Griffin predicts 'incredible' game between rivals

Enda McGinley, Tyrone, in action against Tommy Griffin, Kerry in 2008

FORMER Kerry player Tommy Griffin is bracing himself for what he says will be “an incredible game” when Tyrone take on his county in Killarney this weekend.

The Dingle publican, mainly recognised for his exploits at midfield before being deployed as a stop-gap full-back, picked up five All-Ireland and eight Munster titles in a decorated inter-county career, with three National League crowns thrown in for good measure.

In his first year as a supporter though, he’s looking forward to taking his place in the stand at Fitzgerald Stadium this Saturday evening for a match which he reveals has whet the appetite of the Kingdom faithful.

“From talking to people around the place, they’re looking forward to an incredible game and I have no doubt that the atmosphere is going to be one to remember. Munster finals here against Cork are probably the only thing which would have come close to this in terms of the size of the match and the crowd that it is sure to draw to Killarney.

“It’s a big game for the older players especially, the boys who would have played in the three games and got beaten in ‘03, ‘05 and ‘08. To go out now and to try to finally beat Tyrone at home is a huge opportunity for those lads, a fantastic chance for Kerry, but it’s another days work to actually try to do it.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday July 19. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here