The Kerry senior football championship got underway yesterday evening when holders Austin Stacks came out on top in a hard-fought Tralee derby against newcomers Na Gaeil.

County players Joe O’Connor and Jack O’Shea were withdrawn due to injury in the 18th and 40th minutes, respectively, at Austin Stack Park, but Stacks recovered from their absence to win by 0-14 to 1-8. 

Na Gaeil raced into an early lead as they led by 0-0 to 1-1 after Jack Sheehan beat goalkeeper Ben Quilter for the game's only goal on six minutes.

However, Stacks steadied themselves and eased their way into the contest with points from Sean Quilter, David Mannix, Paul O’Sullivan and Conor Hora to hold a slender 0-7 to 1-3 half-time advantage.

Diarmuid O’Connor kept Na Gaeil in contention with frees but Michael O’Donnell, Brendan O’Sullivan, Michael O'Gara and Mannix ensured the reigning champions remained in front until the end.

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