Fitzmaurice and Galvin fire revitalised Finuge to glory
Finuge, fortunate to get a second chance after they grabbed a late equaliser in the drawn game, displayed far more hunger this time and profited from a more direct brand of football.
They began with Paul Galvin teaming up with Maurice Corridan at midfield and totally dominated the early exchanges, leading 1-5 to 0-1 by the 17th minute. Kerry coach Fitzmaurice proved the ideal target man at full-forward as he linked up with Maurice Corridan, James Flaherty (two) and John Griffin to telling effect.
However, what proved the crucial score arrived in the 17th minute, when Fitzmaurice crashed an effort off the upright and Griffin goaled the rebound.
Two points from Mike O’Donoghue followed as Spa rallied but two points from the Corridan brothers, Pat and Maurice, and a Paul Galvin free saw Finuge lead 1-8 to 0-5 at the break.
After an early Ryan O’Carroll point for Spa on resumption, Finuge, with Pat Corridan and Paul Galvin immense, eased eight clear. But Spa dug in, scoring five unanswered points, three from O’Donoghue frees, and, suddenly, the game was in the melting pot.
Finuge switched Fitzmaurice to midfield and brought in Mike Conway and it was that combination who got a settling 58th minute point.
Scorers for Finuge: J Griffin (1-1); P Corridan, M Corridan, J Flaherty and E Fitzmaurice (0-2 each); Paul Galvin (0-2, one free); M Conway 0-1
Scorers for Spa: M O’Donoghue (0-6, five frees); C Cronin (0-2, one free); R O’Carroll, A Giles, A O’Sullivan and S Lynch (0-1 each)
FINUGE: C Fitzmaurice; C Allen, T McKenna, D McCarthy; Paudie Galvin, Pa Corridan, Conor Fitzmaurice; J Corridan, M Corridan; Paul Galvin, J Griffin, S Power; J Flaherty, E Fitzmaurice, R Galvin.
Subs: E Galvin for J Corridan (32); K Roche for Conor Fitzmaurice (55); M Conway for S Power (55).
SPA: J Devane; B Russell, H O’Donoghue, B Gleeson; M Murphy, D O’Sullivan, E Cronin; A Garnett, M O’Donoghue; R O’Carroll, N O’Mahony, A Giles; C Cronin, A O’Sullivan, C Hickey.
Subs: P Courtney for N O’Mahony (43). S Lynch for C Hickey (45)
Referee: G Lynch (Ballymac).
