Gooch: Kerry are realistic contenders

July 09, 2014

Kerry's Colm Cooper. INPHO
Colm Cooper made the trip to Pairc Ui Chaoimh last Sunday confident his team-mates could keep a hold of the Munster SFC silverware but, not in his wildest dreams, did he envisage the demolition job that actually transpired.

"I had noticed about a week before the match that they were very tuned in,'' he revealed to the Examiner.

"I wasn't surprised that they won, or by the performance, but was surprised at the extent of the winning margin.

"I can't remember a Cork team that was so far off the pace, especially in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. I can't put my finger on what went wrong for Cork, but I think they will improve and a few positional changes will help.''

Kerry's display has heightened expectations within the county and the Gooch insists they are capable of going all the way in the All-Ireland series.

"They have come in under the radar, but they're now up there as genuine contenders.

"Dublin have been out on their own as the top team, but I think Kerry have shown they can put it up to the best.

"The All-Ireland now is the target and I see Kerry as realistic contenders.''

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