Legion, East Kerry, St.Kierans and St Brendan's are all into the semi-finals of the Keane's SuperValu County Minor Football Championship.
Legion beat Dr. Crokes 1-13 to 0-15.
East Kerry defeated South Kerry 3-21 to 1-21.
Match Report by Maurice Coffey
South Kerry took on East Kerry this evening in Waterville in an exciting down to the wire county minor championship quarter final. East Kerry started warm favorites but it was South Kerry who got the better of the first quarter to lead by 4pts to 3pts after 15 mins with a brace of points from David Kennedy.
East Kerry then got a grip around the middle of the field with Mark Kennelly dominating the kickouts and Ryan Carey raiding from wing back to kick 2 fine points. By half time East Kerry had forged ahead by 2 points to lead 8 pts to 6.
East Kerry were out of the traps fast with 3 unanswered points . Joey McCarthy and in particular Liam o Brien giving the South Kerry defense a lot of trouble. A great save by Sean Griffin for South Kerry kept them in touching distance until Kevin Griffin found the net to bring South Kerry back to a 2pt deficit. Another point blank save by the South Kerry goalie kept them hanging on but Joey McCarthy would not be denied and he finally found the net for East Kerry. At this stage it looked ominous for South Kerry being 5 points down but what followed was a flawless exhibition of kicking by Kevin Griffin who stroked 3 x 2 pointer frees over in the 19th, 26th and 30th minute. That coupled with another fine save by Sean Griffin tied the game at 60 minutes at 1 .16 each.
Extra time started brightly for East Kerry with that man again Liam o Brien finding the back of the net after 1 minute . However that man Kevin Griffin stepped up again to kick another pair of 2 pointers in the 2nd and 3rd minute of extra time . Another point blank save by the South Kerry keeper from Liam o Brien left it a 1 point game 1.20 to 2.18 in favor of East Kerry at half time of extra time. The 2nd half of extra time belonged to East Kerry extending their 1 point lead to a final score of 1.21 to 3.21 .
A heroic effort by South Kerry with outstanding performances by Kevin Griffin (1-11) Sean Griffin , Michael o Mahoney ,David Kennedy and Donnacha o Sullivan.
East Kerry with forwards of the caliber of Liam o Brien ( 1-6) Joey McCarthy and Mark Kennelly midfield may well go on triumph on the big day.
A word of gratitude to Waterville GAA for their stewarding and facilities which as always were excellent.
St.Kieran's overcame West Kerry 2-15 to 0-14.
St Brendan's got the better of North Kerry 2-15 to 0-13.
In a Shield quarter final Rathmore beat Laune Rangers 3-11 to 2-12.
