O'Mahony named in Kerry team

Aidan O'Mahony looks set for a fascinating head-to-head battle with Padraic Joyce after being named in the Kerry team for tomorrow's GAA Football All-Ireland quarter-final clash with Galway, throw-in 4pm.

O'Mahony had been on crutches in the aftermath of last weekend's win over Monaghan, after sustaining an Achilles injury and severe bruising to his leg.

However, the Rathmore clubman, barring a late mishap, is on course to start the Croke Park quarter-final and poised to shackle Galway captain Joyce in an unchanged Kerry team.

Kerry manager Pat O'Shea has given a vote of confidence to the side that saw off Monaghan by three points, with Tommy Griffin and Eoin Brosnan, who had an influence off the bench last Sunday, remaining as substitutes.

Griffin could be a late inclusion at wing-back, if O'Mahony fails to start, with stand-in captain Tomas O Se taking on the centre-back role.

Young forward Donnacha Walsh, who impressed last time out, and midfielder Seamus Scanlon have retained their starting places.

Walsh seems primed to join Kieran Donaghy in a two-man full-forward line again, while marked man Colm Cooper will continue to have a roaming role in attack.

Kerry have an impressive recent record against Galway and the All-Ireland champions will be confident of progressing, despite the short six-day turnaround.

The Kingdom beat Galway in the National League in April, following on from championships wins in 2000 and 2002 and league final successes in both 2004 and 2006.

This will be the 19th championship meeting between the counties with Kerry winning nine of the previous 18 games as against Galway's six victories - there have been three draws.

KERRY (SFC v Galway) - D Murphy; P Reidy, M O Se, T O'Sullivan; T O Se (capt), A O'Mahony, K Young; D O Se, S Scanlon; T Walsh, C Cooper, D Walsh; Declan O'Sullivan, K Donaghy, B Sheehan.