Kernan sees bright things ahead

Football: Armagh and Tyrone renew acquaintance this Sunday in Casement Park in a match sure to attract another big McKenna Cup attendance.

The competition semi-final will be the first meeting of the two counties since their epic All-Ireland semi-final of last September.

Armagh manager Joe Kernan is expecting a crowd of over 10,000 for the clash of the province's big two with the winners progressing to the final, where they will play Monaghan.

Although this time of the year is generally used to run the rule over new players, Kernan has additional reason to experiment with a substantial injured list and the absence of other players, who are off limits for the McKenna Cup.

"It's a wee bit disappointing. There are a few younger players we could get a look at but they have to play with their colleges so they can't play for the county until the league starts."

More positively, John Toal, who sustained a horrific leg break last summer during the first of the Armagh-Tyrone matches in the drawn Ulster final, has resumed very light training.

"John had to have his leg straightened before Christmas," says Kernan, "but he's come on well and when he was over in Lilleshall (sports injury rehab centre, England) they were pleased with his progress. He's a wee bit ahead of schedule and has been able to do some jogging."

Facing into his fifth year in charge, Kernan has to lift the team that came within a score of defeating Tyrone for a second time and derailing the ultimate champions, who were such comfortable winners in the final. Although there are question marks over the age profile of some of the most influential players on the team, the manager says that he is as upbeat as ever.

"There were the same question marks when I took over. Look at the young players who've been introduced since then and there's more to come, including players who will be leaders. I'm as optimistic as I was four years ago.

"Players don't become leaders overnight. When Kieran McGeeney was 24 you wouldn't necessarily have said that he was going to be the inspirational figure he turned out. I'm confident that we have players who will develop into leadership figures."

Meanwhile, Kerry's representatives in this year's Munster club football championship will be the club side that progresses furthest in the county championship.

Until now the county organised a separate club competition for those years when a divisional team won the county title.

For the past two years South Kerry have been champions but unable to enter the provincial championship because of the prohibition on divisional sides. Milltown-Castlemaine and An Ghaeltacht have represented Kerry and both lost to Clare clubs, Kilmurry-Ibrickane and St Senan's, Kilkee, respectively.

The Tipperary coaching and games development committee have organised a seminar on team preparation for championships. This will take place from 2.0 until 6.0 on Saturday, February 4th in the Tipperary Institute Thurles.

Included among the high-profile speakers at the event will be former Cork hurling manager Donal O'Grady; fitness expert Liam Hennessy; Laois football manager Mick O'Dwyer, Tipperary hurling manager Babs Keating; and sports psychologist Liam Moggins, who will speak on getting the best out of players, psychological focus, motivation and stress management.

Donie Nealon will chair the seminar, which is being organised to assist coaches of teams at all levels.

Applications should be sent to Catherine Hogan, Ardavillane, Tipperary Town (087-4199942), secretary of the Tipperary coaching and games development committee, before Friday, January 27th.

The cost is €25 and places are limited to 150.