McCarthy plays in Kerry victory

MIKE McCARTHY made his first start for Kerry this season in a behind-closed-doors challenge game against Laois in Killarney yesterday.

The Kilcummin centre-back even ventured forward to claim a second-half goal against Sean Dempsey’s men as the Kingdom continued their build-up to the Munster SFC meeting with Tipperary in Thurles on May 16.

Kerry lined out without injured defenders including Tomas O Sé, Daniel Bohan and Tommy Griffin. Colm Cooper was not risked as he continues his rehabilitation from an eye injury.