom would certainly be in the doubtful category.” 

Of the extensive injury list going into that Munster semi-final a fortnight ago, which included Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Joe O’Connor, Seán O’Shea, Graham O’Sullivan, and Dylan Geaney, not a single household name will come off that list for Cork’s visit.

“We think the panel that we had going to Ennis will be more or less the panel for the Cork game. I'd say the game will probably come too soon for some of the injured lads.

“Some of those injuries can turn quickly but at the moment, any of the players who were absent in Clare haven't returned to full training. That's as much as I can say. I'm not a medical man.”