Kerry 1-17 Derry 0-13
JACK Sherwood, from Farranfore, again played a stormer – and even got in on the scoring act from defence – as Kerry picked up their first league points of the season with an impressive victory away to Derry on Sunday.
Ace marksmen Bryan Sheehan and Paul Geaney were both in spellbinding form as Kerry produced a very impressive performance in a cold but bright Celtic Park.
Sheehan registered seven points, six coming from frees, while Geaney gave a man-of-the-match performance with a hugely impressive 1-5 and his goal, 26 minutes into the second half, finally killed off Derry. This entertaining 1-17 to 0-13 victory, before a disappointing attendance, saw Kerry starting well with Geaney and Stephen O’Brien both registering points inside the opening minute.
With the hardworking David Moran in control at midfield and the Kerry half-forward line working well as a unit, they brought the game to the home side but Derry hit back with points from Kevin Johnston and Mark Lynch.
Sherwood was brilliant in defence, driving forward at every opportunity and notching a point from play, as Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s side went 0-5 to 0-3 ahead – a lead they increased to 0-10 to 0-7 by half time, thanks to Sheehan, Geaney, Stephen O’Brien and Barry John Keane.
It wasn’t a good day out for Tommy Walsh who started on the wing and switched to full forward before eventually being withdrawn and replaced by Anthony Maher – who did well on his introduction.
Derry substitute Eoin Bradley made a brilliant contribution when introduced – kicking four points – but two further Sheehan scores and another from the brilliant Paul Geaney kept Kerry ahead.
The decisive move came with mine minutes left and it was Paul Geaney that expertly guided the ball to the net following good build-up play from Johnny Buckley and Michael Geaney.
Kerry scorers: P Geaney 1-5; B Sheehan 0-7; S O’Brien 0-2, BJ Keane 0-2; J Sherwood 0-1.
Derry scorers: E Bradley 0-4; M Lynch 0-2; C McFaul 0-2; D Heavron 0-2; K Johnston 0-1; G O’Kane 0-1; B Heron 0-1.
Kerry: Brendan Kealy (Kilcummin); Pa Kilkenny (Glenbeigh-Glencar); Mark Griffin (St Michael’s Foilmore); Fionn Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes); Jonathan Lyne (Legion); Jack Sherwood (Firies); Paul Murphy (Rathmore); David Moran (Kerins O’Rahillys); Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes); Michael Geaney (Dingle); Bryan Sheehan (St Marys); Tommy Walsh (Kerins O’Rahillys); Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare); Paul Geaney (Dingle); Barry John Keane (Kerins O’Rahillys).
Subs: Anthony Maher (Duagh) for Walsh; Donnchadh Walsh (Cromane) for M Geaney; Killian Young (Renard) for Kilkenny; Podge O’Connor (Legion) for Fitzgerald; Kieran O’Leary (Dr Crokes) for Keane.
Derry: T Mallon; O Duffy, N Holly, J O’Kane; K Johnston, G O’Kane, S McGoldrick, M Lynch, C McAtamney, C McFaul, B Heron E Lynn, M Craig, T O’Brien, D Heavron.
Subs: E Bradley for O’Brien; D Brown for J O’Kane’ E McGuckin for Craig; N McNicholl for McAtamney; C Murphy for McFaul; J Kearney for Lynn.
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan). – John O’Mahony, www.killarneytoday.com
