Kingdom bid to show true quality after Tipp scare

KERRY minor boss John Kennedy is adamant his side have learned from their mistakes ahead of this evening’s Munster MFC final replay against Tipperary.

Explained Kennedy: “Any complacency we might have had was well and truly knocked out of us by Tipperary last Sunday. It was all going according to plan for us when we went five points clear. It is hard to figure out where it all went wrong. Maybe because we had beaten them comprehensively in a challenge earlier in the season and were well on top in the final, players may have taken their foot off the pedal. Whatever the reason, it certainly dispelled any notion we are better than we are.”

Jamie O’Sullivan for Barry John Keane is the only difference to personnel to the side which drew in Cork, though the attack is rearranged.

“We feel we are capable of a lot better. We got our warning and hopefully the lads will heed it and will play to the best of their ability today.”

Tipperary boss Philly Ryan rubbished suggestions his side missed a golden opportunity last Sunday on Leeside.

“I’ve heard it said you get one chance against the big boys but that is a case of mind over matter.

“We came in under the radar Sunday when no one gave us a chance, and probably should have won the game. But I know my players and they won’t be feeling any different today.

“I’m confident we can complete the job but we need to play better than in the drawn game. There is a massive challenge and it’s up to us to see if we can rise to it. I’m certain we can.”

KERRY: B. Kelly (Legion); P. Reidy (Knocknagoshel), B. Shanahan (Austin Stacks, F. Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes); P. Crowley (Laune Rangers), J. Lyne (Legion (Legion), M. Hickey (Castleisland Desmonds); J. O’Sullivan (Kilcummin), W. Guthrie (Austin Stacks); D. Casey (Dr Crokes), MT O’Sullivan (Tuosist), C. Tobin (Spa); J. O’Donoghue (Legion), BJ Walsh (Kerins O’Rahilly’s), P. Geaney (Dingle).

TIPPERARY: J English (Ballyporeen); E Fitzpatrick (J. K. Brackens), K O’Riordan (J. K. Brackens), S Russell (Lattin-Cullen); C Sheehan (Fethard), R Kiely (Arravale Rovers), C Walsh (Commercials); P Acheson (Moyle Rovers), A Moloney (Rockwell Rovers); D Lowry (Arravale Rovers), G Ryan (Rockwell Rovers), D McGrath (Moyle Rovers); C Sweeney (Ballyporeen — Captain), P Horan (St. Patricks), M O’Dwyer (Arravale Rovers).