WE PAID BILL FOR HIS VISIT

Kingdom hero Ambrose recalls dread after Micko pal came south but pain was worth it in long run

- KARL O’KANE

NOT much struck fear into the hearts of the Kerry golden years side.

But the sight of the late Billy Bingham who guided Northern Ireland to the 1982 and 1986 World Cups - arriving in Waterville had them seriously worried. They knew what was coming next.

"Micko (Dwyer) was great friends with Billy Bingham (right) and ahead of his time," says Ambrose O'Donovan, a midfield giant in the last Kerry side to defeat Dublin in an All-Ireland final (1985).

"He was great friends with Billy Bingham - God rest his soul.

"We dreaded visits from him down to Waterville. Dwyer and himself would play golf. They struck up a friendship. He'd be around for two weeks playing golf.

"We'd have so many different training techniques after Billy Bingham's visits to Waterville.

We dreaded the first four or five weeks after Billy going back.

"Dwyer would have little things taken down. 'Do this. Try this. Do these sprints. Ah sweet Jesus, we dreaded it.