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16th Jul 2022

Aishling O’Connell’s cheeky chip helps goal hungry Kerry beat Mayo to reach All-Ireland final

Lee Costello

Kerry 4-10 Mayo 0-13

Kerry were in devastating form at Croke Park today as they ruthlessly went for goals at every opportunity and more than often came up trumps.

Mayo were very patient and played their own game, keeping the scoreboard ticking over, but weren’t as clinical between the posts and in the end, it was goals that won the game.

Siofra O’Shea got two of the Kingdom’s goals in the first half, as she didn’t even look to score a point, with the net only on her mind at all times.

Firstly it was a clinical palm goal, followed by a spectacular strike that left the goalkeeper for dead in her wake, but it was Aishling O’Connell with the pick of the bunch!

Driving through from the half back line, O’Connell was determined to get into a position where a goal was a possibility, then when the opportunity arises, and the Mayo keeper off her line, she took her chance.

A lovey lob floated over the head of the opposition and perfectly into the net, a finish any forward would be happy to claim.

Okay there was definitely a block that probably helped the trajectory, and it maybe just would have went over the bar or clipped it at best without the touch, but fortune favours the brave.

The second half was much the same, as Shauna Howley did her best to keep the Connacht side in it, but it was much the same story.

Paris McCarthy capitalised on a defensive error, and buried her chance into the bottom right corner, and just couldn’t contain her smile as she knew her side had booked their place in the All-Ireland final.

The green and gold hasn’t been represented on All-Ireland final day since 2012 but under the guidance of joint-managers Declan Quill and Darragh Long they’re back where they belong.

The brilliance of James McCarthy.

Why nobody can do what Aaron Gillane can do.

Playing GAA in America for a summer.

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