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Mike O’Halloran reports on the two Kerry SHC semi-finals played yesterday in Tralee…
Ballyduff GAA 4-25
Kilmoyley 2-25 after extra time
The Ballyduff panel.
An epic encounter between the kings of Kerry hurling ending in Ballyduff qualifying for the Garveys Supervalu Kerry hurling final where they will play Abbeydorney Hurling Club in two weeks time.
Kilmoyley were struck with two hammer blows before the game started when Dougie Fitzell (the most consistent centre back in the county) was unable to start, Robert Collins was also ruled out through injury.
Two more blows were to follow when John B O’Halloran was blinded by the sun allowing Padraig Boyle to touch the ball to the net. Then they lost Paudie O’Connor.
Continued below…
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The Kilmoyley panel.
But they showed their true resilience when they dragged their back into the game led by the excellent Ronan Walsh and aided by the goal of the championship by Philip Maunsell. Ballyduff were very impressive at times and were driven on by Padraig Boyle and a host of other great performances by Paud Costello, Jack Goulding, Kevin Goulding and their young guns especially Luke Rochford who was outstanding in extra time.
Abbeydorney 1-18
Ballyheigue 0-10
It’s going to be a great county final between Ballyduff and Abbeydorney as Abbeydorney overcame a very disappointing Ballyheigue side in the earlier game.
Ballyheigue never got to terms with the power and tenacity of the Abbeydorney Hurling Club led by the imperious Michael O’Leary.
Abbeydorney led 0-11 to 0-02 at halftime. Abbeydorney had many stars on the day like James O’Connor, Ronan Donovan, Jack Sheehan and Oisin Maunsell.
Ballyheigue must be very disappointed with their performance but must take heart from the fact that they are very young and will have gained a lot of experience from this year’s campaign.
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