Kingdom should have what it takes to win make or break Derry clash
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Wednesday February 17 2010
KERRY should approach this game with the utmost caution and under John Meyler, who has been focussing on this game ever since he re-assumed control of the county's hurlers, no doubt they will.
Derry will assume the position of the wounded animal. They will want to make up for the last time the two counties met – during last year's Christy Ring Cup when Kerry pulled away from the Oakleaf men in the final quarter as John Mike Dooley ( right) went on a goal blitz and Shane Brick began pucking scores for fun.
Derry's thrump card from that Christy Ring Cup game is still in place – midfielder Kevin Hinphey. Kerry's midfield that day couldn't cope with his height and power. On Sunday two of John Griffin, Eoin Sheehy and Micheal Conway will form Kerry's midfield. They' ll have to be at their best to out do the Derry man. If they live with him Kerry should be reasonably confident of success.
This is probably Kerry's most difficult assignment of the campaign. They face a long journey coupled with a very competive team. It's also a game Kerry need to win. Lose and qualifying for the play-off stages becomes infinitely more difficult.
Nevertheless Kerry will be in confident mood heading up North next weekend. Their panel is as strong as it's been in many years and with over a month of Meyler and Joe O'Con
n o r's training under their belts they should be fit and sharp.
They have a nice blend of youth and experience as well. John Brendan O'Halloran should continue in goal, with Colin Harris likely to resume a role at corner-back. James Godley too should return to the Kingdom's starting fifteen – probably at wingback, while up front the Kingdom are looking very
strong. John Mike Dooley looks a certain starter, with himself and James McCarthy possibly forming a two man inside forward line with Mikey Boyle, Gary O'Brien, young gun Darragh O'Connell and Shane Brick aiming to feed off breaking ball from the big men.
Verdict: Kerry
- Damian Stack
