Kerry Claims Victory in Season Opener vs. Portland

2 June 2019 – After ending 2018 with a disappointing overtime loss in the Championship quarterfinal, Kerry Boston GFC came into Sunday’s season opener against Portland Fomorian GFC determined to walk away with a victory.

Having shaken off the rust during a challenge match a month prior, Kerry got off to a blazing start with a couple of early goals and a handful of points to put them up by a comfortable margin early on, never looking back from there. The team displayed far greater chemistry and poise on Sunday, moving the ball consistently up and down the field through tireless midfielder Noel Kennedy and converting their opportunities. Second-year forward Conner Hartigan showcased his speed, athleticism, and nose for goal during the match, leading the team in scoring with four goals and five points.

Kerry’s defensive front put forth a masterful performance as well, as the back lines of Mike Godley, John Doherty, Jack Kelly, Ciaran Mulhall, and Aaron Moore held Portland to a single goal and point. At the end of the day, Kerry was able to claim victory with a final score of 9-21 (48 points) to 1-1 (4 points).

The final score line does not tell the entire story, however, as the first-year Portland club displayed grit and determination throughout, falling victim to a number of unlucky plays and near misses that inflated the final tally.

“It’s a fantastic start to the Championship, with our lads putting forth a tremendous team effort from start to finish,” said selector Dan O’Connor after the match. “A great credit is due to Portland as well – this is their first year entering a team in the football Championship. While the result didn’t go their way, we’d like to commend them on their work to-date in getting the club off the ground.”

“Portland played mightily, especially for a team that is only five months on the go,” added manager Evan McDonagh. “They’ll definitely be a force to be reckoned with down the line as they progress and grow stronger as a club.”

It wasn’t all smiles on the Kerry side of the ball, however, as captain Conor Sweeney went down early in the first half with a hand injury and was unable to return.

“Unfortunately, a great day of football was soured by the injury to Sweeney,” said McDonagh. “We hope that he’ll make a swift recovery and be back in the green and gold ASAP.”

Kerry will have a week to recover before looking to continue rolling against the Shannon Blues in Canton on Sunday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Man of the Match: Conner Hartigan

Kerry Scoring: