Kiely punishes Strand Road to seal victory for Dr Crokes

GARVEY’S COUNTY SFC SEMI-FINAL

Dr Crokes 2-19 Kerins O’Rahillys 2-10

following a collision with Tommy Walsh and some of his defenders led to him being taken off at a crucial stage.

Johnny O’Leary deputised well though in a tricky situation in the last 10 minutes of normal time. Crokes responded to a David Moran ‘45 putting Strand Road ahead of the final time at 2-9 to 0-14 in the 52nd minute with points from Looney and Burns the prelude to a most fortunate first goal for their side.

Jordan Kiely punished a bad mix-up on a kick-out between Gary Kissane and Ross O’Callaghan for a simple finish and a lead of 1-16 to 2-10 after 54 minutes. Not even Looney’s dismissal for a combination of a yellow and black worried Crokes as they edged five ahead before Kieran O’Leary made the break for substitute Kiely to score a second goal with O’Leary’s fifth point capping off a nine point success after eight additional minutes of stoppage time in the second-half.

In a game that threatened to be marred by refereeing decisions and their fallout much like its predecessor, Crokes showed how they can cope with pressure and punish sides with almost seamless transition down the other end.

Not only are their more experienced players performing but their young players have the ability to make contributions now.

Strand Road will be disappointed to have fallen at the penultimate hurdle once more, but it’s arguably been a more impressive campaign for them this year in showing there is genuine potential there if they can build on the strong foundations they appear to have now.

Crokes’ eyes now turn to this weekend’s replay in the other semi-final as they wait to see if they will face Dingle in a Senior Club final rematch or will they have a much more local matter to deal with in the form of East Kerry.