Kerry IFC round-up: Keeper Kealy's late free snatches win for Kilcummin against John Mitchels

Elsewhere Laune Rangers produced a powerful second-half performance to record an emphatic 3-22 to 2-10 victory over a disappointing Killarney Legion side.

Dara O'Callaghan in action for Kilcummin. Pic: Don MACMonagle

Just as John Mitchels thought they had conquered Kilcummin and snatched a home quarter-final spot, as they led the home side 0-19 to 2-12 late on, Kilcummin launched one last attack.

And then when O’Leary was hauled down outside the forty five, upped stepped former Kerry keeper Brendan Kealy to spit the posts with a monstrous effort and Kilcummin had snatched victory with the last kick of the game, although Kealy revealed afterwards that he thought it was to level the game.

Mitchels were gutted and they also lost influential wing forward Paudie White (Gearoid’s older brother), who looks unlikely to make the quarters next week.

Kilcummin played the long ball inside to Kevin McCarthy, who was outstanding, and with Mikey Casey and Philip O’Leary in both corners; they threatened to overrun Mitchels early on.

McCarthy kicked the opening point and then Cian Foley set up Philip O’Leary for the opening goal.

McCarthy added another point but good work from Cian Holden, Paudie White and Alan O’Donoghue saw them tag on three quick points from James Duggan, Paudie White and Alan O’Donoghue to stay within striking distance.

Philip O’Leary and Mikey Casey added Kilcummin points while Darragh Cunnane and Paudie White made it a three-point game. Kevin McCarthy then stole in for a brilliant goal but a Cian Holden two pointer saw Kilcummin only lead 2-5 to 0-9 at half time.

The second half was nip and tuck with Mitchels closing up shop at the back; they were level four times until Cian Foley gave Kilcummin the lead. Gearoid White and James Duggan gave Mitchels a one-point lead, but Brendan Kealy punished the Tralee side with that late two-point winner.

Laune Rangers produced a powerful second-half performance to record an emphatic 3-22 to 2-10 victory over a disappointing Killarney Legion side.

John Tyther and Dáire Cleary gave Rangers the perfect start, but points from William Shine and Ryan O’Grady brought Legion level before Rob Leen tapped in the opening goal after a super pass from Darragh Lyne.

Eoin Clifford responded with a quality goal for Rangers, while three successive Adam O’Neill points and a Gearóid Hassett effort secured a 1-8 to 1-5 half-time lead for the visitors.

Laune Rangers took complete control after the restart. Three Tyther frees and another O’Neill point extended the advantage before Clifford scored his second goal. Adam O’Neill followed with a two-point free and another point, while Stephen Gannon’s goal made it 3-15 to 1-6.

Oisín Fleming found the net for Legion, but Rangers continued to dominate. Gannon, Matthew Leslie and Cleary added further points before Clifford landed a two-pointer from play. Gannon completed an impressive individual contribution with the final score, sealing a comprehensive 15-point victory.

Fires fell into the relegation trap after losing to Ballydonoghue. Ballydonoghue opened their account through Jack Kennelly pointing before a two pointer from Brian Mason. Firies replied with frees from James Horgan (1tpf) before another stunning Brian Mason two-pointer and a Tadhg O’Carroll goal gave the hosts a four-pointer advantage.

Firies captain Diarmuid O’Mahony added a point and James Horgan, being marked by Kerry star Jason Foley, found himself one-on-one with Ballydonoghue keeper Daragh O’Shea and stuck a goal to leave the sides level at halftime 1-5 apiece.

Firies pointed quickly through James Horgan to kick off the second half. However, it would be over 22 minutes before they would score again as Ballydonoghue drove on with a flurry of seven points unanswered.

Jack Kennelly contributed to 0-6 of that total (1tp 1tpf 2f). Firies had a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty when Jason Foley fouled Tomas Clifford running through to receive a pass. Despite Horgan’s initial penalty saved, referee Daniel Clifford ordered a retake as Daragh O’Shea stepped off his line. Horgan made no mistake and reduced the gap to three.

Ballydonoghue hung on in the final minutes for a vital 1-12 to 2-6 victory. Firies now face a relegation battle in the final IFC game Listowel Emmets made the long journey to Cahersiveen to take on pointless St Marys, with victory a must in case Killarney Legion beat Laune Rangers, thus three teams would have to be separated by scoring difference.

But Laune Rangers did the business so a 2-18 to 2-11 wins now they must visit Fossa next weekend. Joe Joe Grimes and David Keane got the winners' goals while Eddie Healy chipped in with three points.