.
Seniors:
At times it was frantic, at times frenetic but what mattered most was the two points gained on a final result of 1-13 to 1-12.
We made one change from the starting line up with Tom Hoare stepping up from the bench to replace Barry John who was unavailable – Tom started in the half forward line with Gearóid Dillane going to the corner.
The opening minutes saw us lose custodian Shane Foley, who damaged a quad in his first kick out and was replaced on two minutes by Rob O’Connor – Rob has served his apprenticeship well and has been performing with authority between the posts in Div 6 – he was unfazed in his debut, kicking out well and safe under the dropping ball – his save in the 17th minute was vital and he continued to shine as the game went on and was a big factor in this victory.
We started brightly and had four points on the board in the first 10 mins with Tommy firing over two marks plus one from play and the ever busy Gearóid Dillane adding another – Gneeveguilla settled and added two points before Conor Hayes from a mark restored our 3 point advantage.
Conor added another from play but a breakthrough the middle resulted in Gneeveguilla finding the net in the 29th min but we replied immediately when Tommy won another high ball and put Darragh through – Darragh made no mistake firing a bullet high into the net and the half ended with both sides trading points, Tommy again on the mark – this left the half time score @ 1-07 to 1-06 with all to play for in the second half.
The resumption saw Tom Hoare thunder into the game raising 3 white flags in 10 mins, two from play and one from a free – Gneeveguilla replied in kind and by the start of the 3rd quarter we had edged one ahead following another good point from Gearóid Dillane, 1-11 to 1-10.
By this stage we had introduced Sam Pituch for his division one debut and he performed solidly winning a couple of vital possessions with Daniel Bowler also coming in to freshen up the forward line – we were into the final minutes and the homesters levelled matters as the clock ticked into the red; the final act saw Tommy, again, win a high ball and he sent the ball sailing between the posts with his left foot for a point which eventually proved the winning score.
There was still time for one last play and defending heroically we held firm to gain a valuable two points.
This was a victory hewn from resilience, defiance and no little skill – every man played his part, our defending was outstanding with major contributions from Jake Foley, Darragh McElligott and Ben Hanafin; David was outstanding at midfield when the game was in the melting pot and was ably assisted by the aforementioned Tom Hoare; up front Tommy was magnificent, his mark on 10 mins from an almost impossible angle off his left a reminder of his ability – all the other forwards plus substitutions ensured we did not leave empty handed.
The team was cheered off the pitch by the large travelling support which the team and management are much appreciative of; also, a special thanks to Denis Hanafin and Marion Bowler for taking on the task of umpiring and the ever reliable CJ for running the line.
The decision to enter a team in Division 6 a few years ago was more than vindicated tonight – fringe players have had the opportunity to get valuable game time since the start of the season and the likes of Rob O’Connor, Sam Pituch, Stephen Nix and Daniel Bowler have profited from their participation there – others will surely follow.
There is a two week break now until we travel to Lewis Road in the next round when we take on Dr Crokes.
In the intervening time, Tommy will exchange wedding vows with Dawn and we wish them both a lifetime of health and happiness.
Team : Shane Foley, Jake Foley, Shane Brosnan, Stephen Nix, Shane McEllligott, Darragh McElligott, Ben Hanafin, David Moran, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Seán Walsh, Conor Hayes, Tom Hoare, Darragh O’Connor, Tommy Walsh, Gearóid Dillane.
Scorers: Tommy (0-05), Tom (0-04), Darragh (1-0), Gearóid (0-02), Conor ( 0-02).
Div 6A:
KO’R 3-12
Kilcummin 0-11
We travelled to Kilcummin on Sunday for the round 7 clash with the locals and came away with a 10 point win following a fine display.
The first half was competitive but a Padraig Griffin goal had us a point in front at the short whistle and we kicked on from there to add a further two goals via Daniel Bowler and Sam McCarthy. This was overall a good workmanlike performance where our fitness and cohesion saw us pull away in the 2nd half.
Seán Collins made his league debut in goal, keeping a clean sheet and was particularly impressive under the high ball.
Team: Seán Collins, Aidan Mangan, Sam Pituch, Barry Foley, Jordan Foley, Seán Collins, Deaglán Crowe, Ben O’Brien, Fintan Collins, Padraig Griffin, Ryan Carroll, Seán Griffin, Sam McCarthy, Daniel Bowler, DJ Hanafin.
Subs used: Alan O’Connor and Joby Fitzgerald.
Kerry:
Kerry’s unbeaten home record in championship dating back to 1995 came unstuck on Sat when Mayo sprang a surprise in the first of the round robin games; Kerry looked lackluster for much of the game with Mayo setting the pace. Kerry will have a chance to put matters right when they travel to Cork on the first weekend in June – fixtures will be announced at a later date.
Congrats to Tomás Kennedy who played his part in Kerry minors win on Thursday last vs Limerick – Kerry were slow out of the blocks and failed to score in the opening quarter but improved as the game wore on they were, in the end, impressive winners.
Kerry will now play Cork in the Munster final on Friday night 2nd June here in Austin Stack Park where the throw-in is at 7.30 pm.
Congratulations :
Mark Fitzgerald and Limerick registered their 2nd win in the Tailteann Cup when defeating Carlow on Sat on a scoreline of 1-19 to 0-14 and are now favourites to advance automatically as group winners with Carlow having already dispatched of Wicklow – Limerick’s game vs Wicklow will take place at a neutral venue on June bank holiday weekend.
Juveniles:
Ballyrickard was a hive of activity on Sunday morning as our Juvenile Academy continued and our U8 and U10 girls welcomed Austin Stacks for Go Games. It was great to see so many young players enjoying themselves throughout our pitches in Ballyrickard and our coaches were enjoying it just as much as the children.
*U5 Boys*
Another busy session with this group of boys learning our skills through fun games and drills. The boys were concentrating on hand passing and soloing. Keep up the good work boys.
*U6 Girls: *
U6 Girls had a great training session Sunday. We are delighted to see such great numbers showing up each week. We worked on a lot at our session between footwork and ball handling. We look forward to seeing you all again next week! Keep up the practice
*U7 Boys:*
We had another great turn out on Sunday morning. The boys showed great enthusiasm in completing their drills and skills, this was put into practice when we finished the session with fun games. The boys are improving steadily, they were encouraged by their coaches to practice the basics during the week. We will have another round of Go Games in the coming weeks.
*U8 Girls: *
Our two U8 teams can be very proud of themselves in how they played against Austin Stacks Sunday morning. Everyone was in flying form giving a great exhibition of their skills. It was great to see so many of the girls hopping and attempting to solo up the pitch. There was some very good passing on display and their heads were up looking for a teammate to pass to.
A special mention has to go to Roisin and Amelia who were very dominant and gathered up alot of breaking ball. There was some very good tackling and dispossessing when in defence. Overall a great morning out and well done to all the girls. Thanks to Emily and Dave from Austin Stacks and all the Austin Stacks girls for a great contest. We look forward to playing yet again soon.
*U9 Boys: *
On Thursday evening our U9 boys played Ardfert at home. Conditions in Ballyrickard were perfect and the boys showed some dazzling skills. Fun was the theme of our academy session on Sunday morning. The boys worked on fundamental movements, basic skills and shooting practice before having a mini blitz. Congratulations to Morgan, Jacob, Luke and Eltigani for winning the crossbar challenge! Keep up the practice at home boys it’s really starting to show.
*U10 Girls: *
Fantastic performance from our two U10 teams who played outstanding football against Austin Stacks in Go Games Sunday morning in Ballyrickard. The girls showed great teamwork and skills throughout the games. All the girls should be very proud of themselves as they all showed great improvement. A special mention has to go to Mia who kicked some fine scores and also to Aoife Erin Isabella and Kitty who cleared the ball from our side. Keep up the great work, girls and remember to practice as much as you can at home. See you all next week for training. Also thank you to Jake and Brayden who did a fantastic job reffing the games.
*U11 Boys*
Our U11 Boys had two great training sessions on Thursday and Sunday in preparation for the second phase of the County League which starts this Thursday. Keep up the good work boys and remember to practice as much as ye can.
*U13 Boys: *
In a nail bitting battle away to Rathmore this group of players left everything on the pitch where the hosts were the Victors on a score line of 2-8 to 1-9.
Although we were missing a number of key players, the boys were just awesome and fought to the bitter end, proud of every Strand Road boy who showed an impressive skill level on the night and an even higher team ethic. The B game kicks off Monday evening at 7pm in Ballyrickard against Gneeveguilla.
*U15 Boys: *
U15s Training continues Monday at 5.30pm in Ballyricard. We hope to see full attendance.
U15 Div 9 shield final v Fossa B, Wednesday 24th. Venue to be decided.
We would also like to thank our main Sponsor Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre forthr nee sets of jerseys received for our U10 Girls and also away jerseys for our U13 boys. All jerseys were worn proudly over the weekend. We are also asking all parents to please ensure you have downloaded clubzap and included in the correct age group for your child. We are using clubzap for all communication regarding your child’s team. Looking forward to seeing you all again next week.
Nótaí na mBan:
Who we are… family, friends and community.
A long term dream of many people in our club and community was always to have girls playing football from U6s all the way up to seniors. Much work has gone in over the decades to get us to where we are now. Our club has transformed in the past 20 years from having no football outlet for girls to now a thriving club for ladies and girls alike.
The practical side is testament to the hard work and effort put in by our volunteers over the years. Our inclusive attitude is a driving force behind our success and it’s our aim to look after everyone. It’s wonderful to see so much passion, dedication and time from all of our volunteers, players and families to give our girls football, fun enjoyment and life long friends.
To all of our volunteers , we salute you! Thank you for everything!
U12 GIRLS
Our U12 girls took a well deserved break last week because of Community games and the Kerry game.
Training resumes as normal on Monday evening . We’re awaiting fixtures for the Co. League, a few more finals need to be played during the week before gradings can be done.
We’re busy working on a little treat for the team so hopefully over the next few weeks we might have that bonding session.
CUMANN NA mBUNSCOL
All roads lead to Austin Stack Park on Tuesday, May 23rd where Scoil Eoin will take on Kenmare in the division 1 final.
Come out and support the team and our players Allie, Ellie Marie, Emma, Jessie, Kelly, Lexi, Meabh and Rachael.
Looking forward to what should be a thrilling match. Throw in will be at 5.30p.m.
The Under 14 Girls and coaches after their victory on Sunday evening.
U14 GIRLS
What a day! Credit to families, friends and club members who came to support our U14s in the division 4 NCP Co. League B final. Our captain fantastic on the night was Molly Casey.
Played on a drizzly evening conditions were a little slippery underfoot as they faced Beaufort yet again but this time on our home turf. Little separated the sides in the first half. Each player played their hearts out in what was a nail biting performance and display of stamina and skill.
Half time score KOR 2-04,
Beaufort 2-02.
The girls started the second half as they finished the first working hard for each other.
The atmosphere was electric when the final whistle blew and Kerins O’ Rahillys were crowned U14 , division 4 B winners of the NCP Co. League. A determined side secured their first silverware of the year. Well done to everyone and to Beaufort’s ladies who never gave up.
FÉILE
The excitement is building as we now have more details on Féile. These ladies have acquitted themselves very well. Each team has to start fast in these very short ten minute and a half games. We will know more during the week about what teams we will be up against for the regional encounter .
The stage is set .. Moyne Templetuohy GAA Club in Tipp. Saturday, July 1st!
A busy few weeks ahead in preparation for the girls trip so that the team will have wonderful memories of their big day.
U16 GIRLS
Many of these girls have more than Féile on their minds at the moment as they are putting their heads down in preparation for their junior cert next week. Keep up the hard work and remember that you will have a fine long summer and plenty of football to enjoy when it’s over.
MINORS
Training continues on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re awaiting confirmation on our back games . More details to follow.
SENIOR LADIES
As anticipated, a great match last Monday evening in round 4 of the Donal Curtin Cup … .Our ladies travelled to Fossa looking to keep their 100% record enacted in 2023.
They started well notching up points and a goal on the scoreboard without delay.
The half time score was
Fossa 1-03 , Kerins O’ Rahillys 1-06.
In the second half the home team were quick out of the blocks and rattled off a few points and a goal in quick succession. This didn’t stop our ladies who continued to play fantastic football. A very fair final score of Fossa 3-08
Kerins O’ Rahillys 1-14
Well done to both teams .
A feeling of excitement… a sense of relief!
Great displays of football from each of our players and as a whole work so well together . Their performances this year have shown how they have developed and grown as a team with some of them playing together since they were U6s. It is a credit to the ladies and their many coaches over the years to see them where they are now, playing senior football.
Best wishes to the team and management this Monday when they meet Ballyduff in the next round of the Donal Curtin Cup. Throw in will be at 7.15p.m. in Pat Healy Park, Ballyrickard. As always we know that we will have plenty of support from our families and members.
LIDL’S JERSEY COMPETITION
Girls let’s get creative …
In 2024, the LGFA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Lidl are giving shoppers a chance to design a special edition 50th anniversary jersey .
The winning design will be printed on 10, 000 jerseys and awarded to LGFA supporters via Lidl Plus .
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to pick up an entry form in store we will send the details into the groups. … can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with !
CONDOLENCES
We in Kerins O’ Rahillys Club extend our condolences to the family, friends and all in Southern Gaels on the passing of Didi ( Deirdre) O’Sullivan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam.
Our condolences also to the families and friends of Jane Tobin, ( née Brosnan), John Cantillon and Josephine ( Josie O’ Brien.) May their souls rest in peace.
