Brian Barry
GAA Editor @BrianGBarry
Darran O'Sullivan says the Kingdom need sterner tests in Munster
Last Updated: 19/01/19 10:05am
Recently retired Kerry footballer Darran O'Sullivan says the Kingdom need tougher tests from Munster rivals Cork.
As Kerry prepare for the 2019 season, taking the learnings out of the 2018 campaign, they will know they have to be ready for the top teams in the Super 8s, even if they come in under-cooked after a one-sided provincial triumph once again.
The Kingdom won the Munster title with 22 and 17-point wins over Clare and Cork respectively, but fell to Galway in the opening round of the Super 8s, which ultimately cost them an All-Ireland semi-final beth.
"Looking on as someone from the outside, you kind of want to see Cork come back strong," commented O'Sullivan. "I think Tipperary and Clare have emerged in the last five or so years, and they're getting stronger and they still don't get the respect they deserve.
"But I think Kerry need Cork. They need the test. They haven't been there the last few years but we need them to come back. Like that, you can only beat what's put in front of you and concentrate on that. Last year we did that in Munster and we just hit a blip, and it just cost us in the end."
Cork launched a strategic five-year plan last week, with a view for the Rebels to be back competing for the Sam Maguire, which they last won in 2010. During Kerry's golden periods, their toughest tests have often come against their provincial neighbours, and a O'Sullivan feels a sterner test in Munster would harden Kerry for later in the summer.
"We don't want them back too strong," he laughed. "Cork, I'm sure will come back strong in the next couple of years. Hopefully we'll still be beating them, but like that, the away supporters going to games want to see good games. I think people want to see good games in Munster so you kind of need Cork for that."
Kerry now face into a new season under new management, as Peter Keane takes over the senior side. O'Sullivan is confident that his former teammates can be successful in the new regime.
"I think he's going to be very good," commented the Glenbeigh-Glencar club man. "Will it happen straight away? I don't know. It doesn't matter how good the manager is. Sometimes it takes a bit of time for the players to adapt. There's a big difference between being an outstanding minor and even a decent senior.
"So some players take to it like a duck to water like David [Clifford] did last year. It doesn't happen for everyone. It's going to be interesting. Kerry people know they'll have to be patient at the moment. There's a big change. There's a lot of people gone. But I think he's going to be good in the long run. I met him not so long ago and what he said, as a Kerry fan was pleasing to hear.
"Peter's starting from scratch with a new group. Will he get time? Kerry aren't naive enough to think a new manager coming in, all this experience leaves, and you can just go on and win straight away. It'd be great if they do. Whether it will happen, I don't know.
"There's definitely an All-Ireland in them. When it'll happen, I don't know. If it happened this year, I wouldn't be surprised. They definitely have the potential coming through. But sometimes it takes a bit longer to adapt to senior football."
O'Brien backs Kerry young guns to lead
O'Sullivan called time on his 14-year stint as an intercounty player during the off-season, and admitted that it's an unfamiliar sensation not training at this time of the year:
"It's strange alright. I'm kind of delighted, the weather is getting cold. It makes me feel a bit better not going training. It's all new. [I have] a new baby at home now as well.
"The next couple of weeks are going to be a strange transition. I don't know anything but getting ready for the National League.
"I could start missing it next Sunday when Kerry are lining out in Killarney. Come championship, I think I will find it hard. But at the moment, it's nice not to be rushing and racing out to training and trying to get myself back to fitness."
Paddy Power revealed their GAA Ambassadors for 2019, with recently retired Kerry football star Darran O'Sullivan joining a squad of existing Paddy Power News columnists.
