The tune a decade later

have been three tough games with the Kenmare Shamrocks and the drawn game added in. The scoreline really flattered us in the Kenmare game because it was a lot closer than that and a real physical challenge as well. It’s tough on the body but we were the ones who put ourselves in that position because we didn’t get the job done the first day against South Kerry. We could have won it that day but were probably fortunate to get a replay in the end. The positive is that we are in a County Final and we will do the best we can to try and get rested for the day.

How has the absence of Colm Cooper and Eoin Brosnan changed the environment?

“It’s a small adjustment especially when they were heroes of yours growing up. I was privileged to share a dressing room with both for 14 years and they were a big part of both the dressing room and the team. They’ve stepped away from it, but we are now looking at the younger fellas in the dressing room and those who have been around a bit longer to step up. Colm and Eoin are missed in their own way with the qualities they brought to the team, but I don’t think it has had a massively negative impact on the group. It’s a bit unusual for them as well I suppose to be on the outside looking in on the sidelines. We have fellas there that will step up when we need them and that is the same whether they have been 10 years or only a year in the panel.”

What are your thoughts on this East Kerry team?

“With the way it has worked out (replay) we haven’t had the luxury of being able to think too far ahead. Everyone has seen how good East Kerry are. They got to the semi-finals last year and had two tough battles with Dingle. They have been threatening and have a group of players that are unbelievably talented. When you consider how much their players have shared in All-Ireland and County Minor wins, Hogan Cups with the ‘Sem’ and County U21 titles it shows you how that they are a lot closer to being a club side that a divisional one. I feel they have been the form team of the Championship despite losing early. I think going through the ‘back door’ has served them well and they have built momentum from there. It’s a huge challenge and I would certainly put it up there with having to face South Kerry. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Will Dr Crokes’ experience be an advantage?

“Possibly but if you look at East Kerry’s first 15, they have been in some big occasions themselves with All-Ireland Minor and Hogan Cup Finals in Croke Park. For a young bunch they have experienced a lot and they will be brimming with confidence going into this. They are at a stage where they are playing very good football and they will be looking forward to the occasion as much as we will be.

“I think I have only heard (the four-in-a-row bid) uttered once this year. Again, it’s year on year, game on game for us and not looking too far ahead for us. That is what is required with a young team because if you start thinking about what might come after you will be caught. It has served us well to keep our focus on the game in hand and where we are at in the Championship. We couldn’t think about East Kerry until we had beaten South Kerry and even though it’s a short turnaround we’ll focus in and enjoy being in another County Final. I vividly remember my first in 2006 and been fortunate to play in so many (nine going on ten) and it’s a fantastic occasion.”

Reaching eight county finals in a decade is some achievement?

“It’s a very good achievement and something you feel very privileged to be a part of. It gets harder each year despite the success we have had because you know that the other teams are improving, and you are there to be knocked off. It’s a credit to the group we have had coming through to keep it going and that the supply chain has kept coming through. It’s something maybe you might look back on in 10 years’ time when you finish playing and appreciate it more. Where we are now you are only as good as your last game and we feel like we have won nothing yet when it comes to this year. That’s where your focus needs to be because if it isn’t then you will be picked off.”

Tralee as a venue?

“It might feel more like a County Final than if it was on in Killarney. Tralee is a superb location the way the stand and the terraces are set up. It is a bit tighter than Killarney and there probably will be a bit more of a raucous atmosphere. It’s suitable in that sense and it should be a great day there.”