Forward riches should see the Kingdom progress

PREVIEW: Munster U21FC Semi-Final

There were several strong facets to Kerry’s play but especially in their attack which chalked up a 0-19 tally.

Barry John Walsh and Barry John Keane were predictably to the fore, but it was the contributions of Paul Geaney and James O’Donoghue that was the most eye catching.

It’s not just forward riches that the Kingdom boast with midfielder John Buckley central to last week’s victory while Peter Crowley and Jonathan Lyne shone in defence.

Manager John Kennedy has gone with an unchanged side, with Colm Moriarty retaining his place at midfield despite Edward Walsh being introduced just before the interval in Tralee last Saturday.

Waterford will be glad of home advantage but as this is their first game in the competition, they are at a serious disadvantage.

The current good form of their seniors is a clear boost for football in the county and senior midfielder Tom Prendergast is a big player in the number eight jersey for them. Goalkeeper Stephen Enright, Conor Guiry and Adam Brophy are other important figures for the Déise. However, if Kerry maintain their form from last week, they’ll book a berth in Saturday week’s decider against Tipperary.

WATERFORD: S Enright (Ballinacourty); P Kiely (Dungarvan), C Bourke (Clashmore), C Buckley (Bunmahon); E Lonergan (Tramore), N Walsh (Kilrossanty), J McGrath (Nire); T Prendergast (Kilrossanty), C Guiry (Nire); T Houlihan (Ring), R Cahil (Rathgormack), R Fenton (Nire); D Phelan (Ballinameela), A Brophy (St. Saviours), D Grey (Stradbally).

KERRY: T Mac an tSaoir (An Ghaeltacht); P Crowley (Laune Rangers), K O’Connor (Listowel Emmetts), B McGuire (Listowel Emmets); P O’Connor (Legion), B Shanahan (Austin Stacks), J Lyne (Legion); J Buckley (Dr Crokes), C Moriarty (Dingle); J O’Donoghue (Legion), BJ Keane (Kerins O’Rahillys), M Geaney (Dingle); D Casey (Dr Crokes), BJ Walsh (Kerins O’Rahillys), P Geaney (Dingle).