.
Stefan Okunbor in action in the Intermediate Championship quarter final between Na Gaeil and Ballydonoghue in Killeen on Sunday.
Intermediate Championship
Na Gaeil will play Castleisland Desmonds in the Intermediate Championship football semi final on Saturday next, October 16th in Austin Stack Park at 7pm. Do come out and support the team in their bid to reach the final in this competition.
Seniors
Na Gaeil played Ballydonoghue in the quarter final of the Intermediate Championship in Killeen on Sunday. Conditions were ideal and the pitch was in good shape despite the recent rain. Stefan Okunbor made a welcome return to the Na Gaeil starting fifteen after spending two years in Australia with Geelong Cats.
Diarmuid O’Connor opened the scoring for Na Gaeil after 3 minutes of play with a fine point from 30 metres out on the right wing. Both sides had a number of wides but on 9 minutes a Paul Kennelly free dropped short into the Na Gaeil square. The defence failed to deal with it and it broke out to Jack Kennelly.
He kicked it low along the ground into the right hand corner of the Na Gaeil net, giving goalkeeper Devon Burns no chance. Then on the quarter hour mark Diarmuid O’Connor made good ground down the right wing and in along the end line.
He passed the ball across to the in rushing Dan Goggin and he finished it left footed to the Ballydonoghue net. Darragh Carmody followed up with a point on 18 minutes to leave the home side ahead at the water break on a scoreline of 1-02 to 1-0.Unfortunately Stefan Okunbor cried off with an injury shortly after the re-start and he was replaced by Kieran O’Donovan.
Na Gaeil played their best football in the 2nd quarter and totally dominated in all sectors. They scored the next four points on the trot through Jack Barry, Diarmuid O’Connor, Dan Goggin and Darragh Carmody. Half time score: Na Gaeil: 1-06; Ballydonoghue: 1-0.
Na Gaeil were well on top in this half also but found it difficult to turn possession into scores. Devon Burns was wide from a 45 metre free and Andrew Barry blasted wide after a great run through the middle of the Ballydonoghue defence.
Jack Kennelly pointed for the North Kerry side after 5 minutes play. But the impressive Diarmuid O’Connor pointed for Na Gaeil 2 minutes later. Paul Kennelly scored for Ballydonoghue at the other end before the referee blew for the second water break.
Na Gaeil were five points ahead at this stage on a scoreline of 1-07 to 1-02. Ballydonoghue had a player red carded with 17 minutes gone in the half which didn’t help their cause but they battled right to the end. Diarmuid O’Connor slotted over his fourth point of the afternoon with five minutes of normal time left.
But Ballydonoghue never gave up and scored the next two points through Jim Cremin and Paul Kennelly. Diarmuid O’Connor had the final say scoring a good point five minutes into added time to increase his tally to five for the afternoon. Final score: Na Gaeil: 1-09; Ballydonoghue: 1-04.
While it wasn’t a game for the purists, a win is a win and Na Gaeil were always on top in this encounter. They now look forward to a semi final clash with Castleisland Desmonds on Saturday next, October 16th at 7pm in Austin Stack Park. We wish them, the best of luck.
Team: Devon Burns, Eoin Doody, Niall O’Mahony, Damien Bourke, Fergal Barry, Andrew Barry, Enda O’Connor, Jack Barry(0-01), Diarmuid O’Connor(0-05), Stefan Okunbor, Dan Goggin(1-01), James O’Connor, Tomás O’hAiniféin, Jamie Lowham, Darragh Carmody(0-02). Subs: Kieran O’Donovan for Stefan Okunbor; Eoin Walsh for Tomás O’hAiniféin; Kieran Dineen for James O’Connor; Jack Bourke for Jamie Lowham; Jack Sheehan for Dan Goggin.
U11
Our U11 boys were away to Legion on Sunday afternoon. We fielded three teams and proved very strong for our opposition.
Na Gaeil Race Night
Na Gaeil Annual Night at the Races takes place virtually and on Facebook Live at the clubhouse, on Friday November 19th. The event follows on from our first virtual race night last December, which was a huge success. This year we plan to build on that by making the event bigger, better and even more exciting and entertaining. We will have a great night of racing action with the Na Gaeil Gold Cup and a first prize of €1,000, a feature event. Now we want to give you the chance of owning a horse in our races on the night. By a horse for yourself or form a Racing Syndicate with your family and friends to be in with a chance of winning some great cash prizes. There will be prizes for the best dressed lady and gent, along with some special guest interviews. Race horses are priced at €50 each. Here is your chance to be part of probably the best virtual and live race night yet. All monies raised will go back into the running of the club at all levels. We look forward to your support.
Congrats
Congratulations to Seán Herlihy and Kathryn Nolan who were married in Killarney on Thursday. We wish them all the best in their future life together.
Bingo
Na Gaeil Bingo Committee is delighted to announce the return of our popular bingo every Monday night at Na Gaeil Clubhouse, at the earlier starting time of 8pm. We have Split the Bucket on the night also. Masks have to be worn entering and attending Bingo and proof of Covid Vaccine has to be shown to committee members. Social distancing must be observed at all times. A bus service to and from the bingo is available. Just ring 087 281 7577.
Sympathy
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Lucey family on the sad passing of Emmett Lucey, Liosdara, Oakpark. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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!
Lotto
Our Lotto draw was held on Tuesday last, October 5th in the clubhouse at 9.30pm. Numbers drawn were: 1, 14, 23, 31. There was no winner of the jackpot. €20 Lucky Dip winners were Pat & Geraldine McLoughlin, Ethan Connery, Sorcha Ní Shúilleabháin, Michael Forrest and Derek & Lorna Houlihan. Next week’s jackpot is €5,500.
Clothes Collection
There is now a Clothes Collection Bin situated in Na Gaeil car park for use by all members of the public.
