CROKES AND GOOCH TO RETAIN KERRY CROWN

ONCE upon a noughties time, South Kerry had the Indian sign over Dr Crokes. But that was then – and now the Killarney men are defending Kerry, Munster and All-Ireland club champions, WRITES FRANK ROCHE.

Would you back against the Gooch & Co? The bookies already appear to have answered that one – the holders are a short-priced 2/13 to retain their Kerry crown tomorrow.

Dr Crokes laid waste to a youthful West Kerry in their semi-final a fortnight ago, leading by seven at half-time and then running amok in the second half to register a 5-13 to 0-14 victory.

This was in cakewalk contrast to South Kerry’s fraught 0-12 to 1-8 win over Kerins O’Rahillys, who actually led by a goal early in the second half.

Killian Young (pelvic injury) represents a huge loss for South Kerry, who are also fretting over the availability of key forward Denis Daly. The holders’ chief concern appears to be former Kerry ace Kieran O’Leary.

That said, Dr Crokes are not shy in the forward department with an array of prolific options complementing the enduring genius of Colm Cooper.

There was a time when South Kerry had the whip hand in this relationship, but they’re a less formidable outfit today whereas the Killarney men have every reason to be confident heading into tomorrow’s Tralee decider.

It’s hard to see them losing.