And all because Eamonn Fitzmaurice said Yes

WHAT would Kerry have done if Eamonn Fitzmaurice had said No?

It nearly happened. Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan said he didn’t prepare a Plan B because he wasn’t taking no for an answer from his No. 1 target to take over from Jack O’Connor two years ago as Kerry football manager.

But Fitzmaurice sought copious counsel before concluding — despite his limited experience — there was no guarantee Kerry football would be a more appetising proposition three years down the road. Or that the opportunity would even be there.