.
Seniors:
Table topping Mid Kerry, on their home patch, were put to the pin of their collar when seeing out a 1-09 to 0-11 points win where our profligacy in front of our goal was our ultimate undoing.
We started without David Moran and Tommy Walsh but made light of the handicap when taking the game to last year’s beaten finalists.
The return of Jack Savage was a big plus and he along with Tom Hoare and Diarmuid O’Sullivan in midfield ensured a steady flow of ball to our forward sextet but a succession of missed chances from play and frees saw us trail at the short whistle by 1-04 to 0-04 points.
The Mid Kerry goal arrived in the 20th minute when Gearóid Hassett found his club mate Daire Cleary with a fisted pass and he shot high to the roof of the net. We responded well with scores from the Savage brothers, Gazza and Jack ( a “45”) before Eanna O’Connor raised the white flag for the homesters with a pointed free in the 31st minute.
Shortly after the Mid Kerry goal it looked like we were about to raise a green flag of our own when Jack won a great ball inside and instead of taking a mark he placed the overlapping Ben Hanafin with a beautiful pass but keeper Seán Coffey pulled off a stunning save.
Our defence was heroic in this first period with Con commanding at centre back and the full back line of Jake, Shane & Ross conceding little; half backs Chucky and Ben defended stoutly, using the ball to good effect and setting up many attacks.
The second half saw the introduction of Tommy at full forward with Ben being replaced in what was a tactical switch.
Tommy went on to play a huge role in proceedings pointing twice and ensured we had a physical presence in the forwards.
Tom Hoare’s free was negated by an Eanna O’Connor “45” but Jack again showed his class and composure when shooting 3 of the next four points and we were level with a quarter of an hour left – Fiachra Clifford and 2 points from Eanna O’Connor saw Mid Kerry push for home but Tommy and Jack continued to defy the odds and their minors left just the one between the sides as the clock ticked into the red.
Eanna’s final point resulted from an advantage played to Gavan O’Grady but his rising shot was superbly saved by Shane Foley – the tap over point garnered thereafter was to eventually prove to be the winning margin.
The final minutes were frantic with Mid Kerry defending in numbers ensuring there was no way through and a final attempt from Tom drifted wide of the posts.
The final whistle saw Mid Kerry progress as group winners and us exit the championship following the victory of Spa over Shannon Rangers.
The aftermath was one of huge disappointment given the display – we carried the game to our opponents, were defiant all through but the non conversion of chances proved our undoing.
We await the relegation decider now with Na Gaeil who, despite a defeat to Dingle, progress to the county championship quarter finals and hope that the injuries and niggles which deprived us of David and Darragh (McElligott) clear up ahead of this fixture.
Tonight was real championship football and we wish Mid Kerry the best for the future – we have much to be proud of, our honesty and integrity of effort evident in all of our 3 group games where a modicum of luck could very well have seen us progress to the quarter finals.
Team:
Shane Foley; Jake Foley, Shane Brosnan, Ross O’Callaghan; Ryan Carroll, Con Barrett, Ben Hanafin; Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Tom Hoare 0-1f; Gearoid Savage 0-1, Barry John Keane, Shane McElligott; Darragh O’Connor, Jack Savage 0-7 (4f, 1m, 1’45’), Conor Hayes.
Subs: Tommy Walsh 0-2 (1m) for Ben Hannifan (ht), Conor O’Sullivan for D O’Connor, 50, Paudy Griffin for G Savage, 50, Daniel Bowler for C Hayes, 55, Donagh Buckley for S Brosnan, 60
Congratulations to our former senior goalkeeper turned referee Gary Kissane who was the man in the middle when Dr Crokes and St Brendans were in opposition on Saturday last in Lewis Road in the senior county championship.
Gary only took up refereeing when he retired from senior football a couple of short years ago and has been rapidly making his way up to senior ranks with a series of fine displays at under age, junior and intermediate levels – we look forward to seeing more of him at this level in the coming years.
Lotto:
This week’s lotto will be for a jackpot of €9,000 – you can be in with your chance of winning this grand prize by purchasing a ticket at any one of our outlets ( Rock St PO, The Klub, Betty’s bar or Jimmys) or online @ the following link: Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club – Clubforce
We are constantly looking for ways to improve communications and engagement with our community and following suggestions we will now be publishing our winning numbers on social media on Monday nights with full results to be published each Tuesday – we would like to thank Geraldine and Karen for their recent engagement on this topic.
The Boy from Tralee:
We have had phenomenal interest in the Paul Galvin designed jersey and ¼ zip and are still taking orders from those interested via Messenger on Facebook or by e-mailing : secretary.kerinsorahillys.kerry@gaa.ie
We will also be in attendance on Tuesday night next, 3rd October in the Klub from 19.30-20.30 for anyone wishing to order or if you have ordered to take payment on the night. Cash and card options available.
Jerseys retail @ €30 with ¼ zips coming in @ €45.
Juveniles:
A glorious morning was had at the academy this week with the sun shining down on a very busy Ballyrickard. It was great to see so many juveniles on our pitches enjoying themselves and their coaches watching so proudly at how much each and everyone of them has improved over the year.
Next Sunday will be our academy’s last training session of the season and we will have a fun day the week after for all the juveniles to enjoy. It promises to be a lovely morning with fun games and treats for all to enjoy. More details will be sent out through clubzap to all groups.
U6 girls with coach.
Our U5, U7 Boys and U6, U8 and U10 Girls enjoyed their training sessions on a sunny Sunday morning with their coaches. Each group could be heard enjoying themselves as they practiced their skills and played games to show how much they have developed their skills over the year. Our U10 girls travel to Camp next Saturday evening to play Annascaul in a friendly game.
U9 boys v Churchill
U9 Boys – The sun graced the skies over Ballyrickard on Sunday morning as our U9 Boys hosted Churchill. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic family members and supporters lining the sidelines, creating an ideal backdrop for two exciting games of football.
Both teams showcased excellent football skills and sportsmanship. These young lads are shining examples of the spirit of juvenile football. We extend our thanks to Churchill for traveling in and wish them all the best as the season end draws near.
Our U11 boys enjoyed another jam packed session practicing their skills through various drills and putting them to work in games against each other to finish off. They will welcome Dr. Crokes to Ballyrickard next Sunday morning
Our victorious U13 boys who are Double Central League Champions enjoyed their awards and medal presentation night last Wednesday in The Klub.
Each of the boys were presented with their medals from our very own David Moran. Also on the night Ben Pierce was named Player of the year, Rian Tuohy was awarded Young player of the year and Evan Mccarthy was awarded most improved player.
This group is a credit to our club, their coaches and their parents. Well done to all involved, enjoy the well deserved break.
Huge congratulations and best wishes from everyone in the Juvenile Academy to one of our U11Coaches Declan Quill who has been ratified along with Darragh Long as managers for the Kerry Senior Ladies for 2024.
Nótaí na mBan:
There’s no time for sitting on the couch just yet as the hustle and bustle of football continues…There are more matches to come yet to whet your appetites with a few of the age groups still playing competitive games.
U12 GIRLS
Next Saturday, October 7th we will host a fun blitz in Pat Healy Park, Ballyrickard. It should be an enjoyable morning of games with local teams participating.
U13C CHAMPIONSHIP
This was the last game our U13s were to play last Tuesday in 2023’s championship…
The game started a little after 6pm. In what was only a perfect evening for football after the bad weather we had a few days beforehand. Our opponents MKL Gaels had given up their home advantage because of not having a pitch available.
Despite the heavy rainfall earlier in the week at Pat Healy Park’s pitch, Ballyrickard was in superb condition which contributed to a great game of football.
The game was very close throughout, both defences were on top and every score was hard earned.
Final Score
Kerins O’ Rahillys 3-01
MKL Gaels 1-08
It was a very disappointing finish for our players, management and supporters…
Well done to everyone on the night, we are very proud of each and everyone of you!
U13 DISTRICT
Next Saturday sees round 1 of the U13 District championship commence when Tralee have home advantage and will play South Kerry.
Best wishes to all players from the Tralee teams and management.
U14 GIRLS
The U14s travelled to Castlegregory last Friday to play Annascaul / Castlegregory in the North Kerry league.
The hosts came away with the spoils on the night.
This Wednesday, they will make the short journey out to the Spa pitch to play Churchill. Throw in will be at 6p.m.
Best of luck to everyone!
U15 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
Well done to the U15 Tralee players who had a great win against North Kerry in the U15 District Quarter Final in Finuge last Tuesday.
This Tuesday at 7pm. in John Mitchels they will play St. Kierans in the semifinal.
Best wishes to everyone!
U16 GIRLS
Last Monday evening our U16s hosted John Mitchels in round 3 of the division 2 North Kerry league.
The home side started very strong and set the scene by registering the first few scores . The girls from Mitchels gave it their all but couldn’t catch up. Best wishes to Mitchels in the remainder of the league.
In round 4 we are away to Beale on Monday, October 2nd.
Best wishes to the team and management.
SENIOR LADIES
JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
Hard luck to our senior team and management who bowed out of the Championship last Sunday on a beautiful October afternoon in Glenflesk.
It was a great match against a spirited Fossa side but it just wasn’t to be for our ladies..
Well done on a great year of football.
Final Score:
Fossa 2-13
Kerins O’ Rahillys 1-07
Best wishes to Fossa who now progress to the semi final stages.
CONGRATS
Congrats to Declan Quill along with Darragh Long who have been ratified as Kerry Senior Ladies managers for 2024.
Best wishes for the year ahead .
CONDOLENCES
Our condolences to the families and friends of Breda Moynihan ( née Foley), Marie Heaslip ( née Finn), Patrick ( Patsy) Lenihan, Mary Slattery ( née O’ Donnell), Tony Casey, Anne Hickey and Bill Doody.
May their souls rest in peace.
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