All-Ireland SFC quarter-final
Kerry v Cavan
Sunday, 2pm
Croke Park, Dublin
Ref: Eddie Kinsella (Laois)
Latest from the medics and management…
Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has made two changes to his starting side. Austin Stacks man Kieran Donaghy regains his spot at full forward, having dropped to the bench for the Munster final win over Cork last time out.
James O’Donoghue who has been suffering from a hamstring strain since the Killarney victory over the Rebels misses out. Elsewhere, Dr Crokes man Fionn Fitzgerald — who made his championship debut against Tipperary earlier this year –comes into the full back line instead of Mark Griffin.
Jason McLoughlin returns to the Cavan defence after missing the last two games against Derry and London through injury. James McEnroe is the player to make way.
KERRY: Brendan Kealy (Kilcummin); Fionn Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes), Marc Ó Sé (An Gaeltacht), Shane Enright (Tarbert); Tomás Ó Sé (An Gaeltacht), Killian Young (Renard), Peter Crowley (Laune Rangers); Anthony Maher (Duagh), Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes); Paul Galvin (Finuge), Colm Cooper (Dr Crokes), Donnchadh Walsh (Cromane); Declan O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses), Kieran Donaghy (Austin Stacks), Darran O’Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar).
CAVAN: Alan O’Mara (Bailieborough Shamrocks); Thomas Corr (Denn), Rory Dunne (Redhills), Killian Clarke (Shercock); Jason McLoughlin (Shannon Gaels), Alan Clarke (Kingscourt), Ronan Flanagan (Castlerahan); Damien O’Reilly (Belturbet), David Givney (Mountnugent); Cian Mackey (Castlerahan), Jack Brady (Ramor United), Feargal Flanagan (Butlersbridge); Martin Reilly (Killygary), Martin Dunne (Cavan Gaels), Eugene Keating (Saint Sylvesters).
Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer
Checking the odds…
Kerry are overwhelming favorites to triumph at 1/6 while Cavan are priced at 11/2. The draw is available at 12/1.
Clues from the form guide…
Kerry have only had three championship assignments to date this summer and this will be their first game operating away from their home environs of Fitzgerald Stadium. But there’ll be no culture shock for this team having to operate in Croke Park.
The comprehensive nature of their wins against Tipperary and Waterford dilutes their significance with the Munster final against Cork providing the most relevant evidence. The first 50 minutes of that game saw Kerry in majestic form, the last 20 minutes raised concerns as Cork fought back.
Cavan have found out plenty about themselves this summer. This tie will be their seventh game in an eventful and enjoyable campaign. They harbored regrets after their Ulster semi-loss to Monaghan but have recovered in the qualifiers with that extra-time win against Derry up in Celtic Park most impressive.
The game breakers are…
Cavan’s defensive organization has made them difficult to break down this year. There were some nervy moments early on against London last week but they tightened up considerably in the second-half and Jason McLoughlin’s return is a boost.
David Givney’s form at midfield has helped them cope with the loss of cruciate victim Gearoid McKiernan while Cian Mackey’s creative promptings have allowed Martin Dunne and Eugene Keating shine closer to goal.
Kerry’s defence has been freshened up with Fionn Fitzgerald and Peter Crowley both establishing themselves while Johnny Buckley has got an extended run at midfield. The attack still carries the same potent threats and while James O’Donoghue is a loss after his electric form in Munster, the presence of Kieran Donaghy could offer an interesting insight into Kerry’s game plan.
Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
Gazing into the crystal ball…
This is bonus territory for Cavan as they feature at the quarter-final stages for the first time. They will be backed by a raucous supporter base yet they key is that their players are not perturbed by the occasion or the opposition they face.
It’s a tricky tie for Kerry but if they hold their nerve, they possess sufficient quality to book a semi-final berth.
Verdict: Kerry
