Kerry were the last county to win back-to-back All-Ireland SFC football titles in 2007.The challenge facing Eamonn Fizmaurice and his troops is to repeat that feat.The first step on their journey begins with a Munster semi-final date with either Waterford or Tipperary on 14 June.
In a county like Kerry, Fitzmaurice is only too aware that success is demanded, while he also feels that the bar continues to rise, so making any successful defence of Sam Maguire that more difficult.
Speaking to The Sunday Game in an exclusive interview to be broadcast in full during tomorrow's Donegal v Tyrone coverage (RTÉ2, 3.15pm), he said: "It was great year for us from the point of view of winning the All-Ireland in 2014 and very satisfying.
"However, because we were successful last year, and we now have the likes of Colm Cooper, Paul Galvin and Tommy Walsh back along with decent younger lads coming through, there is also a heightened sense of expectation this year in Kerry."
From observing the competitive action during the spring, the Kingdom boss believes his side will have to up their game this summer.
“It was evident in the league that teams have improved from last year and the bar seems to be rising every year,” he added.
"The challenge for us is to improve across the board if we can and we’ll see where that takes us."
Watch the full interview on The Sunday Game Live on RTÉ2 from 3.15pm.
