League history as Kerry prepare for championship assault

Michael Ellard

"We initially set out to reach the knockout stages of the League, and once we did that we wanted to win it, and we're delighted that we did win it," O'Connor told the Kingdom newspaper.

"But that's done and dusted and we're moving on from it."

On Sunday O'Connor faces his first challenge as manager in the senior championship arena when his charges take on Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis, and he admits the timing is good.

"We've had three weeks since the League final and, bar one weekend of county championship, we've had two uninterrupted weeks so we're happy enough.

"We've played a good share of competitive football over the past two weeks and we have over 30 players at training who are all mad for road and who are all very competitive.

"We really won't know how close to championship fitness and sharpness we are until we go out on the field in Ennis but I feel our preparation has gone well.

"We always had the championship in mind, and really the League was just a means to prepare us for the championship.

"We were happy to be playing competitive matches and certainly the games against Limerick and Galway would have brought the team on a fair bit."

The return of Dara Ó Sé after injury and suspension is another welcome boost for the man who took over the reins from the legendary Páidí Ó Sé.

"You'd have to say we were beaten at midfield against Galway, especially in the air, but if you break it down we really didn't fare out too bad.

"We worked very hard, we turned over a share of ball there and we won a lot of breaking ball, and overall I was pleased with the work rate in that area.

"We'd all love to be dominating the game in the air but in the modern game that's not always possible, but that's what our half-backs and half-forwards are there for and with Dara available on Sunday it might be the platform for getting that area sorted out."

However, the new Kerry supremo is not underestimating Clare.

He said: "Just from playing against Clare at U21 level when I was Kerry team manager I know they always have great heart and spirit.

"They won two challenges recently against Limerick and Laois and appear to be going well.

"They are going to be a big challenge up in Ennis but from our point of view it's just about getting our own house in order and getting ourselves right for the match. Our approach is always to go out and play as positively as we can.

"We've been in the public eye for the last few weeks with the League, and Clare have just been preparing quietly and they will see this as their All-Ireland final.

"They will be going flat out and we will really have to be on our guard and in the proper frame of mind.

"But I am sure we will be because we've treated every game this year with respect. We're not worried about what kind of win we get as long as we win. Like any game we've had so far, it's just a means to an end in that we have to win the game."