AARON KERNAN insists Armagh will be ready for any Kerry mind games coming their way this week.

The Orchard are favourites to topple the Kingdom in Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.

The Kerry faithful have been playing down their chances due to their injury list and failing to top their All-Ireland series group.

Diarmuid O’Connor (shoulder), Tony Brosnan and Mike Breen (both hamstring) are all doubts for last year’s semi-final rematch while Barry Dan O’Sullivan is out for the season with a torn ACL.

But Orchard legend Kernan knows Kerry can never be underestimated regardless of the naysaying coming from the Munster giants.

He said: “You can see some of the commentary that’s coming out of the county in terms of maybe dismissing them a wee bit, that’s mind games — there’s no doubt about it.

“You’re telling me for one minute that the people in Kerry don’t think that they’re capable of going up and beating Armagh now whenever it matters most?

“Of course they do, but the rallying cry has been going out from ten days ago.

“So that’s what would have me on my guard as an Armagh person or if you’re an Armagh player, but I don’t think that’s something that’s going to catch Armagh off-guard at all.

“I’m not nervous because Armagh are favourites, because Armagh deserve to be favourites. I’m nervous because it’s Kerry and Kerry are going to have 15 players on the field.

“Yes they have injuries, yes Cillian Burke has gone to Australia.

“But you still have 15 Kerry players with a huge amount of experience, with an All-Ireland under their belt the same as Armagh, with another maybe three All-Ireland final appearances, which Armagh don’t have.

“The Kerry skill set is the big one that I feared all year. The that they haven’t played a Division 1 team, is it a disadvantage or an advantage?

“The answer to that only lies on Monday morning because you don’t know until the game is over. They can either be fresh or they can be undercooked, but victors always tell the tale and Monday will tell that.”

l  AARON KERNAN was speaking exclusively to BoyleSports as a Gaelic Games ambassador.

DUBLIN legend Barney Rock lauded all-time great Stephen Cluxton as the goalkeeper aims to take a step closer to a perfect ten.

The seven-time All-Star came under fire for his display in the Dubs’ Leinster SFC semi-final loss to Meath in April.

His kickouts malfunctioned as the Royals subjected their old rivals to a first defeat in a provincial fixture in 15 years.

But in his 23rd Championship campaign, Cluxton responded with a starring role in the win over Galway in the opening round of the All-Ireland groups.

Rock said: “Maybe you wouldn’t be expecting to see a 43-year-old but he’s an exceptional keeper.

“He must be one of the best goalkeepers ever.”

Although he conceded a couple of goals against Galway, Cluxton’s first-half save that foiled Shane Walsh was key.

He kept a clean sheet in the defeat to Armagh and another in the win over Derry that saw Dublin advance.

Cork ace Chris Óg Jones produced a superb finish to find Cluxton’s net in Saturday’s preliminary quarter-final. Still, Dessie Farrell’s advanced.

Speaking at the launch of the 24th annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, Rock said: “He’ll be disappointed he let a couple of goals in but there wasn’t much he could do about the Cork one.”

Along with Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthy, Cluxton is one of three to have won nine All-Ireland SFC medals.

But with that pair now retired, the Parnells man will be out on his own if the Dubs reclaim Sam.

Ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final with Tyrone, Rock said it would be ‘a fantastic honour’ if he were to achieve the feat.

He said: “If Dublin win it, he will be there to win the tenth and Mick and James would be behind. But records are there to be broken.

FINN AZAZ knows the further he goes at club level, the further he will go with Ireland.

The Middlesbrough attacking midfielder has been one of the star turns from the Heimir Hallgrimsson reign to date, particularly for his goal and assist in the Nations League double header with Bulgaria.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

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That was in keeping with the form he showed for Boro that saw him score 12 goals and provide 11 assists in 45 Championship games last term.

Azaz’s performances have made him a wanted man.

SunSport revealed in March that Crystal Palace are keen, while Bournemouth and Leeds United are also tracking the ace.

Under contract at Boro — who yesterday appointed Rob Edwards as their new manager — until 2028, Azaz insisted he is happy at the Riverside.

But he also admitted that he has ambitions to play in a top league, and it does not need to be said that playing at a higher level would advance his Ireland ambitions.

Azaz said: “I’m playing at a high level now. The Championship is a really competitive league and it’s a really good league. I think it’s ranked sixth or seventh in Europe.

“I’ve got a contract with Boro of course, my focus is on pre-season at the moment.

“I’m really happy at my club. I’ve had a great year. I’ve got a lot of respect for everyone at the club and it’s been amazing for me the last 18 months here. I had a great season personally so obviously I want to keep developing and my ambition is to play at the highest level.

“Whether that be the Premier League or going abroad, I want to play at the highest level.

“I’m fully aware that there’s a lot of Premier League players in the Irish team and I’m looking at the World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup next summer.

“I’m fully aware that you want to be playing against the best players week in, week out, to be in the best position possible for the World Cup qualifiers.

“In international football, the physicality of the opposition is sharper, it’s better. There are higher quality players.

“Look at England, look at Hungary, look at Bulgaria as well, they play in top leagues, at top clubs as well.

“People are sharper in the mind, quality is higher.

“It’s a massive step up but I want to be playing at the highest level and I’ve got to prove myself at the highest level to show that I can play at that highest level.

“I felt confident and I felt comfortable in terms of level I’m at. I am still having to prove myself at international level. I feel like I have now.

“But I’m not going to sit here and say that I’ve nailed down that position which I don’t think is the case. But I always believed in myself and the target was to be a starter in that team and be one of the main players in terms of going forward and creating things. That’s been my target for the last two or three years to be in that position, I believe that I could do it.

“And that’s still the aim to become that player and to be starting in that position every game.”

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Azaz, 24, has looked at home on the international stage in his seven caps to date, and could easily fit into a continental side with what he terms “comfortable” French and Spanish.

Indeed, he acted as Spanish translator for his pals on his recent holiday in South America that included visiting Machu Picchu, while he still alternates monthly between swotting up on the two languages.

The former Aston Villa player, who caught the eye on loan at Newport and then Plymouth, added: “I understood the significance of being able to speak multiple languages and I also really enjoy it.

“I wasn’t looking at like, ‘I want to play abroad’, but I was just like, these are great skills to have and a lot of people are really jealous of it now, to be honest.

“In terms of moving abroad, all I’d say is that I’m happy now, but I’d be comfortable if the right opportunity arose.

“I’ll be fully focused on pre-season. I’m not going to give a lot of my energy to things that are out of my control.”

DAVY FITZGERALD is still weighing up his Antrim future.

And the Saffrons boss, who was recently banned for remarks regarding Johnny Murphy, has also proposed a radical change to assist referees.

In the wake of his side’s Leinster SHC loss to Galway, Fitzgerald made remarks that Murphy is one of a number of officials who ‘despise’ him.

The Limerick man was a linesman on a day that saw Antrim’s Delcan McCloskey sent off.

Fitzgerald, who was charged with ‘misconduct considered to have discredited the association’, was subsequently slapped with an eight-week suspension.

The former Waterford boss also served a ban for his first game in charge of Antrim back in January — the National League clash with Dublin — for confronting ref Liam Gordon after the Déise’s defeat to Clare last year.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch of the Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, he said: “Have I had run-ins with Johnny Murphy before? I have.

“Did I tell lies afterwards? I didn’t. That’s how I felt. I said what I felt. That was it and I got my suspension.

“Probably the thing I’ll ask is does everybody get treated the same way? I don’t know. I got a suspension last year. I did not abuse Liam Gordon last year.

“I’m telling you that right here, right now. I did not abuse him. I look at other things that have happened this year.

“If you look at certain things and you look at the Waterford-Clare game last year, I got a suspension for that.

“I could pick different examples. The only thing I’d like to see, and I’m not saying I don’t deserve it at times, I’m not saying that.

“I’m saying that it has to be across the board.”

Opening channels of communication between officials and managers would help to address inconsistency in refereeing, according to Fitzgerald.

Another suggestion he believes could ‘make life easier for referees’ would be a requirement for bainisteoirs to watch games from the stand.

The Clare native explained: “Take the management off the sideline and put them in the same as rugby have it.

“But allow yourself a runner that if you want to make one or two changes in the first half, second half, do it.

“Even if you have your stats crew and your management up there and you have your own place, you look at the Andy Farrells, you look at them, they have their information there.”

Fitzgerald also admitted that he would be open to the introduction of video technology if it assisted referees in making the right calls.

He said: “Refs are human. They’re going to make mistakes.

“I’d love to see a situation, if they’re not sure about something, wouldn’t it be nice?

“I’m not saying you do this every two seconds, but I know in one of the games that I saw at the weekend, if the ref had a second opportunity to look at it, I think he’d have made a different decision.

“If he’s in doubt, help him. That’s all.”

Fitzgerald, who was named Antrim manager last August, only has positive things to say about his working relationship with the players and the county board.

Despite their relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup, as well as criticism from respected Antrim figures like Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton, Fitzgerald also insisted that he has received significant support from clubs in the county.

However, the three-time All-Star goalkeeper plans to discuss the matter with his wife Sharon and county chairman Séamus McMullan before deciding if he will take on the considerable travel commitments again next year.

The 53-year-old said: “I actually love them up there.

“I know we had Sambo being a bit negative and stuff. That’s going to happen and you accept that.

“But in general, I got a lot of support up there. I love the people the way they are.

“It’s a big decision going forward. I need to sit down and have a right good chat.

“I left myself alone after and I didn’t want to think about it when it’s over. But now I’ve started to talk to a few people.

“I’ve done a report. Myself and Sharon need to have another conversation about it. I’ll meet Séamus. I’ll have a good conversation with him. That’s important.

“There has to be a number of boxes ticked from my point and from their point.

“Unless Davy Fitz is 100 per cent in it with his drive and his goal, he’s no good.

“I need to make sure that’s the way. I need to make sure I’m OK with the travel.

“The county, how they are to me, it couldn’t be better. So that will come in the next weeks. But I love being a part of them boys.

“Do I think if I was to stay for the next two or three years that it could make a difference?

“Yeah. I’m saying that out loud. I’d be very confident.”

ANTRIM FUTURE

On Fitzgerald’s watch, Antrim preserved their Division 1B status.

However, their three-year stay in the Liam MacCarthy Cup ended after they lost to Offaly in a de facto relegation play-off.

On the prospect of staying on for another year, Fitzgerald added:

“Would I be disappointed in myself if I didn’t do a second one? I would.

“But health wise, family wise, I want to do the right thing — whatever that right thing is.

“In the last week or so, I’ve started to really think about it. Over this next ten days, I will and I’ll try and do the right thing.

“But the right thing has a few different factors. That’s genuine.”

l DAVY FITZGERALD attended the launch of the 24th annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge in Michael Lyng Motors, Kilkenny. This year’s Challenge, in aid of GAA-related charities, takes place at Killarney Golf and Fishing Resort on October 16 and 17

FOOTBALL is getting all the love ahead of a dream weekend of All- Ireland SFC quarter-finals.

But as of last night, none of the hurling semi-finalists had opened their doors to the media ahead of their own big weekend on July 5 and 6.

Tipperary told SunSport they have shut up shop ahead of their first Championship appearance at Croker since 2019.

The Kilkenny camp had also gone silent until yesterday when defender Huw Lawlor spoke to the press at an All-Ireland golf classic event.

Cork booked their place in the last four after their Munster final win over Limerick over a fortnight ago — but it’s oh-so-quiet on Leeside too.

And the same goes for gallant Dublin, who stunned the Treaty in Saturday’s quarter-final.

GAA president Jarlath Burns lamented the lack of media engagement before last year’s hurling semi-finals.

And as of now, the same thing is happening again.

Come on, lads — don’t be shy, embrace the limelight. It’s not doing football any harm.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

IT’S Question Time in the Kingdom — but who has the answers?

Kerry are at a fork in the road in their All-Ireland SFC quest.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Dáire Brennan/Sportsfile

One route the path to redemption and the other, a road to nowhere.

For years, Jack O’Connor’s men have sleepwalked through Munster — winning 14 titles in 16 seasons.

They’ve got a rude awakening this season.

Cork almost tripped them up in the semi-finals before Joe O’Connor’s crucial extra-time goal.

The game was a classic but a bit too close for comfort at 3-21 to 1-25.

That was as tough as it got though, as their provincial showpiece against Clare was little more than a training exercise.

After their 86th Munster crown, they should’ve been champing at the bit. Yet somehow, Kerry failed to top their All-Ireland group.

Beaten Leinster finalists Meath gleefully saw them off in Tullamore to take the direct flight to the last eight.

Yes, they had injuries. Paudie Clifford (muscle strain), Diarmuid O’Connor (shoulder), Seánie O’Shea (knee) and Paul Geaney (shoulder/concussion) all missed the trip to Offaly.

But they took their eye off the ball too, big time. The Royals romped past them by nine points and were full value for it.

An All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final was their punishment but maybe it was a game they needed.

Despite boss O’Connor criticising the atmosphere around Killarney, his men battered Cavan 3-20 to 1-17 and David Clifford helped himself to 3-7 to take his Championship scoring tally to 7-37 — a whopping 83 per cent of that total coming from open play. They’d be lost without him.

The return of his brother Paudie and O’Shea were massive boosts but Diarmuid O’Connor’s troublesome shoulder forced him off after just three minutes last weekend and he is unlikely to feature against Armagh at Croke Park on Sunday.

Tony Brosnan and Mike Breen were absent at Fitzgerald Stadium as well and Kerry have defensive concerns after leaking 2-39 in their last two games.

With midfield a concern too, Joe O’Connor and Seán O’Brien could form the makeshift pairing once more, but Armagh’s strength in the sector of the field is absolutely frightening.

Niall Grimley was handed a first Orchard start of 2025 in the final group game against Galway and took his opportunity with both hands by scoring 0-3.

Jason Duffy and Callum O’Neill have shared the No  8 jersey this summer, and Ben Crealey is in All-Star form once more.

The Maghery man will be fresh too after resting up for their loss against the Tribes.

BLOOD ORANGE

All those factors mean the Orchard will smell blood again this weekend after striking down the Kingdom in last summer’s semis.

The sight of the Kerry green and gold used to put the fear of God into teams but that doesn’t happen anymore.

Their 2022 All-Ireland title ended an eight-year wait for Sam Maguire. But they have failed to build on it as Dublin got revenge a year later and Armagh punished them last summer.

Kerry are the only county to reach every All-Ireland quarter-final since they began in 2001.

However, they often come untested. Their fanatical followers often don’t travel this early and anything less than an All-Ireland is a failure.

Timing is everything, and this game could be perfect or disastrous. David Clifford can’t do it all on his own, but the return of Paudie, O’Shea and possibly Paul Geaney are massive boosts.

One wrong turn could spell the end but redemption is there if they want it enough.

Kerry’s credentials and hunger are being questioned.

Sunday will provide us with the answers.

DONEGAL are being joked around after getting a six-day turnaround for their All-Ireland quarter-final.

The Ulster champions are facing into a third Championship game in 14 days. They should’ve been on the Sunday bill for this weekend’s quarter-finals.

Galway were rightly given a week to recover from their preliminary quarter-final win over Down but Donegal were not.

Kerry have been granted a healthy eight-day gap between their victory over Cavan on Saturday and Sunday’s crunch last-eight clash with Armagh.

But the short hop between games has irked Donegal — and rightly so.

The county board issued a statement on Monday saying as much after their request for a Sunday slot fell on deaf ears.

But rest assured, boss Jim McGuinness will use it to fire them up.

The Glenties man will further harness the siege mentality that he created within the group when their final SFC group game against Mayo was fixed for Dr Hyde Park.

They feel top brass are out to get them but they’ll use their fury against Monaghan, that’s for sure.

Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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