Kerry boss expecting stiff Down test

CHRISTY RING

Kerry, under new manager Tom Howard, try to reclaim the title for the first time since 2011 while home side Down lie in wait. Although there is a back door, neither team will want to visit it.

Under John Meyler two years ago, Kerry had a lucky escape, winning after extra time. So the experienced Tom Murnane, Paud Costello, John Griffin, Aidan Boyle and Shane Nolan will be wary of this Down team, who have top forwards in Gareth ‘Magic’ Johnson, Paul Branniff, Michael Ennis and James Coyle.