Kerry stun Aiden McAnespies in Boston with a hard fought victory in the first round of the senior championship on a score line of 3-6 to 1-10. The fact that Kerry has not beaten McAnespies in 10 years made this victory all the sweeter in a game that went down to the last second. McAnespies attack the Kerry goal mouth looking for a last second goal and victory. The Kerry back were under severe pressure and conceded a 45. The McAnespies sent the ball into the Kerry square and in a real crowd scene Kerry managed to clear their lines and as ref Joe Moriarty blew full time there were scenes of sheer joy for Kerry supporters and players. The game started at a real fast pace with McAnespies scoring 2 points within 2 minutes. Kerry responded with a good move. Robert O'Hanlon saw the on running Ian Whelan who punched the ball to the back of the net. Padriag Doyle extended Kerry's lead after 9 minutes. Donnacha Fenton linked up with Ian Whelan for Kerry's next score to make it 1-2 to 0-2. Kerry had an open goal at their mercy but Padraig Doyle was inches wide. McAnespies stormed back into the game. Colin McRory hit the post with one shot and was inches wide 2 minutes later. On their third attack Shane O'Leary saved a certain goal that went over the bar for a point. McAnespies sent a 45 wide and 3 minutes later added a point that hit the top of the post and went over the bar and after 24 minutes of play it was 1-2 to 2-4. Kerry responded with 2 rapid goals which rocked McAnespies. The first goal came when Ian Somers set up Paddy Tanny and he sent a bullet to the back of the net. Tanny was involved also in the second goal finding the open Donnacha Fenton and the Waterville man made no mistake, Kerry were ahead now 3-2 to 0-4. McRory added a point for McAnespies in injury time to leave the score 3-2 to 0-5 at the half.



Kerry came out flying in the second half. Once again it was Tanny linking up with Robert O'Hanlon but the Listowel man hit the post. With a goal on Donnacha Fenton was wide of the mark a minute later. McRory pulled one back for McAnespies after 9 minutes. Paddy Tanny added 2 points for Kerry but had to leave the game after a heavy hit which winded him. The big man would be a huge loss as there was 11 minutes left to play. McAnespies would pile the pressure on now. Coley Donnelly converted a free and a minute later was awarded a penalty which was converted. McRory added a point from a free and it was game on. Mike McCarthy scored from a free for Kerry and Ian Whelan added a point from play for a 2 point lead for Kerry. Then McAnespies threw everything they had at Kerry looking for that winning goal which did not come thanks to some great defending by Kerry who came away with a memorable victory as Kerry has not beaten Aiden McAnespies in 10 years. They are a great team and were Boston and North American champions in 2011. There is a lot of credit due to Kerry's Timmy O'Neill as manager (John Feely, Dan O'Connor and Mike Moriarty Selectors) and to our sponsors the 12 Bens, Gabriel Mannion.

Connie Kelly