Played on Tuesday 29th April in the Park our U-14As put up a fine performance to progress to the final of the Kerry Cup where they will play Listowel Celtic.
Playing with a strong breeze in the first half, Park struggled early on to find the key to unlock a stubborn Inter defence. A Michael Slattery shot in the 7th minute which went wide was as close as they came in the opening 15 minutes. However Thomas Burke was beginning to make inroads and it was a shot by him that set Robin McCarthy up to open the scoring in the 19th minute. That settled the boys from the Park and great work by Robin on the right hand side of the box, when Inter failed to clear a corner, led to James Rusk slamming home the second five minutes later. Similar persistance from Michael O’Gara, again on the right side, had him putting an excellent ball into the path of Thomas Burke in the 28th minute which he dispatched to the net with the confidence of a professional. With the back four well on top and Conor Higgins and James Rusk doing well in midfield the Park should have been even further ahead at the break but their last chance in this half was an effort that went narrowly over the bar from Michael Slattery.
Robin McCarthy had an early chance in the second half to increase the lead and all the pressure was beginning to tell on Kenmares young team. Two minutes into the half a good ball from Sean Carmody set Michael Slattery through on goal and a sublime first touch followed by a magic strike with the outside of his right boot gave the Inter keeper no chance. Four nil and that score effectively settled the game. Kevin Browne had just entered the fray when Robin McCarthy notched his second of the game to make it five nil. Browne and the newly introduced Josh Wadding had a big impact on the game with Browne netting the final two goals of the game and Wadding setting one up for him. Thomas Burke set up the other after a fabulous run which could have ended up with him scoring himself. Donagh McMahon replaced the formidable Dylan Casey and enjoyed a fine outing while Ruari O’Kelly and Shane Jordan showed what important members of the team they are when introduced in the second half. Overall a fine performance but Park will be up against it in the final against a strong Listowel Celtic side. It looks like the final will be played in Killorglin on weekend of 10/11of May. Details will be posted on website in due course.
Panel – Aaron Ward, Adam Ward, Gearoid Fitzgerald, John Ward, Dylan Casey, Matt Lukco, Sean Carmody, James Rusk, Michael O’Gara, Conor Higgins, Thomas Burke, Robin McCarthy, Michael Slattery, Josh Wadding, Ruairi O’Kelly, Kevin Browne, Shane Jordan, Donagh McMahon. Niall Sertuxta missed the game due to a school tour.
Thank you to our supporters who came along and to the club who had the facilities in excellent condition for the two games played on the night.
Well done to Park U-12s on their win in the semi final and best of luck to them in the final. Best wishes must also go to the players and management of the Park U-16s who play Mungret on Sunday in the semi final of the National Cup.
Report by P.Carmody
