Kerry may throw unknown Curtin in at deep end
Moyvane attacker Paddy Curtin has shown impressive form in training and challenge matches and Kingdom management are mulling over throwing him in at the deep end in front of 45,000 fans at headquarters. Curtin has been showing great form at full-forward while Kieran Donaghy may again start on the wing against the Dubs, as he did in last September’s dramatic Championship decider.
Jack O’Connor and his selectors may be slow to start both James O’Donoghue and Curtin in Kerry’s full-forward line but if Curtin doesn’t start, he is likely to be introduced at some stage.
The Moyvane youngster damaged cruciate ligaments playing for the Kerry minors against Cork in 2007. He had further knee problems since and has been off the radar since representing Kerry at U 21 level in 2010. His emergence, and that of fellow attacker, Legion’s James O’Donoghue, is welcome news for the Kerry management at a time when they could be set to lose Donncha Walsh for a number of League games.
Walsh is ironically stricken with the same hip/groin problem that kept Paul Galvin and Killian Young out of action for months, necessitating surgery in both cases.
Walsh has been told to rest for the time being, and will certainly miss the first two or three League games. After visiting a specialist in Dublin, he has been told that if the problem doesn’t settle down, he may require surgery.
Kerry will finalise their 15 for Saturday’s game tomorrow night, once management determine who is available after a round of Sigerson Cup games. Anthony Maher (shoulder) remains on the sidelines with Walsh while Donaghy is expected to overcome a groin problem. Padraig Reidy (hamstring) is likely to miss out while Declan O’Sullivan and the four-man Dr Crokes contingent are unavailable. It is hoped Marc O Sé will overcome an ear problem, and Peter Crowley of Laune Rangers could come into the frame if he emerges unscathed from Sigerson duties with UCC.
Barry John Keane and Darran O’Sullivan will start in attack.
Meanwhile, Tyrone’s National league hopes have been dealt another blow ahead of this weekend’s opener with Kildare with the news that Conor Gormley is to undergo surgery.
The three time All Star defender will have the procedure done at the Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast on Friday to try and cure an ankle problem that has been plaguing him from last season. It’s not thought to be a major operation although it’s still likely to sideline him for a month.
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