East Kerry storm through to Under 16 decider

CUP SEMI-FINAL

East Kerry 5-14 Eoghan Ruadh 0-8

EOGHAN Rahilly opened the scoring with a great point for Eoghan Ruadh but East Kerry, with Michael Linehan coming out from full-forward to bolster a midfield where Gary O’Connor and especially captain Darragh Lyne dominated, soon took over proceedings in the inclement conditions.

Niall McGillicuddy nailed two well-taken frees and Dylan O’Callaghan and Emmet O’Shea pointed to give them a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage. With Danny O’Callaghan causing problems at corner forward, Paul O’Shea closed the gap with two frees, but Dylan O’Callaghan replied from a tight angle and added a free to restore that lead.

Eoghan Rahilly, very impressive at wing forward for Eoghan Ruadh, clipped over two great scores and Cian Ring had to make a good save to deny Danny O’Callaghan a goal. East resumed control with two good points by Michael Linehan, now situated on the square, and two great long distance kicks (1’45, 1f) by Darragh Lyne. Both Danny O’Callaghan and Patrick D’Arcy had goal chances for Eoghan Ruadh, but neither could quite convert.

The half-time score was East Kerry 0-10 Eoghan Ruadh 0-5.

Eoghan Ruadh made a superb start to the second half with points from Darragh Rahilly, David Dineen, and Patrick D’Arcy. However, the petrol spluttered and the engine died as East Kerry’s physical advantage in the rain and razor sharpness in both halves of the field saw them take complete control.

A great run by Liam Spillane saw Darragh Donohue finish to the Eoghan Ruadh net. A minute later Niall McGillicuddy tipped a long Darragh Lyne free into the net. McGillicuddy finished off a well-worked team move to the net for the third goal and Darragh Donohue plundered a fourth.

Donohue’s athleticism and sheer drive was key to East Kerry, especially hoovering up ball in defence, while Darragh Lyne won an enthralling duel with Paul O’Shea to curb Eoghan Ruadh’s biggest threat.

East Kerry added points from Ryan O’Grady (2), Michael Linehan, and Dylan O’Callaghan before Aaron Flynn closed the game out with a fifth goal.