Minors. Our minor team played Ballymac on Sunday last and came out short in a very entertaining contest on a score line of 4-11 to 3-10.

After trailing by 8 points at half time, we rallied to show great character and levelled the match on 60 minutes only to concede a late point and goal in the last kick of the game.

Ballymac took advantage of their subs in the closing stages when our 13 man squad had given their all. We play Moyvane/Tarbert on Friday at home at 5pm so hopefully with a few more lads back, we should have more luck. A special word of appreciation to Jason Mortimer and Ciaran Murry from the under 16 squad who lined out and especially the latter who kept us in the game throughout.

Juveniles. The Juvenile Academy continued last Sunday and there was a great turnout once again. Training will continue next Sunday at 11am in the pitch in the Spa. The U6, U8 and U10’s will be taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tralee on Thursday. Details and meeting arrangements will be sent to parents of juveniles by text and email prior to the day.

Seniors. The Senior team begin the Co League away to Firies this Sunday 20th March at 2pm. It is important to get off to a good start so please come along to support the team.

Churchill vs St. Senans 26/9/15

Churchill 0-7 St. Senans 1-10

Churchill were well beaten by St. Senans in their penultimate Co. League game last Saturday. In a game where Churchill just couldn’t seem to get going, St. Senans were able to use their possession better and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Churchill scoring was sporadic through the first half, with Conor Daly the main threat scoring 3 points from play.

Half Time: Churchill 0-5 St. Senans 0-7

St Senans were first to score in the second half and stretched their lead to four points. They then got the goal that killed the goal, though there was more than a touch of fortune about it, as the ball ricocheted about the small square, before rebounding off a Churchill player into the net. That was the security St. Senans needed, who then withdrew most of their players behind the ball and made it very hard for Churchill to penetrate the defence. All Churchill had to show for their efforts were twqo pointed frees from Mike O’Brien. As St. Senans prepare for life in Division 3 next year, Churchill are now in a relegation dog-fight to avoid the last relegation place for the drop to Diviusion 5. They now have a must-win final game against Firies to secure their Division 4 status for next year.

Full Time: Churchill 0-7 St Senans 1-10

Congrats

Pride of place this week goes to Mikey Brennan on winning his second All-Ireland Junior medal with Kerry last Saturday in Croke Park after their victory against Mayo. Well done to Mikey and the rest of the team and to Stephen Wallace and his selectors.

Co. League Div 4.

Churchill 0-7 Ballydonoghue 1-14

Churchill were comprehensively beaten by Ballydonoghue last Sunday, though the scoreline probably doesn’t do justice to the Churchill team’s performance. The match was high on commitment and intensity but low on quality, and it tended to boil over at times, not helped by some controversial refereeing decisions.  Tempers even boiled over on the sideline at one stage, as the match was delayed by over 5 minutes in the second half while peace was restored.

Ballydonoghue, playing with the aid of a strong breeze, were first on the scoreboard with a free after 5 minutes, which they followed up with a point from play after a Churchill pass out of defence was intercepted. Ger McCarthy got Churchill off the mark, when he converted a free after Cillian Fitzgerald was brought down when through on goal.

Unfortunately, that was to be Fitzgerald’s last meaningful contribution as he had to retire with a shoulder injury soon after. Things went from bad to worse for Churchill, as they lost Cathal Rogers to a straight red card soon after.

These were two hammer blows for Churchill, from which they never recovered. Between then and half-time, Ballydonogue added on 7 more points, with their full-forward being Churchill’s tormentor in chief. Churchill weren’t helped by ill-discipline which resulted in the referee bringing a number of frees forward and making them far easier to convert.

Up front, Churchill played well against a stiff breeze, but most attacks resulted in shots dropping into the goalkeeper’s arms. Ivan Parker did manage to add a good point before half-time to give Churchill a glimmer of hope.

Half Time: Churchill 0-2 Ballydonoghue 0-9

The second half resumed in much the same fashion as the first half, when the Ballydonoghue full-forward fired over after 30 seconds.  Ger McCarthy pulled one back for Churchill after Parker was fouled.

The match was evened up in terms of numbers when Ballydonoghue were reduced to 14 men, when their corner back got his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Ballydonogue kept the scoreboard ticking over with two more points, which Churchill cancelled out with another free from McCarthy and a good point from play after 15 minutes from Des McCarthy, on as a sub for Ivan Parker. From then until the 28th minute of the second half, neither side scored, as the match became very niggly.

Mikey Brennan, fresh from his All-Ireland victory the previous day, tried hard and following a storming run from midfield, his shot was excellently saved by the Ballydonoghue keeper. That was to be Churchill’s last chance, as Ballydonoghue added 1-2 as the clock ticked down with a sole free from McCarthy in response.

Next up for Churchill is a home match against table-toppers Scartaglin this weekend, which has now become a must-win game if we are to have any hope of promotion to Div 3.

Full Time: Churchill 0-7 Ballydonoghue 1-14

Churchill: Paul O’Sullivan, Mitchell Holland, Shane Crowley, JJ Prior, Ivan Parker (0-1), Garett Walsh, Cathal Rogers, Mikey Brennan, Jack O’Connell, Brian Hill, Cillian Fitzgerald, Keith Rolls, Peadar Stack, Ger McCarthy (0-5, all frees), Ciaran Crowley

Subs used: Des McCarthy (0-1), Chris Hurley, Matt Finnerty, Shane Kenny

Next Match:

Churchill vs Scartaglin in Churchill at 2pm on Sunday 16th August. Please come out and support the team.

Juveniles:

Well done to all Juveniles who played challenge matches last weekend, including the U-10s who hosted Tarbert in the New Pitch in Churchill. Four quarters of 10 minutes were played in an 11-a-side format, to give all players match time. Churchill acquitted themselves very well. Having lost the first quarter playing into a stiff breeze against a skilful Tarbert team, they ran out winners in the remaining 3 quarters, displaying some great teamwork and skills. Thanks to Tarbert for travelling out to us.

Training as usual for the U-10s on Wednesday @ 7pm – look out for texts from mentors for other age groups.

Co. League Division 4:

Churchill had their first win of the County League campaign with a well deserved victory over Lispole in Lispole last Sunday on a scoreline of 2-14 to 0-12.

Churchill went two points up after 4 minutes with points from play by Brian Hill and the impressive Conor Daly, but by the 11th minute, Lispole had scored 3 points of their own from play to lead for the only time in the game.

Play-maker Ivan Parker began to dominate the game and set up scores for others as he sacrificed his own scoring game for the good of the team. The crucial period of the first half came in the next 3 minutes when Churchill added 2 further points from play from Conor Daly and a goal from the boot of Cillian Fitzgerald.

Lispole added another from play after 16 minutes to leave the score at Churchill 1-4 to Lispole 0-4. Before half-time, Churchill were to add four more points to Lispole’s two and these came from Conor Daly (2), Cillian Fitzgerald and a brilliantly struck 45 from Ger McCarthy. Half time Churchill 1-8 Lispole 0-6.

It was going to be interesting to see how Churchill were going to set up for the second half playing against a strong wind.

Lispole were first out of the blocks and by the 6th minute had 3 points on the board but by the halfway stage, Churchill had steadied the ship with points from play by Daly (2) and Fitzgerald to leave the score Churchill 1-11 to Lispole 0-9.

The turning point of the half came in the 17th minute with a goal from Ger McCarthy. Both teams added 3 points each to leave the full time score Churchill 2-14 to Lispole 0-12.

This was an excellent  performance by the players and a great turn around by management. after their disappointing opening match. It sets us up nicely for our Junior Championship Match vs Na Gaeil in our new pitch next Sunday.

Junior Championship:

Churchill vs Na Gaeil  @ 2pm in Churchill (New Pitch) Sunday 19th April.

A large attendance is requested to support the team as we kick off our Junior Championship campaign in the first ever competitive game in our new pitch.

Juveniles:

Despite the inclement weather, there was a great attendance to U6, U8, and U10 training in The Spa last Sunday. Thanks to everyone who attended and remember – keep practising! Training as usual next Sunday – mentors will be in touch via text.

The seniors will play Lispole away in the third round of the County league on Sunday April 12th at 2pm.

The lotto of jackpot 1450 euro was not won. The numbers drawn were 7, 19, 22, 28. The lucky dip winners were £50 David Rolls, £25 Sean Brick Barrow,Ellen Murphy Fenit,Daniel Doyle Fenit.

Next draw of jackpot £1500 will take on Friday night the 17th April at 10pm in the West End Bar Fenit.

On Thursday night last, the ladies in the club ran a very enjoyable Fashion and Fun Show up in Ballyroe. A huge crowd attended on the night. A huge thanks to all the kids and adults who modelled on the night. The club are very grateful to all the shops who supplied it with clothes on the night and to our generous sponsers.

We would like to thank the committee led by Jed O’Connor, his wife Kathryn whose idea the night was, Tracy O’Sullivan, Kathy o Brien, Julie Brosnan, and Helen Parker from C.H. and to anybody else who help on the night.

This is the first of many events to help celebrate our centenary and raise money towards the builing of dressing rooms in the new field.

On Monday last myself and the secretary travelled to Cullen in Cork to follow our quiz team compete in the Jamie Wall Fundraiser. Jamie is just 24 years of age and is confined to a wheelchair.

He is a former Cork hurler and football. We thought this would be a good work out for the team as they go for back to back All-Irelands up in City West Hotel in Dublin on the 25th April.

They came out winners on the night with a huge score of 94 points and their nearest rival were on 89. The team were Paul Culloty,John Flaherty,Alex o Donnell and Michael Gaynor.

Churchill Under 12’s

It’s a busy week for the Churchill Under 12’s boys and girls. They played their first challenge game against St. Pats Blennerville Tuesday evening. Everyone played a great game in much needed match practice ahead of the county league (check out club website for match report).

On Thursday evening, former Kerry player, and qualified County Board Juvenile trainer, Micheal Quirke will put them through their paces with an invaluable training session which will stand to them all before their opening County League game away to Kilgarvan this Sunday Evening. Game is at 6pm. Please come along and support the players and management team of Ciaran Moore (0873973675), Padraig Walsh, Brendan Kelly and Ciaran Murphy.

County League Under 12 Fixtures: 12/04 Kilgarvan (Away), 19/04 Dingle (Home), 26/04 Ballyheigue (A), 03/05 Beaufort (A), 10/05 Rathmore (H). All games throw in at 6pm on Sunday evenings. Come along and support the team.

Bakesale/Coffee Morning:

The Bakesale / Coffee Morning in aid of Special Olympics Ireland being held by Ciaran Moore, Fenit, which was postponed two weeks ago, will now take place this Sunday 12^th April between 10:00am and 2:00pm in Fenit Parish Centre. There will be a large variety of homemade baking, desserts, tea, coffee and other refreshments available with plenty of room to sit down for a chat with fellow friends and neighbours over a cuppa and slice of cake, or simply take some home with you. Raffle with fantastic prizes also. For any enquiries, or if you would like to donate some baking phone Ciarán (0873973675)

Quiz

Congratulations to the Spa Fenit Barrow Under 14 Community Games Quiz team who came second in the County Quiz Final in Castleisland last weekend Having scored a massive 93 points out of 100, the team were pipped by one point in tie breaker round against an equally impressive Kilcummin side.

Team manager Tom Crowley must have been very proud of his charges for doing so well and coming so close to gold. The team members were Danny Sheehy, Joseph Linehan, Sinéad O Donnell, Brian Hamilton, Darragh O Connor & Eoghan Walsh. Well done to all involved!

Clean Up

The annual county clean up day facilitated by KWD Recycling takes place once again on Saturday 18th April.

Over the past 3 years volunteers have cleaned the roadways in the parish ensuring that The Spa was clean of alllitter and debris.

Organised by Joe Carey, he is hoping that his usual group of volunteers are available while also looking for newpeople to come on board.

He is particularly looking for the following areas to be covered: from Blackpool Cross to Ballygarran Cross, Ballygarran Cross Churchill,; Lisodigue to Listrim Cross; Blackpool Area, Blackpool Cross to Oyster Hall,  Slieve Rd to Scrahan Cross, Scrahan Cross to Ballygarran Cross.

If you have anytime available I would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact Joe Carey 086 846 2940 and he will supply you with recycling bags.

I would like to thank Jim of the Oyster Tavern for allowing us to store the rubbish bags for collection.

If you are not in a position to volunteer at this time we would ask you to at least consider keeping the area around your own property free of litter.

GAA

A beautiful mass was said by Fr. Eamonn for the club.

A big thanks to Regina Dolan for organising, to Dave Buckley for organising the music with the children,and to Anne Daughton and Fr. Eamonn.

Lotto of Jackpot 1,000 euro will be held in the Tankard on Friday night the 28th Nov. @ 10p.m.

The agm of the club will be held on Tuesday the 9/12/14 ‘ 8p.m.in the Centre. Nomination can be got from secretary Tracy O’Sullivan and must be returned by 12 midnight on Thursday the 4th Dec.

The hampers began on Sunday night in the Oyster and the winners were 1st Phil and Shelia Healy, 2nd Larry and Margaret Murphy and 3rd David Burke and P.J. Higgins.

The highlight of the night was when Mark was presented with a cake to celebrate his birthday. Cards continue on Sunday night @ 9.30p.m.

Fundraiser

A big night of music was held on Sunday night in the West End Bar Fenit in aid of Motor Neurone and the Hospice.Many local musican to part on the night.Again a big thanks to Byran,Marie and Dan for organising.

GAA

Div 4 Co. League – Churchill 1-7 Cordal 0-10

Churchill welcomed Cordal to The Spa on Saturday night in a ‘must-win’ game for both teams to maintain their push for promotion.

The home team were boosted by Ivan Parker’s return to the Churchill forward line, having missed the last few games due to his involvement with the victorious Kerry Minor team.

However, Churchill were missing a number of other regulars and struggled in the early part of the game. Cordal had two points on the board before Churchill got off the mark, with a point from Parker, following good work by Garrett Walsh.

Parker was again on the scoresheet after 13 minutes and Churchill took the lead when Benny Dillon pointed a free following a foul on Cillian Fitzgerald (who was well shackled throughout the match by the Cordal full-back). Cordal immediately replied with two good points from play.

In the 21st minute, Fitzgerald, on one of the few occasions he managed to get free from his marker, rattled the crossbar with a thunderous shot, but the ball rebounded into play.

Dillon levelled matters with a free after 24 minutes and Ciaran Crowley got the last score of the half with a fine point from play, following good build up work from Cathal Rogers.

Half Time: Churchill 0-5 Cordal 0-4

Churchill needed to up the intensity in the second half, but it was Cordal who got the opening score, when their full-forward volleyed over the bar following a dangerous ball into the square.

Dillon restored Churchill’s advantage with another pointed free and after 7 minutes, Parker had a fine point from the right wing after some great blocking by the Churchill forwards.

Cordal were soon level again, as they showed great ability to respond to Churchill scores. In the 21st minute, Churchill looked to have made the breakthrough that was needed when a brilliant through ball from Mark O’Connor found Benny Dillon on the run and he finished to the net with authority.

With a 3 point lead and 7 minutes to go, Churchill should have been able to close out the game. Once again, Cordal came storming back and in a 4 minute spell before the end, they got 3 points to level the match once again. With time running out, both teams had a chance for a winner.

First, Cordal had a long range free, but their ‘keeper failed to find the range. With Churchill’s next attack, the ball was worked to Parker but his shot on the run drifted wide. That was to be the last action, as the referee blew for full-time.

For the second time in as many matches, a draw was the outcome when a win was required.

Three scores in 30 minutes was a very poor return but, in truth, Churchill failed to use their two man full-forward line of Parker and Fitzgerald to good effect, taking too much time on the ball, when a quick ball may well have paid dividends.

Promotion to Division 3 is still mathematically possible, but it requires both teams above us to lose their final game, while we need to beat Castlegregory away in our last game. Hope springs eternal.

Full time: Churchill 1-7 Cordal 0-10

Churchill: E O’Brien, PJ O’Mahony, Shane Crowley, Matt Finnerty, Cathal Rogers, Garrett Walsh, Ciaran Moynihan, Mikey Brennan, Ciaran Crowley (0-1), Dara O’Shea, Mark O’Connor, Benny Dillon (1-3), Ivan Parker (0-3), Cillian Fitzgerald, Noel Dillon
Subs: Sean Brennan for PJ O’Mahony (HT); Chris Hurley for Ciaran Moynihan (41 minutes); Brian Hill for Dara O’Shea (52 minutes)

FENIT PARISH HALL

1. Language and play programme at 10.30 – 12.30 on mondays will be back on the 13th Oct. (funded and taught by HSE & its free course for parent and carers of children from 0-3) contact Mary Browne on 086 3048650

2. Scouts classes on Thursdays 7pm-9pm

3. Fenit Craft Circle 10am-1pm on Wednesdays – contact Catherine Spangler on 087 2836255

4. Bowling 7pm-9pm on Tuesdays – contact Pat O’Mahony on 0860566260

5. Pilates 10-12pm on Fridays with Emer Clifford contact her on 0872261057

6. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (beginners and intermediate fitness classes) with Trina Wallace on mondays 10 – 11, wednesdays 6.30pm – 7.30pm, saturdays 10 -1.30pm (Gymnastic, Dance) contact her on 087 288 2697

7. Parent and Toddler on Tuesdays at 10:30 – 12:30 contact Mary Browne on 086 3048650

8. Irish Dancing mondays 6;30-8pm contact Micheal Murphy on 087 2133866

9. Zumba with Jerry on mondays 8pm – 9pm all welcomed contact Jerry on 0872400782

10. Yoga 3pm – 4pm on thursdays (for kids) and weds 9:15 -10:15 (for adults) with Amanda Friel 0871612795

11. Arts starting on the 7th Oct. 2014 (for 8wks) on Tuesdays with J.J. Sheehy 0872395438

12. Feetfirst specialist coming soon in Oct to xmas.

Churchill vs Knocknagoshel Co. League

Churchill 2-9 Knocknagoshel 0-11

They say goals win games and this was never more true than last Saturday night in Knocknagoshel, where a weakened Churchill team put up a resilient performance in defeating the home team.

Short a number of regulars, the Churchill team showed great spirit in grinding out a victory. Churchill played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half and Benny Dillon opened the scoring with a free.

Knockagashel took control of the game after this and went ahead with a couple of frees of their own and a point from play. After 15 minutes, Churchill managed to put a good move together and this was finished in fine style with a point by Cillian Fitzgerald, just recently returned from the U.S.

On 21 minutes, Ciaran Crowley was put through on goal and he blasted over the bar, when a goal was on. Four minutes later, Mark O’Connor, who worked tirelessly all night, scored a great point from play from the right wing, after forcing a Knocknagoshel turnover as they broke out of defence.

During this time Knocknagoshel were guilty of some wayward shooting and racked up a number of bad wides. After 27 minutes, Cillian Fitzgerald drilled the ball low to the keeper’s right to get Churchill’s first goal of the night.

This was as the result of another intercept by Mark O’Connor and a great foot pass by Dara O’Shea. However, Churchill were guilty of giving away a needless penalty within 2 minutes.

Knocknagoshel’s midfielder Edmund Walsh stepped up but blasted the ball over the crossbar. Churchill got the final score of the half with a point by Fitzgerald, after more good build-up play. HT: Churchill 1-6 Knocknagashel 0-4.

Knocknagoshel, now playing with the aid of a strengthening wind, started the second half brightly and had the first point after 2 minutes. Churchill responded with a good long range free by Benny Dillon after 8 minutes.

Dillon was on the scoreboard again 4 minutes later with another free. Churchill won the resulting kickout and Mikey Brennan found Cillian Fitzgerald with a great ball and Fitzgerald again found the net for Churchill’s second goal.

This gave Churchill a comfortable 9 point lead which should have been sufficient to ensure victory. However, Knocknagashel never gave up and mainly through the efforts of Walsh, kept the scoreboard ticking over.

They got a point from play after 14 minutes and then after 21 minutes, they scythed their way through the Churchill defence, only for Paul O’Sullivan, returning from a long lay-off, to pull off a flying save from a flick by the Knock corner forward. Had Knock scored at that stage, the result might have been very different.

As it was, Walsh, who except for the penalty, was accurate from placed balls all night, knocked over the resultant 45, and followed it up with four more long-range points, 2 from play and 2 frees.

All Churchill had in reply was a solitary Dillon point from a free. Churchill were guilty of overplaying the ball throughout the match, often choosing a short passing game rather than delivering a long ball in to Fitzgerald, who was causing the home side all sorts of problems. Thankfully, the goals in each half ensured that Churchill had a few points to spare at the final whistle. Full time: Churchill 2-9 Knocknagashel 0-11.

Churchill: Paul O’Sullivan, PJ O’Mahony, Shane Crowley, Shane Kenny, Matt Finnerty, Garrett Walsh, Donncha McGarry, Mikey Brennan, Ciaran Crowley (0-1), Dara O’Shea, Mark O’Connor (0-1), Kevin Dillane, Benny Dillon (0-5), Cillian Fitzgerald (2-2), Noel Dillon
Subs: Brian Hill, Kieran Moynihan

GAA

St Brendan’s senior team lost out to Dingle on Saturday night in Tralee and the minors lost out to South Kerry in Ardfert.

Minors will have played West Kerry on Tuesday night  and if they win this ,they will play again on Friday night the 18th.The u-21 will play Shannon Rangers on Monday night the 18th in Ardfert @ 7p.m.

AN understrength B team were beaten by Duagh in the semi-final of group 5 of the county on Friday night. Best on the night were Kevin Devane, Kieran Moynihan, Dara O’Shea and Fionn Griffin.

Lotto of jackpot €1,000 will take place in the Tankard on Friday night at 10p.m.

Seniors play Fossa in Fossa on Saturday night at 5.30p.m (note time change).

Kerry Pony Society Annual Show and Gymkhana

Kerry Pony Society presents their Annual Show and Gymkhana at Blennerville Tralee Co. Kerry on Sunday the 27th of July, by kind permission of the Hurley Family.

There will be Showing Classes, Riding Classes, Show Jumping for all levels beginning at 10am and a Novelty Pet Dog Show at 3pm.

Fun for all the family. Entries taken on the day, Contact Nuala Dawson on 086 8692070 or Eric Quinlan on 087 2939218 for a schedule. Find us on Facebook ( Blennerville Show).