Lane leads way as Stacks see off Rathmore to seal first Kerry SFC final spot since 2021
POWERING ON: Paddy Lane of Austin Stacks. Pic: Tatyana McGough
A two-pointer from man of the match and Kerry star Joe O’Connor on the hooter of half-time proved crucial as Austin Stacks reached their first Kerry SFC final since 2021.
Stacks had labored in the opening half to post a total with the wind and ensure an adequate cushion for the second stanza before O'Connor moved his side four points clear. In truth, Rathmore never recovered.
Having lost Paul Murphy at half time, Rathmore stuggled as Joe and Ben Murphy took over for Stacks at midfield. Rathmore were never allowed reached the heights of last week’s shock win over East Kerry. With Paddy Lane operating as the playmaker up front, Stacks made hay.
Rathmore, playing in only their fourth SFC semi-final ever, found themselves facing the 13-times winners in this all-club clash, the poor weather conditions at Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday afternoon not helping the contest.
Ben Murphy had to undergo a fitness test for a hamstring injury before throw in but he started at wing forward. He appeared to be struggling during the opening half but he cut loose after the break and kicked a point to boot.
Austin Stacks had the strong wind at their backs in the opening half and started as if they meant business when Daniel Kirby attacked from the throw in and when he was fouled, Lane converted the free.
But within minutes Rathmore were level when Shane Ryan converted a free from a difficult angle, having been fouled himself. Stacks understandably had lots of possession but their lack of patience and propensity to attempt two-pointers saw them fail to take full advantage of the elements.
Armin Heinrich landed a monster but Jordan Kissane and Lane then missed with two-point attempts.
Rathmore, with Paul Murphy starting at midfield, had the Ryan brothers carrying the ball deep into Stacks territory and Ciaran Collins converted a free for a foul on Fionn Murphy.
Mark Reen and Kissane swapped points and by the 20th minute Mark Ryan had levelled the contest at 0-4 apiece.
Stacks needed some inspiration and two-pointers from Paddy and Joe O’Connor on the hooter provided them with a 0-8 to 0-4 lead and crucially momentum had swung the Tralee side’s way.
Rathmore resumed without Murphy and Stacks soon assumed complete control around the middle, Joe O’Connor and Kissane adding points to make it and 0-10 to 0-4 game. Shane Ryan's two-point free and a point from Ciaran Collins closed the gap to three points.
But Lane and Joe O’Connor along with Heinrich took over as Ben Murphy started to motor and points from Lane (2) and O’Connor had Stacks six clear at the end of third quarter.
John Moynihan and Shane Ryan gave Rathmore hope with points but the Stacks bench began to make an impact, as Ronan Carroll and Lane again pushed their side six clear.
Joe O’Connor then raced through for a match-sealing goal and though John Moynihan replied in kind a minute later, Austin Stacks saw the game out with ease and will now try and join Dr Crokes on top of the roll of honour with 14 SFC titles on Sunday next.
J O’Connor (1-4, 1tp), P Lane (0-6, 1tp, 2fs), A Heinrich (0-2, tp), J Kissane (0-2), R Carroll and B Murphy (0-1 each)
J Moynihan (1-1), S Ryan (0-4, tpf, 1f, ’45), F Murphy, M Reen, C Collins (f) and M Ryan (0-1each)
W Casey; C Dineen, D Murphy, F Holohan; A Dineen, P Murphy, F Murphy; A Moynihan, C Ryan; B Friel, S Ryan, B O’Keeffe; M Reen, C Collins, M Ryan.
D O’Rahilly for P Murphy (h/t), J Moynihan for M Reen (45), C O’Connor for A Dineen (52), P Moynihan for M Ryan (57)
M Tansley; C Griffin, L Casey; N Fitzmaurice; E Carroll, A Heinrich, R Shanahan; J O’Connor, B Murphy; M O’Donnell, C Horan, D Kirby; P Lane, C Purcell, J Kissane.
J Nagle for D Fitzmaurice (36), G Horan for C Horan (42), R Carroll for J Kissane (46), J O’Shea for L Casey (51), C Browne for M O’Donnell (55) Referee; B Griffin (Clounmacon)
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