.
Senior:
Kerins O’Rahillys 0-11
Spa 1-10
In a contest where a win would have guaranteed us a quarter final place in this year’s senior county championship, we were undone by a Spa side who never gave in, never gave up and eventually got the goal which was the winning of this game.
The opening exchanges were cagey and oft times niggly, with Barry John picking up a yellow card for an off the ball incident with Dan O’Donoghue inside the opening minutes, but we had the opening scores from the in form Tom Hoare who lofted over twice with his trusty left foot following Spa indiscretions.
Michael O’Donoghue had Spa level when pointing twice from play and scores were traded over the remaining minutes with fine marks by Barry John and Conor Hayes, both placed beautifully by a deep lying Tommy with Tom Hoare and David also hitting the target.
Spa for their part kept the scoreboard ticking over and the sides retired at the short whistle, level on 0-06 each.
Jack Savage on his return from the US, joined the fray following an unfortunate injury to Barry John and his introduction led to the yellow carding of Dan O’Donoghue for some off the ball shenanigans.
Jack too was carded following the intervention of the linesman as the sides trooped to the dressing rooms.
The second half saw us gain the upper hand in the opening 10 minutes with good scores coming from Tom Hoare, a free and points from Darragh O’Connor and Tommy – indeed Tommy’s was a beautiful effort as he curled the ball inside the upright from range.
We were managing the game well with our defence in a mean mood where Chucky kept a tight rein on Kerry player Dara Moynihan along with some fine defending from Ross and Con; with David, Tom and Gazza working hard around the middle, harassing and hounding players in possession, we looked the likely winners at that stage.
The turning point in the game occurred in the 42nd minute when Ben was black carded following the intervention of the linesman – his loss in the circumstances was huge as Spa now had the extra man and notched 1-02 to 0-1 in this period.
Their goal came in the 51st minute when Shane Cronin raided from deep and following an inter change of passes the ball was slid into the corner of the net by Cian Murphy; it was a fatal blow as it left Spa in the lead for only the second time in the game and with Dan O’Donoghue raiding forward for another score Spa stretched the lead to two points, 1-09 to 0-10.
Tom pulled one back, but we could not find a way past a resolute defence to force the goal which would have pulled the game out of the fire.
It’s a disappointing loss and leaves us with an uphill task as we face Mid Kerry away next weekend in our final game – they had a 4-07 to 1-10 win over Shannon Rangers in Asdee and will be favourites with home advantage.
Match details will be published on social media once confirmed.
However, we have much to play for and a reproduction of today’s efforts would see us go close – our away form this year has been much more impressive than that produced at home and an upset cannot be ruled out.
Team:
Shane Foley, Jake Foley, Ross O’Callaghan, Ryan Carroll, Con Barrett, Shane Brosnan, Ben Hanafin, David Moran (0-1), Tom Hoare (0-5, 4f), Gearóid Savage, Barry John Keane (0-1m), Shane McElligott, Darragh O’Connor (0-1), Tommy Walsh (0-1), Conor Hayes (0-2, 1m) Subs: Jack Savage for BJ Keane, 27, Diarmuid O’Sullivan for G Savage, 52, BJ Keane for C Hayes, 57 Black Card: Ben Hanafin, 42-52
McElligott Cup:
We lost at home on Saturday evening in the semi final of the McElligott Cup when conceding a goal in the 35th minute to Fossa resulting in a heartbreaking defeat, 1-09 to 1-08.
The game was played in horrendous conditions and we had the backing of the elements in the first half; we were solid throughout with our defence on top where Sam Pituch was outstanding along with great support from Barry and Jordan Foley and Stephen Nix.
We led at half time 1-06 to 0-03 with the goal coming on the stroke of half time through Keelan Crowe following a flowing team move – Daniel Bowler(3fs), Sam McCarthy ( 1f), Seán Walsh (1f) and Conor O’Sullivan from play were the points scorers.
The second half saw Fossa pile on the pressure but our defence stood firm and we were still in the ascendancy 1-06 to 0-07 after 20 mins. Sam had our opening point 23 minutes in and when Paudie Griffin shot over 3 mins later, following good play from Daniel Bowler we were once again 3 to the good, 1-08 to 0-08.
Fossa continued to press but had only a single point to show for their efforts as the clock ticked beyond the 30 mins but for some reason the referee added an additional 5 minutes.
A Fossa attack in the 33rd minute was repelled and we cleared our lines but a Fossa free from the middle of the pitch saw the ball fall kindly in the square and it ended up in the net – it was a cruel way to lose a game where we were never led but in that final few seconds.
Well done to the team and management for a great showing but lady luck was not on our side.
Team: Seán Collins, TJ Heaphy, Sam Pituch, Stephen Nix, Jordan Foley, Seán Collins, Barry Foley, Fenton Collins, Daniel Nix, Daniel Bowler, Seán Walsh, Paudie Griffin, Sam McCarthy, Keelan Crowe, Conor O’Sullivan.
Subs used: Donagh Buckley, Ben O’Brien.
Under 9 boys and coaches.
Juveniles:
The weather was no match for our determined juveniles who braved the bad weather Sunday morning at academy training and games both away and at home.
We are so proud of all our juveniles who have been so committed all year and turn up always with a smile on their face and leave with an even bigger one.
We wouldn’t be able to run our academy without our fantastic coaches and committee who volunteer every week and we are so thankful for each and everyone of them. We were delighted to hear that Lily’s surgery went well and she is back home recovering.
You truly are an inspiration Lily.
Under 5s and 6s
Academy training continued for our U5, U7 Boys and U6, U8 and U10 Girls on Sunday morning despite the downpours each group got stuck in and didn’t let the rain stop them. They showed great determination and skills in wet conditions which is great to see considering how much it rains! Each group did different drills concentrating on kicking, passing and teamwork getting the ball up and down the field.
Under 9 boys and coaches.
Our U9 Boys had an eventful week as we travelled to take on Fossa Sunday morning. Mother Nature decided to test them with a downpour, but our young lads didn’t let it deter them. The games were highly competitive and it’s great to see the team progress every week. Thank you to Fossa for hosting us and we look forward to playing Ye again in the future. Training continues next week as usual.
Our U11 boys welcomed John Mitchell’s GAA to Ballyrickard Sunday morning where they enjoyed some very sporting games against each other in very challenging conditions. But the boys all put on a great display of football with some fantastic teamwork and scores involved. Well done to everyone on a fantastic morning of football and thank you to John Mitchell’s for coming to play us. Training continues next Sunday morning in Ballyrickard at usual time.
To Celebrate our U13 boys Double Central League Champions victories we are going to have a well deserved Awards and Medals presentation in the Clubhouse this Wednesday evening from 7.15pm.
Nótaí na mBan:
Dare we say it but we’re stepping into Halloween in another few weeks, the evenings are closing in and our Indian summer is well and truly gone. This doesn’t deter our young ladies from training and games. Keep up the great work ladies!
U12 GIRLS
Our U12s have had no games in the past few weeks.
On Saturday, October 7th we will host a fun blitz in Pat Healy Park.
On Saturday, October 14th the girls will have their ‘mystery’ trip. Something to look forward to before the end of the year …
U13C CHAMPIONSHIP
Weather claims last Sunday’s semifinal….
Our U13 semifinal game scheduled for Sunday last was postponed due to the inclement weather and pitch conditions. They will now play MKL Gaels in Pat Healy Park, Ballyrickard at 6pm. this Tuesday.
Céirín Uí Rathille abú!
U14 GIRLS
We will play Annascaul/ Castlegregory in round 3 of the North Kerry league this Friday, September 29th. Throw in will be at 6.30p.m. in Castlegregory. The eircode is V92 W324
We also have a back game to play against Moyvane and have a bye in round 2. Best of luck to everyone!
U15D CHAMPIONSHIP
Strand Road triumph in rain…
Austin Stack Park was the setting last Tuesday evening as our ladies played John Mitchels in the championship final . Under heavy rain and the glimmer of a floodlit pitch , players from both teams battled valiantly , with Kerins O’ Rahillys emerging victorious with a final score of 4-06 to 2-01.
A massive congrats to everyone. Raising the trophy on the night was our proud captain Lily Breen. Well done to Lily , a true leader.
Many thanks to photographers John Walsh and Ivan Pituch who captured some fab shots on the night.
U15 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
On Tuesday, September 26th Tralee District will take on North Kerry in the District championship in Finuge pitch. Throw in will be at 6.30p.m. Best wishes to the players and coaches from our town teams.
U16 GIRLS
In round 3 of the North Kerry league we will host John Mitchels on Monday 25th at 6.30p.m. in Ballyrickard. Best of luck to the team and management.
JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP
Our ladies are back in action again this weekend after a short break in the quarter final v Fossa with an away fixture on Sunday, October 1st.
Best of luck to all involved.
CONDOLENCES
Our condolences to the family and friends of Denis ( Dee Butcher) O’ Regan, ( grandfather of our senior player Tom Hoare), Dawn Clifford ( née Ryan), Theresa Kelly ( née Murphy), Bridget Clifford Ross, Timmy Sheehan, Joan Murphy ( née O’ Sullivan) and Florry O’ Carroll.
May their souls rest in peace.
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