5 June 2022 – On a perfect June day down in Canton, Kerry Boston GFC sought to get off to a strong start for the 2022 football season in a match against the Wolfetones. Kerry, having advanced two grades from Junior B to Intermediate, came into the matchday looking to prove that they belonged.
The Wolfetones would take the opening throw-in and push the attack forward with controlled possession, probing the Kerry defense for an opening. Keen on switching play, the green and gold forced a turnover and countered with pace, moving the ball through the midfield and into the forward lines led by newcomers Rian O’Sullivan, Jack Farrell, and Gearoid Dillane. Kerry would claim the first point of the match with a well placed shot over the bar from O’Sullivan.
Early minutes of the same saw both sides trading possession and narrowly missing opportunities to add to the scoring tally, with several attempts apiece sailing wide. That would change around the 10 minute mark, when Kerry took advantage of the width of the pitch to open up a lane for Rian O’Sullivan who streaked through the space and slotted a tidy finish past the Wolfetones’ keeper.
The Tones, not to be discouraged, responded with several ferocious attacks and threw a few points over the bar themselves to keep the scores near level. One attack nearly resulted in a goal (and lead) for the Tones, and was only denied through some stellar defending from wing-back Aaron Moore and the sure hands of keeper Kevin Flynn.
Kerry, realizing they were on the verge of losing control of the match, collectively settled and pushed forward once again. Center-back Shane O’Connor showcased his speed, flying up the pitch to jumpstart attacks after forcing turnovers. Going back to what worked early, Kerry once again would work width and space to create opportunities and manifest a second goal, courtesy of a well-placed punch by forward Jack Farrell. At the first whistle, the goals proved to be the difference with Kerry leading 2-5 (11 points) to 0-4 (4 points).
In the second half, the conditioning of the Kerry side helped break the game open. Midfielders James Farrell and Declan O’Sullivan attacked every kickout and rarely lost one, allowing Kerry to play forward in the Wolfetones half and search for scores. Forwards Jack Farrell and Gearoid Dillane found their strokes, popping several over the bar to help build out a fair margin for Kerry to work with.
Not content to be run into the ground, the Tones punished some poor play from Kerry to net two goals of their own in the half and press the green and gold to find an answer. Kerry would find one in their third and final goal of the day, with Gearoid Dillane finishing a fine counter to keep Kerry ahead for the remainder.
At the final whistle the score favored Kerry to the tune of 3-15 (24 points) to 2-6 (12 points), though bystanders would be quick to remind you that many of the Kerry points came late in the second half as they took advantage of tired legs from the Tones.
“We’re obviously thrilled to come away with a win in our first Intermediate match in years,” said manager Evan McDonagh. “That said, there are plenty of things we’ll need to improve on if we’re to make a real run at a Championship this summer.”
Kerry will face Christopher’s in their next match on Sunday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Man of the Match: Shane O’Connor
Kerry Scoring
- Jack Farrell (1-5, 11 points)
- Gearoid Dillane (1-3, 6 points)
- Rian O’Sullivan (1-2, 5 points)
- Padraig Doyle (0-2, 2 points)
- Jack Casey (0-1, 1 point)
- Tommy Farrell (0-1, 1 point)
- Declan O’Sullivan (0-1, 1 point)
- Conor Sweeney (0-1, 1 point)
Kerry Boston GFC 