Kayleigh Cronin happy to take Kerry leap of faith

Kerry star Kayleigh Cronin admits that playing for the Kingdom has proven a real test of faith over the years, but she is hoping that their prayers are answered in this year's All-Ireland championship.

Darragh Long’s side, who face Tipperary in the Munster championship group stage this weekend, have made rapid improvement in recent seasons, chalking up a Division 2 title last year and a Division 1 crown this term (Cronin was Player of the Match) – their first since 1991.

They also reached their first All-Ireland final since 2012 last year, although they were heavily beaten by Meath in the Croke Park decider.

For Cronin, PwC GPA Player of the Month for April in ladies’ football, having stayed strong in the rough periods gives Kerry the belief that they can continue to take advantage of the good times and hopefully collect a first All-Ireland crown in 30 years.

"There were a couple of years when I first came into the panel that were tough going to say the least," she said.

"Nobody had an ounce of faith in us. It would make you question the faith in yourself as well. We went through a couple of hard years. Even a couple of years previous to when I was there, they were in the depths of despair nearly.

"We always had faith that we did have the players. We just had to get a system in place. Thankfully, the management that are here at the minute have brought that into place. Now we are seeing the fruits of our labour over the last few years. It's coming good."

"Nobody had an ounce of faith in us. It would make you question the faith in yourself as well.

Nothing is guaranteed though. With three in-a-row chasing Meath looking vulnerable at times during the league, there is a feeling that the race for the Brendan Martin Cup could be one