New York 2-14 Mid Kerry 1-13 The New York senior football squad that recently began preparations for the Connaught Championship in May had a very positive opening to their season with a competent win over Mid Kerry last Saturday. The visiting side are the reigning Kerry champions. They are on tour as part of their celebrations. The side has four players currently on the Kerry senior panel, including Donnacha Walsh, who played in New York two summers ago. Those players did not line out in this contest, but certainly the talent they had on board was nothing to be sneezed at. The squad included before the end one Kenny O'Connor of New York. The big man hails from Glenbeigh Glencar, which is one of the five junior teams that make up the divisional Mid Kerry side. He was joined by Donal Hartnett, his brother Adrian and Dan Doona, who all call the club home. Certainly nothing can bring more joy than the opportunity to line out with your home club over 3,000 miles from home. They found on this occasion a New York side that was not about to found wanting, and indeed, despite untold changes in the second half, New York reacted to quite a few scores in a positive manner throughout. The game opened with Shane Clifford captaining New York against his home club, and New York jumping into a three point lead in the early minutes with Declan Reilly, Kevin McGeeney and Robbie Moran all chipping in. Mid Kerry did come back with four in reply, with Kieran Foley very impressive from frees and play to go into a narrow lead. It did not faze New York, however, and they were able to stay with the visitors, with Ross Donovan and Moran, with an intelligent fisted score, tying the contest up on 15 minutes after a Terry O'Sullivan score. Shane Clifford kept the score line even with a brave and excellent save when he scampered of the line to deny Foley's low blast. As 10 final ten minutes arrived New York dominated with Paddy Kelly, the former All-Ireland winner, firing over before an Anthony Glacken interception released Kelly, who in turn found Conor Hunter on the left wing. Hunter bolted for goal and as the defense approached he blasted to the net on the short side of the keeper. A tremendous score. Donovan added a free before a further Kieran Foley free left four between the sides at the break. After Reilly again opened the scoring New York began to introduce their extensive bench, with Gerard McCullough, Eoghan O'Mahoney introduced in the full back line and Derek Courtney coming on at wing back. Barry McElduff took the field at corner forward and had a point from play that canceled out Foley's fifth of the outing. Mid Kerry had their best period at this juncture with four unanswered points to put the minimum between the sides at the halfway mark of the second half. After a Declan Reilly score, O'Sullivan and Doona, with a superb point, had the game level again. The reaction from New York was clinical. Gary Dowd, who is back from his travels, slotted over an intelligent point, then McElduff and McGeeney went back to back with points to put breathing room between the sides as the clock wound down. An excellent save from Alan Hearty in the New York goal kept Kerry at bay, and moments later, a sweeping end to end move that involved Alan Rafferty, Dowd, Tommy Quaid, McElduff and finally man of the match Reilly ended in the net to put the contest beyond doubt. A late goal from Aiden Power, who was a guest for Mid Kerry, had little effect on the scoreline, as Paul Walsh tapped a free over after McElduff was fouled to end the exciting contest. A good start to the season then for New York in what was certainly an entertaining contest for the brave spectators on a very nice winter's evening. The two goalies did well, with both making important saves. McCarthy, Martin, Rafferty, Alan Carolon, and Dermot Keane all impressed at the rear. Paddy Kelly showed glimpses of his potential. Robbie Moran, John Goldrick, who covers and battles, Ross Donavan, Barry McElduff, Kevin McGeeney and Declan Reilly. who was brilliant, all had good moments. Mid Kerry will certainly look at Kieran Foley, Terry O'Sullivan, Adrian O'Connor and Liam Sheehan as some of their brighter stars. New York: 1 Shane Clifford, 2 Dennis McCarthy, 3 Anthony Glacken, 4 Patsy Martin, 5 Brendan Reilly, 6 Alan Rafferty, 7 Dermot Keane, 8 Paddy Kelly (0-1), 9 Kevin McGeeney (0-2), 10 John Goldrick, 11 Robbie Moran (0-2), 12 Ross Donavan (0-2), 13 Conor Hunter (1-0), 14 Declan Reilly (1-3), 15 Shane Carty. Subs: Barry McElduff (0-2), Gary Dowd (0-1), Paul Walsh (0-1), Gerard McCullough, Derek Courtney, Paul Mulherne, Eoghan O'Mahoney, Tommy Quiad, Vinnie Gavin, Kieran Bergin, Alan Hearty, Steve Keating. Referee: John Fitzpatrick.