U14s Win Final:
The North Kerry U14 Hurling final between Tralee Parnells and Crotta took place under floodlights at Abbeydorney GAA grounds on Thursday 7th September.
This was the final game of the season for both clubs and was set to be a tight affair with Crotta having narrowly edged the previous encounter. Parnells started at a blistering pace but despite the majority of possession were unable to register a score in the first 15 minutes.
The back lines of both teams were very strong with Evan Foley and Edward Sheehy dominating and clearing any attack from Crotta. Tadhg Reen, named man of the match, registered the first point for Parnells and Niall Cassidy, the Parnells centre back found himself in the Crotta half and battle his way through to score an inspirational second point.
A tactical switch saw Tadhg move to centre forward and score a goal just before half time. Crotta had two goal chances which were ably dealt with by the Parnells keeper Gary Lynch but did register 2 points from frees leaving the score at 1:2 to 0:02 at half time.
Crotta found their rhythm in the second half and coupled with the wind and rain peppered the Parnells backs with numerous attacks. A long range effort found its way through the driving rain into the back of the net making for a very tense final 15 minutes.
The Parnells backs were up for the challenge and dealt with every attack Crotta had to offer, while Gary Lynch was very intelligent with his puck-outs ensuring Parnells retained possession. Parnells skill and character was evident throughout the field and was rewarded with a well taken goal and point.
Final score 2:4 – 1:3 which would have been more in Parnells favour but for a heroic performance by the Crotta keeper, and a famous first victory for Parnells over Crotta.
The trophy was presented to rapturous applause to the Parnells captain Jerome Daly who thanked the North Kerry County Board, Abbeydorney GAA for the use of their ground, John Ross and his assistants for officiating the match and last but not least Crotta for a hard fought and fair game.
The management team could not have asked for more commitment or character from this bunch of players and have been privileged to work with team. We hope they continue to hurl and look forward to training with them again at U14 or U16 next year.
Finally a massive thank you to all the parents, not only for their support on the night, but through the year, at games, bringing the players to training and for being there when needed – it couldn’t happen without you!
The Parnells players were Gary lynch, Jack Doyle, Evan Foley, Liam Óg Kingston, Jamie Fitzgerald, Niall Cassidy, Edward Sheehy, Tadhg Reen, Darragh Maloney, Graham Sheehy, Jerome Daly (captain), Joey Nagle, Cathal Conch, Cillian Litchfield, Danny Greany, Jack Savage, Conor Kirby, Luke McGill, Cian O Neill, along with some of our under 12s who are in preparation for their step up in 2018, David Chute, Jamie Horgan, Rory Reen, Oisin McGibney, Oran Murphy, Barry Hamilton.
Camogie U8, 10 Blitzes:
On Sat Sep 2, over 100 girls, aged 6-10, gathered in Tralee to hurl in a downpour! Tralee Parnells hosted U8 and U10 teams from Causeway, CillArd and Killarney camogie clubs. Each girl got at least 2 matches before the deluge began, and braver souls fielded for a 3rd.
2017 is the first season of a girls-only U8 team at Tralee Parnells. Based on the enthusiasm of new players and mentors alike, it will not be our last. U8 players who braved the elements were: Aley Clifford, Siofra Murphy, Brid O’Sullivan, Molly Dwyer, Aoife Trant, Evie O’Sullivan, Aoibhean Hennessy, Sarah Chute, Niamh Maunsell, Ciara Trant, Clodagh O’Sullivan, Grace Stephenson, Laura Heaphy.
Thank you to mentors, Katie Doyle, Ide Hennessy and Aine O’Sullivan for not letting the water dampen their spirits (hope to see Loretto O’Sullivan back on her feet again soon to complete the quartet!).
Our older U10 players showed their leadership, and the skills that they have been fostering with the U12’s. Their U9 teammates were keen not to be outdone, to the pride of Suzanne Chute and Katie Trant.
Some experienced U8’s even “played up” to even out the numbers. The U10 team comprised: Avril Doyle, Orla Costello, Abby Crowley, Abbie Canty, Maeve Trant, Grace Hamilton, Rachel Sargent, Anna Chute, Anna O Sullivan, Orla Buttimer, Eda Mai Stewart, Bridget Stewart, Sileoonagh Mansfield.
Behind the scenes: Dad’s, Ger Doyle and Dermot Trant, set up the pitches; our hospitality tent was never empty under the watchful eyes of Sandra Murphy and Avril Clifford; U12 manager, Richard McCluskey, was scouting for talent among the younger age groups, as well as helping all over the place to make the event a success.
THANK YOU: to everyone who supplied sandwiches and healthy snacks; to Ballymac Dairy for the natural milk; to referees, Jack Doyle, Katie Dwyer, Darragh Maloney and Saoirse Maloney, all Tralee Parnells players; to Johnny Maunsell and Na Gaeil GAA for the generous use of their fine facilities.
The older girls are looking forward to taking part in an U11 Munster blitz in Mallow on Sat Sep 23, and everyone will be out in Kilmoyley on Sat Sep 30. Pairnealaigh Abu!
Kerry Win Silverware:
Congratulations to the Kerry Under 14 girls who arrived home from Dublin as All Ireland Champions 2017. Congratulations to the Kerry Camogie under 14s.
The girls defeated Kildare, Armagh and Wicklow teams to win all of their group games in their division of the All Ireland Under 14 Camogie Blitz 2017 in Dublin on Saturday the 9th. After progression to the final, Kerry faced Roscommon who had defeated Mayo in the semi-final.
It was the Western Team who started better and were up by two goals in the first half. But after a settling half-time talk from team manager Joe Walsh, the girls went out and gave it everything in the second half to claw back the deficit and go into a one point lead by the final whistle.
A fantastic achievement for this Kerry team. We are looking forward to seeing the girls bring the trophy around to the local schools to show their classmates. It was great to see Tralee girls travelling on this inter-county duty for Kerry.
Well done to Katie Dwyer, Saoirse Maloney, Shona O’Connor, Clodagh O’Sullivan and their Kerry teammates on being selected to represent their county. It was great to have Katie and Clodagh combining well together to score a Kerry goal in the game against Armagh.
It was lovely that some of the girls from the victorious team were in Croke park with the Parnells contingent at the Camogie All Ireland on the Sunday, they have great stories to share with their club-mates about their games on the Saturday.
Under 13 Camogie:
Our under 13s have accepted an invitation to play in a Cork Under 13 Camogie Blitz in Mallow on Sat 30th of September.
Training time 6:30 pm:
Training for the remainder of the season will begin at the earlier time of 6:30 PM on Fridays. It’s hard to hurl in the dark!
Photo Gallery: Thanks to Paul Cassidy for some great photos from our win in the North Kerry U14 final. Along with these, we also have nice photos available online at our https://www.facebook.com/TraleeParnellsHurlingClub/page, from the U8 and U10 Camogie Blitzes and the Parnells players with their teammates on the victorious Kerry U14s at the All Ireland Camogie Blitz in Dublin.
