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Leinster SHC: Carey - 'It is all learning and new territory'

Kerry hurling manager Ciaran Carey.

Kerry hurling manager Ciaran Carey.

Saturday May 7

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round Robin

Kerry v Westmeath, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 3pm

By Cian O'Connell

It is getting interesting now.  Kerry and Westmeath can reflect on hugely satisfying starts to 2016 so Saturday’s Tralee tussle carries intrigue.

Buoyed up by a stunning success over Offaly Michael Ryan’s Westmeath are gaining belief and momentum, but Kerry are loaded with hope too.

Having retained Allianz Hurling League Division 1B status manager Ciaran Carey was impressed that Kerry registered a Championship victory against Carlow.

“Without a doubt it was good to get the win, it was new territory for Kerry being in the system, playing in their own back yard,” Carey told GAA.ie. 

“Getting the two points was very pleasing, but the performance level probably wasn't up to the standard we were used to in Division 1B of the League.  Still it gives us something to work on.

“It is as tricky as Westmeath will make it for us and as tricky as we will make for them.  Westmeath had a super win last weekend so they will have a small bit of momentum coming in on Saturday.  It has the makings of a very good game.”

Westmeath hurling manager Michael Ryan.

Westmeath hurling manager Michael Ryan.

What happened throughout the spring was a source of comfort for Kerry, and Carey is content with how the campaign is unfolding.

“I suppose for Kerry hurling going forward and what we are trying to achieve it was imperative that we maintained the status in 1B. 

“We have achieved that, but no medals are given out for that. So that is done and dusted and parked.  We are in phase two of our year now which is the Round Robin.  We have one game played.  The way things have gone so far is very gratifying and very pleasing.

“I suppose looking to where Kerry hurling came from in the Christy Ring Cup what was hugely beneficial for us was the Munster League.  They played a few games in that against good opposition. 

“All of that was huge to help Kerry's hurling and it gave them a little taste of the pace of the game and what we had to do to.  In 1B we got that too, so it is all learning and new territory, they've handled it fairly well up to now.”

With Mark Foley offering valuable coaching assistance Carey is delighted to be operating as a senior inter-county manage.

Yeah, I'm enjoying it,” Carey said.  “I knew going to Kerry I was putting my head on the chopping block, and that I was putting myself out there. 

“I have a very good team around me, Mark Foley is doing a top class job with me.  We both see the game with the same set of eyes, we have similar views on the game and preparing for a game, and how it should be hurled.  We are singing of the same hymn sheet which is hugely positive.  When you have guys involved thinking the same it is a help.  To be fair my first year as a manager at this level I'm happy enough.

“People use this phrase buying into, but I don't fancy it.  I believe if they have to get where they need to get it isn't a case of buying it, what matters, what is imperative is that they follow through with everything.”  This weekend’s clash with Westmeath promises to be revealing.