Kerry agree sponsorship extension

KERRY GAA officials have agreed a three-year extension for sponsorship of the county’s teams with Kerry Group.

Chairman Jerome Conway announced the agreement yesterday on the day the Kingdom unveiled a new home jersey for the forthcoming campaign.

“Kerry Group have been fantastic sponsors of our teams down through the years and I would like to place on record our gratitude to Kerry Group and in particular Frank Hayes, Head of Corporate Affairs. Not alone do we get financial support but Frank himself takes a personal interest.

“I think that the sponsorship is mutually beneficial, we would like to think that we are right up near the top in the world of gaelic football while Kerry Group is world leaders in the food and dairy industry.”

Said Hayes: “Because of the growth of the use of replica jerseys as leisure wear, and the costs associated with preparing teams with regard to player welfare, backup and more scientific training, sponsorship plays a major role in modern sport. It is imperative now that players are well looked after so we are very proud to be involved with the GAA, the biggest amateur organisation in the country.

“It is important that the jerseys are modified and updated from time to time and that’s why we are delighted to launch the new Kerry jersey today and we hope it bring with it much success and many more All-Ireland wins.”

Mike Frank Russell has rejoined the squad, with Tomás Ó Sé and Tom O’Sullivan due to return to training next week. Darragh Ó Sé is waiting for diagnosis on a hip problem before committing to a green and gold return.

Meanwhile Tyrone’s Mr Versatile, Joe McMahon, could be asked to revert to corner back at Healy Park against Kerry on Sunday, just as he did in last September’s Sam Maguire Cup triumph over the Kingdom.

Jack O’Connor’s men visit Omagh for a top-of-the-table NFL clash, and having played at wing forward in the opening day win over Dublin, McMahon could get the call to drop back and join younger brother Justin in a bid to curb the Kingdom’s big front men.

Whatever his role, McMahon expects a fierce challenge from a Kerry side with scores to settle.

“There’s no easy games in Division One. Against Kerry, it’s going to be difficult, they’ll be hurting after the All-Ireland. But it’s a new game, and a new challenge we’ll look forward to.”

McMahon shares in the collective determination to perform well in the league and bid for a first NFL title since 2003.

“I think it’s very important. It’s where we want to set out our stall for the rest of the year. We want to achieve again this season, and we want to do well in the league.

“Each game is a new challenge, and we’ll take each one as they come and treat them very seriously.”