The Kerry GAA County Championship Heats Up: A Round of Thrilling Matches
The Kerry GAA County Championship is in full swing, with the latest round of matches providing plenty of excitement and drama. Teams are battling for their place in the knockout stages, and the race for top spot in each group is heating up.
Group A: Glenbeigh/Glencar and Stacks Set to Clash
A draw between Austin Stacks and An Ghaeltacht on Saturday evening opened the door for Glenbeigh/Glencar to leapfrog Stacks in Group A. Despite a hard-fought victory over John Mitchels, Glenbeigh/Glencar will face a stern test next weekend when they host Stacks. The winner of this match will top the group and advance to the knockout stages.
Glenbeigh/Glencar was 0-7 to 0-4 up at half-time and 0-10 to 0-5 by the end of the third quarter. Despite a second half black card, they held on to win by three points. The team will be looking to continue their momentum against Stacks, but they know they will have their work cut out for them.
Group B: Kerins O’Rahilly’s Impress, Laune Rangers Comeback
Kerins O’Rahilly’s are looking in fine form as they continue their quest to regain their senior status. They secured a second win in a row, this time overcoming Listowel Emmets with a convincing 1-16 to 0-11 victory.
The Strand Road side led 1-6 to 0-7 at half time, despite playing against the wind thanks to a Tommy Walsh assist that set up Gearoid Savage for a goal. The introduction of Cormac Coffey and Jack Savage in the second half turned the tide completely. Savage scored 0-4 and Coffey added 0-2, while Tommy Walsh also chipped in with two points. With a draw securing top spot, they will travel to Kilcummin next weekend with confidence.
Meanwhile, Laune Rangers bounced back from their opening round defeat with a crucial win over Kilcummin. Two Fiachra Clifford goals helped them to a 2-12 to 2-10 victory. Philip O’Leary and James Nagle scored second half goals for Kilcummin, but it was not enough to overcome the Rangers. Paul O’Shea was once again in superb form for Laune Rangers.
Group C: Beaufort and Fossa Eye Quarter-Final Berths
Fossa, inspired by a 1-9 performance from David Clifford, will travel to Ballydonoghue next weekend. With no relegation this year, Ballydonoghue has nothing to play for, making this a winnable match for Fossa.
Beaufort maintained their perfect record with a 2-15 to 1-9 victory over Ballydonoghue at home. They led 0-9 to 0-5 at half time thanks to a brace each from Darragh O’Connor, Liam Carey and Fergal Hallissey, plus one from Jack O’Connor. Jack Kennelly scored all five of Ballydonoghue’s points in the first half.
Despite Kennelly adding three more points in the second half, and a goal from his brother Paul, Beaufort were always in control. Darragh O’Connor added 2-4 for the Mid Kerry side who now sit on 4 points. They will travel to Desmonds next weekend with a draw enough to see them top the group. With Fossa also poised to advance, both teams are looking good for quarter-final spots.
Group D: Legion Rebound, Glenflesk Ready to Dominate
Killarney Legion bounced back from their opening round loss to Glenflesk with a convincing victory over Gneeveguilla. They overpowered their opponents with a 0-20 to 0-9 win, with twelve different scorers. However, a concern for Legion will be the first half injury to James O’Donoghue.
Glenflesk, meanwhile, made heavy weather of beating St Marys 1-7 to 0-7. Despite trailing 0-7 to 0-6 heading into added time, a 64th minute goal from Dylan Roche secured the win. Darragh Roche had a standout performance with 0-6. Glenflesk now face Gneeveguilla next weekend, while Legion will play St Marys.
Eyes on the Prize: The Race to the Knockout Stages
The latest round of matches in the Kerry GAA County Championship has set the stage for an exciting climax. With several teams vying for top spot in their groups, the competition is fierce. The pressure is mounting as teams battle for their chance to compete in the knockout stages. Fans can expect to see more thrilling matches and dramatic finishes as the championship reaches its exciting conclusion.
