Sport

Kerry look out of their depth as Offaly sail on

Offaly were far too good for Kerry in this game, played in ideal conditions at Austin Stack Park, Tralee yesterday.

Mon Apr 19 1999 - 01:00

Offaly were far too good for Kerry in this game, played in ideal conditions at Austin Stack Park, Tralee yesterday.

Kerry applauded the All-Ireland champions onto the pitch, but that is where the charity ended as Offaly, fielding only two of their All-Ireland 15, completely routed the home side.

Offaly were in charge from opening minute, when Colm Cassidy scored a long-range point. The accuracy of full forward Joe Errity, who sent over five frees, and points from Eunan Martin and Paudie Mulhare helped Offaly to a 0-11 to 0-0 half-time lead.

Kerry were disappointing in the first half, with their forwards unable to gain much possession. Offaly completely outclassed them, making them look a side very low in morale. The second half saw a big improvement from the home side, and with full back Seamus McIntyre, wing-back Tony Maunsell and the lionhearted Christy Walsh giving their all, Kerry's lot improved.

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Christy Walsh got their first score, a point, in the opening minute of the second half, while in the fifth minute a long ball from Ian Brick was doubled to the net by substitute John Joe Canty and Kerry were given a glimmer of hope.

Offaly, without ever moving out of second gear, put paid to the revival. They added points through Martin and Hanniffy which kept a gap of 10 points between the sides throughout. Tony Maunsell scored a great point for Kerry from long range while keeper Pat Corridan made a brilliant double save to deny Offaly's Johnny Pilkington in the 18th minute of a very predictable second half.

Offaly ran out comfortable winners with an experimental side. Kerry, despite spirited endeavour, looked out of their depth and they will face their relegation game with Down with mixed emotions.

OFFALY: E Kennedy; W Comerford, K Kinahan, C Murphy; M Rigney, N Claffey, B Whelahan; G Hanniffy (0-1), G Oakley; E Mar- tin (0-6, five frees), D Regan (0-2), C Cassidy (0-3); P Mulhare (0-3), J Errity (0-5, all frees), N Murphy. Subs: K Martin for M Rigney (21 mins); J Pilkington for Errity (28 mins); H Rigney for Oakley (35 mins).

KERRY: P Corridan; T Cronin, S McIntyre, P Cronin; T Maunsell (0-1), M McCarthy, WJ Leen; C Harty, I Brick; I Maunsell, T O'Connell, B O'Sullivan (0-1); M O'Regan, C Walsh (0-2), M Slattery (0-3, frees). Subs: P Cronin for O'Regan (29 mins); JJ Canty (1-0) for I Maunsell (31 mins).

Referee: W Horgan (Cork).