The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Sem’s man in the middle is multitalented star
IMPRESSIVE in many codes, St Brendans midfielder Michael Lenihan has already played senior for the Kerry hurlers, but is equally good as a footballers – he simply didn’t have the time to give a full commitment to John Sugrue’s Kerry Under 20 panel.
The Sem was one of his prior commitments, and one that is right at the top of his list. Having lost a final last year, Michael is one of those most anxious to redress the slate this year.
“Obviously there are personnel changes, but I also believe that this year we have a more rounded team in terms of team spirit and every player is able to put his shoulder to the wheel. Last year we were more reliant on individuals you could say.
“I think we have a great team spirit this year and a willingness to work for each other. I think in the earlier group games in the bad weather, we stuck with each other. It wasn’t fancy football; it was more about keeping it simple and getting the tackle count up.
“I think work-rate has been one of the reasons why we are in the final. The two toughest games in our group against Killorglin and the Green were on bad pitches and we had to work for our wins.”
Michael himself is taking a step back from too many games this year, and showing an impressive maturity in doing so.
“I decided to concentrate on studying for the Leaving Cert this year and play with the school team only. I didn’t go in to the Kerry Under 20s and though I played one game with the senior hurlers and I just could not commit to training, as I wanted to concentrate on the Leaving Cert, but from the summer on, I will play with every team that wants me.
“We were down eight points against Flannans and playing well. We had the wind in the second half and we knew we would not have to get a goal but just play our own game and be patient and we got through it. I felt the goal we conceded before half time made things tough for us, but Rochestown were a good side.”