KERRY GAA NIGHT AT THE DOGS: takes place on Friday fortnight (27th May). All Clubs must make a contribution of €400.
To off-set this cost we have €10 admission tickets to sell. So if you intend going along to the event we would ask that you please purchase your tickets from Austin Stacks – just ‘message’ on our facebook page or text 086 1053300 and we will reserve a ticket for you. Your support will be very much appreciated.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: We play East Kerry in the opening game of this season’s Co. Championship as part of a double-header at Lewis Road on next Saturday evening (14th May). Our game throws in at 5pm with the Dr. Crokes .v. West Kerry game due to commence at 6.30pm. Extra time will apply in both games if required.
This will be our 11th meeting with a team named ‘East Kerry’ in the Senior Championship and our record has been somewhat mixed.
We won our very first meeting in the 1931 semi final and to date have won four in total (the last in the 1994 semi final). However we have lost on five occasions (one game was abandoned and replayed in 1933), including our last two meetings in 1997 and 2007.
We wish every success to the Management team and the whole squad for the Championship season ahead.
It’s regretted that Greg Horan will not be part of this year’s set-up. Sadly, it was confirmed during the week that the injury he picked in the opening minutes of the game in Annascaul on the last day of April was a serious cruciate injury. We all wish Greg a full and speedy recovery and look forward to see him back in the fold again as soon as possible.
MINOR FOOTBALL: The Town League Final between ourselves and Kerins O’Rahillys has, as we write, been fixed for next Sunday (15th May) at 12.30 pm. The venue is to be confirmed.
BEST OF LUCK: to Ferdia O;Brien and his Kerry MF colleagues as they travel to Milltown Malbay on this Wednesday evening to play Clare in the Munster MF Championship semi final. Kerry will be seeking to qualify for their 73rd final in the 85th staging of the competition.
SENIOR HURLING: St. Pats (East Kerry); 0-4; Austin Stacks 4-13.
A good performance in their opening game of the South Kerry SH League against Dr. Crokes on Monday week last was followed, two evenings later (on Wednesday, 4th May), by an even better performance away to St. Pats (East Kerry). Another three new players were introduced by Team Mentor, Michael O’Leary – Ian Moynihan, James Smullen and Eamon Browne – who blended in as if they were part of the panel for years. The skill, pace and determination showed by all 16 who lined out was a joy to watch and even if the game was over at half time (we led by 2-8 to 0-1) they still continued apace in the second period.
Thirty six seconds had elapsed when Ciarán Breen opened with a good point. Colm Ó Giollagáin then added five more (one from a free) before Ciarán pointed again in the 21st minute.
Then in the space of two minutes this game was really put beyond the reach of the home side. A long high ball, sent in by Andrew Morrissey, was fielded by Ronan Gilsenan, who turned and slashed to the net. Within a minute Pip was in again for his second goal. St. Pats got their first and only score of the half in the 24th minute – a pointed 65. And the final score, just befor ethe interval, again came from Colm – a pointed free following a foul on team captain, Andrew Foley.
Pats opened the second half with another point from a free. Our first score of the half came in the 35th minute. A lovely clearance by Peter O’Regan out of defence found Colm, who passed to Ciarán and he pointed from distance.
Like the first half our two second half goals came in quick succession in the 39th and 40th minutes. The first came from Andrew Foley and the second came from a beautiful ball in from James Smullen which was goal-bound, but a deft flick by Colm Ó Giollagáin made doubly sure that it found the net. Further points from Ciarán Breen, Andrew Foley and the last score by Colm from a free sealed a very good victory for us.
Also, another great performance from our defence, who repulsed attack after attack, with John Connolly keeping a clean sheet for the second game in succession.
Team (14 a side); John Connolly, Kevin O’Leary, Peter O’Regan, Ian Moynihan, Michael O’Leary, Killian O’Riordan, Andrew Morrissey, Ciarán Breen (0-4), Andrew Foley (Capt) (1-1), Ronan Gilsenan (2-0), No Centre Forward, Colm Ó Giollagáin (1-8 – 3 frees), James Smullen, Terry Desmond, Peter Doyle.
Subs: Eamon Browne (40m), Ger Scollard 47m).
We now have one more group game to play, against Kenmare, and, as we write, this game has been fixed for this Wednesday evening (11th May) in Connolly Park at 7.30. The final is fixed for a fortnight later (25th May), which will be contested by the top two teams in the group.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings, phone Maurice McNamara at 086 3747 642.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions will continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last week’s (2nd May) Jackpot, worth €5,000, was not won. The numbers drawn were 4, 6, 14, 16.
The €20 Winners were: Orville Hughes, c/o Richard Healy; Mikey Sheehy and Johnny Leen, both c/o Carmel Quilter; Laura O’Regan, c/o Brendan O’Regan; and Billy Curtin, c/o Club Rockies.
SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Sister Bridget Devane, Dublin and late of Lohercannon; Helen (Nell) O’Connor (nee Talbot), Sallynoggin (Dublin) and late of Tralee; David Dillane, Lissanearla: Hannah Mary Eager, Balloonagh Estate and late of Mitchel’s Avenue; Sister Noreen Foley, Killerish and late of Castlegregory; Mary Finn (nee O’Connor), Stradbally, Castlegregory (grandmother of Niamh Ní Giollagáin – wife of Club Hurler, Colm); Sister Bridie O’Sullivan, Presentation Convent and late of Derry, Listowel; Frank Hartnett, Ballinorig West and late of Castleisland; and Emeline Roche, Castlecountess.
