Twiss’s concern with geographical imbalance of players on Kerry panel

DINGLE WIN WEST KERRY SFC TITLE

KERRY GAA Secretary Peter Twiss has raised some concerns over the geographical imbalance of the Kerry senior football panel, and is calling for the establishment of a task force to examine the reasons for the current imbalance. Mr Twiss, in his annual report that he will present to County Convention next week, wonders why there are so few Kerry senior panellists from the Tralee and north Kerry areas.

“In relation to our own underage competitions, namely Under-21 and Minor, the emergence of East Kerry as the dominant team needs to be addressed to ensure these championships remain competitive. A concern I would have in looking at our present inter-county senior football team is the concentration of players involved from the eastern side of the county in comparison to the northern half of the county,” Twiss writes.

“Of the 28 players/subs (including the injured Peter Crowley) who were involved in this year’s All-Ireland Final and replay only six (just over 20%) represent clubs from the Tralee, Castleisland and

North Kerry areas, whereas in contrast 18 players (nearly 65%) represent clubs from the East Kerry, Kenmare and South Kerry areas. Of those six players from the northern half, four were from Tralee town, so that leaves only two players from the remaining clubs in that side of the county. When considering the population of Tralee and the number of clubs in those northern areas, I would be worried that unless some remedial action is taken, Kerry will become very dependent on a small geographical area of the county for its supply of players going forward.

“I would suggest a task force be set up by the County Committee to look at this situation. From administrative structures at district level, to clubs, to coaching, to schools, dual players, all aspects should be examined to see if a plan of action can be formulated to address this situation.

“I would acknowledge some great work has been going on over the last number of years, particularly in the coaching side, but I fear unless a more wholesome approach is undertaken it may not be sufficient.”

Clanmaurice player Elaine Ryall and manager Mike Enright celebrating after the AIB All-Ireland Junior Camogie Club Championship Final replay win over Raharney of Westmeath in McDonagh Park, Nenagh last Sunday

Photo by Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus Fergus O’Flaherty and John O’Connor from West Kerry at the West Kerry Senior Football Final in Páirc an Ághasaigh in Dingle on Sunday afternoon between Dingle and An Ghaeltacht