GAA: Kelly Cup round up
Club football in Laois got underway today as the annual pre-season tournament, the Kelly Cup, commenced.
Holders Stradbally used this competition to springboard their championship success last year so many of the clubs who have entered this year will be looking for a similar outcome.
Much is expected of St Joseph’s this year as the Dessie Brennan managed side pushed Portlaoise to a replay in last year’s championship and they got off to a winning start against Emo this afternoon.
Player manager Paul Lawlor plundered a first half goal for Emo as the sides ended the period level on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-9.
However, St Joseph’s went goal crazy in the second period as Michael Keogh, Adam Campion and Dan Dunne all raised green flags to put the Kellyville outfit into a commanding lead.
Lawlor managed a second goal for Emo but it was only a mere consolation as his first competitive game in charge ended with a 3-17 to 2-11 defeat.
Crettyard Gaels reached their first ever senior football championship semi-final last year and they began 2017 in a positive fashion following a 1-12 to 1-6 win against Arles-Kilcruise.
The Gaels raced into an early lead but Kilcruise pegged them back with a goal midway through the first half.
However, Cormac Phelan rattled the net before half time to give Crettyard Gaels a 1-6 to 1-3 lead at the break.
Their advantage was rarely threatened in the second period as Cormac Murphy kicked five second half points to ensure his side finished convincing six point winners.
Elsewhere, Arles-Killeen produced a fine second half display to get the better of Ballyfin Gaels.
Ballyfin had the better of the exchanges in first period with Eoin McEvoy leading the way to leave them 0-4 to 0-2 in front.
However, Killeen turned the screw in the second half and scored two goals on the way to a 2-6 to 0-5 win.
Graiguecullen got the battle of neighbours Killeshin in the first derby of 2017 between the two Carlow border clubs.
The Barrowsiders led throughout this one and a Ross Hennessy goal helped them to a 1-6 to 0-5 lead at half time.
The one way traffic continued in the second period and Hennessey grabbed a second goal as Graiguecullen eased to a 2-10 to 0-8 win.