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Layoff concerns, Spillane v Spillane and injury updates: Jack O’Connor’s post-match press briefing

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Kerry enjoyed an easy win over Limerick in the Munster final last weekend. What did Jack O’Connor make of it all? Adam Moynihan was at the post-match press briefing to record the Kerry bainisteoir’s thoughts.

Of course, you’d probably prefer to get a stiffer test.

O'CONNOR ON THE ONE-SIDED NATURE OF THE GAME

We set out our stall, we had certain targets in the game, and by and large we met most of them. We only had three scores from eight attacks early on, so I thought we were a bit wasteful there.

But towards the end of the first half and the start of the second half in particular, we upped the ante. We were comfortable enough after that.

APART FROM THEIR SLOW START, THE KERRY MANAGER WAS PLEASED WITH HIS TEAM'S PERFORMANCE

I’m not too sure now. I’ve a bit of an idea that the Limerick corner back was gone AWOL there for some reason. I’m not too sure where he was. Killian seemed to be inside on his own.

O'CONNOR DOWNPLAYED THE SUGGESTION THAT KERRY'S GOAL WAS A TRAINING GROUND MOVE

Killian Spillane has been patiently waiting for his chance for a while and he kicked 1-3 from play, which was good. Killian has been going very well in training and we went with a very offensive team because we felt we’d have a lot of the ball.

Adrian Spillane (whom Killian replaced) has had a brilliant year for us so far and he’ll have a big part to play for us from here on in.

THE DROMID NATIVE ON THE reasoning behind replacing one Spillane brother with the other

Sure, of course people will talk like that, but what can we do? We just have to play the games that are in front of us and do as good as we can. That’s for somebody else to decide that.

The Kerry manager wouldn’t be drawn on the furore surrounding the lack of competitive matches in the provincial championships

Of course four weeks is an issue. That’s why the system next year is going to be fairer for everybody.

I’m not too concerned by the game today but I am relatively concerned about having four weeks off. I’ve gone on record as saying that we played eight games in 10 weeks in the league, and we’re playing three games in 12 weeks in the championship. Sure that can’t be right. That system had to be fixed.

O’Connor feels that next year’s championship structure will be an improvement

He picked up an injury against Cork. We weren’t being clever or anything, it just took longer than we thought. The medical advice was not to play him in this game. I’d say he’ll be doing a good share of training next week, hopefully.

David Clifford’s injury is not serious, the Kerry boss confirmed

What you’re trying to do is break it up for the players. It can become a bit routine if you’re coming in to Fitzgerald Stadium and training. That’s what we’re trying to avoid.

We played Roscommon last Saturday and it was a good game for us. We learned a few things.

I’d consider [having another challenge match before the All-Ireland quarter-final]. You’re running out of teams at this stage because, think about it, how many teams are going to be available? We’ll have a look at it.

ANOTHER CHALLENGE MATCH MAY BE ON THE CARDS

I’m more interested that the inside forwards score. When backs score it’s a bonus. Killian Spillane scored 1-3. Geaney scored four. Tony scored three. They’re your finishers and you want your finishers getting scores because it’s all about confidence in there.

ON KERRY'S SPREAD OF SCORERS (11 PLAYERS SCORED IN TOTAL)

He plays a defensive role in general but Jack Barry is a good footballer and he can play on the front foot as well. We just wanted to mind Jason [Foley] because he actually picked up a bit of a tweak during the week as well.

o'connor on jack barry switching back to full back

Unfortunately it looks like Dylan Casey might have jarred his ankle or something so I hope he’ll be okay next week.

the stacks man is an injury concern following the munster final

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Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite

Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the Amgen Irish Open. The […]

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Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the Amgen Irish Open.

The Fossa brothers will join stars including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald at The K Club next month.
The Pro-Am takes place on Wednesday, September 3, ahead of the main tournament from September 4–7.
Also confirmed for the Pro-Am are Tipperary hurling captain Ronan Maher, rugby star Josh van der Flier and former rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe.

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Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC

Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic. The 17-year-old forward was a standout performer in the Kerry District League last […]

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Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic.

The 17-year-old forward was a standout performer in the Kerry District League last season and caught the eye with five goals in the Munster Youths Cup.
He also featured for Athletic’s senior team and earned a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad, where he impressed in international friendlies.
Doolan will now train with the Kerry FC first team and play with the club’s Under 20 Academy side. His signing is another boost for the club’s commitment to developing local talent.
Speaking after the move, Luke said: “I’m delighted to have this chance with Kerry FC and I’m looking forward to working with the team. I’m grateful to Colin Healy for the opportunity and I’m excited to play in front of the Kerry supporters.”
First-team manager Colin Healy added: “Luke has trained with us for the last number of weeks and has really impressed. He’s shown a great attitude and hunger to learn. He’s a talented young player and this is the next step for him.”
Kerry FC CEO Billy Dennehy said: “Luke’s journey is similar to many young players who previously had no League of Ireland pathway in Kerry. His progress is a credit to Killarney Athletic and his coaches. We look forward to helping him develop further at the club.”

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