KERRY BOSS EAMONN Fitzmaurice has revealed his disappointment at former Kingdom players leaking their team selection on social media before yesterday’s Munster final win over Cork.
The reaction to Kerry’s team selection was dominated by the absence of towering forward Kieran Donaghy who was replaced by Darran O’Sullivan.
Kerry had planned on announcing their team last Thursday night but instead the selection was revealed on Wednesday lunchtime due to the fact that rumors about the starting fifteen had been revealed on social media.
Former Kerry attacking legend Eoin Bomber Liston tweeted last week about the selection:
And while Fitzmaurice stressed that it was ‘not a big deal’ to have to announce the team early, he was disappointed in the manner in which the selection was unveiled.
“I was a bit disappointed that especially former players started peddling the team around the place, putting it out there on social media. They know what it is like to be in a dressing room and they know what it is like to have that spirit in the team.
“I had not told the players to keep it under their hats so it probably came back on me and I should have released the team on the night. Because when you have a decision like that it is human nature that the lads are going to go home and talk to their families.
“Just when we started hearing it on the street the next day we said that there was no point in hanging onto it. It was not a big deal.”
INPHO/James Crombie
Dropping Donaghy
Fitzmaurice also insisted that Donaghy reacted positively to the team selection.
“I don’t think it is about feeling justified. We won the game. I am happy. It was a hard decision. We put a lot of thought into it. Kieran was very positive and he reacted very well.
“He barely missed out. Kieran contributed when he came in. Especially that last kick out, he got a great tap down to Declan O’Sullivan for the last kick-out that finished out the game.
“I am happy that Kerry won and Kieran I am sure is happy that Kerry won. I am sure he will train had over the next few weeks and try and get back in the starting 15.”
