Kenmare host Crokes in winner-takes-all final round game

IT’S all to play for in Kenmare on Friday evening with the local Shamrocks hosting Dr Crokes for a place in the Senior Club final.

Few (that is to say this writer) gave Kenmare much chance of winning this championship a couple of weeks ago, but now they have home advantage to qualify for the final and get within one game of a rare but welcome senior title.

Standing in their way is a

Dr Crokes team that demolished Templenoe in the first round, but had it far from all their own way last weekend when they fell over the winning line against Kerins O’Rahillys.

Kenmare, for their part, were pushed all the way by Templenoe in a cracking derby match at the weekend.

In basic terms one still has to fancy Dr Crokes, simply given the talent they have in their team: Shane Murphy, Gavin White, Michael Potts, Johnny Buckely, Davied Shaw, Tony Brosnan et al, but Kenmare have shown themselves masters at getting the maximum out of somewhat less mercurial players. That said, any team with Sean O’Shea, Stephen O’Brien and Paul O’Connor in their attack are capable of taking on any beating the best in the county.

It will be no surprise if Kenmare pull off what would be regarded as a minor shock, but the smart money still has to be on Dr Crokes to improve on last weekend’s clunky performance and get back into the final, a game they lost last year and will be keen top make amends for.

In the other game O’Rahillys should be good enough at home to beat Templennoe and avoid a relegation problem.

Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship Group 1

Friday, August 7

Kenmare V Dr. Crokes in Kenmare at 7pm Referee: Padraig O Sullivan

Saturday, August 8

Kerins O’Rahillys v Templenoe in Strand Road, Tralee at 7pm Referee: TBC