Kerry drawn in tough group

Kerry have been drawn in the All Ireland qualifier group stages
with National League winners and Connaught champions Mayo. Also
in Group 1 are Munster finalists Waterford who earlier in the
year beat Kerry in the Provincial camapign 3-5 to 1-9 in Blennerville.
Division 2 winners Dublin are also in Group 1 and Kerry will have
a score to settle with the Metropolitans who twice disposed of
Kerry at the all Ireland semi-final stages in both 2003 and 2004.

Dublin are first up for robbie Griffin’s side on July 21st with
the three group games been played over consecutive weekends. Mayo
will most likely emerge as winners of the group with the Kerry
v Waterford tussle most likely being the key to deciding who might
join the Westerners who are currently blazing a trail following
their extra time success last weekend against Galway in which
Cora Staunton contributed 1-13 from their 3-16 tally. Sarah O’Connor
is back in light training with the Kerry panel and could yet play
a part in the qualifier series but Dr Crokes Mairead Finnegan
is definitely out having stepped down from the County panel to
pursue some overseas travelling.

Over 150 guests attended TG4’s launch of the draw in Croke Park
with an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern complimenting the Ladies organisation
on their fine work as they continue to grow their numbers within
the game past the 100,000 figure mark.