Injury-plagued Callaghan ready to lead Lilywhites into action

Given his experience, and importance as a player, it didn’t come as a huge surprise when Kieran McGeeney finally confirmed Eamonn Callaghan would take over from Johnny Doyle as Kildare captain.

McGeeney was probably waiting to see if Callaghan — who made his championship debut in the 2003 Leinster final — would recover from his latest groin injury before making an announcement.

This problem has troubled the 30-year-old since last February but he has had hip and groin complaints since 2009.