Credit Union Co League Div 1
Kerins O’Rahillys 2-12 Killarney Legion 1-16
This Round 8 game was played at a sunny Strand Road on Saturday evening. It was a crucial game, with O’Rahillys sitting joint top of the table on 10 points, with six clubs sitting between the Blues and Legion – but the Killarney outfit were still only three points behind and needed the win to remain in contention.
Legion have also been difficult opponents for O’Rahillys in recent times, edging last April’s club championship game and bringing the division’s best defensive record to Strand Road.
O’Rahilly’s also fielded without ace attacker Barry John Keane, who had been hugely influential in the home side’s recent winning run and his accuracy from both play and placed balls was sorely missed as Legion came back from a six-point deficit to eke out a victory by the narrowest of margins.
The visitors tore into the match from the outset and their first attack yielded a free which was converted.
O’Rahillys drew level when Con Barrett collected Danny O’Sullivan’s fine diagonal ball and the resulting foul was punished by Conor Hayes. The homesters then won the following kickout and worked the ball down the right to Hayes who fisted over.
Legion levelled again with a fine point from play, but Barrett and Paidi Griffin combined soon after to send returning county star Gavin O’Brien careering through the Legion defence, but his low shot was just wide of the right hand post.
Legion took advantage by pointing from play in the seventh minute, but three minutes later, Cormac Coffey linked with Hayes who was fouled and converted the placed ball himself to make it three points apiece.
Legion’s next kickout was cut out by Seán Walsh who quickly transferred to Tom Hoare who slotted over the point and a minute later, Coffey found O’Brien who floated his kick over from 35 metres to push Strand Road two points ahead.
Legion rallied though and two points from play inside two minutes had the teams level again after 14 minutes of play. O’Rahillys were back in front five minutes later when a good pass from Ryan Carroll found the overlapping Ross O’Callaghan who split the posts from 30 metres, but Legion levelled matters on 21 minutes when they converted a 20-metre free.
Then, following a good period of possession, O’Rahillys struck for two goals in two minutes and looked in a perfect position to go on and win the game. The first came when a low delivery into the square was fastened onto by Hoare who steered it home at the near post.
The kickout was then intercepted by Hayes who drove forward before sliding the ball into the net, giving the keeper no chance and and O’Rahillys were 2-6 to 0-6 up.
This was followed by another trademark run from O’Brien that saw his goal-bound effort deflected away for a ‘45’ that wasn’t converted. Yet Legion were far from a busted flush and they responded by claiming two points from a free and a fisted effort in the remaining six minutes of the half to retire at the short whistle just four points in arrears.
O’Rahillys started brightly on the resumption and Hoare found Hayes down the right and the attacker turned inside and slotted the point from 20 metres.
By the fourth minute, Legion had responded with two points from play, but Carroll restored the Blues’ four-point lead when he pointed a 40-metre free after a foul on O’Sullivan. Legion answered again by converting a 30-metre free, but a barnstorming run from Cormac Coffey culminated in a shot that just cleared the crossbar.
A minute later, Walsh’s effort was blocked out for a ‘45’ and Carroll was unerring again to leave O’Rahillys in front by 2-10 to 0-11 after 10 minutes of the half.
However, the next eight minutes proved to be a critical period in this game and belonged to Legion in that they added 1-2 without reply, with two pointed frees followed by a goal from play to level the game with 12 minutes remaining.
In the same period, O’Rahillys missed two very scoreable frees from inside 25 metres as Barry John Keane’s absence was acutely felt and to rub salt into O’Rahillys’ wounds, Legion’s goal resulted from the home side’s indiscipline when they had an opportunity to lift the siege.
Legion took full advantage to win the breaking ball and launch an attack down Strand Road’s right flank and the ball was worked in along the end line before being floated across the square and touched in at the far post.
It was nip and tuck from there to the finish with Legion taking a one-point lead, but an interception from Carroll set up Barrett who stormed upfield and placed Gearóid Savage for the levelling point.
Legion then missed a kickable free but the following kickout was seized on by the men in green and fisted over the bar to restore their one-point advantage. O’Rahillys levelled again though when Walsh picked out O’Brien who floated his kick over the bar from 25 metres.
With the clock ticking down, O’Rahillys missed another scoreable free from 30 metres and in the 29th minute Legion again attacked down O’Rahillys’ right flank before recycling the ball and kicking the score that put them 1-16 to 2-12 in front.
Con Barrett did his best to rescue the game for Strand Road with a superb fetch and solo run that resulted in a foul and a red card for the offender.
The ball was moved forward by the referee as he penalised dissent from Legion’s defenders and although the resulting 35-metre free was on target, the last kick of the game was pulled from the sky by Legion just as it looked to be about to clear the crossbar, leaving the Killarney side the victors by a single point.
O’Rahillys now face an away trip to Spa Killarney on Saturday evening next. Spa also went under to Rathmore last time out which sent Rathmore into second place in the table on 11 points.
O’Rahillys and Spa are just one point further back and both sides will need a victory to stay in the hunt for a place in the league final. The shoot-out in Spa will throw-in at 7.30pm.
Kerins O’Rahillys: G Kissane; D Murphy, R O’Callaghan (0-1), S Collins; R Carroll (0-2,1f,1’45’), C Coffey (0-1), D O’Sullivan; C Barrett, S Brosnan; D McElligott , G O’Brien (0-2), S Walsh; P Griffin, T Hoare (1-1), C Hayes (1-4, 0-2f). Subs: G Savage (0-1), S Foley, R O’Connor, G Dillane, J Keane, A Roche, B Scannell.
Credit Union Co League Div 5A
Kerins O’Rahillys B 0-05 Beale 4-23
Our Senior B team were always going to have a tough task versus Beale on Saturday last. The North Kerry outfit were in second place in the table, trailing Scartaglin by just two points and were desperate for a victory in order to keep pace. So, it never looked like it was going to be easy for O’Rahillys and this is certainly how the game played out.
Beale had three points from play on the board before Strand Road opened their account when Aaron Roche turned over Beale’s possession and placed Johnny Keane who split the posts.
Beale responded immediately with a goal and although O’Rahillys replied with a fine move involving Barry Foley and Sean Griffin, they were unlucky to see Donagh O’Brien’s goal-bound effort hit the butt of the post and rebound to safety.
Beale replied with another three points before Johnny Keane pointed a free after a foul on Brian Scannell. Shane Foley then came to O’Rahillys’ rescue with a super save from point-blank range, but he could not prevent another goal for Beale shortly after and they added further points before the break with Johnny Keane converting two frees for Strand Road in reply.
Beale signalled their intentions from the first whistle on the resumption by firing a goal from their very first attack.
Scannell forced a full-stretch save from Beale’s keeper as O’Rahillys tried desperately to stay in the game but in truth, Beale were much the stronger side and on 12 minutes, it took another excellent save from Foley, who closed down the angle to prevent a fourth Beale goal.
Strand Road never gave up though and three minutes later, Kevin Johnson-Horgan was fouled when bearing down on goals and a penalty was awarded. The attacker took the spot-kick himself and went for the top corner but his effort cleared the crossbar.
Scannell shot the Blues’ final point on 19 minutes but Beale continued to dominate proceedings to run out deserving winners. Others to play well for O’Rahillys were Tom McGrath, Rob O’Connor and Gearóid Hartnett.
The next league game is fixed for Saturday evening next away to Tuosist at 7.30pm, but there is some doubt as to whether the South Kerry outfit will fulfil the fixture and we will provide an update via our social channels.
Kerins O’Rahillys: S Foley; B Foley, T McGrath, K Mangan; S Griffin, R O’Connor, G Hartnett; R Molloy, A Mangan; D O’Brien, A Roche, B Scannell (0-1); D Fitzgerald, J Keane (0-3,2f), K Johnson-Horgan (0-1,pen), J Foley, C Gallagher.
LADIES NOTES
U10 GIRLS
Connolly Park was vibrant with Strand Road colours as we had 2 teams participate in the U10 Girls Go Games last Thursday evening.
Thanks to Austin Stacks for hosting and we’re looking forward to the next round. The girls enjoyed the Fun games.
U12 GIRLS
On Wednesday evening last in Ballyrickard our U12 girls added the division 3 North Kerry Plate title to the recent County League title.
This was another fantastic performance against Duagh in tricky damp conditions we lined out without Farah, Aoibhne , Ciara and Sophie.
Duagh got off to a perfect start with a goal but that didn’t upset our girls who responded quickly with a point from Córa and a goal from Kelly Fitzgerald. A ding dong battle continued throughout the first half . Further goals from Sara , Aoibheann and Fiadh plus points from Kelly and Aoibheann gave us a half time lead of 4-03 to 2-03.
In the second half Duagh came at us strongly but Millie in goals stood up to all their attempts. Our backs Mia, Donna and Alivia defended with great heart. Our half back line of Saoirse, Taylor Kate and Leila were excellent in both defensive and attacking duties. Sara and Kelly at midfield began to dominate with Kelly in brilliant form scoring from frees also.
In the half forward line Fiadh added a beautiful goal. Aoibheann tacked on a point , then added a fantastic goal after an excellent pass from the hard working Aoife. In the full forward line Megan, Córa and Taylor Kate worked their socks off to help secure another victory. Kelly Hayes and Caragh contributed very well to this great win.
Our captain on the night Sara accepted the plate and gave a resounding thanks to our large support.
Another delightful victory for our U12s and their proud, hard working coaches Michelle, Pádraig and Rory.
Final score: KOR 5-11, Duagh 4-05
U12 GIRLS BLITZ
The KLGFA have organised a blitz which commences this Tuesday, July 16th. Na Gaeil are hosting teams in our group the first week . Please be there for 6p.m.
We would like to welcome Mollie to our U12 team.
U13 DEVELOPMENT
There will be no training this Saturday, July 20th as the Sandra Keane Tournament is on .
SANDRA KEANE TOURNAMENT
We are delighted to be participating again this year. The tournament will be held in Mitchels on Saturday, July 20th. This will be our 6th year playing in this which is always a great day out and honours Sandra who was one of our own. She gave football everything. Last year we were beaten by Laune Rangers in a final.
U14 GIRLS
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday. Lots of football coming up!
U15 CHAMPIONSHIP
Training will be on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30p.m.
U15 DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Training commences this Saturday, July 20th in the Kerry Co. Board GAA grounds in Caherslee from 10a.m. – 11.30a.m. All girls born in 2004 and 2005 are invited to attend. Please bring €3 each.
U16 GIRLS
Training continues at 6.30p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
U17 CHAMPIONSHIP
Championship is coming up girls- Tricia expects full attendance for training . We’re hoping to have a challenge match Tuesday week.
SENIOR LADIES
Now that the Co. League is over we have the North Kerry Junior League to look forward to ladies. Training continues at 7p.m. on Tuesday.
Notes from last Sunday’s away game to Dingle to follow.
SUMMER CAMP
This year’s camp is from Monday, July 29th to Friday August 2nd in Ballyrickard. Camp will be from 10a.m. to 2p.m. and as always promises to be a great week of fun and games.
The cost is €30 for the week for one child and €50 for a family of 2 or more ( siblings).
We cater for children from 4 years of age to 14 years and you don’t have to be a club member.
For more information and to book please text Adrian (085) 1500199. Looking forward to hearing from you!
FIRST AID KIT
Thank you to KENNELLY’S HAVEN PHARMACY , Castle Street who ran a competition donating a fully stocked first aid kit to a club in our community on Facebook.
We are delighted to win and the U12 Girls will make great use of it.
Thanks again for your generosity.
CÚINNE NA NÓG
The U14s are away on Monday the 15th July in phase 2 of the county league to Annascaul / Lispoil in Annascaul at 7pm
The U16s are at home to Moyvane on Wednesday the 17th July at 7pm in Strand Road.
Training as normal also for U12s, U14s and U16s this week.
Juvenile Academy
The Academy In Ballyrickard was the place to be at 11am on Sunday morning last. Even though everyone was making their way to Killarney to see Kerry V Mayo after training, there was still a good crowd. All who attended in the sunshine enjoyed a cuppa & some home baking while watching the children practice their skills.
A huge congrats to our players of the week.
U6 Girls- Ellie Mai O’Connor-Cahill and Mia Leane
U6 Boys- Seán Kelliher and Dylan Carroll
U8 Boys- Oisín Priestly and Evan Griffin
U10 Girls – Taylor Kate Leane
U10 Boys- Cayden Roche
Well done to everyone!
Summer Camp
The Kerins O’Rahillys football summer camp starts the week of July 29th. The camp is filling up fast so please get your names to Adrian or Kathy to book ye’re space & avoid disappointment.
SNIPPETS from “top of the right”
· Congrats to David Moran and Tommy Walsh who were part of the Kerry squad for that impressive opening win over Mayo in the Super 8s.
· David was outstanding in midfield and Tommy will surely play a role in the coming games – maybe in Croke Park v Donegal next Sunday?
· He has made his mark there before…
· Best wishes to Denny O’Connor and good to see him back supporting the Blues on Saturday last.
· Well done to Conor Hayes, Conor O’Sullivan, Daniel Bowler and Darragh Fitzgerald – all part of the St Brendans’ panel who came out on top in a “must win” Co Minor championship tie v Dr Crokes
CONDOLENCES
All at the club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Gerard (Gerry) Enright of Kimego, Cahersiveen and Niall Crowley of Killerisk. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
