Free-taking ability the key factor in Ó Cinnéide's selection

THE importance of a reliable free-taker is a key issue behind last night's decision by Kerry to recall Dara Ó Cinnéide to the starting fifteen for Sunday's All-Ireland final against Tyrone.

Last year's winning captain replaces Bryan Sheehan in the only change from the starting selection for the semi-final against Cork.

Ó Cinnéide's selection also means disappointment for Mike Frank Russell, who must have come very close to reclaiming the corner-forward spot for the final. He has been showing up impressively in Kerry training, but the selectors may feel he has more to offer coming into the game, whereas Ó Cinnéide will benefit from starting.