Keel comeback thwarts Churchill to claim Kerry Premier JFC title

Keel talisman Keith Evans scored three points in their first Kerry Junior title win since 2013. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Kerry Premier JFC final: Keel 0-14 Churchill 0-12

Keel captured Kerry's third tier Premier JFC title after a battling final quarter comeback against underdogs Churchill who looked all over winners when they led by double scorers with just ten minutes left.

Then a huge score utterly transformed the final in Tralee. Churchill were seemingly on the way to a historic win when they led 0-12 to 0-6 in the 47th minute and Daniel Ashe was shown a black card by referee Brendan Brosnan for a trip on Cian McKenna.

But then Ivan Parker kicked a scoreable free wide in the 48th and suddenly Keel were given oxygen as their youngest player, 18 year old Brian Mangan landed a massive two pointer and this was quickly followed a inch perfect cross field foot pass by Keith Evans to full forward Aaron Murphy (Colm Cooper’s nephew) who landed another two pointer - suddenly the gap was just two, (0-12 to 0-10).

Then Churchill’s world caved on when towering midfielder Joe Lenehan picked up a second yellow and now the underdogs were reduced to 14 for the final nine minutes.

Keel saw their opportunity and driven on by the foraging runs of Shane Evans and Brian Mangan, they went for the jugular. Mangan kicked a beauty to reduce the deficit to the minimum as the protagonists went toe to toe and Keel substitute Cian Flynn gave them the lead with a monstrous two pointer in front of the terrace and Keel crowd were delirious.

In the five remaining minutes, Liam Evans kicked a point as Keel played keep ball for the final couple of minutes and win a title they last won in 2013.

Churchill had the strong breeze to their backs in the opening half but it was Keel who looked better during the opening quarter with Kerry senior Keith Evans proving far too quick for his marker. However it was Liam O’Donnell who opened Churchill’s account after he was fouled but Keith Evans soon leveled for Keel, after good work by Brian Mangan.

Keel thanks to points from Lachlan Griffin and Keith Evans build up an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead but Sean Hickey kept Churchill in the game. They also hit the upright twice and shot five sides and when Keith Evans made it 0-4 to 0-2, despite playing against the elements, matters looked bleak for Churchill. But two massive two pointers from Joe Lenehan and Darragh O’Sullivan and a brace of points from Sean Hickey, saw them actually lead by double scores 0-8 to 0-4 at the interval.

Keel just could not find their range and only added two points in the final quarter from Gary Sayers and Shane Evans while Churchill added four to lead 0-12 to 0-6 at the end of the third quarter but they could not keep Keel at bay and those three two pointers ensured that it was Keel who were celebrating at the hooter.

Scorers for Keel: K Evans and B Mangan (1tp) (0-3 each), C Flynn and A Murphy (0-2tps), L Evans, L Griffin, S Evans and G Sayers (0-1 each).

Scorers for Churchill: S Hickey (0-4), D O’Sullivan (0-4, tp, 2fs), J Lenehan (0-2 tp), C McKenna, and L O’Donnell (f) (0-1 each).

KEEL: S Cahillane; E Murphy, G Evans, A Cahillane; D Ashe, L Evans, B Mangan; L Griffin, T Ladden; G Sayers, S Evans, F Griffin; M Byrne, A Murphy, K Evans.

Subs: D Prendergast for F Griffin (37), C Flynn for M Byrne (45), G Murphy for A Cahillane (45), G Evans for D Ashe (58), T Buckley for A Murphy (59).

CHURCHILL: C Murray; C Donnellan, T O Slatara, H Benner; H Lenihan, P Lenehan, B Donnellan; J Lenehan, K O’Connor; P Buckley, C McKenna, C McGibney; D O’Sullivan, L O’Donnell, S Hickey.

Subs: I Parker for B Donnellan (h/t), D Harty for S Hickey (42) , M O’Sullivan for H Benner (53), F Griffin for D O’Sullivan (53).

Referee: B Brosnan (Glenflesk)