Kingdom subs set standard
1-11 0-7
SIX points from their substitutes helped Kerry win back the Munster Under-20 football crown from Cork at Austin Stack Park last night.
An early second-half goal from Thomas O’donnell was also a huge help for the Kingdom.
When Cork wing-back Sean Brady fired over a point in the 47th minute, it was down to the bare minimum, with Kerry leading by 1-4 to 0-6.
But they introduced three players off the bench — Gearóid Hassett, Jordan Kissane and Jack O’connor — who slotted over two points each in a remarkable scoring blitz.
The only goal of the game, which arrived just two minutes into the second half, was also a pivotal moment.
Dylan Geaney’s stunning pass split the Cork rearguard and Keith Evans picked out Thomas O’donnell for a simple finish.
The goal turned a one-point deficit into a two-point lead, 1-3 to 0-4.
The Rebels had opened the second period with a fine point from Colin Walsh.
But while Bobbie O’dwyer’s side remained in contention until the closing quarter, they never really managed to get going.
The first half was instantly forgettable, the sides going in at the break on level terms — 0-3 apiece.
After period of football laced with poor decisionmaking, bad handling, erratic shooting and an over-emphasis on defence, what followed late on was a welcome relief.
O’donnell’s goal early in the second half finally sparked the match — and the crowd — into life.
While there wasn’t an instant improvement in the quality on offer, the closeness of the exchanges kept it interesting.
Then the three Kerry subs made their matchwinning contributions.
Tyrone now lie in wait in the All-ireland semi-final.