Mullinalaghta exploits have Crokes on their guard insists Fitzgerald
FIONN FITZGERALD is adamant he and his Dr Crokes team-mates are “very much on our guard” as they take on giant-killers Mullinalaghta in their All-Ireland semi-final clash in Semple Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Kerry club head into the game as 1/14 favourites to reach the St Patrick’s Day showpiece despite that fact that the Longford men are coming off the back of winning three county titles on the bounce and also saw off Dublin giants Kilmacud Crokes in the provincial decider before Christmas.
“They are very well coached and will be hard enough to break down,” Fitzgerald said. “They have a number of key players that a lot of their game goes through. They bring a level of intensity and aggression that I haven’t seen from other clubs as much. They are a very united group and you can see the they are enjoying what they are doing and a group like that are always going to be very tough to beat.
“We are very much on our guard,” Fitzgerald continued. “Sometimes you look at the opposition but
then you (have to) bring it back to yourself.”
Still it’s hard to ignore the quality that Crokes can pull off the bench. In their Munster final win, they started the game with six All-Ireland winners at various levels in reserve, including Colm Cooper.
“We’ve a strong panel and getting on that starting team is tough going. Being able to draw on lads like Gooch and Eoin Brosnan (as subs), and some of the lads haven’t even seen game time, that’s why, getting back to the training side of things, it’s been so competitive and hopefully it’s going to stand to us.”
Now 28, Fitzgerald is one of a number of players who was part of the Kerry squad in 2018 who isn’t set to be involved this time around. However, he insists he’s enjoying life being a club player just now.
“I’m actually very happy where I am and that’s not dressing anything up. Between Crokes and Kerry I’ve played seven years and nearly every one was around the clock.
“That takes a good bit out of you so I’m going to see what life is like on the other side for a couple of months.
“I’ve opportunities work-wise, maybe getting experience (going) away to do things I couldn’t do that and had to miss out on so I’m looking forward to that.
“Am I going to miss part of it? Of course I am.”