Premier Junior Championship All roads lead to Castleisland on Saturday next September 30th for the Premier Junior Championship semi final against Firies. Starting time is 5pm.
Paudie Dineen of the Kerry Co. Board presenting the Div. 3 winners’plaque to Na Gaeil Captain Kieran Dineen. Photo by Joe Hanley
County League Na Gaeil played their final county league game against Ballymacelligott on Sunday at sun drenched Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds to decide where the County League Title would go.
Seamie O’Neill opened the scoring for Na Gaeil with a good point followed by a pointed free from Darragh Carmody after a foul on Jamie Lowham. Ballymac responded with a point on 6 minutes followed by another pointed free from Darragh Carmody.
Ballymac scored their 2nd point on 15 minutes and then Jack Barry fired over one for Na Gaeil but Ballymac quickly cancelled this out with a good point of their own. Darragh Carmody pointed his 3rd free after a foul on Diarmaid Herlihy.
Jamie Lowham and Seamie O’Neill scored again for Na Gaeil to leave 4 points between the sides after 22 minutes of play. Na Gaeil seemed to be in control but Ballymac hit back with a well taken goal and a point to leave the sides level; 1-04 to 0-07.But Na Gaeil’s response was instant.
Darragh Carmody’s 45 was fielded by Jamie Lowham who rounded his marker and cooly dispatched the ball to the net. Diarmaid Herlihy had the last point of the half for Na Gaeil to leave them 4 points ahead at the break. Na Gaeil 1-08; Ballymac 1-04.
Jamie Lowham scored a point on the resumption followed by three points from Darragh Carmody : two from frees and one from play. Mike Griffin and Diarmaid Herlihy added two more for Na Gaeil before Ballymac’s Aidan Breen pointed two frees.
Diarmaid Herlihy pointed again on 20 minutes followed by another Ballymac point. Then Dan O’Connor’s sublime pass found Diarmaid Herlihy on the edge of the Ballymac square and he put the ball in the net for Na Gaeil’s 2nd goal.
Ballymac responded with a point before Jack Barry cut through the Ballymac defence to bag Na Gaeil’s 3rd goal of the game. Ballymac fired over on 28 minutes but Jamie Lowham and Dara Devine scored the last two points of the half for Na Gaeil.
Final score Na Gaeil: 3-17; Ballymac: 1-09.
This score line is not a true reflection of the game as Ballymac were very competitive all through and fought to the very end.
Congratulations to both teams on their promotion to division two next year and well done to the Ballymac club for having their pitch in such excellent condition. Na Gaeil are delighted to go up as champions and Paudie Dineen representing the County Board presented the plaque to Na Gaeil captain Kieran Dineen.
The Na Gaeil team played well as a unit and will now concentrate on the Premier Junior semi final clash with Firies on Saturday next September 30th in Castleisland at 5.00pm.
Team: Timmy Culloty, Ryan O’Neill, Kieran Dineen, Colm Lyons, Kieran Donovan, David Culloty, Andrew Barry, Jack Barry, Eoin O’Neill, Seamie O’Neill, Darragh Carmody, Eoin Walsh, Diarmaid Herlihy, Jamie Lowham, Michael Griffin. Subs: Diarmuid O’Connor for Eoin Walsh; Dan O’Connor for Eoin O’Neill; Ian McCarthy for Seamie O’Neill; Dara Devine for Mike Griffin; Jack Carmody for Darragh Carmody; Paul Daly for Colm Lyons.
Division 3 Champions Na Gaeil after their victory over Ballymacelligott on Sunday. Photo by Joe Hanley
U13 Congratulations to the Na Gaeil U13 Boys who captured the Kellihers Mills Division 2 Town League on Sunday 24th September. Na Gaeil, captained by Kieran O’Connor, defeated Churchill on a score line of 5-13 to 3-9.
The game was played in a very sporting manner, in ideal conditions at Caherslee. The boys went undefeated in the round robin league, beating St Pats, John Mitchels and Churchill along the way. All of the players put in tremendous work and effort which, added to their skills, reaped their just reward.
This was their second medal of the season, following from their success in the Lee Strand Plate. Some of the boys who are U12 also collected another medal to add to their Central Region Div.4 League win.
Na Gaeil U13 Town Board Champions after their victory over Churchill on Sunday
U10 Last Saturday we took part in the annual John Mitchel’s blitz. We had 18 players on the day and we played 4 matches. We had a tough battle with Ardfert in our first match, just getting the better of them by a point.
We followed this up with wins over St. Pats Blennerville and Castleisland Desmonds before losing to Cordal in our last game. Our panel was made up of the following players: Jamie Schumacher, Conor Lucey, Patrick Burke, Iarla O hAiniféin, Darragh Morris, Paddy McElligott, Mikey Burke, Fionn O’Brien, Fionn Daly, Pádraig Daly, John Murray, Jeaic Canty, Ruadhan Clifford, Liam Cooper, Óisín O’Carroll, Cillian Griffin, David Walsh & Ryan Sheehy.
Well done to each and every one of them as weather conditions on the day were awful at times. Thank you to John Mitchels for inviting us. On Thursday next we’ll have training at 6.15pm. Please remember that its essential that every player wears their mouth guard at all training sessions and games.
U8 Well done to the under 8 boys’ team who took part in the John Mitchel’s blitz last Saturday. Despite terrible conditions the boys delivered big performances on the day and did themselves and their club proud. No training this Thursday. Text will be sent about upcoming training and match fixtures.
U6 After a busy few weeks of matches the U6’s returned to training on Sunday last in Na Gaeil. Next Thursday will be the last midweek training for this season. Training will continue on Sunday morning as normal.
Na Gaeil Ladies Na Gaeil Ladies v Kerins O Rahillys, U12 Div 1 Town League Shield Final
We played in Ballyrickard on Friday evening in the Shield Final. Rahillys got off to a great start scoring 3 quick points.
Siun replied with our 1st point We struggled with Rahillys strength in their forward line as they scored another two points. We rallied back again with points from Caoilinn and Siun after some fine play from Priya, Roisin and Chloe.
But again Rahillys came back at us scoring another three points and a goal. We made it to half time with a lot to do but as ever with this bunch of girls, they have a never give up attitude. We started the 2nd half stronger with Niamh, Ava and Shania keeping tight to protect Elizabeth in goals.
Our half backs Grace, Aoife Barrett and Maja stopped Kerins O Rahillys getting forward as Aisling and Cara fought our way back into the game with Sorcha, Aisling and Cara getting a point each. Siun was working well with Caoilinn to get another point. Rahillys scored their only point of the 2nd half as we piled on the pressure with Aoife Hartnett, Jessie and Caoimhe coming into the team.
Haley came into goals as Elizabeth came into the centre of the field. Aoife Barrett got forward and scored a point. Eve and Katie had a couple of chances before our luck turned as we hit the crossbar, upright and the Rahillys keeper made a couple of great saves but time ran out on us and Kerins O Rahillys won by a few points. It was a great 2nd half performance from the girls, well done to all.
Team: Niamh Ryan, Ava Rice, Roisin O’Mahony, Elsie Peig Rogers, Aoife Barrett, Aisling Casey, Cara Gannon, Sorcha Casey, Caoilinn O’Brien, Siena Lucey, Aoife Hartnett, Chloe Quillinan, Grace Savage, Elizabeth Burke, Caoimhe Fernane, Jessie Grealish, Eve Broderick, Shania McCarthy, Siun Fitzgibbon, Maja Cieslak, Katie Casey, Haley Buckley, Priya O Donovan.
U16 Ladies After a couple of superb performances against Scartaglin in the quarter final and Legion in the semi final, we faced a very strong Castleisland side in the County U15 B Final in the Firies pitch last Monday evening.
This was a game that we needed our full team but unfortunately we were down a few of our older players. Caragh and Mary shared the captain’s role and we got off to a good start with Freya and Mary winning the throw in leading to an opening point by Mary in the first minute.
It did not take long for Castleisland to bounce back and they picked off three points in the next five minutes with their centre forward causing us a lot of trouble. It was noticeable from early on that they had the physical advantage over us and this was showing in the one on one challenges.
Halfway through the opening period we started to settle and with some good work on the wing Sarah was fed though by Muire and slotted over our second point. Castleisland reacted quickly winning possession from some sloppy passing by Na Gaeil worked the ball up the pitch and Aine could do nothing to prevent the goal.
The opposition dominated the next ten minutes and scored another 1-02 before Sarah pointed for our third score. Castleisland pointed twice more before the break leaving the halftime score: Castelisland 2-07; Na Gaeil 0-03.
Although the girls were down they lifted themselves for the second half and worked much harder. Our full back line of Megan, Brid, Cara/Sophie fought bravely to curtail the attacks. Further out, Eimer, Caragh and Kayleigh Murphy were getting more of the ball but we kept loosing possession as we tried to get forward.
Freya was outstanding in midfield and seemed to be everywhere to help her teammates. Ciara, Sarah and Muire were working well off each other in the half forward line but the older more physical Castleisland defence was difficult to penetrate.
Kayla, Kayleigh Costello and Emily tried their hardest on the inside forward line but Castleisland had an answer to everything that was thrown at them. Castleisland out scored us 3-3 to 0-1 in the second half although this did not reflect the girls’ performance.
We had a penalty which was saved and another ball which appeared to have gone in but was not given. These would have made the scoreboard look a bit better.
This was not our night. Congratulations to Castleisland who were impressive on the night. I am very proud of our girls. They never gave up and I know we will be back and performing to the level that I know they can. Get well soon to Dearbhla and Siena. We are a stronger team when ye are on the pitch.
Na Gaeil: Aine O’Sullivan, Megan Fernane, Brid Sinnott, Cara Grelish, Caragh O’Neill (joint capt.), Eimer Ni Shuilleabhain, Kayleigh Murphy, Mary O’Connell (joint capt.), Freya O’Connor, Muire Kingston, Sarah Barrett, Ciara Rath, Kayla O’Brien, Kayleigh Costello, Emily Crowe, Sophie Lowham, Isabelle Crowe, Wictoria Kania, Kelsey O’Mahony, Adekeana, Dearbhla Quirke and Siena Lucey
On Thursday last we played Austin Stacks in an U16 doubled up North Kerry league/Town League match.
This was a cracking game. Na Gaeil had a few players late call offs as a result we just had the bare 15 relying on a couple of younger girls to make up the team. It was a high tempo game from the off and the girls in green edged the first half.
The second half continued at the same blistering pace with play constantly transferring from one end to the other. It would be difficult to pick out one or two players from this Na Gaeil team as it was a collective effort.
The game was right in the mix until the last five minutes. Our girls having given it their all were understandably tiring. The Stacks having a number of subs brought in fresh legs to their team were able to push home at the end getting two late goals.
Our own girls were unlucky with a couple of late chances with one almost certain goal being cleared off the line. The final score A. Stacks 3–07; Na Gaeil 1–07. It should make for a great re-match as both these teams are likely to meet up again before the end of the season!
Sympathy We extend our sincere sympathy to Rory Costello (former player) ,Old Killeen Rd. on the very sad death of his wife Norah in Cork. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to Roger Harty and family on the death of his brother Tom, Caherslee, Boherbee and Castle St. May they rest in peace.
Clothes Collection There is now a Clothes Collection Bin situated in Na Gaeil car park. If anyone has bags of old clothes to dispose of please drop them in the bin. If the bin is full they can be dropped into the clubhouse. It would be much appreciated.
Na Gaeil Cycling Club Na Gaeil Cycling Club is now up and running with its summer schedule: Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm and Saturday mornings at 9am from the clubhouse. ALL ARE WELCOME, high vis essential.
Fir na Gaeil Light Football Training for Men who have retired from playing football and for those that have not played and would like to try it out. Very little skill is required. This is a great way to keep fit with light training, ball games and a bit of a laugh.
Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info. Indoor Core Training on Mondays from 7.00 to 8.00 in the gym and Friday nights from 7.30 to 8.30pm in the I.T.
Mná na Gaeil We are a Gaelic for Mothers and Others team who come together and do a bit of exercise, football training and socialising. Anyone who would like to join are most welcome, No skills are required, just a good attitude and a sense for fun. We are now doing indoor Core work for the winter on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info.
Lotto The draw for the jackpot of €3,900 took place on Tuesday evening last. Numbers drawn were 7, 14, 15, 21.There was no winner. €50 winners were T.J. Neligan, C/O Na Gaeil and John & Eileen Barry, Curraghleha East. €25 winners were Honor & Pat O’Riordan, Racecourse Lawn, Liam Culloty, C/O Na Gaeil, Josie O’Hehir, Doon and Seán Kelly, Ballydesmond. Next week’s lotto is worth €4,000. All are welcome for the draw in the club each Tuesday night at 10.30pm.
Bingo Bingo is on every Monday night at 8.30pm sharp. We have prize money of over €1,000 guaranteed every week with a mini jackpot that increases fortnightly when not won. A door prize and a half-time raffle with lovely prizes will also take place every week. A bus service is available at 087 2817577. You can ring this number for pick up and drop off. 100% of the funds raised go back directly into the club. The bingo is run on a total voluntary
basis. A huge thank you to all the parents who offer their time to run this vital fundraiser for the club. If anyone wants to donate a spot prize for our weekly bingo raffle, please leave it at use and mark it “Bingo”. Thanks to all our patrons who support this event on a weekly basis.
Cards A card game is held every Wednesday night in the clubhouse. This is a very ociable occasion where you meet your friends for a great night’s entertainment and relaxation. Everyone from novice to senior will enjoy a relaxing game of 45.
