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Kerry v Donegal: 5 things to watch out for

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Sunday, January 28 at 2pm

National League: Division 1

Kerry v Donegal

(Fitzgerald Stadium)

 

  1. Clifford set to make his debut

There has surely never been a more hotly anticipated Kerry debut. David Clifford grabbed national headlines in 2017 with a string of remarkable outings with the Kerry minors, most notably his four-goal masterclass in the All-Ireland Final, and it now appears as though the prodigious youngster is all set to make his first ever appearance for the Kerry seniors. Not for the first time in his fledgling career, all eyes will be on Clifford

  1. New faces

At the end of last season, Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice was criticised in certain quarters for not introducing enough young talent to the fold. Only he will know if these complaints had any real effect on his thinking but there definitely seems to be a fresher look to the 2018 Kerry panel.

Apart from Clifford, Kenmare forward Seán O’Shea is also expected to feature prominently. A number of other stars from the successful minor and under 21 teams of the last few years are part of the set-up and some are likely to get their chance against Donegal.

With all the new faces in the squad, it’s very difficult to predict how Kerry will line out - and perform - on Sunday.

  1. Can Kerry retain their crown?

Last April’s superb league final victory over Dublin was the highlight of Kerry’s year and players and fans will be hoping for more of the same in 2018. Finally beating the Dubs was a real monkey off the back and, although the defeat to Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final replay put a huge damper on things, more league success would set Kerry up well for the Championship. 

  1. How many Kerry fans will turn up?

It might sound like an unusual question but selector Mikey Sheehy was vocal in his criticism of Kerry fans in recent weeks, calling their support in last year’s semi-final replay “shocking”.

The spotlight will be on Kerry fans this year and it will be interesting to see how many people travel to games throughout the league campaign. Sunday’s match is at home in Killarney so a decent crowd, by league standards, is expected.

Kerry fans have a well-deserved reputation for only showing up to “big” games, there’s no doubt about that, but there is also an onus on the team to perform and get fans excited.

  1. Donegal hoping for an improved 2018

2017 came to an inauspicious end for Donegal when they crashed out in Round 4 of the qualifiers. The defeat to Galway in Markiewicz Park in July will have left a very sour taste in the mouth as the 2012 champions completely fell apart, eventually losing by a whopping 15-points (0-14 to 4-17).

This certainly seems to be a side in demise: last year was the first time they failed to make at least the Ulster Final and the quarter final of the All-Ireland since 2010.

Their form in last year’s league campaign had been more promising. They recovered from an opening day loss to Kerry in Letterkenny to finish joint second on eight points with Kerry, Monaghan and Mayo, the Kingdom advancing to the final thanks to their superior points difference.

The league will be a good platform to build momentum before the ultra-competitive Ulster Championship.

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Fergal Brosnan appointed CEO of RDI Hub

The RDI Hub in Killorglin has announced the appointment of Fergal Brosnan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brosnan succeeds Liam Cronin, who becomes Director of Innovation at NovaUCD. A […]

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The RDI Hub in Killorglin has announced the appointment of Fergal Brosnan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brosnan succeeds Liam Cronin, who becomes Director of Innovation at NovaUCD.

A native of Kerry, Brosnan brings more than 20 years of international experience in technology, AI, and business transformation, having held senior roles with Bank of Ireland, Validant, Rethink Group, and Berkley Group.
As CEO, he will lead the RDI Hub’s next phase of growth, strengthening its role as a European centre for Artificial Intelligence and innovation. The Hub, a collaboration between Fexco, Munster Technological University, and Kerry County Council, has supported over 100 startups and created more than 430 jobs since its launch in 2020.
Speaking on his appointment, Brosnan said:
“It’s an honour to lead the RDI Hub at such an exciting time. Our vision is to make Killorglin and the southwest a globally connected epicentre for AI-driven innovation and venture creation.”
The appointment was welcomed by RDI Hub partners Fexco, MTU, Kerry County Council, and Enterprise Ireland, who said Brosnan’s leadership will help expand the Hub’s reach and strengthen its impact nationally and across Europe.

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Spa GAA and Kerry Parents & Friends secure energy grant funding

Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025. Both groups have been announced as […]

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Spa GAA and the Kerry Parents & Friends Association are among the Kerry organisations to benefit from the SE Systems Community Fund Programme 2025.

Both groups have been announced as successful applicants for the national energy grant funding scheme, which supports community and sports organisations in delivering sustainable, energy-efficient projects that help reduce running costs.
The fund, launched in 2022, provides financial assistance, technical resources, and expert guidance to not-for-profit organisations working to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
For Spa GAA, the funding will go towards a full insulation retrofit of the club’s Sports Hall and Clubhouse, as well as upgrading existing floodlights to new energy-efficient LED fittings. The project follows the installation of a Solar PV system earlier this year, continuing the club’s move toward greater energy conservation.
Speaking at the official funding announcement in Cork, James Cahill of Spa GAA thanked SE Systems “for supporting the power of sport and recreation to bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles and build connections in the community.”
Spa GAA has also been selected as one of three clubs nationally to feature in SE Systems’ print media campaign promoting the Community Fund.

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