.
Seniors: After weeks of training and town league games, the county league swung into action last week end when we made the journey west to Páirc an Ághasaigh to play the locals on Sat last 18th March.
We fielded a mixture of youth and experience with 6 of our county U-21 winners from 2015 starting along with the experience of the likes of Garry Kissane, Danny O’Sullivan, Tommy Walsh & Ross O’Callaghan.
Playing with the strong breeze we settled slowly and wasted good opportunities to build a lead having only an early opening pointed free to show for our efforts whereas Dingle had tacked on 3 points.
To add to our woes, Con Barrett picked up an injury and had to be replaced on 20 mins with Padraig Griffin coming into the side and Tommy Walsh going to midfield. Cian Sayers, Tommy from play added to our tally to leave us trailing 0-4 to 0-3 with 25 minutes gone; a further pointed free from Gearoid Savage quickly followed by a fine score from play from Rory Molloy left us level at half time on a score line of 0-05 apiece.
On the resumption, though facing the wind, we picked up the pace with Tommy pointing to push us in front; we were then pinned in our own half for the next 10 minutes and trailed 0-08 to 0-06 before Kieran O’Mahony, Tommy & Gearoid again pushed us ahead on a scoreline of 0-09 to – 0-08 with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
Once again we were pegged back to parity, and conceded a lead point to Dingle; a speculative shot for a point fell short causing confusion in the Dingle square and in the ensuing melee we were awarded a penalty.
Kieran O’Mahony stepped up and though he struck it well,the ball was pushed outside for a “45” by the Dingle custodian. It was the defining moment but there was still time for more drama when Kieran tied the scores on the 30th minute at 0-11 each; a Dingle attack saw Karl Mullins go full stretch to block down only for the referee to award a free to the home side which was duly converted.
There was still time for some late drama however, as we swept down field in a last bid to salvage something from the game and when the ball reached Rory Molloy on the run a goal seemed on but once again the cúl baire came to their rescue and with it our last chance to get something from the game.
It was a disappointing first outing but we have a chance to make amends next weekend when we welcome Milltown/Castlemaine to Strand Rd; this game goes ahead on Sat 25th March with a 3 o’clock throw in due to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night.
Kerry: Austin Stack Park was the place to be on last Sat night for the round 5 of the Allianz League when the Dubs were the visitors; with David and Jack on the starting 15 along with Barry John on the bench we were well represented. A cracking game ensued and will be long remembered by all who were present.
A draw was the final outcome and though many were disappointed with a share of the spoils, we have have given many food for thought for the upcoming championship where the metropolitans will be bidding for a 3 in a row.
Many pundits were in agreement afterwards that David had given a man of the match performance and few would disagree; Barry John was his usual lively self contributing a point and being unlucky with a few other efforts. Jack tried manfully and linked up well with his colleagues and was replaced at half time.
Kerry U-21: Kerry made the long journey to Fraher Field in Dungarvan on Weds night last to take on Waterford in the Munster semi final.
The team showed 4 changes to that which was announced earlier in the week with Cormac Coffey coming in at wing back; as a contest this was a non event, Kerry leading at half time on a score line of 1-12 to 0-01.
Cormac impressed in an attacking role and was unlucky to pick up 2 yellow cards in a game which was generally played in a good spirit. Weds night the 29th March is pencilled in for the final against old foes Cork which will be played in Páirc Uí Rinn.
Minors: Our minors were at home on St Patricks Day in round 2 of the county league to Rathmore. We started brightly with a goal from Killian Gallagher and points from Aaron Roche & Shane McElligott but Rathmore were a physically stronger side and were beginning to impose themselves on the game.
We trailed by 3 points at half time and went further behind on the resumption following a flurry of scores by the opposition. We tried manfully to the end but it was not our day eventually losing by 2-14 to 1-07. On the day the aforementioned plus Aidan Mangan, Rory O’Connor and Gearoid Fitzgerald tried their best.
Junior Blues: We had another great morning on Sunday, weather wasn’t on our side but it was great to see so many of our future stars of the club having loads of fun while developing skills .
Players of the week :
U6 Aaron OSullivan
U8 George Keane
U10 Girls Sophie Culloty
U10 Boys Odhran Foley
Well done to all .
We continue next Sunday in Ballyrickard at 11am and as always new members are welcome.
Don’t forget while the kids are having fun you can have fun and get fit too with John Fitzgerald & Jonathon Noonan – another great turnout this morning class was enjoyed by all – €5 adults €2.50 teenagers .
U12 boys
Training continues on Tuesday in The Green at 6 pm
U14 Boys
We played Ballymac on Sunday last in Healy Park in round 2 of Tralee board town league; facing the breeze in the first half we were competitive throughout with some great defending from Tom Flavin, T J Heaphy and Ben O’Brien; Jerome Daly & Jack Savage were holding their own in the middle and with Sam McCarthy and Darragh O’Connor threatening up front we only trailed at halftime by 5 points, 1-07 to 0-05.
On the change over, we got some early scores to leave us only one in arrears Sam McCarthy firing to the net; from there on it was nip and tuck and we took the lead when after a fine run, Enis Reka found the net with a low shot to the corner. We battled bravely despite the loss of Jack Savage and eventually ran out winners by the narrowest of margins, 2-09 to 1-11. This was a great overall team performance.
County Football League : U-14
First team are home to Beaufort on the 29th March at 6.30pm
U14 Boys County Football League ;
Our second team have a bye in this round
U16 Boys
U16 boys played away to Mitchels on Sat 18th March winning on a score line of 7-15 to 1-12 – well done lads.
U16 boys Central Region
The u16 boys are away to Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane on the 27th March @ 6.30pm
Ladies:
U12 Ladies
The U12 girls continue to train on Mondays 7p.m. – 8p.m. on the AstroTurf pitch in CBS, The Green in preparation for The North Kerry league . Their first game is on Saturday when they play Beale/ Ballyduff away. Time and venue to be confirmed.
U14 Ladies
The U14 girls continue to train on Mondays 7p.m. -8p.m. on the AstroTurf pitch in CBS, The Green.
U16/ Minor Ladies
U16/ Minor Ladies
The U16 and Minor girls are enjoying core training in CBS, The Green with John Fitzgerald and Jonathan Noonan every Wednesday 6p.m. – 7p.m.
Any new players interested in joining are more than welcome and can contact Shirley (086) 8713552 for more information.
Clothes Recycling Fundraiser
If you have clothes, paired shoes, handbags, belts, towels, bed linen ( no duvets or pillows) fit for recycling can you please drop them to the club on or before Friday, March 24th. If you cannot deliver we can arrange collection, text (086) 8713552. We are putting this money towards new children’s jerseys.
Strictly Come Dancing: We host our inaugural Strictly on this coming Sat night 25th March in the Mount Brandon Hotel; almost all of the tickets are sold, last few remaining on sale from Charlie’s Bar and Morans.
It promises to be a night to remember with a spectacular line up along with some great entertainment on offer. The show gets under way at 8 pm with doors opening at 7 – patrons are advised to arrive early to ensure a good seat.
Club lotto: There was no winning entry on the club lotto where the winning numbers drawn were: 6, 18, 21 &29. Next weeks jackpot will be €6,700, so ensure you play early for your chance to win or share in this great prize.
Sympathy: Sincere sympathy is extended to Teresa and Tara Houlihan & extended family on the sad passing of Donie, a stalwart of Strand Rd. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
