One piece of advice
Suncream.
And lots of it.
We could write a whole article on the amount of times we’ve shed a layer of newly-burned skin after Munster finals in Killarney, but no-one wants to hear that.
So, instead, let’s focus on three players we expect to hear a lot more about this weekend, as Kerry host Tipperary in Sunday’s sleep-depriving early start of 12pm in the Munster football final – one of the great days of Irish sport.
The Kingdom come into the game after their May 13th extra-time win over Cork, while Tipperary’s last outing was also a narrow one point win over Clare the same night.
Here are the players that prove very much that the production line in the Kingdom is once again cranking into operation as Kerry look to retain their Munster crown.
Conor Geaney
Another Geaney from Dingle, so if nothing else the name has marked him out already.
A cousin of senior players Michael and Paul, the teenager has proved his worth so far this season, and was also a part of last year’s famine-ending All-Ireland success.
Geaney came into this year’s provincial series off the back of an outstanding campaign for Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, as he scored five points in their All-Ireland final win over Roscommon CBS.
A corner-forward, much like namesake Paul, he scored 0-4 against a poor Clare outfit before following it up with 0-5 against Cork in the semi final, two of those in extra time.
Kerry simply do not have the attacking riches that propelled them to September glory last year and perhaps lack the real cut and thrust you’d want to win an All-Ireland.
However, in Geaney they have a deadly inside forward whose fitness and strength mean he can also be brought further out the field and thrive in more open space.
Good from placed balls too, so expect him to be top scorer on Sunday, while he should prepare to be screened or double-marked by the visitors’ defence.
Mark O’Connor
If you’re playing midfield for Kerry at any level then get ready for the comparisons.
Darragh Ó Sé is the gold standard for the current generation, while for those of an older vintage Sean Walsh or Jack O’Shea are the touchstones.
Every Kingdom fan obsesses about the centre of the pitch, but with O’Connor on duty this Sunday it should be one area that home fans can at least be confident in.
This year’s captain is a towering presence in the side and his athletic ability is only matched by his fielding, which at times against both Clare and Cork was outstanding for a teenager.
Michael Burns was the more impressive of last year’s midfield partnership, but in O’Connor – the only starting survivor from that win over Donegal – Kerry have a natural-born leader in their captain.
If one was to compare him to any current senior player it would be a mix of Anthony Maher’s strength allied with the running of a Donnchadh Walsh.
Tipperary will need to negate his strength to gain a foothold at midfield.
Andrew Barry
Defending can be taught but attacking is instinct.
But what if you possess an equal measure of both?
Well, it means you have a potent attacking weapon from the half-back line, while you’re also looking at a player who is designed to stop everything down the spine of the side.
Barry has not played much football this season after getting injured before the Clare game, but did play extra time in the semi-final win over Cork before being subbed.
Last year’s centre-back is an almost typical north Kerry defender – sticky, tough and well able to handle himself in the mix of midfield.
Kerry’s defence is not quite as impressive as the 2014 version and Barry’s absence was felt against Cork.
If fit, he should have more than enough experience to hold the middle.
His fitness may be an issue, however, but even as a substitute he is a huge option for Jack O’Connor.
If Kerry require a stopper or a player to plug a gap at any stage then Barry will be key.
