Tim Clancy ready for League of Ireland version of Cork Kerry derby

“It’s brilliant that we are at home. There’s going to be loads of energy, it’s going to be very competitive, it’s going to be physical as well so it’s a brilliant game to start the season with.”

NEIGHBOURLY AFFAIR? Cork City manager Tim Clancy and Greg Bolger ahead of their season opener against Kerry tomorrow. Pic: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile

The Cork Kerry rivalry will take on a new form on Friday night as the two neighbours, arch-rivals in Gaelic football for generations, clash for the first time in the League of Ireland.

Turner’s Cross, rather than Fitzgerald Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh or Croke Park, will be the venue as Cork City meet Kerry F.C – kick off is at 7.45pm – in front of what is hoped to be a bumper, raucous crowd of close to 4,000.