O’Connor doubt
2025 Footballer of the Year nominee Joe O’Connor is set to miss Kerry’s Munster SFC opener against Clare on Saturday in Ennis. There have been confirmed reports that O’Connor was seen wearing a protective boot at the recent Austin Stacks v Dr Crokes SFL game and that he picked up a tendon injury. It is hoped, however that O’Connor might be back for a potential Munster Final appearance on May 10th.
There has been no official confirmation of the O’Connor injury as Jack O’Connor has decided not to do a pre-championship press conference. This of course has led to the rumour mill being in full swing in the build-up to the Championship. There is also unconfirmed rumours that Seanie O’Shea picked up an injury in Portugal. Liam Smith is also said to have pulled his hamstring and there are also doubts about Shane Ryan’s readiness to return to action.
Both Brian Ó Beaglaoich and Sean O’Brien missed the League Final but appear to be back on track for the Championship. Paudie Clifford is reportedly in good shape as well and hopefully his hamstring issues have cleared up enough for him to play some part against Clare. Gavin White and Diarmuid O’Connor are also thought to be making good progress with their recuperation from operations that they underwent to clear ankle and shoulder injuries respectively.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
Kerry 15 Girls reach fourth successive All-Ireland Final
The Kerry U15 girls are through to their fourth All-Ireland Final in a row following a superb 3-1 victory over South Belfast in Christy Leahy Park. Kerry made a dream start to the game, taking the lead inside four minutes when Eilidh Cregan continued her outstanding scoring form with a clinical finish into the bottom left corner.
Just moments later, Cregan was involved again, setting up Lillian Slattery, who had the ball in the net only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Kerry maintained their pressure and doubled their lead on 19 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for handball, and Slattery calmly converted to make it 2-0.
South Belfast looked to respond, but goalkeeper Caoimhe Daly was in excellent form, producing a series of important saves to keep Kerry’s advantage intact. Orlaith Flynn came close before the break, but Kerry went in at half-time with a deserved two goal lead.
Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.
