County Championship:
St Brendans, comprising ourselves, Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, St Pats, Ardfert & Churchill proved too strong for a resolute South Kerry side in the opening round of the county senior football championship.
We were very well represented with 8 starters along with Austin Stacks, 5 with one player each from John Mitchels and Ardfert.
In addition, Kerry U20 panelists Ben Hanafin and Darragh O’Connor were on the substitutes bench.
The game was a tame enough affair with both sides tied at the break on 0-05 each, Jack Savage contributing 4 points and David Moran with the first point from play – Jack’s third point was the pick of the bunch, a sweet strike off his left into the Mitchels end.
The second half saw St Brendans take greater control and ahead on 0-07 to 0-06, Tomás Kennedy fired a low shot goalwards and though saved, Jack was following up and found the net with a low drive to the corner.
Thereafter, St Brendans controlled the game and ran out worthy winners on a final score line of 1-16 to 0-13 – Jack contributed 1-06, Barry John 0-02, David Moran 0-01, Tomás Kennedy 0-01.
Team:
M Tansley (Austin Stacks); C Griffin (do), J Nagle (do), J Foley (Kerins O’Rahillys; C Barrett (Kerins O’Rahillys), D Casey (Austin Stacks), P White (John Mitchels); D Moran (Kerins O’Rahillys), T Hoare (do); T Kennedy (do), J Savage (do), D Kirby (Austin Stacks); O Ferris (Ardfert), T Walsh (Kerins O’Rahillys), B J Keane (do).
Subs: P Lane (Stacks) for D Kirby ( 34), C Holden (John Mitchel’s) for P Lane (49), M O’Donnell (Austin Stacks) for T Walsh (54), D O’Sullivan (Churchill) for BJ Keane (58), F O’Brien (St Pats) for T Hoare (60)
Brendans no doubt will be happy with this first outing and when one considers that they will be bolstered by the presence of Armin Heinrich, Joe O’Connor and Jack O’Shea they can look forward to the next round with confidence.
The draw for the next round sees St Brendans travel to St Kierans, awaiting venue and date, next weekend.
McElligott Cup:
We made our exit from the Barrett Cup in Castleisland on Sunday when a last quarter capitulation saw Desmonds hit 1-06 without reply to run out convincing winners by 6 points, 1-17 to 2-08.
We were in control in the first half through the good play of Australia bound Seán Collins at centre back, Fenton Collins at midfield and Conor Hayes at centre forward; there was plenty to like about our forward play with good interpassing between Conor O’Sullivan, Sam McCarthy and Conor Hayes which resulted in two green flags courtesy of Gearóid Meehan and Conor O’Sullivan – Conor was unlucky to not add a third goal when his shot was saved on the line.
In defence our full back line of Stephen Nix, Rory Molloy and Sam Pituch stood out and yielded little to their opponents.
The second half began in similar fashion and by the mid way point, both sides had added 4 points each to leave us leading by 3 points, 2-08 to 0-11.
However, we began to tire as Desmonds introduced some fresh legs and were losing the important battles all over the pitch – Desmonds tacked on some fine scores and when their goal arrived, it spelled the end of our campaign.
It was a disappointing outcome in the end but we would like to wish Desmonds all the best as they progress to the semi finals.
Today’s game signalled the end of Seán Collins in a Strand Road jersey for the foreseeable future as he departs for Perth on Tuesday – we would like to wish him a safe journey and every success in pastures new.
Mark Fitzgerald:
Mark announced on Friday last that he was stepping down as Clare senior bainisteoir to take up a position with Tomás O’Sé on the Kerry U20 team. We wish Mark all the best for 2025.
ClubZap:
ClubZap is where you will find all the latest news, results and fixtures for all areas of the club, male or female, senior to under age. If you have not downloaded the app to your phone go to the App Store, download the app and input Kerins O’Rahillys as your chosen club – from here you will be able to play our lotto online, scan the latest news and keep in touch with all that’s happening.
Lotto:
Our club lotto has reached its highest ever jackpot figure now @ €14,000 – whilst the jackpot is the focus at the moment, the weekly sales of tickets are vital to the running costs of the club.
We thank you for your support which is greatly appreciated.
Juvenile Academy:
Juvenile academy continued Sunday morning as usual for all age groups in attendance. It was great to see such high numbers in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a fun filled session with their coaches while learning key skills as well.
U11 Boys:
Our U11s made the journey across town to Connolly Park Thursday evening. Well done to both our teams who showed great skill, heart and determination in both games. Thanks to Austin Stacks for having us.
U13 Boys:
Our U13 B team came up just a little short Sunday against a very high quality John Mitchels B team in the Central Region Division 7 Final on a score line of 3-14 to 2-08. The progress this group has made is their real achievement this year making a County League final and a Central Region final.
We are super proud of you all; just a mention for Aaron O Sullivan who was our top performer on the day and a special thanks to the five U11 players who have been a credit to the club all year.
Well done everyone. This wraps up our 2024 season for our B Team, thanks to everyone for their dedication to training and games throughout the year and thank you to their parents and families for their continued support.
Our U13 A team has a Town League Division 2 final next Sunday 22nd v Ardfert A and a Central Region Division 2 Final the following Sunday 29th September.
Ladies Notes:
U12 Girls:
Our u12s made the trip back to Rathmore Wednesday night for their last county league game. We fell behind in the first quarter but the girls came back out fighting with super work from our midfielders who fed the ball to our forwards and produced some fine finishing making it a very close game. Thanks to Rathmore for having us.
The management team would like to take this opportunity in saying it has been a pleasure to work with some talented young footballers who gave their all week in week out.
It’s great to see how fantastic the girls have improved in every game with a fine winning streak for weeks on end. We are so proud of each and everyone one of them for giving us some great days out. We would also like to thank their parents and family members for their support on the sidelines for every game, it’s great to see and I’m sure the girls loved having you there.
It’s been an excellent 2024 for u12s girls
U13 Girls:
Our u13 girls played out a closely-fought and highly entertaining County Championship tie away to Rathmore on Sunday. Despite leading for most of the game, we eventually lost by a single point. Our girls can hold their heads up high though, having played so well throughout. Lexi Keane got some incredible goals, Hannah O’Sullivan had a brilliant game at wing back and Aisling Donnelly was outstanding at cornerback.
Ava O’Donoghue had another fine game at corner forward and never stopped running until the final whistle, while Sophie Constable and Aoibhinn Corridon were as tenacious as always. Hard luck girls – but we are proud of every one of you for a great day’s performance, despite the result. Final score Rathmore 4-6, Kerins O’Rahillys 3-8
U14 Girls:
Our Kerins O’Rahillys U14 team played Annascaul/Castlegregory in the North Kerry League in Ballyrickard Thursday evening. We were neck and neck with the West Kerry girls for much of the first half, but the superior scoring power of the visitors saw them win. We extend our best wishes to Niamh Lynch for a speedy recovery, and hope to have Taylor Kate Leane back in the blue jersey before too long. Well done to all our players for fighting right up to the final whistle. Our next game is against Na Gaeil.
U15 Girls:
We are away to Cromane in the U15s Championship Quarter Final; throw in is at 6.30pm in Glenbeigh. All support is welcome.
U16 Girls:
Well done to our U16 Girls who were at home in the North Kerry Final v Listowel Emmets Wednesday Evening. Fiadh McCarthy was the captain for the game. It was a very challenging game with both teams hungry for the win. After a tough battle it ended in a draw, 3-5 to 2-8. Replay details to follow.
They also celebrated Aoifes birthday at Training on Tuesday evening. Happy Birthday Aoife.
Condolences:
We extend our deepest sympathies to Shirley Doody and family on the death of her mother Elizabeth Kelliher – ar dheis go raibh a hanam.
Your Club, your voice:
As always, we would like to hear from you with any items of interest or suggestions you may have – you can send a message via Messenger on Facebook or contact us on the club phone on 085 2095001.