Kerry U-16s and minors to challenge for Munster titles

LADIES MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Kerry v Cork Mallow May 7 at 3.30pm

THERE’S always something mystical about a Kerry and Cork clash at any level and the meeting of the sides in the Munster Minor final on Bank Holiday Monday could prove to be a classic.

Kerry came into the Munster championship as hot favourites, and rightly so, as the majority of the players were part of the double All Ireland winning U-16 teams of 2015 and 2016. They haven’t had things all of their own way however, and they will be up against it when they play a formidable Cork side in the final.

Kerry’s Munster campaign started on February 18 with a 3-13 to 3-5 victory over Tipperary in Firies. Hannah O’Donoghue was on fire that day scoring three goals and six points, as Kerry displayed some excellent team work to record an impressive win. The game came after a week of sideshows that involved the termination of manager Jonathan Griffin’s contract by the county board, although he did take charge of affairs on the sideline that day. Giffin was subsequently re-instated as the manager after a successful appeal.

Kerry made the long journey to Skibbereen for the next round of the competition to face Cork on April 2. The rebellettes were too hot for Kerry on the day and secured an impressive 4-12 to 3-6 victory over a sluggish Kerry side. This defeat meant that Kerry would have to face Tipperary once again if they were to advance to the Munster final. Tipperary had learned a lot since their first meeting, and were full value for a 2-6 to 0-7 lead at half time. The Kerry players had to dig deep in the second half and they outscored their opponents by 2-6 to 0-5 to record a two-point win.

Cork’s path to the final was more straight forward and after their nine-point victory over Kerry, they recorded a 2-14 to 0-6 victory over Tipperary in Round 2. They are a formidable side and players like Ciara O’Shea, Sarah Leahy, Jenny Murphy, Ciara McCarthy, Emma Cleary, Katie Quirke and Fiona Keating are certain to test the Kerry girls resolve. They are managed by former Cork great John Cleary, and it is certain that he will have his side well drilled for the encounter.

Kerry will be equally as well prepared by Griffin. With players of the calibre of Tara Breen, Kate Maher, Kayla O’Connor, Ciara Ryan, Ciara Murphy, Fiadhna Tangney Niamh O’Connor, Anna Clifford and Hannah O’Donoghue in their ranks they have the quality to defeat the Cork kingpins. A good start will be vital of course, as Cork can be very difficult to haul back if they establish a lead.

This Munster Final is a very difficult match to call. Cork will go in as favourites after their victory earlier in the campaign. Kerry will have learnt a lot from this defeat and if their forwards are on song they could come away with a narrow victory. It won’t be easy though and don’t be surprised if there is just a point or two between the sides at the finish.

U-16 GIRLS MUNSTER FOOTBALL FINAL Mallow May 5 at 4.45pm

KERRY U-16s will face old rivals Tipperary in the Munster U-16 final on Saturday May 5 in Mallow. The sides have a history of meeting each other since U-14 level and will be well aware of each others strengths – and weaknesses.

The sides met in the first round of the Munster competition on March 19 but Kerry were on fire that day and recorded a 5-13 to 1-4 victory. Kerry took a 4-11 to 1-1 lead in at half time, and the shell shocked Tipperary outfit had no answer to Kerry’s pace and power. Kerry had 8 different scorers on that occasion, a fact that is bound to have pleased their manager Rory Kilgallen.

Next up for the Kingdom girls was a home tie at John Mitchels complex against Cork. Kerry were irresistible and romped to a 5-14 to 1-6 victory.

Tipperary had a very mixed Munster campaign. After the initial loss to Kerry they also suffered a hiding at the hands of Cork when they went down on a 3-14 to 1-5 scoreline. This meant that Tipperary had to meet Cork again to have a shot at the Munster final, and they upset all of the odds as they recorded a 3-6 to 1-8 victory. Centre half forward Ava Fennessy was on fire that day and slotted over 7 points. She will have to be watched but Tipperary also had excellent performances from Caitlinn Kennedy, Queva O’Meara, Leah Cohen, Ashling Ryan and Maeve McGuigan.

Kerry have plenty quality in their ranks as well, but they will have to be wary of the Tipperary challenge. Players like goalkeeper Ciara Butler, Rachel O’Connor, Maud Kelly, Aoife Dillane, Gemma Kearney, Rachel Dwyer, Ava Doherty, Mary O’Connell, Aisling O’Connell, Danielle O’Leary, Siofra O’Shea, Clodagh Evans, Mary O’Connor, Ella Teahan and Rachel Kilgallen have been performing very well for, but in fairness there is quality all through this Kerry squad.

It is difficult to see anything other than a Kerry victory in this game. There will be a bounce in Tipperary of course, but the Kerry girls should have too much ability to record a win. Underage football is unpredictable at times though, and Kerry will need to be at full throttle from the start if they are to be crowned Munster champions.