Positive weekend for Kerry development squads in Munster
KERRY SOUTH UNDER 14
KERRY South Under 14 team made the long journey to Waterford to take part in the Jim Power Under 14 tournament.
The players performed well on the day, beating Clare convincingly by 5-12 to 0-4. The game against Cork East was a tough battle, with two late goals by Cork as Kerry pressed forward giving the scoreline of 4-11 to 3-7 a slightly unfair margin.
Nonetheless Kerry South Under 14 had done enough to qualify for the cup semi-finals to be played at a later date.
KERRY NORTH UNDER 14
KERRY North Under 14s sent out an early message with a superb 4-8 to 2-3 victory over a good Cork West side and followed up with an even better win over North Wexford, 5-16 to 1-3, leaving them qualifying comfortably for a berth in Dungarvan on the 28.
KERRY NORTH UNDER 15
KERRY North Under 15s beat Waterford by 3-9 to 1-4 in their opening game, advancing to play Cork East in the group.
This was a real cracker, with Kerry North leading by 0-4 to 0-2 at the break, but Cork East coming back to level at fulltime. On to extra-time, more scintillating play, and Kerry North did brilliantly to win out by 1-9 to 1-8 in a welter of excitement.
That exertion took its toll, though, with Kerry North going down by 3-8 to 0-8 in their next game against Cork West.
KERRY SOUTH UNDER 15
KERRY South Under 15 made the short journey to Cork to take part in the Humphrey Kelliher Under 15 tournament.
Playing reigning Munster Under 14 champions Tipperary in the first game was always going to be tough start. Kerry South started in flying form opening up a commanding half-time lead.
Tipperary fought hard to reduce the deficit with two second half goals giving them energy. Kerry South held firm to win by a point at the finish, 2-10 to 3-6. Next up was Cork West, both well drilled units played fantastic football in the semi-final.
This was a very even affair, the rebels leading by 0-6 to 0-5 at the break, but Cork West had a goal to spare after an exciting finish, 2-10 to 0-13, and they went on to win the competition.
KERRY UNDER 16
KERRY have usually put out two squads, North and South, at this grade, but because a number of our top Under 16 talents are still involved in the All Ireland minor championship with Peter Keane, this year Kerry played one squad.
An absolutely storming first half display saw Kerry Under 16s beat Limerick well before losing out against a strong Cork White team that included five of their Under 17 panel. Kerry trailed by three points in the closing minutes, pushed forward for a goal, and were caught with two late goals to go down by 3-11 to 1-9.
FIXTURES
FRIDAY JULY 13
7pm
U16 County Hurling Championship Plate Quarter-finals
(A)Tralee Parnells v Lixnaw, Cahersalee (B) South Kerry v Kilmoyley, Rathmore