Kerry Strengthened for Derry

Kerry started their 2009 NFL campaign in convincing fashion with a dismantling of Donegal in Round 1 followed by a solid victory over Tyrone a fortnight later. Derry are next on the agenda for the Kingdom, and an already tough task for the Oakleafers has just been made tougher.

The Irish Times today reports that Jack O'Connor's squad has been boosted by the arrival of Tomás Ó Sé, Tom O'Sullivan, Michael Quirke and Kieran Donaghy. It is also likely that former Sydney Swans star Tadgh Kennelly will be in the 24-man panel that travels north. Apparently Kennelly has been in 'outstanding' form for Listowel Emmets recently and is pushing for his Kerry place. If he does play against Derry it will be his first inter-county appearance since arriving back in Ireland from the AFL. The interesting debate about Kennelly surrounds the position in which he would be most effective. I think you could play him anywhere on the pitch, but the rumours coming out of Kerry suggest that Jack O'Connor might try him in the problem full-back position. Time will tell on that one.

On top of all this, Darragh Ó Sé is expected to be back in Kerry training this week, qaushing all rumours of a possible inter-county retirement. Kerry will however, be without the impressive David Moran, and Young Footballer of 2008 Tommy Walsh for the Derry game. They will be in preparation for U-21 duty against Cork.

So, it looks like we are going to have an interesting clash next weekend, and I'm sure Damian Cassidy will be relishing the task that faces his new-look side. A strengthened Kerry will provide a brilliant test for Derry at the beginning of a hectic NFL schedule in March.