Austin Stacks progress but fail to impress

Austin Stacks 1-13 St Michael’s/Foilmore 2-6: Champions Austin Stacks opened their Kerry SFC title defence with a laboured victory over St Michael’s/Foilmore at Austin Stack Park Tralee on Saturday night.

Stacks led by a point, 1-7 to 2-3, at half-time after two fortuitous goals gave the underdogs hope against their illustrious opponents.

Points from wing-back Pa McCarthy — his second of three — and David Mannix soon after the restart gave the champions a firmer foothold, though, and they improved around the middle to ensure they secured victory.