Kerry's championship preparations have been rocked by Donie Buckley's shock decision to step down as team coach reports today's Irish Examiner.

Buckley underwent a knee operation earlier this year and had been away from the set-up for nearly four months, during which time Alan O'Sullivan took over the coaching duties. It's believed Kerry manager Jack O'Connor was eager to retain Buckley as a selector, but the Ennis-based coach wasn't prepared to remain part of the management team as he would have a more limited coaching role with O'Sullivan having effectively taken over the reins in his absence.

The Castleisland native, who is regarded as one of the top coaches in the game, joined the Kingdom management in late 2010 after a successful spell with Mickey Ned O'Sullivan in Limerick. He served as joint-manager of the Clare senior team with Michael Brennan in 2006, then had a spell as forwards coach with Galway before going on to guide Galway club Moycullen to an All-Ireland club intermediate title.

The Kingdom will begin the defence of their Munster SHC crown against Tipperary in two weeks' time. Tweet

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