Diarmuid O'Connor says new rules will benefit Kerry's most potent forwards

"It didn’t really appeal to me, to go to Australia, to the other side of the world. You grew up wanting to play for Kerry, that was my aim always."

Kerry and Na Gaeil midfielders Mary O'Connell and Diarmuid O'Connor at Minard Castle in west Kerry announcing details of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé 2025. The famed Gaelic football club tournament takes place across the Dingle Peninsula from 21-23 February. Details on www.paidiose.com

Diarmuid O'Connor believes it could be the middle of the championship or even its latter stages before teams fully understand Gaelic football's new rules. Kerry have faced Cavan, Roscommon and Meath in challenge games ahead of their opening league match against Donegal on Sunday at Fitzgerald Stadium.

"It’s tough going," said O'Connor, speaking at the launch of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé 2025, about what it's like to be a midfielder in a new era for the sport. The 25-year-old nodded in agreement to a suggestion it's going to be lung-busting for those playing in the middle third.