We’re getting there but far from the finished article — Fitzmaurice
KERRY manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice has admitted that his team are still a work in progress as they gear up for the start of the Super 8s this weekend. The Kingdom take on Galway in Croke Park on Sunday, and despite cruising to a 17-point win over Cork in the Munster SFC final, the fact that Kerry leaked two goals is cause for some concern given the Tribesmen’s attacking strength. ‘I would never hide from the fact that we are very much a work in progress and we are far from the finished article,’ said Fitzmaurice. ‘There are plenty of things that we need to be working on and, of course, after the Cork game that was one of the things that we would have addressed as a group. ‘Does that mean we won’t concede a goal the next day? It doesn’t but it is something we worked on and we will keep working on it until we get it right.’ While the Kingdom are no strangers to GAA HQ at this time of year, there is a different feel to this Kerry team given the amount of fresh faces Fitzmaurice has handed opportunities to — for the Munster semi-final defeat of Clare, he named seven debutants in his starting 15. And Fitzmaurice is confident his young charges are ready to take the next step in their senior careers. ‘That’s all part of the development process,’ he continued. ‘One or two of them might have an off day, one or two of them might be outstanding and one or two might just do enough. We will be patient with the lads. I have no doubt that mentality-wise, they will be able for it. ‘They are only bursting to get up to Croke Park and play
in big games so we are looking forward to see what they bring. They are only starting out in their careers so a huge performance or a not-so-good performance will just be part of the overall story at the end. ‘They are well able for it and I have every faith and confidence in them.’ Fitzmaurice also stated that the continued absence of Kerry captain Fionn Fitzgerald, who has yet to feature in this year’s Championship, is purely down to footballing reasons. ‘There is no story behind his nonappearance. The squad is being picked on form. There is severe competition there but I think to be fair to all the lads, they have all bought into the squad mentality big-time and I think all of us have been waiting for this block of games where everyone will be needed in this period. ‘Particularly if we are being successful and winning games and you do end up in an All-Ireland semi-final, and you have four games in five weeks, our full squad will be needed.’