Keegan: Tyrone and Kerry minors deserved Croke Park billing

By Michael McMullan

FORMER Mayo star Lee Keegan has expressed his disappointment that the Tyrone and Kerry minor teams have not being given the chance to play in front of next weekend’s All-Ireland senior semi-final between the two counties.

Speaking on the Gaelic Lives All-Ireland semi-final podcast, Keegan feels there should be “wriggle room” with the same counties involved.

Tyrone and Kerry will meet in this weekend’s All-Ireland Minor final in the Newbridge.

The seniors will lock horns on Saturday week in a double-header that includes the Tailteann Cup final between Kildare and Limerick.

“I am expecting a huge Kerry support there on Saturday (week),” Keegan said of Kerry’s senior semi-final with the Red Hands.

“The only sad about one thing though, I can’t believe the minor final isn’t being played with it.

“It’s a special moment for minors. The Tailteann Cup is on as well and I totally understand that, but there should be wriggle room to double up your minors.

“Again, you’re adding more support to the teams that are playing. The fact the minors would get to runout at Croke Park, with that support before a game, I think it would be so special for that group.

“I used to love that when we played All-Irelands, having the minors in there before. You could see how special it was for them. I’m just sad that they don’t get to experience that.”

Keegan feels that Saturday week’s All-Ireland semi-final will be a tremendous occasion, given the history between Kerry and Tyrone in crunch championship games.

“I think you’re going to have a big crowd for this game,” he added. “It’s just one of those rivalries that still has that edge about it.”