Sport

Brave Derry lose out on final spot to Kerry

Kerry's Michael Foley puts the ball past Derry's Eoghan Concannon during the All-Ireland GAA football minor Championship semi-final in Croke Park Picture by Hugh Russell
Kerry's Michael Foley puts the ball past Derry's Eoghan Concannon during the All-Ireland GAA football minor Championship semi-final in Croke Park Picture by Hugh Russell Kerry's Michael Foley puts the ball past Derry's Eoghan Concannon during the All-Ireland GAA football minor Championship semi-final in Croke Park Picture by Hugh Russell

All Ireland Minor Football Championship semi-final: Kerry 1-11 Derry 1-6

Derry’s hopes of an All-Ireland minor final appearance were scuppered by a solid Kerry side that impressed throughout and all over the slippy Croke Park sod, writes Paddy Hunter from Croke Park.

They were inspired by man of the match Michael Foley, who hit 1-3, and Conor Geaney, who turned in a great display.

Derry just never got into gear at the start and were always on the back foot.

The Oakleafs were in danger of being blown out of the water early on as Kerry took this semi-final by the scruff of the neck.

The Ulster champions failed to even register a wide as Kerry led 0-3 to no score in the opening quarter.

The Kingdom, adapting better to the slippy surface, dominated the play.

Michael Foley, Conor Geaney and the midfield pair of John Mark Foley and Andrew Barry in control. All Derry had in reply was a Shane McGuigan point.

But to their credit they battled on and points form McGuigan and a great effort from full forward Francis Kearney left them two behind.

Kerry though finished strong and Andrew Barry landed a long-range point to leave three between the sides at the break.

Then came a goal just after the restart from Derry defender Conor Maunsell, a massive long-range effort that dropped over the Kerry keeper’s head.

That levelled things but the accuracy of Geaney and Foley pulled Kerry clear again.

The influential Kerry captain Geaney turned in a goal on 37 minutes and Derry despite their best efforts could not reel them back.