THE result won’t flush John Cleary’s face, nor as Jack O’Connor mentioned as gaeilge, deny him a wink of Saturday night sleep. Kerry’s home tie with Roscommon next Sunday is important for sure, but nowhere as crucial as Cork’s Division 2 opener at home to Cavan. And Cork boss Cleary wasn’t trying to dilute its significance either in Killarney. You don’t really find out until you get into the heat of battle against very good players, which Kerry have. Added O’Connor: That’s the nature in Kerry, there’s a long club season there and you have to give players time off after that.

Source: Irish Examiner January 17, 2026 19:19 UTC