Hurlers lose out in Joe McDonagh

over from James Costello, is in the post for the first time after stepping down from managing Austin Stacks. His selectors are Eamonn Whelan (St Senan's), Michéal O'Shea (Castlegregory) and Declan O'Sullivan (Dromid Pearses), while Alan O'Sullivan and Arthur Fitzgerald serve as strength and conditioning coaches. They have run their collective eyes over a huge number of eligible minors.

For the Cork game, which they lost, there was poor representation from local East Kerry clubs – although that is not to suggest that the selection is skewed in favour of other district boards. Only Pat Moynihan (Rathmore), Keelan O’Shea (Kilcummin) and Jamie Moynihan (Glenflesk) started and in the subs list were Cian O’Connor (Rathmore) and Rory O’Connell (Currow).

Let’s hope they have made it to the Munster final. Judgement will be suspended until then. God knows Kerry need a fillip after that disappointing loss to Sligo in the U20 All-Ireland semi-final. Interestingly, both left their respective roles in Kildare and Offaly with unexpected and undue haste. Who wouldn’t want to manage the Manchester United of Gaelic football, was Jack’s explanation. We must have another evaluation of that after June 3 when the Manchester derby goes ahead in the FA Cup final.

Kerry Ladies

No meltdown on this occasion for the Kerry ladies who eased into the Munster final with a 2-8 to 1-5 victory over Tipperary.

After coughing up a 10-point lead to end level with Cork the week before, Kerry responded well and easily defeated Tipp in Bansha. First-half goals by Danielle O’Leary and Emma Costello set them on their way.

They will now face Cork in the final in Mallow on May 28.