Vincent’s defender Kelly eyes happy return to Croker

WHEN Pat Kelly emerges from the Hogan Stand tunnel on Monday, it will be the first time he has felt the HQ turf under his studs since September 2004 when his first All-Ireland experience was spoiled by Colm Cooper.

John Maughan’s Mayo side had looked the part that summer. New York, Galway and Roscommon were all bundled aside with ease out west. A comprehensive defeat of champions Tyrone in the last eight declared serious intent.

Mayo emerged unscathed from the initial shadow boxing against Kerry in the final but Maughan had already seen enough of the Gooch to relieve 20-year old Dermot Geraghty of the marking duties and replace him with Kelly.