Dubs next up for unbeaten Kerry ladies

The Kerry ladies will be looking to maintain their 100% record when they welcome Dublin to Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening.

Kerry have managed to win all three of their Division 1 fixtures to date, despite being newcomers to the top tier following last season’s Division 2 final victory over Armagh.

Hard-fought results on the road against Waterford and Mayo were followed by a home win over Donegal a fortnight ago and now Declan Quill and Darragh Long’s side will be eyeing a top two finish and a spot in another final.

The Dubs, winners of four All-Irelands in a row between 2017 and 2020, are cur- rently in third place in Division 1 having have won two of their three games to date. In their last match they just about saw off the challenge of Cork as two late frees by Carla Rowe secured a narrow one-point win. is back training after taking a short break following Fossa’s All-Ireland run. Bringing both Cliffords and O’Shea straight back in to the starting lineup looks like a no-brainer on paper, but the problem is who do they replace?

Hannah Tyrell, who scored 1-6 from play at Páirc Uí Rinn, will require special attention if Kerry are to make it four from four. Kerry v Dublin takes place this Saturday at 5.15pm. The match will be broadcast live on TG4.

Elsewhere in Division 1, Meath welcome Mayo to Páirc Tailteann (Saturday at 2pm), Donegal play Waterford in Letterkenny (Sunday at 1pm), and Cork travel to Salthill to take on Galway (Sunday at 2pm).

Cousins Dara Moynihan and Micheál Burns both had fine games against the Farney Army and Adrian Spillane is a preferred candidate of the manager’s due in no small part to the physical presence he provides.

Tony Brosnan has been getting through

The younger Clifford and O’Shea could potentially be held in reserve until an opportune moment during the match. The sight of one or both of them being sprung from the bench would surely lift Kerry’s spirits, while dampening those of their hosts.

One of Mayo’s main men, Paddy Durcan, is rumoured to be in line for a return on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see if new manager Kevin McStay persists with his tactic of placing big man Aidan O’Shea in the full forward line. If he does, O’Shea will be picked up by Kerry full back Jason Foley.