Austin Stacks in pole position for Kerry Division 1 League title after derby win

Irish Examiner

22-06-2025

Austin Stacks put themselves into pole position to be crowned Kerry SFL Division 1 champions in two weeks time as a second point from substitute Ben Murphy on the stroke of 60 minutes was enough to see them overcome Tralee rivals Kerins O'Rahillys 0-17 to 3-7 at Connolly Park.
Both sides were level at the top on 15 points coming into Sunday afternoon's encounter as Stacks chose to start Kerry panelist Armin Heinrich while Kerins O'Rahillys chose to play Kerry's late scoring substitute against Cavan, Tomas Kennedy, in the second period.
The first of two Paddy Lane two-pointers put Stacks 0-4 to 0-1 ahead after 12 minutes but Strand Road punished them on the break by scoring two goals from Daniel Bowler and Darragh O'Connor, although O'Rahillys would regret missing another two goal chances by full-time.
The visitors' advantage at half-time stood at 2-5 to 0-8 but O'Rahillys failed to score in the third quarter as five unanswered Stacks points put the hosts 0-13 to 2-6 in front.
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Stacks had decided to chance some of their U21 contingent like Murphy, who face a Kerry U21 final meeting with St Kierans on Wednesday night. But it had the desired outcome although Ben Hanafin would soon end O'Rahillys' long wait for a score before Padraig Griffin got a third goal in the 52nd minute to put them 3-6 to 0-13 ahead.
It looked like Strand Road might push on to win but Murphy's first point along with Niall Fitzmaurice and Sean Quilter scores gave Stacks the lead again before Conor Hayes levelled the game again at 0-16 to 3-7 on 59 minutes.
Murphy remained composed though and he put Stacks back in front for the final time as four additional minutes saw Strand Road miss two potential levelers while substitute Ronan Carroll was dismissed late on for the hosts.
The result means Stacks only need to avoid defeat to Laune Rangers on the last day to win Division 1, a year after winning Division 2. Kerins O'Rahillys need to defeat already relegated Glenbeigh/Glencar in their last game and hope for a favour from the Killorglin side to force a playoff for the title.
Rangers are in the relegation zone themselves heading into the final day as they lost a relegation 'four-pointer' away to Rathmore, 2-16 to 1-10.
They must better fellow Mid Kerry side Beaufort's result on the final day to stand a chance of staying up as Beaufort had started the weekend with a 1-14 apiece draw away to Glenbeigh/Glencar.
In the last round, Beaufort face a Kilcummin side that are officially safe after a 0-23 to 1-20 draw at home to Glenflesk who are also now assured of another year in Division 1.
Spa gave their hopes of staying up a major boost by defeating Dr Crokes 2-13 to 0-17 meaning they only need to avoid defeat to Glenflesk on the last day to stay up.
Ballymacelligott, meanwhile, became the second side relegated from Division 1 despite putting up a good show in their return to their home pitch against Killarney Legion before going down by 0-22 to 2-14.
The result means their four year stay in the top flight will end in 2026.