Kingdom blow as Moran out for season
Moran’s worst fears were confirmed by a scan at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry yesterday with renowned surgeon Ray Moran revealing the Kerins O’Rahilly’s player had torn the cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The news represents a serious blow to Kerry’s prospects as Moran had displayed impressive form in the league and looked poised to nail down a midfield spot for the championship.
“It’s just a very tough blow for the player himself,” admitted manager O’Connor. “And also for the team because he was shaping up well in the last couple games. He is still young enough to come back from it and have a long career in the Kerry jersey.”
Moran sustained the injury in the 53rd minute of Sunday’s Division 1 clash in Páirc Grattan in Inniskeen.
Kerry chairman Jerome Conway last night said: “It’s a big blow to us because David had been going well this season and had been staking a real claim for a place in the midfield come the championship. It’s unfortunate for David and the team because he was becoming a very important figure and a real force in Kerry’s midfield. He was after having a run of games and it had really benefited him but unfortunately David’s season now looks to be over.”
The absence of Moran now leaves Anthony Maher and Scanlon as the front-runners to command midfield places in the Kerry championship side.
Micheal Quirke is likely to also challenge while Johnny Buckley, who has displayed impressive form for his club Dr Crokes and for UCC in the Sigerson Cup, could also come into the reckoning.
* There were unconfirmed reports emanating from Tyrone last night that Philip Jordan has retired from inter-county football.
Jordan appeared as a second-half substitute in Tyrone's Division 2 win over Kildare in Dungannon on Sunday after returning from a hip injury.
Speaking to The Irish Examiner last week, Jordan explained he had considered quitting last year because of several injuries in recent years.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
