Southern Gaels claim title in six-goal Kerry thriller

The contest was packed with drama from the off — an end-to-end battle worthy of the occasion in Fitzgerald Stadium.

Kerry star Siofra O'Shea rounded off the Gaels win with a goal. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Kerry Ladies Football final: Southern Gaels 3-12 Na Gaeil 3-6 

Southern Gaels were crowned Bons Secours County Senior Championship winners after a thrilling six-goal final that saw them overcome a brave Na Gaeil side by six points. Played in ideal conditions, the contest was packed with drama from the off — both teams striking early goals to set the tone for an end-to-end battle worthy of the occasion in Fitzgerald Stadium.

The game burst into life inside two minutes as Muireann Teahan found the net for Southern Gaels, only for Maria Quirke to respond in kind moments later for Na Gaeil. 

It was breathless stuff, but once the early storm settled, Southern Gaels began to assert themselves. Points from Katie Foster, Síofra O’Shea and Mayers Lyons helped them build a four-point cushion by the midway stage, while Na Gaeil rued three gilt-edged goal chances that went astray. A 23rd-minute yellow card to Anna Galvin saw the South Kerry side down to 14 for the remainder of the first half, but they managed that period expertly.

Leading 1-7 to 1-3 at half time, Southern Gaels came out firing again after the restart. Rachel Dwyer’s well-taken goal gave them real breathing space, followed quickly by an Ellie O’Connell point. Na Gaeil, however, refused to go quietly. Megan O’Connor hit a superb goal to keep them in touch before Bríd O’Connor’s strike minutes later cut the gap to four points and had their supporters sensing a late surge.

But every time Na Gaeil threatened, Southern Gaels had an answer. O’Shea and Dwyer were immense in attack, combining for crucial scores. The decisive moment came near the end when Síofra O’Shea pounced to finish off a great run after a sweeping team move for her side’s third goal, effectively sealing the title.

Na Gaeil battled to the end, with Maria Quirke and Jaydn Lucey adding late points, but the day belonged to Southern Gaels, whose composure and scoring power made the difference. It was a fitting conclusion to a high-quality championship, with Southern Gaels deserving champions.

Scorers for Southern Gaels: Siofra O’Shea 1-2 (1f), Rachel Dwyer 1-2 (2f), Muireann Teahan 1-1, Katie Foster 0-2, Mayers Lyons 0-2, Siún Fitzgerald 0-2, Ellie O’Connell 0-1.

Scorers for Na Gaeil: Maria Quirke 1-2, Megan O’Connor 1-2, Bríd O’Connor 1-0, Mary O’Connell 0-1, Jaydn Lucey 0-1 (1f).

SOUTHERN GAELS: M E Bolger, C Dwyer, E O’Sullivan, K Furey, J Gill, A Galvin, C McCrohan, S Fitzpatrick, M Teahan, M Lyons, E O’Connell, K Foster, S Fitzgerald, S O’Shea, R Dwyer (capt).

Subs: S Fitzgerald for M Lyons (52), A Fitzgerald for for K Foster (54), J Curran for C McCrohan (59).

NA GAEIL: E Glynn, K O’Connor, D Kearney, N O’Connell, C Gannon, S Barrett, A Barrett, E O’Connor (capt), M O’Connell, M O’Connor, J Lucey, B O’Connor, M Quirke, M Barry, M Sheehy.

Subs: S Lucey for M Barry (38), E J O’Keeffe for N O’Connell (42), A Doyle for C Gannon (54), E Ní Shuilleabháin for M Sheehy (57).

Referee: S Mulvihill.