Former Kildare star Johnny Doyle says players in the county were unsure whether they’d be returning to championship duty this year.
Last Monday saw the government lift specific Covid-19 restrictions in Kildare with immediate effect and, speaking on the RTÉ Six One News yesterday evening, two-time All Star Doyle, who still plays with his native Allenwood, says there’s great excitement around the county again.
"We are back and there's an air of excitement around the county to be back playing," he said.
"Crowds will have to stay away but from a playing point of view, it's great to be back and everybody is looking forward to the championship.
"The season, in a normal year, is very congested. That's taken up the airwaves for years. So this year is going to be really challenging for the board.
After moving out of lockdown this week, @ciaranmullooly reports from @MoorefieldGaa on the return to action, while @johnnydoyle78 talks about potential headaches for Kildare GAA #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/8WsElbYeDI
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 1, 2020
"The fixtures start tomorrow night. You've minor championship starting tomorrow night, you've the first round of the hurling championship on Thursday and then you've senior football championship at the weekend.
"There's certainly a lot of pressure, particularly on dual clubs. Maybe pick up an injury or two and your season could be over.
"It is going to be challenging. But the general feeling is that we're back and we didn't think we would be back. So it's happy days all around."
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