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

KERRY MFC WRAP: 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. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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.

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.