Kelly strikes killer blow to steer Shannon into decider

THE pace, skill and opportunism of winger Stephen Kelly and the quality of a pack who used the atrocious conditions to their advantage were crucial factors as Shannon qualified for another AIB League final at Coonagh on Saturday.

For the second successive week, Kelly, the Newcastle West native who has shone for the Limerick footballers, struck for a decisive score . He ran in two splendid tries against Dolphin seven days previously that earned Shannon a bonus point and a home semi-final and this time he notched the game’s only try.

“That guy is on fire and deserves to go to the next level,” enthused Shannon coach Geoff Moylan. “Someone needs to nurture Stephen because he has everything. He’s been outstanding week after week after week. He’s on to everything. He’s strong, he’s fast, he’s eager, he’s a fantastic player. He’s got everything”.