Tag Archives: Kerry hurling

News, Sport

Ballyduff Beat Crotta In A Thriller To Win Minor Title

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Kerry Minor Hurling champions Ballyduff.

Mike O’Halloran reports on the Keane’s SuperValu Kerry Minor Hurling Final at Austin Stack Park on Friday evening…

Ballyduff are the Keane’s SuperValu Kerry minor hurling champions for 2024.  Ballyduff beat Crotta O’Neills by 1-17 to 2-10 in a fantastic display by both teams, with great skill and sportsmanship shown.

Crotta had the best of the first half and led at half time 2-07 to 0-09. A great display by Evan O’Sullivan where he scored two goals from long range frees.

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Crotta were very impressive all through the first half and started the second half better than Ballyduff, but Ballyduff clawed their way back into the game with frees from Dylan Costello and a goal from Jake Rochford.

Crotta were awarded a free on 64 minutes to level the game. There were six Ballyduff players on the line and the ball was parried for a 65. Further scores from Ballyduff sealed the win. A great display from both sides.

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GAA, Sport

Anticipation Builds Ahead Of The Kerry SHC Final This Sunday

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Andrew Morrissey and Mike O’Halloran are the commentators on Radio Kerry this Sunday for the big game in Tralee.

Mike O’Halloran looks forward to the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship Final at Austin Stack Park this Sunday…

Ballyduff and Abbeydorney square off in the Garveys Super Valu Kerry hurling final on Sunday and it is the first time these two sides have met in the final.

Abbeydorney are hoping to bridge a 50 year gap in winning the game and it’s 19 years since the contested a final. On that occasion they lost in 2005 to Lixnaw after a replay.

Ballyduff lie second in the champions roll of honour behind Kilmoyley. Ballyduff came through a tough semi-final encounter with Kilmoyley after being taken to extra time.

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Oisín Maunsell of Abbeydorney.

Abbeydorney had a comfortable victory over Ballyheigue in their semi-final led by Michael O’Leary, Oisin Maunsell and Ronan Donovan and James O’Connor at the back.

Ballyduff relied on a mixture of youth and experience through their campaign with Jack Goulding, Padraig Boyle and Luke Rochford to the fore.

Padraig Boyle of Ballyduff.

The game promises to be a classic, all the action will be live on Radio Kerry from 1.50 pm with myself Mike O’Halloran and Andrew Morrissey.

James O’Connor of Abbeydorney.
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GAA, News, Sport

REPORT: Ballyduff And Abbeydorney Book Final Places After Wins On Saturday

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Mike O’Halloran reports on the two Kerry SHC semi-finals played yesterday in Tralee…

Ballyduff GAA 4-25

Kilmoyley 2-25 after extra time

The Ballyduff panel.

An epic encounter between the kings of Kerry hurling ending in Ballyduff qualifying for the Garveys Supervalu Kerry hurling final where they will play Abbeydorney Hurling Club in two weeks time.

Kilmoyley were struck with two hammer blows before the game started when Dougie Fitzell (the most consistent centre back in the county) was unable to start, Robert Collins was also ruled out through injury.

Two more blows were to follow when John B O’Halloran was blinded by the sun allowing Padraig Boyle to touch the ball to the net. Then they lost Paudie O’Connor.

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The Kilmoyley panel.

But they showed their true resilience when they dragged their back into the game led by the excellent Ronan Walsh and aided by the goal of the championship by Philip Maunsell. Ballyduff were very impressive at times and were driven on by Padraig Boyle and a host of other great performances by Paud Costello, Jack Goulding, Kevin Goulding and their young guns especially Luke Rochford who was outstanding in extra time.

Abbeydorney 1-18

Ballyheigue 0-10

It’s going to be a great county final between Ballyduff and Abbeydorney as Abbeydorney overcame a very disappointing Ballyheigue side in the earlier game.

Ballyheigue never got to terms with the power and tenacity of the Abbeydorney Hurling Club led by the imperious Michael O’Leary.

Abbeydorney led 0-11 to 0-02 at halftime. Abbeydorney had many stars on the day like James O’Connor, Ronan Donovan, Jack Sheehan and Oisin Maunsell.

Ballyheigue must be very disappointed with their performance but must take heart from the fact that they are very young and will have gained a lot of experience from this year’s campaign.

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Sport

REPORT: Hurling Championship Round-Up With Mike O’Halloran

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Michael Leen punches the air as Ballyheigue reach the semis. Photo by David Corkey

Mike O’Halloran reports on the Kerry SHC quarter-finals at the weekend…

Wins for Abbeydorney, Ballyduff, Kilmoyley and Ballyheigue in a feast of quality hurling served up in Austin Stack Park.

Photo by David Corkey

Abbeydorney overcame St Brendan’s on a scoreline of Abbeydorney 2-15 St Brendan’s 1-13. St Brendan’s were without  Eric Leen from the start and lost Daithi Griffin early on.

Oisin Maunsell with two goals and Michael O’Leary with seven points saw Abbeydorney home against an up and coming young St Brendan’s team.

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Ballyduff held off a tremendous Lixnaw challenge to come out on top 3-15 to 1-16. Lixnaw had a difficult beginning to their championship and Ballyduff was expected to win this one comfortably but Lixnaw put up a fine battle, goals from Padraig Boyle, Evan Boyle and Dylan Moriarty was the difference for Ballyduff

Photo by David Corkey

Kilmoyley held off a huge challenge from an injury ridden Causeway, Kilmoyley 3-13  Causeway 2-13.

Kilmoyley raced into an early lead and at one stage led by double figures, Causeway hung in there and could have snatched a draw if Evan Murphy’s shot had hit the net.

Photo by David Corkey

Rob Collins will have a goal chalked to his name even though a Causeway stick touched the shot into the net. Kilmoyley will play Ballyduff in the semi final next weekend.

Photo by David Corkey

The game of the championship will surely be Ballyheigue and Crotta O’Neills, The reigning champions were odds on to win but they went out of the champ beaten by five points 3-24 to 2-22. A Philip Lucid goal in extra time putting Ballyheigue into a semi final against Abbeydorney.

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News, Sport

Crotta Overcome Kilmoyley To Win Kerry Senior County Hurling League Title

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The Crotta panel.

Mike O’Halloran reports on the Kerry Senior County Hurling League Final held yesterday evening…

Crotta 1-12

Kilmoyley 0-14

Crotta are the Kerry Senior County hurling league champions after defeating Kilmoyley.

Crotta were 1-02 ahead after six minutes with all the scores coming from Shane Nolan. His goal came after some hard ball carrying by Tomas O’Connor.

Dan Collins had Kilmoyley’s first score from a free. Crotta added five more points before Kilmoyley scored again — the Crotta points coming from the sticks of Jordan Conway and Sean McElligott with one each and Shane Nolan with two.

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Liam Flaherty pointed for Kilmoyley, while Darragh O’Donoghue replied for Crotta. Donal Corridon put over a point and Dan Collins added two before halftime.

Shane Nolan had one to leave the halftime score Crotta 1-09 Kilmoyley 0-05. Ronan Walsh and Daire Nolan had points for Kilmoyley and Shane and Cillian Trant had points for Crotta.

The next four points were in favour of Kilmoyley with Dan Collins, Jordan Brick, Ronan Walsh and Bobby O’Connor on target.

Kilmoyley were wide with two frees while Shane Nolan made it 1-12 to 0-11. Then came the Kilmoyley barnstorm finish with three unanswered points from Paudie O’Connor and two from Daire Nolan, but the clock ran out on them and Crotta win their first county league since 2010.

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Sport

REPORT: Laois Prove Too Strong For Kerry In Joe McDonagh Cup

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Action from Kerry v Laois.

Mike O’Halloran on Kerry defeat yesterday against Laois at Austin Stack Park in the Joe McDonagh Cup…

Kerry 0-18

Laois 1-25

A most disappointing day for Kerry hurling.

Laois were late getting to Tralee but they lost no time in getting on to the scoreboard with Liam O’Connell splitting the posts after 20 seconds to put Laois ahead, a lead they never relinquished.

Laois led 1-10 to 0-07 at half-time, with Kerry struggling in every line and finding it very difficult to deal with the power and skill of the Laois men.

The ability of the Laois players to find their men with precise passes both to hand and hurley was in total contrast to the Kerry players who struggled to transfer defence into attack.

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Up front Maurice O’Connor and Dan Goggin were unable to get into the game due to being marshalled by the Laois defenders and the poor quality of the ball they were presented with.

In the first half Kerry had points from MacKessey, Colin Walsh, Michael Leane Ronan Walsh and Killian Hayes from play with Maurice O’Connor scoring two points from placed balls.

Action from Kerry v Laois.

Kerry hoped to get the first score of the second period but it was Laois through Aaron Dunphy who did that.

Kerry struggled again the second half and were unable to hold on to the coat tails of a rampant Laois. Every time Kerry got a score, Laois replied immediately. Kerry only once were able to put two scores back to back without a Laois reply.

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Maurice O’Connor scored one point from a free, Brandon Barrett also had one, Ronan Walsh put two on the board, Colin Walsh scored three, with Fionan MacKessey adding four.

Kerry received a lesson from Laois yesterday, a lesson that my stand them in good stead for their game against Offaly in two weeks time.

One of those lessons is that you must be first to the ball another, a lesson that they will need to be more direct. The game against Offaly is make or break, a loss and the Joe McDonagh Cup will have to wait for another year. Final score Kerry 0-18 Laois 1-25.

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GAA, Sport

REPORTS: Lixnaw And Causeway Enjoy Comfortable Wins In Hurling Championship

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Mike O’Halloran reports on the double-header of Kerry SHC games at Austin Stack Park on Sunday…

Lixnaw GAA 3-16

Ballyheigue GAA 0-14

Lixnaw defeated Ballyheigue in the Garveys Supervalu Kerry Hurling championship in Austin Stack Park on Sunday.

Lixnaw were in control of all of this game as they led at halftime 0-09 to 0-03.  Philip Lucid accounted for nine of Ballyheigue’s total including two sideline cuts.

Felim O’Sullivan had three points to his name with Tomas Gaynor scoring two. Ballyheigue battled hard but the loss of their two county men had them hogtied from the start.

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Lixnaw were comfortable all through and had eight different scorers. Their goals came from Mikey Kelliher, Ricky Heffernan and Colin Sheehy.

Scorer in chief was, as usual, Shane Conway. He was impressive as was Darragh Conway with two points, Michael Conway came on as as a sub and pointed with his first possession. Lixnaw will face Ballyduff GAA next weekend.

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Causeway 3-16

St. Brendan’s 0-14

Both games in the Garveys Supervalu Kerry Hurling championship today finished with the same scoreline.

St Brendan’s operated for most of the second half with 14 men but basic errors and poor decision making was more the cause of their defeat than the loss of a player.

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Causeway increased their intensity from their defeat to Kilmoyley and were much more economical in front of goal reducing their wide count to ten today.

The Causeway goal scorers were Joe Diggins, Sean Leahy and Colum Harty. The Colum Harty goal was gifted to him by a cross field ball straight to his hand from a St Brendan’s defender and to compound the error, the St Brendan’s keeper had moved out field to present himself for a pass leaving Harty with an empty net to strike the ball into.

St Brendan’s will now face Kilmoyley next weekend, they will need a big win to progress.

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GAA, Sport

REPORT: Abbeydorney Hit Four Goals To Overcome Dr Crokes

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Mike O’Halloran reports on Abbeydorney’s win over Dr Crokes in the opening round of the Garveys Supervalu Kerry SHC at Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening…

Abbeydorney 4-17

Dr Crokes 0-16

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Talk before this game was that a shock might be on the cards, but Michael O’Leary put paid to that speculation when he had the ball in the Crokes net after three minutes.

Mark Heffernan drew Dr Crokes level with a free before O’Leary pointed again. Mark Heffernan and Tom Doyle had a point each for Dr Crokes, then James O’Connor struck over two in a row for Abbeydorney.

Michael O’Leary struck for a second goal on 21 minutes and Mark Heffernan had two more points either side of a point from Michael O’Leary to leave the score on 22 minutes Abbeydorney 2-05 Dr Crokes 0-05.

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Jedd Maunsell was replaced by Brendan O’Leary and O’Leary was barely on the field when he pointed over his shoulder.

David Egan had Abbeydorney’s last point of the first half with Tom Doyle scoring Dr Crokes final score of the half. The halftime score Abbeydorney 2-07 Dr Croke’s 0-07.

The halftime score could have looked much different if Dr Crokes had taken the goal chances presented to them.

By the 38th minute, Abbeydorney led 2-10 to 0-09 when Niall O’Mahony pointed off his left. On 46 minutes Charlie Keating had the point of the game to make it 2-12 to to 0-12 with Dr Crokes keeping in touch.

Two minutes later Kian Sheehan goaled for Abbeydorney and it looked like curtains for Dr Crokes, but they were presented with a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty. Charlie Keating made a slight mistake in the lift and sent the ball wide.

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Oisin Maunsell was introduced and the dual star had an immediate impact on the game, scoring two points in a row to bring to score to 3-15 for O’Dorney, 0-14 for Dr Crokes.

Brendan O’Leary added two points either side of an Oisin Maunsell goal. An impressive start to the county championship for the County and North Kerry League champions with an impressive tally of 4-17 accompanied by 15 wides.

Final score: Abbeydorney 4-17 Dr Croke’s 0-16.

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GAA, Sport

REPORT: Kilmoyley’s Goals Prove The Difference In Victory Over Causeway

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Mike O’Halloran reports on the opening round of the Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry SHC game in Austin Stack Park yesterday evening…

Kilmoyley  4-13

Causeway 1-15

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They say goals win matches and that certainly was proven this evening when Kilmoyley overcame Causeway with goals from Maurice O’Connor and Philip Maunsell.

Daniel Collins opened Kilmoyley’s account after two minutes, then Dan Goggin’s shot on goal rebounded from John B O’Halloran’s stick to the path of Colum Harty who pointed for Causeway.

Dan Goggin worked fierce hard to tap over a point to put Causeway ahead on seven and a half minutes, unfortunately that was to be his last involvement in the game as he retired injured shortly afterwards. His retirement certainly dented Causeway’s chances of a win.

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The next five points came from Kilmoyley — three by Dan Collins one each from Daire Nolan and David McCarthy with the score on 21 minutes reading Kilmoyley 0-07 Causeway 0-03.

Causeway rallied and had the next three points one each from Colum Harty, Brandon Barrett and Geroid Mahony.

With 25 minutes on the watch, Maurice O’Connor struck for the first of his three goals. He then added two more points to leave the score on 28 minutes, Kilmoyley 1-09 Causeway 0-06.

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Tommy Barrett and Brandon Barrett added two points for Causeway before halftime to leave the score at the break Kilmoyley 1-09 Causeway 0-08.

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Causeway started the second period with two points from Brandon Barrett. Causeway were now within two of Kilmoyley and looking like they might catch their neighbours, but Maurice O’Connor had other ideas he added another goal and a point 2-10 now for Kilmoyley 0-10 for Causeway,

Gavin Dooley goaled for Causeway on 47 seven minutes (Colum Harty had added two points prior to that) but Kilmoyley had added another two points in the meantime.

Brandon Barrett pointed on 50 minutes and the score then read Kilmoyley 2-12 Causeway 1-14. A Causeway comeback was on the cards until Maurice O’Connor again found the net.

Rob Collins followed with a point, Colum Harty replied and at the death, Philip Maunsell sold a dummy to a Causeway defender and rattled the net.

Kilmoyley’s ability to score goals was the difference. Causeway did create enough chances but their shooting was off a little having a total of sixteen wides. The loss of Dan Goggin cannot be underestimated. Final score Kilmoyley 4-13 Causeway 1-15.

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GAA, Sport

REPORT: Ballyduff Enjoy Comfortable Win Over Ballyheigue In Championship Opener

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Mike O’Halloran reports on the opening round of the Garveys Supervalu Kerry hurling championship game played on Friday evening at Austin Stack Park…

Ballyduff GAA  4-20

Ballyheigue GAA 0-11

The Ballyduff panel. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

A big win for Ballyduff in the opening round of the Garveys Supervalu Kerry hurling championship.

Ballyduff led by their young guns came out on top over a much depleted Ballyheigue outfit. Ballyheigue had to line out without their two county men Colin Walsh and Michael Leane.

Ballyheigue had the opening score from the stick of Philip Lucid after two and a half minutes. Ballyheigue were not to lead again after Dylan Moriarty pointed for Ballyduff 30 seconds later.

A minute after that, Padraig Boyle was found with space close to goal and he blasted to the net. Kyle O’Connor finished off and end to end move with a fine point.

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With eleven minutes on the clock, Graham Slattery pointed for Ballyheigue while Jack O’Sullivan and Phelim O’Sullivan swapped scores so it was Ballyduff 1-03 Ballyheigue 0-03 after 13 minutes.

The Ballyheigue panel. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

Kyle O’Connor had two points in a row and Eoin Ross made it 1-6 to 0-03. Ballyduff lost Padraig Boyle to injury and he was replaced by Jack Enright.

Ballyheigue only managed two more points before halftime from Philip Lucid and Felim O’Sullivan. Ballyduff added 1-04 in the final ten minutes of the half — Kevin Goulding netting for Ballyduff.

Goulding also added a point along with Michael Boyle, Dylan Moriarty and a point from downtown by Eoin Ross to leave the halftime score Ballyduff 2-10 Ballyheigue 0-05.

Early in the second half, Michael Boyle grabbed the ball in the air and he was fouled. Dylan Moriarty pointed the free and another a couple of minutes later.

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Eoin Ross and Kevin Goulding had a point each before Nathan Guerin pointed for Ballyheigue. Daniel O’Carroll had a point for Ballyduff, who had eight different scorers by the 37th minute (they would have nine different scorers by games end).

Dylan Moriarty and Philip Lucid exchanged points, Philip had two more points — one from a 65. Michael Boyle brought the Ballyduff score to 2-17 to Ballyheigue’s 0-9 points.

On 53 minutes, Michael Boyle caused havoc in the Ballyheigue goal mouth and the ball crept over the goal line.

Ballyheigue added two more points before the end, but Ballyduff put one goal and two points on the board — Kevin Goulding weaved his way through the Ballyheigue defence to tip the ball to the net one handed.

Cillian Boyle son of Michael Boyle had the final score of the game a point from a free.

This victory was forged by the young lads from Ballyduff augmented by the more experienced players, Ballyduff looked like a team that is coming together.

I was very impressed by the decision making of the young players especially Dylan Moriarty who was pretty close to player of the match. Final score again Ballyduff 4-20, gallant Ballyheigue 0-11.

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News, Sport

Kerry Team To Face Offaly In League Semi-Final Named

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KERRY play Offaly in the Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2A semi-final on Saturday, at 2pm in Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore.

The team, captained by Gavin Dooley is as follows:

1 John B O’Halloran — Cill Mhaoile
2 Cillian Trant — Na Niallaigh Crotta
3 Eoin Ross — Baile Dubh
4 Eric Leen — Naomh Breandánaigh
5 Evan Murphy — An Tochar
6 Michael Boyle — Baile Dubh
7 Paudie O’Connor — Cill Mhaoile
8 Daniel Collins — Cill Mhaoile
9 Gavin Dooley — An Tochar
10 Kyle O’Connor — Baile Dubh
11 Fionan MacKessy — Naomh Breandánaigh
12 Michael Leane — Baile Uí Thaidhg
13 Shane Conway — Leac Sna
14 Daithi Griffin — Naomh Breandánaigh
15 Pádraig Boyle — Baile Dubh

Subs

16 (GK) Louis Dee — Liam Uí Mhaoiliosa
17 Seán Weir — Na Niallaigh Crotta
18 Tadhg Brick — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
19 Jason Diggins — An Tochar
20 Darragh Shanahan — Lixnaw
21 Keith Carmody — An Tochar
22 Niall Mulcahy — Mungairit
23 Dan Goggin — An Tochar
24 Philip Lucid — Baile Uí Thaidhg
25 Jordan Conway — Na Niallaigh Crotta
26 Brandon Brandon — An Tochar

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GAA, News, Sport

Kerry Hurlers Take On Offaly In Killarney

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KERRY play Offaly in Round 3 of the Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2A today at 2pm in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney.

Having enjoyed two wins so far against Derry and Carlow, Kerry will be hoping for three in a row but this is expected to be their toughest test so far. For ticket information, click here.

The team, captained by Padraig Boyle is as follows:

1 John B O’Halloran — Cill Mhaoile
2 Evan Murphy — An Tochar
3 Eoin Ross — Baile Dubh
4 Conor O’Keeffe — Leac Sna
5 Eric Leen — Naomh Breandánaigh
6 Michael Boyle — Baile Dubh
7 Kyle O’Connor — Baile Dubh
8 Fionan MacKessy — Naomh Breandánaigh
9 Daniel Collins — Cill Mhaoile
10 Colin Walsh — Baile Uí Thaidhg
11 Michael Leane — Baile Uí Thaidhg
12 Shane Conway — Leac Sna
13 Keith Carmody — An Tochar
14 Daithi Griffin — Naomh Breandánaigh
15 Pádraig Boyle — Baile Dubh (captain)
Subs

16 (GK) Louis Dee — Liam Uí Mhaoiliosa
17 Seán Weir — Na Niallaigh Crotta
18 Tadhg Brick — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
19 Cillian Trant — Na Niallaigh Crotta
20 Jason Diggins — An Tochar
21 Paudie O’Connor — Cill Mhaoile
22 Gavin Dooley — An Tochar
23 Niall Mulcahy — Mungairit
24 Philip Lucid — Baile Uí Thaidhg
25 Dan Goggin — An Tochar
26 Jordan Conway — Na Niallaigh Crotta

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GAA, Sport

Kerry Side To Face Derry In League Opener Announced

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KERRY kick off their Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2A campaign tomorrow when they face Derry in Celtic Park with a 2pm throw-in.

The team has just been named and is as follows;

1 John B O’Halloran — Cill Mhaoile
2 Conor O’Keeffe — Leac Sna
3 Tadhg Brick — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
4 Evan Murphy — An Tochar
5 Eric Leen — Naomh Breandánaigh
6 Michael Boyle — Baile Dubh
7 Eoin Ross — Baile Dubh
8 Fionan MacKessy — Naomh Breandánaigh
9 Daniel Collins — Cill Mhaoile
10 Shane Conway — Leac Sna
11 Colin Walsh — Baile Uí Thaidhg
12 Daithi Griffin — Naomh Breandánaigh
13 Niall Mulcahy — Mungairit
14 Dan Goggin — An Tochar
15 Padraig Boyle — Baile Dubh (captain)

Subs

16 (GK) Louis Dee — Liam Uí Mhaoiliosa
17 Sean Weir — Na Niallaigh Crotta
18 Kyle O’Connor — Baile Dubh
19 Cillian Trant — Na Niallaigh Crotta
20 Luke Barrett — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
21 Paudie O’Connor — Cill Mhaoile
22 Vincent Doyle — Dr Crócaigh
23 Keith Carmody — An Tochar
24 Philip Lucid — Baile Uí Thaidhg
25 Brandon Barrett — An Tochar
26 Mark Heffernan — Dr Crócaigh

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GAA, Sport

Kerry Team Named To Face Cork In Munster Hurling League Game In Tralee Tonight

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AFTER the footballers received a beating last night from the Rebels in Páirc Uí Rinn, it’s the turn of the Kerry hurlers to face to Cork tonight.

Kerry have home advantage this evening in Round 1 of the 2023 Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League.  The game takes place at 7pm in Austin Stack Park, Tralee.

Tickets for adults cost €10. Students / OAPs General Admission (Valid ID Required Upon Entry to Venue) €5, Under 16s – Free admission when accompanied by an adult.

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There will be no cash sales at the venue. Click here to pre-purchase tickets. The team, captained by Gavin Dooley, is as follows:

1. John B O’Halloran — Cill Mhaoile

2. Conor O’Keeffe — Leic Snámha

3. Mikey Boyle — Baile Dubh

4. Evan Murphy — An Tochar

5. Kyle O’Connor — Baile Dubh

6. Fionan MacKessy — Naomh Breandánaigh

7. Sean Weir — Na Niallaigh Crotta

8. Michael Leane — Baile Uí Thaidhg

9. Cillian Trant Na Niallaigh Crotta

10. Jordan Conway — Na Niallaigh Crotta

11. Colin Walsh — Baile Uí Thaidhg

12. Shane Conway — Leac Sna

13. Gavin Dooley — An Tochar

14. Podge Boyle — Baile Dubh

15. Daniel Collins — Cill Mhaoile

Subs:

16. Louis Dee — Mungairit

17. Niall Mulcahy — Mungairit

18. Tadhg Brick — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí

19. Mark Heffernan — Dr Crócaigh

20. Morgan Madden — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí

21. Philip Lucid — Baile Uí Thaigh

22. Keith Carmody — An Tochar

23. Brian Lonergan — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí

24. Dan Goggin — An Tochar

25. Vincent Doyle — Dr Crócaigh

26. Ricky Heffernan — Leac Sna

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News, Sport

PHOTOS: Up For The Match Supporting The Kerry Hurlers

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Patrick Healy and Olivia Dineen with young Kerry fan up for the game. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

A DISAPPOINTING day once again for the Kerry hurlers as they were beaten for the third year in a row in the Joe McDonagh Cup final.

A sunny Croke Park was the venue for a thrilling final but, despite a late goal, Kerry couldn’t catch Antrim and went down by 5-22 to 4-24.

They gave their all and weren’t short of support from the green and gold faithful who made the long journey on the day.

Radio Kerry commentator Mike O’Halloran captured some images of the fans before the game and kindly passed them onto us. Scroll down for photos…

Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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Kerry Three former kerry players Eamonn Fitzgerald, John Tweek Griffin and John Fitzgerald up for the game. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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Lixnaw lads supporting clubman Conor O’Keefe. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
Mike Burke, Maurice Leahy, and John Mike Dooley Causeway. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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The Kilmoyey contingent. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
Kerry GAA officers at the match. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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The O’Connors from Ballyduff. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
The Healys from Abbeydorney. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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The Longs from Abbeydorney. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
The Ross contingent from Ballyduff supporting Eoin Ross. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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The Collins’ of KilmoyleyPhoto by Mike O’Halloran
Boyle family and friends of Ballyduff. Photo by Mike O’Halloran
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News, Sport

Kerry Team To Face Antrim In Joe McDonagh Cup Final

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Kerry Hurling Panel and Management at Kerry Airport Ireland prior to departure to Dublin for the Joe McDonagh Cup Final v Antrim.

THE big day has arrived for the Kerry senior hurling team. They play Antrim in the Joe McDonagh Cup final at 4.30pm in Croke Park.

Having lost the last two finals they’ll be hoping its third time lucky this evening.

The match will be screened live on RTE 2 with coverage beginning from 4.20pm. The team is as follows:

1. Louis Dee

2. Conor O’Keeffe

3. Eoin Ross

4. Eric Leen

5. Sean Weir

6. Fionan MacKessy

7. Mikey Boyle

8. Michael Leane

9. Podge Boyle

10. Colin Walsh

11. Colum Harty

12. Paudie O’Connor (c)

13. Gavin Dooley

14. Daniel Collins

15. Shane Conway

Subs: 16 (GK) Martin Stackpoole 17. Morgan Madden 18. Tadhg Brick 19. Maurice O’Connor 20. Jordan Conway 21. Niall Mulcahy 22. Fionan O’Sullivan 23. Brian Lonergan 24. Mark Heffernan 25. Cillian Trant 26. Luke Barrett

News

Kerry Airport Charters Flight To Bring Kerry Hurlers Home Saturday Night

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John Mulhern, Kerry Airport General Manager.

KERRY Airport Ireland has chartered a flight to bring the county’s senior hurling team, management and officials home from Dublin after Saturday’s Joe McDonagh Cup Final in Croke Park.

The squad were unable to secure affordable accommodation in Dublin and as a result were being forced to travel down by road after the full-time whistle.

Kerry Airport has chartered a 72-seater plane from Emerald Airlines to allow the team, management and officials to touch down in Farranfore before nightfall.

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The CEO of Kerry Airport Ireland, John Mulhern, said: “We are delighted to support the Kerry hurlers this weekend. When we heard about their difficulties when booking accommodation. They had booked a one-way flight to Dublin with Ryanair but the timings of the game and the return flight clashed. Instead of facing a five-hour bus journey to Kerry, we are proud to sponsor a charter flight with Emerald Airlines to bring everyone home. We sincerely hope that this will give them the peace of mind to focus on the matter in hand – to win the Joe McDonagh Cup against Antrim. We wish everyone involved the best of luck in Croke Park.”

The Kerry GAA Hurling Liaison Officer, Ger McCarthy, said: “To see someone like John [Mulhern] from Kerry Airport coming in behind Kerry Hurling and Kerry GAA in general, for the county itself, is absolutely great.”

Kerry face Antrim in the Joe McDonagh Cup Final at Croke Park at 4.30pm and they are due to fly home from Dublin Airport at 8.30pm.

GAA, Sport

REPORT: Kerry Come Away From Carlow With The Points

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Mike O’Halloran was at the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A game in Carlow where Kerry emerged victorious…

Kerry 0-20

Carlow 0-13

Action from the game yesterday. Photo: Mike O’Halloran

A very impressive win by Kerry given the tragic events prior to the game, my thoughts are with the family.

Kerry went into a two point lead within two minutes with pointed frees from Shane Conway.

The next three scores came from Carlow with Kevin McDonald, Dean Tobin and Richard Coady firing over a point each.

Continued below…

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Padraig Boyle replied for Kerry but again Carlow put four scores on the board three from McDonald and one from Chris Moran to leave the score Carlow 0-07 Kerry 0-03 with twenty two minutes on the clock.

Carlow were playing with a pretty strong wind in the first half and I was hoping that Kerry would not go in at halftime too far behind.

I need not have worried because up stepped Gavin Dooley he drove towards the the Carlow goal he was fouled and Shane Conway pointed the free.

Four minutes later Conway had pointed another free, then on twenty eight minutes Carlow were awarded a penalty.

It was poorly hit by Diarmuid Byrne, saved by Louis Dee and cleared, a couple of minutes later Padraig Boyle had reduced the margin to one point, a red card followed for Carlow and on the stroke of halftime Gavin Dooley drew Kerry level with a fine point, seven points all.

Photo: Mike O’Halloran

Kerry started the second half in whirl wind fashion when they rattled off five points without reply from the sticks of Paudie O’Connor, Paudie Ahern, Shane Nolan, Shane Conway and the impressive Padraig Boyle, to leave the score after six minutes of the second half Kerry 0-12 Carlow0-07.

Kerry looked as if they were going to cruise home, but Carlow had other ideas they drove over four points in a row McDonald with three and one from Chris Nolan.

Kerry were reduced to fourteen on seventeen minutes losing a player to a second yellow.

Padraig Boyle stopped the rot with another fine point, two more points followed from Conway with a beautiful side line ball and Ahern pointing from play, John Mike Nolan interrupted the Kerry scoring, three more points followed for the Kerry men.

On 29 minutes Padraig Boyle drove over his fourth point, Shane Conway pointed again after the brilliant Colin Walsh was fouled bringing his tally to eight.

With thirty seven minutes on the clock Niall Mulcahy made it Kerry 0-19 before Conway had the final say with point number ten to leave the final score Kerry 0-20 Carlow 0-13.

There were many stand out performances but Padraig Boyle was my player for the game with four brilliant points from play.

Next up for Kerry is Meath in Tralee next Sunday.

Kerry introduced Darragh Slattery, Dan Collins, Niall Mulcahy, Mark Heffernan, Flor McCarthy and Niall Mulcahy. Paudie O’Connor started instead of Darragh Slattery.

GAA, Sport

REPORT: Westmeath Too Strong For Kerry In League Opener

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Kerry line up for the national anthem. Photo: Mike O’Halloran

Mike O’Halloran reports on a disappointing opening Division 2A league game for Kerry away to Westmeath on Sunday…

Westmeath 3-15

Kerry 1-15

A disappointing opening game for Kerry going down to Westmeath by six points.

Ciaran Boyle opened the scoring for the home side with a wind assisted point after four minutes, Paudie Ahern replied for Kerry with a free.

Over the next thirteen minutes Westmeath added three more points from Jack Gillen, Cormac Boyle and Ciaran Doyle.

Shane Nolan and Mark Heffernan had a point each for Kerry to reduce the margin to one point, but a long ball into Niall Mitchell’s hand where he turned onto his left and blasted to the net extended the Leinster men’s lead.

Continued below…

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Soon after, Paudie Ahern received the ball from Shane Conway and he pointed, 1-5 to 0-5 in favour of Westmeath with 25 minutes on the clock.

A minute later though, Westmeath won a penalty and Jack Gillen pushed the lead out to five point.

Sean Weir prevented another goal two minutes later and Paudie Ahern stopped the rot with a point before Shane McGovern and Jack Gillen put six between them at the break.

Photo: Mike O’Halloran

Kerry were looking forward to playing with the stiff swirling wind in the second half and six points seemed like a lead that could be pegged back, especially as Kerry had more wides than Westmeath against the wind.

Davy Glennon came on for Westmeath, Padraig Boyle replaced Mark Heffernan and Westmeath came out of the blocks all guns blazing.

Within 15 seconds of the restart they had a point on the board from Kevin Regan, three minutes later they had a goal and a point chalked up both coming from Jack Gillen.

On seven minutes, Shane Conway took over the free taking duties and he added two in a row, Jack Gillen and Shane Conway had two points each to leave the score Kerry 0-10 Westmeath 3-10 17 minutes into the second half.

Then up steps Michael Boyle with a goal followed by points from Gavin Dooley and and Paudie Ahern and a comeback seemed to be on the cards as Kerry had improved their efforts and Conway was getting on more ball.

Westmeath though had points from Jack Galvin and the evergeen Dereck McNicholas, Michael walked through the Westmeath defence and banged over a point to make it 3.12 to 1.13.

Jack Gillen, Killian Doyle and Kevin Regan had one point each, Shane Conway pointed a free before Fionan MacKessey had the the score of the game when he drove over a powerful point to leave the final score Westmeath 3-15 Kerry 1-15.

Kerry were full of running and tried to the very end but the gulf in class between a Joe McDonagh Cup team and a Liam McCarthy team was evident.

Westmeath were sharper and more powerful and knew where the posts were.

Kerry will learned form this outing and will look forward to picking up point next Sunday against Kildare who will most probably be without their Naas players.

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GAA, Sport

Here’s The Kerry Side To Face Westmeath In League Opener

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IT’s not just the Kerry footballers in action in the green and gold this weekend.

The Kerry senior hurlers will play Westmeath in the opening round of this year’s Allianz Hurling League Division 2A on Sunday at 12:30pm in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar.

The team captained by Shane Conway is as follows:

1 (GK) Martin Stackpoole — Leac Sna
2 Sean Weir — Na Niallaigh Crotta
3 Fionan MacKessy — Naomh Breandánaigh
4 Eric Leen — Naomh Breandanaigh
5 Eoin Ross — Baile Dubh
6 Conor O’Keeffe — Leac Sna
7 Colin Walsh — Baile Uí Thaidhg
8 Michael Leane — Baile Uí Thaidhg
9 Shane Conway — Leac Sna
10 Shane Nolan — Na Niallaigh Crotta
11 Mikey Boyle — Baile Dubh
12 Colum Harty — An Tochar
13 Gavin Dooley — An Tochar
14 Paudie Ahern —Cill Ide
15 Mark Heffernan — Dr Crocaigh

Subs

16 (GK) Louis Dee — Mungret
17 Fionan O’Sullivan — An Neidin
18 Darragh Slattery — Baile Dubh
19 Tadgh Brick — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
20 Sean Sheehan — An Tochar
21 Podge Boyle — Baile Dubh
22 Jordan Conway — Na Niallaigh Crotta
23 James Sheehan — Na Niallaigh Crotta
24 Niall Mulcahy — Mungret
25 Cathal Dunne — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí
26 Luke Barrett — Na Pairnealaigh Thrá Lí

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GAA, Sport

Kerry Hurling News All-Stars Announced

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Kerry Hurler of the Year, Fionan MacKessy.

THE Kerry Hurling News Team of the championship 2021 and All-Stars were announced yesterday.

Sponsored by Garvey’s SuperValu and following submissions from eight hurling experts, organiser of the awards, Radio Kerry commentator Mike O’Halloran, announced the winners.

Young Player of the championship was Nathan Guerin of Ballyheigue, while Player of the Championship was Fionan MacKessy of St Brendans.

Continued below…

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Here’s the team in full;

1. John B O’Halloran, Kilmoyley

2. Tommy Barrett, Causeway

3. Colman Savage, Kilmoyley

4. Evan Murphy, Causeway

5. Conor O’Keefe, Lixnaw

6. Dougie Fitzell, Kilmoyley

7. Darren Dineen, St Brendan’s

8. Fionan Mackessy, St Brendan’s

9. Paudie O’Connor, Kilmoyley

10. Padraig Boyle, Ballyduff

11. Daniel Collins, Kilmoyley

12. Jordan Brick, Kilmoyley

13. John Buckley, Lixnaw

14. Shane Conway, Lixnaw

15. Cian Hussey, St Brendan’s

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GAA, Sport

Kerry Hurling News All-Star Nominations Announced

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THE Kerry Hurling News All Star Nominations for 2021, sponsored by Garvey’s SuperValu, have been announced.

Following submissions from eight hurling experts, organiser of the awards, Radio Kerry commentator Mike O’Halloran has published the list of nominees for the awards which will take place over Zoom in the next few weeks.

Mike took the decision a few weeks ago not to have a live event due to his concerns over rising COVID numbers.

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The following is the list of 45 nominees…

John Brendan O’Halloran, Kilmoyley; Martin Stackpoole, Lixnaw; Darren Delaney, St Brendan’s; Eoghan Kearney, St Brendan’s; Tommy Barrett, Causeway; Muiris Delaney Causeway; Michael Milner, Dr Crokes; Anthony Fealy, Causeway; Graham Slattery, Ballyheigue; Colman Savage, Kilmoyley; Conor O’Keefe, Lixnaw; James Godley, Kilmoyley; James O’Connor, Abbeydorney; Evan Murphy, Causeway; Dougie Fitzell, Kilmoyley; Michael Boyle, Ballyduff; Darren Dineen, St Brendans; William Costello, Lixnaw; Sean Sheehan Causeway; Sean Weir, Crotta O’Neill’s; Flor McCarthy, Kilmoyley; David Griffin, St Brendans; Colin Walsh, Ballyheigue; Shane Nolan, Crotta O’Neill’s; Paudie O’Connor, Kilmoyley; Brendan Brosnan, Lixnaw; Fionan MacKessy, St Brendan’s; Padraig Boyle; Ballyduff; Billy Lyons Causeway; Dan Collins, Kilmoyley; Michael Conway; Lixnaw; Padraig Kearney, St Brendan’s;  Jordan Brick, Kilmoyley; Jack Sheehan, Abbeydorney; Bryan Murphy, Causeway; John Buckley Lixnaw; Brendain O’Connor, St Brendan’s; Cian Hussey, St Brendan’s; Nathan Guerin Ballyheigue; Maurice O’Connor Kilmoyley; Shane Conway Lixnaw; Mark Heffernan Dr Croke’s; Gavin Dooley Causeway; Dan Goggin Causeway; David Egan Abbeydorney.

Sport

Former Waterford Player To Be Proposed As New Kerry Hurling Manager

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Kerry GAA have announce that Stephen Molumphy will be proposed as the new Kerry Senior Hurling Manager for a two year period (2022/2023) to the County Committee for ratification later this month.

Molumphy’s selectors / coaches include Pat Bennett and Shane Briggs respectively, and in a statement issued this afternoon, Kerry GAA said a further Kerry based selector will be added to Stephen’s management team in the coming weeks.

Comdt Stephen Molumphy is a native of Waterford and now lives in Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford.

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He joined the Defence Forces in 2002 and served in a number of different Units at home and overseas.

He was Captain of the Waterford senior hurling team for 3 years, won 2 Munster championship titles and 1 National League title. He was also awarded an All-Star during his playing career.

He was selector and coach with Wexford senior hurlers in 2019 (Leinster championship title) and Waterford senior hurlers in 2020 (All Ireland finalists).  He was also manager of the Irish Defence Forces hurling team 2018-2019.

Sport

Kerry Team To Face Down In Joe McDonagh Cup Named

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KERRY face Down in Austin Stack Park tomorrow in Round 1 of the Joe McDonagh Cup.

The game takes place at 12.30pm in Austin Stack Park and the team, captained by Paudie O’Connor, is as follows:

1 (GK) John B O’Halloran

2. James O’Connor

3. Evan Murphy

4. Eric Leen

5. Conor O’Keeffe

6. Fionan Mackessy

7. Jason Diggins

8. Paudie O’Connor

9. Shane Nolan

10. Mickey Boyle

11. Barry O’Mahony

12. Brendan O’Leary

13. Padraig Boyle

14. Shane Conway

15. Cian Hussey

Subs:
16 (GK) Darren Delaney
17 Tomás O’Connor
18 Bryan Murphy
19 Donal Hunt
20 Eoin Ross
21 Daniel Casey
22 Fionan O’Sullivan
23 Flor McCarthy
24 Colman Savage
25 Maurice O’Connor
26 Daniel Collins

GAA, Sport

Here’s The Kerry Side To Face Carlow On Sunday

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AFTER their impressive win over Wicklow last weekend, the Kerry hurlers are away to Carlow in Round 5 of the Allianz Hurling League, Roinn 2A, on Sunday.

The game has a 1pm throw-in at Netwatch Cullen Park and the team is as follows:

1 (GK) Darren Delaney

2. Flor McCarthy

3. Evan Murphy

4. Sean Sheehan

5. Conor O’Keeffe

6. Jason Diggins

7. Michael Leane

8. Paudie O’Connor

9. Daniel Casey

10. Brendan O’Leary

11. Shane Conway

12. Bryan Murphy

13. Padraig Boyle

14. Mickey Boyle

15. Cian Hussey

Subs:
16 (GK) John B O’Halloran
17 James O’Connor
18 Shane Nolan
19 Eoin Ross
20 Colman  Savage
21 Donal Hunt
22 Colin Walsh
23 Nathan Guerin
24 Fionan O’Sullivan
25 Michael Slattery
26 Michael Kelliher

Sport

PREVIEW: Kerry Hurlers Can Make History On Sunday

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Mike O’Halloran previews the Joe McDonagh Cup Final next Sunday where the Kerry hurlers hope to overcome Antrim in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final Day…

A momentous day for Kerry next Sunday as they take to the big stage in the final of the Joe McDonagh Cup.

The setting is the biggest hurling stage in the world when they will perform as the warm-up act to the greatest hurling show on earth.

They have performed with Antrim on three other occasions lately, exiting stage right on each occasion, but Sunday is a new performance with a few new cast members being added to the ensemble due to injuries to the previous cast.

The last meeting of these sides took place a couple of weeks ago in the wind and rain.

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Kerry leaked a few goals early in the game and even though they did attempt a rally in the second half, it wasn’t enough to see them over the line.

They also met in the league earlier in the midlands in the final of Division 2 A the boys from the Glens won that day by three points.

I think the fairest way to access Kerry’s chances on Sunday next is to concentrate on the Division 2A final and not on the game in Belfast as the weather conditions and travel to the venue may have had a bearing on the display by the Kerry boys.

I mentioned earlier about a change of cast; there may be as many as five changes in the line up from the 2A final.

Two players definitely out through injury are the men from Lixnaw — Martin Stackpoole with a hand injury and John Buckley with a leg problem. Two huge losses.

Martin has been solid between the posts, but expect his understudy John B O’Halloran to fit seamlessly into the part. Antrim won’t have played against John B before and the Kerry puck out strategy may be changed for the wide expanses of Croke Park.

John Buckley has been the stand out player for Kerry this year in defence, making the hurling team of the week on one occasion.

This is tough on both lads as John had just returned to hurling this season after a long layoff and Martin missed the 2014 county final also with a hand injury.

Bryan Murphy the captain is hoping he can recover on time from his hand injury to make the team, Tomas O’Connor did a fine job in that position last time out.

Since the League final, the Kilmoyley boys have come on board and they will be the difference in Croke Park.

The last day in Tralee they contributed nine points with Dan Collins and Maurice O’Connor on the score sheet, with Paudie O’Connor very influential at mid field.

Word is that the Crotta dual star Barry O’Mahony will make an appearance he will be a huge asset.

So with the extra scoring power and game management the likes of Collins and Maurice O’Connor bring to the stage along, with the extra expanse of Croke Park I expect that the Causeway club will have a national title in their midst.

They may have to wait a few months for the trophy to be delivered though, given that Croke Park is not allowing teams to take the cups back home under present Covid restrictions.

Sport

The Kerry Hurling Team To Play Antrim Has Been Named

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THE Kerry team to play Antrim in the Allianz Hurling League Div.2A Final in Tullamore on Sunday at 1.30pm is as follows

1. Martin Stackpoole (Lixnaw) 2. James O’Connor (Abbeydorney) 3. Bryan Murphy (Causeway) 4. Tomas O’Connor (Crotta O’Neills) 5. Conor O’Keeffe (Lixnaw) 6. Jason Diggins (Causeway) 7. Fionan Mackessy (St Brendans) 8. Brendan O’Leary (Abbeydorney) 9. Shane Nolan (Crotta O’Neills) 10. Shane Conway (Lixnaw) 11. Michael O’Leary (Abbeydorney) 12; Michael Leane (Ballyheigue) 13. John Buckley (Lixnaw) 14. Mickey Boyle (Ballyduff) 15. Brandon Barrett (Causeway)

SUBS

16. (GK) Darren Delaney (St Brendans)

17. Eric Leen (St Brendans)

18. Sean Weir (Crotta O’Neills)

19. Evan Murphy (Causeway)

20. Dan Goggin (Causeway)

21. Colm Harty (Causeway)

22. Micheal Slattery (Abbeydorney)

23. Thomas Casey (Causeway)

24. Donal Hunt (Crotta O’Neills)

25. Michael Lenihan (Dr Crokes)

26. Billy Lyons (Causeway)

GAA, Sport

REPORT: Ballyduff Overcome Ballyheigue To Win Minor Hurling Title

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Mike O’Halloran saw Ballyduff become Kerry Minor Hurling champions after  they defeated Ballyheigue…

Ballyduff 1-13

Ballyheigue1-09

Darragh Slattery with his dad David and grandfather Mike.

Ballyheigue had the perfect start when Felim O’Sullivan struck for goal.

Tomas Gaynor added point on four minutes before Kevin Goulding put Ballyduff on the board with a point from play, two minutes later Dylan Moriarty added another before Colin Walsh taped over for Ballyheigue.

It was nip and tuck to the water break with Dylan Moriarty, Jake Brosnan and Anthony Kavanagh adding a point each for Ballyduff and Nathan Guiren posting two points.
Dylan Moriarty had two points to draw Ballyduff level on twenty four minutes 0-07 to 1-04.

Continued below…

Nathan Guiren had two frees that drifted wide in the breeze before Dylan Moriarty struck a point to put Ballyduff ahead after Adam Segal worked hard to win the free almost from the puck out he blasted to the Ballyheigue net, he then hit the post twice with a goal chance and a point effort.

With 32 minutes gone Nathan Guiren was given an advantage he fired to Darragh Quinlans left but Quinlan saved, Nathan tapped over the free to leave the halftime score Ballyheigue 1-05 Ballyduff 1-08.

Ballyheigue started well in the second half with Colin Walsh pointing, Aiden O’Connor came on for Ballyduff and Ballyheigue introduced Eric walsh for the injured Denis Lynch.

Dylan Moriarty pointed for Ballyduff, Nathan Guiren replied with a free. Conor O’Sullivan made it a one point game on forty three minutes shortly after Ballyheigue did have a goal chance but Felim O’Sullivan was put under severe pressure by the Ballyduff defence.

The sides were level on 46 minutes 1-09 each when Colin Walsh converted a free, but Jack Enright who had come on earlier put Ballyduff ahead by a point after a great catch.

Ballyduff were to add three more points two from Dylan Moriarty, one of these a pointed free came after Darragh Slattery drove through the middle from his own half to win the free.

Anthony Kavanagh had the final point for Ballyduff. I was hugely impressed by Darragh Slattery and Kyle O’Connor who must have pushed Kevin Goulding pretty close for the man of the match award.

GAA, Sport

REPORT: Causeway And Kilmoyley Reach Kerry SHC Final

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Mike O’Halloran on yesterday’s Kerry SHC semi-finals at Austin Stack Park…

Kilmoyley 1-20

Abbeydorney 1-12

The Kilmoyley team. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

Kilmoyley are through to the Garveys Supervalu Kerry Hurling final.

Abbeydorney started well and after ten minutes they led by a point four points to three, then came a kicked goal from the excellent Maurice O’Connor who was a thorn in Abbeydorney’s side all day and sent over some beautiful points.

Michael Slattery also had a goal for Abbeydorney and they led at halftime by two points 1-9 to 1-7.

Kilmoyley came out of the traps in the second half like a dosed dog and added six points to put them ahead 1-14 to 1-09.

Try as they might Abbeydorney could not reel them in, Kilmoyley just kept them at arms length and went on to win by eight.

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Kilmoyley learned a lot from Abbeydorneys defeat of Lixnaw. Kilmoyley negated all the Abbeydorney threats and, of course, Abbeydorney did themselves no favours with some wayward shooting both from play and placed balls.

The Abbeydorney team. Photo: Mike O’Halloran

Causeway 1-19

Ballyduff 0-11

Another eleven point win for Causeway over Ballyduff, the same margin as last year’s encounter at the same venue.

Ballyduff did start pretty well and led by two points on 15 minutes, but then that lethal forward Gavin Dooley struck for goal and from then on it was downhill from a Ballyduff point of view.

On 30 minutes Causeway led by three 1-05 to 0-05, ten minutes later Causeway were out of sight 1-11 to 0-07. Six minutes later Ballyduff were behind by ten.

Ballyduff were always going to be under pressure to win this game, but the loss of Padraig Boyle finished any type of comeback.

Ballyduff are in a rebuilding phase and can take heart from the performance of Kevin Goulding, Darragh Slattery and Dylan Moriarty. It was their first senior championship game and they didn’t look out place.

This Causeway team are the most balanced side in a long time. They are strong all over the field and could start any 15 out of their panel and they would not be weaker.

And of course they have a superstar in Jason Diggins who is an absolute giant at the back. Up front they are also lethal and they have a good free taker in Billy Lyons.

Causeway are going to be hard to beat, but you can put your house on the astute Kilmoyley backroom team coming up with a plan to overcome their neighbours.

GAA, Sport

REPORT: Champions Stay On Track After Narrow Win Over Crotta

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Mike O’Halloran saw Causeway scrape past Crotta O’Neills in a Kerry SHC quarter-final game played in appalling conditions at Austin Stack Park…

Causeway 0-14

Crotta 0-13

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How Crotta must regret their wasteful use of the long ball where they presented their inside forwards with little chance of winning the ball.

The dreadful conditions did little for quality hurling, but Crotta to their credit outworked the county champions and had a chance at the end to bring the game to extra time, but t was not to be as Shane Nolan’s free went to the left and wide.

How Crotta must rue the loss of Barry O’Mahony — if he was on last night I have no doubt that Crotta would be in the semi-final.

Continued below…

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Causeway led at half-time, eight points to five. The ball was like a bar of soap and at some stages the hurley flew out of players hands.

Shane Nolan with two points and Sean O’Donoghue increased Crotta’s total to eight, then came three points in a row for Causeway from Joe Diggins, Colum Harty and Billy Lyons.

The Causeway panel. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

It looked like Causeway might run out handy winners, but back came Crotta with three unanswered points from Cillian Trant, Darragh Kennelly and and James Sheehan to reduce the margin to one with 20 minutes gone in the second half.

Joe Diggins and Dan Goggin pushed to margin out to three points, 0-14 to 0-11.
Shane Nolan and Darragh Kennelly added a point each and with 30 minutes on the clock, Shane Nolan had a point chance from a free on his own sixty five to bring the game to extra time, but it wasn’t to be — he was wide on the left. So Causeway go on to the semi-final where they will meet Ballyduff.

The Crotta O’Neills panel. Photo by Mike O’Halloran

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