Lazy Sunday Thoughts

I have a few thoughts I thought I'd mash into a single post this afternoon before the start of the County Championship Final in Kerry at 3pm. (Big 'Thank You' to TG4 for carrying the Austin Stacks v Dr. Crokes match)
The Gooch v The Star
Speaking of the Kerry Championship, it looks like its going to be a good one. Stacks had a tough semi-final - beating An Gaeltacht by 2. Dr. Crokes started off with bang in the semi-final against South Kerry but faltered badly in the second half and nearly lost it. If Dr. Crokes can put in a full 60 minutes, they should run away with it.

International Series Promotion
I have to agree with Sean Moran of the Irish Times when he pointed out the poor promotional efforts for the International Rules Series. The team was announced a week before the start of the series. The captain was announced on the same day. The next evening, the GAA held the All-Star and Player of the Year Awards Show. Nothing like drowning out the only chance Gaelic Footballers will ever have to represent their country! I also agree with Sean Moran's assertion that allowing the International Rules to be sponsored by The Irish Daily Mail - a newspaper - is a tremendous error. That means writing about the International Rules warrants the mention of another newspaper. Surprise, surprise - other media outlets are not eager to promote their competition!

New Limerick Boss
I don't think the Limerick team get the respect they deserve. Even the announcement of a new manager didn't draw much attention. Maurice Horan will bring a new energy to a very good team. In fact, Limerick took Kerry and Cork to the very brink. Against Kerry, though Limerick ultimately lost by 3, the match was tied in the closing moments of regulation and could easily have ended in Limerick's favour. The match was even closer against Cork as they lost by only two. If Limerick were in any other province they would get a lot more respect rather than be a perpetual third in Munster behind Cork and Kerry. Leader and midfielder John Galvin must heal this winter from the groin injury he picked up during International Rules trials. With Galvin ready to go in time for the league, hopefully Horan can continue the good work of Mickey Ned O'Sullivan and bring the Shannonsiders to the next level.