One of the biggest shocks in the club championship this weekend came in Kerry where Kerins O’Rahilly’s came from nine points down to record a 3-18 to 2-17 victory over champions, Dr Crokes.
Dr Crokes looked to have the win secured with ten minutes to go but two goals from Tommy Walsh helped them to a 13-point swing in the final quarter.
The Tralee side booked their place in the Kerry SFC quarter-finals as a result, while Dr Crokes will be hoping for a quick recovery against An Gaeltacht in the third round with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the last eight.
In the earlier game in Fitzgerald Stadium, David Clifford scored two goals as East Kerry breezed past Dingle by 6-15 to 2-10, while Paul Geaney kicked 2-2 from play for Dingle.
Also in the Kerry SFC, James O’Donoghue kicked 1-16 to help Killarney Legions to a 2-13 to 2-9 win over Mid Kerry. Legion are now safely through to the quarter-finals while Mid Kerry must face St Brendans for a place in the knockout stages.
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It was ‘business as usual’ for Nemo Rangers in Cork as they eased to a place in the final eight with a 4-16 to 0-13 point win over O’Donovan Rossa in Coachford. Luke Connolly scored 1-5 while Paul Kerrigan, Mark Cronin and Conor O’Donovan were the other goalscorers.
Carbery Rangers had a dominant performance over Ballincollig with a brilliant opening half helping them to a 0-15 to 1-8 win. They also have booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Castlehaven and Cork IT will have to meet again to decide who plays Nemo Rangers in the quarter-finals after they played out a thrilling 21-point draw.
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A replay will also be needed in Tipperary as two periods of extra-time couldn’t separate Loughmore-Castleiney and Thurles Sarsfields in the Mid-Tipperary final. Two John McGrath goals left Loughmore eight points ahead with five minutes remaining but a Thurles revival, finished by an equalising point by Lar Corbett sent the game to extra-time.
The sides were still level at 2-27 apiece after extra-time, forcing an additional period of two five minute spells. However, the sides still couldn’t be separated and a replay will now be fixed.
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Meanwhile in Limerick, All Ireland finalists, Na Piarsaigh cruised to a 10-point win over Declan Hannon’s, Adare to remain unbeaten in the senior hurling championship. They join Patrickswell and Kilmallock in the knock-out stages with three further places still up for grabs.
Graeme Mulcahy scored nine points as Kilmallock overcame 2016 champions, Patrickswell by ten points in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.
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There was another shock in Waterford as champions, Stradbally were knocked out of the senior football championship following a 2-13 to 0-12 loss to Kilrossanty.
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