In-form O’Callaghan fires Kerry to victory

A strong second half performance from Kerry earned them the Munster JFC title at Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay last evening against a Clare side that led at half-time but had to play with 14 men for much of the time after the break.

Corner-back Darren Hickey was sent off for a second yellow card offence in the 54th minute. It coincided with a period in the game that Kerry began to assert themselves and with the extra man in tow the Kingdom ran out easy winners in the end. Two goals by the in-form David O’Callaghan inside a minute just as the game headed into the third quarter affirmed the visitor’s supremacy that was tested manfully by an eager Clare in the opening half.

Goals by Noel Downes and Killian Malone gave the home-side the upper hand early on, but a goal and two points inside two minutes, late in the half by Kerry, ensured that the half-time score-line was close, with the Banner leading by 2-5 to 1-7 at the break.