Russell shines as Kerry stars give O’Shea reasons to smile

A NUMBER of Kerry’s big name stars gave manager Pat O’Shea plenty of reasons for cheer in yesterday’s first round championship action.

Mike Frank Russell hit 2-5 as Laune Rangers brushed past John Mitchels in Killorglin yesterday.

The Tralee side started brightly and led 1-4 to 0-4 after 26 minutes ­ their goal coming from wing back, Cathal O’Sullivan. But former county start Liam Hassett kickstarted the Rangers comeback and the hosts led by a point at the break (0-8 to 1-4).

Russell then took over and gave an exhibition of point scoring as his side recorded a 2-21 to 1-9 victory.

One of Russell’s intercounty colleagues, Donnacha Walsh scored the goal which inspired Mid kerry to victory over Feale Rangers (2-12 to 1-7).

Ex county man Eamon Fitzmaurice blasted home a penalty for the losers inside the opening minute. But the north Kerry outfit went over half an hour without a score while the winners were much more economical with their possession.

East Kerry, managed by former boss Sean Counihan romped to a facile 0-17 to 0-8 over Shannon Rangers at O’Rahilly Park, Ballylongford yesterday.

From the outset, John Paul Brosnan and Donal Daly dominated midfield while Seamus Moynihan patrolled the half back line with typical brilliance and East Kerry were never troubled.

Two second half goals from Paul O’Connor and John Joe Brosnan fired Kenmare into the third round of the Kerry SFC at Annascaul yesterday.

West Kerry were without two key players, Genie Farrell and Neil Sheehy and struggled as they slumped to a 2-5 to 0-9 defeat.

Young Football of the Year Kieran Donaghy wasn’t called into action as Austin Stacks enjoyed a three point win over Kilcummin (1-9 to 0-9). Donaghy who suffered a serious shoulder injury in the NFL away to Donegal was amongst the substitutes for the Tralee side who led 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval after Mickey Collins’ 14th minute goal.

The Kerry manager was at Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney watching his former charges, Dr Crokes easily overcome Dingle (0-16 to 0-7). The game never sparked to life and Crokes with Colm Cooper and Kieran O’Leary impressing, were full value for their victory.