Seniors in actionSenior Men’s Team
Heartbreak at Strand Road: Kerins O’Rahillys 2-9 (15) | Gneeveguilla 1-13 (16)
Kerins O’Rahillys suffered a gruelling one-point defeat to Gneeveguilla in Round 9 of the County League on Saturday evening.
In a game full of momentum swings, a late free allowed the visitors to snatch the victory after the Strand Road men had seemingly taken control of the tie early in the second half.
The Blues started with intent. After winning the opening throw-in, the home side patiently retained possession and worked the ball to Conor O’Sullivan, who fisted over the bar for the opening score in the second minute.
The Narries were flying by the 7th minute. A great ball in from Tom Hoare found Nick Lacey, who executed a gorgeous pick-up before being dragged down for a penalty. Conor O’Sullivan stepped up and buried the spot-kick to give the Strand Road men an early cushion.
The game descended into a scrappy period filled with turnovers, though the Strand Road backs held firm defensively, with great turnovers from the likes of Brayden Pierce, Seamus Cahill & Ben O’Brien.
Gneeveguilla eventually got on the board in the 19th minute through a Paul O’Leary free. Wing-back Padraig O’Connor hit a 2-pointer from play for the visitors to narrow the gap, but Kerins O’Rahillys responded well.
A surging run from Shane McElligott, supported bravely by Conor O’Sullivan, won a free that Nick Lacey nailed. Despite losing Barry John Keane to injury shortly after, the Blues finished the half strongly.
Good work from Gearoid Savage set up Lacey for another point, and Tom Hoare confidently dispatched a long-range 2-point free. A late 2-point free from Gneeveguilla’s Paul O’Leary left the half-time score poised at 1-5 to 0-6 in favour of Kerins O’Rahillys.
Kerins O’Rahillys came out firing. Four minutes in, Tom Hoare won a massive kick-out. Nick Lacey hit the crossbar with a 2-point effort from distance, but play was called back for a previous infringement, and Lacey expertly drove the resulting 2-point free over the bar.
Gneeveguilla responded when a back-door cut let Oisin O’Leary in for a point, followed by a cheap free that allowed them to get within one.
The game exploded into life around the 41st minute. Following a mighty catch by Tom Hoare from Robert O’Connor’s kick-out, Hoare struck a massive 2-pointer from play.
Seconds later, directly from the ensuing kick-out, Nick Lacey pounced to raise a second green flag for the Narries, putting serious daylight between the teams and pushing their tally to 15.
While it looked like Strand Road had struck for home, unfortunately we would not score again for the duration.
Gneeveguilla issued an immediate reply, with Oisin O’Leary goaling just a minute after Nick to shift the momentum back towards the visitors.
We became a little ragged at the back in this period, Gneeveguilla capitalized, reeling off points from Oisin O’Leary, Eoin Rahilly, and Pa Brosnan to tie the game.
The defining moment arrived in the 56th minute. A free was awarded against the home team and Gneeveguilla substitute James Doyle stepped up to convert it, giving his side the lead.
Strand Road pushed desperately for an equalizer, and a great late run by Jake Hoare almost provided it, but the ball was agonizingly pinched just as he was about to pull the trigger. Gneeveguilla held on for a narrow 1-13 to 2-9 win.
Teams & Scorers
Kerins O’Rahillys Scorers: Nick Lacey 1-4 (1f, 1tpf), Conor O’Sullivan 1-1 (pen), Tom Hoare 0-4 (tpf, tp).
Kerins O’Rahillys: Robert O’Connor, Seamus Cahill, TJ Heaphy, Jake Foley, Conor O’Sullivan, Brayden Pierce, Daniel Bowler, Tom Hoare, Ben O’Brien, Ben Hanafin, Barry John Keane, Shane McElligott, Jake Hoare, Nick Lacey, Gearoid Savage.
Subs Used: Odhran Kerins, Con Barrett, Stephen Nix
Club History Book – Secure Your Copy!
Pre-orders for the definitive history of Kerins O’Rahillys are absolutely flying out! The landmark publication will officially launch at our special community event on Friday, June 26th. Supplies of the first edition are strictly limited, so please do not delay if you want to secure your piece of Strand Road heritage. You can pre-order your copy online now via our club social media channels or Clubforce.
Senior ladies.Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies travelled to Na Gaeil on Sunday for a challenge game, aimed at familiarising both teams with the new rules.
Experienced Inter-County referee Seamus Mulvihill was in charge and took the time to speak to both sides and answer players’ questions before throw-in.
Although missing some key players, we acquitted ourselves well against a side currently top of Division One, playing out an entertaining and competitive game in conditions that felt more like February than high summer.
Na Gaeil were comfortable winners in the end, showing superior sharpness, but our girls learned plenty about the new rules and what we need to improve on.
Thanks to Na Gaeil for hosting. Finally, wishing a very speedy recovery to our captain Katie Nix, who we hope to see back on the pitch soon.
Juvenile & Academy News
Academy Action: We gave the U6s the morning off this week as we await summer to officially arrive! Training went ahead for the remaining groups, and we had great numbers. The weather was not favourable, but the kids put in a fantastic effort. Great to see them showing such spirit and determination.
U10 boysU10 Boys: Our U10 boys played another great round of Go Games against Fossa this week. There was a fantastic display of football on show from both sides. Many thanks to Fossa GAA for hosting us.
U14 Girls: Super well done to our U14 girls who showed hard work and dedication on the pitch on Sunday against Na Gaeil. Na Gaeil were the stronger team on the day but the girls battled hard until the final whistle.
Kerry Community Games: A huge well done to Erin Lynch, Mia Leane, Addison Quirke, Lilly Lacey, Isabella Walsh, and Ruby Hurley, who represented Rock Street–Caherslee brilliantly over the weekend at the Kerry Community Games Tournament in Connolly Park.
Summer Camp 2026
Our official Kerins O’Rahillys Summer Camp is now open for registration!
Dates: July 28th to 31st (10:00 AM to 1:30 PM)
Ages: Boys and girls aged 5-12 years. Places are always highly sought after, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Check our Facebook page or scan the QR code on our posters to fill out the registration form. Cost is €50 for 1 child, €80 for 2, €100 for 3, and €120 for 4 or more.
Holy Family N.S. Fundraiser
Support Holy Family N.S. and invest in our community’s future! Our neighbors and partners are running a massive fundraiser to install brand-new astro pitches at the school. Kerins O’Rahillys has a proud association with Holy Family, and once completed, our club teams will have access to these fantastic new playing facilities.
By supporting their draw, you are directly supporting the future of our own players. The main prize is a brand-new Toyota Yaris Cross SUV or €30,000 cash! Get your tickets via the link on our social media pages.
Club Lotto
Results for Monday, June 1st, 2026:
Numbers Drawn: 11, 23, 27, 31.
Jackpot: No Winner.
Match 3 Winner (€25): Noel Finnerty (Online).
Next week’s jackpot is a massive €5,200! Tickets can be purchased from Betty’s Bar, Jimmy’s Foodstore, Der O’Sullivan’s, Lakeside Cafe/Wetlands, the Club Bistro Bar, or online via the link on our socials. Thank you for your continued support!
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the very well-known and loved Patsy Hobbert. Patsy was known by many; his talent and warmth were widely appreciated and recognized, which was reflected in the large turnout for his funeral this week. We have had the pleasure of having Patsy’s children and grandchildren play for the Blues over the years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
