.
Seniors:
The most significant event of our senior club championship game on Sunday took place before a ball was kicked, when we lost the toss and Dingle signalled their intention to play with the aid of the strong breeze.
A team, whose self confidence has been dented in recent weeks by defeats to Rathmore and Dr Crokes needed to start on the front foot, gain momentum and get the large crowd behind them.
Instead we found ourselves facing the elements and a non stop wave of attacks as Dingle sought to put up a match winning score – we defended well, broke at pace and picked off good scores of our own.
Dingle had the first two points but Tom Hoare found Conor Hayes following a good run and Conor split the posts for our first score; Dingle had raced into a 6 point to 1 lead by the 12th minute with Kerry senior panellist Dylan Geaney very much to the fore, before Tom Hoare, from a free lifted the siege.
Tom O’Sullivan had points either side of a Ben Hanafin score, before Rob O’Connor effected a fine save to keep us in the game; however, Conor Geaney fired over from a free with further scores flowing to leave the score at 0-10 to 0-05 by the 28th minute. The following five minutes proved most damaging as we conceded a further 4 points without reply to leave us trailing at the break by 9, 0-14 to 0-05.
We dominated the opening 10 minutes of the 2nd half and despite hitting a couple of wides we added 3 points without reply through Ben, Darragh and David – Dingle were finding it hard to make any inroads up front due to the efforts of Shane, Darragh and most especially Jake, who belied his tender years popping up all over defence to intercept, block and tackle ensuring we kept our shape and thwarted the best efforts of the westerners.
Paul Geaney was awarded a free in front of goal but his shot was mis-hit and dropped into the grateful arms of Ross who essayed upfield in a counter attack – unfortunately an interception left us open at the back and Paul Geaney found the net.
This was a huge blow given how we had played up to then but though Conor raised another white flag, disaster again struck when a sideline ball, played back to Rob was intercepted, leaving Conor Geaney with the simplest of tasks in rolling the ball into an empty net.
The result was now a foregone conclusion and we ran the bench from here to the finish, rewarding those squad members who have made a big effort throughout the year.
We will now face a relegation play off with near neighbours Na Gaeil, to determine our senior status for the coming year.
As this contest will result in another Tralee side competing at intermediate level, we again raise the issue of having only 8 senior clubs in the county – large urban areas like Tralee need to be competing at the highest level possible for the good of the county and football in general.
The play off has been slated for Nov 5th but should both sides exit the county championship early, the tie is most likely to be played much earlier.
The campaign has seen us come up short, losing all 3 games but having lined out without 8 of the starters from last year’s All Ireland semi final vs eventual winners Kilmacud Crokes, we are a team in transition and we commend the players and mentors for their efforts to date.
We have a 3 week break now before embarking on the senior club championship where we are in a group with Shannon Rangers, Spa and Mid Kerry – our opening game vs Shannon Rangers has been fixed for Sat 16th Sept here in Austin Stack Park where throw-in will be at 5.30 pm.
The top two teams will advance from each group with group winners playing the runners up in an open draw.
Lotto:
This week’s jackpot stands @ €8,500 – tickets can be purchased online at Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club – Clubforce OR from the following outlets – Betty’s Bar, The Klub, Rock St Post Office and Jimmy’s Food Store.
Nótaí na mBan:
As everyone heads back to school let us all remember that there may be big changes for those who are more timid than some. There’s usually great excitement as children move into a higher class and especially when they are moving from primary school to secondary school. This changeover though can be quite daunting for some.
Please be that team player who looks out for others and shows empathy.
U12 GIRLS
Training continues on Monday evening.
U13 GIRLS
These young ladies had their first get together last Saturday. After a light training and skills session the girls put on team jerseys and had a game. It was an enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to seeing everyone again later in the week in preparation for the Sandra Keane Tournament on September 9th and the quarter finals of championship on the 16th.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
U13s
Huge well done to our U13s Lily Mae and Taylor Kate Leane who participated in the Munster LGFA U13 Development Blitz held in Mallow last Saturday. What a great day of football and fun was had by all. Many thanks to everyone involved over the past few months for giving up your Saturdays to train girls from all over Kerry.
U15s
The U15 PDP Munster blitz will be held on Saturday, September 2nd in Mallow. More details to follow on whatsapp groups during the week.
U14 GIRLS
The North Kerry league for U14s is due to start on September 15th(tbc.) We will be in division 2 and have 5 teams in our group – Moyvane, Annascaul/ Castlegregory, Churchill and Knocknagoshel / Brosna .
In round 1 we will host Moyvane on September 15th ( tbc.)
U16 GIRLS
Back to school time always sees the start of the North Kerry league.
We will compete in division 2 this year and have 6 teams in our group- Ballymac, John Mitchels, Beale , Na Gaeil and Dingle.
Round 1 is fixed for September 11th when we are away to Ballymac. More details to follow and tbc.
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday.
MINOR LADIES
Pride of place …..
Our minor ladies travelled to Baraduff last Wednesday for the division 3 cup final Co. league clash against ISG. Our captain on the night was Hollie Leane.
ISG’s team thrived in the opening minutes and came out of their blocks quicker than us . Our team played beautiful , fine flowing football in what was only a pleasure to watch and quickly got into the game.
We went in at half time
2-08 to 1-06.
The opposition scored a goal very early in the second half which was followed by five points from our side. Another ball went into the back of the net for ISG , we scored a point and ISG scored 2 more points.
As the final whistle blew there were scenes of jubilation among the team, management and many supporters who travelled to cheer on the team. Thank you!
The final score was
Kerins O’ Rahillys 2-14 Inbhear Scéine Gaels 3-08 after a tremendous team effort from each and every player. We played some top quality football and delivered an overdue minor title.
Congrats to our minor ladies and management who were crowned 2023 division 3 Co. league champions.
SENIOR LADIES
Strand Road’s senior ladies team kickstarted their Junior B Bon Secours championship campaign with a home team win against Daingean Uí Chúis in Pat Healy Park last Monday evening.
Best wishes to Dingle for the rest of the championship.
The progress made and commitment shown to our club jersey since we’ve started is remarkable. Well done to all! Having a senior team who is competitive is what we have strived for all these years and look forward to seeing it continue for a long time yet. The future looks bright for the ladies in Strand Road.
This week we have a bye and will host John Mitchels the following week in round 3 of the championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP TIME
Championship bells will ring out across the county this week for juvenile ladies with the start of what every team looks forward to all year … champo!
Many matches across the age groups of U13, U15 and U17s ensure an enjoyable few weeks with some hugely attractive games hosted at many venues.
Believe it or not we were drawn with Legion for all 3 age groups!
U17B
Firstly our focus will be on this age group. In the quarter finals we are away to Killarney Legion. The match is fixed for the 31st but needs to be confirmed.
U15D
Next we will have our U15s to cheer on as they will be hosted by Legion in the quarter finals on September 5th ( Detailed TBC.)
U13C
Last out for the juvenile championship will be our youngest in the club for this competition. We will welcome Legion to Pat Healy Park on Saturday, September 16th.
CONGRATS
Success does not lie in “Results” but in “Efforts.” Well done to all exam students and we hope that you’re happy with what you’ve achieved from your hard work.
BACK TO SCHOOL
With the schools reopening for almost everyone this week we wish the best of luck to all pupils, parents and teachers as the new school year begins! Enjoy the best days of your lives!
KLGFA NIGHT AT THE DOGS
Kerry LGFA are going to the dogs on Saturday, September 2nd.
All funds raised will be used for the preparation of county teams ensuring the growth and participation of our teams at intercounty level.
For further information and ticket details click on the link on our Facebook page.
It should be a great night with plenty of entertainment for all ages.
CONDOLENCES
Our sympathies also to the families and friends of Joe Patwell, Albert Griffin, Michael Rice, Niall O’ Carroll, Jimmy Culloty, James O’ Brien, Paddy Fitzgibbon and Bridie Kelly.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anam!
Juvenile Academy:
U5 Boys:
This group are improving with each week that passes and they are a joy to watch. They enjoyed another great session Sunday morning. The coaches see huge improvement throughout this group in all areas. Keep up the practice at home as much as you can.
U6 Girls:
Great session with the U6 girls on Sunday morning, despite the wind and rain! They are working hard on hand passing and solos. We the coaches are encouraging all the girls to practice these with someone at home during the week. Great improvement by all.
U8 Girls:
Even though the weather was dreary it did not spoil the quality of football on display Sunday morning from our U8s as they played Stacks in Connolly Park in fun go games. Our goal was to try and get as many attempted solos during the game as possible and the girls did not disappoint. There was some standout performance on the day and a special mention has to be made to Mia McMahon who was superbly strong on the ball and very accurate with her boot. We are still working on marking our girls and will focus on this in our next session. A great morning all round and thanks to Stacks for hosting
U7,U9 and U11 Boys:
At this week’s academy the U7, U9, and U11 boys took to the field for a mixed Academy blitz. This was a great opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves against their fellow academy mates. These young lads showcased their talent and passion for the game, creating a memorable day of football despite the weather’s best efforts.
Next Sunday our U9 boys will play Listry at home. Details will be communicated via ClubZap during the week.
Our U11 s had a great performance last Thursday night against Ballymac some super skills showing in a tough game. We the coaches want to commend the lads they are improving everytime and their is great potential within this group. Keep up the good work boys.
U10 Girls:
Our U10 Girls travelled the short distance to Connolly Park to play Stacks in some fun go games. The weather didn’t stop our girls from putting on a fantastic display of football throughout the field. Despite having a number of players away this weekend, we still had two teams of 9 on the day giving all the girls plenty of game time and they showed some fantastic skills throughout. We the coaches couldn’t be prouder of these girls as they played so well and finished off great team work with some fantastic scores. Well done girls ye are a credit to your club and yourselves. Thank you to Stacks for hosting us in the day.
U13 Boys:
Our U13’s had a hard fought win in the Division 4 Central Region Semifinal vs Churchill on a score line of 1-09 to 0-09 . It was a brilliant team display with top performances from Tiernan Brosnan and Caden O Sullivan who stood out for the Blues. This win is extra special as it secures 2 Central Region U13 finals in 2023 in Division 4 and Division 7.
The support on the sidelines tonight was amazing thanks to everyone. Keep up the good work boys ye are improving all the time.
Minors:
We are back training as we prepare for our club championship game away to Sneem Derrynane Tuosist Templenoe in 2 weeks. This is a tough Championship opener but preparations are going well. We had a very good challenge game against Castlegregory last Thursday and will have a return match against them this Thursday evening.
Fixtures:
U9 Boys v Listry Go Games
Sunday 3rd September in Ballyrickard
U8 Girls blitz
Saturday 2nd September in Ballymac at 9.45am
U10 Girls Blitz
Saturday 2nd September in Ballymac at 9.45am
U15’s Challange Game v Cordal at 7pm Friday 1st September. Venue to be confirmed.
Everyone in the Juvenile Academy wishes all the boys and girls in our club who are starting secondary school the best of luck and hope it’s a smooth transition. Congrats to everyone who received their leaving certificate results last week. We hope you are all happy and enjoy the next chapter what ever you decide to do.
Keep in touch:
As always, if you have any feedback or would like to have some item of interest included in the notes we would love to hear from you – we are on e-mail @ pro.kerinsorahillys.kerry@gaa.ie or via Messenger on our Facebook page.
