A free-flowing first half  showcased the very best of the new rules, with scores coming thick and fast and our young guns leading the charge — none more so than Tomás Kennedy. 

Shaking off the disappointment of last Sunday, he produced a stunning performance, racking up 0-17, including an incredible seven two-pointers. It was his scoring that put us into tomorrow’s draw, but just as vital were his fielding, leadership, and sheer drive, which lifted those around him. Inspired by their talisman, many of our less experienced players rose to the occasion, delivering a famous and hard-earned victory.

Jake Hoare, bagged 2-04, with both goals coming in a frantic first half. 

Mid Kerry settled well after the first quarter,  and with the upper hand in midfield, began to find gaps in our defence - this led to the concession of 3 goals, all well taken whilst the 50m penalty for contesting marks accounted for another 3 scores from in front of the posts.

The half time of 3-12 to 2-11 was reflective of their superiority but we regrouped and the introduction of senior Darragh O’Connor added a new impetus to the side.

Mid Kerry continued their superiority and in the 8th minute were awarded a penalty following a foot block - however, Seán Collins pulled off a fine save, diving to his right to keep out the shot and when TJ Heaphy effected a great block down to ensure Mid Kerry only walked away with a point, you could see the belief beginning to surge through the side.

We were now more competitive in the middle 3rd - Ben Hanafin was winning the breaks, Jake Foley much more prominent and Ben O’Brien began to make inroads in the middle.

This all meant we were constantly on the front foot with Tomás keeping the scoreboard ticking over and by the 50th minute we were level; Tomás again, this time from play way out on the left and from about 45 metres raised an orange flag, score now 2-20 to 3-15.

But Mid Kerry dug in and by the 55th minute had added 1-01 to leave them in the home straight and set for victory - but we quickly answered and it was Brayden Pierce with a lovely run and jink who crossed for Odhran Kerins,  who with the deftest of touches,  sent a looping ball into the Mid Kerry net. 

We would add one more point when Seán O’Mahony drove forward and left footed raised the white flag to leave us winners on a 3 point margin, 3-22 to 4-16. 

This was a victory inspired by Tomás, who was simply outstanding — a true inspiration throughout. He was backed by a strong second-half performance from every man in blue. We tackled hard, tracked back relentlessly, and stuck to the task with admirable tenacity. 

We witnessed a superb performance — a testament not only to our fitness but, above all, to a will to win that proved simply irresistible and a vindication of our decision to compete on our own in the county championship. 

Team: Seán Collins, Seamus Cahill, TJ Heaphy, Cormac Gallagher, Breandán Meehan, Ben Hanafin, Seán O’Mahony, Ben O’Brien, Jake Foley, Gearoid Meehan, Tomás Kennedy, Brayden Pierce, Odhran Kerins, Jake Hoare, Ryan Houlihan.

Subs used: Darragh O’Connor, Aaron Horgan.

Scorers: Tomás Kennedy ( 0-17), Jake Hoare ( 2-04), Odhran Kerins ( 1-0), Seán O’Mahony ( 0-01).