Kerry women looking to get to the pitch of things

In a Kerry inter-county career that has spanned 15 seasons, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh has witnessed monumental change in the sport.

Participation numbers, media coverage, attendances and standards have gone through the roof, the long-serving Ní Mhuircheartaigh describing it as night and day. Next week's Munster final is part of a double-header, giving further exposure to the women’s game.

"We hadn’t a clue what band work was," she said when asked to cast her mind back to her debut season with the seniors as a 16-year-old.

"It’s unreal and it’s great to be still involved in it and have gone through those changes, seeing it so professional now is brilliant."

After much heartache in Division 2 finals in recent years, Kerry came good this year with a comeback victory over Armagh last month and now are readying themselves for a Munster final date with Cork on Saturday week as they seek a first provincial title since 2017.

Yet while the sport goes from strength to strength, some older issues haven’t been fully resolved.

Last year they had full access to the Centre of Excellence at Currans, but that isn’t the case this time around.

Munster Techological University, formerly known as IT Tralee has been accomodating for Wednesday and Friday sessions, but Sundays are a little more in the air.

They have been to Currans sporadically, but not to the same level as previously enjoyed.

"We don’t know what’s the story," she admitted.

"They have four photos on the front of it (Currans) and I’m one of them, but we are not allowed in there so it is a bit annoying and you are wondering what’s the difference?

"I don’t know but I’ll probably get in trouble for talking about this."

The GAA voted overwhelmingly in favour of prioritising integration between