Kerry stars set to shine in Cork league clash

WHATEVER about the Cork footballers having the greater incentive to win this evening’s novel, floodlit Allianz National League game at Páirc Uí Rinn, on the evidence of the team line-outs, it appears Kerry are in the best position to take the points.

They come with all but four of the team which lost the All-Ireland final to Armagh in circumstances which continue to provoke debate.

While there may have been a personal price to pay for Páidí Ó Sé and John O’Keeffe arising from the manager’s controversial newspaper interview, the indications are that the management will be united in their bid to go one step further this year.

Cork selector Mick O’Loughlin, who served a valuable apprenticeship at a time when Cork emerged from the doldrums in 1966, readily concedes that the team did not do itself justice in the 15-point All Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry at Croke Park last August.

The experience prompted the selectors to embark on a series of experiments, which see a number of players omitted from the panel (for the time being) and another group being given a chance to win places.

“We have a very young side out. It’s a question of giving them their head,’’ explains O’Loughlin.

“The door isn’t closed on anyone else, but that’s not going to put pressure on the fellows who are there. “We feel there is a need to give the team a new impetus, a fresh approach. That’s why these younger players are being given a chance in the League. It’s a tough League. We will be playing all the top teams. After three or four rounds, it will be very easy to pick out the players that will stand up,’’ he adds.

Former Waterford player Niall Geary, who has proved himself with Nemo Rangers, is at full-back and the defence includes two players who lined out in the concluding round of last year’s League against Donegal: Bishopstown’s Noel O’Donovan in the right corner and former minor star Noel O'Leary (Kilnamartyra) at left-half.

It’s notable that Micheál Ó Cróinín is given a further chance to re-establish his career in attack, while Derek Kavanagh earns promotion on the

basis of his impressive form with Nemo. O’Loughlin expects the Cork side to “give a good account of themselves”, adding: “Kerry are a very good side and they are coming with a very strong team. There is a lot to play for on both sides, but, I’d be very hopeful our fellows will come up trumps. After our defeat in Croke Park, there were questions to be asked. These guys are being given the opportunity to answer the critics.’’

The Kerry team selection is primarily notable for the naming of Seamus Moynihan at centre-back. Nobody would dispute that he’s best suited to a role in the half-back line, preferably on the wing. It’s where he can be most effective, individually and for the team. The Cork Co Board are reminding

patrons to be at Páirc Uí Rinn early tonight. The ceremonial turning on of the floodlights will be carried out by GAA President, Sean McCague at 6.15pm.

Terrace tickets for the match will be on sale outside the ground from 5.30pm.