Seniors: Churchill and Cromane came into this County League game with very contrasting form. After two games Churchill had yet to get points on the board, while Cromane had taken full points from their two.
With the aid of a cross field breeze, Churchill had the best possible start when Ivan Parker found the back of the net for the first score of the game.
In fact Parker was through on goal immediately after only to be denied by a great save from the Cromane keeper Sean Teahan.
Churchill added three more points from Parker and Cillian Fitzgerald (2), before Cromane got off the mark with two in a row from Michael Shaughnessy and Paul Patrick O’Sullivan.
Churchill were beginning to win a lot of ball in the middle third with Fitzgerald and JJ Prior very effective and they added 5 points from Parker, Fitzgerald (2), Pa McCarthy and Tomas Lenihan.
Paul Patrick O’Sullivan pointed a free to keep Cromane in touch, before Cillian Fitzgerald added two more for the hosts. Cromane’s Liam Walsh finished out the first half scoring with a super effort from distance. The sides retired for half time with Churchill leading by 1-10 to 0-04.
Cromane set about reducing the deficit immediately from the throw-in. Paul Patrick O’Sullivan notched his third of the afternoon and this was quickly followed by points from Emmet Casey and another impressive score from Walsh.
The hosts regained their composure around the middle of the park and Cathal Rogers scored a point when he might have taken a goal and Michael O’Brien added a free. Cromane then enjoyed a purple patch around the middle of the field and were starting to draw kickable frees from the Churchill backs.
Darren Houlihan kicked 2, one from all of 50m, and Paul Patrick added his fourth of the day. The impressive Michael O’Brien kicked his second for the hosts following good build up play from Pa McCarthy, which opened a 6 point lead with time running out.
Paul Patrick O’Sullivan kicked a point for Cromane, but Churchill played possession football after that and Cillian Fitzgerald added a late point to secure Churchill’s first victory of the season. Liam Walsh and Paul Patrick O’Sullivan impressed for Cromane, while Michael O’Brien, Ivan Parker, Cathal Rogers and Cillian Fitzgerald were the best for the hosts.
Final score from Churchill was Churchill 1-14 ; Cromane 0-11. Next up for Churchill is a trip to Ballyduff next Sunday, time to be confirmed.
Churchill U12 girls
U12 Girls: Churchill Ladies Football Club had their first competitive outing of the season when the U12’s took on Austin Stacks B in the North Kerry League in Churchill on Sunday.
Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Churchill defended resolutely & kept Stacks to 4 points. With the aid of the wind in the second half & playing some superb football, it did not take long for Churchill to draw level.
However, Churchill could not get that score to take the lead. Stacks responded & kept the Churchill backs busy in the latter stages of the game & this pressure was rewarded when they scored the game’s only goal. Final Scoreline: Austin Stacks B 1-05 Churchill 0-05pts.
Academy: Our U6’s had their first session of the year last Sunday in the Community Centre. It was great to see the youngsters taking their first steps in garlic football and a thoroughly enjoyable morning was had by all.
The U8 and U10’s continued their training in the Sports Complex in Tralee with over 60 boys and girls in attendance. Academy training switches to the Spa Field from this Sunday for U6, U8 and U10’s from 11am to 12pm.
U14 Boys: The U14’s kick off their County League campaign this Wednesday at home to Annascaul / Lispole. Come along and support our lads, with throw-In at 6:30PM.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Oyster Tavern hosted the official launch of the event on Friday night, 24th March, where the 22 dancers were unveiled to a large crowd of supporters by our MC for the night, Seanie Parker.
The 11 couples have been carefully selected and are currently in training under the experienced eye of the choreographer, Ms Jackie O’Mahony.
The couples are Gary Dillon and Eileen Moran, Brendan “Stocky” Kelly and Joanne Crowley, Jeremy Walsh and Rachel Brassil, Fr Eamon Mulvihill and Shiela-Marie Fitzgerald, Johnny Clifford and Sinead Cotter, Ivan Parker and Katie McCarthy, Niall O’Liongsigh and Juliette Rolls, JJ Prior and Veronica Kelly, John Carmody and Susan Farrelly, Michael O’Brien and Catherine Walsh, James Allman and Katie McCarthy.
The main event will be held in Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday, April 30 and Churchill are very grateful to Ballyroe for hosting this occasion.
The couples are reportedly taking this competition very seriously so a great nights entertainment is anticipated. The dancers will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in both couples and group performances under the watchful eyes of our expert judges.
Tickets are onsale now. Keep an eye on the facebook page Churchill GAA Strictly Come Dancing for more details and updates.
