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Mike O’Halloran reflects on Kerry’s great comeback yesterday against Laois in Austin Stack Park…
Padraig Boyle hits the net with his penalty during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
JUST over 500 people braved the biting cold to see Kerry rise Phoenix like from the ashes of a slash and burn first half Blitzkrieg from Laois to eventually win by 3-14 to 0-19.
Laois led by nine points at halftime in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B match, giving the few who did not wear their long johns an excuse to leave for the warmth of the fireside at home.
There was a feeling before the game that Kerry might be up against it, given that Laois had run Galway to six points in the Walsh cup, with Kerry being at the end of a couple of dustings in the Munster Hurling League.
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Add to the defeats was the retirement of the great John Egan -who to my mind is probably one of Kerry’s greatest sports people- a litany of injuries were trotted out to dampen expectations also.
Padraig Boyle grabs the ball before being fouled for a penalty during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The dampened expectations were truly saturated with the first half display, but as they say goals win matches. They also say in Ballyduff, that the Boyles get goals and both saying were proven in the second half.
Padraig Boyle stood still over a penalty and wristed the ball low to the net, he had another later from play. Then the Causeway dynamo Keith Carmody was introduced and in double quick time he assisted Colum Harty to goal.
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Harty had just returned from a long injury and lined out in the unaccustomed midfield position. He was quiet in the first half but he was dynamic in the second scoring a monster point along with his goal.
Daniel Collins gets his shot off to score a point during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
There is a lot of talk these days of walls being built and a “Yuge” “Bigly” wall was built by Dineen, Costello, Kelly and company along the 45 metre line to keep out the “hombres” from Laois who wished to make Laois great again.
There was also a ‘bigly’ display from Michael Boyle.
I was accused of spreading “Fake News” when I reported that Shane Nolan missed two frees in a row, but it is true.
Shane Nolan attempts to turn Dwane Palmer during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
I mention this just to remind us hurling followers that there is “Yuge” hope for Kerry hurlers to survive in Div 1B given that Kerry gave Laois a nine point lead at halftime and still won.
Shane missed a few frees (which won’t happen again). The win will inspire the team that they can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Next week an invasion of the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick is planned, to attack “The Walls of Limerick”. Scroll down for more photos…
Paud Costello gives chase to Stephen Maher during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Darren Dineen lays off a pass during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
A great catch by Mikey Boyle during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Action during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mikey Boyle shoots during the match on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
