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Seniors Na Gaeil played Beaufort in the 2020 County Intermediate Championship Semi Final in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. Playing with the aid of a slight breeze in the first half Beaufort were quickest out of the traps with Liam Carey firing over after 30 seconds. This was immediately followed by a well worked goal from Beaufort which was finished to the net by Seán O Brien.
Fergal Hallisey converted a 40 metre free for them in the 7th minute to leave them 1-02 to no score ahead after 7 minutes of play. Na Gaeil’s first score came in the 9th minute, a converted free from the boot of goalkeeper Devon Burns. Tomás O hAiniféin scored a fine point a minute later.
Fergal Hallisey converted another free for Beaufort to leave them 4 ahead at the water break on a score line of Beaufort: 1-03; Na Gaeil: 0-02. Beaufort’s no 12 Ian McGillycuddy was black carded on the resumption for hauling down Diarmuid O’Connor and Ian McCarthy converted the resultant free. But the unerring Fergal Hallisey slotted over another free for the Mid Kerry side on 21 minutes.
Liam Carey had the ball in the back of the net for Beaufort in the 23rd minute but it was deemed to be a square ball for some reason or other, which was a let off for Na Gaeil.
Devon Burns pointed a 45 for Na Gaeil in the 25th minute. But Fergal Hallisey slotted over another free for Beaufort and followed up with a point from play. Diarmuid O’Connor made a great run through Beaufort’s defence and passed to Darragh Reen, but his shot on goal was saved by the keeper Seán Coffey. Beaufort’s last attack before the interval yielded a point which was scored by their centre half back Mike Breen to put them 6 ahead on a score line of Beaufort: 1-07; Na Gaeil: 0-04.
Beaufort again made the better start to the 2nd half putting the first two points on the scoreboard, one coming from the boot of Ronan Murphy and the other from Jonathan Kissane.
But Na Gaeil responded with two excellent points from Ian McCarthy who was by far Na Gaeil’s best forward on the day. Na Gaeil were dealt a blow when Darragh Reen had to retire injured in the 40th minute with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Darragh Carmody. Devon Burns kept Na Gaeil in the game, bringing off two excellent saves; one from Ronan Murphy and the other from Mike Breen.
At the water break Na Gaeil were still 6 points adrift with a mountain to climb. Beaufort; 1-09; Na Gaeil: 0-06.
Andrew Barry, who had a fine game throughout fired over a beauty from 40 metres in the 46th minute, but Ronan Murphy replied with a point for Beaufort. Fergal Hallisey converted yet another free for the Beaufort side followed by a converted free from Darragh Carmody for Na Gaeil. Liam Carey pointed for Beaufort on 55 minutes but Darragh Carmody converted a free at the other end for Na Gaeil. Diarmuid O’Connor, who worked his socks off all through made another great run through Beaufort’s rearguard to score a fine point for Na Gaeil. Beaufort’s Jack O’Connor had the last say when he fired over in the 58 minute.
The referee blew the final whistle and Beaufort were still ahead by 6 which was a fair reflection of their performance on the day, Final score: Na Gaeil: 0-10; Beaufort: 1-13.
It was a day when Na Gaeil can have no excuses as they never got going. They played second fiddle to Beaufort for most of the game.
They played their best football in the final quarter but it was too little, too late. However, reaching the semi final, in their first year in the Intermediate Championship is no mean achievement.
They will learn from their mistakes and know that they have a lot to work on as they prepare for the first group game in the 2021 Intermediate Championship when they take on Milltown next Sunday at 2.30pm. The venue has yet to be decided.
Team: Devon Burns(0-02), Jack Sheehan, Enda O’Connor, Damien Bourke, Kieran O’Donovan, Andrew Barry(0-01), Eoin Doody, Jack Barry, Diarmuid O’Connor(0-01), Dan O’Connor, Tomás O’hAiniféin(0-01), Eoin O’Neill, Ian McCarthy(0-03), Jamie Lowham, Darragh Reen. Subs: James O’Connor for Eoin O’Neill; Darragh Carmody(0-02) for Darragh Reen; Fergal Barry for Dan O’Connor; Niall O’Mahony for Jamie Lowham; Jack Bourke for Ian McCarthy.
U7 & U9 Our U7 and U9 players had an enjoyable Sunday morning in the sunshine when they hosted John Mitchels in Killeen. It is fantastic to see so many young players out on the pitch every Sunday morning, enjoying the social interaction and honing their football skills.
Win a House Win a house in Killarney with Kerry GAA. For €100 you could win a stunning new build A-rated 3 bedroom house superbly located just off the Park Road in Killarney. Kerry GAA is also running numerous other promotional draws throughout the fundraising campaign. The earlier you purchase your “Win a House in Killarney” ticket (or tickets!) the more draws you will be entered into. Remember all tickets purchased before the deadline for each promotional draw will entitle you to be entered into all promotional draws thereafter. Support your club and support your county. Go to kerrygaa.ie and buy your ticket today. If you’re not in you can’t win!
Sporting Chance Course Sporting Chance is a free course offering a mix of classroom and practical learning as well as work placements. The course gives you the necessary skills and qualifications necessary to get a job in the sport and leisure industry. The course is funded by the Kerry Education and Training Board. If you need additional supports to learn, have had an injury, illness or disability then the National Learning Network can help. For further information ring 0667122533 or email una.flynn@nln.ie
Lotto Our Lotto draw was held on Tuesday last August 31st. Numbers drawn were: 10, 21, 29, 30. There was no winner of the jackpot. €20 Lucky Dip winners were: Mike Griffin, Caherslee, Denis Reen, C/O Na Gaeil, Mike Roger O’Sullivan, C/O Na Gaeil, David Fitzgerald, C/O Na Gaeil and P.J. Murphy, C/O Na Gaeil. Next week’s jackpot is €5,250.
Clothes Collection There is now a Clothes Collection Bin situated in Na Gaeil car park for use by all members of the public.
