Big Croker crowd expected as Kingdom come in numbers
By Kerry standards, this is a lot as followers of the green and gold have traditionally not attended semi-finals in any numbers.
But this time they’ve answered Kerry GAA chiefs’ calls to roll out their colours and roar on the team.
In the old days, they preferred to wait for the final, confidently believing Kerry would always qualify. However, times have changed.
Kerry GAA Board PRO Willie O’Connor yesterday confirmed around 10,000 tickets, including 1,700 family tickets, had been sold in the county for the match. Several thousand more Kerry folk living in Dublin and elsewhere will further swell the attendance.
“We’ve sold three times more tickets than were sold for the quarter-final against Mayo, which shows that Kerry people are taking the clash with Cork very seriously,” Mr O’Connor said.
“In the Munster final, there was a only a goal between Cork and Kerry and we’re facing exactly the same type of scenario. It should be very close.”
Yesterday, around 130 boys and girls attending Dr Crokes’ club summer camp in Killarney got into the spirit of the occasion.
Two of the club’s Kerry senior players, Eoin Brosnan and Kieran Cremin, along with five members who are on the Kerry minor squad to play Mayo, visited the camp, signing autographs and handing out kitbags.
Top Munster GAA coach Pat O’Shea said the visit was uplifting for both the players and the youngsters.
“These players are recognised nationally, but are still regarded as one of the boys in their own clubs. I think they feel more comfortable among their own and the kids love to meet them and chat with them,” he added.
The magical Colm Cooper is also a club member, but could not attend. Colm’s brother, Vince, is camp coordinator.
Meanwhile, Cork-born Martin Byrnes, who is a Dr Crokes’ selector and friend of the club’s players on the Kerry panel, will be cheering for his native county.
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