Mixed fortunes for Kerry clubs in All Ireland semi-finals

IT was a day of mixed fortunes for Kerry Clubs in the All Ireland Club Semi Finals in Ennis on Sunday last; Glenbeigh-Glencar are through to the All Ireland Final on February 19th following victory over Louisburgh of Mayo but there was heartbreak for Kenmare as they went down to Westport, also of Mayo, in the Intermediate semi final.

Kenmare, who lined out without the injured Stephen O’Brien, suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of the Lee Keegan inspired Westport. It took extra time to decide this semi final as neither side could take advantage of the many scoring chances that came their way and indeed the Kerry side were not headed until two minutes from time in that final half of extra time.

Kenmare got the perfect start and were 4 points to no score ahead inside the opening 14 minutes of play but were pegged back to a single score, 5 to 4 at the break. The Kerry side were 0-9 to 0-6 clear by the 51st minute before Westport equalised from the penalty spot four minutes from time and it finished 0-9 to 1-6 at the end of normal time.

Kenmare were a point ahead at half time in extra-time but Westport finished stronger to record a 1-10 to 0-11 victory.

Meanwhile, Glenbeigh-Glencar had little difficulty in qualifying for their first All Ireland Junior Club Final but it certainly did not look that way in the opening minutes of play as opponents Louisburgh broke from the traps and had seven points on the board in as many minutes against a shell-shocked Kerry outfit. Gradually however, they got control and goals from Kieran Courtney and Gavan O’Grady had them 2-8 to 0-10 ahead at the break. On the resumption, Darran O’Sullivan soloed through for a great individual goal to put his side 8 points clear and when Kieran Courtney had his second in the 47th minute Glenbeigh-Glencar were safely though on a 4-14 to 0-13 scoreline.

The winners will play Rock St Patricks of Tyrone in the final on February 19.