THE 38th annual Lee Strand Austin Stacks U14 football tournament on Saturday saw teams from Kerry, Cork, Galway and Dublin compete for coveted silverware at Connolly Park.
There were 12 teams taking part — Austin Stacks, Kerins O’Rahillys, John Mitchels, Na Gaeil, Ballymac, An Ghaeltacht, Churchill, Oranmore/Maree, Salthill/Knocknacarra, Nemo Rangers, Na Piarsaigh and Clontarf.
The Denis O’Connor Lee Strand Cup Final was contested by the hosts Austin Stacks and John Mitchels with the Mitchels emerging victorious.
The Billy Breen Shield Final between Oranmore and Nemo Rangers saw the Galway side lifting the silverware while the Abie Allen Plate Final was won by An Ghaeltacht who beat Churchill. Scroll down for photos…
The Kerins O’Rahillys team. Photo by Dermot Crean.The John Mitchels team who won the Cup on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanAn Ghaeltacht team who won the Abie Allen Plate. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Churchill team. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Na Gaeil team. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Austin Stacks team. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Launching the Lee Strand Austin Stacks Tournament were young players David Ahern, Danny Lane, Darragh Moriarty and Noah Reidy. Also included is Dan Ahern, Michael Lynch, Tom Breen, Gearóid Linnane,Richie Conway and Dave Scanlon. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE 37th edition of the Austin Stacks / Lee Strand Invitational Football Tournament will take place this Saturday at Austin Stacks club grounds in Connolly Park, Tralee.
There are 12 teams taking part providing a feast of football in the Under 14 tournament. They are Austin Stacks, Kerins O’Rahillys, John Mitchels, Na Gaeil, Ballymac, An Ghaeltacht, Churchill, Oranmore/Maree, Salthill/Knocknacarra, Nemo Rangers, Na Piarsaigh and Clontarf.
The matches will be played on the Main Pitch and on the Nuns Field, with group games commencing at 10.30am. Teams will compete for the Billy Breen Memorial Shield Final, the Abie Allen Plate and Denis O’ Connor / Lee Strand Cup.
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This popular event, which is an important landmark in the club calendar, started out in 1986 as a 4-team competition for Under 13 football.
The tournament attracted widespread interest and soon expanded to eight teams. Then, in 2001, the tournament widened further to 16 teams and the Billy Breen Memorial Shield and Abie Allen Plate Competitions were added to the Lee Strand Cup Competition.
In re-launching the tournament in 2022, the Tournament Committee decided to change the competition to U14 and to proceed with a 12-team format.
Austin Stacks would like to thank Lee Strand for their continued support over the last 38 years.
.The Kerins O’Rahillys girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
A DRY day was conducive to good football on Saturday as clubs from around the county took part in the annual Sandra Keane U13 Memorial Tournament at the John Mitchels GAA Grounds.
Sponsored again this year by Daughton Plant Hire, the tournament, which is run by the North Kerry Ladies Football Board, saw hundreds of young ladies take to the pitches for a feast of football
Among the clubs taking part were local clubs Kerins O’Rahillys, John Mitchels, Na Gaeil and Austin Stacks.
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There were four trophies up for grabs; Cup, Shield, Plate and Trophy. Winners of the Cup were Abbeydorney, Fr Caseys were winners of the Shield, Kerins O’Rahillys won the Plate and MKL Gaels the Trophy.
The tournament is in memory of Sandra Keane who was not only a player, but she managed teams and was a loyal supporter to her club Kerins O’Rahillys until her untimely death in 2007. Scroll down for photos…
The Austin Stacks girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Fr Caseys Abbeyfeale girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Abbeydorney girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Finuge/St Senans girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Na Gaeil girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Listowel Emmets girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Castlegregory/Annascaul girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Southern Gaels girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Southern Gaels girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Shannonside Tarbert girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe John Mitchels girls taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The MKL Gaels Team 1 taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe MKL Gaels Team 2 taking part in the Sandra Keane U13 Tournament at John Mitchels Club on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean..
.Kerry’s joint-manager Darragh Long, celebrates with his son Conor and Kerry forward Danielle O’Leary after the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
AN incredible day of emotion and elation.
Kerry fans came in their thousands to Dublin on Sunday by planes, trains and automobiles to finally see their heroines reach the promised land after two years of heartache on All-Ireland final day.
But that was forgotten on Sunday evening as the Kerry emphatically won their first All-Ireland Final since 1993.
The fans created a sea of green and gold right around the stadium and were vocal from start to finish, no doubt encouraging the ladies to victory. We were there to capture the colour of the supporters on the day. Scroll down for photos…
Deirdre Walsh (right) with young Kerins O’Rahillys players celebrating the victory. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Falveys at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Lispole crowd at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tara Shine, Amy Shine, Sophia O’Donoghue and Niamh Bronan from Glenflesk at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Quills and the Longs from Tralee at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Hayles and the Broughton families from Tralee at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanKerins O’Rahillys girls at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.Maeve Murphy, Troy O’Connell, Claire Fealy and Daniel Fealy at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanFans from Cordal at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.Clodagh Buckley, Jessica Leen, Aisling Leane, Eimear Leen, Saoirse Reen and Sadie O’Brien at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanMaebh McKeefry and Caoilfhin Foley from Cromane at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanPodge Foley, Brian Sheahan and Jacqueline Sheahan at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.The Murphys, Lynchs and McCarthys from Castleisland at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Harkins from Cordal at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanLauren Hayes, Trish Hayes, Aisling O’Dowd and Leah O’Callaghan from Abbeydorney at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanGrainne Dineen, Martina Dineen and Catherine Dineen from Glenflesk at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn and Jennifer Williams at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Rahillys and Currans from Ballymac at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanAidan, Pádraig and Jack Kelly from Tralee at Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Kerry crowd staying on for the celebrations after the win. Photo by Dermot CreanCáit Lynch and Niamh Carmody after the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Declan Quill with youngsters in Cluain Ard and the sign in support of Kerry on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
RESIDENTS in Cluain Ard, Ballyvelly, came out in force this week to show their support for the Kerry ladies team and specifically, their neighbour Declan Quill.
The joint-manager of the team lives in the estate and the residents got together to put up two signs in support of the ladies and Declan this Sunday.
They gathered, wearing the green and gold, in front of the signs earlier this week and asked Declan to come down to view their gesture ahead of the game.
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“Thanks to Olive Heaphy for organising it. It’s great to see the kids out in their Kerry colours and looking forward to the game,” said Declan, who appreciates all the support and encouragement the team has received from the Kerry public since the semi-final win.
Declan Quill with his neighbours in Cluain Ard and the signs they put up in support of Kerry on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
“We had an open day on Sunday after the training session and it was brilliant to see so many kids there, some even came on buses from all parts of the county. It gives the girls a big lift to see all these signs and the bunting going up. We hope to see a good Kerry crowd at the game on Sunday,” added Declan.
Meanwhile, Tralee Municipal District councillors voiced their support for the team at their meeting on Tuesday.
The Council has also erected flags in the town centre while many other businesses are displaying the colours ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Galway.
Flags on The Mall/Castle Street in support of the Kerry team on Sunday..Bunting in Caheranne in support of Kerry on Sunday.Flags on Denny Street in support of the Kerry team on Sunday..
The countdown is truly on now for Sunday and we’re all hoping it’ll be third time lucky for the Kerry Senior Ladies Football team in the All-Ireland Final when they face Galway.
Here’s the players and management team heading to Croke Park to bid for glory…
The Kerry management team during a Kerry squad portrait session at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry ahead of the TG4 LGFA All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.
.Andrew Morrissey and Mike O’Halloran are the commentators on Radio Kerry this Sunday for the big game in Tralee.
Mike O’Halloran looks forward to the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship Final at Austin Stack Park this Sunday…
Ballyduff and Abbeydorney square off in the Garveys Super Valu Kerry hurling final on Sunday and it is the first time these two sides have met in the final.
Abbeydorney are hoping to bridge a 50 year gap in winning the game and it’s 19 years since the contested a final. On that occasion they lost in 2005 to Lixnaw after a replay.
Ballyduff lie second in the champions roll of honour behind Kilmoyley. Ballyduff came through a tough semi-final encounter with Kilmoyley after being taken to extra time.
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.Oisín Maunsell of Abbeydorney.
Abbeydorney had a comfortable victory over Ballyheigue in their semi-final led by Michael O’Leary, Oisin Maunsell and Ronan Donovan and James O’Connor at the back.
Ballyduff relied on a mixture of youth and experience through their campaign with Jack Goulding, Padraig Boyle and Luke Rochford to the fore.
Padraig Boyle of Ballyduff.
The game promises to be a classic, all the action will be live on Radio Kerry from 1.50 pm with myself Mike O’Halloran and Andrew Morrissey.
.The Kerry panel before the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Dan Kearney reports on a disappointing day for the U18 ladies yesterday in Tullamore…
Cavan 4-11
Kerry 4-8
Cavan captured the ZuCar All-Ireland U18 A Championship for the first ever time when they overcame Kerry by three points on a beautiful day for football at Glenisk O’Connor Park Tullamore.
The new All-Ireland champions were made to fight all the way by a Kerry side that showed a never say die attitude but despite a nervy finish, the Breffni County were deserved champions.
Cavan had a healthy 3-6 to 2-2 lead at half time that owed much to a power-packed final five minutes of the half where they hit Kerry for 2-2 without reply.
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The game took a while to get going with both sides showing early signs of nerves. Kerry goalkeeper Beibhin Nic an tSíthigh was called to make an excellent save from Ella Brady just two minutes but Kerry made no mistake two minutes later when Leah McMahon fed Lucy O’Connor who punched to the back of the Cavan net.
Aoise O’Donoghue of Kerry during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Three minutes later Cavan were level after Ella Sheridan intercepted a Kerry kickout and found Emma Tolan who made no mistake to goal from close range.
Sheridan added a free in the ninth minute but within seconds Amy Curtin had put over a fine individual point for Kerry. Sheridan and Katie Doe for Kerry traded frees before the lively Sheridan struck from play from distance.
Grace Murphy of Kerry in action against Emma Tolan of Cavan during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Kerry were struggling with their kick outs and Sarah Clarke hit a fine score to push Cavan 1-4 to 1-2 ahead with 22 minutes played. The Kingdom kept attacking and McMahon showed great awareness to collect from a ball off the post to finish to the net.
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Then Cavan took over completely. Alex Peters punched over, Kate O’Meara hit a nice score and Kate Fegan scored a goal out of the top drawer.
The final act of the first half was a O’Meara goal with nine seconds remaining when she was first to react to a shot off the post and Cavan led by 3-6 to 2-2 at half time.
Leah McMahon of Kerry in action against Katie Mai Reilly of Cavan during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Kerry got the first two scores of the second half from Kelly Enright and Doe with Ellie Brady replying for Cavan.
Sheridan put away a fine penalty in the 39th minute and she and Emma Tolan and added further points to see Cavan lead by 4-10 to 2-6 with 10 minutes remaining.
Kerry showed their renowned battling qualities and O’Connor’s second goal of the game gave them hope.
Kerry players dejected at the final whistle during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Abbie McDermott in the Cavan goal then made a wonder save from Kelly Enright.
O’Connor scored her third goal for Kerry with 22 seconds left it was a two-point contest.
The excitement was at fever pitch, but Cavan finished Kerry off when substitute Holly McPhillips scored a point. (more photos below)
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Scorers – Cavan: E Sheridan 1-5 (0-3f, 1-0 pen), K O’Meara 1-1, E Tolan 1-1, K Fegan 1-0, A Peters 0-1, E Brady 0-1, E Tolan 0-1, H McPhillips 0-1.
Kerry: L O’Connor 3-0, K Doe 0-6 (1f), L McMahon 1-0, A Curtin 0-1, K Enright 0-1.
CAVAN: A McDermott; A Kelly, B Smith, K Grigorenko; C McDonnell, A Peters, A Kennedy; E Brady (capt.), L Miney; E Sheridan, E Tolan, S Clarke; K Fegan, K O’Meara, K Mai Reilly. Subs: K Bartley for O’Meara (45), D McGovern for Grigorenko (50), H McPhillips for Sheridan (58), M Daly for Fegan (60).
KERRY: B Nic an tSíthigh; A O’Donoghue, É Ní Laighin (capt.), G Murphy; C Dwyer, S O’Donovan, L O’Sullivan; K Enright, K Ryan; A Curtin, M.K. Smith, L O’Connor; K Doe, L McMahon, A O’Connor McCarthy. Subs: S Colleran for G Murphy 34, L O’Connor for A O’Connor McCarthy 36, T Murphy for Curtin 54.
Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo).
Kerry players before the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile.Referee Gus Chapman, with Cavan captain Ellie Brady, left, and Kerry captain Éabha Ní Laighin before the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/SportsfileKerry supporters celebrate their teams first goal during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile .The Kerry players look on during the cup presentation after the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile Spectators look on during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile Mary Kate Smith of Kerry during the ZuCar All-Ireland Ladies Football U-18 Championship A final match between Cavan and Kerry at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile .
EVERYONE is invited to head along to Killarney this Sunday to meet the Kerry Ladies football team ahead of their All-Ireland Final.
Having overcome Armagh last Saturday evening, the ladies are gearing up to face Galway in the decider on Sunday, August 4.
The fans are invited to come along and meet the panel at an open training session at Fitzgerald Stadium (entry via Lewis Road) with gates opening from 11.45am.
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The Kerry LGFA supporters jersey will also be on sale during the day (sizes available are size 12-14 for €50 and adult size €60).
Mike O’Halloran reports on the two Kerry SHC semi-finals played yesterday in Tralee…
Ballyduff GAA 4-25
Kilmoyley 2-25 after extra time
The Ballyduff panel.
An epic encounter between the kings of Kerry hurling ending in Ballyduff qualifying for the Garveys Supervalu Kerry hurling final where they will play Abbeydorney Hurling Club in two weeks time.
Kilmoyley were struck with two hammer blows before the game started when Dougie Fitzell (the most consistent centre back in the county) was unable to start, Robert Collins was also ruled out through injury.
Two more blows were to follow when John B O’Halloran was blinded by the sun allowing Padraig Boyle to touch the ball to the net. Then they lost Paudie O’Connor.
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.The Kilmoyley panel.
But they showed their true resilience when they dragged their back into the game led by the excellent Ronan Walsh and aided by the goal of the championship by Philip Maunsell. Ballyduff were very impressive at times and were driven on by Padraig Boyle and a host of other great performances by Paud Costello, Jack Goulding, Kevin Goulding and their young guns especially Luke Rochford who was outstanding in extra time.
Abbeydorney 1-18
Ballyheigue 0-10
It’s going to be a great county final between Ballyduff and Abbeydorney as Abbeydorney overcame a very disappointing Ballyheigue side in the earlier game.
Ballyheigue never got to terms with the power and tenacity of the Abbeydorney Hurling Club led by the imperious Michael O’Leary.
Abbeydorney led 0-11 to 0-02 at halftime. Abbeydorney had many stars on the day like James O’Connor, Ronan Donovan, Jack Sheehan and Oisin Maunsell.
Ballyheigue must be very disappointed with their performance but must take heart from the fact that they are very young and will have gained a lot of experience from this year’s campaign.
.Niamh Ní Chonchúir of Kerry shoots to score her side’s first goal, under pressure from Emily Druse of Armagh, during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Daire Walsh reports on Kerry’s victory over Armagh in Tullamore on Saturday night…
Kerry 1-8
Armagh 0-7
Niamh Ní Chonchúir grabbed a 16th minute goal at Glenisk O’Connor Park as Kerry advanced to a third consecutive TG4 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final with a triumph against Armagh.
Five points to the good at the midway stage in this penultimate round contest, the Kingdom did enough in a low-scoring second half to seal their place in a top-tier championship decider alongside Galway — where they will hope to make amends for final defeats to Dublin and Meath in the past two seasons.
During a lively start to the contest, Armagh popped over points via the boots of Eva Lavery (two), Blaithin Mackin and Dearbhla Coleman.
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While Kerry attacker Siofra O’Shea added a score to compliment an earlier free from Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Niamh Henderson split the posts on the run to give the Ulster side a 0-5 to 0-2 cushion on the first-quarter mark.
Niamh Carmody of Kerry has her kick blocked down by Grace Ferguson of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Yet team captain Clodagh McCambridge was temporarily replaced with a blood injury around this juncture following a clash with Kerry’s Aishling O’Connell, who was also forced off for a five-minute period, and in her absence Ní Chonchúir got on the end of an excellent move to drill a fierce strike past Armagh netminder Anna Carr.
This added a spark to the Kerry challenge and with Danielle O’Leary, Ní Mhuircheartaigh (free) and the returning O’Connell finding the target to supplement a 0-2 salvo from skipper Niamh Carmody, the Munster champions were 1-7 to 0-5 in front at the break.
However, the Kingdom had suffered a blow a little under two minutes before the interval when Carmody was sent to the sin-bin. Even though their five-point cushion remained intact upon her re-emergence, Armagh added swift scores courtesy of Niamh Coleman and Mackin (free) to ramp up the pressure on Kerry.
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The Kingdom, bidding for their first TG4 All-Ireland crown since 1993, were able to maintain possession for large stretches of the play, but it wasn’t until the 49th minute that Kerry got their second half account up and running with a pointed free from centre-forward O’Leary.
Danielle O’Leary of Kerry in action against Róisín Mulligan of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Nonetheless, this established a four-point advantage for the 11-time winners and with Mackin receiving a 51st minute yellow card for a tackle on substitute Lorraine Scanlon, they ultimately eased their way into another Brendan Martin Cup showpiece. (MORE PHOTOS BELOW)
Scorers – Kerry: N Ní Chonchúir 1-0, D O’Leary 0-2 (1f), N Carmody 0-2, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 0-2 (2f), A O’Connell, S O’Shea 0-1 each.
Armagh: E Lavery 0-2, B Mackin 0-2 (1f), D Coleman, N Coleman, N Henderson 0-1 each.
KERRY: C Butler; E Lynch, K Cronin, C Murphy; A O’Connell, D Kearney, A Dillane; M O’Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, D O’Leary, N Ní Chonchúir; S O’Shea, E Dineen, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh. Subs: A Harrington for A O’Connell (13-18), H O’Donoghue for Ní Mhuircheartaigh (46), L Scanlon for Carmody (49), K Brosnan for Ní Chonchúir (58).
ARMAGH: A Carr; G Ferguson, C McCambridge, R Mulligan; C Towe, L McConville, D Coleman; N Coleman, C O’Hanlon; E Druse, A McCoy, B Mackin; E Lavery, N Henderson, M McCambridge. Subs: L Kenny for C McCambridge (13-18), K Mallon for Lavery (38), N Reel for Henderson (50), L Kenny for Druse (54), M Feehan for O’Hanlon (58).
Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).
Kerry players, from left, Mary O’Connell, Emma Dineen and Kayleigh Cronin encourage their team-mates as they do conditioning runs after the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.Síofra O’Shea of Kerry receives the Player of the Match award from Alan Esslemont, Ardstiúrthóir TG4, after the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Kerry players, from left, Deirdre Kearney, Eilís Lynch amd Kayleigh Cronin celebrate after their side’s victory in the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile .Danielle O’Leary of Kerry in action against Róisín Mulligan of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Anna Galvin of Kerry in action against Lauren McConville of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.Aishling O’Connell of Kerry gets past Grace Ferguson of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/SportsfileNiamh Carmody of Kerry in action against Grace Ferguson of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/SportsfileSíofra O’Shea of Kerry in action against Cait Towe of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Síofra O’Shea of Kerry in action against Cait Towe of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/SportsfileEmma Dineen of Kerry in action against Grace Ferguson of Armagh during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/SportsfileCaroline O’Hanlon of Armagh in action against Kerry players, from left, Emma Dineen, Síofra O’Shea and Danielle O’Leary during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Armagh and Kerry at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile .
.Aishling O’Connell of Kerry during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship Round 1 match between Donegal and Kerry at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey, Donegal. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Before today’s TG4 All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Armagh, Daire Walsh spoke to the Kingdom’s Aishling O’Connell…
When it comes to achieving a suitable balance between work and sport, Kerry footballer Aishling O’Connell has a tougher task than most within the inter-county game.
A Garda based in the West Cork town of Bandon – located all of 83 kilometres from her home village of Cordal – O’Connell has often found herself working 12-hour night shifts either before or after collective training sessions with the Kingdom’s senior squad.
While O’Connell recognises this was always going to be part of the bargain when she decided to pursue a career with An Garda Siochána, she freely acknowledges it can take its toll even at the best of times.
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“It is tough, I won’t lie! We trained last Friday week and I drove straight to work after down in West Cork. It does take its toll. It is hard enough going into nights after a tough training, but the two hour drive down hasn’t helped,” O’Connell explained.
“You start a night shift at 7pm and you finish at 7am. You could be working on a Saturday night and you’ve training on Sunday morning. There have been times that I’ve driven down to Kerry, you might get half an hour in the bed and you’re going straight to training.
Pictured at the launch of the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championships in Dublin, is Aishling O’Connell of Kerry. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
“You want to train, but you’re not able to do as much as you’d like because there is obviously an injury risk factor there. In a way it’s good that I’m around this long, but it’s hard if you were trying to make an impact because you’re not going to be training as well as you should be. It’s tough, but it’s the job I signed up for!”
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However, things are set to become that little bit easier for O’Connell in the long run as she is due to take up a post at Killarney Garda Station inside the next few weeks.
This will leave the 2022 TG4 All Star with a much shorter commute to Kerry training and it also changes where the 27-year-old defender will be playing her club football once the Kingdom’s championship campaign reaches a conclusion.
Having represented Éire Óg in Cork for the past few years – she narrowly lost out to Mourneabbey in a senior championship decider on the Leeside in 2023 – O’Connell will soon be back in the colours of her previous club Scartaglen.
“It will take a bit of pressure off the body and less driving as well. It might make things a little bit easier. I made the decision at the end of this year that I was going to try and get home for work. That in turn did lead me to wanting to go back and play with my home club. It was a natural progression.
“I’ve had great times there at Éire Óg, but I want to go back playing for Scart. I felt like I had given everything I could to Éire Óg. My partner, he’s actually a Cork man, so once I was able to convince him to move to Kerry, it was just the next step to make!
“I started with the boys’ club in Cordal, where I’m from, but then at U14s I joined Scart and played with them up until seniors. It’s because of them that I’m wearing the Kerry jersey. They’ve gotten to the intermediate final in the last two years and following the end of the championship this year with Kerry, I’d love to be able to contribute to a win with Scart as well.”
Yet as she alludes to, O’Connell does have some unfinished business with The Kingdom before she contemplates a return to the local club championship. Having recently overcome Meath at the quarter-final stage of the competition, Kerry are now just 60 minutes away from sealing a TG4 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship decider spot for the third year in succession.
Standing in their way at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore later this evening (throw-in 7.15pm) will be Greg McGonigle’s Armagh, who defeated the Kingdom in a Lidl National Football League Division 1 final at Croke Park last April.
Although their male compatriots losing out to the Orchard County in GAA HQ last weekend adds intrigue to tonight’s contest, it is that spring time clash (as well as an earlier league reversal to Armagh at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in March) that will have O’Connell and her Kerry colleagues on high alert.
Despite losing Aimee Mackin to an anterior cruciate ligament injury since that NFL showpiece victory, the return to fitness of Mackin’s sister Blaithín has served as a welcome boost for Armagh.
“I suppose Aimee gets maybe more of the headlines, but Blaithín does some amount of unseen work. She covers from the 21 to the 21, and you saw it last week (a quarter-final win against Mayo), she’s getting on the scoreboard as well. She’s class.
“We’ve kind of followed in the footsteps of Meath in the way that we won Division Two, went to One and won Division One. Meath did it first, ourselves and Armagh have done it. That momentum really helps going into championship. They’re just playing superb football, they’re going to be tough to play.”
Whereas Kerry’s showdown with Armagh is a meeting of the top two teams in this year’s NFL Division 1, the first All-Ireland senior semi-final in Tullamore today features a brace of sides that were on the opposite end of the spectrum. After suffering relegation to Division 2 of the NFL at the end of difficult springtime campaigns, Galway and Cork will lock horns at 5pm in O’Connor Park for the right to compete in the Brendan Martin Cup decider on August 4.
Having kept a close eye on their respective developments in recent months, O’Connell is expecting a ding-dong battle between the Tribeswomen and Kerry’s long-standing provincial rivals.
“Galway and Cork, for both of them to be relegated and to be getting into an All-Ireland semi-final, it’s unbelievable really. It’s credit to them and to the management,” added O’Connell, who has already made 15 appearances for Kerry in 2024.
“It’s a huge opportunity for them as well as it is for ourselves and Armagh to get to a final. I wouldn’t be surprised if it went to extra-time. They’re the kind of teams that they seem to be playing each other a lot over the years and it’s always very close.”
.Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE GAA grounds at Connolly Park came alive all week with the sound of young Rockies having fun at the annual Cúl Camp.
It’s been a good week for the Austin Stacks club with the Under 21s winning the county championship and no doubt some of the youngsters enjoying the camp will be hoping to advance up the ranks over the coming years.
Lorcan Martin and the rest of the coaches made sure all went smoothly and the weather didn’t disrupt things too much over the five days. We visited on Friday to capture the atmosphere. Scroll down for photos…
Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Austin Stacks GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean..
.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
GIRLS and boys flocked to the John Mitchels GAA grounds at Ballyseedy during the week for the annual Cúl Camp.
Under the supervision of Morgan Madden and his team of coaches, the kids really enjoyed the games and skills routines despite the adverse weather at times.
Of course, with the marvellous indoor sports hall, they could always head indoors if the elements proved too harsh. Another great week then and we called on Friday to catch the fun on the final day of the camp. Scroll down for photos…
Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters wait for the ball at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Leanna Williams with youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the John Mitchels GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Emma Dineen of Kerry is tackled by Meath players, from left, Shelly Melia, Mary Kate Lynch and Nicole Troy during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Dan Kearney reports on the TG4 All Ireland Quarter-Final played at Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening…
Kerry 0-16
Meath 0-8
Kerry cruised to an impressive double scores win over Meath to reach the TG4 All Ireland semi-final at windy Austin Stack Park in Tralee.
The winners had too much firepower in an accomplished performance that saw eight different players get on the scoresheet with Kerry outscoring the visitors by 0-12 to 0-3 in a superb second half.
Playing into the breeze in the first half, it was Kerry that took the game to Meath and registered the first score of the game from the boot of midfielder Mary O’Connell in the third minute.
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Meath attacked but Emma Duggan’s free came off the crossbar and Megan Thynne shot wide straight after.
Kerry were less wasteful at the other end though and Danielle O’Leary slotted over to put them two ahead.
Danielle O’Leary of Kerry in action against Nicole Troy of Meath during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Niamh Ní Chonchúir was fouled in the 12th minute and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh made no mistake from 25 metres to push Kerry three ahead but two minutes later Marion Farrelly, Meath’s most effective performer in the opening half, shot a fine individual score.
Ciara Smith shot over for the Royals a minute later, and they were really starting to grow into the game now with Farrelly forcing Kerry goalkeeper Ciara Butler into an outstanding save at the expense of a point to level matters at 0-3 apiece.
Corner back Ciara Murphy popped over a neat point for Kerry in the 20th minute to push them a point ahead but once again it was Farrelly on the mark for Meath in the 23rd minute to level the game at 0-4 each.
The last action of the first half fell to Emma Duggan who hit a beauty of a score from distance to see her side take a 0-5 to 0-4 lead in at the half time break.
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh of Kerry kicks a free during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Meath introduced former Footballer of the Year Vikki Wall at half time but after a typical run by her failed to yield a score, Kerry went on to slot over seven points on the trot with substitute Siofra O’Shea popping over two fine scores.
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Niamh Gallogly shot a welcome point for Meath to bring the score to 0-11 to 0-6 but Kerry were relentless and with seven minutes left on the clock had pushed 0-15 to 0-7 ahead.
Monica McGuirk made a fine save from Emma Dineen at the expense of a point, but she had the final say when she punched over to seal a comprehensive win for Kerry to set up a semi-final meeting with either Armagh or Mayo who meet on Sunday.
Anna Galvin of Kerry is presented with the player of the match award by Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Mícheál Naughton after the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Scorers for Kerry: L Ní Mhuiurcheartaigh 0-4 (3f), E Dineen 0-3, S O’Shea 0-3, D O’Leary 0-2, M O’Connell 0-1, A Galvin 0-1, C Murphy 0-1, N Carmody 0-1.
Meath: M Farrelly 0-3, E Duggan 0-2, 1f, C Smyth 0-1, V Wall 0-1, N Gallogly 0-1.
KERRY: C Butler; E Lynch, K Cronin, C Murphy; A O’Connell, D Kearney, A Dillane; M O’Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, E Dineen, N Ni Chonchúir; H O’Donoghue; L Ní Mhuircheartaigh, D O’Leary. Subs: S O’Shea for H O’Donoghue 38, F O’Donoghue for K Cronin 41, L Scanlon for N Ní Chonchúir 45, A Harrington for N Carmody 54, K Brosnan for L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 57.
MEATH: M McGuirk; S Wall, M.K. Lynch, N Troy; N Gallogly, S Melia, K Newe; M O’Shaughnessy, A Cleary; M Thynne, K Cole, C Smyth; M Byrne, M Farrelly, E Duggan. Subs: V Wall for K Cole H/T, A Sheridan for K Newe 37, R Casserly for M Byrne 50, C Lawlor for N Troy 53, S Lynch for C Smyth 59.
Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).
Mary Kate Lynch of Meath in action against Mary O’Connell of Kerry during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.Megan Thynne of Meath is tackled by Ciara Murphy of Kerry during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/SportsfileAnna Galvin of Kerry in action against Emma Duggan of Meath during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.Niamh Ní Chonchúir of Kerry in action against Meath players, from left, Kerrie Cole, Marion Farrelly and Aoibhín Cleary during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/SportsfileReferee Barry Redmond poses for a photograph alongside captains Niamh Carmody of Kerry and Meath goalkeeper Monica McGuirk before the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.The Kerry team before the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Meath at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.
.Youngsters reach for the ball at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
SCHOOL’S out for summer and what better way for kids to start the holidays than with a week of playing football in the fine weather.
Well okay, the elements weren’t in their favour, but nearly 90 children of varying ages had a great time regardless at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Cúl Camp.
Head Coach Sam McCarthy and his fellow coaches made sure everything went smoothly as the young footballers honed their skills and made the best of it despite the occasional shower.
We called on Friday morning to capture the fun on the last day of the Camp. Scroll down for photos…
Youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Coaches Jake Foley and Jamie McCarthy with youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanCoach Kelly Enright with youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot CreanYoungsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Youngsters at the Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club Cúl Camp on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Siblings Ronan and Sophie Brick with Sinead and Daniel Spring looking forward to Féile action at the weekend. Photo by Dermot Crean
NOT long now until another historic day for Tralee Parnells hurling and camogie club as they prepare to send two teams to the annual Féile na nGael competition.
Having won the Division 1 Kerry Féile competitions earlier this year, both the hurling and camogie teams will take to the fields in Wexford on Saturday in the national finals.
The two teams met up at the GAA fields in Caherslee on Thursday evening for last minute preparations and to accept gear from generous sponsors.
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“We’re delighted with the response from the community with the raffle cards, businesses sponsored the prizes and there were generous donations from individuals and families,” said Sinead Curtin, one of the camogie management team.
She added that everyone is in good form and just looking forward to the competition on Saturday. They set off on Friday and will stay in Waterford for the night before taking part in the competition on Saturday. Best of luck to both sides and let’s hope they bring silverware home. Scroll down for photos…
The U15 Tralee Parnells boys team and management heading to the Féile na nGael competition at the weekend. Photo by Dermot Crean.The U15 Tralee Parnells girls management team of David Brick, Natalie O’Shea, Brian Shanahan and Sinead Curtin. Photo by Dermot CreanThe U15 Tralee Parnells camogie team heading to the Féile na nGael competition at the weekend. Photo by Dermot Crean.Luke Hanafin, Eimear Dillane, Georgia Kennedy and Darragh Field who will be in Féile na nGael action for Tralee Parnell in Wexford this Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Brendan O’Connor, Colm Sills, Liam Maunsell (Chairman Castlegregory GAA Club), winner of the GAA lotto Alex Graham with his fiancee Eimear and daughter Laoise, Cathrina Browne and Alan Lynch. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
A CORK man took away a nice sum of money home with him at the weekend after winning a GAA lotto in West Kerry.
Alex Graham from Tracton received €10,500 from the management committee of Castlegregory GAA Club on Saturday evening after winning the club lotto.
Alex, who has been regularly coming to Sandy Bay Caravan & Camping Park since he was a child, plans to use the funds to reapply for planning permission or maybe use it for a once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand as he is Best Man for his friend’s wedding.
His father Frank bought him the winning ticket. “I’m delighted with the win, it’s great to be able to support the local community,” Alex said.
Anthony Newman reports on the Munster Final yesterday in Mallow where the great rivals met…
Kerry 2-15
Cork 0-13
Sheer delight for Kerry as they were crowned TG4 Munster Senior A ladies football champions for the first time since 2017 at Mallow.
The Kingdom started well, before falling behind to Cork, but a goal from Emma Dineen just before half-time got them back in contention.
When she raised her second green flag with nine minutes to go it was the killer blow, as they led by six points at that stage and there was no way back for Cork.
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Add in a simply outstanding display from Danielle O’Leary, who scored 10 points for Kerry and was the deserving winner of the Player of the Game award, closely followed by Kayleigh Cronin.
O’Leary opened the scoring for Kerry in the fourth minute as she fisted over the bar from a long ball in.
She doubled their lead after 10 minutes, with a long stoppage for an injury in between to players from both sides.
The same player made it 0-3 to no score as Cork were finding it difficult to get going, thanks to some superb defending by Kerry.
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Katie Quirke got Cork off the mark after 14 minutes and from the restart Rachel Leahy got their second point to make it 0-3 to 0-2.
With 16 minutes gone Cork were back on level terms when Melissa Duggan did what she does best. She burst forward to score as Cork were now much more in contention.
Quirke got her second from a free to put Cork in front for the first time after 19 minutes play.
Another bursting run from a Cork player, this time Laura O’Mahony, put Cork two to the good as they were now playing the better football.
Quirke pointed from another free, with Aoife Healy and O’Mahony also scoring to make it 0-8 to 0-3 after 28 minutes.
Quirke then got Cork’s ninth point in a row as the Rebels were enjoying the better of the play.
O’Leary and Quirke exchanged points from frees as Cork led by six as half time approached.
Just before the half time whistle Kerry got the boost they needed when a ball in from Katie Brosnan was fisted to the back of the net by Emma Dineen, to see Cork lead by 0-10 to 1-4 at the break.
O’Leary, Kerry’s only point scorer in the first half, added another 30 seconds into the second, with Lydia McDonagh replying for Cork.
O’Leary, who was keeping her side in contention on her own hit another to put a point between the sides. And with 40 minutes gone O’Leary scored again to level it.
Another from O’Leary put Kerry back in front after 41 minutes the first time they lead since the 16th.
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, who came on after 39 minutes, scored a point, the first Kerry player aside from O’Leary to raise a white flag for them.
O’Leary got her ninth to increase Kerry’s lead, with Niamh Carmody also pointing, to make it 1-11 to 0-11 in their favour after 49 minutes.
Kerry had one hand on the trophy after 51 minutes when Dineen got her, and Kerry’s, second goal to make it 2-11 to 0-11.
Quirke hit back for Cork but time wasn’t on their side as Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Carmody increased Kerry’s lead.
Ní Mhuircheartaigh got the last score of the game as the Kingdom won the title for the first time since 2017.
Scorers for Kerry: D O’Leary 0-10 (1f), E Dineen 2-0, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 0-3 (2f), N Carmody 0-2.
Cork: K Quirke 0-7 (5f), L O’Mahony 0-2, R Leahy, M Duggan, A Healy, L McDonagh 0-1.
KERRY: ME Bolger; E Lynch, K Cronin, C Murphy; A O’Connell, E Dineen, E O’Connor; M O’Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, N Ní Chonchúir, D Kearney; K Brosnan, D O’Leary, L Scanlon.
Subs: C Butler for ME Bolger, A Harrington for E O’Connor (both ht), L Ní Mhuircheartaigh for K Brosnan (39), A Dillane for N Ni Chonchuir (60).
CORK: S Murphy; M Duggan, D Kiniry, A Ryan; S Leahy, A Healy, D Kiely; M O’Callaghan, A O’Mahony; E Cleary, L O’Mahony, A McDonagh; L McDonagh, K Quirke, R Leahy.
Subs: S McGoldrick for S Leahy (39), K O’Driscoll for A McDonagh (42), S Kelly for A O’Mahony (44), L Hallihan for L McDonagh (52), S O’Leary for D Kiely (58).
KERRY have announced their team to play Clare in the Munster SFC Final in Ennis this Sunday.
The game has a 1.45pm throw-in time at Cusack Park and Kerry are hot favourites for the decider. It’s an all Tralee midfield pairing of Joe O’Connor and Diarmuid O’Connor while Rockies Dylan Casey and Armin Heinrich are on the bench.
Here’s the team captained by Paudie Clifford.
1. (GK) Shane Murphy — Dr Crócaigh
2. Paul Murphy — Rath Mhór
3. Jason Foley — Baile Uí Donnachú
4. Tom O’Sullivan — Daingean Uí Chúis
5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich — An Ghaeltacht
6. Tadhg Morley — Teampall Nua
7. Gavin White — Dr Crócaigh
8. Diarmuid O’Connor — Na Gaeil
9. Joe O’Connor — Aibhistín de Staic
10. Dara Moynihan — Spa Cill Airne
11. Paudie Clifford — An Fhosadh
12. Cillian Burke — Baile an Mhuillin/Caisleán na Mainge
13. Tony Brosnan – Dr Crócaigh
14. David Clifford — An Fhosadh
15. Seán O’Shea — An Neidín
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16 (GK) Shane Ryan — Rath Mhór
17 Seán O’Brien — Lios An Phúca
18 Adrian Spillane — Teampall Nua
19 Barry Dan O’Sullivan — Daingean Uí Chúis
20 Dylan Casey — Aibhistín de Staic
21 Paul Geaney — Daingean Uí Chúis
22 Stephen O’Brien — An Neidín
23 Mike Breen — Lios an Phúca
24 Killian Spillane — Teampall Nua
25 Darragh Roche — Gleann Fleisce
26 Armin Heinrich — Aibhistín de Staic
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Danielle O’Leary bagged eight points as Kerry had a 15-point victory over Tipperary at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney in Round 1 of the TG4 Munster Senior Championship.
O’Leary was simply unstoppable, notching five points in the first half, as Tipperary had no answer to her pace and finishing power.
A below-par opening period from both sides saw Kerry take a flattering 1-5 to 0-4 lead in at the short whistle, with the five-point haul from O’Leary a major highlight.
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The home side’s passes weren’t going to hand in the opening exchanges but after a series of turnovers they finally got off the mark in the sixth minute with the brilliant O’Leary popping over after an assist from hard-working skipper Niamh Carmody.
O’Leary slotted her second a minute later before Aishling Moloney hit a monster effort from 40 metres to get Tipperary’s first score.
Katie Brosnan fed the rampant O’Leary for her 3rd on the quarter hour mark but Emma Morrissey, a very effective performer on the wing hit a fine individual effort to bring Tipperary to with a single score.
Kerry hit two on the trot with O’Leary once again providing the finishes, and with Deirdre Kearney dominating at the back the game appeared to be going to script for the hot favourites.
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Tipperary were resilient and hit back through an Aishling Moloney free and Emma Morrissey with her second from play and with a minute left in the opening half Kerry led by 0-5 to 0-4.
There was one last act to the half though and as Tipperary attempted to build from the back, goalkeeper Lauren Fitzpatrick was turned over in the middle of the field by Niamh Carmody.
The Kerry captain fed Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, and with an empty goal the Kerry sharpshooter shot to the net from 25 metres to see Kerry take a 1-5 to 0-4 lead into the dressing room.
Ciara O’Brien, O’Leary, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh from a poor kick out, Carmody with her deserved first, and O’Leary with a fine individual effort for her seventh, pushed Kerry into a 1-10 to 0-4 lead before Anna Rose Kennedy got one back for Tipperary in the 50th minute.
Substitutes Lorraine Scanlon, Aoife Dillane and Niamh Ní Chonchúir slotted points before another sub Emma Dineen struck for a goal to emphasise the strength of the Kerry bench.
The final score of the game fittingly fell to Danielle O’Leary and the Kerry victory was complete.
Scorers-Kerry: D O’Leary 0-8, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 1-1, E Dineen 1-0, N Carmody, C O’Brien, L Scanlon, A Dillane & N Ní Chonchúir 0-1 each.
Tipperary: E Morrissey 0-2, A Moloney 0-2 (1f), A.R. Kennedy 0-1.
Kerry: M.E. Bolger; C Murphy, E Lynch, C O’Brien; A O’Connell, K Cronin, C Lynch; M O’Connell, D Kearney; A Galvin, N Carmody, A Harrington; K Brosnan, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh, D O’Leary. Subs: H O’Donoghue for K Brosnan 38, N Ní Chonchúir for C O’Brien 42, E Dineen for A Harrington 45, L Scanlon for A Galvin 48, A Dillane for C Murphy 52.
Tipperary: L Fitzpatrick; E Kelly, L Spillane, E Cronin; C O’Dwyer, M Curley, S English; L Morrissey, A.R. Kennedy; E Morrissey, A McGuigan, A Moloney; N Towey, K Downey, E McCarthy. Subs: C English for N Towey 38, S Ryan for E McCarthy 56, H Spillane for K Downey 58, A Downey for A Moloney 60.
THE Kerry ladies football team are back in action this Saturday as they begin their Munster Championship campaign with a home tie.
They’ll face Tipperary in Fitzgerald Stadium in the opening game (throw-in 1.45pm) of a double header with the men facing Cork later that afternoon. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here.
THE annual St Pat’s GAA Club Dingle Way Challenge will return this year and whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer looking for a challenge, it promises to be an unforgettable journey through the rugged beauty of the West Kerry peninsula.
It takes place on Sunday, June 2nd and it’s always a fantastic, healthy day out with wonderful scenery and great company.
The allure of the 2024 Dingle Way Challenge lies in the diverse landscapes of the route starting at Coumeenole, through the town of Dingle and finishing at Lispole for the Standard Route (31Km) and if that’s not enough the Ultra Route continues to finish at Annascaul (42Km).
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At the end of the day’s walking all walkers are invited to relax in the grounds of St. Pat’s GAA Club in Blennerville where a barbeque and music will be provided by the Club.
Register on-line through eventbrite. Check in on Sunday the 2nd June at St Pat’s GAA Club, Blennerville, Tralee, Co. Kerry V92 RH98. Buses will be available to take you to the start of the Route.
Early Bird option is €70 before the 1st May; €75 from the 1st May. (transaction charge will be added).
.James Godley with his son Seamus being presented with his €500 winnings by Kerins O’Rahillys club chairman Oliver Molloy in the presence of Pat Flavin, PRO and seller Rob O’Connor. Photo by Dermot Crean
A KILMOYLEY man got a timely boost to his finances this week when he won the Kerins O’Rahillys ‘Last Man Standing’ National Football League competition.
James Godley beat off over 900 competitors to win the €500 prize, which will come in handy as he is getting married shortly.
There were 120 people still standing after the final round of Sunday, but James’ cumulative score just pipped Norma O’Connor in second and John Bingham in third. Funnily enough, it was Kerins O’Rahillys Rob O’Connor who sold the tickets to the top three players.
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James called to the clubhouse with his son Seamus on Wednesday to collect his winnings from Club Chairman Oliver Molloy.
Fundraising season is in full swing at Kerins O’Rahillys with a sold out Golf Classic taking place on Good Friday while they will soon launch their annual US Masters competition.
Rebecca Dobbin Donaghy reports on the Kerry ladies game in Armagh on Sunday afternoon…
Armagh 3-14
Kerry 1-13
Armagh maintained their perfect start to this season’s Lidl NFL when they inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on reigning champions Kerry at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.
Armagh led by double scores at the break with a Caroline O’Hanlon goal putting them into a commanding 1-7 to 0-5 lead.
Kerry rallied in the second half as they tried to preserve their unbeaten record and managed to edge in front, but Armagh came with another rally and two goals from Aimee Macken sealed a deserved win.
Armagh won all eight games when winning promotion from Division 2 last season and they have adapted seamlessly to life in the top flight, with their fifth win in a row.
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O’Hanlon’s goal from close range put Armagh in the driving seat, although two points from Emma Dineen before the break helped keep Kerry in touch.
The reigning league champions started the second half strongly and Niamh Carmody and Anna Galvin landed good points.
And they got back on level terms eleven minutes after the restart when Katie Brosnan found the net for Kerry to tie the game at 1-8 apiece.
Hannah O’Donoghue edged Kerry in front with a point before Corinna Doyle equalised and then Armagh’s Niamh Henderson and Brosnan exchanged scores to leave them tied at 1-10 each going into the final quarter.
The game was there for the taking for both sides but it was Aimee Macken who took over from there. She pushed Armagh back in front with two points and then slotted home a penalty to put five between them going into the closing stages.
Armagh didn’t relent and kept pushing forward at every opportunity to claim another superb win.
Kerry were unable to mount another comeback and the issue was sealed when Macken got through to shoot her second goal and Armagh’s third to maintain their brilliant start to the campaign.
Scorers – Armagh: A Mackin 2- 6 (1-0 pen), C O’Hanlon 1-1, A McCoy 0-2, N Henderson 0-1, C Doyle 0-1, L McConville 0-1, N Coleman 0-1, E Lavery 0-1.
Kerry: K Brosnan 1-2, N Carmody 0-3 (1f), Emma Dineen 0-3, A Galvin 0-2, H O’ Donoghue 0-2, L Ni Mhuircheartaigh 0-1 (f).
ARMAGH: A Carr; G Ferguson, C MCambridge, R Mulligan; C Towe, L McConville, D Coleman; N Coleman, C O’Hanlon; E Drus, A McCoy, C Doyle; A Mackin, N Henderson, K Mallon. Subs: S Quigley for Mallon (42), E Lavery for Henderson (55), C O’Hagan for Doyle (55) M McCann for McCoy (58)
KERRY: C Butler; E Lynch, D Kearney, F O’Donoghue; A O’Connell, K Cromin, C Lynch; M O’Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, N Ni Conchuír, A Harrington; K Brosnan, E Dineen, H O’Donoghue. Subs: C O’Brien for F O’Donoghue (half-time), D O’Leary for Ni Conchuír (39), L Ni Mhuircheartaigh for Dineen (45), C Murphy for Lynch (50), C McCarthy for O’Connell (56), S Burns for Harrington(58).
KERRY are back in action this Sunday in Round 5 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 with an away trip to Armagh.
The Orchard County will welcome the ladies for a 1pm throw-in time at the BOX IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh. Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.
After the draw against Mayo two weeks ago, they’ll be hoping to get more more points on the league table by Sunday afternoon.
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The game is also being streamed for anyone who can’t travel to the game and can be accessed by clicking on the Sport TG4 YouTube link by clicking here.
The team captained by Niamh Carmody is as follows;
1. Ciara Butler – Castlegregory
2. Eilís Lynch – Castleisland Desmonds
3. Deirdre Kearney – Na Gaeil
4. Faye O’Donoghue – Beaufort
5. Aishling O’Connell – Scartaglin
6. Kayleigh Cronin – Dr Crokes
7. Cáit Lynch – Castleisland Desmonds
8. Mary O’Connell – Na Gaeil
9. Anna Galvin – Southern Gaels
10. Niamh Carmody – Finuge St Senans (C)
11. Niamh Ní Chonchúir – Corca Dhuibhne
12. Amy Harrington – Inbhear Scéine Gaels
13. Katie Brosnan – Firies
14. Emma Dineen – Glenflesk
15. Hannah O’Donoghue – Beaufort
Subs
Mary Ellen Bolger – Southern Gaels
Ciara Murphy – MKL Gaels
Danielle O’Leary – Rathmore
Ciara McCarthy – Abbeydorney
Jess Gill – Southern Gaels
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh – Corca Dhuibhne
Ciara O’Brien – Laune Rangers
Bríd O’Connor – Na Gaeil
Aoife Dillane – Austin Stacks
Eilís O’Connor – Na Gaeil
Siobhán Burns – Dr Crokes
Róisín Smith – Cromane
Roisín Rahilly – Ballymacelligott
Kate O’Sullivan – Daingean Uí Chúis
Keri Ann Hanrahan – Killarney Legion
.Abbeydorney and Kerry senior player Ciara McCarthy with Millie Shanahan, Ria Harty, Maddie Lyne and Laoise Neary at Sunday’s awards.
AN impressive five county football titles made their way to Abbeydorney Ladies Football Club during 2023, with players from U12 to Juniors racking up a further three North Kerry trophies as well as winners’ and runners up medals in several other regional and county competitions and blitzes.
Add to that, the achievements of the club’s six players who represented Kerry in their respective age groups last year, and it’s no wonder that organisers needed two events to celebrate their achievements over the weekend.
The local Sports Complex hosted round one of the annual awards celebrations on Friday night, where the U16s, Juniors, Minors and Mothers & Others were honoured for their success in 2023 – which included County Minor Div 2 victory, a Junior County League Div 5 title and coming runners up in the Donal Curtin Cup.
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The night was an extremely poignant one too, as the family of the club’s founding member – the late Donal Sheehan – were special guests and presented the club with a beautiful, framed jersey.
Donal’s daughter Ann also shared some beautiful – and hilarious – memories of her late father and his passion for his beloved Abbeydorney LGFC, revealing how some of the club’s first ever players still owe money for football boots!
On Sunday evening, attention turned to the club’s younger players, when over 100 girls from U6s to U14s were honoured.
The club’s own Kerry senior football star, Ciara McCarthy, was the guest of honour and was on hand to presented medals and footballs to the girls.
It was an evening of huge celebration for the U12s, U13s and U14s in particular, who between them, either won or were runners up in no fewer than 10 competitions in 2023 – bringing home an impressive two Div 1 county titles (U12 & U13), one Div 7 county title (U14) and a North Kerry Div 1 Cup (U12) and Div 1 Shield (U14).
Presentations were also made over the weekend to Ciara McCarthy, Niamh Quinn, Lisa Slattery, Eva Costello, Anna Slattery and Hayley Fitzgerald O’Connor, who represented Kerry in their respective age groups in 2023. Scroll down for photos…
Enjoying the Abbeydorney LGFC Awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon were cousins Hannah, Neasa, Ciara, Hazel and Kate Behan.Some of Abbeydorney LGFC’s younger players Belle Lawlor, Aisling O’Keeffe, Aideen Costelloe, Ava McGlynn, Megan O’Connor and Róisín Flaherty enjoying Sunday’s awards ceremonyAbbeydorney LGFC U14 players Ava Fealy, Ally Russell, Clodagh Flaherty and Kayleigh Leen at Sunday’s Awards ceremony.Enjoying Sunday’s Abbeydorney LGFC Awards were Edel Costelloe, Holly Costelloe & Gráinne McGlynnAbbeydorney LGFC and Kerry senior player Ciara McCarthy at Sunday’s Awards Ceremony with Katelyn McCarthy, Lydia Lyne, Drew Harty, Aishling O’Driscoll & Lile Walsh.Abbeydorney committee members Denise Shanahan and Brid Keane with club players Mairead Harty, Nora Barry and Holly Shanahan at Sunday’s Awards ceremonyAttending the Abbeydorney LGFC Awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon were (l-r) Eden Harty, Hanna O’Connell, Muireann Wiseman, Teah Walsh and U14 coach, John Walsh
Anthony Newman reports on the Munster Final yesterday in Mallow where the great rivals met…
THE annual St Pat’s GAA Club Dingle Way Challenge will return this year and whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer looking for a challenge, it promises to be an unforgettable journey through the rugged beauty of the West Kerry peninsula.
THE Kerry ladies football team will play Galway in Round 7 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 this Sunday.
KERRY are back in action this Sunday in Round 5 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 with an away trip to Armagh.
