Electric Ireland MFC: Kerry defeat Mayo

Electric Ireland MFC Semi-Final

Kerry 1-19 (1-2-15) Mayo 3-10 (3-0-10)

Every positive attribute of these famous footballing counties was evident in an enthralling game in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.

Mayo had even managed to edge in front in injury time, Ben Holmes with another inspirational score. With the game poised, sub Nick Lacey showed remarkable courage at the other end to kick one score and win a couple of frees that ultimately kept the Kingdom alive.

There was drama throughout. The game was open and honest from the throw-in. Ben Kelliher, who finished with an incredible 0-9, established his stranglehold on the game early, kicking two early scores. Ronan Sheridan was as imperious at the other end.

But there were heroes everywhere. Mayo manager David Heaney even got in on the action when he picked up a loose ball on the sideline, handed to Cian May, who took the sideline ball quickly. He played a one-two with Conor Hession, burst through and buried for a goal.

There was plenty more brilliance in the first. Holmes and Hession showed well for ball and used it clinically too. Dara Flanagan kicked crucial scores under pressure, none more so than a penalty before half-time.

Mayo needed it, because Maidhc Ó Sé had stolen in for a quality goal himself after being found by David Sargent. Against the breeze, a couple of points from Gearóid Whyte meant that Kerry were only one down at the break.

They were a man down too, losing one to a black card at the penalty incident. Despite this, Ben Kelliher and Kevin Griffin (2) kicked three monster two-pointers after the break to change the complexion of the tie.

Mayo’s resilience has not skipped a generation. Their boys were as brave as any and against the odds would wrestle back the advantage. Flanagan showed class with the game in the melting pot. Oran Murphy made a huge impression off the bench and levelled it after bursting through on goal and finding the net in the 48^th minute.

Hession and Holmes each contributed to give Mayo every chance, but the daring of Whyte, Lacey and Kelliher won out, each scoring to make a final after a couple of years of heartbreak at the semi-final stage for their county.

Scorers for Kerry: Ben Kelliher 0-9 (2fs, 1tpf), Kevin Griffin 0-4 (1 tpf), Gearóid White 0-3, Maidhc Ó Sé 1-0, John Curtin 0-1, Danny Murphy 0-1, Nick Lacey 0-1.

Scorers for Mayo: Dara Flanagan 1-3 (1-0 pen), Ben Holmes 0-3, Conor Hession 0-3 (1f), Cian May 1-0, Oran Murphy 1-0, Tony Carey 0-1.

Kerry: Ruairi Kennedy; Ronan Sheridan, Eoghan Joy, Tadhg Ó Slatara; Danny Murphy, David Sargent, Marcus Clifford; Maidhc Ó Sé, John Curtin; Mark O'Carroll, Gearóid White, Alex Tuohy; Ben Kelliher, Kevin Griffin, Tadhg O'Connell.

Subs: Seán Sargent for O’ Connell 29mins, O’Connell for Kennedy 39mins, David McCarthy for Joy 49, Liam O’ Brien for O’ Connell 50, Lacey for O’ Carroll 55.

Mayo: Thomas Williams; Conor Coghill, Barry Langan, Cahair Tighe; Ryan O’Donnell, Declan Duffy, Eoghan Dever; Adam Kelly, Cian May; Rhys Neary, Dara Flanagan, Conor Jordan; Ben Holmes, Conor Hession, Tony Carey.

Subs: Ben Joyce for Neary 42, Oran Murphy for Carey 42, Oisín McCann for Jordan 47, Fionn Ó Cinnseala for Hession 60.

Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan).