Munster chairman Sean Walsh is delighted to see Kerry back in next January's McGrath Cup.

New Kingdom boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has decided to re-enter his team in the pre-season competition after his predecessor Jack O'Connor controversially withdrew the 2011 champions from it last season.

"I am delighted to see Kerry back in the McGrath Cup, because in my opinion, they should have never been out of it in the first place. My feelings on Kerry's withdrawal last year are well documented. It did the competition no good, as Kerry were beaten All-Ireland finalists and the holders," Walsh said in The Irish Times.

"I remember the McGrath Cup final in 2011 when there was a big crowd watching Kerry beat Clare in Killarney and I think it was beneficial to Kerry."

The former Kerry chairman says there are many benefits to playing in the McGrath Cup.

"Remember the McGrath Cup where Darran O'Sullivan rediscovered his zip for the game again and he had a great year. In fact Darran started one game at wing back and he came on this year, against Donegal as more or less an attacking wing back," he continued.

"This competition will enable Eamonn Fitzmaurice and the new management team to take a look at players they may have spotted playing well in the county championship, and other fringe players who have not been getting a lot of game time. So it's a good preparation for the league and players, who are training hard at this time of the year, like games to break the monotony." Tweet

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