Thomas Hickey of St. Kieran’s is tackled by East Kerry’s Dara Moynihan and Chris O’Donoghue in Saturday’s Kerry SFC quarterfinal game at Austin Stack Park, Tralee. INPHO/LASZLO GECZO
By P.J. Cunningham
Kerry’s ace marksman David Clifford was the Jeykll and Hyde perfomrer as his East Kerry overcame a brave challenge from St Kieran’s to qualify for the Kerry senior semi-finals at the weekend.
Clifford was the hero and villain as his goal was critical, but then so was his sending off which means he will now be unable to line out in his side’s next championship game.
The holders came up with two late points through Clifford and his brother Paudie to scrape home on a 2-13 to 1-14 score. However the star forward saw red right on the final whistle for an off the ball incident.
In the home of All Ireland champions, Dublin, Ballymun Kickhams edged out neighbors Na Fianna thanks to a seven points contribution for star man, Dean Rock. He helped his side recover from a five point deficit to end up winning by 1-18 to 2-13.
St Jude’s also advanced against Skerries Harps at Parnell Park on Saturday with a goal from Dublin Super Sub Kevin McManamon vital as they progress by seven points.
South side club Kilmacud Crokes gave their northside rival St Vincent’s, trained by Brian Mullins, a right old spanking as the holders from two years ago ended up winning by 4-15 to 1-12.
In Mayo, holders Ballintubber succumbed to two Darren McHale goals as Knockmore caused the shock of the round by felling the champions of the past two years on a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-12.
Mayo may have found more nuggets for its county team in that match and in the final game at MacHale Park when Breaffy showed great character to turn a four point interval deficit against Ballaghaderreen thanks to Conor O’Shea’s remarkable performance. The younger brother of Seamie and Aidan showed amazing poise as he scored a vital 1-2 to ease his side to victory.
For full GAA coverage in Ireland and New York check out tomorrow's print/digital edition of the Irish Echo.
