No favourites’ burden for Kerry minors

STRANGE to think of a Kerry team approaching an All-Ireland final without the tag of favouritism or the comfort of tradition on their side. Strange but, for tomorrow’s minor final, true.

It’s 10 years since the Tom Markham Cup spent a winter in the Kingdom. In that time, tomorrow’s opponents, Tyrone, have provided the mantelpiece for the old trophy on two occasions, reaching the final a third time for good measure.

Such success is merely the tip of the iceberg. To be blunt, Tyrone’s underage record is frightening. The current minor management team of Liam Donnelly and Martin Coyle took over six years ago and in that time they have claimed four Ulster Minor League titles, three Ulster championships and one All-Ireland.