Seniors:
A game played in the most adverse weather conditions with strong winds and driving rain, went down to the wire before we saw off the strong challenge of Austin Stacks to retain the town championship and complete a hat trick of wins in this competition.
We faced the elements in the first half when playing into the John Mitchels end, but making light of the conditions opened brightly when Johnny Keane had our first score, a point when taking a pass from Tommy Walsh to split the posts.
Tommy opened his account shortly afterwards when pointing from a free after he had dropped a previous effort short into the strong breeze – we continued to dominate around the middle through the good work of David Moran and Con Barrett with Stacks finding it hard to create any openings due to the strong play of Karl Mullins at centre back ably assisted by Cormac Coffey.
The next score was to prove vital in the overall context of the game and it was Tommy who provided the goal when being too good for his marker and firing a rising shot to the net for a 1-02 to nil score line.
Shane O’Callaghan had the Rock’s opening score shortly afterwards from a free but we continued to press and Tommy restored our lead from a free with 16 mins gone; Darragh O’Brien then pointed from play for the Rock which was quickly cancelled out by Cormac Coffey who latched on to a high ball to volley over the bar – there were to be no more scores from here to the short whistle with a couple of wides from both sides but mention must be made of a fine save by Shane Foley from Mikey Collins in a one on one situation – half time : Kerins O’Rahillys 1-04, Austin Stacks 0-02.
The second half saw weather conditions improve and Stacks more in the game; points from Darragh O’Brien ( a free), Shane O’Callaghan ( 2) and Dylan Casey from the 34th-53rd minutes saw the deficit cut to the minimum as we failed to capitalise on some good scoring chances and were again thankful to Shane in goals for keeping the Rock at bay – at this stage we had lost Chuckie and Padraig Griffin to injury but it was substitute Donagh O’Brien who lifted the siege with a point following good work by Tom Hoare and Johnny Keane – again the Rock hit back but two points from Cormac and Tom Hoare ( a great effort from an acute angle) saw us three clear with 60 mins on the clock – there was still time for another play and though Barry Shanahan pointed it was too little, too late and we ran out two point winners, 1-07 to 0-08.
The Roddy O’Donnell Cup was presented to Danny O’Sullivan by board chairman John Slattery with Shane Foley deservedly taking the man of the match award for his outstanding display.
We now await news of the county league final vs Dr Crokes which is still unclear due to Dr Crokes commitments in Munster and East Kerry championships – we await developments.
Team: Shane Foley, Danny O’Sullivan, Ross O’Callaghan, Darragh McElligott, Jason O’Leary, Karl Mullins, Cormac Coffey ( 0-02), David Moran, Con Barrett, Padraig Griffin, Chuckie Carroll, Tom Hoare ( 0-01), Gearóid Savage, Tommy Walsh ( 1-02), Johnny Keane ( 0-01).
Subs: Gearóíd Dillane, Donagh O’Brien ( 0-01), Seán Collins, Kieran Mangan, Gearóid Harnett & Aidan Mangan.
Congrats:
Congratulations to Declan Quill who, along with Dara Long of Austin Stacks, has been appointed as joint Kerry ladies minor manager – Declan brings a wealth of experience to the role, not just from his own playing days but from his involvement at schools and club level since hanging up his boots – we would like to wish Declan & Dara all the best for 2019.
We would also like to wish James Costello the best of luck in his appointment as Kerry minor manager – James has been involved with the Kerry development squads as well as St Pats and St Brendans down through the years and brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Grace Moran Memorial Walk
On Sunday next November 11th we will have a walk in memory of Grace. This will be an annual event to fundraise for whatever causes Grace’s family choose.
This year the Moran family have chosen Pieta House, Cuan Mhuire and the MS Society for their fundraiser.
We will be leaving from Strand Road GAA Club at 2p.m. Tea / coffee will be served afterwards.
Juvenile Club:
The AGM will be held this coming Friday night, 9th Nov in Charlies Bar & Bistro commencing @ 8 pm – all members welcome to attend.
Ladies:
Training on the pitch may have finished for the time being but preparations are under way already for 2019. Our coaches are busy organising indoor training etc. We have Kerry football trials over the next few weeks for the various age groups, we have a Christmas Fair to organise, an AGM and an awards night. It’s all go.
Most importantly next Sunday, November 11th we would love to see our U12, U14 and U16 girls join and support Tricia, Jade and family for Grace’s walk. Texts will be sent.
Congrats to Declan Quill on his appointment as Kerry Ladies Minor manager along with Darragh Long from Austin Stacks.
If you are interested in playing football in 2019 text or phone Shirley (086) 8713552 . All welcome!
Lotto:
There was no winning ticket in last week’s club lotto draw where the winning numbers drawn were: 3, 15, 17 & 22 – Sr Aidal Erne ( c/o Mary O’Brien) matched 3 and wins €25.
The five entrants for the special December draw are as follows: Edmond Quirke, Kay Stack, Mary Fitzgerald, Gerard Moran & John Nix – next weeks jackpot will now be €3,100.
