Kerry’s Joe McDonagh Cup campaign has started with a magnificent victory.
The Kingdom won by 1-17 to 0-19 points against Kildare in Newbridge.
It was a point apiece after 4 minutes, Kerry's Padraig Boyle having opened the scoring. Only a superb Louis Dee save kept the Kingdom net intact but Kildare did subsequently put over.
Oisin Maunsell had Kerry level in the 9th minute at 2 points all. After Kildare went back in front by 1 the Kingdom netted in the 12th minute through Padraig Boyle, set-up by Tom Doyle A Kevin Goulding point extended the Kerry advantage. It stood at Kildare 0-4 Kerry 1-3 at the midway point of the half. Coming up on the 28 minute mark the Kingdom were in front by 1-6 to 0-6 but had also registered 7 wides. Kildare were on terms after 3 more unanswered points. Padraig Boyle put over a free from distance to give Kerry the lead at the break, 1-7 to 0-9. That brought Boyle's personal tally to 1-5. There was no further scoring in that second period.
Back to back points put Kildare ahead early in the second half. After they went 3 to the good Padraig Boyle pulled one back for Kerry. Kildare's lead was 0-14 to 1-9 in the 51st minute. When David Qualter pointed his 9th of the contest the home side were ahead by 0-16 to 1-9 with 17 minutes remaining. Kerry had the next 2 points to halve the deficit by the 58 minute mark. Dylan Moriarty then pointed and Kerry were within 1 heading into the closing 10 minutes. Kildare hit back and 2 successive points gave them a 3 points advantage 7 minutes out from time. Yet again the Kingdom battled back and they were within 1 entering 4 added on minutes at 0-19 to 1-15. Kevin Goulding had Kerry level midway through that added on time, then Oisin Maunsell nudged the Kingdom in front. That proved to be the winner.
Andrew Morrissey and Ronan Gilsenan call the closing stages
Kerry manager John Griffin
The other 2 games in the competition today:
6-23 Carlow v Down 0-20
3-25 Laois v Westmeath 1-22
