Brosnan back in the Kingdom fold

EOIN BROSNAN returns to the Kerry fold at training tonight,completing a remarkable turnaround for the disillusioned attacker who walked away from inter-countyfootball less than two years ago at 28.

The Dr Crokes man, 31 in May, has been lured back by Kingdom coach Jack O’Connor after a string of impressive performances in central positions for his club en route to their Munster Club final loss to Nemo Rangers last month.

Though he had a brief cameo in the 2009 Munster campaign, Brosnan hasn’t started a championship game since the 2008 All-Ireland defeat by Tyrone. But issues at midfield and injuries and uncertainty over defenders prompted Kerry management to initiate talks with Brosnan — revealed in the Irish Examiner on Tuesday — regarding a return to inter-county colours.

O’Connor worked the oracle in 2009 by drafting in Tadhg Kennelly and convincing Mike McCarthy he still had what it takes to win an All-Ireland, and he’s hoping Brosnan’s return can stimulate and strengthen the Kerry squad.

Last night, the coach said: “In my opinion, he was the best Crokes player in the (recent) Munster club final in Mallow. Consequently, I think he still has what it takes at inter-county level. That’s the long and the short of it.”

Brosnan’s move to midfield in that Munster decider coincided with a remarkable transformation in Dr Crokes’ fortunes, as they almost reeled in a 13 point deficit to Nemo Rangers.

Brosnan admitted in a recent interview with this newspaper that in 2008 he was no longer enjoying life as a Kerry forward, primarily because of his comparatively moderate scoring rate.

Consequently, coming back as a midfielder or defender for Kerry had its own appeal.

By his own admission, the two year break from inter-county football has allowed him an injury free run that has benefited his club.

“It’s a new challenge for him, one he’ll relish,” said Brosnan’s Dr Crokes coach Harry O’Neill. “He’s a natural athlete who looks after himself. With the way he’s been playing, there was constant talk about a Kerry comeback, so from that perspective, it’s not a huge surprise,” said O’Neill. Kerry’s next Allianz League outing is away to Mayo on Sunday week.