Kerry missing key forwards as League gets underway

ALL-IRELAND champions Kerry will begin the defence of their National League title without four leading attackers, including captain, Declan O’Sullivan, who undergoes an operation next week to repair cartilage damage to his knee.

Kerry manager Jack O’Connor might have anticipated that setback, but will also be without Dara Ó Cinnéide, John Crowley and Mike Frank Russell for the opening Allianz League tie against Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn next Friday.

Ó Cinnéide and Crowley are unlikely to play any meaningful role in the opening League games, while Russell is only expected to miss the Cork game because of a minor facial operation.