Bryan Sheehan revels in positive start

Unlike previous campaigns, Bryan Sheehan enjoyed a championship run-in free from the physio’s table, free from heavy strapping and bandages. 

And it showed at Semple Stadium on Sunday.

An ankle injury sustained in last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Galway kept the 29-year old out of the starting team during Kerry’s final ascent to Sam Maguire glory, but the tables turned in Thurles, Sheehan lining out at midfield in place of the injured David Moran. And what a contribution he made.

Sheehan kicked five points — two from open play — and negated the aerial influence of Tipperary’s emerging talent Steven O’Brien.

Little wonder then that the Kerry footballer was singled out for praise by Eamon Fitzmaurice during his post-match assessment.

“At one stage he tracked back, turned over one of the Tipperary lads right on the sideline and ended up kicking a big free then. We need more lads playing like that,” said the Kingdom boss.

For Sheehan’s part, he is simply enjoying football free of any knocks, niggles, strapping or bandages.

“I am just happy enough I am injury-free,” he enthused. “It makes a big difference when you are injury-free as you are not missing sessions, you are playing more football and are getting fitter and fitter. Touch wood I can stay injury-free for the year, hopefully keep progressing and keep getting better as the year goes on.”

The five-times All-Ireland winning-footballer says Kerry were well guarded to the Tipperary threat and pointed to the five successive white flags raised after half-time as central in killing off the home challenge.

“Tipperary really put it up to us. We knew they would. They have improved drastically over the last couple of years. We never get an easy game off them and they really made us work there.

“Our bit of experience pulled us through in the second half and we got the scores at the right time.

“We had prepared well. We weren’t going to be caught on the hop. You can’t disrespect teams like that. The day is gone when you are going to teams… we prepared for this game as we would any other; the video work, the meetings, all that went into it. We knew they were going to be tough opponents, especially in Thurles where they consistently play well.

“We prepared for this game as if it was the Munster final against Cork or as if we were playing a team like Armagh or Kildare.”

A first championship victory of 2015 stashed away, the focus now turns to Killarney on Sunday, July 5.

“What more could you ask for? There is always a great buzz in Killarney, especially when Cork are the opposition. I am sure it will be no different the next day.”