8/11/2024 - Intermediate Football Final – Kerry Boston vs Cork Boston

8/11/2024 - Intermediate Football Final – Kerry Boston vs Cork Boston

 

By Neil McEnaney

 

Full Time Score:

Kerry Boston: 2-14

Cork Boston: 2-12

 

We were treated to an excellent intermediate final that could have went either way right up until the last kick of the ball as it bounced off nearly everything in the Kerry square except for over the line for a goal. Congratulations to Kerry Boston and commiserations to Cork Boston who will no doubt be back again next year.

 

It was the late change to the line up Sean McCarthy who opened the scoring for Cork after Eoin Walsh found him in the full forward line. McCarthy took on his man and blasted it over from close range. Cork kept the pressure on, turning over the Kerry kick out and doubling their lead with O’Riordan kicking a nice point from the top of the D.

 

Sean Guidan opened the scoring for Kerry from a free kick from the deck from outside the 45 which sailed over with plenty to spare. Cork worked the ball up the field quickly with Joe Boyle finding Hugh McDonald with a half yard of space which he kicked over the bar.

 

Cork were on top in the middle third in the opening quarter and were turning over a lot of Kerry’s kick outs. Jack Lynch won one of these kick outs and moved it quickly to Niall O’Connor. O’Connor had space and fisted it through to Eoin Walsh. Walsh dived fist first to the ball to finish into the bottom corner for the game’s first goal.

 

Kerry needed to change something and Deividas started taking the Kerry kickouts which added distance from the set balls. Gary Vaughan broke through the tackle for Kerry to kick a nice point off his right to bring them back into the game. Kerry started finding space in the Cork defence with Ryan O’Grady turning his man to kick a nice point before Guidan added another from the right wing off his trusty left boot.

 

A high ball into McCarthy in the full forward line for Cork caused havoc in the Kerry defence as he was fouled as he turned gifting Cork the penalty. Eoin Walsh steeped up to take the penalty but it was well saved by Davidas in the Kerry net. Walsh hit the resulting 45 but was denied by the post.

 

After the penalty save, Kerry started getting back into the game through the free taking of Guidan. Finbarr Murphy found space in the Cork defence and slipped it through to O’Grady. O’Grady went straight for goal and finished low and hard for Kerry into the net to give the Kingdom a two point lead.

 

Cork responded immediately with a beautiful point from Lynch off his left foot while under pressure. Kerry then worked the ball through the hands of Jim Lynch to Ryan O’Grady. O’Grady had nearly a carbon copy of his first goal burying it into the bottom corner.

 

A point from Walsh from a free finished the scoring of the first half as Kerry went into the break 3 points up.

 

Half Time Score:

Kerry Boston: 2-5

Cork Boston: 1-5

 

Finbarr Murphy opened the scoring for Kerry in the second half with a point from a free on top of the D. Cork came up the other end with the referee hopping the ball for the Kerry keeper, Padraig Doyle, taking too long on a kickout. From the hop ball, the ball broke out to Walsh who fisted it over the bar.

 

Sean O’Riordan made a great run through the center and fisted through to Feidhelm Joyce who kicked a great point on the run. A long ball into Fergal O’Brien was collected well. O’Brien worked it through to John O’Riordan who scored a great point to leave just one between the sides.

 

Kerry worked the ball well up the field and were well denied for the goal by Kieran McEnery in the Cork nets. Cork worked the ball quickly up the field to McCarthy who took on his man and fisted it over from a tight angle to bring the sides level. The target man McCarthy got on the end of high ball into him again and fisted it over to bring Cork ahead.

 

Kerry needed a spark to get their second half going and it was the dangerous O’Grady who provided it kicking a lovely score from a tight angle. A turnover for Kerry was moved quickly to O’Riordan who kicked a point with plenty of space. O’Grady added another with the help of the post after a great solo run.

 

Gary Vaughan showed great speed and fitness coming into the final stretch first setting up O’Grady and then Cooper for points. Cork were going for route one football into the danger man Sean McCarthy, but Kerry started getting on top in their own full back line forcing turnovers on the big man.

 

Coming into the final stretch, Cork were chasing the game. Lynch scored a great point from his left foot under pressure. Cork will be disappointed with some wayward kicking in front of the posts in the final quarter.  

 

Kerry were 4 up into injury time when a high ball into the square broke kindly for the Cork sub who finished low into the bottom corner to leave just a point between the sides. Kerry got the kickout out and were patient with the ball as they moved it up the field kicking what they hoped was their insurance point.

In a grandstand finish, Cork moved the ball quickly up the field and Feidhelm Joyce received the ball on the Kerry 13 meter line. Joyce turned and shot, striking the inside of the Kerry post which then bounced off Kerry keeper and out of play. The referee blew the full time whistle and Kerry are the Boston Intermediate Champions of 2024.

Please see link below to anyone who would like to watch the game back:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJP_dNSCitM&t=1s

 

Finally, a huge thank you to our commentators; John Moylan, Greg Lundy and Eoin Casey for volunteering their time and adding to the entertainment in both games. Thanks lads.

 

Kerry Boston:

Padraig Doyle, Deividas Uosis, Paul Ring, Mike Godley, John Cooper (0-1), Gary Vaughan (0-1), George Kealy, Niall O’Connor, Sean Guiden (0-3), Finbarr Murphy (0-1), Connor Stark (0-1), Ryan O’Grady (2-4), Liam Doherty

 

Cork Boston:

Kieran McEnery, Mark Dalton, Ronan Hurley, Paddy O’Driscoll, Joe Boyle, Fearghal Rooney, Jack Lynch (0-2), Sean O’Rioirdain (0-3), Shawn Sullivan, Feidhelm Joyce (0-1), Eoin Walsh (1-2), Hugh McDonald (0-1), Sean McCarthy (0-3)

 

Man of the Match: Gary Vaughan

 

Referee: Diarmuid Boylan

6/16/2024 - Intermediate Football - Donegal Boston vs Kerry Boston

 By Neil McEnaney

Full Time Score:

Donegal: 3-13

Kerry: 1-16

 

Both Donegal and Kerry were coming into this game with their tails up after having convincing wins against Wolfe Tones and Christophers respectively. The pace was frantic throughout with Donegal getting the crucial goals to get over the line to take the win.

 

It was Donegal who started the brighter with Ethan McDevitt getting through on goal and taking the wise option of fisting it over the bar. Alex Doherty then found Jack O’Brien unmarked on the 21 who only had the keeper to beat and finished coolly into the bottom corner. Kerry didn’t panic and they weren’t long getting on the scoresheet thanks to the free taking of Finbar Murphy. It was Murphy who scored a goal to level it after a great move by Kerry which saw Sean Guiden finding Murphy who made no mistake from close range.

 

The midfield battle was a fascinating one with the two giants Leo Cunningham and George Kealey not giving each other an inch while Murphy and Conor O’Neill battled for the breaking ball. There really was nothing between the teams throughout the first half as when one team scored, the other was soon to level it.

 

Cunningham broke through the Kerry defence with some strong running to set up Alex Doherty for a goal which he finished into the bottom corner. Some fantastic points from the left boot of Ryan O’Grady kept the sides level at half time.

 

Half Time Score:

Donegal: 2-5

Kerry: 1-8

 

Murphy opened the scoring in the second half for Kerry before Donegal hit their stride scoring 4 points in a row from McGarvey, Doherty (x2) and O’Neill. The introduction of Cian O’Grady off the bench for Donegal made a huge difference as he used all his pace and skill to open up the Kerry defence. In the Kerry attack, Ryan O’Grady was unmarkable at times kicking some great points off his left foot.

 

It was Cian who got the goal to put Donegal 6 up. O’Neill fed Cian the ball who burst through the Kerry defence with great speed before blasting it into the net.

 

Once again, Kerry didn’t panic. They started winning the midfield battle and slowly chipped away at the Donegal lead getting it back to 3 points.

 

Donegal showed all their experience with and started holding on to the ball in their own back line to wind down the clock. The patient build up play paid off with Ryan McMahon kicking a point from the top of the D.

 

Kerry got it back to three points and had one more goal chance at the end that hit the side netting. A fantastic game of football that could have went either way.

 

Man of the Match: Jack O’Brien

 

Teams and Scorers:

Donegal Boston:

Darren Grant, James Newell, Mark McFadden, Ryan McMahon (0-1), Jack O’Brien (1-0), Sean Donnelly, Conor O’Neill (0-3), Leo Cunningham (0-1), Ethan McDevitt (0-1), Alex Doherty (1-4), Ben Bradley, Tiarnan McHugh (0-1), Blake McGarvey (0-1)

Subs: Cian O’Grady (1-1)

 

Kerry Boston:

Sean Bohan, Luke Chester, Paul Ring, Deividas Uisis, John Cooper, Gary Vaughn (0-1), George Kealey, Finbar Murphy (1-4), Darragh Curtin, Sean Guiden (0-1), Connor Stark (0-2), Ryan O’Grady (0-6), Mattie Farrell (0-1)

Subs: Number 14 (0-1)

 

Referee: Robbie Croft

6/2/2024 - Intermediate Football - Kerry v Christopher's

By Neil McEnaney

 Kerry vs Christophers – 2pm 

Hot conditions in Canton as Kerry and Christophers got their Intermediate Championships underway. It was one way traffic for the most of this game with Kerry putting their marker down early. Christophers, to their credit had a purple patch at the end of the first half but were unable to keep up their momentum at the start of the second half as Kerry ran out deserved winners. 

It was Christophers who started the brighter as they raced to 0-3 to 0-1 lead in the early stages with some well taken points from Dara O’Callaghan and Colm Joyce. Kerry battled back with a big turnover from John Cooper leading to the games first goal from Sean Guiden. Cooper led the way playing at center back for Kerry getting countless turnovers for the Munster men. 

It was one way traffic for Kerry and led the game 2-4 to 0-3 before Christophers registered another point. Christophers hit their purple patch just before half time and got a few scores on the bounce from Dara O’Callaghan, Colm Joyce and Shane McSweeney. 

Half Time Score:

Kerry 3-12 Christophers 0-8

 

Any chance of a Christophers comeback was quickly snuffed out by Kerry at the start of the second half. Kerry started dominating the midfield battle with George Kealey and Gary Vaughan winning a lot of the kickouts. 

Christophers kept battling to the end but were outmatched by a very strong Kerry side. Sean Guiden continued to lead from the front as Kerry finished the game comfortable winners. 

Full Time Score:

Kerry 7-21 Christophers 1-11 

Man of the Match: Sean Guiden (Kerry Boston) 

Teams and Scorers:

Kerry:

Sean Bohan, Paul Ring (0-1), Luke Chester, Deividas Uosis (0-1), John Cooper, Connor Stark, Gary Vaughan (1-2), George Kealey, Darragh Reen (0-5), Sean Guiden (2-5), Darragh Cortin, Mattie Farrell (2-2), Darragh Keane (2-2) 

Christophers:

Dylan Moran, Jake Kelly, Seth Thornton, Paudy Kenneally, Zak Lynn, James Cronin, Gavin Cronin, Jack O’Neill, Dara O’Callaghan (0-5), John Joyce (0-1), Evan Tobin, Shane McSweeney (0-2), Colm Joyce (1-3)

 

Men's Intermediate Football - Kerry v Christopher's

 By Alana Loftus

Kerry dominated the first half, maintaining possession and racking up a goal and 4 points before Christophers had a chance to score at all. A free in for Kerry was taken by Sean Guiden (10) securing them another point and further increasing their lead.

Gavin Cronin (13) came back with a point for Christophers. Scoring increased slightly in the remainder of the first half. A penalty for Christophers was taken by Arthur Coakley (12) which lifted spirits enough to complete the first half with optimism for a comeback. The score at halftime was Kerry 2-06 to Christophers 1-04.

Kerry showed up in the second half with the same determination as the first, securing two points within minutes. An incredible run by Christophers’ Joe Burke (11) resulted in a point for the team. Arthur Coakley (12) proved to be the top scorer for the team. He and Burke (11) took turns taking shots at the goal.

Coakley (12) scored a penalty in the last few minutes, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to catch up. Two points from Kerry’s number 8, Tadgh Brown and 9, Cillian Gilligan, put them further ahead. Though they refused to give in until the final whistle, the final point from Christopher’s Coakley (12) was not enough to put them back in the race.

The game finished with a final score of Kerry 2-14 to Christophers 2-09.

 

Kerry:

1.      Padraig Doyle

2.      Alex Clarke

3.      Paudie White

4.      Connor Stark

5.      John Cooper

6.      Noel Kennedy

7.      Kieran O’ Donnell

8.      Tadgh Brown

9.      Cillian Gilligan

10.  Sean Guiden

11.  Cian Warren

12.  Darragh O’Sullivan

13.  Rhian O’Sullivan

 

Christophers:

1.      James Crowley

2.      Jake Kelley

3.      Martin Coppinger

4.      Gerry Bannon

5.      Eoghan O’Shea

6.      Andrew Inman

7.      Cian O’Donoghue

8.      James Cronin

9.      James Casey

10.  Patrick Kenneally

11.  Joe Burke

12.  Arthur Coakley

13.  Gavin Cronin 

Intermediate Football: Christopher's v Kerry

Kerry 2-19 Christopher’s 2-16

Noel Kennedy lines up his goal shot

Kerry added another win to their tally in the Intermediate football championship with a 5 point win over Christopher’s.  For Christopher’s it was a much improved performance from last week’s outing, however, the game slowly slipped away from them as the Kerry forwards picked off the points in the second half.  Christopher’s did make Kerry sweat a little with a late goal that reduced the gap to a score and a chance that rattled the crossbar, but the Kingdom held on for the last couple of minutes to take both points.

The teams were back and forth for the opening quarter with each side taking some nice points.  For Christopher’s it was corner forward Alan. Kennedy who showed well for the ball, and also showed that he could make the space for himself to finish picking off several points in the early going.  Kerry had contributions from several quarters, Jack Farrell at corner forward showed well and Ryan O’ Súilleabháin at wing forward also was also lively for the Kingdom. 

Kerry gained an upper hand with two back to back goals after 20 minutes.  Noel Kennedy stole forward from the back line to finish the first, and the second came from Gearoid Dillane, and Christopher’s were hit with a one-two punch.   Christopher’s got some neat play from Killian Kilkelly, and struck back with a much needed goal before the break to keep themselves in the game.  At the break it was a 2-10 to 1-8 Kerry advantage.

The second half saw Kerry stretch their lead.  Dillane pointed, and then Ryan O’ Súilleabháin put a lovely score over the bar following a dummy solo and finish to match.   Jack Farrell added two more and there was a lot of work for Christopher’s to do to lift the siege.  Alan Kennedy and Kilkelly linked well for Christopher’s at times, but the Kerry defence was hard to penetrate.  Eventually Kennedy pointed, and that score was followed by two wonderful strikes from Jeremiah Kenneally who powered though the Kerry rearguard to bring his side back into the game.

Six points in it coming into the final 15 minutes and a goal was imperative for Christopher’s, but with much searching for the gaps in Kerry’s rearguard, there was none to be found.  The two goal deficit remained as Kerry continued to pick off the points and Christopher’s could only respond in kind.  Eventually a goal did come for Christopher’s, but with little time remaining.  It was Kenneally made another thundering run to latch on to a pass from brother, Danny who had taken a spot on the edge of the square, and Jeremiah billowed the back of the net with the shot.  Tensions rose in the final few minutes, and Kerry hearts were in mouths as a final Christopher’s chance to steal something from the game rattled the crossbar.  Kerry did just about enough to take both points, and it will be Christopher’s and Tones next as each tries to take their first points of the season next Sunday.   

Shannon Blues defeated the Wolfe Tones in the final game of the day with a  4-17 to 3-6 final score, and will renew and old rivalry with Kerry a week from Saturday to establish who will be top dog for the championship.

Kerry:  Kevin Flynn, Noel Kennedy, John Doherty, Conor Stack, Shane O’Connor, Sean O’Cathasaigh, James Farrell, Declan O’Sullivan, Gearoid Dillane, Sean Ó Buadhacháin, Padraig Doyle, Jack Farrell, Ryan Ó Súilleabháin,.  Christopher’s:  W. Crookston, J. Kelley, M. McSweeney, A. Inman, P. Kenneally, L. Tunney, J. Horgan, J. Kenneally, S. Igoe, K. Kilkelly, D. Furlong, G. Barr, A. Kennedy.

Intermediate Football - Kerry v Wolfe Tones

Wolfetones Vs. Kerry Boston

Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan on the Burst
Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll

The intermediate men’s championship got underway in Canton on Sunday the 6th of September in the prime of the heat. It was a scorcher all around and you could tell neither Wolf tones or Kerry Boston were fully climatized to playing in such conditions. Kerry, having advanced two grades from Junior B to Intermediate, came into the matchday looking to prove that they belonged in the higher grade, and it’s fair to say they did not disappoint opening the game strong with a point from play by Rian O’Sullivan.

The following ten minutes of football resulted in a large number of wides for both sides – with neither team seeming to settle into the game. That was until Rian O’ Sullivan saw his chance to take a run at goal, and shot the pal right past the wolf tones keeper.

The game continued with some strong attacks by the wolf tones side bringing the game to near level at one point. Sean Bohan for Kerry however kept the tones out and continued to dominate the play around the centre of the field for Kerry Boston.

Overall the Kerry Boston vs Wolftones game was one of flowing football and good scoring opportunities. The wolftones side never dropped the heads throughout and it will be interesting to see how this years intermediate championship unfolds. Full time score Kerry Boston 3-15 to Wolftones 2-06.

Man of the Match: Shane O’ Connor – Kerry Boston

By Aoife Griffin

Senior Football: Kerry v Galway

Kerry 2-15 Galway 1-19

Galway did it again, and this time it took an injury time point from Kevin Cummins to keep the tribesmen in the pack for a top 6 place in the senior football championship.  In doing so Galway effectively knocked Kerry out of the running and the men from the Kingdom will ponder what might have been had they managed to hold on to their lead in a couple of the early season games.  Galway started off well and opened an early lead, however Kerry, who needed the win to stay in the championship hunt came back strong at the end of the first half.  It was tit for tat until Shane O’Callaghan netted for Kerry with 6 minutes left, but Galway drew level, and in injury time Kevin Cummins stole the points with a great pressure point.

Kerry's Emile Mullan under pressure.

Seamus Mattimo was the man on the mark for Galway in the early going of a high scoring first half.  The Kells native accounted for Galway’s first goal and five points.  Playing at wing forward, Mattimo pointed a handful of excellently taken scores, and goal was a bullet into the top corner from outside the 14.  Kerry struggled to get out of second gear, however points from Shane O’Callaghan, Emile Mullan, and Ronan Kennedy kept the Kingdom in touch. 

It was after Oisin Reilly pointed for Galway that Kerry started to motor.  Kennedy at corner forward was in great form and the Leitrim native netted 15 minutes into the game.  The score seemed to provide life for Kerry, for whom the two points were essential to keep an interest in the championship.  David Larkin, Kennedy, and O’Callaghan pointed and Kerry eventually pulled ahead, and it was their turn to motor with some great passing and support play.  Kerry by two at the break, 1-11 to 1-9.

Sean Marshall wins this kickout for Galway.

The sides could not separate from each other in the second half.  Galway had leveled matters within the first 10 minutes of the restart.  Two points from Cummins and one from Mattimo to a single point from O’Callaghan had the teams at 1-12 a piece.  The pace of the game was noticeably slower at this stage, the blistering speed that we saw from both teams was now at a premium.  Kerry had Stephen Enright to thank for two good saves, one from Enda Flanagan and the other from Mattimo as Galway engineered the better chances.

With six minutes left a turnover saw Kerry break downfield and take a one goal lead.  Emile Mullan latched on to an errant Galway pass on his own 45 and the field was open in front of him.  As Galway desperately tracked back a couple of exchanges between Mullan, Kennedy and O’Callaghan saw the ball nestle in the back of the Galway net.  It was far from over though.  With a minute to go Galway were back in the lead, and it was Mattimo with the critical finishes, while substitute Shane Regan put the go ahead point over.  Kerry answered with a good score from O’Callaghan and the game was tied going into injury time, but it was Cummins who put the winning point over the bar to capture the spoils.  Kerry are out of it now, and Christopher’s, Galway, and the Gaels are looking for the last 2 playoff spots.

Kerry:  S. Enright, M. Murphy, J. Barry, R. Driscoll, L. Healy, D. Larkin, D. Foley, E. Mullan, J. O’Shea, R. Croft, M. Mangan, R. Kennedy, S. O’Callaghan.  Galway:  J. Kelly, M. Collins, F. Reilly, D. Reddin, L. Laheeen, O. Reilly, S. Marshall, K. Mulvaney, J. Campion, K. Cummins, S. Mattimo, C. Kennedy, E. Flanagan

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Kerry v Donegal

Kerry 1-11 Donegal 2-11

Donegal held off the challenge of a game Kerry team in the intense heat in Canton.  Kerry started the game much faster than their opponents, however, Donegal lasted the long distance contest, and came out on top one goal winners.  Kerry held a two point lead at the break, however, Paddy McBride’s early second half goal put Donegal on top.  Kerry managed to pull level again one more time, but could not repeat the feat as Donegal finished stronger as time ran down.

Kerry Keeper Stephen Enright and Donegaal's Nicky Kelly - but where is the ball?

Kerry got out of the blocks quickly with a five points to no score start to the game.  Robbie Croft accounted for the first 3, 2 frees and one from play – a fine effort from out on the wing.  Kerry were playing at a blistering pace and in the ascendancy in the early going, and almost had a goal, however Shane O’Callaghan’s initial effort was blocked and second went over the bar.

Emlyn Mulligan shoots for Donegal.

After a handful of missed opportunities, Donegal finally got on the scoreboard with a Nicky Kelly goal, who was at the far post to pick up on a rebound from Mal McDermott shot.  Kerry corner back, David Larkin, straight away made a massive run upfield and after a couple of give and go’s, cancelled out the goal right away.  Donegal inched their way back into it as the initiative swung their way.  Three frees from Mulligan reduced the gap to two as Kerry were forced into fouling to keep the opposition at bay.  The sides traded scores to finish out the half with Kerry on top, and hanging on, 1-7 to 1-5.

The second half saw Donegal turn the tables early, a Paddy McBride goal put the northerners into the lead.  Kerry had to work hard to try and move the ball into scoring position as most players were on defensive duties as Donegal attacked in numbers.  With the half forwards playing deep, options were few and far between when in possession.  Kerry did manage to generate a handful of chances, the best of which fell to Sean Driscoll who blazed wide.  Donegal took their chance right away  with a Rory Kavanagh point followed by McDermott.

From that point on Kerry defended in depth and tried to counterattack, however, with one forward man covered by multiple Donegal defenders it was an arduous task.  The Kerry men hung in though and kept themselves in with a shout with two points from O’Callaghan.  Donegal still had matters under control however.  Gavin Gallagher, Sean Doherty, and Mulligan pointed down the stretch to keep Donegal’s noses ahead, while Kerry’s efforts at pulling off a late goal from high balls were well dealt with by sure hands in the Donegal back line.  Kerry badly in need of a win to keep hope alive in their next outing against Galway in 2 weeks time.

Kerry:  S. Enright, D. Larkin, M. Murphy, R. Driscoll, L. Healy, J. Barry, P. O’Sullivan, E. Mullan, S. Driscoll, R. Kennedy, J. O’Shea, R. Croft, S. O’Callaghan.  Donegal:  M. Boyle, M. Canny, C. Burke, S. Doherty, T. McCleneghan, G. Gallagher, M. McDermott, R. Kavanagh, P. McAleer, N. Kelly, P. McBride, M. Smyth, E. Mulligan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Kerry v Connemara Gaels

Connemara Gaels 1-19 Kerry 1-14

After being neck and neck for most of the game the Gaels finished strong to pull away in the last 10 minutes and take their first points of the season.  Tony Brosnan was the man on the mark for the Gaels with some fine scores in the last 15 minutes, and newcomer from Pomeroy, Kieran McGeary, made a fantastic debut at corner back for the Gaels.   

Matthew Murphy coming out of defence for Kerry.

Kerry held a slender two point lead at the break.  Eoin Connolly will be having second thoughts about a short kickout attempt that Robbie Croft was alert to, and the Dubliner made a short pass to Shane O’Callaghan who buried the chance.  The Gaels had just worked their way into the game before the goal came.  Kerry started by attacking in waves from the half back line.  David Larkin was particularly effective coming forward, and in the middle of the field Lawrence Healy saw plenty of ball.  Early scores were converted by Sean Driscoll, Ronan Kennedy, and Phil O’Sullvian before the Gaels finally got off the mark.  Martin Farragher, Tony Brosnan, and Noel Graham converted. 

Lawrence Healy looks for options.

With the teams level Croft pointed a free, and then the goal came.  The Gaels gathered themselves and buckled down.  Brosnan put a fine score over the bar, midfielder Frank Burns, and corner forward Farragher followed.  Connolly redeemed himself before half time with a fine save when it looked like goal number two was on the cards for Kerry.  1-7 to 0-8 for Kerry at the half.

The second half was peppered with some well taken points and the sides could not separate from each other.  The Gaels got a visible lift from a blistering Sean Conneely goal about 10 minutes into the half.  Conneely hit the ball off the underside of the bar from 14 yards as he steamed in from the right side.  The sides we now level and it was anybody’s game. Brosnan added two scores after the goal and it was tit for tat from that point on. 

Phil O’Sullivan and Tony Brosnan provided an exhibition of point taking and traded some excellent scores.  When Kerry tried to find dangerman O’Callaghan in the corner, however, McGeary was alert to the threat.  Connolly more than made up for his first half gaffe with three superb saves to deny Kerry a second goal as the Gaels rearguard did their bit.  Having weathered the Kerry storm, the Gaels pulled away in the final 10 minutes after Sean Driscoll had pointed to level the scores.  A Robbie Croft 45 was all that Kerry had in answer to six Gaels points down the stretch.  Sean Conneely put two points over the bar to underline a strong finish from the Gaels to get two points towards their playoff push.

Gaels: E. Connolly, C. Fahy, K. McGeary, D. Doolan, R. Caffrey, C. Mulkerrins, K. Murphy, F. Burns, S Conneeley, N. Graham, F. Cooney, M. Farragher, T. Brosnan.  Kerry: S. Enright, J. Barry, M. Murphy, J. O’Shea, R. Driscoll, D. Larkin, L. Healy, E. Mullan, R. Kennedy, S. Driscoll, P. O’Sullivan, R. Croft, S. O’Callaghan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Kerry

Shannon Blues 2-15 Kerry 4-9

Kerry finally came away with a reward for their efforts after a tremendously exciting game of football.  Conditions were poor following a night and morning of heavy rain, however the teams coped well and there was some great football and scores, with the lead changing hands and momentum swinging from one side to the other over the course of the 60 minutes.  Kerry could have won it with some chances for an insurance score in injury time, however the Blues took advantage of the opportunity and Denis McElligott put the leveling point over the bar with the final kick of the game.

Dennis McElligott had the final say with the equalizing point on Sunday.

Kerry, as they have done in their games so far this season, took the break with a lead.  It was a five point cushion that they started the second half with.  Three goals, one each from Robbie Croft, Shane O’Callaghan, and Phil O’Sullivan, put Kerry in the driver’s seat after the Blues had rattled off two quick points to open the game.

The Blues took the opportunity of a penalty to close what was a seven point gap.  Trevor Wallace did the honors from the spot, and was soon followed by Darrage Roche with a second Blues goal.  Kerry settled after being hit with the second goal to put some points over the bar, the pick of which was a Maurice Fitzgeraldesque effort from Croft from the sideline.  O’Sullivan’s goal, Kerry’s third, restored the Kerry advantage to see them into half time on top by five points.

The Blues picked up a head of steam in the second half.  Greg Horan was the key in the middle of the field.  Kerry were unable to cope with the Austin Stacks man and the Blues enjoyed the vast majority of the possession.  The Blues forwards made hay with the bounty of possession that came their way and outscored Kerry by 10 points to one over the first 17 minutes of the second period.  Roche put a couple of beautiful efforts over the bar, Denis McElligott two from the wing, and Padraig O’Shea from wing back also got his name on the scoresheet.

The Kerry corner backs were under pressure for much of the second half.

Kerry were struggling to move the ball and resorted to the short kickouts to try and find a way past what was like a solid Blues wall.  The Kingdom eventually had some success, a Croft free and a point from play following a botched short kickout brought Kerry within two points.  A fourth goal for Kerry from O’Callaghan gave Kerry a one point advantage heading into the last 5 minutes as fortune favoured the men in green and gold once again.  The sides traded points, Dwyer leveled for the Blues before Croft got Kerry back up by one.  Again the Blues leveled and Kerry got back ahead, this time it was Sean O’Driscoll.  After Kerry failed to take advantage of two great chances for an insurance point the Blues salvaged the point with a Denis McElligott score to finish the game and on the balance of things, a fair result.  The draw with the Blues will provide Kerry with some belief heading into four critical championship games where a couple of wins will be needed, and might not do the Blues any harm either.

Kerry:  S. Enright, J. Barry, D. Larkin, R. O’Driscoll, L. Healy, J. O’Shea, D. Foley, E. Mullan, P. O’Sullivan, S. O’Driscoll, J. O’Keefe, R. Croft, S. O’Callaghan.  Blues:  D. O’Brien, T. Wallace, C. Jordan, P. O’Shea, L. O’Connell, D. Clifford, W. Guthrie, G. Horan, D. McElligott, K. Hurley, D. Wallace, D. Roche, B. O’Dwyer.

By Rory O'Donnell

Losers Turn Winners as Blues and Christopher’s Advance

The losers from last week’s first round games, Shannon Blues and Christopher’s, were the winners on Saturday afternoon as the first knockout games of the Pat O’Brien Cup were played. 

With the weather considerably warmer and spring taking hold, the action began early with Aidan McAnespies taking on Donegal in the final first round game at 2:00.  Donegal prevailed.  Having held an 8 points to one half time lead, the men from the North West held off a second half rally to end up winners by 0-11 to 1-4.

A scheduling snafu, which demonstrates the power of social media, saw Kerry and the Shannon Blues turn up earlier than the officially appointed time, and went ahead with the  game.  The Blues ran out winners by a score of 2-14 to 3-4 and advance to the semi-finals.  Kerry led by 2 points at the break, but the Blues rallied impressively to turn the deficit into a 7 point victory.  Kerry had the misfortune of losing key home-based player, Ian Whelan to an ankle injury in the second half. 

The final game of the day saw Galway and Christopher’s fight it out.  Christopher’s looked like the stronger side with a solid midfield and forward line and were never behind at any stage in the game.  There were some well worked scores.  Christopher’s looked sharp with a first half goal from Dara Bree and another in the second from Aherlow man, Tom Fahy, each involving quick, incisive passing and running.  Christopher’s will meet the Blues in the semi-final two weeks from now.

Next week sees the other 2 quarter finals between Wolfe Tones and Aidan McAnespies at 4:30, followed by Donegal and Connemara Gaels, to see who will advance to the first semi-final.  

Christopher’s 3-10 Galway 2-6

Tom Fahy on the attack for Christopher's.

A strong performance from Christopher’s saw them past Galway and into the semi-finals.  Having led by double scores at the break, 2-6 to 1-3, Christopher’s pressed home their advantage in the second half to run out 10 point winners.

The early going was tit for tat.  Galway answered points from Dan Kenneally and Dara Bree with a Danny Reddin strike, and a Paddy Manning goal was returned in kind by JJ Doyle.  Doyle and Christopher’s keeper, Murt Hunt, required time to recover as they clashed while challenging for a ball on the edge of the small square, it was Doyle’s fist that made the critical connection with the ball to direct it into the net.

With half time approaching the teams were level.  Doing some tidy work at corner forward, Manning had extended Christopher’s lead to two, while a Doyle free and a Jamie Kehoe point tied it up.  Christopher’s, however, struck with a late flurry of scores.  A well worked goal saw Dara Bree finish expertly into the bottom corner, and points from the Aherlow man, Fahy, had Christopher’s sitting pretty to start the second period.

Thomas Gallagher.

Christopher’s fired some early wides, which proved to serve as warning shots for things to come.  David Cash and Doyle traded points before Fahy fired home a third goal for Christopher’s which involved another great move that started in the  Christopher’s half back line and opened up Galway’s rearguard.  Galway began to look increasing frustrated with the turn of fortunes, and some stray passes added to that.  The sides finished up exchanging points to wind things up.  Christopher’s into the semi-finals while Galway will look toward the first round of the championship on May 31.

Christopher’s:  M. Hunt, K. Fuligniati, M. McSweeney, P. Kenneally, E. O’Neil, J. Horgan, P. Delaney, C. Murphy, D. Cash, D. Bree, T. Fahy, P. Manning, D. Kenneally.  Galway:  D. Bindon, G. Lundy, P. Cummins, J. Doyle, S. Marshall, A. Murphy, J. Kehoe, J. Campion, T. Gallagher, D. Reddin, K. Gallagher, JJ Doyle, K. Cummins.

By Rory O’Donnell

Orla Benson Cup

The Orla Benson Cup will start on May 31 with a round robin blitz between the 3 ladies clubs which will decide the finalists.  The final will be played the following weekend.