Eamonn Fitzmaurice says Brendan Kealy's withdrawal from the Kerry squad was disappointing.

The former All Star goalkeeper announced his departure from the Kingdom set-up last week after losing the No.1 shirt to Brian Kelly for the championship.

"It was disappointing and I was disappointed for Brendan himself, in particular. He was frustrated with a lack of game-time and you can understand that, especially with the position he's in," the Kerry manager said.

"Generally the way we've gone in the championship, once one of the lads has got a hold of it, that's been it for the summer. Brian has been playing very well as well. It was disappointing for him and he was frustrated. Again, I understand it. There were no hard feelings. I wished him the best of luck and it was mutual and that was it."

Fitzmaurice had drafted in both Shane Ryan of Rathmore and Dr Crokes' Shane Murphy as cover: "Both of them have been in our plans since the start of the season but as the season went on, Shane Ryan has been involved with the U21s and Shane Murphy was involved in the Dr Crokes' All-Ireland run.

"As the season went on, we were happy with what we had and it was going to be awkward having three or four keepers around the squad so we just kept it as it was.

"But when Brendan departed then, it was an opportunity for the two lads to come in. And of course they were chomping at the bit and delighted to get the call and they are fighting it out now at the moment."

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