Kerry will thrive, says O’Keefe

JOHN O’KEEFE is confident that the Kerry senior footballers will be successful under the new management led by Jack O’Connor.

"I would like to wish Jack O'Connor, Ger and Johnny Culloty the best of luck. I suppose you could look at it as a new beginning again," he said.

"I would say that the footballers are (available) in the county. There's no reason why we can't get back to the big-time again in the near future. I feel that the players will enjoy a new approach. I think the change will be good for them."

A cousin of Ger O'Keefe as well as a former playing colleague with Austin Stacks and Kerry the Irish manager confirmed he is taking a complete break from the intercounty scene.

"I'll be taking a back seat. I'll enjoy it from the stands for a while. But I know that I will miss it. It has been part of my life for 12 years straight, between management and training. There will be a vacuum in my life, but I hope to fill it. I think it's time for a break."