Three red cards, five goals, a new-look Kerry and a last minute winner; welcome back National League, we missed you.
Today's Kerry v Donegal game was magnificent. At times it boiled over, often Kerry were concerningly loose at the back, play was scrappy but throughout it was joyously entertaining with enough quality on display to make it engrossing.
Kerry clinched a 2-18 to 3-14 win in a game that saw promising debuts from Sean O’Shea and David Clifford. Meanwhile, Donegal's offense had their own star with Paddy McBrearty landing a superb 10 points including this gem.
What a talent! Paddy McBrearty can do it all! pic.twitter.com/CfFEgi2Rm8
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2018
The game saw a host of expert finishing and the Kingdom's new shot-stopper Shane Murphy impressed despite being beat three times. There was nothing he could do about this Tony McLenaghan stunner.
Donegal’s Tony McLenaghan opens the second half scoring with this goal pic.twitter.com/AivlD2iF5b
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2018
Much has been made of Donegal new coach Declan Bonner's defensive tendency, but if today's performance is anything to go by they will rack up a decent scoreline too.
A second goal for Donegal! Good work by Odhrán Mac Niallais. pic.twitter.com/6rv26UWpXq
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2018
A third goal for Donegal! Fresh off the bench, it’s Darrach O’Connor. pic.twitter.com/9xmhla4EYR
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2018
Before long Paul Geaney landed a crucial goal to bring Kerry within a point.
Paul Geaney finds the net for Kerry’s second goal pic.twitter.com/Doafz5tEwB
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2018
The game wasn't without incident, Nathan Mullins was sent off after 20 minutes for a kick while Gavin Crowley and Tony McCleneghan both saw the line.
Kerry are on the road next week as they take on Mayo at McHale Park next Saturday while Donegal face Galway in Letterkenny.
Full highlights are available here.
