Kennelly return ends in derby defeat

TADHG KENNELLY’S return to gaelic football didn’t have a fairytale ending yesterday as his Listowel Emmets side crashed out of the North Kerry championship with a semi-final defeat to arch rivals Finuge in Tarbert.

Ex-Sydney Swans star Kennelly, who is now employed by the AFL to scout for potential talent, returned to Ireland on Friday for a plaque-unveiling ceremony in his native town in honour of his father Tim, the prolific All-Ireland medal winner.

He didn’t start yesterday’s derby clash but was introduced at half time with the sides level on four points apiece.

However Kennelly was well shackled by Kerry senior hurler John Griffin and failed to score.

The game’s turning point arrived in the 33rd minute when Kerry U21 boss Eamon Fitzmaurice fired to the net to put Finuge in the driving seat (1-5 to 0-4) entering the final quarter.

Listowel rallied with Noel Kennelly converting three frees before Kerry star Paul Galvin landed a late point to help his side to a 1-6 to 0-7 victory. Fitzmaurice was star man for the winners, hitting 1-3.

In the other semi-final, an Ian Blake penalty and a second half goal by Tom Joy saw Beale defeat champions Tarbert in Ballylongford on Saturday (2-6 to 1-6).

The decider is fixed for Sunday, December 18.