Kerry previews: Rathmore must now take the next step, Reliable Dr Crokes can edge Na Gaeil

Paul Murphy of Rathmore celebrates. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Saturday

Kerry Club SFC semi-final: Milltown/Castlemaine v Rathmore, Legion, 4pm

When Milltown/Castlemaine came a cropper at home to An Ghaeltacht in their opening group game, the Mid Kerry men would have instantly been pencilled in as one of the teams who would be struggling to avoid relegation to the intermediate ranks.

However, Sean Walsh’s charges are made of stern stuff. After coming back from the dead to beat Na Gaeil in Killeen to resurrect their hopes, they stunned Kenmare Shamrocks in last Saturday’s intriguing extra-time quarter-final.

With the indomitable David Roche at centre-back inspiring all those around him with his refusal to admit defeat against a recurring knee injury, Milltown/Castlemaine deservedly lasted the course much stronger than their more fancied opponents last week.

Gavin Horan and Pa Wren notched 0-7 from play between them against the Kenmare men, while Kerry U-20 All-Ireland medallists Michael Lynch and Dara Hogan are rapidly developing. Add in the intuition of playmaker Eanna O’Connor, and this team cannot be underestimated.

For Rathmore, finishing runners-up in their group to Dr Crokes, while taking the scalps of All-Ireland champions Dingle, and Spa, was a solid championship start for Aidan O’Mahony’s men in advance of the knock-out stages.

The East Kerry men, thanks to a late, late Paul Murphy winning point, then put a stop to Austin Stacks’ ambitions last week. Even without the injured Shane Ryan, men like his brothers Mark and Cathal, Alan Dineen, Andrew Moynihan and Ciaran Collins are leading from the front.

Rathmore reached the semi-finals of the senior club championship, and the county championship, last year. 

Today is the day that they must take that next step. It won’t be easy, but forewarned is forearmed. 

Verdict: Rathmore.

Sunday

Kerry Club SFC semi-final: Dr Crokes v Na Gaeil, Castleisland, 1pm 

After crashing to Milltown/Castlemaine at home, Na Gaeil were seriously under the cosh when heading to Gallarus for a difficult meeting with the All-Ireland intermediate champions. Donal Rooney’s men responded, however, and stunned An Ghaeltacht by five points.

With the luck of the draw, the Tralee side then received a bye to tomorrow’s semi-final, which is a repeat of last year’s decider against Dr Crokes. Without some key figures, it’s a achievement for Na Gaeil to find themselves in the last four.

Diarmuid O’Connor hasn’t played since being ruled out of Kerry’s All-Ireland final, Jack Barry went off injured against An Ghaeltacht, and dual star Oisín Maunsell has also been out. Damien Bourke is back, Andrew and Fergal Barry keep driving things on, and Stefan Okunbor had a stormer last time out.

Liam Cooper, a nephew of the legendary Colm Cooper, is Na Gaeil’s new star in attack, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on against the Killarney side’s defence, with Gavin White, Evan Looney and Brian Looney in consistent form.

Even without hamstring victim Tony Brosnan, Dr Crokes’ progress has been serene. Three group stage victories has them well set for the semi-finals. Charlie Keating and Mark O’Shea are starring at midfield, while Micheál Burns and Cian McMahon are moving superbly in attack.

Na Gaeil will be hugely competitive, especially if any of their walking wounded can make it back. However, Dr Crokes look the more reliable outfit to deliver tomorrow.

Verdict: Dr Crokes.