O'Keeffe retires from intercounty football

News: Long-serving Kerry goalkeeper Declan O'Keeffe announced his retirement from intercounty football yesterday.

The Rathmore clubman played the opening National League match against Longford this year but but after conceding three goals he was replaced by Diarmuid Murphy for the matches against Cork and Dublin.

"He told me he had lost his appetite," said manager Jack O'Connor. "He will be 32 soon and he has been having some bother with his knee in recent times. Also, he has to travel from Cork to train and he is getting married in October."

A garda by profession, O'Keeffe has been the mainstay in the Kerry number one jersey since his debut against Donegal, in the National League, in 1995 and has picked up practically every accolade in the game including two All-Ireland medals, two All Star awards, a National League title in 1997, a Railway Cup medal and six Munster titles. He also played International Rules for Ireland.

O'Connor was quick to point out there was no rift between the two men and he did try to convince O'Keeffe to stay in the panel: "Absolutely. He would have seen more action in the National League. But he has made his decision. I would also like to point out what a servant and ambassador Declan has been for Kerry football over the last 10 years. He bailed Kerry out on many occasions and we wish him well."

O'Keeffe was brought into the team, to replace Peter O'Brien, at the same time as Páidí Ó Sé was beginning his reign as manager. The management have decided to hold off naming a replacement.

Meanwhile, Wexford hope to name a team tomorrow night in advance of Saturday's first National Hurling League match under floodlights, in Páirc Uí Rinn against Cork.

John Conran's men are waiting to see if several of the casualties from last week's victory over Antrim recover in time, none more so than Larry Murphy, who has a groin strain. Michael Jacob and Robbie Cobb are also carrying minor knocks but are expected to recover in time.

Two players who will not be available for the rematch of last year's All-Ireland semi-final are Adrian Fenlon and Chris McGrath. Fenlon is on honeymoon and McGrath will require a further four weeks to recover from a dislocated shoulder.

Tipperary will not name their side for Sunday's clash against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds until this evening. The reason for the delay is due to the number of players in Fitzgibbon Cup action today. Eoin Kelly, Diarmuid Fitzgerald, Michael Phelan, Mark O'Leary and John Devane are all involved. Ollie Moran will be absent for Limerick as he is getting married this week.

Today's Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-finals are affecting most county sides' preparations this week.

Clare manager Anthony Daly is expected to watch UCC play NUI Galway in Cork today. Clare have 13 players from their 24-man panel in action. It's unlikely he will be able to name a full-strength side for Dublin's visit to Ennis as Seanie McMahon (hamstring), Brian Lohan (knee), Gerry Quinn (leg) and Diarmuid Quinn (hand) are doubtful.

After losing their first competitive match in 10 months last week against Waterford, All-Ireland champions Kilkenny received a boost when Peter Barry returned to full training last night after a groin injury. However, he will not be considered for selection against Galway on Sunday.

Martin Comerford has been named as captain for the season. The 24-year-old was nominated by his club O'Loughlin Gaels. Comerford's brother Andy, who captained Kilkenny in 2002, has been recalled to the panel. There was also a call-up for O'Loughlin's defender Brian Hogan though there is still no place on the expanded 32-man panel for their clubmate Brian Dowling.

The Cavan County Board has expressed its "deep regret" over the serious injury sustained by Westmeath player Finian Newman during a challenge game against Cavan last week.

The annual camogie congress will conclude on Saturday evening with the announcement of the team of the century at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.