JACK O’Connor is reportedly set to draft Micheal Burns back into his Kerry panel in a dramatic U-turn from this time last year.
Back in Feburary 2024 the Kingdom boss announced that Burns had opted to walk away over a lack of playing time.
However, in a November interview on the Smaller Fish GAA podcast, the Dr Crokes forward clarified that he was ‘more told I wasn’t wanted’ while about to hop into his car on the way to training.
Burns responded to his brutal dropping in the best manner possible as he was in inspired form as his club stormed to the Munster championship title.
Crokes selector Denis Coleman hailed the 29-year-old in the lead-up to their final triumph over Loughmore-Castleiney for channelling his frustration brilliantly.
Coleman told SunSport: “When things with Kerry came to an end, Micheal was straight back to us with an attitude of, ‘I’m back with my own crowd here now and I’m going to give it 100 per cent’.
“He played right through the league with us and he was a real leader on and off the field.
“He brought so much to it, whereas some fellas might start moping because they’re no longer involved at that level.
“His attitude was completely different. He came back in and couldn’t get enough football. He was delighted to be with the group.
“He had been with Kerry for quite a number of years so it wouldn’t have been normal for him to be with us at that time of the year.
“But we were more than happy to have him and he’s been a huge asset to us all the way through.”
Burns himself spoke after that sweet success about just how much a ninth provincial crown meant to everyone connected with the club.
The 2022 All-Ireland winner with Kerry beamed: “These days don’t come around often and you have to cherish them.
“You can see what it means to people out here on the pitch. A brilliant day for the club.
“We haven’t been here in a while and it’s just a great feeling now leading into Christmas with something to look forward to afterwards.”
TAKING KERR
According to The Kerryman, he is now among a quartet called up by O’Connor as Kerry prepare to make their bow in Division 1 of the Allianz League.
Mark O’Shea, Evan Looney and Charlie Keating are the other three named in the piece.
The All-Ireland contenders’ re-fixed opening clash with Donegal will be played on Saturday, February 8 at Fitzgerald Stadium at 2.30pm.
Last Sunday’s round 1 showdown was one of five league fixtures called off across both codes due as a result of storm Éowyn.
Leitrim’s cancelled Division 3 clash with Laois and Wicklow’s Division 4 showdown with Waterford will also be played on February 8 in Ballinamore and Aughrim respectively with 2.30 starts.
Mayo’s NHL Division 3 game against Cavan will be played on Saturday February 15 at 1.30, and Westmeath’s Division 2 hurling derby against Laois will be on Sunday February 16 at 2.30.
