Fitzgerald set to dispel Kerry comeback rumours

THERE were growing fears in Kerry last night that Maurice Fitzgerald will shortly announce his decision not to return to the county’s colours this season.

Recent speculation had indicated that 33-year-old Fitzgerald was on the verge of a comeback for the Kingdom.

However, the Caherciveen ace is understood to have told a local video production in south Kerry that he will not be returning to the fold this season.

The production team are due to be interviewed on Radio Kerry early today about their video special on Valentia Island legend Mick O’Connell, a close personal friend of Fitzgerald’s.

Fitzgerald agreed to be interviewed for the production, and sources close to the documentary-makers suggest that the St. Mary’s player revealed his intentions not to return to the Kerry panel this season.

If that is the case, it will draw a final curtain over a magnificent inter-county career for the Caherciveen genius.

Fitzgerald is continuing to train diligently and privately in south Kerry, leading to recent speculation that he was ready to commit to Páidí Ó Sé’s championship plans for the coming season.

Friends believe that he still retains the fitness to last for a full 70 minutes of championship action with the Kingdom, but those close to the Kerry team feel that his return to inter-county action would be as an impact substitution.

Meanwhile, Kerry’s Allianz League clash with Tyrone on the weekend of March 29/30 will be played on Saturday, in a Croke Park initiative designed to avoid a direct clash with the possible Six Nations Grand Slam decider between Ireland and England.

The Division 1 ‘A’ meeting of Cork and Donegal will be played on Saturday night, again under lights at Páirc Úi Rinn, and will televised live by TG4.