Credit Union Co League Div 1 Round 11 Preview
Division 1 of the Co League could hardly be any tighter. Rathmore lead the way on 15 points, but O’Rahillys remain in joint second place and sitting just one point behind the table-toppers. On Sunday next, September 8th, we play Kilcummin away with throw-in at 2pm. This is a “must-win” game as Rathmore look a banker in their away game versus already relegated Na Gaeil. A win in Killeen puts the East Kerry outfit in the final, leaving the remaining spot in the decider between the four teams currently sitting on 14 points, namely O’Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Dr Crokes and Dingle, along with Legion on 13 points – but the Killarney side need to beat An Ghaeltacht in Derreen and also need an unlikely series of results in the games involving the four second-placed teams to go their way. Apart from the Kilcummin v O’Rahillys clash, those games see Dr Crokes face Dingle in Lewis Road, with home advantage and greater firepower likely to see Crokes over the line. Their fellow black and amber bearers, Austin Stacks, are away to joint-bottom side St Marys in Cahirciveen, with the Tralee men strongly fancied to prevail. Were results to go that way, Crokes and Stacks will finish joint-second, with O’Rahillys needing to beat Kilcummin to join them on 16 points. This is certainly not beyond an O’Rahillys side that has overcome the loss of several key players to remain in contention for a league final spot. Gary Kissane may start in goals, with David Murphy, Ross O’Callaghan and Seán Collins likely to form the full back line. Ryan Carroll, Darragh McElligott and Cormac Coffey will contend to feature at half back, with Karl Mullins favourite to start at no 6 if available. Con Barrett and Shane Brosnan have been solid in midfield to date. In attack, Jack Savage may also be in the frame, although the game could come too soon for the injured Barry John Keane. However, Strand Road can still turn to John Ferguson, Sean Walsh, Gearóid Dillane, and the youthful trio of Tom Hoare, Conor Hayes and Gearóid Savage in their bid for the likely play-off(s). Kilcummin must not be underestimated though and deserve every respect as reigning All Ireland Intermediate Champions. All support welcome.
McElligott Cup Quarter Final
Rathmore 2-12 Kerins O’Rahillys 0-12
Played last Friday night in very windy conditions in Rathmore, it was the home side that started the stronger despite playing against the elements. They forged into a five-point lead before O’Rahillys got off the mark through Rory Molloy. Player-manager, Tony Corridan, always a danger at top of the left, then added another to show his charges how it was done. With Jason O’Leary driving forward from midfield and further inspirational play from Frank “the tiler” O’Connor, Donagh O’Brien took up the challenge thrown down by the Bainisteoir and added three points in a row to bring Strand Road right back into contention. Further points from Johnny Keane, Brian Scannell and another from O’Brien, coupled with solid defensive play from Cillian Gallagher, Rory O’Connor and Gearóid Hartnett left the Blues trailing by only a point, 1-7 to 0-9 at half time. However, Rathmore used the conditions to their advantage on the resumption and despite some fine goalkeeping by Rob O’Connor and stout defending by Tom McGrath and Barry Foley, they pulled away to run out deserving winners.
Kerins O’Rahillys: Rob O’Connor; Barry Foley, Tom McGrath; Cillian Gallagher, Rory O’Connor, Gearoid Hartnett; Jason O’Leary, Rory Molloy (0-1); Donagh O’Brien (0-4), Johnny Keane (0-4, 3f), Brian Scannell (0-2); Tony Corridan (0-1), Frank O’Connor.
LADIES NOTES
U12 GIRLS
Training continues at 5.15p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. It’s great to get out for an hour or so in the evening to clear your head after being in a classroom all day so no excuses girls!
U14 GIRLS
Training continues as normal.
Congrats to our girls who started Secondary School during the week. Enjoy!
We are away to Stacks next Friday in the North Kerry League.
Congrats to Lily O’ Brien, her Mom and Dad and brothers on their new addition to the family- baby Harry.
U15 CHAMPIONSHIP
We had a get-together in the club last Friday evening where we re-lived the final and those who couldn’t make it on the night were able to watch it on dvd. Thanks to the senior club who provided finger food for the panel of 27 girls and their families. Well done to all involved.
U16 GIRLS
We are home to Castlegregory in round 1 of the North Kerry League this Wednesday. Throw in at 7p.m. in Ballyrickard.
SENIOR LADIES
We played Mitchels in the North Kerry League last Wednesday. Unfortunately we were beaten but it’s great to see how positive our ladies are. This is the first time in years that we have a senior ladies team and we are delighted with the commitment and work put in by our coaches and players. Keep up the good work everyone. We have planned a day out for September 28th. Hope that everyone is looking forward to it.
CÚINNE NA NÓG
On Sunday next we welcome Milltown boys and girls U6, U8 andUu10s. Everyone be there for 10.45.
The U12 boys had a bye last Monday night and are at home to Keel in the final game of the Central League on Tuesday night in Ballyrickard at 6.45pm. A win here will see us top the league.
The U13 boys will take part in the Lee Strand Tournament next weekend, hosted by Austin Stacks in Connolly Park. Games begin on Saturday morning at 10.30am.
All Ireland Tickets
The club would like to thank Billy Thompson and his team of Tom Begley, Tony Corridan, Haulie Kerins and Mike Mangan for their work in allocating the club’s allocation of tickets for the All Ireland final. Special thanks to Billy himself for his co-ordination of this difficult task which required Billy’s comprehensive approach in order to try to ensure fairness to all concerned. Here’s to the sequel!
SNIPPETS from “top of the right”
- Well done to our clubmen, David Moran and Tommy Walsh who were pivotal to Kerry’s bid to stop Dublin’s “drive for five” in the All Ireland Senior Football final on Sunday last in Croke Park.
- Could Gavin O’Brien’s power and pace be utilised for the replay?
- Our Credit Union Co Senior Football League Round 11 tie away to Kilcummin will be played next Sunday, September 8th, with throw-in at 2pm.
- Hard luck to our minor players, Conor Hayes, Conor O’Sullivan, Daniel Bowler and the St Brendans’ panel on their defeat in the Keane’s Supervalu Co Minor Football Championship final. Congratulations to East Kerry on their victory.
- Lightning strikes twice! Mazie pulls the winning Lotto balls again 😊
- Mind you, the Snippets Man hears that Mazie, in a bid to make All Ireland day, pledged to avoid any “PRO-style dancing” at the wedding last Saturday night!
- The Snippets Man is unreliably informed that Tony Corridan turned back the clock with a man of the match performance in the McElligott Cup in Rathmore on Friday last.
- Congratulations to club stalwarts, Francie and Carmel Quill, who celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Croatia in the coming week.
CONDOLENCES
All at the club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Denis Joseph Flynn of Caherina and Johnny O’Reilly of St. Joseph’s Estate, Spa Road. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
