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The Tralee Parnells U21 team.
U21 Champions
It is said that even the longest of journey begins with a single step. A major milestone in the journey that is the second coming of Tralee Parnells, was reached on Saturday at the North Kerry Under 21 Championship Final. On a calm dry and overcast day Tralee Parnells faced Crotta ONeills in Dromakee.
There were two unfortunate changes to the published starting team as Brian Lonergan sustained broken fingers in a Cork vs Kerry challenge hurling match last week and another stalwart among our dual players Enda O’Connor, had to reluctantly make the very difficult decision to sit this one out, with Na Gaeil due to face Derry opposition in the upcoming All Ireland Club Intermediate Semi Final.
With thrown-in at 2:30pm the home side had the better of a low scoring first quarter. At the first sos uisce, Crotta led by two points 0-04 to 0-02, with two Crotta points from Cillian Trant and one apiece courtesy of Rory Mahony and Cormac White.
The visitor tally was two well taken placed balls from Darragh Reen who drew fouls all day on several of the many occasions when he looked threatening in attack. Reen added two more converted frees to his tally in the second quarter, and also combined with Ruarí O Sullivan on a run from defence that saw the wing back finish with a point from a central position.
One difference between the teams in the first half was handling, with their first touch letting Parnells down more often than was the case for the opposition. With a further point plus a Denis Nolan goal, it was Crotta who went in to the dressing rooms happier on a one goal half time lead of 1-5 to 0-5.
Crotta were the better side after the interval and had increased the gap to lead at the second water-break by 1-09 to 0-07, with Darragh Reen again putting two frees over the bar to increase his tally and give the townies some glimmer of hope.
Both teams had a number of wides, but the gap in the score was increasing and things were starting to look ominous for the side chasing their first adult silverware in over a century.
Graham Sheehy and Niall Fitzmaurice came in for younger players Niall Cassidy and Jerome Daly and both of those young players will be looking forward to the 2022 Championship, having each put in a strong shift in their time on the field.
The dynamic of the game changed in the fourth quarter, with positional switches in the Parnells attack and the unfortunate ankle injury sustained by home fullback the influential Tadgh McKenna.
Luke Chester switched to the attack, having been a key part of the Parnells defence in the earlier stages.
His movement, combined with the new attacking options presented by Graham Sheehy and Niall Fitzmaurice, were a stronger test for the Crotta backs than they had faced heretofore and with Tadhg Brick and other Parnells defenders also foraging forward in some of the surges, it all began to take a toll on the defenders who showed increasing signs of fatigue and cramp.
The Parnells fitness seemed to give them more space to work with in the Crotta half by this stage.
When Darragh Reen finally found the net for the visitors the gap was reduced to three points.
Darragh Reen presented with the Paddy Kelly Cup.
Na Gaeil footballer Reen then added another point and a further onslaught saw him move into a dangerous position left of the square, but instead of taking on the keeper he smartly found Luke Chester to his right with a brilliant pass that the Stacks man hit to back of the net to move Parnells into the lead for the first time.
With the clock ticking inexorably towards added time, play surged from end to end with several missed chances by both teams.
It was a roar of relief as much as joy that echoed around the ground when the long whistle finally signalled the conclusion of an epic battle. There were ecstatic scenes of celebration by the Tralee Parnells players and fans.
This fantastic achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young men, brilliantly mentored by their management team of Andrew Morrisey, Pip and Tim Kelliher, supported by club officers and volunteers.
Final score: Tralee Parnells 2-08 Crotta O’Neills 1-10.
Team managers Ronan Gilsenan and Andrew Morrissey.
Players as listed in the match programme; Robin Porter, Enda O’Connor, Tadhg Brick, Eddie Sheehy, Ruarí O Sullivan, Luke Barrett, Johnny Lowe, Cathal Dunne, Tadgh Reen, Darragh Moloney, Brian Lonergan, Niall Cassidy, Cillian Litchfield, Darragh Reen, Luke Chester, Barry Lyons, Conor Brick, Graham Sheehy, Jack Doyle, Jerome Daly, martin Savage, Brian Hamilton, Daire Keane, Niall Fitzmaurice. Managers Ronan Pip Gilsenan and Andrew Morrisey. Selector Tim Kelliher.
The Tralee Parnells team.
Calling Camogie Players
Camogie is growing in popularity in Kerry and the club are actively seeking adult Camogie players to join the squad. Management have a busy schedule planned for the upcoming season and have launched a recruitment drive. Come along to the open training sessions on Friday 4th (8 to 9pm) or Sunday 6th (4 to 5pm) February at the CBS The Green Astro Turf. You can also contact head coach Diarmuid Brennan directly on 086 369 3131.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kilmoyley Hurling club on a fantastic win against Banagher of Derry. We wish Kilmoyle the best of luck as they prepare for Croke Park. Many congratulations also to Clanmuarice on their fifth win in a row in the Munster Junior Club Camogie Championship.
