Kerry respond to Galvin criticism

Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan has rejected claims by Paul Galvin that the county “are lagging behind at a coaching level”.

All Star Galvin expressed concerns at the weekend that the Kingdom was losing ground in terms of structures to develop underage talents.

However, Mr O’Sullivan last night revealed that an announcement on a centre of excellence is imminent, adding: I would agree with him [Paul Galvin] that we need facilities for a school of excellence, a home for our coaches and facilities that they can work out of but I don’t agree that we are lagging behind at a coaching level.

“We have been working hard with Croke Park over the past couple of years to put a financial plan together that would see a school of excellence being developed which would be of huge benefit to Kerry. Within weeks I expect to be announcing positive news on developments that we have in the pipeline and a proper financial plan that will ensure we can pay for these facilities.

“I will keep the promises made by my two predecessors [Sean Walsh and Jerome Conway] but I have no intention of running up huge debts in the process. I can assure Kerry supporters that I am very close to bringing final plans to county committee for approval that will benefit Kerry team preparations going forward.”

With Galvin also calling for an investment in coaches in Kerry, O’Sullivan responded: “Just look at the calibre of coaches we have; Donal Daly and Mike Quirke are All-Ireland senior medallists with Kerry so I think our coaching personnel is top class.”

Meanwhile, Nicky Joyce has failed to make the Galway squad for the Connacht championship opener against Roscommon on May 20.

However, boss Alan Mulholland insisted management were not ‘closing the door on anyone’ and would be monitoring players’ club form.

Mulholland said: “Nicky was with us for the league campaign. However, he is not in a position to give a commitment at the moment to inter-county football and therefore he has been released from the squad.

“Other players such as Cathal Kenny, Johnny Ryan and Donal O’ Neill who all got some game time in our league games are not on the panel either. These are the tough decisions. We can only carry a championship panel of 31 and that is what we have picked.”

Both Gareth Bradshaw (knee) and Padraic Joyce (calf) are battling to be fit for the provincial opener, however both Seán Armstrong and Michael Meehan are both recovering well.

GALWAY SFC PANEL: A Faherty, C Forde, C Doherty, C Bane, D Burke, D Cummins, D Blake, F Hanley, F O’Curraoin, G Bradshaw, G O’Donnell, G Sice, G Sweeney, G Higgins, J Bergin, J Duane, J Moore, K Kelly, K McGrath, M Breathnach, M Hehir, M Boyle, M Martin, M Meehan, N Coleman, P Joyce, P Conroy, P O’Griofa, S Armstrong, T Flynn, T Fahy.