Conor Geaney hits 1-6 as Dingle overcome sluggish start to reach Kerry SFC final

Dingle will face Austin Stacks in an all-club Kerry SFC final after a victory over Mid Kerry in which  AFL player Mark O'Connor made a surprise start for the west Kerry team. 

Dingle talisman Paul Geaney played an unselfish role for his side. Pic: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Kerry SFC semi-final: Dingle 1-16 Mid Kerry 0-16

It’s an all-club decider in the Kerry SFC as Dingle recovered from a sluggish start, and endured a late, late scare, to deservedly overcome the dogged challenge of Mid Kerry in an intriguing semi-final encounter at Austin Stack Park.

In ending the hopes of the remaining divisional side left in the competition, Padraig Corcoran’s charges also cut short the aspirations of senior club winners Dr Crokes to take part in successive Munster campaigns in the upcoming weeks.

Next week’s county final with Austin Stacks promises to be an absolute thriller, with the returning Dingle duo of Conor Geaney, who hit a stunning 1-6, and AFL star Mark O’Connor, proving to be the difference in overcoming the three-time recent runners-up.

With talisman Paul Geaney playing a totally unselfish role in taking his fellow inter-county star Mike Breen out of the central defensive zone, the West Kerry side needed different finishers on the day, and Conor Geaney stepped up to the plate.

His brilliantly-taken goal in the 25th minute was the catalyst for his side’s comeback, and his two orange flags from long-range placed balls on the resumption were inspirational. Dove-tailing well with Matthew Flaherty and Dylan Geaney, the Mid Kerry defence could never rest.

Around the middle of the park and, against predicted Mid Kerry dominance, Billy O’Connor and Niall Geaney had huge impacts, as did Geelong Cat Mark O’Connor, who got better and better as the game progressed in the second half.

Mid Kerry, with Eoin Clifford dynamic at the back, and Ciaran Kennedy excellent up front, built a six-point lead (0-8 to 0-2) by the 19th minute mark. Playing with great composure at that stage, they looked in control of proceedings.

By half-time, Dingle were, amazingly, ahead. Conor Geaney’s goal, created by Niall Geaney and Tom O’Sullivan was crucial, and late points from Brian O’Connor and Dylan Geaney had them a point in front (1-6 to 0-8) heading for the dressing-rooms.

By the three-quarter stage, Dingle had increased their cushion to four points (1-11 to 0-10) and, despite a Keith Evans brace, orange flags from Niall Geaney and Conor Geaney had the margin out to six (1-16 to 0-13) entering the last five minutes.

Mid Kerry never gave up, however, with Kennedy arrowing over a two-point special, while Liam Smith was denied a goal by the butt of the post in the 58th minute, as substitutes Stephen Gannon and Darren Houlihan couldn’t finish the rebound.

In a crazy finale, after the hooter, Tom O’Sullivan’s attempt for the insurance point came back off the post and, after a last throw of the dice by Mid Kerry, Mark O’Connor gave away a last-gasp ’45 that eventually resulted in Dingle winning a free in defence, which sealed their well-merited victory.

Scorers for Dingle: C Geaney 1-6 (2tpf), N Geaney 0-3 (1tp), Billy O’Connor, D Geaney 0-2 each, M Flaherty, Brian O’Connor, T O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Mid Kerry: C Kennedy 0-7 (0-3fs, 1tp), S O’Brien (tp), K Evans 0-2 each, J O’Connor (f), D O’Connor, L Carey, D Cleary, D Houlihan (f) 0-1 each.

DINGLE: G Curran; P O’Connor, A O’Connor, T O’Sullivan; T Leo O’Sullivan, C Flannery, Brian O’Connor; Billy O’Connor, N Geaney; T de Brún, P Geaney, M O’Connor; C Geaney, M Flaherty, D Geaney.

Subs: N Ryan for Billy O’Connor (54), C Bambury for C Geaney (57), S Óg Moran for Flannery (58), M Geaney for de Brún (60), M Flannery for Brian O’Connor (60).

MID KERRY: J Browne (Laune Rangers); S Cleary (Laune Rangers), N Breen (Beaufort), E Coffey (Beaufort); E Clifford (Laune Rangers), M Breen (Beaufort), S O’Brien (Beaufort); R Murphy (Beaufort), L Smith (Glenbeigh/Glencar); D O’Connor (Beaufort), D Cleary (Laune Rangers), K Evans (Keel); J O’Connor (Beaufort), C Kennedy (Beaufort), L Carey (Beaufort).

Subs: L Evans (Keel) for N Breen (ht), S Evans (Keel) for Coffey (43), D Houlihan (Cromane) for D O’Connor (47), S Gannon (Laune Rangers) for Carey (47), C Teahan (Glenbeigh/Glencar) for J O’Connor (54).

Referee: E Horan (Glenflesk).