Kennedy goal lifts spirits in Tralee

Kerry FC lifted the spirits of the home fans at Mounthawk Park on Friday last when they earned their first LOI point in a 1-1 draw with Limerick side Treaty United.

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

Seán Kennedy had the simple task of tapping the ball into the net after a great run by Leo Gaxha. He sent a low cross into the path of Kennedy to score his first goal for Kerry FC. They might have had a second goal in that first half when Gaxha’s cross was out of reach of Nathan Gleeson. Curran equalised for Treaty FC and the Kerry side had to be at their best when reduced to 10 men after Andy Quaid was sent off for a second yellow card offence.

Kerry face a tough away game in Round 4 against Galway United, the league leaders. Manager Billy Dennehy is experienced enough to know that it will take some time to get the team to gel and get those wins in this long campaign. Meanwhile, Killarney Celtic’s dreams of advancing to the FAI Junior Cup semi-final were shattered at home in Celtic

Park when they were beaten on penalties by Ballynanty Rovers.

Realistically, Neilus Hayes’ side were up against it having forfeited three of their best attacking players to Kerry FC. However, Neilus was magnanimous on the trend that leaks the club’s best players to sample LOI soccer, or even to try and make it cross-channel.

The game ended scoreless, and two periods of extra time could not separate the sides. Then came the penalty shootout. 4-4 was the score when all the first 8 penalties were converted. Celtic lost out with the last kick.

In England, Manchester United were beaten 7-0 by rivals Liverpool. It was their biggest ever loss in this fixture, a bitter pill for so many local fans, and for greats of the past such as Roy Keane.

The Cork man didn’t put a tooth in it, saying the players should be “ashamed” and “embarrassed”.

Nevertheless, United will rise again.