Walsh unleashed as Kingdom get back in gear

ON a night that Darragh Ó Sé made a significant contribution on his return and young star Tommy Walsh showed why he is so highly regarded, Kerry gave their Allianz NFL prospects an overdue stimulus on Saturday with a deserved victory over an enthusiastic but inexperienced Laois side.

Ultimately, the victory hinged on goalkeeper Kieran Cremin’s 66th-minute penalty save and, against the background of last-gasp defeats at the hands of Donegal and Mayo, it was all the more pleasing for players and management for that reason.

Manager Pat O’Shea readily conceded they “were staring relegation in the face” if they had gone under again.