Kingdom to try Fitzmaurice in attack

EAMON Fitzmaurice has been handed an experimental role at centre half forward by Kerry for tomorrow night’s televised Allianz Football League clash with neighbours Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn.

The Finuge defender is no stranger to the forty at club and colleges level, but has not figured in the position for his county.

He struggled in his customary centre back role against Mayo last Saturday, but the decision to push him up front has less to do with that than the desire of the selectors to continue planning for the season ahead.

To that end, last year’s minor, Paul O’Connor, has also been given his first competitive start by the Kingdom. He was introduced at half forward last week, but will start tomorrow night’s game in his preferred corner forward spot.

Kieran Donaghy will partner Darragh Ó Sé at midfield, with Tomás Ó Sé reverting to his customary wing back role. Aidan O’Mahony moves from wing back to centre back, while Colm Cooper is among the Kingdom substitutes.

The Kerry selectors will alternate their goalkeepers during the League - thus regular netminder Diarmuid Murphy gets the start on this occasion over Dr Crokes’ Kieran Cremin.

Meanwhile GAA president Sean Kelly has officially launched the search for 2006 President’s Award nominations as part of his ongoing initiative to reward the unseen heroes of the GAA.

Mr Kelly introduced the scheme two years ago to honour the work done by thousands of volunteers around the country, selflessly serving their local club or county.

“Everyone from an inter-county player to an Under 12 coach is eligible,” he explained. I want to recognise the volunteers who make the GAA what it is - the most vibrant sporting and cultural association in this country,” he said.

Those wishing to nominate potential recipients can access nomination forms in the Irish Examiner, or on the GAA’s official website (www.gaa.ie).

KERRY (League v Cork): D. Murphy; M. Ó Sé, M. McCarthy, T. O’Sullivan; T. Ó Sé, A. O’Mahony, M. Lyons; D. Ó Sé, K. Donaghy; Darren O’Sullivan, E. Fitzmaurice, E. Brosnan; M. F. Russell, Declan O’Sullivan, P. O’Connor.