Three goals in second half secures 14th Kerry SFC title for Dr Crokes

CHAMPIONS: Dr. Crokes Evan Looney celebrates scoring his sides third goal. Picture: ©INPHO/Ken Sutton

Kerry SFC final: Dingle 0-11 Dr. Crokes 3-8 

Glory. With a stunning three goal second half blitz, Dr. Crokes clinched their 14th Bishop Moynihan Cup and moved to the summit of the Kerry SFC roll of honour. For 40 minutes Dingle had the Killarney kingpins in a world of trouble. When they needed it most, they found something special.

“What a privilege and honour it is to accept the cup on behalf of an unbelievable club like Dr. Crokes,” declared captain David Naughton from the Austin Stand Park steps. “It has been away for too long, but it’s back.” 

It was 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time with Dingle’s enjoying supremacy for much of the opening exchanges. Fears of a washout dampening this blockbuster contest proved ill-founded as the opening three minutes yielded three scores.

From the throw-in, a long ball towards Dylan Geaney failed to find its target but Dingle immediately pressed high and forced a turnover for a simple Paul Geaney point. They pressed Shane Murphy’s kickout, won it long and Dylan Geaney fisted over to make it two.

He was central to all that was profitable from their attacks. The young Kerry prospect linked up with his captain once more to set up a Cathal Bambury point and laid on for a Tom O’Sullivan score soon after. The goal was on, however, the corner-back opted for the safe option and hand-passed over.

Dylan Geaney added a third before half-time, though at that stage Pat O’Shea’s outfit had finally settled. Tony Brosnan was well-marshalled by Tom O’Sullivan and missed with his opening three shots at the posts, one a free. Gavin White took on intercounty team-mate Paul Geaney and twice drove forward to stem the tide.

This axis of White, Brian Looney and Evan Looney has been integral to Dr. Crokes impressive campaign so far and it was no different here. Bar an early David Shaw point, all of their threat came from deep. Looney forced a simple free for Micheal Burns. For the Killarney side, the primary concern at the turnaround was a 40% conversion rate and an inability to get their key marksmen into range.

What followed was a remarkable diversion. Dingle monstered Dr. Crokes in the turnover and ended up with little to show from it. They’d five opportunities to push further clear and only Dylan Geaney could make it count. Tom Leo O’Sullivan had a goal chance denied and hit the post from the subsequent 45m kick. The laws of Gaelic football are very clear. Take your chances or you’ll pay. So, they did.

Two fortuitous goals turned the tie completely. Shaw struck first after a Kieran O’Leary shot dropped short. Micheal Flannery spilled the ball close to goal and Crokes duly made the most of it. The 37-year-old three-time All-Ireland winner capitalised on Cian McMahon’s short effort minutes later. With 15 minutes remaining, they led by two.

A third goal in seven minutes came thanks to a superb solo effort by Evan Looney. At that stage Dingle were left stunned. Dr. Crokes were in dreamland.

Scorers for Dingle: D. Geaney 0-5; P. Geaney 0-2 (1 free) C. Bambury, T. O’Sullivan, C. Geaney, B. O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dr. Crokes: K. O’Leary 1-1; D. Shaw 1-1; M. Burns 0-4 (1 free); E. Looney 1-0, D. G. White 0-2.

DINGLE: G. Curran; C. Flannery, C. O’Sullivan, T. O’Sullivan; B. O’Connor, D. O’Sullivan, T. O’Sullivan; B. O’Sullivan; B. O’Connor; C. Bambury, M. O’Flaherty, N. Geaney; D. Geaney, P. Geaney, T. Browne.

Subs: M. Flannery for O’Sullivan (24 - Inj); C. Geaney for D’ O’Sullivan (40); M. Geaney for Browne (52); E. Hoare for O’Connor (60).

DR CROKES: S. Murphy; E. Looney, F. Fitzgerald, J. Payne; M. Lynch, G. White, B. Looney; M. O’Shea, C Keating; M. Burns, G. O’Shea, T. Doyle; T. Brosnan, D. Shaw, C. McMahon.

Subs: M. Potts for Keating, K. O’Leary for Doyle (36); D Naughton for Lynch (53); D. Casey for McMahon (56).

Referee: B. Griffin (Clounmacoon).