"No hard feelings" over Kealy exit, says Fitzmaurice

Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice says he understands why goalkeeper Brendan Kealy quit the inter-county panel, and insists there are "no hard feelings" between the pair.

The 2015 All Star goalkeeper made himself unavailable for selection last week over his lack of game time in this year's championship.

Fitzmaurice has alternated his goalkeepers this year, with Kealy and Killarney Legion's Brian Kelly sharing the duties over the league campaign and the championship.

Kelly started the Kingdom's Munster semi-final over Clare and the Munster final win against Cork, while Kealy was in goals for Kerry's National League final win over Dublin in April

"It was disappointing and I was disappointed for Brendan himself, in particular," Fitzmaurice said. 

"He was frustrated with a lack of game-time and you can understand that, especially with the position he's in.

"Generally the way we’ve gone in the championship, once one of the lads has got a hold of it, that's been in it for the summer.

"Brian has been playing very well as well. It was disappointing for him and he was frustrated. 

"Again, I understand it. There were no hard feelings. I wished him the best of luck and it was mutual and that was it."

Fitzmaurice is preparing the Kingdom for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Galway, and the Lixnaw man expects the Tribesmen to be "brimming with confidence" after their 4-17 to 0-14 victory over Donegal last weekend.

"They would have been disappointed with the Connacht final [2015 to 0-12 defeat to Roscommon] but really reacted with a very strong display against Donegal and they'll be going to Croke Park brimming with confidence," Fitzmaurice told RTE Sport.

"There were two things that stood out for me. Their work-rate really went through the roof compared to the Connacht final, and the second thing was their forward play.

"They have six or eight good forwards and could afford to keep Danny Cummins, a very good finisher, and Michael Meehan on the bench.

"They were outstanding up front. That'll be a big challenge for us at the weekend."

Image: Inpho/Cathal Noonan

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