Kerry surprise Laois to break 52-year run

Laois 2-14 Kerry 1-24

Kerry footballers may not be enjoying much success in the present National League but today their hurlers caused a mild upset when they made their debut in Division 1B at a damp and mucky O’Moore Park.

It is all of 52 years since they had beaten the O’Moore’s in the National League competition but from the throw-in yesterday they were the superior team.

Under the watchful eye of former Limerick greats Mark Foley and manager Ciarán Carey they took the game to the locals. Within two minutes of the throw-in they were in front courtesy of a well-taken point by centre forward Michael OLeary.

Cha Dwyer replied for the hosts but Kerry then went two clear only to be hauled in by two points from PJ Scully, who finished with a tally of 1-6.

Cha Dwyer gave Laois the lead after 11 minutes but it lasted just 60 seconds before former Clare player Pat Kelly edged the visitors in front

Thirteen minutes in to the encounter and the game turned in favour of the Christy Ring cup champions. Full forward Mikey Boyle hammered into the roof of the net and against the run of play Laois regained the lead three minutes before the break after Scully scrambled a goal but the visitors still went to the break leading 1-11 to 1-10 The second half was simply a stroll for the visitors with Shane Nolan, Colum Harty and Jack Goulding picking off points at will.

Kerry now look forward to a visit from Limerick next Sunday.

Laois: E Rowland; O Carroll, D Maher, C Healy (1-0); L Bergin, N Foyle, R Mullaney; M Whelan (0-1 ), B Reddin; C Collier (0-2), S Maher(0-1), P Purcell; D Palmer, C Dwyer (0-4), PJ Scully(1-6). Subs: J Phelan for B Reddin 46m, J Lennon for M Whelan, M Kavanagh for D Palmer 55m, T Delaney for D Maher inj 68m.

Kerry: M Satckpoole; S Weir, B Murphy, K Carmody; D Collins, D Dineen, T Murnane; P Kelly (0-2) T Casey; S Nolan (0-8), M O'Leary (0-2), C Harty (0-2); J Egan (0-4), M Boyle (1-1), J Goulding (0-3). Subs: J Griffin (0-1) for D Dineen 57m, J Conway (0-1) for J Egan 63m.

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork).