Div 4 Co. League – Final Round

Churchill 0-12 Castlegregory 1-11

Churchill’s slim hopes of promotion to Div 3 were extinguished in Castlegregory last Sunday with defeat to the home team. However, Churchill didn’t go down without a fight and the passion that was missing in recent games was seen in abundance. The result was in doubt to the very end, as Churchill went in search of the goal that would have won the points. It was not to be, as Castlegregory ran out 2 point winners. Castle played with the help of a very strong wind in the first half and built up a 1-5 to 0-1 lead by the minute. Only then did Churchill rouse themselves and finished the stronger of the teams with 2 20th pointed frees by Ivan Parker to add to the one he got in the 8th Half time: Churchill 0-3 Castlegregory 1-6 The second half was a different story, as Churchill came out intent on bridging the 6 point deficit. However, Castle were first to score in the 4th fired over a point to increase their lead.

Churchill then started to chip away, as they got the next 4 points, from Mark O’Connor (after great play by Mikey Brennan), Parker (2 frees) and Cillian Fitzgerald. Castle responded with a pointed free, awarded very unfairly after what seemed like a 50:50 challenge, and the point of the day from Kerry Senior panellist, Alan Fitzgerald. Churchill drove on again with points from Brennan, Benny Dillon and another free from Parker. At this stage, the lead was down to 2 points with 5 minutes left. However, Castle were always able to respond and got another point from play.

With time running out, Churchill surged forward again. Parker had a great point from play and following a high ball into the square, Brennan got his fist to it for a point, when it could so easily have gone under the bar. The margin was now down to the minimum, but as Churchill pushed forward for the winning goal, Castle broke away for a point (though it seemed that only the referee thought it was a point, as the umpire signalled it wide and to all in the stand it looked wide). There was time for one more attack, but though Churchill lay siege to the Castle goal, they held firm and the ref blew for full time.

Churchill retain their Div 4 status, while Castle are in a playoff for promotion to Div 3. It was a case of what might have been for the Churchill team, after their early season promise gave way to dropped points later in the year which ultimately cost them. However, this is a very young team and if they can maintain their performance and commitment levels for the entire league, they are well capable of Division 3 football.

Full time: Churchill 0-12 Castlegregory 1-11

Churchill: E O’Brien, Cathal Rogers, Shane Crowley, Ciaran Moynihan, JJ Prior, Matt Finnerty, Sean Brennan, Mikey Brennan (0-2), Benny Dillon (0-1), Noel Dillon, Mark O’Connor (0-1), Dara O’Shea, PJ O’Mahony, Cillian Fitzgerald (0-1), Ivan Parker (0-7, 6f) Subs: Chris Hurley for PJ O’Mahony (12mins, inj);Keith Rolls for D O’Shea (38mins); Kevin Dillane for N. Dillon (60 minutes)

Race Night:

The club held a very successful and well attended race night in the Oyster Tavern last Friday night. Guest of honour on the night was the Tom Markham Cup, won by the Kerry Minors recently, brought along by Ivan Parker.

During a break in proceedings, a presentation was made on behalf of the club to Eoghan O’Brien by Mikey Moriarty and to Ivan by Joe Rogers, for their exploits with the Kerry Minor squad during the year.

The club would like to thank all who supported this fundraising event, particularly those that bought horses in advance, those who sponsored races, those that participated in a very successful ‘auction’ race and everyone that attended on the night.

We would also like to thank Jim McGrath and the staff of the Oyster for hosting the event. We are also grateful to Emerald Racing, www.emeraldracenights.com, who organised the event for us (including a very popular snail race!).

Juvenile Awards Evening:

Last Sunday evening, in Ballyroe Hotel, our Juvenile players, from U-6 to U-16, were presented with their medals by Paul Murphy from the Kerry Senior team and Ivan Parker, of the Churchill Senior team and Kerry Minors. The Tom Markham Cup was also in attendance. Paul stressed the importance of learning all the football skills at an early age so that players will eventually go on to play with success for their Senior team and hopefully, for the Kerry team.

The club would like to thank Paul and Ivan for taking the time to spend with our young players and would like to congratulate all the young players who participated throughout the year.

We would especially like to congratulate the U-16 team who were presented with their County League medals by Paul & Ivan. Remember, keep practicing through the winter and Up Churchill! Lotto Lotto will be held in the Oyster Tavern, next Friday night 14th Club Mass Club Mass will be held in Churchill on 23rd November. November @ 11:30.

Lotto

Lotto will be held in the Oyster Tavern, next Friday night 14th

Club Mass

Club Mass will be held in Churchill on 23rd, November @ 11:30.

Fishermans Memorial

Annual church-gate collection for upkeep of the Fishermens Memorial will take place at all masses on Sunday.

9.30p.m. Mass in Fenit will commerate all does lost at sea