Kingdom woe as Donaghy may miss rest of season

FORMER Footballer of the Year Kieran Donaghy is in danger of missing the remainder of Kerry’s All-Ireland championship campaign after suffering a fractured instep in the qualifier win over Longford.

Donaghy, ironically making his first start since breaking a metatarsal in the NFL final win over Derry on April 27, sustained the injury to the same foot in the 47th minute of Saturday’s unimpressive victory in Pearse Park.

He left the ground on crutches and a medical examination yesterday confirmed the worst fears of the player, management and Kingdom fans.

Donaghy will undergo surgery this week to correct the problem.

Kerry County Board issued a statement on the matter last night.

It confirmed: “Kieran Donaghy suffered a fresh fracture to his instep at the start of second half of the game against Longford on Saturday last.

“This necessities a minor operation which rules Kieran out of the remainder of the qualifiers.

“The injury will be reviewed by his medical consultant over the next few weeks. There will be no further statements from Coiste Chontae Chiarraí on this matter.”

Given that the last injury required almost 11 weeks on the sideline, many in Kerry believe the giant full forward is in a race against time if he is to feature in their quest to regain Sam Maguire.

The player himself is understood to be “gutted”, according to sources.

However there is some positive news for boss Jack O’Connor ahead of the qualifier clash with Sligo on Saturday evening in Austin Stack Park, Tralee (TV3, 5pm).

Paul Galvin is available for selection after serving a one match suspension for his dismissal in the Munster semi-final replay defeat to Cork while former skipper Declan O’Sullivan is expected to be fit after taking a knock in the weekend’s nervy round two win over Glenn Ryan’s side.

However the game comes too soon for Tadhg Kennelly who is recovering from minor surgery on a hand injury.

Sligo boss Kevin Walsh believes Donaghy’s loss will be a huge dent in the Kingdom’s ambitions for September glory. Walsh said: “I think Kerry will look on this as a big blow. Kieran Donaghy is the main man in any plans that Kerry have to win an All-Ireland title. He comes up trumps in the really big games and I think his importance is shown when he is not playing.”

Walsh and Sligo have concerns over captain Charlie Harrison and defender Brendan Phillips. A decision on their fitness will be made closer to throw in.

Meanwhile Down manager Ross Carr last night revealed he would have preferred a qualifier meeting with Kerry rather than a trip to Aughrim to face Wicklow.

“I would have been happier playing Kerry in Newry than Wicklow in Aughrim,” he said. “Everyone knows the players are up for the big teams. It’s not hard to raise your game for potential provincial or All-Ireland winners. They (Wicklow) are a different team and an unknown team, and you never know what’s going to happen.”