Credit Union Co League Div 1
Dr Crokes 2-16 Kerins O Rahillys 1-15
Round 2 of the County League saw us travel to Killarney on Sunday last to face a wounded Dr Crokes side following their defeat in the All Ireland club final.
Nevertheless, we started well and good interplay in the opening minute between Gearóid and Jack Savage was finished off with a fine Barry John Keane point from 40 metres.
Three minutes later, Jack Savage found Keane down the left-hand side and he cut in and fisted a point off the upright to double his tally. Both sides were guilty of shooting wide before Jordan Kiely opened Crokes’ account from play, only for Keane to add his third point after displaying some trickery in the right corner.
Crokes wrestled the initiative away from O’Rahillys just a minute later though when Brian Looney fed Michael Burns who volleyed home to put the Killarney men in front for the first time and they were never to relinquish that lead. Burns added another point from play within a minute and two further points were added from a Daithi Casey free and from Looney after a zig-zag move up the pitch.
In between, it took a fine reflex-interception from Gary Kissane to prevent what seemed a certain goal for Crokes. Strand Road narrowed the gap with a pointed 35-metre free from Jack Savage after good work from Rory O’Connor and Shane Brosnan, but Crokes sallied upfield in response, picked out Looney in a very wide position and he cut inside and restored the black and amber’s four-point cushion.
Undaunted, Karl Mullins overlapped with conviction and combined with O’Connor before slotting over the bar to trim the lead, only for Daithi Casey to restore the gap from a placed ball.
Then, a crucial interception just prevented Mullins from picking out Sean Walsh who was free in front of the Crokes’ goal, but Strand Road persisted and Jack Savage converted a free after a foul on Keane to reduce the deficit to three points once again.
However, Crokes finished the half the stronger and three further points, including two from goalkeeper Shane Murphy, one from a 45 and the other from a free from roughly the same distance, ensured that the home side took a 1-09 to 0-06 lead into the half time break.
O’Rahillys hopes of a comeback were truly set back when they lost Cormac Coffey to a red card almost straight from the throw-in and Crokes tagged on another point after three minutes.
A Jack Savage free from 43 metres made it a six-point game again and then Ross O’Callaghan, who was effective when introduced, placed Keane who split the sticks from 30 metres and another very good team move was topped-off with a Jack Savage point from play to make it 1-10 to 0-09.
Crokes reasserted their authority over the next six minutes, outscoring O’Rahillys by three points to one – the Strand Road effort coming after Jack Savage dropped his shoulder, beat his man and kicked a fine point.
The same player then converted two frees to make it 1-13 to 0-12 and a piece of invention then just failed to come off as Keane almost picked out Tom Hoare with a quickly taken free. Looney and Jack Savage with another swivel and score then exchanged points but the extra man was starting to tell. Casey pointed a free for Crokes, but in the 25th minute they put a flowing move together from left to right and had a man over to blast the ball home from point blank range to make it 2-15 to 0-13.
Strand Road never gave up though and Darragh McElligott drove at the heart of the Crokes’ defence and drew a free which Jack Savage converted and then a quickly taken free found Karl Mullins in space and he fired over the bar to reduce the gap further. Casey replied with another free but O’Rahillys never say die spirit persisted and Mullins found Keane who was fouled as he went through and Jack Savage converted the resultant penalty for the final score of the game.
Kerins O’Rahillys: G Kissane; S Collins, S Brosnan, D Murphy; C Coffey, K Mullins (0-2), R Carroll; T Hoare, C Barrett; R O’Connor, J Savage (1-9), G Savage; G Dillane, S Walsh, BJ Keane (0-4). Subs: D McElligott, R O’Callaghan, D O’Sullivan, S Foley, D Nix.
Credit Union Co League Div 5
Milltown-Castlemaine B 2-15 Kerins O’Rahillys B 4-15
In lovely early afternoon sunshine, Kerins O’Rahillys B resumed our Division 5 campaign away to Milltown-Castlemaine on Sunday last and what a belter of a game it turned out to be!
Conor Hayes, so impressive the previous day, was making his senior debut at top of the left and he registered the opening score from play inside the first few minutes. The homesters rattled off two quick points in reply before Johnny Keane levelled matters from a placed ball.
Another brace from play followed from the mid-Kerry outfit, but Hayes replied from play again with a fine point from 30 metres and was then fouled when placed by Tom McGrath and Keane slotted over the close-in free to make it all square at four points apiece.
We then had the only lull in the scoring – eight minutes – until the home side raised another white flag and it took a point blank save from Shane Foley to prevent them going four points clear. Strand Road took full advantage though when a trademark burst through the middle by Jason O’Leary saw the centre back bury his shot into the net and then Daniel Nix found Keane who split the posts to leave O’Rahillys three points up.
The hosts pressed on undeterred and it took two fine interventions by Shane Foley to keep the Blues in the game. First, Milltown-Castlemaine almost levelled, getting in behind the Strand Road defence, but Foley narrowed the forward’s angle and a point resulted.
The next attack saw the men in green strike the post and this time Foley was there to block the rebound and all they had to show on the scoreboard for this period was a point.
A relieved Strand Road then broke upfield and Keane’s delivery into the square was collected by Gearóid Hartnett who slotted a fine point to again make it a three-point game. That lead was quickly cancelled out though when a long ball into the square was punched into the net and the mid Kerry side duly won the kickout and pointed from play to retake the lead.
Dominant now, the homesters breached the Blues defence again and it took a superb double save from Foley to save O’Rahillys bacon, as he first dived to parry a shot at full stretch and then managed to spring to his feet to smother the rebound.
Spurred on by their goalie’s heroics, Aaron Roche, Hayes and Nix combined to set up John McGrath to kick a fine point to ensure the sides went into half time level with a score of 1-7 apiece.
The second half got off to a blistering start as straight from the throw-in Milltown-Castlemaine conjured a necklace of passes which culminated in the ball being punched into the net from close range, but Strand Road replied within a minute with a pointed free from Keane from 40 metres.
Conor Hayes then stamped his authority on the match when he cut in from the right to crash home a superb goal.
He followed up with another point after a driving run from Jason O’Leary and then Tom McGrath combined with Donagh O’Brien who in turn fed Hayes who fisted over the bar to put O’Rahillys three points up.
The home side then pointed from play after possession was turned over, but O’Brien and Hayes combined to set up Keane who also pointed from play to restore the three-point margin. The ding-dong nature of the game continued however and two pointed frees in quick succession saw Milltown-Castlemaine reduce the deficit to the bare minimum.
A foul on Hayes was punished by Johnny Keane, but Strand Road were again turned over when in possession in defence and the resultant point cut the Blues’ lead and then they conceded a free which was pointed to level the game again.
Back came Strand Road and their play over the next two minutes would prove to be the winning of the game. Firstly, another foul on Hayes saw Keane restore the lead and when O’Leary fielded the kickout he tore through the home defence and picked out Hayes who cut inside and found the net with a well-placed shot.
Then O’Leary gained possession and used his great strength to again carve his way through the Milltown-Castlemaine defence before crashing the ball home to make it 4-13 to 2-12 to the Tralee side.
The mid Kerrymen pointed a free in reply, but with experienced midfielder Rory Molloy now sitting deep and the Mangan brothers, Kieran and Aidan playing well in an O’Rahillys’ defence bolstered by Barry Foley, it was always going to be difficult to haul in a six-point lead.
O’Rahillys were also starting to use possession well and Daniel Nix was freed up to kick a lovely score before the homesters replied with two points of their own. The final say went to O’Rahillys though, when they used possession to the maximum again with Keane placing O’Brien who engineered a give and go with Hayes and slotted over the youngster’s return pass for the final score of a truly riveting contest.
Kerins O’Rahillys: S Foley; T McGrath, K Mangan (Capt); A Mangan, J O’Leary (2-0), G Hartnett (0-1); R Molloy, J McGrath (0-1); D O’Brien (0-1), J Keane (0-7), A Roche; D Nix (0-1), C Hayes (2-4); B Foley.
Co Minor League
Kerins O’Rahillys 3-13 Beaufort 2-8
(Donagh O’Brien reports)
Our Minors got their first win of the County League on Saturday last with a brilliant team performance that will hopefully give them more confidence for the rest of the campaign. Beaufort opened the scoring with a point but Conor O’Sullivan equalised to get Strand Road underway and shortly after he scored a fantastic goal that made the score 1-1 to 0-1 in the home side’s favour.
Beaufort replied with a point, but O’Sullivan again hit the back of the net to put the Blues five points up. Daniel Bowler kicked a free to extend their advantage, but Beaufort went up the field themselves and kicked an unanswered 1-2 to make it a one-point game at 2-2 to 1-4. A Conor Hayes goal brought back Strand Road’s lead to four points but Beaufort rallied again, scoring three points, but Daniel Bowler pointed in between to make sure that Strand Road had a lead at half-time with the score at 3-3 to 1-7.
Daniel Bowler started the scoring in the second half with two frees and the two Conors also kicked a point each to add to their tally, with Bowler raising another white flag to give Strand Road a seven-point lead.
A resilient Beaufort came back with a goal to make it a four-point game and could have unnerved the homesters, but O’Rahillys responded in kind, kicking three unanswered points with Hayes and Bowler keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Beaufort kicked their last score with a point but Gavin Borrows and Conor Hayes got a point each with the last two scores of the game making the final result 3-13 to 2-8. Special mention to Brian O’Dowd who was brilliant at half-back and also Sam McCarthy who was the key link-man for the side. O’Rahillys defended superbly in the second half, keeping Beaufort to only 1-1 which was a big foundation for the rest of the team to build off.
Team: J Hanafin; S Murphy, G Dunne, R McLysath; B O’Dowd, S Nix, J Daly; B Foley, L Magee; C O’Sullivan (2-2), D Bowler (0-6) M Roche; S McCarthy, C Hayes (1-4), TJ McMahon. Subs: G Borrows (0-1), G O’Carroll, E Reka
CÚINNE NA NÓG
Juvenile Academy
Ballyrickard was busy on Sunday morning last as the Academy took to the fields. It was cold but the young children weren’t long warming up under the watchful eyes of their coaches. It’s the start of the season and everyone is eager to learn new skills and improve each week. Thanks to all the coaches for ye’re commitment to the Academy as we start a new year. From next week we will be choosing our player of the week, so the best of luck to everyone each week.
The Academy is considering running a three-day Easter camp along with our normal Summer camp. Dates would be 24th to the 26th April. The cost would be €20 per child and €30 for two or more.
If we decide to go with this, it will be on a “first come” basis as numbers will be limited due to coach availability. Please let us know ye’re interest as soon as possible via text to Adrian, Shirley or Kathy.
U12 Town League
Churchill v Kerins O’Rahillys
We made the short journey to Churchill on Saturday last. Although short a few regulars on the day, we turned in a very good performance, losing by two points in the end. We had good performers all over the pitch, starting with Evan Daly in goals who made some smart saves throughout. Also, with Odhran Foley and Killian McGrath marshalling the full back line, the half backs of Daniel Aneke and Ryan Onyekwere were brave and tight marking.
Brayden Pierce and Brendan Meehan were all action and showed great skills and determination. Luke O’Brien put in a big effort and was unlucky with some attempts on goal and he was ably assisted by Ruairi Kennedy who did trojan work and chipped in with some nice points as well. William Walsh and Jamie McCarthy were the inside forwards on the day with both terrorising the Churchill defence. To his great credit, Jamie bagged a hat trick of goals. The next game for this team will be the County League in the next couple of weeks, so best of luck lads.
U14 Boys
The U14s Town League Final has been rescheduled for Sunday April 14th. Time and venue to be confirmed.
Training
Training as normal for the U12s and U14s in the Green on Wednesday at 6/7pm. The U16s will also train as normal this week.
LADIES NOTES
U10 GIRLS
There is great excitement in the U10 team as news broke a few days ago that we will be one of two teams to represent Kerry on Monday, April 15th in The Croke Park Activity Day. Not only are the girls excited but their parents and coaches are equally excited if not more! It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, the dream of many a lady footballer come true!
Fundraising has started already to pay for gear etc. for the girls . Please support them. Thank you!
U12 GIRLS
Unfortunately it was not to be last Thursday evening when our very young U12 team met a very strong Ballyduff side in The North Kerry League. Most of this team are new to competitive football and have just come up from U10 last year. This was their first official U12 game. They tried hard and never gave up. Well done girls ! Final score KOR 1-5, Ballyduff 5-07.
There was great excitement in the dressing room beforehand as they waited to be told what number jersey they would be wearing. After the game each girl hung her jersey with pride on the hook and asked when their next game would be. Training continued on Sunday morning and the girls will train again on Tuesday evening. Their next game is away to Corca Dhuibhne next weekend. Best of luck girls!
U14 GIRLS
Kerins O’ Rahilly’s U14 girls finally got their 2019 campaign underway against a very strong Rathmore side in the county league division 2 last Sunday in Ballyrickard. Pitch condition was very soft and hard on the legs . The Kerins O’ Rahilly’s girls had a massive 1st half into the wind in tough conditions and had a nine-point avantage at half time and in the second half they kept the pressure on. The final score was Kerins O’ Rahillys 8-04, Rathmore 2-04. As a team, the girls played fantastic, in particular Kelly Fitzgerald In goals.
Our next game is home to ISG. Throw in at 5.45p.m. in Ballyrickard on Monday, March 25th.
On Sunday, March 31st we are away to Glenflesk. Throw in at 6p.m.
CONFIRMATION WISHES
Best wishes to our U12 and U14 girls and boys who are receiving the sacrament of Confirmation next Thursday and Friday . Hope that you all have a wonderful day !
U16 GIRLS
Outdoor training is going great with new drills being introduced weekly. The evening fresh air is doing wonders for the girls after a long day in school and many of whom are doing after school study in preparation for their exams. It’s great for their minds and is making them feel more alive and motivated.
We are home to Dingle/ Annascaul in round 1 of the county league this Wednesday, March 27th. Throw in is at 5.30p.m. in Ballyrickard . Best of luck to the girls and management.
MINOR LADIES
Training continues on Wednesday and Sunday.
JUNIOR LADIES
The KOR ladies had their début outing against Clounmacon at home on Monday last in the first round of the County League.
The girls fought hard in the first half against very strong opponents. The condition of the pitch was poor after all the rain and we are really looking forward to dryer days, but the girls kept their heads up and delivered some great scores. They had a very tiring weekend as the most of them had already been out on Saturday in Listowel in the second round of the Minor League.
The legs were heavy and tired but our girls took it on the chin and gave it their all. Unfortunately at half time one of our girls fell ill and needed medical attention pitchside from the Paramedics.
At this stage it was decided between the management of both teams that the rest of the game would not be going ahead. It is now up to the County Board to decide weather the game is to be given to Clounmacon, as they were up at half time, or if it is to be replayed at a later date.
We have a very young Junior team and they would benefit from the recruitment of some more mature and experienced players to help them to transition into their senior careers in ladies football. It also makes for a more dynamic team and will help the younger players to feel more confident going forward. For our next game we are away to Dingle on Sunday, March 31st.
CLOTHES COLLECTION
There will be a collection over the coming weeks of old and unwanted clean clothes, paired shoes, bed linen ( no duvets or pillows please ) , handbags, belts and towels.
Please drop to academy training on Sundays 11a.m. – 12.30p.m. in Ballyrickard. All proceeds will go toward funding the U10 Girls trip to Croker as well as the U12 boys who are also fortunate enough to be making the trip on Good Friday.
RECRUITMENT
We continue to recruit girls of all ages. Come along and have fun. If you haven’t played in years dust off your boots and come join us again. For further details contact Shirley (086) 8713552.
SNIPPETS from “top of the right”
· Tommy Walsh proved to be a handful for the Roscommon defence on Sunday last and gave Kerry a great platform on which to build their victory.
· Gavin O’Brien has played his part too in ensuring that The Kingdom contest the Allianz National Football League Final on Sunday next in Croke Park.
· All in Kerins O’Rahillys wish Tommy and Gavin the very best and here’s hoping that they will both help to bring home the first silverware of the year.
· Congratulations to Garvey’s Tralee Warriors on their great achievement in clinching the Men’s Super League Basketball title.
