Five of the jigsaw pieces that Éamonn Fitzmaurice finds quickly fitting into place

At the fourth time of asking, will Éamonn Fitzmaurice guide Kerry to a Division 1 semi-final? 

A combination of poor form and bad luck has denied them since 2012 and some of the latter in last month’s opening two games suggested another middling league campaign was to follow. Given how abject Down were, Kerry’s win in Newry last Sunday week carried an asterisk but ending Donegal’s 100% record with a gritty second half display against the wind in Tralee has given fans grounds for optimism. However, there are other indications Kerry may avoid another stunting space between league and championship (should they fail to make the semi-finals, there will be a 10-week wait until their Munster semi-final).

Darran O’Sullivan