/”The concluding game of NFL Division One between Kerry and Galway ended with a distinct two-point victory for Kerry, yet it had no substantial effect on the final league position for either side. Despite their win at home in Killarney, Kerry still missed out on a spot in the Division One final the following weekend, while Galway’s loss didn’t cost them their first-class status as they evaded demotion.
Dublin’s win against Tyrone ensured Kerry could avoid a clash with Derry on Easter Sunday, preceding their warm-weather training in Portugal. Similarly, Derry’s successful challenge against Roscommon meant Galway could endure defeat in Killarney yet dodge relegation. One could suggest a satisfactory outcome for both Kerry’s Jack O’Connor and Galway’s Pádraic Joyce.
The game overall was somewhat unremarkable, yet Galway did attempt to take control of their fate with a surprising goal from substitute Tomo Culhane during the 68th minute, almost leading them to a come-from-behind win. However, they only managed to close the gap to two points – arguably a flattering result for Galway – but the game eventually became insignificant due to outcomes at Croke Park and Celtic Park.
Resting David and Paudie Clifford indicated Kerry’s moderate interest in clinching the win, which they accomplished without much resistance. Yet they exposed themselves to unnecessary strain in the closing five minutes, conceding that single goal to Galway.
Joe O’Connor was the first to score for the home team, impressing in the midfield and becoming one of several notable performers for Kerry. Their competent performance without Jason Foley, who was out with injury, was another highlight, although questions arose whether Galway could have pulled off their late goal had he been present.
Galway initially led the way with two scores from Rob Finnerty and a field point from Cillian Ó Curraoin. By the 20-minute mark, they led 0-5 to 0-2, with further contributions from Paul Conroy and Cathal Sweeney.”/
During the second quarter, Kerry demonstrated strong teamwork to tie the game, led by Killian Spillane, Stephen O’Brien and Sean O’Shea, all contributing crucial points. Additional scores from Darragh Roche, O’Shea and Spillane saw Kerry ahead with a score of 0-8 to 0-6 by the half-time whistle.
As the third quarter commenced, Kerry continued their momentum from the first half and managed to increase their lead to 0-11 to 0-6, thanks to athletes such as O’Shea, Armin Heinrich, and Paul Geaney. At this point, Galway’s focus started shifting away from the pitch to drama unfolding in Celtic Park.
Amid the fading attention of the spectators, Kerry brought on Paudie and David Clifford, both known for their prowess. Paudie showcased his skill by scoring with his opening touch, and later David netted a free. At this stage, with Kerry securing a 0-15 to 0-9 lead, Portugal seemed to hold their interest more than the prospect of a Croke Park finale.
However, Kerry almost let their guard down around the 68th minute, allowing Galway a foothold in the game. A short restart from Shane Ryan to Gavin White resulted in John Heaney intercepting the ball for Finnerty who assisted Culhane to score the match’s solitary goal. Conroy followed this with a point to bring the difference down to just two. But Kerry held their nerve to secure a win; albeit a victory not likely to stick in many minds, and a loss that Galway won’t be overly concerned by.
The Kerry team comprised of Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Dylan Casey, Armin Heinrich, Sean O’Brien, Tadhg Morley, Gavin White, Barry ‘Dan’ O’Sullivan, Joe O’Connor, Adrian Spillane, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien, Killian Spillane, Darragh Roche, and Sean O’Shea. Contributions also came from substitutes such as Paudie Clifford, David Clifford, Graham O’Sullivan, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, and Ronan Buckley.
In Galway, a team formed of Connor Gleeson, Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Eoghan Kelly, Dylan McHugh who scored one point, John Daly who also managed to secure a point, Liam Silke, Paul Conroy who scored twice, John Maher, Johnny Heaney with two points, Cein Darcy, Cathan Sweeney – scoring once, Rory Cunningham, Robert Finnerty with two points including two marks, and Cillian Ó Curraoin with a single point. Later in the game, substitutions were made – Daniel O’Flaherty replaced R Cunningham at 34 minutes, Tomo Culhane who scored a goal replaced C Ó Curraoin at 48 minutes, Patrick Egan was substituted for C Darcy, Jack Glynn took over from L Silke at 56 minutes and lastly Kieran Molley replaced D McHugh at 58 minutes. The match was officiated over by referee Seamus Mulhare from Laois.