.Kerins O’Rahillys will play their match against Dr Crokes earlier than expected on Saturday week.
KERINS O’Rahillys and Dr Crokes Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship quarter final on Saturday, October 1, has been brought forward to 1.30pm in light of the replayed All-Ireland final.
It also means the second game on the double-bill in Austin Stack Park between South Kerry and Dingle will throw in at 3:15, so that supporters and players have a chance to catch the game on TV between Dublin and Mayo which has a 5pm throw-in.
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The two other quarter finals on the following day remain unchanged with Kenmare playing Austin Stacks at 2pm and Mid Kerry play Rathmore at 3:30 – both games in Fitzgerald Stadium.
Also, the Senior Football Championship Relegation playoff fixed for Castleisland on Saturday, October 1 between Kilcummin and Milltown-Castlemaine has also been brought forward – the game will now throw-in at 2pm.
In hurling, the Acorn Life Under 21 Championship Semi Final Draw was made at Thursday night’s CCC meeting.
It sees St Brendans play Crotta O’Neills in Kilmoyley and Kilmoyley play Lixnaw in Abbeydorney. Both games on Saturday 8th October at 4pm.
The Junior Hurling Championship final between Duagh and Austin Stacks will take place on Saturday October 1 in the John Mitchels Complex at 2pm.
Gavin O’Connor reports on Austin Stacks’ win over West Kerry at Austin Stack Park tonight…
Austin Stacks 0-21
West Kerry 1-13 (16)
Shane O’Callaghan and Cathal Ó Lúing battle for the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean
AUSTIN STACKS made into the quarter-finals of the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football County Championship after an open encounter with West Kerry in Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening.
What the game lacked in championship intensity, it made up for in quantity of scores. All but three of the Rock’s scores came from play, with an impressive ten different scorers.
West Kerry, on the other hand, relied on An Ghaeltacht’s Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir, who kicked 1-7 of the side’s overall total. His goal after 12 minutes was the score that kept West Kerry in the game, but in reality they never looked like causing an upset.
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Austin Stacks spurned five gilt-edged goal chances that would have put this game beyond doubt earlier on. In the first half, Pa McCarthy, Daniel Bohan and Kieran Donaghy (twice) all should have netted. While in the second half it was Alan Nestor who fluffed his lines.
The match lacked the intensity you would expect for a championship encounter. West Kerry bore all the hallmarks of a rusty divisional side leaving huge gaps in defence for Stacks to exploit.
Pa McCarthy and Michéal Mac Gearailt in action. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Kieran Donaghy once again was the driving force for the Rock as he gravitated from midfield to full-forward, but mainly spending his time around the middle.
The Rock got off to the perfect start, hitting three points without reply. It was mostly one-way traffic until the game was shook up by a Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir goal on 12 minutes.
The corner-forward fielded a long high ball sent in by Eamonn Hickson around the square. Ó Conchúir turned inside his man, Barry Walsh, who lost his footing allowing Ó Conchúir a free run at goal for him to finish to the net. Remarkably West Kerry were now 1-1 to 0-3 in front.
Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir nets West Kerry’s first half goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
The response was swift and emphatic from the Rock, who hit 0-5 without reply. The points coming from, David Mannix Shane O’Callaghan (0-2), Pa McCarthy (who should have netted) and Michael O’Donnell. After that flurry of points Stacks took a 0-8 to 1-1 with almost 20 minutes of the match played.
Pádraig Óg Ó Sé, son of the late Páidí, responded for West Kerry. That score was followed by a point from the evergreen, Mikey Collins, who finished with 0-3 all from play and Kieran Donaghy’s first score of the evening.
Mikey Collins launches a ball into the forward line. Photo by Dermot Crean
The first half ended with Austin Stacks with a commanding six point 0-13 to 1-4 lead.
West Kerry burst out of the blocks in second half hoping to peg back the deficit. They outscored Stacks 0-6 to 0-2 inside the first quarter, to pull the men from the west to within two points.
A big switch was made by the Rockie bench who brought on Wayne Guthrie who made an instant impact around the middle. Two points from play by David Mannix and 45 from Guthrie soon followed and Stacks were back out to a five point lead with just over 10 minutes left in the match.
Shane O’Callaghan fists the ball over the bar. Photo by Dermot Crean
West Kerry would match The Rock’s scoring in the final 10 minutes, both sides raising the white flag on three occasions as the game fizzled out.
It was a comfortable win in the end, Stephen Stack and his side are unlikely to face another game like it as the business end of the county championship beckons.
(Many more action photos below, watch the West Kerry goal here)
Scorers
Austin Stacks: David Mannix 0-5 (3f), Darragh O’Brien 0-3, Mikey Collins 0-3, Kieran Donaghy 0-2, Shane O’Callaghan 0-2, Michael O’Donnell 0-2, Wayne Guthrie 0-1 (45), Fiachna Mangan 0-1, Conor Jordan 0-1, Pa McCarthy 0-1
Austin Stacks
Darragh O’Brien; Barry Walsh, Conor Jordan, Sean Ryan; Pa McCarthy, Shane Guthrie, Fiachna Mangan; Michael O’Donnell, Kieran Donaghy; Daniel Bohan, Shane O’Callaghan, Mikey Collins; David Mannix, Darragh O’Brien, David O’Sullivan
Substitutes
Denis O’Neill for David O’Sullivan (Half Time)
Alan Nestor for Mikey Collins (40) Black Card
Wayne Guthrie for Fiachna Mangan (43)
Ferdia O’Brien for Darragh O’Brien (44)
Brian Mangan for Michael O’Donnell (59)
West Kerry: Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir 1-7 (4f), Declan Ó Súilleabháin 0-2, Marc Ó Sé 0-1, Pádraig Óg Ó Sé, Eanna Ó Conchúir 0-1, Jason Hickson 0-1
Tomás Mac an tSaoir (An Ghaeltacht); Cian Ó Murchú (An Ghaeltacht), Marc Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Colm Ó Muircheartaigh (An Ghaeltacht); Caoimhín Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht), Cathal Ó Lúing (An Ghaeltacht), Pádraig Óg Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht); Micheál J Mac Gearailt (Lispole), Eanna Ó Conchúir (An Ghaeltacht); Eamonn Hickson (Annascaul), James Crean (Annascaul), Gavin O’Connor (Castlegregory); Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir (An Ghaeltacht), Jason Hickson (Annascaul), Shane Foley (Annascaul)
Substitutes
Donnacha Ó hUigin (Lispole) for Micheál J Mac Gearailt (25mins)
Gearóid Ó Nuanáin (Lispole) for James Crean (28mins)
Declan Ó Súilleabhain (Lispole) for Shane Foley (Half Time)
Referee – Padraig O’Sullivan (Firies)
Pa McCarthy bears down on goal. Photo by Dermot CreanHigh fielding from Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael O’Donnell in action. Photo by Dermot CreanFiachna Mangan and Eamonn Hickson tussle for possession. Photo by Dermot CreanConor Jordan has a crack at goal while Colm Ó Muircheartaigh looks on. Photo by Dermot CreanDaniel Bohan shoots for a score. Photo by Dermot CreanMarc Ó Sé comes away with the ball. Photo by Dermot CreanHigh-flying midfield action. Photo by Dermot CreanDavid Mannix tries to figure out a way to evade Colm Ó Muircheartaigh. Photo by Dermot CreanShane O’Callaghan gets his shot away despite the attentions of Micheál Mac Gearailt and Cathal Ó Lúing. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gavin O’Connor was in Cahersiveen to see Austin Stacks and South Kerry play out a draw in the Garveys Supervalu Kerry SFC match on Sunday afternoon…
South Kerry 1-13
Austin Stacks 1-13
David Mannix turns inside Fionan Clifford. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A BRYAN SHEEHAN 50 metre free, against the wind, with the last kick of the game in extra-time forced a replay in this cracking championship encounter in Con Keating Park, Cahersiveen.
It looked like Wayne Guthrie’s point at the beginning of the second half of extra time would be the deciding score, until Sheehan saved the day for the south.
Minutes before the last-gasp equaliser, the Kerry captain had another 50 metre free caught under the crossbar by Kieran Donaghy.
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A point up, the Rock charged up the park to try and see out the match, the ball fell to Brian Mangan whose shot fell short and with the last attack, South Kerry won a free which Sheehan, who finished with eight points, sent over the crossbar.
South Kerry’s Mark Griffin gets ahead Sean Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A stiff breeze into the town goal meant that South Kerry ended the first half with a 1-8 to 0-5 – a six point lead.
The main man for The Rock was David Mannix, who hit with a very impressive 1-8. Mannix set about helping eat in to that lead and was instrumental in the second half fight back. His goal on 41 minutes was set up by Kieran Donaghy who had been struggling with a quad injury and came on as a second half substitute.
Austin Stacks, Wayne Guthrie chases down South Kerry’s Aidan Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The fightback was completed on 51 minutes when Wayne Guthrie, who was the outstanding performer around the middle, levelled up matters. But minutes later South Kerry took the lead once more thanks to substitute, Cian O’Connor.
In the last minute of normal time the ball found its way to Shane O’Callaghan who found his shooting boots and sent the game into extra-time.
Stacks performed better in extra-time and bucked the trend by taking a lead into the breeze. Once again it was Guthrie and Mannix who were getting the scores for the Rock.
Denis McElligott composes and looks for a man. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Trailing by two points for the majority of extra time, South Kerry hung in there thanks to two pointed frees by Bryan Sheehan who maintained the champions unbeaten record.
Both sides showed steel in the match and on balance a draw was a fair result. If any side is going to beat these two in the championship this year they’ll have to require a lot of guts. Scroll down for photos…
Pa McCarthy lays off a pass. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Scorers
South Kerry: Bryan Sheehan 0-8 (5f 1 45), Ian Galvin 1-2, Daniel Daly, Sean Cournane, Cian O’Connor one point apiece
Austin Stacks: 1-8 (6f), Wayne Guthrie 0-2, Pa McCarthy, Conor Jordan and Shane O’Callaghan one point apiece
Austin Stacks
1. Darragh O’Brien
2. Ronan Shanahan
3. Fearghal McNamara
4. Jack O’Shea
5. Pa McCarthy
6. Conor Jordan
7. Denis McElligott
8. Wayne Guthrie (Capt)
9. Shane Guthrie
10. Fiachna Mangan
11. Michael O’Donnell
12. Shane Carroll
13. David Mannix
14. Shane O’Callaghan
15. Alan Nestor
Substitutes
Sean Ryan for Michael O’Donnell (16min)
Daniel Bohan for Shane Carroll (25min)
Barry Walsh for Alan Nestor (Half Time)
Kieran Donaghy for Shane Guthrie (Half Time)
David O’Sullivan for Fiachna Mangan (45min)
John Dennis for Denis McElligott (Extra Time)
Darragh O’Brien for David Mannix (5min ET)
Brian Mangan for Wayne Guthrie (9min ET)
Bryan Sheehan makes a pass as Kieran Donaghy looks on. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
South Kerry
1. Brian O’Connor (Valentia)
2. Paul O’Sullivan (Valentia)
3. Mark Griffin (St Michaels/Foilmore)
4. Fionan Clifford (Waterville)
5. Conor O’Shea (St. Mary’s)
6. Killian Young (Renard)
7. Oran Clifford (Waterville)
8. Bryan Sheehan (St Mary’s)
19. Matthew O’Sullivan (Valentia)
10. Aidan Walsh (St Mary’s)
11. Daniel Daly (St Mary’s)
12. Paul O’Donoghue (St Mary’s)
13. Ian Galvin (Sneem/Derrynane)
14. Niall O’Shea (Dromid Pearses)
15. Sean Cournane (St Mary’s)
Substitutes
Barry O’Dweyer (Waterville) for Ian Galvin (43min)
Greg Gibson (Waterville) for Conor O’Shea (45min)
Cian O’Connor (St Michael/Foilmore) for Matthew O’Sullivan (50min)
Rob Wharton (Renard) for Daniel Daly (55min)
Dominic O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses) for Niall O’Shea (19 ET)
South Kerry’s Conor O’Shea turns outside Kieran Donaghy who lost his footing. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Gavin O’Connor reports on the Kerins O’Rahillys v Feale Rangers Garveys Supervalu County Senior Football championship match at Austin Stack Park on Saturday…
Kerins O’Rahillys 3-11 (20)
Feale Rangers 1-11 (14)
Barry John Keane slots over a point in the first half. Photo by Dermot Crean
SIX points was the margin of victory for Kerins O’Rahillys against Feale Rangers in a match where The Blues never looked likely of being turned over.
The victory puts Strand Road into the Round 3 of the County Championship. The draw for who they will face in the next round takes place tomorrow evening after all County Championship matches have concluded.
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Barry John Keane kicked five points from play, most of them dispatched superbly over the bar from around the 30 metre line. The Kerry forward did however have to be substituted late on in the game due to an injury that saw him limp off the pitch.
David Moran tackles Damien Somers. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tommy Walsh’s decision to quit the Kerry panel looks to be paying off. He was in explosive form once again, scoring one and setting up another goal.
The match lacked the tightness and intensity you would expect from a knock out championship encounter. Feale Rangers were comprised mostly of players from Listowel Emmets and St Senans and the North Kerry’s side main source of resistance came in the form of Conor Cox, who kicked 0-8 in total, three of which from play.
Tommy Walsh fires in Kerins O’Rahillys first goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
O’Rahilly’s first goal came in the ninth minute. After winning a Rangers kick out, David Moran, laid a pass off to Tommy Walsh who charged at the goal running 30 metres with no defender coming near him and crashing the ball to the net from ten metres out.
The goal put Strand Road 1-2 to 0-1 in front.
Action from the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
Feale Rangers responded with a free from Cox. Two exquisite points from thirty metres out by Barry John Keane and fantastic solo run point from Cormac Coffey followed.
Rangers replied with two points from Cox and a score by Padraig Quille, the scores now 1-5 to 0-5 after 20 minutes.
High flying action during the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
Barry John Keane hit two more points from play and with the half nearly over Strand Road concocted the move of the match and made a Feale Rangers comeback look unlikely.
Jack Savage gave in a perfect diagonal ball outside the square to Tommy Walsh how rose high and showed quick hands to pass to Kevin Walshe who anticipated the run off the big man.
Walsh, who has been making a habit of scoring goals lately, coolly finished the ball passed the Rangers keeper.
Jack Savage is challenged by Sean T Dillon. Photo by Dermot Crean
The scores now 2-7 to 0-5 at the end of the first half. Strand Road with a comfortable eight point lead.
Feale Rangers gave a better account of themselves in the second half, but really that could be attributed to O’Rahillys taking their foot off the gas a bit.
Bryan Murphy’s goal on 37 minutes was the catalyst for a bit of a fight back. The Emmets full-forward taking advantage of a high ball into the square that was not adequately dealt with by the O’Rahillys defence.
Cormac Coffey puts a tackle in on Sean T Dillon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rangers would bring it to within four points at one stage, but with the game petering out, a goal setup by Barry John Keane and finished by David Moran finally put the game to bed and Strand Road into an eight point lead.
Conor Cox hit the two final scores of the night and put a small bit more respectability on the scoreline. Scroll down for more photos…
Kieran O’Mahony gets his shot away despite Niall Collins’ efforts. Photo by Dermot Crean
Scorers
Kerins O’Rahillys: Barry John Keane 0-5, Jack Savage 0-5 (5f) Tommy Walsh 1-0, Kevin Walshe 1-0, David Moran 1-0
Feale Rangers: Conor Cox 0-8 (5f), Bryan Murphy 1-0, Donal Leahy and Padraig Quille one point apiece
Tommy Walsh tackled by Shane Stack. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerins O’Rahillys
1. Gary Kissane
2. David Murphy
3. Danny O’Sullivan (Capt)
4. Tommy Begley
5. Cormac Coffey
6. Shane Brosnan
7. Cian Sayers
8. John C. O’Connor
9. David Moran
10. David McLaughlin
11. Barry John Keane
12. Kevin Walshe
13. Jack Savage
14. Tommy Walsh
18. Kieran O’Mahony
Substitutes
Giles O’Grady for Tommy Begley (49min)
Greg O’Connell for Kieran O’Mahony (54min)
Gearoid Savage for Barry John Keane (58min)
Gavin O’Brien for Kevin Walshe (60min)
Feale Rangers
1. Brendan Galvin (Moyvane)
2. Neil Collins (Emmets)
3. Jack McGuire (Emmets)
4. Shane Stack (Moyvane)
5. Sean T Dillion (St. Senans)
21. Eoin Stack (Moyvane)
7. Sean Weir (St. Senans)
Gavin O’Connor looks at South Kerry v Austin Stacks in the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football County Championship Round 2, Con Keating Park Cahersiveen, Sunday 2:30pm – (extra time if needed)…
David Mannix of Austin Stacks on the attack against East Kerry last Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE two last holders of the Bishop Moynihan Cup will do battle on Sunday for what is the most mouthwatering match in the county championship so far.
Austin Stacks will face champions South Kerry who have already overcome Tralee opposition when they beat Kerins O’Rahilly’s last week in Austin Stack Park.
This week they’ll enjoy the comforts at home and welcome Stephen Stack’s side to Con Keating Park in Cahersiveen. The losers on Sunday will have one more bite of the cherry, but that fact shouldn’t take from what could feel like a do or die championship battle.
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That impressive victory over O’Rahilly’s was achieved without Kerry senior panellists Mark Griffin and Brendan O’Sullivan who are expected to be fit and ready to go this weekend.
Rock manager, Stephen Stack, has had a rough time of it of late dealing with injuries that have mounted in the side. Kieran Donaghy is a doubt and Greg Horan is out for the season.
Stacks dispatched of East Kerry in the opening round by six points. Not overly impressive, the Tralee side were still able to find that extra gear to pull away from East Kerry in the final quarter.
South Kerry’s game against Strand Road was a a cracker, they someone managed to scrape a one point victory in a match where they took the lead for the first time with five minutes left on the clock.
This game could hinge on whether Kieran Donaghy is fit to play. There is a potential for a great dual between him and Mark Griffin.
Even with Donaghy this is a tough assignment on the road to a South Kerry team that would have come on a lot after that win last week.
Gavin O’Connor on the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football County Championship ‘Losers Round’ double-header at Austin Stack Park tomorrow…
St Brendans v Rathmore 4pm – (extra time if necessary)
Alan O’Donoghue in action for St Brendans last weekend.
It appears the Kerry hurlers gain is St Brendans loss as they face into a difficult encounter against a tough championship side like Rathmore.
The Saints put up a decent showing against Kenmare District until the last 20 minutes when their young side ran out of steam. How they could do with the likes of John Egan if he wasn’t so instrumental for the Kerry hurlers who are in the midst of Leinster championship action at the moment.
Paul Murphy scored two goals in Rathmore’s five point loss against Dingle and the East Kerry team welcome back Aidan O’Mahony who returns from suspension.
St Brendans had periods of dominance agianst Kenmare District, but they also had the benefit of having played a game already this year.
Verdict – Rathmore by 4
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Kerins O’Rahillys v Feale Rangers 5:45pm – (extra time if necessary)
Barry John Keane in action for Kerins O’Rahillys last weekend.
The second match has O’Rahillys facing a Feale Rangers team who lost to St Kierans last week by two points.
The big absentee for the North Kerry side is 2015 All-Star Anthony Maher, who if reports are to believed, may miss the entirety of the championship campaign.
Strand Road were unlucky to lose to champions South Kerry by the minimum. Mike Quirke and Morgan Nix’s charges will feel they left that one behind and will have to pick themselves off the ground if they wish to maintain their championship ambitions.
Mentally, it’s a difficult one to take for the blues, but seeing as we’re now in knockout, they should be able to refocus themselves. If O’Rahillys recapture some of the magic they displayed in the first half against South Kerry they should prove too hot to handle.
Gavin O’Connor reports on Kerins O’Rahillys versus South Kerry in their Round 1 Kerry SFC tie at Austin Stack Park this afternoon…
South Kerry 3-10 (19)
Kerins O’Rahillys 1-15 (18)
Tommy Walsh on the attack with Paul O’Sullivan tackling. Photo by Dermot Crean
SOUTH KERRY defeated Kerins O’Rahillys in a sun-soaked classic in the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship opening round match in Austin Stack Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Hitting 1-11 in the first half, the Blues matched the weather with scintillating football and went in five points to the good at the short whistle.
However, two South Kerry goals in the second half, that will haunt the O’Rahillys backline, sealed their fate.
Not until Barry O’Dwyer’s goal with six minutes remaining did South Kerry lead in this match and a Paul O’Donoghue point, put the southerners two points in front with two minutes remaining.
Midfield action from the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
In the closing exchanges Strand Road tried their utmost to pull the game back. A free by Jack Savage two minutes into injury time brought them to within a score. At the death, Savage had a chance to level it up but his shot 25 metres out tailed agonisingly wide.
The Blues now face Feale Rangers in the ‘losers round’ next week knowing a loss will end their championship ambitions.
As was the case against Legion last year, goals dealt the killer blows for Strand Road who had the winning of midfield and the greater amount of chances that should have seen them comfortably over the line.
A goalmouth scramble. Photo by Dermot Crean
The match was an open and enjoyable encounter. Tommy Walsh who gravitated from midfield to full-forward throughout gave arguably his finest performance in a blue shirt since returning from Australia.
His goal after 24 minutes came from a long and high ball into the square driven in by Kevin Walshe. Rising high Tommy caught the ball just outside the square. Using his strength he turned inside his marker to finish the ball impressively to the net.
Tommy Walsh celebrates his goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
In the opening half, O’Rahillys played some very tidy football. David Moran and John C O’Connor dominated the South Kerry midfield pairing of Bryan Sheehan and John Curran.
After a brisk first quarter, Strand Road led 0-7 to 0-2, the scores coming from John Feguson, Jack Savage, John C. O’Connor and Barry John Keane who was causing the South Kerry defence some problems.
The 2015 champions were staying in touch thanks to scores from Aidan Walsh and Ian Galvin. On 17 minutes, against the run of play, South Kerry found the net to pull them back to within a point.
Cormac Coffey and Aidan Walsh contest a ball. Photo by Dermot Crean
The goal came after a shot from out the field fell short just outside the square along the sideline, Paul O’Donoghue did well not to give up on the ball and found Sean Cournane who palmed the ball to the net.
The response was immediate. From the next kick out, Strand Road won a free 40 metres out which David Moran struck over the bar from the ground.
The half ended 1-11 to 1-5 with Strand Road in a very good place and looking the likelier of the two to advance.
As is sometimes the case with a divisional sides it can take them a bit to get going and get going South Kerry did at the beginning of the second half.
The champs hit three scores without reply thanks to points from the flying Paul O’Donoghue and substitute, Greg Gibson and a second goal by Sean Cournane who got onto a pass by Niall O’Shea and finished well with the boot to the net.
David Moran fends off Bryan Sheehan and Oran Clifford. Photo by Dermot Crean
South Kerry had brought the game level and now we really had a game on our hands. With the next attack, Tommy Walsh had a shot saved off the line which would have been a perfect response.
A minute later, Walsh shot for goal again but once more the South Kerry rearguard was able to repel the big man’s effort.
A tussle in midfield. Photo by Dermot Crean
Eventually O’Rahillys hit back with points from Jack Savage and John Ferguson to put them two to the good with 12 minutes to go.
Bryan Sheehan pulled it to within a point, only for young John C O’Connor to get a second score again to restore the advantage.
The game’s key moment came just in time for the champions. Having not led in the match, with six minutes remaining, Niall O’Shea assisted a second goal, this time the full-forward found substitute Barry O’Dwyer who finished to the net.
The crucial third South Kerry goal by Barry O’Dwyer. Photo by Dermot Crean
In the end, time ran out for O’Rahillys and South Kerry showed the resilience of champions to stay in the game and snatch victory.
Bryan Sheehan celebrates victory at the final whistle. Photo by Dermot Crean
Scorers
South Kerry: Sean Cournane 2-0, Paul O’Donoghue 0-4, Barry O’Dwyer 1-0, Aidan Walsh 0-2, Bryan Sheehan 0-2 (2f), Ian Galvin and Greg Gibson one point apiece
Kerins O’Rahillys: Jack Savage 0-6 (4f), Barry John Keane 0-3, Tommy Walsh 1-0, John Ferguson 0-3, John C. O’Connor 0-2, David Moran 0-1 (1f)
South Kerry
1. Brian O’Connor
2. Paul O’Sullivan
17. Oran Clifford
4. Fionán Clifford
5. Conor O’Shea
6. Aidan O’Sullivan
7. Killian Young
8. Bryan Sheehan
18. John Curran
10. Aidan Walsh
11. Daniel Daly
12. Paul O’Donoghue
13. Ian Galvin
14. Niall O’Shea
15. Sean Cournane
Substitutes
Matthew O’Sullivan for John Curran (25min)
Barry O’Dwyer for Daniel Daly (47min)
Cian O’Connnor for Ian Galvin (55min)
Rob Wharton for Oran Clifford (59min)
Kerins O’Rahillys
1. Gary Kissane
2. David Murphy
3. Danny O’Sullivan
4. Tommy Begley
5. Cormac Coffey
6. Shane Brosnan
7. Cian Sayers
8. John C. O’Connor
9. David Moran
10. David McLaughlin
11. Barry John Walsh
12. Kevin Walshe
13. Jack Savage
14. Tommy Walsh
15. John Ferguson
Substitutes
Greg O’Connell for Cian Sayers (42min)
Giles O’Grady for Kevin Walshe (47min)
Kieran O’Mahony for David McLaughlin (59min)
.Kerins O’Rahillys Cormac Coffey and South Kerry’s Aidan Walsh in action this afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE draw for Round 2 of the Garveys Supervalu Kerry SFC was made on Radio Kerry this afternoon.
After Round 1 yesterday and today, the winners and losers have been put into two groups, Group 2A and Group 2B respectively.
Looking at Tralee teams, in the Winners Round Draw (Group 2A), Austin Stacks will face the champions South Kerry in the pick of the round, while in the losers round draw Kerins O’Rahillys, who lost to South Kerry by a point today, will face Feale Rangers. St Brendans, who were defeated by Kenmare District earlier this afternoon, will play Rathmore.
The losers of the Group 2B games next week will exit the championship, while the losers of the Group 2A games will have another chance. Venues for the matches will be decided tonight.
Gavin O’Connor talks to St Brendans manager, Richard Barrett, prior to their match against Kenmare District in the Garveys Super Valu Senior County Championship Round 1 at Austin Stack Park on Sunday 1:45pm…
Jack Barry of St Brendan’s tries to get past Jeremy King of Shannon Rangers in the championship game back in March. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE only team to have kicked a ball already in the County Championship are flying in under the radar and hoping to spring an upset or two.
St Brendans can draw upon a healthy crew of recent Kerry underage stars that puts them in the ‘ones to watch’ category this year.
They face Kenmare District who defeated the Saints handsomely last time and can draw upon such attacking talent as Stephen O’Brien and Killian Spillane.
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There’s good news for St Brendans who welcome back Alan O’Donoghue (John Mitchels) and Brandon Barrett (Ardfert) into the side that defeated Shannon Rangers in a championship qualifier match in March.
However, they will be without the services of double All-Ireland minor winner Andrew Barry (Na Gaeil) and Shane O’Connor (John Mitchels) who broke his finger.
The Saints are this year managed by Na Gaeil clubman, Richard Barrett. A teacher in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, this is his first foray into senior management.
Traleetoday.ie spoke to him about championship preparation and his side’s chances.
“Many of them now at this stage have played Kerry minor or U21,” said Barrett.
Jack Barry (Na Gaeil), Ivan Parker (Churchill), James Duggan (John Mitchels), Brandon Barrett (Ardfert) and Eoghan O’Brien (Churchill) are all men who have worn the green and gold either at minor or U21 recently.
“It will be a big task, but we have good forwards and we’ve been getting together as much as we possible can, so we’re hoping to give it a good crack,” he added.
St Brendans came through their championship qualifier with flying colours defeating Shannon Rangers by nine points. That extra game could be key.
“We were talking about that and how it has to give us an advantage,” said Barrett. “I’m sure every divisional side has gotten together now, but you can’t beat playing a championship game. You learn a lot quicker when you see players in championship action and to be fair we were super on the night and we were delighted because we didn’t have anything done before that.”
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“That was a big pressure game. The shackles are kind of off this weekend, because there’s a get out clause; if you lose it you’re still alive.
“If we can get ball up, we’ve got good forwards that have all represented Kerry. Alan O’Donoghue back is a huge bonus. He has played at a very high standard and he’s well up for the game. We’re relatively confident if we play well we’ll give it a go.”
This is a very hard game to call, but thanks to the advantage of playing a match already this year, St Brendans might have what it takes to spring a bit of an upset…Andrew Barry is a massive loss however.
Gavin O’Connor previews the Kerins O’Rahillys v South Kerry, Garveys Super Valu Senior Championship Round 1 tie at Austin Stack Park on Sunday 3:30pm…
Tommy Walsh in championship action for Kerins O’Rahillys last year. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
THIS is the match of the round and pits two sides with genuine ambitions of going all the way.
Kerins O’Rahillys will be hoping the new management team of Mike Quirke and Morgan Nix can begin to cash in on the talent that runs throughout the side.
South Kerry came from nowhere last year to win a county title. They will be better prepared than most divisional sides as well, having won a county final after a replay.
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The Blues can now prepare with Tommy Walsh fully dedicated to the cause. Walsh will be looking to dispel any rumours of his demise with a strong championship that will put him in the reckoning once again.
They will, however, be without the services of midfielder, Con Barrett, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.
South Kerry welcome the return of St Michaels/Foilmore players back within their ranks bringing to nine the number of clubs they can chose from. One of those added is Mark Griffin, who looks to have nailed down a starting spot for Kerry after his National League exploits.
Valentia’s Brendan O’Sullivan is another man who impressed with Kerry in the league. He, along with Bryan Sheehan, Aidan Walsh, Denis Daly and 2014 Kerry minor, Robert Wharton, make the southerners particularly strong around the middle third.
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It’s a real tall order for The Blues this Sunday but one of the advantages they have is the benefit of competitive action this year, the results of which have been mixed – two wins out of three in the County League and a disappointing one point loss to Legion in the club championship followed by a club championship relegation playoff win against Milltown/Castlemaine.
If Kerins O’Rahillys are going to get the better of South Kerry you would suspect it would have to be this weekend. O’Rahillys have a decent chance of winning but big days will be required from David Moran, Jack Savage, Barry John Keane and Tommy Walsh if they are to get the better of the champions.
Gavin O’Connor looks at the Austin Stacks v East Kerry, Garveys Supervalu Senior County Championship Round 1 game at Lewis Road, Killarney, on Saturday at 5pm…
ANOTHER campaign with Austin Stacks looking at title ambitions will get off the ground on Saturday, when they face an injury hit East Kerry.
The Rock are now the most successful team in the competition following Laune Rangers relegation to intermediate, both clubs having lifted 12 county titles.
So far this year, Stacks have only lost one game and that was to Dr Crokes in the the delayed 2015 County League Final back in February.
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A Club Championship semi-final win against fellow heavy-hitters Dingle, would indicate Stephen Stack in his fourth year at the club has them up to speed.
In that victory, Kerry U21 Greg Horan picked up an ACL tear which has put him out for the year.
With the likes of Brian Mangan, Jack O’Shea, Jack Morgan and Sean Ryan now making an impression on the senior team, Stephen Stack is able to freshen up the side that were crowned champions in 2014.
Injuries to some key players has made East Kerry a bit of an unknown quantity coming into this game. A big loss is the 2014 All-Ireland winning minor captain, Liam Kearney.
The divisional side have a whole host of recent Kerry minors to pick from and it looks like it will be these players they will be relying on. East Kerry have won seven county titles but have been floundering of late.
Last year, they exited the competition after a shipping a 17 point hammering at the hands of Kerins O’Rahillys. Though Austin Stacks might not replicate that tally, they should be seeing off East Kerry without too much hassle.
.Pictured at Austin Park Tralee last Friday for the launch of Garveys Supervalu sponsorship of the 2016 Kerry GAA Senior Football and Hurling County Championships were in centre Jim Garvey with club players from left, Padraig Reidy (St Kieran’s), Dara Roche (East Kerry), Paul McMahon (St Brendan’s) Danny O’Sullivan (Kerins O’Rahillys), Wayne Guthrie (Austin Stacks) , George O’Keeffe (Rathmore), David Roche (Milltown-Castlemaine), Cathal Bambury (Dingle) , Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes) and Donnchadh Walsh (Mid Kerry). Photo by Don MacMonagle
WITH the 2016 Garvey’s Supervalu Senior Football Championship getting underway this weekend, Gavin O’Connor gives a team by team look at who will be vying to capture the Bishop Moynihan Cup.
This year there are 16 teams in the competition made up of eight clubs and eight divisional sides.
Divisional Teams: East Kerry, West Kerry, South Kerry, Mid Kerry, St Brendans, Feale Rangers, Kenmare District, St Kieran’s,
Austin Stacks
Last title – 2014 (12 overall)
Last year – Round 3
Manager – Stephen Stack
Captain – Kieran Donaghy
Key players – Kieran Donaghy, Wayne Guthrie, Shane O’Callaghan
The Rock are aiming to prove their 2014 triumph was not just a flash in the pan. This is Stephen Stack’s fourth year in charge and to freshen up things he has brought in ex Kerry trainer Pat Flanagan.
Kieran Donaghy talks to teammates before the Austin Stacks v Dingle match in the club championship this year. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Dr Crokes
Last Title – 2013 (10)
Last year – Quarter-final
Manager – Pat O’Shea
Captain – Dathi Casey
Key players – Colm Cooper, Johnny Buckley, Jordan Conway
The team to beat in the competition who, up until the summer of 2014, seemed like they were unbeatable. Hoping to bring back that air of invincibility is Kerry All-Ireland winning manager, Pat O’Shea. Chances are if you’re going to win the Championship you’ll have to go through the Crokes first.
Colm Cooper in action for Dr Crokes.
Dingle
Last Title – 1948 (6)
Last year – Round 3
Manager – Paul Fitzmaurice
Captain – Mikey Geaney
Key players – Paul and Mikey Geaney, Marc O’Connor, Matthew Flaherty
A sleeping giant in the west could about to be reawakened thanks to an abundance of young talent that could be the envy of any club in the country. Add seasoned campaigners Paul and Mikey Geaney into the mix it looks like a matter of when rather than if they can win a championship.
Barra O Suilleabháin lays off a pass during the Austin Stacks v Dingle match in Annascaul last month. Photo by Dermot Crean
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East Kerry
Last title – 1999 (7)
Last year – Round 3
Manager – Davey O’Donoghue
Captain – Jack Sherwood
Key players – Jack Sherwood, Jeff O’Donoghue, Evan Cronin
Kerins O’Rahillys beat East Kerry last year by 17 points to send the divisional side crashing out of the championship. Injuries have hampered their preparation this year with 2014 Kerry minor captain, Liam Kearney, one of those sidelined.
Feale Rangers
Last title – (2007)
Last year – Round 3
Manager – Johnny Mulvihill
Captain – Jack McGuire
Key players – Conor Cox, Jack McGuire, Padraig Quille
Injury to Anthony Maher may have set back Feale Rangers as they aim to be become a formidable outfit once more. Conor Cox is a man who has been in and out of the Kerry senior panel over the last couple of years. On his day he can tear any defence asunder.
Kenmare District
Last title – 1987 (2)
Last year – Semi-final
Manager – John Galvin
Captain – To be confirmed
Key players – Stephen O’Brien, Killian Spillane, Gavin Crowley
One of last year’s surprise packages will be once again looking to upset the odds. Stephen O’Brien is the most prominent player in the side but they also possess, Killian Spillane, who is one of the county’s most promising forwards.
Kerins O’Rahillys
Last title – 2002 (6)
Last year – Quarter-final
Manager – Mike Quirke and Morgan Nix
Captain – Danny O’Sullivan
Key players – David Moran, Barry John Walsh, Tommy Walsh
The Strand Road club is once again ably stocked with inter-county talent with Kerry U21’s Jack Savage and Cormac Coffey adding to Barry John Keane and David Moran. The management team of Mike Quirke and Morgan Nix are well placed to bring The Blues to the next level.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Jack Savage, is a key player for Strand Road. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Kilcummin
Last title – None
Last year – Quarter-final
Manager – Donal O’Dwyer and James Weldon
Captain – Daniel O’Leary
Key players – Brendan Kealy, Phillip Casey, Kevin McCarthy
It’s not looking good for Kilcummin who lost their previous manager, Martin Horgan, only in the last week. The East Kerry side will perhaps see their club championship relegation match against Milltown/Castlemaine as more inportant.
Legion
Last title – 1946 (1)
Last year – Runners-up
Manager – Kieran Cronin
Captain – Shune Keane
Key men – Jonathan Lyne, James O’Donoghue, Conor Keane
Last year’s beaten finalists will be looking to back up a season that almost saw them crowned county champions for only the second time in the Killarney club’s history. Injury to talisman James O’Donoghue remains a worry and it’s difficult to see them make inroads without him.
Legions, Jonathan Lyne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Mid Kerry
Last title – 2008 (4)
Last year – Round 2
Manager – James Sheehan
Captain – Darran O’Sullivan
Key players – Gavin O’Grady, Donnachdh Walsh, Darren O’Sullivan
Beaten finalists in 2014 after a replay, Mid Kerry, welcome on board Laune Rangers players for the first time since 1969. Plenty of talent within the ranks also means they could be dark horses to go all the way.
Milltown/Castlemaine
Last title – None
Last year – Round 2
Manager – Mike Hickey
Captain – Donal Kelliher
Key players – Pa Wrenn, Jonathon O’Sullivan, Damian Murphy
The only Mid Kerry club left in the competition following the relegation of Laune Rangers to intermediate may not have the most talented panel, but they would give any side a hard day of it as Austin Stacks well know.
Rathmore
Last title – None
Last year – Semi-final
Manager – Denis Moynihan
Captain – Brendan O’Keeffe
Key players – Paul Murphy, Aidan O’Mahony, Mark Reen
Last year Rathmore came so close to defeating Legion in a semi-final that would have given them a shot of winning their first title. The experiment, if you can call it that now, of playing Paul Murphy in the forward line continues with his club.
St Brendans
Last title – None
Last year – Round 2
Manager – Richard Barrett
Captain – Paul McMahon (St Pats)
Key players – Andrew and Jack Barry, Alan O’Donoghue, Mike Griffin
Quietly, St Brendans have been building a team with some impressive young talent. In recent years emigration during the Summer months has hampered their chances. If they can keep the bulk of the side at home they could spring an upset or two.
Ivan Parker and Brendan Poff of St Brendans. Photo by Dermot Crean
St Kierans
Last title – 1988 (1)
Last year – Round 3
Manager – Kieran Scanlon
Captain – Sean Óg Ó Ciardubhain
Key players – Thomas Hickey, Seamus Scanlon, Padraig Reidy
The side have seven clubs to chose from so are in a good place in regards sourcing talent. If they manage to build a cohesive unit and get off the ground running they could prove a handful.
South Kerry
Last title – 2015 (10)
Last year – Champions
Manager – William Harmon
Captain – Denis Daly
Key players – Brian Sheehan, Mark Griffin, Killian Young
South Kerry came from nowhere last year to win and were a prime example of a divisional team getting a few wins under the belt and becoming difficult to beat. The surprise factor is gone this year however. The opening round game against O’Rahillys should be a cracker.
West Kerry
Last title – 1990 (3)
Last year – Quarter-final
Manager – Francis Dorgan
Captain – Tomás Mac An tSaoir
Key players – Brian Rayel, Marc Ó Sé, Tomas Ó Sé (2014 Minor)
Alan Fitzgerald and Brian Begley have been ruled out their Round 1 game against Dr Crokes, dealing a big blow to the side. With a host of gifted young talent sprouting across the peninsula, success could be in the pipeline, but maybe not this year.
.Club and district players at the launch of the 2016 Garveys SuperValu Senior County Football Championship.
NEXT weekend, Round 1 of the Garveys SuperValu Senior County Football Championship will throw in at grounds around Kerry.
On Friday evening, players representing most of the clubs and districts made their way to a sunny Austin Stack Park for the launch of this year’s championship.
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Eamonn Fitzmaurice was there with Chairman of the County Board Pat O’Sullivan and Kevin McCarthy of Garvey’s Supervalu who are delighted to continue the support of the championship this year.
Representing Tralee area sides were Wayne Guthrie (Austin Stacks), Danny O’Sullivan (Kerins O’Rahilly’s) and Paul McMahon (St Brendans).
Also there were, inter-county stars Donncahdh Walsh (Mid-Kerry), Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes) and Marc Ó Sé (West Kerry).
The opening round has pitted Kerins O’Rahillys against champions South Kerry in what will be one of the ties of the weekend. That match is the second in a double header with St Brendans who play Kenmare District Board.
Austin Stacks will face East Kerry at a double header in Lewis Road, Killarney that also features Dr Crokes v West Kerry.
Eight clubs and eight districts will do battle with the looming threat of the trap door there for clubs.
Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship
Saturday May 14th Lewis Road – Double Bill
East Kerry V Austin Stacks 5:00pm
Dr Crokes V West Kerry 6:30pm
Sunday May 15th Killorglin – Double Bill
Milltown/C.Maine V Legion 2:00pm
Mid Kerry V Kilcummin 3:30pm
Austin Stack Park – Double Bill
St Brendans V Kenmare 1:45pm
Kerins O’Rahillys V South Kerry 3:30pm
.Shane Carroll and teammates travel to Lewis Road on Saturday week for their championship opener Photo by Dermot Crean
KERINS O’Rahillys and St Brendan’s will have the ‘home’ advantage of Austin Stack Park when they take on South Kerry and Kenmare respectively in a championship double headed on Sunday week.
Meanwhile Austin Stacks must wait until July 9 (provisionally) to face Dr Crokes in the Club Championship Final.
The fixtures for the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship were made at Wednesday night’s meeting of the CCC and it sees Austin Stacks part of a double bill in Killarney on Saturday, May 14.
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The Rockies take on East Kerry at Lewis Road at 5pm followed by Dr Crokes v West Kerry at 6.30pm.
The following day St Brendan’s take on Kenmare at 2pm at Austin Stack Park followed by Kerins O’Rahillys against South Kerry at 3.30pm.
There’s also a double bill in Killorglin on Sunday from 2pm with Milltown/C.Maine facing Legion followed by Mid Kerry V Kilcummin, St Kierans face Feale Rangers in Cordal (2.30pm) while Rathmore have home advantage against Dingle (2.30pm).
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The next round of games is fixed for the following weekend, where First Round Winners will be drawn against each other in Round 2A and First Round Losers will be drawn against each other in Round 2B.
Here’s the full set of fixtures:
Saturday May 14th Lewis Road – Double Bill
East Kerry V Austin Stacks 5:00pm
Dr Crokes V West Kerry 6:30pm
Sunday May 15th Killorglin – Double Bill
Milltown/C.Maine V Legion 2:00pm
Mid Kerry V Kilcummin 3:30pm
Austin Stack Park – Double Bill
St Brendans V Kenmare 1:45pm
Kerins O’Rahillys V South Kerry 3:30pm
Cordal
St Kierans V Feale Rangers 2:30pm
Rathmore
Rathmore V Dingle 2:30
• Extra Time applies in all games
• Round 2 Draw will take place on Sunday 15th May at 5:15pm.
• Round 2 Games will be played on the weekend of May 21st/22nd – First Round Winners will be drawn against each other in Round 2A and First Round Losers will be drawn against each other in Round 2B
.Austin Stacks, David Mannix goes passed Ger Hartnett of Mid Kerry in the 2014 Super Valu Senior Football Championship County Final
WHAT could be the most competitive county championship in years is almost upon us.
The draw for the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship will be made this Saturday and will be live on Radio Kerry at 2:30pm.
The early betting shows that Dr Crokes are favourites for the Bishop Moynihan Cup at 9/4.
They are followed by South Kerry (5/1) and Austin Stacks (15/2).
Kerins O’Rahilly’s are (8/1) and St Brendans (25/1)
First Round matches have been pencilled in for the weekend of May 15.
After whittling down the number of teams in the competition, eight clubs and eight divisional sides will go into the hat.
Three sides from the Tralee area will compete in Kerry’s top club competition.
Kerins O’Rahillys, Austin Stacks and St Brendans who overcame Shannon Rangers in a championship qualifier two weeks ago.
Making up the rest are: Mid Kerry, Kenmare District, Dingle, Milltown-Castlemaine, Feale Rangers, Killarney Legion, Dr Crokes, West Kerry, South Kerry, St. Kierans, Rathmore, Kilcummin and East Kerry.
The championship will be run in a new format this year where the winners of the first Round Draw will play each other and the losers of those first round games will also play each other with the losers of the latter games exiting the championship.
Betting from Paddy Power correct as of 10am Thursday morning
Gavin O’Connor looks at the Austin Stacks v St Michaels/Foilmore, SFC Relegation Play-off Round 2 match in Lewis Road, Killarney, Saturday 2pm…
ONE week shy of a year since Austin Stacks claimed Munster honours, Austin Stacks are faced once again with relegation after their deserved defeat to Milltown/Castlemaine in Round 1 of the controversial club relegation play-offs.
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David Mannix kicked eight points against St Michael’s/Foilmore in the opening round of the county championship back in May. Photo by Drmot Crean.
After falling at the first hurdle the Rock have been faced with two more cruel days for club football. Should they get over St Michael’s Foilmore they will play the winners of the other relegation match, Ardfert and Laune Rangers.
It really is a precarious position, even though the other sides left have been probably the poorest performing senior club teams over the year, wintry football doesn’t allow for a whole lot of margin for error.
In the Milltown/Castlemaine match, Stacks were faced with a stiff breeze in the first half and could never really get their game going up against staunch resistance.
Austin Stacks and St Michaels Foilmore renew acquaintances in the county championship, after facing each other in the opening round way back in May when the summer was just beginning.
David Mannix kicked eight points in a turgid affair, which saw Stacks run out winners by 1-13 to 2-6 in a match where the South Kerry side were kept in it by two very fortuitous goals.
In the County League this year, though Foilmore have shipped a lot of scores in defeats to Kerins O’Rahilly’s and Dr Crokes, they put up a better fight against Stacks at home, the scoreline 0-17 to 3-14 to the Tralee side.
Still the league table does not make for happy reading. Foilmore had just a solitary win out of 11 matches, 10 defeats and a points difference of -67.
In the encounter back in May, Foilmore got every man they could behind the ball and tried to exploit Austin Stacks on the break, by getting high direct ball into the forwards.
It wasn’t the most imaginative style, but faced with such a mammoth gap in quality between the sides, their management really had no alternative. It worked in a sense because it kept the score down, but not the inevitability of the result.
Barring complacency, or a dose of swine flu in the Rockie camp, it’s difficult to see anything other than a Stacks win.
Similar words may have been used two weeks ago in Castleisland, but Milltown have got form of consistently sticking it to the big guns, Foilmore, on the other hand, are consistent in the hammerings they’ve taken.
I hope managers still don’t pin previews to dressing room walls (though, to be honest. I’d be honoured!)
Shane O’Callaghan, in action for Austin Stacks against Milltown/Castlemaine, on Saturday last. Photo by Dermot Crean.
AUSTIN STACKS will face St Micheals/Foilmore in a relegation playoff in Killorglin on Saturday, November 21 at 2pm.
The other relegation playoff will be Laune Rangers v Ardfert, to be played in Ballymacelligott, also on Saturday November 21.
The Rock will have to first get over the south Kerry side, then beat the winners of Laune Rangers v Ardfert to ensure their senior championship status.
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Last year’s county and Munster champions are faced with this dilemma after losing to Milltown/Castlemaine in Castleisland last Saturday.
Earlier this year, when both sides met in the league Stacks beat Foilmore by a scoreline of 3-14 to 0-17, down in South Kerry.
Saturday November 21
Killorglin: Austin Stacks v St Micheals/Foilmore 2pm
.Kieran Donaghy in action in the County Championship loss to Dr Crokes. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Gavin O’Connor looks at the Austin Stacks v Milltown/Castlemaine, Senior Football County Championship Relegation Play-off match in Castleisland on Saturday at 1pm
THE 2014 champions will feel very hard done by that a year on instead of fighting for a Munster crown they’re fighting for their championship survival.
It hardly seems believable, but even after a whole lot of rancour from club sides, eight teams in total are looking to avoid the chop.
The Rock avoided the other heavy hitters in the draw – Kerins O’Rahilly’s and Rathmore – but did draw the next best side if you were to go on County League form.
When the two sides faced in the league this year, they played out a draw in Milltown. Last year, with Stacks winning all around them, the Mid-Kerry side took The Rock to a replay in the club championship after earning a hard fought draw after extra-time in Connolly Park.
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So Milltown have proved to be sticky opposition in the recent past. You might say, given the enormity of the match it’s unlikely Stacks will be as complacent, but that works the other way too. Milltown/Castlemaine are fighters and if the conditions conspire on Saturday lunch-time, The Rock could be in for a nervy afternoon.
In the opening round of the county championship, Milltown/Castlemaine, drew with this year’s club championship winners, Dingle, who knocked Austin Stacks out of that competition.
Over the last year or so, the Mid Kerry side have had the ability to really put it up to the bigger clubs, but crucially have not been able to seal the deal with a win.
Stacks find themselves in this predicament after losing to Dr Crokes by one point in Fitzgerald Stadium in Round 3.
A fortnight ago, The Rock did manage to pick up one trophy this year (they’re also still in with a county league title shout) when they retained the town league championship against Kerins O’Rahilly’s.
That match lacked the intensity you would expect from both sides who may have been taking it handy knowing the importance of the matches ahead.
There’s no doubt Austin Stacks are the better side and with no championship title to get tuned in for this year this match will have to take its place.
No way will Stephen Stack and his charges allow the complacency that would see them lose this match.
A year on from Munster glory it would be unthinkable.
Greg O’Connell runs at the Milltown/Castemaine defence in the second round of this year senior county championship. Photo by Dermot Crean.
THE draw has been made for the County Senior Football Championship Relegation Playoffs and sees Tralee sides facing Mid Kerry sides.
Austin Stacks will face Milltown/Castlemaine while Kerins O’Rahilly’s go up against Laune Rangers in Castleisland this Saturday, November 7, with Stacks going first at 1pm and O’Rahilly’s at 2:30pm.
In the championship this year O’Rahillys dispatched of Milltown in the losers round at home.
After beating West Kerry in the opening round, Laune Rangers shipped a heavy beating from Kenmare District to put them in trouble.
Both Tralee sides will be favourites, Laune Rangers have not made an impact in the county championship in a number of years and are plying their trade in Division Two of the County League. Milltown have proved sticky opposition and have are tough nut to crack for any of the bigger clubs.
Relegation will be a bitter pill to swallow for any of the sides, so it should make for a full-on committed performances.
Full list of fixtures, on matches to be played this Saturday
Castleisland
Austin Stacks V Milltown-Castlemaine 1:00pm
Kerins O’Rahillys V Laune Rangers 2:30pm
James O’Donoghue in action for Kerry in last year’s Alll-Ireland Final. Photo by Dermot Crean.
JAMES O’DONOGHUE has picked up an injury that put him out of Legion’s county championship opener, while David Moran will have his shoulder looked at today after taking a knock at the weekend.
O’Donoghue was meant to start Legion’s championship opener against Mid Kerry, but had to be sidelined with a calf injury.
The injury, which will keep O’Donoghue out of action for a week is not as bad as first anticipated.
The 2014 Player of The Year, had just recently made his return to competitive football after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of last year.
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David Moran picked up an injury in the match against Rathmore on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
David Moran, also picked up a knock to his shoulder at the weekend in Kerins O’Rahilly’s loss to Rathmore. The 2014 All-Star is scheduled to have it checked today.
It is now, three weeks until Kerry start their All-Ireland defence against the winner of Tipperary v Waterford. Should they get over that test the Munster Final will take place on July 5.
O’Donoghue missed out on Legion’s win over last year’s county finalists, Mid Kerry. The Killarney’s side further enhanced their championship credentials with a 1-13 to 0-14 win after extra time.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s lost to Rathmore, but will get a second chance when they face the losers of Dingle and Miltown/Castlemaine which has gone to a replay.
Austin Stacks got over, St Michael’s/Foilmore with the minimum of fuss, while St Brendans sustained a demoralising 22 point defeat at the hands of Kenmare District.
Senior football championship Round 1 results
Milltown/Castlemaine 1-13 Dingle 1-13 (after extra-time)
Laune Rangers 1-14 West Kerry 0-16 (after extra-time)
Kenmare District 5-15 St Brendan’s 0-8
South Kerry 0-16 Kilcummin 1-8 Killarney
Legion 1-13 Mid Kerry 0-14 (after extra-time)
Round 2 (losers round) draw
Kerns O’Rahilly’s v Milltown-Castlemaine/Dingle (losers of that replay)
Feale Rangers v Ardfert
Mid Kerry v West Kerry
Shannon Rangers v Kilcummin
St Brendan’s v St Michael’s-Foilmore
Gavin O’Connor reports on Saturday’s Super Valu Senior Football County Championship Round One match at Austin Stack Park (see photos below)…
Austin Stacks 1-13 St Michael/Foilmore 2-6
AUSTIN STACKS got their defence of the Bishop Moynihan Cup off to a successful start when they defeated St Michael’s Foilmore by four points in Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening.
David Mannix was on sparkling form for the evening, scoring eight points and being The Rock’s go-to guy in attack.
The scoreline doesn’t show the gulf in quality between both sides; two fortuitous goals for St Micheal’s/Foilmore added respectability to the scoreline for the south Kerry Men.
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Austin Stacks David Mannix about to strike another score. Photo by Dermot Crean
Right from the off, St Micheals/Foilmore set their stall out by defending extremely deep and attempting to hit Stacks with long balls into the square on the counter.
The game started brisk enough, with both sides trading scores. The sides were level 0-2 apiece when Stacks got their only goal of the game after eight minutes, Shane O’Callaghan the scorer.
The goal came when O’Callaghan got onto a rebounded 45 from Shane Carroll after finding himself unmarked just outside the square.
After that, David Mannix got his second score of the game on the 15 minutes to leave 1-3 to 0-2. Stacks looked to be edging away, but out of nowhere St Micheal’s/Foilmore got a goal of their own.
Bernard Kelly drove in a speculative effort toward the Stacks goal, it then fell short and somehow slipped through the fingers of goalkeeper Jonathan Conway and into the net.
Stacks would answer back with three scores on the bounce, two from Mannix and one from Pa McCarthy, but with five minutes left in the half, calamity came calling again.
Once again a long ball was rifled into the square from way out, but this time it went completely uncontested and straight into the net. The Stacks following were left scratching their heads as their side was really making hard work of this.
The Rock would go in a point in front at the break the scores 1-7 to 2-3.
The second half of this match wasn’t filled with as much incident. Austin Stacks didn’t have to push themselves too hard and St Michaels/Foilmore, did their best to soak up pressure and keep the score decent.
The Rock outscored their opponents by six points to three in the second half, keeping them at arm’s length at all times. The highlights of the half were two excellent points from Pa McCarthy.
On this evidence, Austin Stacks will have to do a hell of a lot more if they are going to reach the heights of last year. Not a great display, but when it comes down to it, they did enough to advance.
Scorers
Austin Stacks: Jonathan Conway, Ronan Shanahan, Fearghal McNamara, Denis McElligott, Pa McCarthy (0-3), Conor Jordan, Ciaran O’Connell, John Dennis, Kieran Donaghy, Mikey Collins, Shane Carroll, Fiachna Mangan, David Mannix (0-8), Shane O’Callaghan (1-2), Darragh O’Brien
Substitutes: Ciaran O’Shea for Jonathan Conway, Brian Mangan for Conor Jordan, Sean Ryan for Fiachna Mangan, Jack Morgan for Ciaran O’Connell, David O’Sullivan for Mikey Collins
St Michael’s/Foilmore: Jason O’Shea, Darragh Scanlon, Mark Griffin, Adrian O’Connell, DJ Moran, Sean O’Shea, Alan Smith, Sean O’Connor, Damien Kelly, Padraig King, Chris O’Sullivan, Darren O’Sullivan, Sean O’Sullivan, Mark McCarthy, Bernard Kelly
Substitutes: James Moran for DJ Moran, Vinny Casey for Darren O’Sullivan, Fionan Tarrant for James Moran
Denis McElligott, and Mikey Collins close in on St Michael’s Foilmore’s Mark Griffin. Photo by Dermot CreanStacks’ Fearghal McNamara tackles Sean Fogerty. Photo by Dermot CreanStacks’ Shane Carroll in a tussle. Photo by Dermot CreanStacks’ Pa McCarthy evades the tackle of Chris O’Sullivan. Photo by Dermot CreanDarragh Long and Shane Carroll put pressure on Mark Griffin. Photo by Dermot CreanMikey Collins lets fly at goal. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Donaghy rises for the ball. Photo by Dermot CreanPlayers fight for possession. Photo by Dermot CreanShane O’Callaghan has a shot on goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerins O’Rahilly’s Kieran O’Mahony looks for help through a crowd of Rathmore players n Saturday’s championship game. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Rockies go marching on but the Strand Road men will have to advance the hard way, after the Garvey’s Kerry Senior Football Championship double header at Austin Stack Park this evening.
Austin Stacks got past a game St Michael’s Foilmore side who came up short in the end, 1-13 to 2-6 in favour of the champions in slippy conditions.
This was the opening game and the Stacks suffered a bit of a scare in the first half, when the south Kerry side lay just a point behind the Tralee men 2-3 to 1-7 at the short whistle.
‘Come to daddy’…Kieran Donaghy about to fetch the ball from the sky during Saturday’s match. Photo by Dermot Crean
However Stacks began to dominate in the second half and pulled away towards the end, thanks to David Mannix who scored eight points in all during the hour.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s faced Rathmore in the second encounter and this was a much tighter affair..
The east Kerry men got off to a great start scoring 1-2 without reply in the opening four minutes. O’Rahilly’s rallied though and on 15 minutes they were level thanks to a John Ferguson goal.
Rathmore led by one point at the break (1-4 to 1-3) and when play resumed they increased their advantage and kept their noses in front until a David Moran converted penalty levelled things with six minutes to go.
However, Rathmore’s John Moynihan scored a goal with three minutes and proved the decisive score, the east Kerry men winning 2-8 to 2-5.
The Strand Road men now go into the losers round.
We’ll have full match reports and loads of action photos tomorrow
.David Moran will be important for the Blues this Saturday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Gavin O’Connor on Kerins O’Rahilly’s v Rathmore in the Super Valu Senior Football Championship Round 1 game at Austin Stack Park on Saturday…
KERINS O’RAHILLY’s begin their quest for county championship number seven this Saturday, when they face off against Rathmore in Austin Stack Park (throw-in 7pm).
The new year started with a lot promise for the blues who received an injection of returning talent from abroad, but after two home defeats the mood has become more subdued.
After the exit in the club championship to Legion a month ago, O’Rahilly’s succumbed to a second defeat – against intermediate opposition – to Glenbeigh/Glencar in the county league.
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“That result wasn’t a great way to build up, we just didn’t play well on the day,” said Kerins O’Rahilly’s manager, Barry O’Shea.
“We got a few injuries and our Kerry players have been away, so preparation has been difficult. But look, that’s the same for a lot of club teams, it’s extremely hard to get your team together,” he said.
The loss to Legion was largely orchestrated by James O’Donoghue, who came on in the second half of that game, playing with the wind at his back he ran the show and Legion did enough to get a one point victory.
Still, the capitulation in the last quarter of that match, where O’Rahilly’s shipped seven points without reply must be cause for concern.
Tommy Walsh bursts at the Legion defence in the recent club championship tie. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
One of the returning men, Tommy Walsh, has not kicked a ball with his club since that Legion game a month ago and a number of players have been tied up with exams and work commitments.
Giles O’Grady, David Murphy and Ross O’Callaghan are injured, but on the plus side, Strand Road’s inter-county men, David Moran, Barry John Keane and Tommy Walsh will be reporting for duty.
The opposition can also call upon men with All-Ireland experience. All-Star Paul Murphy and Aidan O’Mahony who is back motoring again after months on the sidelines. Last year’s impressive Kerry minor goalie, Shane Ryan is another man Rathmore will have at their disposal.
Barry O’Shea got a chance to have a look at Rathmore losing to Dr Crokes in the club championship, but he’s not reading a whole pile into it.
“Crokes took advantage of the wind in the first half and got a head by a large margin, once you get ahead it can be difficult for the other team to come back. Rathmore performed well, but it’s not a game I would read much into,” said O’Shea.
Rathmore took a big scalp last year by becoming the first team in four years to beat Dr Crokes and knock them out of the competition.
Looking at this, despite being short a few numbers in the back line, O’Rahilly’s have enough fire power to win out, but big games are required from their inter-county men.
David Moran will likely match up against Aidan O’Mahony in midfield, if Moran can get the better of his Kerry colleague, Strand Road will be halfway there.
No one could fault Barry John Keane in the match against Legion. He worked tirelessly and was the side’s inspiration. There’s a good chance Paul Murphy will pick up Barry John, which should make for another great battle.
If Jack Savage, Tommy Walsh and Cormac Coffey can up their performance, O’Rahilly’s have the better talent at their disposal to get over the line.
.Austin Stacks Kieran Donaghy on the ball while Dingle’s Mark O’Connor keeps close watch during last week’s Club Championship encounter. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Gavin O’Connor on the Austin Stacks v St Michaels/Foilmore, Super Valu Senior Football Championship opener this Saturday at Austin Stack Park…
DESPITE an eight-point chastening defeat at the hands of Dingle last week – and some notable absentees – Austin Stacks will be hot favourites against a struggling St Michaels/Foilmore.
The Rock got a bit of a shock against Dingle. They started the game well with the aid of a breeze, but they were hit by three goals either side of the half they had no answer for.
The game was also a set back, as it means that, in the county championship, they will now go into the hat with eight other clubs and fight for the senior status next year.
There are positives however. The Rock will welcome back midfielder Shane Guthrie who was on Dynamos duties last weekend and half-back Pa McCarthy, who looked a bit rusty after his inclusion against Dingle last weekend.
In attack, David Mannix had a fine game last weekend kicking six points, three from play. Shane Carroll didn’t back up his man of the match league final performance against Crokes, so he’ll be looking to pick up momentum again.
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Shane O’Callaghan, is a man who has underperformed in recent games so it will be interesting to see if he can get himself back on track.
St Michael’s/Foilmore are a side that shipped a few beatings in the league this year, including a 30+ point loss at the hands of a merciless Dr Crokes.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s also put a massive score against the South Kerry side, who are rooted to the bottom of the table with no points after four games played.
In their defence, three out of four of those games were against top of the table opposition – the aforementioned three, plus Legion.
Mark Griffin is the side’s representative on the Kerry panel. The match up of the day will come when he and Kieran Donaghy do battle.
Donaghy still proves to be the most decisive player for the Stacks. The two goals The Rock got in the League Final came from two long balls into Donaghy and he also was fouled for a penalty.
Against Dingle, ‘The Star’ looked dangerous but was also starved of quality ball. Even if St Michael’s/Foilmore manage to cut the supply to Donaghy and Griffin has a good day, there will be plenty more for them to keep an eye on.
Even if they are missing players from last year, Austin Stacks are still operating at another level to St Michael’s/Foilmore so it’s difficult not to see them win comfortably.
KERINS O’RAHILLY’S manager, Barry O’Shea, is highly critical of the decision to relegate three teams from this year’s senior county championship.
Speaking to TraleeToday.ie prior to the Strand Road club’s opening round of the championship against Rathmore on Saturday, he said the new system will “demoralise the clubs which are the lifeblood of the association”.
“I know it was probably done with the best of intentions, but I think it’s a disgraceful system. I think any club side should be disgusted with it,” said the former Kerry star.
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Unlike previous years, senior status won’t be determined by clubs’ run in the competition, but by the new system that could potentially send some big guns down to intermediate level.
Relegation will be decided between nine club sides in three unseeded groups decided by an open draw, with the bottom club in each group losing senior status.
So potentially a ‘group of death’ featuring, O’Rahilly’s, Austin Stacks and Legion could be on the cards.
The decision to review the county championship came before last year’s competition, when it was felt the standard of the competition along with Kerry football was in decline.
Barry O’Shea is none too pleased with the system which he sees as extremely harsh on senior club teams.
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“There are many divisional teams that put absolutely no effort into the county championship, yet they are not getting any sanctions and they’ll be there forever. I can’t see how getting rid of teams out of the county championship will improve it. There will always be poor teams and poor games no matter what system,” he said.
“I think it was a bit of an knee-jerk reaction, to drop three teams in one year. It’s just not a sensible move as far as I can see,” said O’Shea.
“When South Kerry were dominating the county championship, there was all this talk that the divisional teams were too strong. Then it swings around with Dr Crokes being the best team in the county so they want to make the divisional teams stronger.”
“There is no system that can make these teams good or bad, these things go in cycles. Creating a different system will not create better players,” he said
The two finalists of the senior club championship this year, Dingle and Dr Crokes, are exempt from the relegation groups.
The nine senior club sides going into the hat are: Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Austin Stacks, Ardfert, Kilcummin, Rathmore, Legion, Laune Rangers, St Michael’s Foilmore, Milltown/Castlemaine.
“The county board are killing the senior clubs with this. The intermediate and junior grades are becoming stronger since the club All-Ireland championships were brought in in those competitions.”
“The reason why the county championship is being affected is because club players are not feeding into the divisional sides [in their area] so those teams become weaker, which makes the competition weaker. I just don’t see how dropping three clubs out of the championship can fix that.”
“They say the idea of the divisional teams is to allow players from smaller clubs to be seen playing in the senior championship, but that doesn’t make players better or unearth players for the Kerry senior team. We’re in the age of technology with twitter and mobile phones that any good player that’s in the county is known from the age of 12 or 13,” he said.
The issue of where and when these relegation matches can be played could prove a headache for clubs in an already jam-packed schedule.
“If Kerry have a successful year, which we all hope they do, how are they going to fit in all these fixtures? Are we going to be playing for relegation in January and February? There will be no games played in July, August and September so we could be playing the relegation matches in winter,” said O’Shea.
“Weakening the senior clubs is going to weaken Kerry football. I think the system that is proposed is just doing its best to absolutely demoralise the clubs which are the lifeblood of the association. If we’re going to start putting senior clubs down, it’s going to have a knock-on effect long term,” he said.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s take on Rathmore, in the second game of a double header in Austin Stack Park, Saturday, throw in 7pm.
Last week’s club championship match between Ardfert and Austin Stacks was, Wayne Guthrie’s, last game before departed for America for the summer. Photo by Adrian Mclaughlin.
FOUR important cogs in the Austin Stacks machine will be playing their football in America this summer.
Wayne Guthrie, Greg Horan departed earlier this week, while Conor Jordan and goalkeeper Darragh O’Brien are leaving soon to spend the duration of the summer months in the States.
This means that four first team regulars will miss the opening rounds of The Rock’s county championship title defence.
Of course, this is not an unusual occurrence in the world of GAA. Only last year, Kerins O’Rahilly’s, were decimated by the departure of 11 players to America.
Losing the midfield pairing of Guthrie and Horan, will likely have the biggest impact.
Both players gained a lot of praise during the championship last year that took them one game away from Croke Park.
Greg Horan in action for Austin Stacks in last year’s county final replay. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Greg Horan was man of the match in the Munster semi-final victory over, Ballincollig, while Wayne Guthrie was arguably the Rock’s most consistent performer throughout the campaign.
Conor Jordan, like Horan and Guthrie, is a former Kerry minor.
In 2014 he found a place at centre back and was beginning to come into his own in a mean Stacks defence.
Whoever fills Darragh O’Brien’s gloves will have a lot of work to do picking up where he left off.
The defections to America mean, the players will miss the first two rounds of the county championship, but should be back for the business end of competition when it recommences in October. Should the Rock negotiate their way through that is!
The fact that hardly any meaningful football at club level is played during the summer months cushions the blow for Stacks who will be expected to get over struggling St Micheal Foilmore when they begin their defence of the Bishop Moynihan Cup in May.
A tricky draw in the next round however could cast lamenting eyes across the Atlantic.
Austin Stacks’ Kieran Donaghy and Barry Shanahan will be hoping for a repeat of this later this year.
AUSTIN Stacks will begin the defence of the Bishop Moynihan Cup against St Michael’s Foilmore, while Kerins O’Rahilly’s will face Rathmore in the county championship next month.
The first round draw for the Garveys Senior Football Championship 2015 was made earlier today and sees some interesting battles ahead.
St Brendan’s will play Kenmare District while All-Ireland champs Ardfert have a date with East Kerry to look forward to.
James O’Donoghue’s Killarney Legion will square off against last year’s beaten finalists Mid-Kerry while Dr Crokes, who will be desperate to get the trophy back, will face Shannon Rangers.
The Round 1 games will be played on May 23/24. The times and venues have yet to be decided.
The scene outside Austin Stack Park, just before throw-in of Austin Stacks v Dingle County Championship semi-final.
TICKETS for this Sunday’s County Championship final between Austin Stacks and Mid Kerry in Austin Stack Park are now on sale.
The tickets can be purchased from the Kerry County Board Office, Kerry GAA Store in Killarney and Supervalu Stores in Tralee, Dingle, Killorglin and Castleisland.
Two weeks ago, due to an unexpected surge of supporters trying to enter the ground, the throw-in time for the county championship semi-final between Austin Stacks and Dingle had to be delayed by 15 minutes.
This Sunday, there will be three ticket vans in operation outside the ground, opening at 11:15am with 16 windows in operation for ticket purchase.
Also, the Austin Stacks supporters are marching to the ground earlier than usual. They are gathering the Clubhouse at 12 noon with the parade departing at 1.45 sharp, led by John O’Callaghan’s specially-coloured Van, going down the Rock, through Russell St. and Castle Street and straight up to Austin Stack Park.
Throw in for the match is at 3pm and will be preceded by the Minor Championship final between Dr Crokes and Dingle at 1pm.
Tickets for the showcase event of Kerry club football are priced at €15 for adults, €5 for students, OAP and Juveniles (U16).
Stacks fans on the terraces on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
HERE’S something to get Austin Stacks fans in the mood for the county final.
The passion of the Rockie hordes is captured brilliantly on a short audio documentary made by Ballyduff native Kathryn Smith.
At the time Kathryn, who is married to a Connolly Park man, John Smith, was doing a course in Radio Kerry and interviewed Kieran Donaghy days before their ill-fated effort against Dr Crokes, as well as fans in the clubhouse on final day and recordings of the chanting and songs on the train to Killarney.
Among the fans interviewed are Kevin Carroll, Seamus Smith and Anthony McAuliffe.
AUSTIN Stacks fans will be happy to know they have a ‘home’ venue for the Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry Senior Football final against Mid Kerry on Sunday, October 26.
In a surprise move, the CCC decided on Monday night, to fix the game for Austin Stack Park at 3pm in two weeks.
It will be seen as a boost for The Rock club as they’re bound to bring huge support for the game and Killarney hasn’t exactly been a happy hunting ground for Stacks in county senior finals over the last 15 years!
It’s also a boon for local businesses as large crowds will descend on the town that day from all over Kerry.
It will be preceded by the minor final at 1pm.
Meanwhile, here are the goals from the two games on Sunday (see video below)
