Nolan returns as hurlers take positives from defeat in Wexford

THE Kerry senior hurling team will be boosted by the return of Shane Nolan from suspension for this Sunday’s clash with glamour side Galway in Austin Stack Park (throw-in 2pm). The Crotta O’Neills man picked up a straight red card in the defeat to Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds and missed last weekend’s visit to Wexford Park as a result.

Another boost for the Kerry hurling management team is the return from injury of Brendan O’Leary. The Abbeydorney man came on as a second half sub last weekend. His brother Michael, however, remains on the injury list.

“Michael has a bit to go yet,” selector Ian Brick confirmed to The Kerryman on Monday. “We wouldn’t rule him out of the Offaly game, but definitely not next weekend any way.”

Despite the defeat the Kerry management team were happy with how their charges fronted up last weekend.

“We said that to the players afterwards [that there were plenty positives] and they were very disappointed, but what it was, was a couple of mistakes after half-time really that cost us,” Brick continued.

“They had the momentum then, but we were very encouraged with the first half, we really should have been ahead before half-time, but what was really encouraging was that they kept going and showed great character when down to fourteen players.

“We brought on five subs as well and they all contributed well. We certainly have made progress since the first match of the year and that’s the great part about it and the boys could see that progress as well and they’re working very hard and we can’t ask them to do any more at the moment really.

“They’re looking forward to the Galway game I’ll put it that way.”