Classy Cooper again the star for Dr Crokes

Dr Crokes 2-11 An Ghaeltacht 1-9

Dr Crokes now qualify for a Kerry SFC semi-final meeting next Saturday with Laune Rangers.

It was his penalty nine minutes from time that broke the vibrant challenge from An Ghaeltacht which had been driven for much of the game by Darragh Ó Sé and Riobard MacGearailt at midfield.

More entertaining than the preceding quarter-final, the standard of play was also higher. And, it would be accepted that Gaeltacht looked potential winners at several stages, especially after MacGearailt inspired them with a 40th-minute goal. In the end, they had no answer to the twin threat of Cooper and O'Leary inside.

Taking the lead in the second minute through Eoin Brosnan - named at full-forward but given a roaming commission - Dr Crokes looked the more promising side until Darragh Ó Sé gave Gaeltacht a grip at midfield with some commanding play. The sides were level for the second time at 0-4 each in the 19th minute before Marc Ó Sé (who had been assigned the task of marking Cooper) kicked over a terrific angled shot from the right wing.

The Killarney side were still trailing at half-time (0-7 to 0-5), but that was only after hard-working centre-forward Andrew Kennelly lost possession at a vital stage when he looked certain to goal. Cooper, too, missed a chance of a goal three minutes into the second half - but managed a point. Shortly afterwards David Moloney kicked over a 45 and Cooper regained the lead with an easy free.

An Ghaeltacht stormed back with Riobard MacGerailt's goal and that kept them ahead until Cooper worked his way through for a simple but perfectly executed 46th-minute goal that gave Crokes back the initiative.

Dara Ó Cinnéide could make no real headway for Gaeltacht, and MacGearailt (at full-forward) was well policed, as was his brother Aodhan.

Cooper made no mistake with his penalty. And, it would be acknowledged that the smart play of minor player O'Leary alongside him in the front line was another important factor.

Scorers: Dr Crokes - C. Cooper 2-5 (1-4 frees); K. O'Leary 0-2; E. Brosnan, D. Moloney (45), A. O'Donovan and R. Neher 0-1 each. An Ghaeltacht: D. Ó Cinnéide 0-4 frees; R. MacGearailt 1-0; D. Ó Se, C. Ó Dubhda, A. MacGerailt, M. Ó Sé and Breathnach 0-1 each.

DR. CROKES: K. Cremin; S. Doolan, L. Quinn, V. Cooper; B. Moriarty, B. McMahon, E. Kavanagh; K. Brosnan, J. Jones; D. Moloney, A. Kennelly, J. Fleming; C. Cooper, E. Brosnan, K. O'Leary.

Subs: M. Moloney for V. Cooper (35th minute); A. O'Donovan for K. Brosnan (46th); R. Neher for Moloney (55th).

AN GHAELTACHT: T. Mac an tSaoir; R. Ó Flatharta, M. Ó Sé, E. Ó Beaglaoi; B. Breathnach, T. Ó Sé, M. MacGearailt; R. MacGearailt, D. Ó Sé; A. MacGearailt, C. MacGearailt, C. Ó Dubhda; T. Ó Conchuir, D. Ó Cinnéide, C. Ó Cruadhlaoich.

Subs: Daithí Ó Sé for M. MacGearailt (second half); E. MacGearailt for C. MacGearailt (35th minute).

Referee: P. Sheehy (Clounmacon).

*A minute's silence was observed in memory of Siobhán Cotter, daughter of County Board Oifigeach Cultúra Liam Cotter and Noreen Hussey, wife of North Kerry Treasurer JP Hussey.