East Kerry retain Kerry SFC title

Paudie Clifford and David Clifford with his son Ogie celebrate with the Bishop Moynihan Cup. ©INPHO/Ben Brady.

East Kerry were pushed all the way by Mid Kerry as they retained the Bishop Moynihan Cup with a 2-10 to 0-15 victory at a wet Austin Stack Park.

Goals in either half from Paudie Clifford and substitute Luke Crowley secured a fourth county title in five years for the holders on a day when Kerry superstar David Clifford was restricted to just two points from play. The sides were level on 0-4 apiece before Paudie Clifford’s goal from a Darragh Roche pass helped East Kerry to a 1-6 to 0-5 interval lead.

But despite playing against the breeze in the second half, Mid Kerry resumed with points from Eanna O’Connor (two frees) and midfielder Gavin Horan to reduce the deficit to the minimum, 0-9 to 1-7.

East Kerry wrestled back control with a second goal from Crowley with his first touch and points from Roche and Donal O’Sullivan. However, a late run of Mid Kerry scores from O’Connor, Gavan O’Grady, Mike Breen, Sean O’Brien and Liam Carey left them hanging on at the final whistle.