Upset predicted in Kerry by O Se

The Sam Maguire Cup has still not reached Paidi O Se's pub in Ventry but a gala reception is planned for Saturday night. The cup will be paraded through the streets of Dingle before heading for Ventry along a route which will be decked with flags and flanked by bonfires.

Paidi is calmer now that he has been for some time. "We are beginning to come to terms with what has happened. Naturally we were worried that the long years might be extended but once the final whistle blew we felt a load lifted off our shoulders," he says.

Now, a mere fortnight later, Kerry is preparing for the county final between Laune Rangers and East Kerry. "Laune Rangers are going for their third title in a row and naturally enough they are in very determined mood.

"Quite honestly I have a sneaking suspicion that East Kerry might do the job. They have been building up a very well-balanced team for the last three or four years and they have been very impressive. I am not taking sides of course but I am looking forward to a great match. There will be a huge crowd and the atmosphere will be great I'm sure," he says.

Asked about the way the players from the two clubs have prepared for the match he admits that the All-Ireland win may have taken the attention of some of the players away from the county final.

"They all took part in the celebrations immediately after the match and for a few days afterwards but these lads are young and fit and I have no doubt at all that they put the celebrations on hold and got down to the business of playing for their clubs at the very peak of their ability. I know that there were a few late nights but they will have been able to put that behind them very quickly.

"They had to concentrate on the semi-finals last weekend and we had two great matches in Killarney. I'm sure that the people in charge of the teams didn't let the lads allow their minds to be taken off the county championship. That is a great competition in Kerry as in every other county.

"I believe that we will have a great match in Tralee on Sunday and that Kerry football will prosper from now on.

"It is great to be back in the driving seat once again. The atmosphere is mighty. The odds are on Laune Rangers but they cannot afford to relax at any stage and I believe that we might have an upset," he says.