James O’Donoghue returns to Kerry team for first start since last year’s All-Ireland final

Fri, 29 Jul, 2016 - 21:12

Stephen Barry

Kerry boss Éamonn Fitzmaurice has included James O’Donoghue in the Kerry attack for Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Clare, writes Stephen Barry.

The 2014 Footballer of the Year hasn’t started for the Kingdom since last year’s All-Ireland final, having has surgery on a shoulder injury, but scored four points as a substitute in the Munster final at the start of July.

O’Donoghue replaces Colm Cooper, who injured his shoulder ligaments in that game against Tipperary.

Fitzmaurice has opted for two other changes, with David Moran taking the place of free-taker Bryan Sheehan in midfield and Peter Crowley replacing Aidan O’Mahony, who was a last-minute call-up for the Munster final.

Michael Geaney and Johnny Buckley, like Cooper, are ruled out due to injury. That means that three under-21s, Tom O’Sullivan, Barry O’Sullivan and Tony Brosnan, make the championship match day squad for the first time.

Kerry enjoyed a 12-point victory over Clare when they last met seven weeks ago in the Munster semi-final.

The Kerry team is as follows:

1. Brian Kelly (Killarney Legion)

2. Shane Enright (Tarbert)

3. Mark Griffin (St Michaels/Foilmore)

4. Killian Young (Renard, captain)

5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht)

6. Peter Crowley (Laune Rangers)

7. Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)

8. Kieran Donaghy (Austin Stacks)

9. David Moran (Kerins O’Rahillys)

10. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare)