Kernan’s endurance a hit with Black Cats

Former Armagh defender Aaron Kernan impressed Sunderland soccer staff with his endurance ability during his stint with the club. 

The recently retired wing-back returns to Crossmaglen today after six days in Sunderland as part of a novel sporting swap. Kernan was put through his paces with a ‘beep’ test shortly after arriving in the north-east of England last Thursday morning.

He felt he wasn’t at his best after rising at 4am to catch a flight to England but made up for it in the coming days, according to his father Joe.

“I haven’t talked to Aaron since Sunday night but he said he won a test over distance covered in training and was happy with that,” said All-Ireland winning Armagh boss Joe.

“He has a great engine and keeps himself in good shape.

“He was saying his pace over the first five yards compared to the Sunderland boys was a bit slow.

"But over the longer distances he was faster and the GPS tests showed that. He said he was happy with the skills, kicking and passing and said he learnt a lot of things he thinks he can apply to our own training in Crossmaglen.”

One of the highlights of the trip was dinner with Ireland and Sunderland defender John O’Shea last weekend.

“He went out with John O’Shea on Saturday night for a meal and enjoyed that,” said Joe.

“They were amazed by all the similarities between them as sportsmen, considering one is professional and the other isn’t.”

Aaron’s experience will be documented in a TV3 show which airs on Monday, March 9. Kilkenny hurler Jackie Tyrrell will try his hand at baseball while a professional baseball player will give hurling a go. Former Spurs and England midfielder David Bentley teamed up with Kernan’s Crossmaglen club mates last week.

“Everyone has an impression of what someone is supposed to be and I certainly had an impression of what David Bentley was supposed to be,” said Joe of the 30-year old who quit football last summer after falling out of love with the game.

“I presumed he was a player who didn’t bother his head. But, as a father and as a manager, I couldn’t have been more impressed. He said it was the first time in years he felt happy in a dressing room with people who were glad to have him there. He enjoyed every minute and took the knocks and the hits on the field, no problem.