Kerry overtook Armagh for top spot in Division One of the Allianz Football League, Armagh held to a draw at the Athletic Grounds, Mayo picked up an historic win over Dublin at Croke Park, while Tyrone managed to get their first win of the campaign.
Kerry 1-13 Donegal 0-7, Fitzgerald Stadium.
Kerry go top of Division 1, after a comprehensive nine point win over Donegal in Killarney. Sean O’Shea was having a great afternoon at half forward, kicking 0-7 as he spearheaded the Kerry attack, David Clifford needed just six minutes to make his mark off the bench, grabbing the only goal of the game.
Donegal had initially done well to contain Kerry in the first half. The visitors’ possession game working well in the opening quarter, by the 12th minute they made it 0-2 apiece from Shane O’Donnell’s fisted pass, Donegal made no apologies for passing it around in their own half and in midfield for long periods, but struggled to kick scores for the remainder of the half,
Kerry were seven points ahead at half-time after playing with the strong wind into the Lewis Road end in the opening period, Clifford struck for the game’s only goal in the 49th minute, Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton will have nightmares about it, the shot was mis-hit but bounced in front of Pattonand bouncing off the keeper and into the net.
Tyrone 2-7 Kildare 0-12 O’Neills Healy Park Omagh
Tyrone had to come from behind to claim their first win of the year, as they managed a one point win over a game Kildare this afternoon. Two second half goals were the crucial scores for the defending All Ireland Champions, who have had their squad ravaged in recent weeks, but a crucial result for them to avoid the drop.
Kildare had a four point lead at the break, which could have been more if Paddy Woodgate’s goal bound effort before the half, managed to dip under the crossbar, rather than fly over it for a single point, but the Lilywhites looked in control at the break. Four minutes after the restart Tyrone had their first goal, Conn Fitzpatrick finding the back of the net, putting a point between the teams.
Kildare netminder Mark Donnellan hit a free that snuck over the bar after 42 minutes, giving them a two point cushion, 1-5 to 0-10. Just before the hour mark, Tyrone waved the green flag again, Darren McCurry getting the goal after Conor Meyler was superb in the build-up, putting them a point ahead. Darragh Kirwan drew the game again for Kildare after 63 minutes, before Niall Morgan had to be sharp to save a goal bound shot from him in the final five minutes.
Richie Donnelly landed a brilliant point before the clock ticked red for injury time, putting them back ahead by one, before McCurry hit the upright but managed to make it 2-7 to 0-11 late on. Daniel Flynn bore down on goal but his shot flew over the bar, leaving it a one point game with 73 minutes elapsed, Donnellan missed a late free to level the tie, as Tyrone dragged themselves over the line.
Armagh 1-7 Monaghan 0-10, Athletic Grounds
Armagh have continued their unbeaten start to the National League, but will be disappointed not to have taken the victory, after drawing 1-7 to 0-10 at home to Monaghan.
The biggest talking point of the game came from a penalty for Armagh,Rory Beggan acrobatically denied Rian O’Neill, touching the high shot onto the crossbar, but footage looks to have shown the ball crossing the line.
Nonetheless, Armagh continued to pour forward, forcing a turnover and scoring a goal through Conor Turbitt in the 53rd minute, making it 0-9 to 1-4. Tiernan Kelly then gave Armagh the lead in the 62nd minute. But try as they might, Armagh couldn’t continue their surge.
A Jack McCarron free brought it level once more as the game entered injury-time, and neither side could find a winner late on.
Dublin 0-12 Mayo 2-11, Croke Park
Mayo have further added to Dublin’s woes, after a five point win in Croke Park on Saturday night. A third consecutive loss for the Sky blues, two of which have come at headquarters, looks to have them fighting a relegation battle.
First half goals from Jack Carney and Aiden Orme laid the platform for Mayo’s second win of the campaign which, allied to their draw against Donegal, leaves them joint top of the table with Armagh. Diarmuid O’Connor and Rob Hennelly put in big performances, while Matthew Ruane and Oisin Mullen returned.
By starting Michael Fitzsimons and introducing Jonny Cooper and Cian Murphy, manager Dessie Farrell has now handed game time to 46 different players this season, Dublin had a strong second half against Kerry but were wayward against Mayo, making unlikely unforced errors all evening and kicking several bad wides which cost them any chance of a result. Dublin’s trip to Newbridge to play Kildare now looks like a must win for them.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.