Kerry over Roscommon with a 10 point victory following a dominant second half performance.
A spirited first-half showing was not enough as Roscommon fell to a strong Kerry outfit in this afternoon’s group opener.
Roscommon raced into a two point lead with points from Ronan Daly and Brian Stack. Paul Geaney and Diarmuid O Connor were quick to reply for the home side.
Keith Doyle kicked Roscommon back into the lead before David Clifford got up and running for the afternoon with a two pointer.
Sean O’Shea added another two pointer as Roscommon kept in touch through Ben O’Carroll and Daire Cregg, Kerry now leading by a point.
Joe O’Connor and Diarmuid O’Connor both scored from play before Sean O’Shea scored a two pointer drawing the first-half to a close. Kerry led by five point at half-time, 0-11 to 0-6.
Roscommon backed by a slight breeze opened the scoring in the second half through Ciaran Murtagh after 42 minutes played.
Kerry’s 12 minute scoring draught at the start of the second half ended when David Clifford pointed from play. Ben O’Carroll did reply from play, before the floodgates opened up for the home side.
Two goals inside four minutes left the home side 13 points ahead with 54 minutes played. Ronan Daly responded for Roscommon with a two pointer. The Kingdom now leading by 11 points.
Kerry press for victory
Kerry were quick to capitalize on a poorly executed Roscommon kick with Paul Geaney was on hand to get Kerry’s third goal of the day. Sean O’Shea added another point for Kerry leaving them 14 points ahead with 64 minutes played.
Diarmuid Murtagh and Conor Cox each raised the orange flag for a two pointer apiece but it offered no more than consolation for the visitors.
Kerry were victorious by 10 points, winning on a score line of 3-18 to 0-17.
