Cork just about did enough to record a deserved victory over Kerry in this John Kerins Cup opener in Tralee this afternoon as the hosts very nearly salvaged an unlikely draw from a deficit of five points entering injury time. 1-1 from substitute Darragh Hayes appeared to be enough to ensure Cork’s win but a penalty from Paul Walsh followed by a Killian Falvey point nearly ensured the match ended on parity.

Luckless Nathan Walsh’s injury woes continued Sunday in Tralee as Cork pummelled Kerry’s Under 20’s in the McGrath Cup.

Although they failed to score in the opening 24 minutes, and conceded 2-4 in that spell, Kenmare Shamrocks completed an impressive turnaround to defeat West Kerry by three points in Fitzgerald Stadium.

Man of the match Sean O’Shea provided 1-6 (four frees) but Kenmare Shamrocks needed a point from Stephen O’Brien to force extra-time, before they advanced to Round 3 of the Kerry SFC at the expense of a dogged and determined Rathmore.