No new Kerry senior hurling manager appointment until August
Kerry chiefs will soon start the process to replace manager Stephen Molumphy. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Kerry GAA chairman Patrick O’Sullivan has confirmed that there will be no senior hurling manager appointed to replace Stephen Molumphy before the county SHC quarterfinals or semi-finals.
The more likely scenario is an interview process to start in late July or early August with a view to having a name ratified by Kerry County Committee on August 28th.
The names who are definitely interested in the Kerry job include, Barry Hennessy (Kilmallock) currently coaching Lixnaw; Pat Bennett, who was part of the last management team; Mark Foley who worked alongside Ciaran Carey in 2016; Stephen Goggin (Causeway manager); John Tweak Griffin (Kerry and Lixnaw great); Brian Culbert who was involved with Fintan O’Conno;r as well as Ian Brick who managed Kerry minor and U-21 sides to All-Ireland success.
Whoever the new Kingdom boss turns out to be, he more than likely will be keeping a close eye on this weekend’s SHC quarter-finals, with four teams going to make their exit.
Abbeydorney, who are trying to end a 50-year famine since they last won the championship back to 1974, take on the 2013 champions St Brendan's.
Abbeydorney were most impressive in their two group wins, with Michael O’Leary scoring 3-19 in their demolition jobs over Tralee Parnells and last year’s beaten finalists, Lixnaw. They will start favourites against St Brendan's who did not win a game in the group stages, as they were in the group of four with Crotta O’Neills, Causeway and Ballyduff. They beat Tralee Parnells in the preliminary quarterfinals to reach the last eight and they will have top scorers Fionan Egan back but they miss the presence of Fionan Mackessy who has transferred to Kilkenny. St Brendans have a young forward line while Abbeydorney appear to have the edge with the three O’Leary brothers and Oisin Maunsell.
: Abbeydorney
This is an intriguing clash with the unbeaten Ballyduff who have 25 county titles won take on last year’s beaten finalists Lixnaw who beat Parnells by just three and that were well beaten by Abbeydorney, conceding 5-14. But the good news for Lixnaw is that Shane Conway who scored 1-7 off the bench in the second half against O’Dorney, so is expected to start. Kerry senior Conor O’Keeffe is also due back after being out injured since March so Lixnaw will be fancying their chances. They also have beaten Ballyduff in their last three SHC meetings.
But Ballyduff have been very impressive without Mikey and Padraig Boyle with the Goulding brothers Jack and Kevin in scoring form. But while Padraig Boyle and Paud Costello are set to return, Jack Goulding is not available so that makes this game hard to call.
: Ballyduff
The holders, Crotta O’Neills are fancied to move a step closer to posting back to back championships but Ballyheigue are a young and upcoming side who cannot be taken for granted. Crotta are without two big players this year in Barry Mahony and Bill Keane but they should have Sean McGrath back from injury. They have some of the best defenders in the championship in Rory Mahony, Cillian Trant, Tomas O’Connor and Sean Weir while Shane Nolan and Jordan Conway are deadly finishers.
Ballyheigue who took the scalp of Kilmoyley in the group stages have Kerry seniors Colin Walsh and Michael Leane in superb form at the back while Felim O’Sullivan is a rising star at midfield. Philip Lucid has been on fire up front and big Eric Walsh is a handful at the edge of the square, but it hard to see them beating the champions this year.
: Crotta O’Neills.
The tie of the weekend between two neighbouring clubs who do not like each other. Kilmoyley under John Meyler have yet to fire and there are a number of reasons for that. The Kilmoyley squad has been ravaged with injuries and it is still not known who is fit to start. James Godley is definitely out, Daniel Collins is doubtful with a groin strain while ace goal scorer is only fifty-fifty as he rehabs following a hamstring tear suffered against Offaly. They should have Colman Savage and Tom Murnane available.
Causeway, despite knowing that they would have to play championship without two star players in Muiris Delaney and Jason Diggins (both cruciate victims) have been improving with every game. Manager Stephen Goggin has converted Gary Carey into a fullback, while Evan Murphy is flying at the back.
But it’s up front Causeway look threatening with Dan Goggin, Brandon Barrett, Colum Harty and Paul McGrath really on form so it looks as if the game could be decided on how well Kilmoyley’s defence can curb the Causeway attack.
: Causeway after extra time.
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