Acorn Life Co U21 Football Championship
Kerins O’Rahillys 2-20 St Brendans 3-20 (after extra time)
A young O’Rahillys squad gave it everything against their divisional opponents in this rip-roaring contest and were just pipped for victory in the 37th minute of the second half before St Brendans prevailed in extra time. Played on Tuesday last at Strand Road, the evening remained fine throughout after the showers earlier in the day. There was a stiff wind blowing into the Basin End which favoured the Blues in the first half of normal time and they were quickly into their stride when Tom Hoare pointed a free after a foul on Conor Hayes. St Brendans levelled from play two minutes later but Hoare landed another free from 45 metres and then Hayes won possession from the resulting kickout and floated the ball over the bar to extend the lead with six minutes gone. The next six minutes belonged to St Brendans though and they made it count by scoring three points without reply, despite the best efforts of Jordan Foley and Seán Griffin. The first came when a free dropped short but they retained possession and fired over. This was followed by a fisted effort before a fingertip save from Shane Foley prevented a likely goal, but the visitors recycled the ball and struck for another point to lead by 0-4 to 0-3. O’Rahillys were level by the 15th minute when Hayes intercepted a kickout and transferred immediately to Gearóid Savage who slotted over and Hayes put the home side back in front with a tidy point after a fine move featuring the McElligott brothers, Darragh and Shane. St Brendans equalised once more but a beautiful kick-passing move from O’Rahillys saw Donagh O’Brien pick out Savage who in turn found Hayes and the corner forward cut in from the left and curled the ball between the sticks. Hayes repeated the feat two minutes later with an almost identical score after the diagonal ball was supplied by Hoare. St Brendans immediately reduced the gap to the minimum when a goal looked the more likely outcome and on 25 minutes they came close to another major but this time Shane Foley darted off his line to smother the goal attempt. O’Rahillys rallied though and two minutes later Hoare pointed a 20-metre free after a foul on Hayes and then Savage got on the end of a flowing move but saw his shot just flash past the post. The full forward then drew some consolation in injury time when he struck for a point after Aaron Roche’s accurate pass and this proved to be the final act of the half with the teams retiring at the break on a scoreline of O’Rahillys 0-9 St Brendans 0-6.
The home side were dealt a huge blow when full back and senior panellist, Sean Collins failed to appear for the second half through injury and St Brendans started like they had every intention of using the wind to their advantage. They opened the scoring with a fine point from 40 metres but by the ninth minute O’Rahillys had added two more points from frees by Tom Hoare following fouls on Conor O’Sullivan and Conor Hayes. Yet, St Brendans were far from a busted flush and by the 11th minute they were level following a lovely point from 35 metres and a move down the left wing which resulted in a delivery into the danger area that was punched into the net. O’Rahillys replied within two minutes when O’Brien, Savage and Daniel Bowler combined to set up Hayes and although the corner forward still had an awful lot to do, he managed to clip over a beautiful score from close to the left touchline. Undaunted, St Brendans swept back downfield and although Darragh McElligott brilliantly deflected the original goal-bound effort, the ball fell kindly an inrusing forward who finished first time to the net to make it 2-8 to 0-12 in favour of the divisional side. With the wind rising and St Brendans adding another point in the 20th minute, the omens didn’t look good for Strand Road, but they had moved O’Brien to the half forward line at this stage and he started to link the play between defence and attack and five minutes later, a sweeping move saw O’Brien pick out Roche who then found Hayes and the attacker burrowed his way along the end-line before passing to O’Brien who had followed up, only to be fouled at the expense of a penalty with the goal at his mercy. Gearóid Savage hammered the spot kick into the roof of the net and with five minutes of normal time left the scores were level at 2-9 to 1-12, but added time was already clocking up due to injuries to Rory O’Connor, Shane McElligott and Conor Hayes to name but three on the Strand Road side alone. Spurred on, the home side turned over the next kickout and Savage fastened onto a loose ball to fire his team ahead and the surge continued when Shane McElligott batted down the next kickout to Hayes who offloaded to O’Brien on his shoulder and the defender turned attacker split the sticks from 30 metres. Perhaps with thoughts of the finishing line in their minds, O’Rahillys tried to protect possession at this stage but they were turned over in the last minute of normal time and St Brendans reduced their lead to the minimum before levelling the game on 33 minutes after what appeared to be a harsh call on Kieran Mangan when in possession. With excitement at fever pitch, St Brendans had a chance to go in front but fluffed their lines after O’Rahillys were penalised following a short kickout. The home side immediately surged upfield and a move involving Savage, Bowler and the McElligott brothers climaxed with a fabulous point from Roche from 20 metres out and close to the right touchline. That could have been the winning score, but St Brendans came downfield one more time and despite a massive defensive effort from Barry Foley and Aidan Mangan, they moved the ball from left to right before levelling the game from 20 metres out to leave the scoreline reading Kerins O’Rahillys 1-15 St Brendans 2-12 at the end of normal time.
The first period of extra time saw the wind again favour the home side and one felt that they needed to make it pay if they were to ultimately triumph. However, it was St Brendans who pointed within seconds of the restart. Back came Strand Road though and Hoare and Hayes combined to set up Conor O’Sullivan who kicked a lovely point. Savage then restored the Blues advantage with a pointed free and O’Sullivan kicked another point to double their advantage. Then, in a two-minute spell, St Brendans kicked three points without reply as their noticeable physical advantages began to tell. But O’Rahillys were not finished either and Shane McElligott combined with Savage to place young O’Sullivan who kicked an absolutely fantastic point from 35 metres. Still, the visitors’ combination of kick-passing and strong running was giving them the edge and they kicked two more points from play in the final two minutes of the first half to leave them leading by that margin at the break.
The first minute of the second period of extra time proved to be decisive with St Brendans cutting down the left with the very first play before transferring the ball inside and finding the back of the net. They followed this up with a point from another impressive move to lead by two clear goals 3-19 to 1-19. Gearóid Dillane reduced the deficit with a fine point from the right flank but St Brendans countered with a point of their own before O’Rahillys pressure was finally rewarded when Dillane got his fist to a long delivery to make it a one-score game once more. With time ticking away, Strand Road tried all they could to salvage a draw with the young legs of TJ McMahon and Darragh Fitzgerald adding to their challenge, but in a truly epic contest the clock became their enemy and after a total of 94 minutes, the referee called time on a memorable clash in which both sides gave their all. Well done to O’Rahillys’ mentors, Martin Nix, Ray Walsh, Morgan Nix and Con Barrett on getting such a performance from this panel.
Kerins O’Rahillys: S Foley, J Foley, S Collins, K Mangan; A Mangan, R O’Connor, D O’Brien; T Hoare, D McElligott; A Roche, S McElligott, S Griffin; G Dillane, G Savage, C Hayes. Subs: E Doody, S Nix, C Gallagher, C O’Sullivan, B Foley, D Bowler, TJ McMahon, D Fitzgerald.
Central Region Minor Football League Semi-final
Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane 4-16 Kerins O’Rahillys 2-14
O’Rahillys fought gamely in this tie but were up against a good side who fired home two early second half goals to make the Blues’ task insurmountable. Strand Road also had another setback when they lost their goalkeeper to an injury before the game, but there were great performances from Gavin Burrows and Rian McLysath, with Conor Hayes and TJ McMahon the goal-getters on the night. Despite this defeat, there is some bright talent developing for the future of the club.
LADIES NOTES
U8 AND U10 MLGFA BLITZ
We are delighted to be hosting the MLGFA 9 a side blitz next Saturday, August 17th where over 30 teams will participate in a day of fun games in Ballyrickard. No scores will be kept. Registration will commence at 10.15a.m. and the games at 11a.m. Registration is €20 per team and €10 for a second team. We will have a shop in Ballyrickard with refreshments, sandwiches, rolls etc.
U12 GIRLS
KLGFA BLITZ
Thanks to Austin Stacks for hosting last Thursday. It was like a winter’s evening with heavy rain but that didn’t stop the girls from enjoying the FUN blitz. Thanks also to their parents for bringing and supporting them and to their coaches who also braved the elements.
U14 GIRLS
We are home to Ballymac in Division 1 of the North Kerry League this week. More information to follow.
U15 CHAMPIONSHIP
On Friday last we played the U15 county championship semi-final having beaten Churchill the previous week 7-07 to 0-09. While that game was played in tough breezy conditions, both our goalkeeper Kelly Fitzgerald ,our backs and forwards played really well to give us a comprehensive win . Best on that night were Kelly Fitzgerald, Hollie Leane who was excellent all through the game, Rachael O’ Donnell, Aoibhín O’ Connor-MacCarthy and Katie Nix who is an exceptional footballer in every game she plays. As coaches we picked up quite a lot from that game which would prove to be of major benefit for our semi-final meeting with Glenflesk who had won their quarter final comprehensively by eight goals.
We knew going into this game that we have an excellent panel who have trained well over the last two months and have taken on teams in challenge games who are divisions above us and competed really well. With players to come back and a good game plan we know this group are an exceptional bunch .
From the off they got stuck into a team that in size alone were inches taller than everyone of our players. Our backs were out in front for every ball and with Kelly Fitzgerald in brilliant form behind them, they set the tone of this game from throw-in to the end with Lauren Doody, Hollie Leane, Lily O’Brien and our Captain Eugenie Kerins all in exceptional form, driving on from the back every chance they got and not giving the opposition an inch. Our midfielders Keelan Coffey and Rachael O’Donnell both played the game of their lives, with their marking , moving into space, fielding and passing to the inside forwards being flawless all night. Both of their county-standard opponents were played completely out of this game with both being moved before the game was over. We asked our half toward line to work as if their lives depended on it while attacking and defending and by God did they do it with Lia Mclysaght, Kate Kerins and Jennifer Murphy putting in a massive shift to ensure quality ball went into our inside forwards. We are blessed to have Aoibhín O’ Connor-MacCarthy , Sophie Hassett and especially Katie Nix in our forward line. With a tally of 6-09 between them, they proved just how good they were in the white heat of battle with everything on the line. Their opponents were bigger and stronger than all three of them and those opponents changed as the game went on but that didn’t matter as time and time again they attacked relentlessly getting some fantastic goals and points and when they didn’t have the ball, they defended like their lives depended on it and stopped the ball coming out. We could not be prouder of how well everyone played including the subs who came on and added to this win. This was a panel of 22 prepared to put everything on the line for Kerins O Rahillys’ Club and by God did they do that.
Final score : Kerins O’ Rahillys- 6-09 Glenflesk 2-10
The support on the night was phenomenal and family and friends roared on the team from beginning to end and the players responded to the support which was clearly evident all through the game. It’s what this club is all about. We are facing either Legion or Castlegregory in the final. Their game is to be played next week, but we don’t mind who we play as another performance like this and we will prove hard to beat. Training is always better when you have a final to look forward to. The plan from the start of these championships was to rack up the training over the last six weeks, concentrate on the areas where we could improve and go into these games with a strong panel and strong game plan which thankfully has gone well so far. The players have responded and delivered big time. This could not be a prouder time for Tricia Moran who is managing both teams. She has put together a team of 3/4 coaches with her who are as passionate about these teams as she is. She is a true blue all her life and lives for times like these in Strand Road when championship finals come around. When she says something they listen, as we all do and she is proving to be a great motivator for every one of these young players. We look forward to the next few weeks and also the quarter final of the U17 championship which will be away to last night’s opposition again, which in true championship fashion is likely to be a well-contested affair for both players and supporters.
U16 GIRLS
The North Kerry League commences on September 3rd. We are in Division 2 and are home to Castlegregory for our first game.
U17 CHAMPIONSHIP
Training continues as normal for the quarter final when we are away to Glenflesk. More details to follow.
SENIOR LADIES
Well done to our senior ladies who travelled to Beale last Thursday evening for Round 1 of The North Kerry League, Division 2. Final score: Beale/Ballyduff 1-06 Kerins O Rahilly’s 1-02. A great performance ladies and thanks to Rory Kerins for helping out. We are away to John Mitchels in Round 2.
Best wishes to Regina from Beale/Ballyduff for a speedy recovery from the injury she sustained during the game.
BAG PACK
Many thanks to Dunnes and their staff for allowing us to fundraise last Saturday in their store in the Horan Centre. Thanks also to our volunteers and everyone who supported us.
GIRLS DAY OUT
We are looking at the afternoon of Wednesday 21st for our day out before you return to school. We will be heading out to Castlegregory. Your itinerary includes 3 hours of activities, including surfing and other water activities. You will have hot food afterwards. More details to follow. We need to confirm numbers as soon as possible. Plans are also in place for your day out before Christmas.
CLUB GEAR
Academy kits and other pre-ordered club gear can be collected between 6p.m. and 7.30p.m. this Monday from Charlie’s Bar & Bistro. Full payment please on collection. If you wish to order anything please contact Shirley (086) 8713552.
After a break of three weeks Juvenile Academy will return to normal next Sunday, August 18th at 11a.m. in Healy Park, Ballyrickard.
CÚINNE NA NÓG
Juvenile Academy
After a break of three weeks, the Juvenile Academy will return to normal next Sunday, August 18th, at 11a.m. in Healy Park, Ballyrickard.
U12 Boys
Our under 12s kicked off the Central Region in style with a 5-13 to 3-11 victory against Annascaul/Lispole on a wet bank holiday Monday evening last in Pat Healy Park, Ballyrickard. An excellent start from Brayden Pierce and Nick Lacey created many scoring chances in the first half and the inside forward line of Odhran Foley with a goal and Jamie McCarthy with 1-3 left us well ahead at half time 2-7 to 0-2. Nick and Brayden scored two points apiece in the opening half with Jude Lacey on the half forward line and Sean Mahony in defence standing out. Annascaul/Lispole raced out of the blocks in the second half and rattled off three points without reply. Things could have gotten a lot worse only for a super goalkeeping performance from Evan Daly and defensive rocks in Ruairí Kennedy and Daniel Aneke. We broke out of defense and added a 3rd goal from the boot of Jamie McCarthy to leave the scores 3-7 to 0-7. Annascaul/Lispole continued to press and eventually found a way past Evan Daly for 2 quick goals with their number 11 leading from the front.
Under severe pressure it was Brendán Meehan who took the game by the scruff of the neck and drove forward from midfield scoring two points, setting up a score for Brayden from the wing and scoring another himself. Nick and Jamie add two more goals and two points to put the game to bed. A fantastic opening game and onto Dingle back west next Monday the 12th August at 7pm. Captain: Nick Lacey. Man of the Match: Brendán Meehan. Scorers: Jamie McCarthy 3-4, Nick Lacey 1-3, Odhran Foley 1-0, Brendán Meehan 0-3, Brayden Pierce 0-3.
U16 Boys
We played Currow in the Semi- Final of the County League on Wednesday evening in Strand Road and secured a place in the Final after a great win with a score of 2-11 to 1-7. Currow opened the scoring and we quickly replied from the boot of Darragh O Connor, but after 10 minutes trailed 0-3 to 0-1 and were struggling to compete until a point after an inspirational run by TJ Heaphy kicked us into action. A point from the kick out by Darragh O Connor followed by a pointed free two minutes later from the same player and a free from Danny Hennessy saw the score after 20 minutes at five points apiece. Just before half time after a pinpoint pass from Jerome Daly, Sam McCarthy hit the net to leave the score at half time 1-5 to 0-5. This halftime lead was largely due to the near perfect display from our six backs who kept us in the game at times when Currow were dominating.
We got off to a great start in the second half with a pointed free from Danny Hennessy and a point from Darragh O Connor inside the first six minutes followed by a goal from our scorer in chief Darragh O Connor. A great run by Sean Healy ended in a point which left the score after 12 minutes 2-8 to 0-6. At 14 minutes, we saw Sean Healy score a point and five minutes later saw Danny Hennessy point a free. The remainder of the game saw our backs dominate in all positions to set us up for a final next Wednesday at 7pm against Kenmare in the Legion’s grounds in Killarney. Come on the Naries!
Team and scorers: Sean Collins: Sam Patuch, Eric Mc Mahon, Jake Foley: TJ Heaphy 0-1, Jerome Daly, Mathew Higgins: Danny Hennessy 0-5 (4 frees), Jack Savage: Gearoid Meehan, Sean Healy 0-2, Ben Hanafin, Ben O Brien, Sam Mc Carthy 1-1, Darragh O Connor 1-02. Subs: Alan O’Connor, Kevin Molloy 0-1, Cormac Gallagher, Joe O Sullivan.
U13 Boys
The U13 Town league kicked off last Thursday evening with a home game v Na Gaeil in Ballyrickard. They played well in wet conditions but were short in the end on a score line of Na Gaeil 3-14 KOR 1-14. We had a difficult first half and found ourselves down by 1-9 to 0-2. The boys responded to the half time team-talk and tried till the final whistle to turn it around. Everybody tried hard but the standout players on the night were Jake Hoare, playing only his second match of the season, who was a constant menace for the Na Gaeil backs, with Tomas and Ryan trying to keep the team going from midfield with Brayden and Brendan trying to keep the defence tight. Next up is John Mitchels away next Thurs the 15th at 7pm.
CONDOLENCES
All at the club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tom McCarthy of Staughton’s Row. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
