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Senior:
Kerins O’Rahillys 1-21 Shannon Rangers 1-16
“Winning isn’t everything: it’s the only thing”
This was Vince Lombardi’s uncompromising message to the Green Bay Packers when he addressed the team as its new coach on the first day of training camp in 1959.
Never was a phrase more apt than that as we put a disappointing club championship campaign behind us and delivered an opening two points vs Shannon Rangers.
It will do nicely for now and hopefully build confidence as we prepare to welcome Spa next weekend to Strand Road, following their 3-11 to 0-14 loss to Mid Kerry.
This encounter was not without its flaws but it can be a morale booster for the upcoming games and showing commendable fight and footballing nous we secured a five point win.
In the opening half we played with the aid of a stiff breeze with scores coming tit for tat in the first quarter but when Darragh O’Connor found space to put Tom Hoare through his powerful shot, though parried by the keeper was too strong and the green flag was raised – however, the next 3 points came from the Shannonsiders and the sides were level 1-02 to 0-05 after 10 mins.
It was the final quarter that we asserted our superiority with Tom Hoare being the most prominent player on view – his fielding, work rate and overall dominance was proving too much for the opposition and in shooting 3 points on the trot, and five points to one in total we led at the half time whistle by 4, 1-09 to 0-08.
The opening score of the 2nd half came from Gazza, who had a fine game overall, and by the 10th minute we had raced into a 5 point lead, 1-14 to 0-12 following good scores from Conor and a pointed free from Tom, two efforts from Gazza and another from Tommy.
The 10th minute saw the game turned on its head when first Mikey Boyle fielded on the edge of the square and instead of taking his mark, he found Kevin Goulding on the run and he rifled a shot to the bottom of the net despite the best efforts of the recalled Shane Foley.
This left just two points between the sides and before the kick out was taken, the referee consulted with his umpires and issued a 2nd yellow to Jake Foley for an off the ball incident which was a big body blow with over 20 mins remaining and facing the stiff breeze.
However, showing commendable resilience and dynamism we outscored the opposition by 0-06 to 0-1 with scores from Barry John, Ben, Tom (2), David (2) to secure a well merited and deserved win.
There were many positives to be taken from the game, not least the performance of Tom Hoare who was imperious at midfield – his tally of 1-07, 1-03 from play allied to the fight and defiance displayed when reduced to 14 augurs well for tougher tasks ahead.
It was good to see Ryan Carroll return too in place of the injured Darragh McElligott, and he brought a calming influence to the defence.
Saturday also saw us launch our alternative strip – we are indebted to our sponsors Higgins Waste and Recycling who commissioned Paul Galvin to design a jersey.
His creation, The Boy from Tralee commemorates Strand Road man, Charlie Kerins, county championship medal winner in 1939 with Strand Road and is bound to be a much sought after piece of memorabilia.
Team:
Shane Foley, Jake Foley, Ross O’Callaghan, Ryan Carroll, Shane McElligott, Shane Brosnan, Ben Hanafin (0-2), David Moran (0-3, 1f), Tom Hoare (1-7, 4f), Gearóid Savage (0-3), Barry John Keane (0-1f), Con Barrett, Darragh O’Connor (0-1f), Tommy Walsh (0-2), Conor Hayes (0-1) Subs: Conor O’Sullivan for D O’Connor, 46, Diarmuid O’Sullivan (0-1ffor C Hayes, 52, Daniel Bowler for G Savage, 53, Paudy Griffin for BJ Keane, 60(+4)
The 2nd round game in the county championship will take place next weekend in Strand Road vs Spa who lost to Mid Kerry on Sunday afternoon on a final scoreline of 3-11 to 0-14.
Mid Kerry led at half time 1-05 to Spa’s 6 points and it was nip and tuck all the way in the 2nd half before goals from Daire Cleary and Caolim Teahan settled the issue.
The fixture details will be announced once known on social media.
McElligott Cup:
We had a big win on Sunday morning over Currow in the first round of the McElligott Cup on a final scoreline of 2-17 to 1-09.
We await the draw for the next round which is likely to be played next weekend.
Masters Final:
Hard luck to our clubmen Johnno and Niall who were part of the Kerry panel which lost to Tyrone on Sat in the final of the Masters competition.
Congratulations
Congrats to Mark Fitzgerald on his appointment for a two year term as bainisteoir of the Clare senior football team.
Mark has managed, coached and been a selector for the past few years with the club, Kerry minors and his recent stint with Limerick stood him in good stead for another tilt at inter county management.
Clare are currently in division 3 having been unluckily relegated last year.
Well done to Jack Savage and Gavin O’Brien who played starring roles for Westmeath when winning the New York senior championship on Sunday.
Westmeath led by 1-15 to 1-06 at one stage but a tremendous fight back by their opponents saw the lead cut to two points with only minutes remaining. Gavin then took a hand when he went on a trademark solo run and rounding the goalie rolled the ball into an empty net for the decisive score.
The Boy from Tralee:
We launched our new away jersey on Saturday night when defeating Shannon Rangers in the opening round of the county championship.
The specially commissioned jersey sponsored by Higgins Waste and Recycling and designed by Paul Galvin has been the subject of much positive comment and is available from the club online by e-mailing : secretary.kerinsorahillys.kerry@gaa.ie or sending a message to us via Messenger on Facebook. The cost is €30
There have been a number of orders and also some queries regarding sizing etc and this information will be available during the week on the web and social media.
Roisin and Sean Murphy with the Clifford brothers.
Juvenile Academy:
Another busy week in our juvenile academy despite nearing the end of the season.
With our U7s and U11s away to play games and all other age groups training as normal. It was a lovely surprise to have David Clifford and Paudie Clifford pop into Ballyrickard as well.
Everyone in the Juvenile Academy would like to congratulate and wish Mark Fitzgerald the best of luck in his appointment as Clare Manager. We hope he has a very successful year.
The juvenile academy would like to send their support and good wishes to Lily-Anna who is going for surgery this week. You are in our thoughts & prayers and we wish you a speedy recovery.
The Murphys meeting their idols the Clifford brothers.
U6 Girls:
Great session with the U6 girls on Sunday morning who joined forces with the U5 Boys. They got a lot of practice with all their different skills. They are really improving and all the girls agreed to do some extra work at home. Looking forward to seeing you all again next week.
U7 Boys:
The Under 7 Boys visited Ardfert GAA grounds on Sunday morning and played 4 games against the hosts. The boys were treated to a pre match parade and also stood for the National Anthem before the throw in. It was lovely to see the excitement and pride in their faces as they marched and great to hear so many of them singing the National Anthem. Thanks to Ardfert for a lovely morning. Training continues next Sunday morning .
U8 Girls:
The U8 Girls were back in Ballyrickard training again after a few weeks of matches and blitzes. There was a good turn out and we had a good session mixed with fun and skill. We have only a few weeks left of football so let’s see everyone next week.
U9 Boys:
Under 9 boys trained in Ballyrickard Sunday morning and as per usual we had a great turn out. The lads put in a very gruelling session and it was evident they are reaping the rewards for all the practice they’re putting in
These young lads should be very proud of their efforts. Next Sunday we’ll be playing Fossa at their grounds, throw-in will be at 11a.m.
U10 Girls:
We had a great session Sunday morning after a few weeks of games. Great to see the girls get stuck in straight away. We did a few drills involving possession and accuracy and had a bit of fun in between. Finished off with a game. As we are nearing the end of the season it would be great to see full attendance for the next few weeks.
Under 11 boys in Dingle
U11 Boys:
Under 11 boys had a great day out with a bus trip to Dingle GAA. Following some excellent football by all, they had some fun time in the playground followed by some very impressive ice creams! The day was finished off back in the club with lovely food served up by Danny and the crew. Thanks to all for coming and making it a day to remember.
Minors:
St. Pats/ Kerrins O’Rahillys played Moyvane in their semi final on Saturday afternoon. Despite a great performance from our boys they lost out by just one point in the end on a score line of Moyvane 2-13 v St Pats /Kerins O’Rahillys 2-12. Hard luck lads.
NÓTAÍ NA mBAN:
A feast of ladies football still to come over the coming weeks… There have been some very close and exciting games so far this year..
We have lots more underage and senior football going on at the moment so keep an eye on the fixtures to see what is happening!
We have great numbers in our ladies side of the club. Many thanks to the parents ,guardians and coaches who encourage the girls to train and play.
U12 GIRLS
On Saturday, October 7th we are looking forward to hosting a fun blitz in Ballyrickard. We will have more details early next week.
Then on Saturday, October 14th the team will be heading off on a mystery trip… something to look forward to for everyone!
U13C CHAMPIONSHIP
Next weekend our U13 girls which is made up of our U12s and U13s will play MKL Gaels in the semifinal. As soon as we have more details we will let everyone know.
U13 DISTRICT
The quarter final for this age group is fixed for October 7th when Tralee District will host South Kerry ( TBC. )
The South Kerry District is Inbhear Scéine Gaels and Southern Gaels.
U14 GIRLS
County takes precedence so the North Kerry league will commence after Championship.
U15D CHAMPIONSHIP
Our U15s will play John Mitchels in the final next Tuesday. Venue and time TBC.
Best wishes to management and the team who will be captained by Lily Breen on the day.
Please come out and support us. Check out our club social media for an update on venue etc. once confirmed.
U15 DISTRICT
North Kerry will host Tralee District in the quarter finals on September 26th (TBC.)
The North Kerry District is made up of eight teams- Abbeydorney, Ballyduff, Finuge/ St. Senans , Beale, Listowel Emmets, Moyvane, Duagh and Shannonside /Tarbert.
U16 GIRLS
Our ladies headed over to Ballymac last Wednesday evening to play round 1 of the division 2 North Kerry league.
The Strand Road team got off to a great start and at half time the score was Ballymac 2-04 , Kerins O’ Rahillys 1-04 .
A nail biting game, which could have gone either way as we unfortunately missed a few chances.
In the end our hosts came away with the win.
Ballymac 5-08
Kerins O’ Rahillys 2-08
For our next match we will host Na Gaeil. More details to follow once confirmed.
U17 DISTRICT
Tralee District is made up of five clubs – Kerins O’ Rahillys, Na Gaeil, John Mitchels, Austin Stacks and Churchill.
The quarter finals are fixed for Thursday , September 21st and Tralee will be hosted by East Kerry. Date , time and venue TBC.
Best wishes to all involved.
SENIOR LADIES
Early on Sunday morning last our senior ladies team made the trip out to Glenflesk for the final group game of the Bon Secours Junior B Championship. In an eventful game our very young team played well to draw with our hosts. The final score was
Glenflesk 1-10
Kerins O’ Rahillys 1-10
As always the support was great and our ladies looked very smart in their new team sweatshirts that were kindly sponsored by John Nix Accounting Solutions and Danny Leane, The Klub.
Many thanks to both of you from our minor and senior ladies who appreciate your kind gesture.
The ladies were presented with their sweatshirts last Friday evening.
CONDOLENCES
Our condolences to the families and friends of Seán Commane, Phil Dunne ( née Ryle) , Lorraine Flanagan ( née Breen), Pauline Lyons (née Horan), Paudie Ryan and Maggie Feely ( née McMahon.) May their souls rest in peace.
