Kerry comeback the stuff of champions

Kerry 1-12 Cork 1-10

However, showing scant regard for Cork’s 1-9 to 0-2 half-time lead, Kerry showed the stuff of champions when wind assisted on the restart to erode that sizeable lead. When the pacy Michael Bowler set up full-forward Ger Moynihan for a hugely important 50th minute goal, to leave just two points between the sides, the champions were in full stride and the outcome inevitable.

It was Causeway CC corner-forward Jersey Houlihan who proved Cork’s main tormentor with seven second-half points, eight in total. With Barry O’Grady also showing his class at midfield, Kerry really produced the goods, holding Cork to just one second-half point, a free from Conchur Harrington who also got his marching orders late in the game.

A terrific start from Cork saw them power four points clear after the opening quarter, Donncha Lowney with two frees and Ronan Prenderville and Harrington from play on target. Cork were in command all over the park, their quick incisive play too much for Kerry. With Alan O’Connor and Denis Collins in control at midfield, the Cork forwards saw plenty of possession. Further points from Collins and Carthach Keane stretched their lead before Kerry at last got on the scoreboard with a Bowler point. Kerry were making better headway, with Houlihan getting a second point in the 29th minute. However, Cork finished the half with a flourish, culminating in a fine goal from Michael Milner, who was set up by Harrington, and a point from Prenderville and they looked good at the break with that 10 point cushion.

Some transformation in the second-half though as Kerry, showing real steel, came at Cork from the throw-in and inside nine minutes three points from Houlihan and two from O’Grady had the champions motoring and clearly intent on retaining their title.

Harrington then scored Cork’s lone second-half point from a free and although they still led 1-10 to 0-8 entering the final quarter they were under intense pressure. Then came Moynihan’s goal and it was the spur Kerry were looking for as they produced the goods to soar past Cork.

There was only going to be one winner as Houlihan and O’Grady continued to torture Cork. In fairness to the Leesiders they battled mightily, but there was going to be no denying Kerry. They made a brilliant comeback and go into the All-Ireland semi-final full of confidence.

Scorers for Kerry: J. Houlihan 0-8 (0-6 frees), G. Moynihan 1-0, B. O’Grady 0-3 (0-1 free), M. Bowler 0-1.

Cork: M. Milner 1-0, D. Lowney 0-3 (all frees), R. Prenderville, C. Harrington (0-1 free) 0-2 each, D. Collins, C. Keane, A. O’Connor 0-1 each.

KERRY: D. Carey (Tralee C.C.); I. Kelleher (Col. Sliabh Luachra), M. Quilter (Causeway CC), P. Collins (Tralee C.C.); J. O’Sullivan (Col. Sliabh Luachra), G. O’Grady (Causeway C.C.), R. Galvin (do); G. Lovett (do), B. O’Grady (do); M. Bowler (do), D. Hennessy (Tralee CC), P. J. Gorman (Causeway CC); J .Houlihan (do), G. Moynihan (Col Sliabh Luachra), C .MacMuiris (Gael Colaiste). Subs: P. McCarthy (Castleisland CC) for Hennessy, M. A. Kelleher (Col. Sliabh Luachra) for MacMuiris, C. Barry (Tralee CC) for O’Sullivan, B. Sheehan (Col. Sliabh Luachra) for Gorman, B. Foley (Killorglin CC) for Moynihan.

CORK:K. O’Riordan (Boherbue CS); G. Dineen (Cill Na Martra), S.J. O’Sullivan (Beara CS), K. Connery (Col. Eoin); M. Twomey (McEgan College), M. O’Driscoll (Maria Immaculata), B. Gleeson (Davis College); A. O’Connor (St. Gobans Col.), D. Collins (St. Brogan’s); T. O’Brien (McEagan Coll), M. Milner (Maria Immaculata), D. Lowney (Beara CS); C. Harrington (Beara CS), R. Prenderville (McEgan Coll.), C. Keane (St. Brogan’s). Subs: P.J. Gonnelly (Beara CS) for Collins, J. Kingston (Kinsale CS) for O’Brien.

Referee; M. Walsh (Limerick).