SENIOR FOOTBALL Austin Stacks 1-12 Finuge 0-04
We had everything to play for in this postponed round 10 game played in Connolly Park on last Sunday afternoon (11th Oct) and despite a below-par performance we got the result we needed to keep our chances of qualifying for our third Co. league final in succession alive.
We got off to an ideal start with a Darragh O’Brien goal after 20 seconds and a Sean Ryan point after 63 seconds. But between then and half time Finuge outscored us by four points to three – our three remaining points of the half coming from play with Darragh O’Brien putting over two and wing back Pa Mc Carthy the other.
This left us a goal up at the break (1-4 to 0-4). We dominated the second half – adding a further 8 points – while Fingue failed to register a score in this second period. Darragh o’Brien was again chief scorer in the last 30 minutes with four more pints (3 frees), Shane O’Callaghan added two while first half substitutes, Shane Carroll and Barry Shanahan added one each.
It was good to see Calvin Foley making his debut with the senior team and also good to see Barry Shanahan back in business after being out with an injury since the club championship semi final on the 17th May last.
Team Jonathan Conway, Denis O’Neill, Barry Walsh, John Dennis, Pa Mc Carthy (0-01), Fearghal Mac Namara (Capt), Jack O’Shea, Wayne Guthrie, Shane Guthrie, Fiachna Mangan, David O’Sullivan, Sean Ryan ((0-1), Brian Mangan, Shane O’Callaghan (0-2), Darragh O’Brien (1-6) 2 frees,
Subs Used: Shane Carroll (21m) (0-1), Barry Shanahan (27m) (0-01), Greg Horan (ht), Jack Morgan (35m), Calvin Foley (40m), Michael O’Donnell (51m). The Town Championship final between ourselves and Kerins O’Rahillys has been fixed for next Sunday (18th Oct) at 3.30pm in Ballymacelligott.
HURLING: Dr. Crokes 3-16 Austin Stacks 2-10
Even though nine points separated the sides at the end of this semi final in the South Kerry SH Championship, playing under lights at Lewis Road on last Saturday evening (10th Oct), this was by no means an easy ride for the home side.
We trailed by two points a the break (1-8 to 1-6) and were on level terms five minute into the second half but the difference in class (we were playing at Junior level all season while Crokes were at Intermediate level) told in the final third of the game.
Twenty minutes into the game Crokes led by 0-6 to 0-3. Our scores coming from a ninth minute opener from Joe Brennan and two pointed frees by Colm Ó Giollagáin after fouls on Sean Hartnett and Kieran Mc Caughley.
But then in a two minute spell (21st to 23rd minute) we turned this game on it’s head. First a long high ball by Paul Daly broke in the square and Colm was on hand to crash the ball low to the net. Two quick points followed from Joe Brennan, which put us two up at that stage (1-5 to 0-6).
But Crokes responded well and, by the 27th minute, had wiped out our advantage, scoring a goal and two points. Coming up to half time Kieran Mc Caughley put over a beauty from out near the side line, to leave the home side two points clear at half time.
Colm Ó Giollagáin was again involved early in the second half with two more pointed frees after fouls on himself and second half substitute, Ronan Gilsenan.
But then Crokes took full control and by the 55th minute had added a further 2-5 without reply. We never gave up however, and in the closing minutes added 1-2 with a point from play by Colm Ó Giollagáin, a pointed free by Paul Daly and a great goal by Ronan Gilsenan.
Team: Peter Doyle, Eddie Barry, Peter O’Regan, Paudie Bradley, Michael O’Leary, Paul Daly (0-1), Andrew Morrissey (Capt), Ciarán Breen, Kieran Mc Caughley (0-1), Tadhg Meehan, Joe Brennan (0-3), Andrew Foley, Colm Ó Giollagáin, (1-5) 4 frees, Sean Hartnett, John Mc Carthy.
Subs Used: Ronan Gilsenan (ht) (1-0), Breandán Caball (41m), Terry Desmond (55m), Ross Long (55m), John Bradley (56m).
We now turn our attention to next Sunday (18th Oct) when we face Duagh in the County JH Championship Final (a repeat of the 2012 Final which we won by 4-10 to 0-9). The game has been fixed for Lixnaw at 1.30pm with extra time if necessary.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: Two weeks ago, itwas former hurler, Maurice Lenihan’s birthday. Last weekend it was the turn of current hurler, Tadhg Meehan to celebrate a significant birthday, which he did in style with another big Do in the clubhouse. Happy Birthday Tadhg.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS ALSO: to a gracious lady who likes to keep in touch with activities in the Rock Club. Her name is Lizzie Mc Gowan and she lives in Co. Mayo and celebrated her 103rd birthday last Saturday (10th Oct). Lizzie is our own Kevin O’Carroll’s grandmother and we all wish her a very happy birthday.
U21 FOOTBALL: The Club Championship (Shield Section) semi final tie between ourselves and Ballydonoghue, due to go ahead this weekend has been postponed to next Saturday week (24th Oct). The game will be in Connolly Park with a 4pm start.
MINOR FOOTBALL: The pairings have been made for the semi finals of the Central League. We have an away game against An Ghaeltacht and when the two side met int eh greoup stage at the end of July the West Kerry boys had just a one point win over us (1-11 to 2-7). Dingle & Laune Rangers will contest the second semi final. While no date has been fixed as we write there is a possibility that our game could take place this Saturday (17th Oct) Check club website.
BINGO: Continues on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of parties. For bookings phone Des at 066 7126942 after 8pm each night.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday nights commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last nights (12th Oct) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 8, 14, 28 and 32. The €20 prizes went to Ann Murphy c/o The Ladies, Mary O’Riordan c/o John O’Riordan, Josie O’Connor c/o Galvins Shop, Lorraine Healy & John Tobin c/o Richard Healy and Luke Mc Namee c/o Carmel Quilter.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently Maureen Moloney (nee Fernane) Casements Avenue (sister of the late Garry, President of our Juvenile Section for many years until his death in 1994); and aunt of current Club Committee Member Councillor Mairead Fernane); Bernard Collins, Carrignafeela, Rathanny and late of Racecourse Road (brother of former Club footballer, the late Lal); David J. Mc Elligott, the Spa (husband of Deirdre and brother in law of Adrian & Gerrard O’Sullivan of the Castle Bar); Paddy Connor, Birmingham and late of Kevin Barry’s Villas; Michael Loughlin, St. Brendan’s Park and late of Stack’s Villas; and Teresa Lynch (nee O’Mahony), Mitchels Avenue and late of Rock St (grandmother of former club footballers, Michael, Gerry and Jonathan Lynch).
