Dennehy inspires 14-man St Kieran’s to see of stern West Kerry challenge

At half time it looked like it would be plain sailing for St Kieran’s in the second half but just after the throw in, Eoghan Joy (already on a yellow) was reported by the umpires for a bit of grappling with West Kerry’s Padraig O Mainnín and he was promptly shown a second yellow with O Mainnín also getting a yellow.

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025 - 21:55

Murt Murphy

Holders St Kieran’s moved one step closer to retaining their Kerry MFC title when they saw off a gusty West Kerry side on a 2-15 to 0-14 scoreline. A point from Ruairi Brosnan after 20 seconds quickly followed by a Michael Horan goal and St Kieran's looked in control of the opening half despite playing into a stiff breeze in Scartaglin. Kerry U20 star Killian Dennehy lorded matters at midfield along with Ballymac’s Martin McKivergan but West Kerry did enjoy lots of possession but shot seven first half wides that proved costly. Dennehy hit two frees and McKivergan a fine effort from play ensured St Kierans led 1-4 to 0-6 at half time with West Kerry not able to register a score until the 20th minute when Cian MacGearailt converted a two-point free and Aodhna Ó Beaglaoich with another two pointer from play.

This appeared to unsettle St Kieran’s for a 10 minute spell when Martin McKivergan sent the home side 1-6 to 0-8 in front.

Dennehy, Shane Kelliher, Ryan Walsh Murphy and Eoin Moriarty shut up shop at the back while Jack Joy and David Healy carved openings in the West Kerry defence. Dennehy added a point from play followed by a two-point free and Micheal Horan made it 1-10 to 0-8 entering the final quarter. O Mainnín reduced the deficit to three with a two-pointer from play but the outstanding Dennehy kicked another two from play with Jack Joy making the game safe for St Kieran’s with a 54th minute goal.

Killarney Legion stunned Dr Crokes in Lewis Road with a 1-13 to 0-15 win on a night that Crokes made too many errors. The match was essentially a shootout between Oisin Fleming (0-10) and Ben Kelliher (0-11) as Legion had led by 0-7 to 0-5 at half-time.

Ben scored two two-point frees to put Crokes ahead for first time but Legion's response was Brian O'Shea's 36th minute goal to make it 1-7 to 0-9. Crokes went ahead only once more but never pushed on as Fleming gave visitors lead again in closing stages.

Kelliher reduced the margin to one but Crokes missed a late chance for an equaliser as Legion held on for their first Kerry MFC semi-final in five years. Legion enter the semi-final draw on Friday evening as the last club side left in competition.

St Brendan’s as expected proved too strong for North Kerry winning on 2-15 to 0-13 score line in Strand Road. The winners led 0-9 to 0-6 at half time and never really had to break sweat in the second half, thanks to goals from Mikey Corridon and Conor McGibney while Nick Lacey and Sean Hickey kicked some fine scores.

East Kerry required extra time to defeat South Kerry in Waterville 3-21 to 1-21. East Kerry led 0-8 to 0-6 at half time and led 0-12 to 0-6 10 minutes into the second half but Kevin Griffin not only scored the goal that brought South Kerry back in the game but he kicked three two pointers to force extra on 1-16 apiece.

But East Kerry proved stronger with two Dylan O’Meara goals in the second half of extra time to see East Kerry reach the semi's yet again.

Meanwhile in the Premier One MF League final Douglas were crowned champions after they defeated Nemo Rangers 3-14 to 4-9 at MTU on Thursday night.

Douglas were made fight to the bitter end by Nemo who had an outstanding second half and unlucky not to get a draw. Three first half goals from Douglas proved key in claiming the cup and were inspired b Diarmuid O'Donoghue and Joe Mouret.