Three Kerry schools in Group D

St Brendans Killarney Tralee CBS IS Killorglin Colaiste Chriost Rí

A lot of Kerry eyes, and a few more from outside the county, will be focussing on Group D and the three Kerry schools involved. The Sem won the Frewen Cup two years ago and reached the semi-final last year as well as taking PS Chorca Dhuibhne to a replay in the Corn Ui Mhuiri Final. They served early notice of their intentions this year with a good win over Killorglin and a hard-earned 2-12 to 1-15 draw (they trailed by 1-14 to 1-7 at the three quarter stage) to Corca Dhuibhne to qualify for the O’Sullivan Cup semi-final this year.

Mark Cooper anchors a defence that includes Terry Sparling, Ruairi Doyle, and Neil O’Shea. Eoghan O’Sullivan and Mike Lenihan marshal midfield, while Dylan O’Callaghan, Emmet O’Shea, and Ryan O’Grady are their chief sharpshooters. With Gary McGrath and Arthur Fitzgerald at the helm, the Sem will once again be formidable opposition.

Tralee CBS lost Corn Ui Mhuiri Finals in 2017 and 2018. In fact, while they have always been strong contenders, one has to go all the way back to 2007 for their last title – the rise of the likes of Mercy Mounthawk and Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai are undeniable factors. The Green haven’t had a great start to the year, losing to both Mounthawk and Sliabh Luachra in the O’Sullivan Cup.

However, they have big guns aplenty. Sean Quilter and Conor Hayes impressed in the Senior County Championship. Add in the likes of newcomer Luke Barrett, keeper Devon Burns, Luke Chester, Padraig White, Cian Purcell, Ferdia O’Brien, Conor Myers, and pacy Jordan Kissane and manager Mike Tim O’Sullivan has plenty of quality to call on.

IS Killorglin lost the Taft and Dunloe Finals last year but won the Frewen (having reached the semi-final the year before). This is a team who knows how to win. Kieran O’Sullivan, Sean O’Brien, and Gearoid Hassett all wore the green and gold with distinction. Matthew Leslie is unerring from both play and frees. ISK are young, very young (only one player is gone from minor) but they are on an upward curve and Micheal O Se and Chris Flannery both know a bit about helping teams with young talent to win.

Criost Ri are a former colleges superpower, second only to the Sem on the roll of honour, and they fought out a thrilling three game saga with Tralee CBS in 2017, but they could well struggle here.