Mícheál Burns was in impressive form as Dr Crokes defeated Dingle, winning their first Kerry senior club title since 2018.
The half forward dropped himself off the Kerry panel at the beginning of the year over a lack of game-time, but he's hinted that he would consider going back if he was asked.
Burns kicked 0-4 in a typically industrious showing at half forward as Dr Crokes dethroned the reigning champs. After the game, he spoke to TG4 about his Kerry situation.
"If Kerry ever wanted...you never turn down a chance to play for Kerry, ever," he said.
"Circumstances didn't work out last year, but look, it's a privilege to play for Kerry.
"I'm not out here trying to prove a point to anyone. I'm out here trying to win football games for Dr Crokes. Kerry is the greatest county in the country, the most successful.
"And if you're asked to play for Kerry, you play for Kerry, it's as simple as that, but look, I'm going to enjoy this one tonight."
57nóim #GAABEO@DingleGAA 0-11 - 1-14 @DrCrokesGAA
Seans mór ar chúl anseo ach an rabhadh ciallmhar de cúilín tógtha do @DrCrokesGAA
Big chance on goal here but the sensible option of a point taken for Dr. Crokes!
Beo / Live ar @TG4TV @Kerry_Official pic.twitter.com/6LPdELH2mk
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) September 1, 2024
Burns spent much of the summer in Chicago playing football for the Wolfe Tones club before returning to play with Crokes.
He described his time in America as 'one of the best summers of his life.
"We were very successful out there, had a great summer," he said.
"I left the inter-county set-up in January/February so I had been involved (with Dr. Crokes) for eight or nine weeks beforehand, playing county League week-on-week. Those eight or nine weeks stood to me.
"I'd worked with Pat O'Shea (Dr Crokes manager) previously but I was re-integrated into his thinking and the way he wanted to play.
"But came straight back in here, and after having that eight or nine weeks, I felt like I slotted in fairly well."
Burns went onto hail manager Pat O'Shea for his commitment to the Crokes cause.
"Pat O Shea, I'd like to describe him as a bit of a crazy genius," he said.
"He obviously doesn't like to talk to ye boys (media) too much, and he keeps to himself, but he's Crokes through and through to the bone. He could have managed countless counties throughout the years, this is his bread and butter, this is what he loves.
"He does it for the Crokes and that's it."
Victory was sweet for every member of Dr Crokes today in Tralee but it was especially sweet for Michéal Burns.
The All-Ireland winner left the Kerry panel 7 months ago.
Today he inspired his club to the Kerry Senior Club title, kicking four points in the process.⚫🟡 pic.twitter.com/fhdhFWAGA8
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 1, 2024
Burns insisted that the county championship is the big one in Kerry where the divisional clubs enter the fray. That will be their next target having won the club title and he says the addition of the divisional clubs is a good thing for Kerry.
"No, it's great. It's been like that for...That's the tradition in Kerry. You could hum and haw about it and give out about it but look it's good for Kerry football.
"Everyone gets a chance to play at the highest level of football in the county and if you're not good enough, you're not good enough.
"It improves us as players. It drives us as a club to try and compete with the likes of East Kerry. It's the way it has been and it's the way it will be forever. That's the main competition in Kerry, that's the one you want to win."
