Buckley blow for Kerry ahead of Championship

Kerry have suffered a serious blow to their Championship preparations with the unexpected departure of coach Donie Buckley from the Kingdom’s management team.

The Castleisland man’s decision was influenced by the prospect of a more limited coaching role this summer after returning late to the set-up following a knee operation.

Both Kerry and Buckley were at pains last night to point out the parting was not acrimonious but some players, known to be close to Buckley, claimed the departure is “a significant loss”.