Kennelly not in Kerry management plans

KERRY management have dismissed suggestions that AFL star Tadhg Kennelly will be drafted into the squad for the All-Ireland football final against Mayo.

Kingdom bosses are happy with the progress being made by Séamus Moynihan, who returned to full training at the weekend after a two-month injury lay-off.

Kennelly, a former minor and U21 star, was on the Sydney Swans’ side which suffered a 51-point loss against St Kilda in the second Grand semi-final at the MCG on Friday night.

That defeat, his recent good form, and the injury to Darragh Ó Sé, has heightened speculation that he may have some role to play in the September 26 decider.

However, Kerry selector Ger O’Keeffe yesterday denied such claims.

“He has not been considered and the matter has not even been discussed.

“Tadhg Kennelly has not been an issue since the start of the year. I would say that rumours are just rumours,” the former All-Ireland winner said.

O’Keeffe added that Moynihan had shown no adverse reaction to training sessions over the weekend.

“Séamus is quite happy to be back in full training.

“Obviously, we will be looking at how things develop from here.

“His general fitness is probably okay, but his football fitness and lack of match practice is a worry.

“However, Séamus is a terrific individual and an inspirational figure who is respected by all the players.

“He will make every effort in the time that is left to be fit and hopefully he will continue to make progress. He has had no adverse reaction so far, but he is only easing his way back into the action and we will review the situation over the next week to ten days.

“We will not make a decision about his participation until closer to the game, but he has trained Friday and Sunday and is very positive that he might well be on the way back at last,” the selector added.

Meanwhile, RTÉ will broadcast an hour-long documentary on Monday night which charts Páidí Ó Sé’s season at the helm in Westmeath.

Marooned, to be shown on RTÉ One (9.30pm), boasts exclusive behind the scenes footage as the former Kerry manager delivered an elusive Leinster title to the midlanders.