Last night Kerry named their squad to face Cork in Sunday's Munster final and it's fair to say there were a few surprises. Considering the Kingdom's strength in depth, it's difficult to say Eamonn Fitzmaurice's side is particularly weakened but nonetheless he has decided to keep the likes of Colm Cooper, Aidan O'Mahony and Darran O'Sullivan in reserve.
Kerry squad to face Cork:
1. Brendan Kealy
2. Fionn Fitzgerald, 3. Marc Ó Sé, 4. Shane Enright
5. Jonathan Lyne, 6. Peter Crowley, 7. Killian Young
8. David Moran, 9. Bryan Sheehan
10. Stephen O’Brien, 11. Johnny Buckley, 12. Donnchadh Walsh
13. Barry John Keane, 14. Kieran Donaghy (C), 15. James O’Donoghue
Subs
16. Brian Kelly, 17. Colm Cooper, 18. Anthony Maher, 19. Paul Geaney, 20. Mark Griffin, 21. Michael Geaney, 22. Aidan O’Mahony, 23. Darran O’Sullivan, 24. Tommy Walsh, 25. Jack Sherwood, 26. Paul Murphy
As you may have noticed, that's quite an experienced bench. But the extent of that experience is really put in perspective with this incredible stat from Enda Lynch.
On Sunday, Kerry's bench will include:
21 All Irelands
17 All Stars
4 Al final MOTM awards
2 Players of the year
1 Young Player of the Year— Enda Lynch (@austinstacksabu) July 2, 2015
(For eagle eyed readers, Lynch offered an explanation for the two player of the year awards)
For those who care / already asked, 2nd player of year award in previous tweet is Goochs Texaco Award. No space in first tweet to explain
— Enda Lynch (@austinstacksabu) July 2, 2015
Cork may be bullish that they have what it takes to wrestle the Munster title back form their greatest rivals but you have to think if it's in any way close at the 50th minute mark, Fitzmaurice's options from the bench could have a significant role to play.