Two walkovers and 27 goals in first round of U-21 championship
John O’Leary
THE quarter-finals of the County U-21 Football Championship takes place this evening (Wednesday) at 7:30pm throw-in and extra-time applying where necessary.
Reigning champions South Kerry travel to Rathmore to face East Kerry, with both teams putting up big winning totals in their first round wins.
Mid Kerry, who put 6-11 past An Ghaeltacht, face more west Kerry opposition when they face a fancied Dingle team that got an unexpected walkover from St Brendans in the first round.
Another team that got a walkover, Kenmare District, face a Spa team that defied the odds to beat St Kierans in Brosna.
Finally, Dr Crokes - who had a first round bye - begin their campaign against a Kerins O’Rahillys team that dug out a high-scoring win over West Kerry.
In those first round match, East Kerry built up a commanding half time lead of 4-7 to 1-4 against Feale Rangers with Paudie Clifford (2), Ian Roche and Joe Clifford hitting the net and the homeside led by 4-7 to 1-4 at the break. Dara Hughes was the goal scorer for the visitors. A string of points in the second half copper-fastened the home side’s lead and they eventually won by 4-15 to 1-11.
In Connolly Park, holders South Kerry had a big victory over the home side with a 5-15 to 1-5 victory, Anthony Cournane (3), Dylan O’Donoghue and Jim Lynch the goal scorers for the winners who led by 10 points at the break. Darragh Scanlon got the Stacks goal.
In Annascaul, Kerins O’Rahillys survived a strong second half fightback from West Kerry to advance after a high scoring encounter by 3-17 to 4-11. First half goals from Daniel Nix, man of the match Karl Mullins, and Gearoid Dillane saw the visitors lead by 3-7 to 1-6 at the break with Brandon Hoare getting the West Kerry goal. Second half goals from Timmy Moriarty, Hoare again and Maurice Slattery for West Kerry were not enough to prevent the Tralee side advancing.
Meanwhile, in Gallarus there was another goal feast as Mid Kerry defeated the An Ghaeltacht by 6-11 to 1-11 with Gavin McKenna (2), David Roche, David Costello, Liam Carey and Niall O’Connor the goal scorers for the visitors.
Arguably the result of the first round was Spa’s victory over St Kierans in Brosna. The club side had to line out without recent Kerry minors Liam Kearney, Dara Moynihan, Micheal Foley and Dan O’Donoghue. Spa led by a point at half time 0-7 to 0-6, and had to battle hard in the second half before a brilliant goal from Shane Cronin in the 61st minute edged the visitors ahead at the final whistle. Evan Cronin got eight of Spa’s points in their 1-13 to 1-11 victory.