Thriller in Abbeydorney:
Tralee Parnells played out a real edge of your seat encounter away to Abbeydorney on Tuesday the 27th of June.
Missing county player Parker due to injury, Abbeydorney fielded just 14 players. Parnells were close to full strength and were able to make strategic use of their bench.
Parnells opened the scoring with a couple of points, but in a pattern that was repeated several times in the first half, the home side overcame the deficit with a scrambled goal.
At half time Parnells had conceded four green flags, but their superior points tally kept them well in contention. The second half began with the same intensity and end to end play that distinguished the first.
Robin had to make a number of fine reflex saves to keep the goals tally down. In the backs, Jim, Ruarí Martin and Joe defended well and the backs gave proof of their growing maturity as a unit and in individual levels of skill and confidence.
Jim Cadogan was strong on the ball and executed a number of hooks that prevented certain scores. Around the middle Darragh Reen and Joby were hardworking and wide ranging.
Darragh created attack after attack and Joby was steady as free taker, keeping the scoreboard ticking over. In the forwards Luke was a thorn in the side of the defence and took several fine scores. Down the left wing, Cian Cronin had an excellent game in attack and took point after point from narrowing angles.
The lead kept switching between the teams and it was too intense for any of the travelling supporters to get a moment of respite from the tension and excitement as the game went into the final stages.
In a reverse of the first half scenario, it was the visitors who went on a goal scoring spree in the closing stages. Patrick Dowling came into the forward line and his persistence was rewarded by a goal scored from close range. As the clock wound down, Abbeydorney burst up the field to find the net for their fifth goal and eat dangerously into the lead Parnells had eked out.
With just 2 points separating the teams, Tom Godley sounded three blows on his whistle and Parnells were finally able to draw breath after a game played at relentless pace.
Huge credit is due to Abbeydorney who never gave up and battled for every ball despite being down numbers, having no fresh legs of the bench and relying on a few younger players.
Parnells will take heart from the perseverance and character they displayed as a unit, despite continually seeing their hard won lead being turned over.
This game also gave some of the newer players on the panel a great opportunity to bed in with their team mates and to test their skills and determination, in the heat of a battle where the motto seemed to be, never give up until the whistle sounds.
Final score 5-15 to 5-13. Next fixture, versus Crotta under 16s.
Last Chance to Book Summer Hurling and Camogie Camp:
Running 11 to 13 July. Always popular with the children who take part. Contact club officers to book your place now. A great way to advance your skills and meet new friends. Boys and girls 7 to 13 years old.
County Under 14 Camogie:
The Kerry County Camogie squad has started training sessions in preparation for upcoming inter county outings. We encourage all girls in this age group to come along to this training.
Photos From Féile 2017:
We have published some great photos from Féile 2017 on our blog at http://traleeparnellshurling.blogspot.ie/. Browse to http://traleeparnellshurling.blogspot.ie/2017/06/tralee-parnells-at-hurling-feile-2017.html and http://traleeparnellshurling.blogspot.ie/2017/06/tralee-parnells-at-hurling-feile-2017_25.html Thank you to Paul Cassidy, for taking these photos for Tralee Parnells.
