Kerry's Shane Brick was pleased with his return to intercounty action.

The Kingdom attacker marked his return from a near-two-year absence with an astonishing match-winning haul of 0-12 against IT Tralee on Sunday.

"It was a long time since I last played for Kerry, in the 2010 National League, so to be out there in the swing of things with the lads is a great feeling," he tells the Examiner.

"I got back playing for my club last year but it was just too late in the day for Kerry.

"It was frustrating to just be watching on last year especially when all you want is to play. It was the bones of twelve months that I was out for, and I did miss it.

"Kerry hurling is on an upward curve at the moment. We have been in the last two Christy Ring Cup finals, winning the competition last year and we have made real strides.

"There are some very talented young hurlers coming through. This year, we need to step it up and improve. That's what it's about for us now.

"The league will be tough. We have two goals ahead of us this season, for the league and the Christy Ring Cup, and we know what we have to do to achieve them.

" You're never going to be flying in January. It's all about getting games as a player and as a team, gelling as a unit. There will be bigger days ahead." Tweet

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