Kilmacud Crokes boss hails impact of Kerry recruit

Devon Burns and David Higgins are in a battle for the Kilmacud Crokes number one jersey. 

GOOD ADDITION: Kerry's Devon Burns made his championship debut for Kilmacud Crokes at the weekend. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Robbie Brennan says Dublin and Leinster club title holders Kilmacud Crokes have recruited a classy operator in goalkeeper Devon Burns.

Former Kerry minor and U-20 star Burns, who had a stint on Jack O'Connor's senior panel, made his championship debut for Crokes in Saturday's big win over St Vincents.

Dublin based Garda Burns, who transferred from Tralee outfit Na Gaeil earlier this year, kept a clean sheet at Parnell Park, scored a point and distributed well from kick-outs and open play.

Crokes won by 0-17 to 0-8 and back-to-back Group 4 wins has left the three-in-a-row county and provincial champions on the brink of a quarter-final place ahead of their final group game against Thomas Davis.

"He's a lovely striker of the ball," said Crokes manager Brennan of Burns. "He obviously has come up through the Kerry ranks. He's a good lad and the two of them are there now putting pressure on eachother, himself and David Higgins. It's nice to have the two of them fighting for the number one spot."

Conor Ferris was in goals for Crokes in the 2022 and 2023 All-Ireland club finals against Kilcoo and Glen while David Higgins wore number one during last season's run to the last four.

"Himself and Higgy are going at it and are fighting tooth and nail for the spot," said Brennan who shrugged when asked if Burns could push for a senior start with Kerry. "I don't know, obviously he's working in the guards here, I don't know what his plans are in relation to the future but he would probably have the ability from looking at him, certainly.

"But then Kerry aren't short of a 'keeper or two so they're probably alright. He was with the U-20s and was in one or two (senior) panels I think so, as I say, he's a good addition for us."

INJURY CONCERN: Shane Walsh of Kilmacud Crokes. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Sligo full-forward Paddy O'Connor has also transferred to the powerhouse Stillorgan club and made his second championship start during Saturday's nine-point win.

But there was no Shane Walsh who suffered ankle and hamstring injuries during Galway's All-Ireland quarter-final win over Dublin and has appeared to be managing them since.

"I'm not sure," said Brennan when asked about Walsh's situation. "He still obviously has that injury coming out of the All-Ireland final so it's a case of he'll tell us when he's ready, whenever that is. He'll let us know. He's not training or anything yet with us so we'll have to see how he is."

Paul Mannion scored seven of Crokes' points on Saturday. The big win was all the more impressive as they started just six of January's All-Ireland semi-final team.

With a round of group games left to run in Dublin, Crokes are top of Group 4 after back-to-back wins.

Meanwhile, Cuala's 2-15 to 0-8 defeat of St Judes today has secured top spot in Group 1 for the Dalkey outfit. Na Fianna are in pole position at the head of Group 2 after backing up their defeat of Raheny with a 0-18 to 2-10 triumph against Castleknock.

Ballymun Kickhams soared to top spot in Group 3 with their second win, beating Ballinteer St Johns 2-11 to 0-13.