Gooch has no fears for the future

Colm Cooper has dismissed the theory that the success of Kerry’s senior footballers are papering over the cracks at underage level.

The Munster champions begin the defence of their title against Tipperary in Thurles on Sunday — the third year running they have opened their provincial campaign against the Premier County.

The counties also meet in next month’s Munster minor final but Kerry have already lost to Tipperary in the opening round and are expected to do so again.