Kerry Ladies update

Kerry got their Bord Gais Energy Ladies NFL Division 2 campaign off to the best of possible starts with a 13 point victory over Tipperary in Beaufort on Sunday last. Despite a spirited first half display Tipperary eventually succumbed to a second half Kerry onslaught that saw the home side shoot an impressive 1-10 even though they also shot 8 wides in that period.

William O’Sullivan introduced some new players into his starting 15 with Laune Rangers corner forward Stephanie Corkery particularly impressive. Corkery scored 1-2 but other more established players like the midfield duo of Bernie Breen and Lorraine Scanlon, Mags O’Donoghue and Aoife Lyons at full back all impressed.

Linda Cronin’s point in the 17th second was a sign of things to come. Kerry and Tipperary shared the first 6 opening scores but the home side eventually wore Tipperary down through the industry and graft of Breen who score two great first half points and the driving power play of Lorraine Scanlon who was equally accurate with 2 first half frees. Stephanie Corkery grabbed a goal in the 25th minute to give Kerry an interval lead of 1-7 to 0-5.

Tipperary took to the field in the second half minus the services of Patrice Hickey who was sin binned. In those vital opening ten minutes Kerry added 4 further scores, from Scanlon from another placed ball, a brace from Patrice Dennehy and a second point from play by Deirdre Corridan.

Kerry continued to put Tipperary on the back foot with Mags O’Donoghue particularly prominent scoring two very good points. A brief rally by the Premier county resulted in a Gillian O’Brien goal but William O’Sullivan’s side responded quickly with a goal and a point from substitute Sarah Houlihan and another point from substitute Joanne Brosnan. The Kerry management introduced 7 substitutes in total which was in distinct contrast to the visitors who only had 17 players togged off on the day.

The final 13 point margin of victory slightly flattered Kerry. Tipperary who were playing under new management for the first time will hope to redress the deficit when the sides meet again in the Munster Championship later in the year and based on how they performed in stages there is enough to suggest a real battle will be in store.

Kerry:
Edel Murphy, Caroline Kelly, Aoife Lyons, Gina Crowley, Aisling Leonard, Aislinn Desmond, Debra Murphy, Bernie Breen (0-2), Lorraine Scanlon (0-4,4f), Mags O’Donoghue (0-2), Linda Cronin (0-1), Laura O’Sullivan, Stephanie Corkery (1-2), Deirdre Corridan (0-2), Patrice Dennehy (0-2) Subs: Sarah Jane Joy for Leonard, Maura O’Connor for D Murphy, Sarah Houlihan (1-1) for Dennehy, Caroline Reen for Cronin, Emma Sherwood for O’Sullivan, Breda Lane for Desmond, Joanne Brosnan (0-1) for Corridan

Tipperary:
Nora Noonan, Barbara Ryan, Caroline Condon, Siobhán Costelloe, Catriona Hackett, Jennifer Grant, Mary O’Dwyer, Kelly Hackett, Siobhán Condon, Gillian O’Brien (1-2), Mairead Morrissey, Gillian Bulfin, Edel Hanly (0-4,3f), Aine Staunton, Patrice Hickey (0-1,1f) Subs used: Sinead Delahunty, Sheila Currow

Ref: Michael O’Keefe (Cork)