Kerins O’Rahillys secured their place in Division 1 of the Kerry SFL with a crucial victory over local rivals Austin Stacks. In a game that only came alive in the final quarter, two well-timed goals proved to be the decisive factor in relegating Austin Stacks to Division 2 for the first time since 2018. The match attracted a sizable crowd and the wet and greasy conditions added an extra challenge to the game.
The first half saw both teams create chances, with Kerins O’Rahillys perhaps having the better opportunities. Barry John Keane came closest to scoring a goal, but his effort went over the bar instead. By the 23rd minute, Austin Stacks held a narrow lead of 0-5 to 0-3. However, Stacks substitute David Mannix and Fiachna Mangan managed to bring the scores level before a Diarmuid O’Sullivan free kick gave O’Rahillys a slight edge going into halftime, with the score at 0-6 to 0-5.
In the second half, Austin Stacks seemed poised for victory as they pulled ahead to lead 0-11 to 0-7 by the 51st minute. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Diarmuid O’Sullivan scored a vital goal for Kerins O’Rahillys, bringing them back into contention. David Moran then leveled the match with a well-taken point, further intensifying the battle between the teams. To compound Austin Stacks’ woes, Colm Browne was shown a red card, leaving them with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite Cormac Coffey seemingly securing the win for Kerins O’Rahillys in normal time with a goal, Austin Stacks substitute Sean Quilter managed to level the match with a critical ’45’. The scoreboard read 0-14 to 1-11, and extra time was inevitable. Austin Stacks suffered further setbacks as Jordan Kissane was sent off, reducing them to 14 players for the second period of extra time. Niall Fitzmaurice also received a black card before the end of the first period of extra time.
In a thrilling encounter, both teams battled bravely, but it was Kerins O’Rahillys who ultimately emerged victorious. Cormac Coffey’s goal midway through the first period of extra time proved to be the difference-maker, helping Kerins O’Rahillys secure their place in Division 1 for the upcoming season.
The final scoreline stood at Kerins O’Rahillys 1-15 Austin Stacks 1-14. The match showcased the determination and resilience of both teams, with standout performances from players such as Kieran Donaghy, who returned to the Austin Stacks bench, and Cormac Coffey, who was awarded the Man-of-the-Match for his outstanding display. Indeed, Coffey’s contribution was particularly impressive, considering he had returned from a short break in the Middle East.
This result deals a significant blow to Austin Stacks, who have faced a challenging period after dropping out of the senior ranks to the intermediate level last year. They now face the task of regrouping and aiming for promotion in the future.
Overall, the match between Kerins O’Rahillys and Austin Stacks provided plenty of excitement for supporters and showcased the competitive nature of Kerry SFL football. Kerins O’Rahillys can now celebrate their successful effort in maintaining their Division 1 status, while Austin Stacks must regroup and focus on their journey back to the top flight of Kerry football.
