.
Seniors:
The classic blend of youth and experience saw us gain two valuable points on the road vs Dr Crokes when running out winners on a final scoreline of 0-15 to 0-12.
The experience came from the likes of Ross and Con who anchored the defence at full back and centre back respectively, both outstanding, the youth in the form of the McElligott brothers, Shane and Darragh, along with teenagers Jake Foley and Ben Hanafin.
Our defence was impregnable with Rob O’Connor well protected so much so that he didn’t have a single shot to save.
While all the defence did their duty, they also showed their penchant for going up field with Ben & Shane both kicking fine scores and Ross making two massive tackles late in the game when Crokes went short; both Jake and Darragh attended to their defensive duties and went forward at every opportunity causing problems for the home side.
At midfield, David brought all his guile and footballing nous to the fore and supplied pinpoint passes to the snipers where there were none better than Barry John and Conor Hayes – Barry John was immense kicking 5 points from play with Conor chipping in with 3 of his own.
They were ably assisted by Tom Hoare who followed up his fine display against Gneeveguilla with another workmanlike performance adding a fine point from a free in the first half.
Gearóid, Darragh and Seán Walsh also played their parts and each of the subs made a contribution.
The story of the game saw us race into a 5 points to one lead after 12 mins before Crokes fought back and were only 3 points in arrears, 0-06 to 0-03 after 20 mins following two fine pointed frees from midfielder Billy Courtney.
The next 10 mins saw us add a further 3 points through Ben Hanafin, a fine 45 from Diarmuid and a great point from Shane McElligott following smart play from David and Ross.
We resumed the 2nd half with a fisted point from Seán but Crokes were coming back into the game and fired over the next four points to level matters 0-10 apiece by the 14th minute.
Ben Hanafin, who gave the Crokes a torrid night all through with his runs from deep, was hauled down on the 17th min resulting in a deserved black card and this numerical advantage was crucial as we punished the home side by adding a further 5 points with BJ adding 2, Darragh, Conor and substitute Gazza on the mark.
Crokes played to the final whistle and knocked over two points but by that time the clock was in injury time and the result was not in doubt.
Overall this was a determined and cohesive team display, bolstered by our strong defence and their relentless attacking when in possession, our dominance in midfield, along with some outstanding point scoring by BJ & Conor who garnered 8 points between them all from play.
The team were cheered off the pitch by the very happy supporters who got full value for making the trip to Killarney.
We will next play Spa in round 9 next Sunday, June 11th in Strand Road where throw in is @ 2 pm.
Team: Rob O’Connor, Jake Foley, Ross O’Callaghan, Darragh McElligott, Shane McElligott ( 0-01), Con Barrett, Ben Hanafin ( 0-01), David Moran, Diarmuid O’Sullivan ( 0-01,45), Tom Hoare ( 0-01,f), Conor Hayes ( 0-03), Gearóid Dillane, Darragh O’Connor ( 0-01,f) Seán Walsh (0-01), Barry John Keane ( 0-05).
Subs used: Daniel Bowler, Padraig Griffin, Seán Griffin, Gazza ( 0-01).
Div 6A:
Round 9 will see us travel to Churchill to take on the locals, date and time to be advised.
This group has blossomed as the year progressed, sitting joint 4th in the table with 8 points from 8 games played.
The benefits of having a team in this division cannot be underestimated with valuable playing time being obtained by some of our younger players who would not be ready for the rigours of division 1 football – to date the likes of Rob O’Connor, Sam Pituch, Seán Griffin, Stephen Nix, Daniel Bowler & Conor O’Sullivan have all benefited from their involvement at this level as they prepare for the step up to senior ranks.
Great praise too must go to Denis Hanafin & Barry O’Shea for their stewardship.
Congratulations:
We pass on our congratulations to all our club members involved with county teams this weekend who were all successful in their endeavours.
First of all to Micheál Quirke with Kerry seniors who had a hard fought victory in Cork on Sat in the searing heat; Kerry controlled the game well in the first half but a second half fight back by Cork meant a close and nervy finish as Cork sought to reel in the Kingdom.
Kerry will now play Louth in the 3rd and final group fixture – game will be played in two weeks time, weekend of 17th/18th at a neutral venue.
Mark Fitzgerald’s Limerick side are preparing for a quarter final clash in the Tailteann Cup at the end of the month despite losing to Wicklow in their final group game; Limerick had already qualified for the quarter final prior to this outing in O’Moore Park.
A big shout out to Tomás Kennedy who won a Munster minor medal on Friday when starting on the “40” vs Cork – Tomás played his part in a fine win scoring 2 points in a five point victory.
Eddie Lacey too was part of Wayne Quillinan’s backroom team on Fri night as Kerry were too good for Cork winning the Munster minor title; Kerry will now play Leinster runners up, Kildare in Nowlan Park Kilkenny next weekend.
Lotto:
Our weekly lotto continues to climb in value and this Monday night’s jackpot is €7,300 – play early for your chance to win.
Juvenile Academy :
Our Juvenile Academy took a well deserved break on Sunday so everyone could enjoy the gorgeous weather and the long weekend. And what a weekend it was blue skies all round. Instead some of our age groups trained on Thursday evening. Our Academy is back at the normal time of 10am next Sunday morning.
U8 and U10 girls – put in a great training session in Ballyrickard Thursday evening in preparation for their upcoming matches. The U8 and U10 girls are off to play the U8 and U10 Girls Mitchels GAA next Sunday morning at 10am in Mitchell’s GAA.
U7 Boys – also trained Thursday evening in Strand Rd pitch, where they practiced their skills and finished off with a fun game against each other. Well done to all.
U9 Boys – will play Ballymac on Thursday 8th June at 6.15pm in Ballyrickard.
U11 Boys – played Ballymac last Thursday evening in Ballyrickard. All boys showed huge improvement and great team work throughout the games. Keep up the good work and don’t forget to practice as much as you can at home. The U11 Boys will play An Ghaeltacht on Thursday night in An Ghaeltacht.
U13 B Team – played St.Pats last Monday evening in the County League Phase 2. Our boys came away with a win on the night all players from our team saw game time there was a real show of improvement and development, well done to all. Thank you to St.Pats for a great gams. Final score KOR 5-8 to St. Pats 1-1.
The B team also played an away game to Dingle. They lost on a score line of 5-19 to 4-5. Once again our young guns put in a spirited performance but could do little against a physically stronger club. Our boys in blue could do no more in the hot evening sun back west, they never gave in and once again we couldn’t be prouder of them.
The U13 A team will play Kenmare Shamrocks in the semi finals Monday 5th June at 6pm throw in Healy Park Ballyrickard.
Minors – Huge congrats to our Minors Kerins O’Rahilly/St.Pats on winning the Central Region Final against Sneem/Derrynane/Templenoe/Tuosist last Monday evening final score after extra time 3-13 to 2-13. It was a very tight game throughout but our boys worked hard and it paid off in the end. Well done to all the team and management Denis, Eoin and Richie.
Everyone in the Juvenile academy is very proud of Tomàs Kennedy and the Kerry minors who were crowned Munster Champions last Friday evening in Austin Stack Park. Well done to all involved.
Huge thank you to all our coaches for their continued dedication, to our main sponsor this year Ballyseedy Garden Centre and to all the parents for your continued support.
NÓTAÍ NA mBAN
Summer takes command in the build up to the state exams and as the secondary school students did their summer exams.
Always remember that sport is a great outlet for everyone. We in Kerins O’ Rahillys Club encourage the involvement and participation of children, teenagers and members in the activities of our club. Playing or being involved in a team sport contributes to one’s social, physical and personal development.
We foster a good community spirit and provide a firm foundation for the growth of ladies football in our club.
It’s never too late to start. For more details please text or whatsapp Shirley (086) 8713552.
U12 GIRLS
Congrats to our U12 management on coming up with the superb idea of having a bonding day for the team. The team will host Ballymacelligott in what should be an excellent day of fun, football and laughter. We will extend our welcome and enjoy a barbecue with our guests after a fun match. No losers on Bank Holiday Monday, we will all be winners on the day . This is what GAA is all about…Community!
U14 GIRLS
Time out to enjoy the sunshine last week! Training will continue on Tuesday at the normal time.
We will send out an update on the county league fixtures once we know.
U16 GIRLS
A break in fixtures until June 28th as many are doing exams.
Training will continue as normal over the coming weeks.
MINORS
Strand Road’s U18s played their second game in the Co. league last Monday on a balmy Summer’s evening when they took on Rathmore at their outstanding facilities in Rathbeg.
We had a quick start to our game racking up points and netted quick goals.
Our ladies continued to build on their recent impressive performances as many also play seniors. Another positive result registered. Well done to everyone!
SENIOR LADIES
The senior Co league will be commencing on June 19th. More details to follow once confirmed.
EXAMS
Kerins O’ Rahillys wish all our young club members the very best of luck as they tackle one of the biggest challenges in their lives in the Junior and Leaving Cert. exams. Best of luck to all exam participants.
PDP U17s
Training continues on Saturday mornings. Messages with updates will be sent to the relevant age groups.
CONDOLENCES
On behalf of everyone at Kerins O’ Rahillys Club we express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Anne Lynch (née Quinn),
Sharon O’ Shea ( née McCarthy),
Sophie O’ Mahoney ( née Lydon), Eileen Revington ( née O’ Connor) and Liam Lynch. May their souls rest in peace.
