Kerry Claim Intermediate Football Trophy

Kerry 2-20 Connemara Gaels 3-13

Saturday afternoon Kerry captured the Intermediate football title with a come from behind win following extra time.  Lining out at center forward Mike McCarthy put in a man of the match performance for the Kingdom, and James Coffey came to the rescue at the end of normal time to score the equalizing goal.

At the end of the first half the Gaels held a six point to two edge.  Michael Stevenson was on form at corner forward and accounted for all six of the Gaels scores.  In the second period the Gaels held on to their advantage even though Sean Conneely was sent to the line for striking.  Kerry worked their way back into the game.  Gavin Nugent and McCarthy switched positions and Luke Mulligan served as he extra man for Kerry in the half back line.  Michael Stevenson netted early in the half for the Gaels, and Sean Moran scored a second goal, but Kerry picked off points from McCarthy and Nugent to keep within range of their opponents.  With normal time almost up and the Gaels up by three, Michael Rodgers had a chance to put two scores in the game but failed to take his point.  Kerry took full advantage and Coffey leveled with a goal to force extra time.

For a third time the Gaels went into the lead to start the third period of the game.  Brian Joyce netted following a run half the length of the field from the throw-in.  A point followed and the Gaels looked like they might be the side to win the silverware that was up for grabs.  Up stepped Mike McCarthy and the man from Beaufort County Kerry restored parity with a goal and a point for the Kingdom.  Kerry finished the extra period the stronger side and having tallied three unanswered points, Mike Godley put the matter beyond doubt with a fine strike from the sideline.  Having started the season well, Kerry stuttered in the latter stages just missing out on the playoffs.  Last year’s Intermediate winners, Shannon Blues, are unbeaten in this year’s championship so if that is anything to go by, 2013 could be a promising one for the Kingdom.

Referee:  Colm Schwer (Cill Dara)

Man of the Match:  Michael McCarthy (Kerry)

Kerry:  S. O’Leary, J. O’Mahoney, C. O’Mahoney, K. O’Connor, J. McGrath, M. Godley, J. Coffey, T. O’Huallachain, D. Fenton, M. McCarthy, J. Dooley, C. O’Brien, G. Nugent.  Gaels:  J. O’Donnell, C. O’Donnell, P. McNicholas, S. Conneely, C. Sweeney, K. Owens, B. Joyce, M. Rodgers, J. Greaney, N. Graham, S. Moran, C. Mulkerrins, M. Stevenson.

By Rory O'Donnell