The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Injury woes for Kerry
Geaney and O’Shea doubtful for Kildare game
PAUL Geaney and Seán O’Shea are being assessed this week to determine the extent of the injuries they suffered in last Sunday’s defeat to Dublin, but the pair could be considered doubtful for Saturday’s visit of Kildare after they both limped off at half time and didn’t return to the action.
Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice was understandably circumspect as to the exact nature of the injuries when he spoke to the media immediately after Sunday’s game, and a clearer picture was expected to emerge after training last night.
“They both were injured, they were gone at half time. I don’t know what their situation is at the moment with regard to next weekend. They both got knocks so that was it,” was all Fitzmaurice could say on Sunday evening, but neither player looked particularly comfortable coming off the field at half-time.
If Kerry lose to Kildare in Austin Stack Park on Saturday they will face a mustwin game against Tyrone in Omagh the following weekend, and it’s likely that neither Geaney nor O’Shea will be risked unless they are one hundred per cent, even though this weekend’s Round 6 game has a certain ‘must win’ feel to it also.
Stephen O’Brien missed out on last Sunday’s game after picking up a hamstring injury at training during the week, but the management are hopeful he will be passed fit to play a part against Kildare.
David Moran made his first appearance of the year when he came on as a second half substitute against Dublin, and Darran O’Sullivan might be another addition to the panel on Saturday.
“[Stephen O’Brien] had a bit of a hamstring injury. We would be hoping next weekend but we will have to wait and see. Donnchadh [Walsh] won’t be back, Darran [O’Sullivan] maybe. He was playing county league today so hopefully with that game under his belt it’ll bring him a bit further down the line,” Fitzmaurice said.
“There’s been complications with some of the lads returning. We’d have liked them back a bit sooner but it hasn’t happened for different reasons so we just go with what we have,” he added.
David Coldrick will referee Saturday’s game in Tralee, which throws in at 7pm and will be shown live on eir Sport.