Annual 10k Run:
In excess of 300 brave souls turned out on Sunday morning last (28th Jan) for our annual 10k and all who took part were fulsome in their praise for a most enjoyable event. The event, in its fourth year, commemorated the achievements of local legend John Griffin and John was on hand to present all the finishers with a special medal at the finale. The 10k attracted an entry of over 100 and the first 3 home following the 11.00 start were : Derek Griffin ( 35:24), Patrick O’Connor ( 35:58) and Tommy O’Brien ( 36:31), all excellent times considering the wind that prevailed during the morning.
Maria McCarthy was the first lady home in a very fine time of 39:28 followed by Marie Claire Healy ( 40:48) and Sharon Cahill ( 41:39); another 100 + competitors took part in the 5k run with Francis Boyle first home in a time of 18:44.
The walkers who set off early @ 10.30 included a number of families, young and old who made this a truly community event.
Special thanks to all who helped to organise the event, especially Frank O’Connor, Caitriona O’Sullivan, Mike Griffin and John Nix; to our leading sponsor Pro Plan Property Management Ltd and all the businesses who very kindly sponsored and flagged each km along the route.
Seniors:
We had our opening game of the season on Friday night last in Coiste Trá Lí town league when we played John Mitchels in Ballyseedy; facing the wind and rain, we soon found ourselves trailing when we twice failed to clear the danger and Mitchels capitalised by bagging two goals – worse was to follow in the next sequence of play when a high delivery to our square was not dealt with and the ball ended up in the back of our net again. We composed ourselves after that and though progress was slow we gained a foothold in the game to register three points, all from the left foot of Gazza Savage who was a constant threat to the opposition.
Turning around at half time, we dictated matters with good play from Ryan Carroll, Con Barrett and Gazza and as the minutes ticked by we found our shooting range with good scores coming from Rory Molloy, Ryan Carroll, Cian Sayers and Donagh O’Brien – Mitchels only reply was a pointed free but it was enough to keep them in front and they ran out deserving winners on a final score line of 3-06 to 0-10. Given that this was our opening game in trying conditions, management will not be unduly worried about the result, the primary aim was to get back to playing and building towards the county league in March.
Our next outing will be at home to Ardfert on Sunday next 4th Feb where throw in is @ 12.30
Kerry Seniors:
Cormac Coffey can be satisfied with his debut as Kerry defeated Donegal by the minimum in a high scoring Allianz National League opening round in Killarney on Sunday. Playing into the breeze in the opening half Kerry were enterprising and resourceful against a defensive minded Donegal and were 3 points to the good at the half time whistle, 1-08 to 0-08 with Stephen O’Brien contributing Kerry’s goal. As well as being 3 points to the good, Kerry were also a man up as Donegal mid-fielder, Nathan Mullins, (son of Dublin legend, Brian) was shown a red card for an off the ball incident with Kerry’s Brendan O’Sullivan.
However on the resumption, Donegal had other ideas and were soon level following a fine goal and they piled on the pressure on the Kerry defence to turn the half time deficit into a 2 point lead, 1-13 to 1-11.
Kerry rallied to level the scoring but just as it seemed that they would kick on they conceded a soft goal to Donegal and when the Northerners added another point Kerry were 4 points in arrears and staring defeat in the face. Again, Kerry fought back and Paul Geaney found the net and again, Kerry forged 2 points clear as the 60th minute approached.
In another breakaway Donegal once again, breached our defence and led by 1 points into added time. Kerry were awarded a free just inside the 50m line and up stepped Sean O’Shea to fire over the equalising point for a capital score. The fat was now in the fire and Daithi Casey, just in as a substitute, was the hero as he fired over the bar after good approach play. As stated, Cormac can be satisfied with his debut as can both Barry John (Keane) who contributed 2 points and Jack Savage who was industrious throughout when introduced. Kerry now move on to play Mayo in Castlebar on Saturday evening next, 3rd February and will be buoyed up by the 2 points gained this weekend.
End of an era:
We bid farewell this week to our gracious hosts for the past 30 years as Tom & Eileen O’Shea hand over the keys to Strand Road to Mike O’Connor, a man whom all patrons are most familiar with. Tom & Eileen have been most wonderful ambassadors for our club, have many wonderful memories to take with them from their time on Strand Road and it is only fitting that we will bid them adieu on Weds night next 31st Jan when everyone is welcome to mark this auspicious occasion.
Junior Blues:
Academy
The Juvenile Academy caters for girls and boys aged 4-10yrs.
Outdoor training will commence on Sunday March 4th and preparations are well under way to ensure it will be another successful year.
New members are more than welcome and as always will be well looked after.
For any enquiries please contact Adrian on 085 1500199.
Academy Kits
We are now taking bookings for our newly designed 2018 Juvenile Academy kit. This is on a first come basis as availability is limited.
The cost is €30 per kit (jersey, shorts , socks).Sizes available are 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs, 9-10yrs, 11-12 yrs.
Please text Adrian on 085 1500199 with name and size required.
Registration
Juvenile Registration will take place in the club on Saturday February 24th.
Once again there is no increase in cost – €30 for one child and €50 for two or more. More details to follow in coming weeks.
U12
Our U12’s return to training this week on the Astro Turf in The Green. Texts will be sent to all players.
Management – Rory Kerins, Eddie Lacey, Darren Houlihan, Robert Pierse , Cathal Foley.
U14
We return to training this week. Texts will be sent to all players.
Management – Barry O Shea, Ger O Brien, Oliver Molloy, Shane Flavin, Cathal Foley.
U16
Our U16’s returned to training last week. Training will continue once a week for the moment.
Management – Gerard Moran, Ray Walsh, John T O Sullivan.
Ladies:
U12 Girls
Just awaiting confirmation of training time for Sunday. Texts will be sent.
U14 Girls
Awaiting confirmation of time and venue for training this weekend.Texts will be sent.
U16 Girls
The girls are back training and working on their fitness.
Best of luck to those of you doing your mock exams.
Senior Ladies
The girls started back training last Sunday in Strand Road. Training continues this Wednesday at 6.50p.m. in Strand Road.
Best of luck to the girls doing their mocks.
Ladies Registration
Registration will be in Charlie’s Bar & Bistro on Saturday February 24th.
We are now recruiting for all age groups. For further information text Shirley (086) 8713552 or email korladiessec@gmail.com Check out our facebook page or our website.
Clothes Recycling
Remember next Saturday, February 3rd to bring unwanted clothes, paired shoes, soft toys, towels, bed linen (No duvets or pillows please) , curtains, bags, belts etc, to Strand Road from 11.30a.m. – 2.30p.m. Fill as many bags as you can. Remember to ask relations and neighbours too.
For anyone who is interested in purchasing a half zip we will have sample sizes. The orders will be taken on Saturday.
Lotto:
Last week’s jackpot of €2,400 was not won with next week’s prize now rising to €2,500. The winning numbers drawn were: 11, 17, 28 & 32 with Grainne Griffin matching 3 and winning €25.
Entrants for the special December draw as follows: Pat Roche, Helen Hennessy, Bernice & Philip Conway, Eamonn Moynihan & Joe & Paula O’Sullivan.
Tickets can be purchased in the club house for €2, ( 3 for €5) – draw takes place on Monday nights in the club house.
Sympathy:
The club would like to extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Denis Heaslip of O’Rahillys Villas who passed away this week – ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
