A superb long-range goal from Rob Kelly helped Straffan claim the Kildare Junior championship title with a 2-15 to 0-13 win over Kill.
Straffan went into half time one point down, as Kill took a 0-8 to 0-7 lead at the interval, and something special was needed to spark them into life.
Then three minutes into the second half, a poor kick out from the Kill goalkeeper landed into the hands of former Kildare forward Rob Kelly, who lobbed Kill goalkeeper Mike Jones from range for the first goal of the game.
Rob Kelly goal for Straffan in Kildare JFC final
Rob Kelly @StraffanGAA cracker Vs. Kill in Kildare JFC Final win 🔥🔥 #KildareGAA pic.twitter.com/NR1vLS87hd
— Paul McDonnell (@paulmcdonnell88) October 1, 2022
While the goalkeeper’s kickout must be questioned, it was a remarkable goal from Rob Kelly. Most players wouldn’t even attempt to find the net from that range, never mind finish it.
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However, take nothing away from Rob Kelly, with an outrageous goal to take advantage of the situation at such an important time of the game.
From that moment on, Straffan had the upper hand and kicked on from Kelly’s goal, with Kill chasing the game all through the second half. While Straffan were always in touching distance, they pulled away in the final 10 minutes, scoring a second goal to secure the title.
Straffan’s goalkeeper Matthew Duggan won man of the match, making vital saves in the first half to keep Straffan in the game, as they won their first county title since 2014.
Congratulations to our senior @StraffanGAA men on winning the @KildareGAA junior championship today. A brilliant team performance and well done to the team and management. Great to see so many young boys and girls in Newbridge. #gaa pic.twitter.com/c1NdNOjXzx
— Straffard LGFA (@StraffardLGFA) October 1, 2022
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