12 June 2022 – With humidity hanging heavy in the air, Kerry Boston GFC and Christophers Boston met in Canton for another chapter in a long-standing rivalry. Kerry were looking to keep their season rolling after an impressive victory a week prior, while the Christophers entered the matchday hungry for their first win of the young season.
The Christophers would come out swinging, pinning Kerry deep in their defensive end for the opening minutes and throwing several points over the bar to set the tone. Kerry would find their footing after the opening onslaught, however, and brought the scores level thanks to points from forwards Jack Farrell and Ryan O’Suilleabhain.
Despite pulling level, Kerry still seemed on their heels until manager Evan McDonagh and selectors Timmy O’Neill and Jim O’Sullivan made adjustments to their side to account for speed of the Christophers forwards. With the defense stabilized, Kerry began winning the possession game with midfielders Declan O’Sullivan and James Farrell and creating space for forwards Jack Farrell and Gearoid Dillane to operate in.
With the scorelines still tight, captain Noel Kennedy took matters into his own hands and made a daring run forward from center back, weaving through the defense and tidily slotting the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. The moment proved to be a sparkplug for the Kingdom, as they gained confidence and control to build a healthy lead on the back of a second goal, courtesy of Gearoid Dillane.
As the clock dwindled in the first half, Kerry were awarded a penalty and a chance to carry a substantial lead into the break. Ryan O’Suilleabhain would strike the ball towards the right side of the net, but a fantastic save from the Christophers keeper ensured that Kerry would need to continue fighting to maintain their lead. With a goal of their own late in the period the Christopers would pull within striking distance to close out the first half down by only 5, with the tally being 2-10 (16 points) for Kerry to 1-8 (11 points).
After the break, Kerry came out swinging as they looked to put the match to rest early. Points from Ryan O’Suilleabhain, Jack Farrell, and Sean O Cathaiseach would add to the Kingdom’s tally, and the Kerry defense proved stalwart by turning away several probing attacks from the Christophers.
Halfway through the second half, the Christophers found another gear and began closing the gap between the two sides. After several points, they finally broke through the Kerry defense to claim their second goal and bring the score nearly level. Reminded of a similar collapse last year against this very side, the green and gold would dig deep over the final minutes to hold possession and take points when available, with Jack O Buadhachain making key contributions late in the match.
A final effort by Christophers would strike the crossbar and bounce safely away, and as the Kerry supporters collectively released their breath the Kingdom would earn its second victory of the season by a margin of 2-19 (25 points) to 2-16 (22 points).
“This match serves as a vital reminder that nothing comes easy in Championship football,” said McDonagh after the game. “I’m proud of the effort the lads put in – they showed great heart to close out a tough Christophers side down the stretch.”
Kerry moves to 2-0 (4 points) on the season and will meet the Shannon Blues on Saturday, June 25 in a clash that may determine the favorite for the Intermediate table.
Man of the Match: Noel Kennedy
Kerry Scoring
- Gearoid Dillane (1-2, 5 points)
- Jack Farrell (0-5, 5 points)
- Ryan O’Suilleabhain (0-4, 4 points)
- Sean O Cathaiseach (0-4, 4 points)
- Noel Kennedy (1-0, 3 points)
- Jack O Buadhachain (0-3, 3 points)
- Shane O’Connor (0-1, 1 point)
Kerry Boston GFC 