Kenmare Shamrocks have clear daylight at the top in Kerry

Round-up: The ageless Brian Looney was on target in his 21st successive campaign for Dr Crokes, but even he's not moving as well as Kenmare under ex Mid Kerry manager Peter O'Sullivan

MARVEL: Brian Looney scored 0-3 for Dr Crokes in their Kerry SFL draw with All-Ireland SFC club champions Dingle. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Kenmare Shamrocks convincingly beat a depleted Rathmore side away from home (2-16 to 0-8) to move three points clear of the chasing pack at the top of Kerry's SFL Division 1.

Kenmare have 12 pts, three clear of Glenflesk in second place on nine. Then there are four teams, Austin Stacks, Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Legion and Kilcummin on eight pts with four rounds to go.

Beaufort who lost heavily to Legion are beginning to look likely relegation candidates on just two points while Dingle and Dr Cokes gained valuable points over the weekend but are still in the bottom three on five.

Kenmare are flying under new boss and former Mid Kerry manager Peter O’Sullivan as they took full advantage of a Rathmore side without a regular goalkeeper and they also lost Andrew Moynihan in the opening half. A James McCarthy goal and points from O’Sullivan and Jimmy Lehane saw Kenmare Shamrocks lead 1-6 to 0-4 at half time but the floodgates opened in the second half.

Tommy Cronin with a two pointer and a succession of points from Donal O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Brien, David Chuchu, and James McCarthy saw Shamrocks lead 1-12 to 0-7 at the end of the third quarter with a Fionn Murphy two point free and a Darragh Nagle point from play, Rathmore’s only response. Kenmare Shamrocks eased to victory with a late David Hallissey goal, putting the cherry on top.

Glenflesk are in second place but they had to work hard to win their local derby with Kilcummin, 0-17 to 1-11. They were full value for their 0-8 to 0-5 half time lead. Early in the second half, Glenflesk pushed five clear but Ian Devane with a point and Brendan Kealy two points free kept Kilcummin in touch. But they suffered a body blow when Kevin Gorman got his marching orders and Glenflesk always looked in control until late on, leading by five (0-15 to 0-10) before Kilcummin struck for Mikey Casey goal.

Austin Stacks had to be satisfied with 0-12 to 1-9 draw with Dingle for whom Cathal Bambury was outstanding scoring 1-5 while Tadgh de Brun scored 0-3. Jordan Kissane top scored for the Stacks with 0-4, while Ryan O’Driscoll and Cian Purcell score two apiece.

Legion despite the absence of Cian O’Grady and Will Shine proved far too strong for bottom side Beaufort winning 3-13 to 1-6 with goals from Eoghan O’Sullivan, Oisin Fleming and a screamer from Denis Sheahan.

Dr Crokes welcomed back the Peter Pan of Kerry football, with the ageless Brian Looney starting his 21st year as a senior and he helped Crokes gain a vital two points with a 2-11 to 1-11 win over Gneeveguilla. Looney scored three points but the main man was once again Cian McMahon who scored 2-6 with his second goal crucially coming in 58th minute. Kerins O’Rahillys beat Spa 2-11 to 2-4 with Darragh O’Connor scoring a brace of goals while Shane Cronin and Eoin Fitzgerald scored Spa’s majors.