MUNSTER SFC KERRY v CLARE:SOME PEOPLE have been recalling Clare's famous 1992 win over Kerry in an effort to create some hype around this game.
Well here is some news for you: not going to happen again. Now that Munster have reverted to the seeded draw, keeping Kerry and Cork apart, the sad reality is this provincial championship is a boring formality until the final.
As if the horrible lob-sided nature of this game wasn't bad enough, it's also being played in Killarney, which means Clare have effectively nothing in their favour.
With last year's championship something of an all-time low for Clare, the first-round win over Waterford was encouraging. Manager Frank Doherty is building towards the future, and it's a pity they'll have to endure this inevitable hammering by Kerry.
Captain Michael O'Shea is still out injured, while Laurence Healy and Colm Dillon will make their championship debuts at corner back and full forward respectively. Leaving Cert students David Connole and Seán Collins are also included. In other words, these are lambs to the slaughter.
Kerry are without the injured Kieran Donaghy and Killian Young. Tommy Griffin comes in at wing back and emerging star Tommy Walsh takes over a full forward, and with captain Paul Galvin back in the line-up, this can only be one of those grim damage-limitation afternoons for Clare.
KERRY:D Murphy; M Ó Sé, T O'Sullivan, P Reidy; T Ó Sé, A O'Mahony, T Griffin; D Ó Sé, S Scanlon; P Galvin (capt), Declan O'Sullivan, E Brosnan; C Cooper, T Walsh, B Sheehan.
CLARE:J Hayes; L Healy, C Whelan, G Kelly; N Considine, D Connole, J Hayes; G Quinlan, G Brennan; D Russell, S Hickey, S Collins; R Donnelly, C Dillon, D Tubridy.
GUIDELINES:
In the last episode:In 2004, Kerry beat Clare 2-10 to 0-9, and the 2000 meeting, which ended Kerry 3-15 to Clare's 0-8, is a better indication of the likely outcome here.
You bet:"This has been one of the most one-sided betting we have seen on a major GAA weekend for some time," says Leon Blanche of Boylesports. "It is rare to see so many teams written off and given virtually no chance by the bookmakers and customers alike." oylesports have Kerry at 1/100; Clare at 12/1; and the draw at 18/1.
On your marks:Needless to say Clare will be desperate to stay with Kerry for as long as possible, but with names like Galvin, O'Sullivan, Sheehan and Gooch in the forward line, it won't take Kerry long to begin the demolition.
Gaining ground:Fitzgerald Stadium remains the most beautiful setting for a football stadium in the country, and the few travelling Clare supporters may at least get to savour the many pleasures of Killarney after witnessing their team's downfall.
Just the ticket:Crowd issues shouldn't be a problem. Stand tickets are still available at €25, €15 for OAP/Students, with juveniles admitted free. Terrace admission is €20, €10 for OAP/Students, with juveniles again admitted free.
Crystal gazing:No crystal ball needed. Kerry to win, and win easily.
