Kerry FC had 3 teams in action at the weekend. The under 17s hosted table toppers Cork City on Saturday in Mounthawk Park. Kerry performed well in the first half. The home side took an early lead when Finn Barrett fired in an excellent free kick. Cian Beirne and Josh Bowler were creating chances in the middle of the park . However Kerry could not add to their single goal advantage before the break.
Cork upped the tempo in the second half and were soon on the score sheet. Dara McCormick and Cillian Mulvihill netted early to give the visitors the lead. Matthew Murray fired home in the 57th minute. A late brace by Rhys Kelly Noonan saw City run out comfortable 5-1 winners.
On Sunday the Kerry under 15s also hosted Cork City. Again Cork had full points going into this encounter. However Kerry FC gave the visitors a tremendous match before going down to late City goals. Kerry got off to a great start. Christy Burke intercepted a defensive pass 30 metres out. Christy still had a lot to do however but used his speed to outrun two defenders before slotting past an advancing keeper. This goal was a massive boost to this young side and Kerry created further chances against a team containing several internationals.
Ram Hadi saw his pile-driver tipped over in the 24th minute. Rob Keane hit the side netting minutes later. Christy Burke also had two efforts saved by Cork’s keeper. City also created chances in a great advertisement for underage football. Evan Doona and Kalen Browne both cleared off the line. Keeper Ewan McCrohan also made a couple of outstanding saves.
Cork were beginning to dominate in the closing stages. Irish international Jayden Umeh was proving a handful and unselfishly created chances for his teammates. Donal O’Connor equalized in the 70th minute. Further pressure saw sub Dylan O’Connell score a late brace of goals to see Cork take full points against a gallant Kerry outfit.
On Saturday the U14s travelled to Dublin to play a strong Shelbourne side.In this youngest league results are not registered. Again Kerry aquitted themselves well. Callum Robertson led the line well and was again on the score sheet. Edison Jahiri was another to hit the net from midfield. David O’Donoghue scored another goal on the day. Darragh O’Sullivan also impressed in the middle of the park against the Dublin side.
