Thursday April 7

EIRGRID MUNSTER UNDER 21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Kerry v Cork, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 7.30pm

By Cian O’Connell

For much of the past decade Kerry have watched Cork and Tipperary glean the last seven Munster under 21 titles.

Strangely Kerry’s last provincial crown was in 2008, since then Cork have claimed five, while a resurgent Tipperary advanced to the All Ireland series in 2010 and 2015.

Two All Ireland minor victories and an excellent record at post-primary level ensure Kerry are optimistic ahead of an interesting Munster under 21 decider.

Cork’s progress this year has been smooth registering emphatic victories over Clare and Waterford so manager Sean Hayes is relishing the challenge of facing Kerry in Tralee.

“You always have to be looking forward to a Munster final playing against Kerry,” Hayes admits.  “In January, February, and March we had a few tough games preparing for the Championship.  It was well known that the Tipperary, Limerick, and Kerry side of the draw would be that bit tougher.

“What came out of those two games, though, was expected.  Kerry have changed their team a bit for the final, and we expect a very tough game.”

Kerry’s excellence at minor during the past two campaigns has been noted throughout the country, but Hayes recalls a gripping Munster semi-final involving the counties in May 2015.

“I was at last year’s Munster minor game between Kerry and Cork; it went to extra-time, Kerry won it, and then they went on to win the All Ireland,” Hayes said.

“Cork were knocked out, that shows how tight it is in this area.  Kerry and Cork are good at minor and under 21 level.”

Hayes is adamant that Cork are bringing a talented team to Tralee.  “We have a good panel this year.  Some of the lads like Stephen Cronin, Sean White, and Kieran Histon - this is their third year playing under 21.  A few of the guys have played for the seniors too which they were happy with so we feel that our panel is quite strong.”

**Kerry: **E O’Brien; B O’Beaglaoich, J Foley, T O’Sullivan; M Flaherty, A Barry, G White; B O’Sullivan, M O’Connor; B O’Seanachain, M Burns, E O Conchuir; D Roche, K Spillane, J Savage.

Subs: D O’Shea, T Brosnan, T O’Sullivan, D Foran, J Kiely, G Horan, D O’Donoghue, F Clifford, C Coffey, S O’Connor, C Geaney.

Cork: A Casey; M McSweeney, J Mullins, D Quinn; K Flahive, S Cronin, K Histon; S White, R O’Toole; D O’Driscoll, S O’Donoghue, R Harkin; B Coakley, P Kelleher, M Hurley.

Subs: R Donovan, C Kiely, K Cremin, E Lavers, S O’Leary, S Sherlock, D O’Duinin, S Powter, S O’Donovan.