Austin Stacks have been relegated from senior level in Kerry after suffering defeat to Kenmare Shamrocks in a playoff on Sunday.
Kenmare won the relegation decider 3-11 to 1-15, meaning Stacks will play at intermediate level in the Kingdom next year.
The two clubs ended up in Sunday's game after they finished bottom of their groups in the eight-team Kerry Senior Club Championship.
Stacks had won the last three Kerry senior club finals, along with last year's county championship. They were Munster finalists in 2021/22, and still sit joint-top of the Kerry roll of honour along with Dr Crokes.
Check out what pure class looks like. @Seanieos ignoring the din and a crucial stage of a relegation match. @kenmaregaa beat @AustinStacksGAA to retain Senior status. 8 points for Seanie O Shea. @radiokerrysport pic.twitter.com/AoHkkPO8hZ
— Jerry O'Sullivan (@jerosullivanRK) October 23, 2022
All four of the game's goals came in a manic five-minute period in the first half. Stephen O'Brien, James McCarthy, and David Hallissey found the net for Kenmare before Michael O'Donnell responded for Austin Stacks.
Kenmare led 3-5 to 1-8 at half-time, and extended their lead to seven points in the second half. Stacks managed to reel Kenmare back in but could only get within two points during a second half which saw 10 minutes of injury time played.
Stacks finished bottom of their group in the senior club championship after defeating Kerins O'Rahillys but losing to Dr Crokes and Templenoe.
Only by reaching the final of the county championship (a separate competition from the senior club championship) could Stacks have avoided playing in Sunday's relegation playoff. However, they were defeated by Feale Rangers in the quarter-finals.
Kerry Petroleum Senior Club Football Championship Relegation Play-Off
Full-Time in Fitzgerald Stadium
Kenmare Shamrocks: 3-11
Austin Stacks: 1-15
Congratulations to @kenmaregaa. Commiserations to @AustinStacksGAA— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) October 23, 2022
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