East Kerry Senior Football Championship – O’Donoghue Cup First Round

Kilcummin 1-14 Currow 2-7.
Kilcummin advanced to the quarter final of the Aquila Club East Kerry Championship for the O’Donoghue Cup with a four point victory over Currow at Kilcummin last Sunday. Three goal bound shots at vital stages were saved by Kilcummin keeper Brendan Kealy contributed to the Kilcummin win.

Currow has a great start with a Jack Dennehy goal after foru minutes.David Brosnan replied with a KIlcummin point. By the thirteenth minute, Kilcummin drew level from a J Fleming point. Two points from Currow’s Pa McCarthy put his side ahead. Eamon O’Donoghue was creating opportunities for his forwards and when he converted a free in the 20th minute, the sides were level for the second time at 0-6 to 1-3. Currow’s response was a well worked move which saw John McGlynn set up Jack Dennehy for an attempt at goal which Brendan Kealy in the Kilcummin goal stopped. Points from Eamon O’Donoghue and DJ Fleming took Kilcummin clear and as they finished the half strongly, Eamon O’Donoghue landed two terrific points and a close in free to send the teams to the dressing rooms on a scoreline of Kilcummin 0-10 Currow 1-4

Matters on the scoreboard were almost even in the second half with 1-4 to Kilcummin and 1-3 to Currow. Brendan Kealy came to Kilcummins rescue for the second time as he produced a top class save from Pa McCarthy’s penalty. This save and a greater determination by Kilcummin saw classy inter play between David Brosnan, Michael McCarthy and John Devane as they set up the inrushing Shane MacSweeney for Kilcummins goal. Kilcummin was now well in charge on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-5. A Currow point from Seamus Scanlon gave an impetus to his side. They went seeking the goal they needed and Jack Dennehy broke the Kilcummin siege to give Kevin Casey an opportunity for that goal. And for the third time, Brendan Kealy kept the Kilcummin lead intact as he brought off another great save. Michael McCarthy and Ronan O’Connor added to Kilcummins tally with good points. But Currow were not prepared to roll over just yet and in the closing minutes Pa McCarthy succeeded in beating Brendan Kealy with a crashing shot. The next Currow attack yielded a point for Jack Dennehy but time ran out on the Currow effort and Kilcummin advances to a quarter final date with Spa next Saturday on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-7.

Teams:
Kilcummin: Brendan Kealy Tommy Brosnan . Ronan O' Connor David O' Riordan John Herlihy Mike McCarthy ( Capt) Kieran O'Donoghue Shane McSweeney Eamonn O'Donoghue Kevin Gorman John Devane Paul O’Donoghue, David Brosnan Colm Lenihan DJ Fleming
Subs Sean O’Leary for John Devane(injury) Ritchie O’Connor for Paul O’Doonoghue, Muiris Healy for Ronan O’Connor (Injury. Diarmuid O'Donoghue Kevin Bruton John O'Keeffe Tommy Cooper Killian Murphy Seanie O'Leary Jamie O'Sullivan Sean Brosnan

Currow: Shane O’Leary John O’Connor Seamus Flynn Daniel O’Sullivan John Daly Pat O’Sullivan Patrick Dennehy Seamus Scanlon Paudie Collins Daniel O’Shea John McGlynn Kevin Casey Pa McCarthy Jack Dennehy John Buckley
Substitutes: Ian Somers for John O’Connor (Injury), Martin Howard for Pat O’Sullivan, Shane O’Shea for Kevin Casey, Kevin Daly for Patrick Dennehy. Kevin Moran Kevin Sullivan James Galway Mike McCarthy Eughie Cronin Niall Sullivan Ray Mahoney Mike King Kieran Cahill.

Referee Donal Casey Scartaglin

Dr Crokes 2-18 Gneeveguilla 1-20
In a game of outstanding quality, Dr Crokes emerged winners after extra time in this East Kerry Senior Championship game played in Gneeveguilla on Saturday evening. This game kept the large attendance on tenterhooks for all of the eighty minutes of play and was worthy of a final – it was in fact a first round tie for the O’Donoghue Cup

. There was little between the teams at any time of the game although Dr Crokes managed to keep their noses slightly ahead of their opponents for much of the game. There were heroes all over the field, none more so than Danny O’Sullivan for the home side and Colm Cooper for the visitors – both scoring 1-9 apiece for their teams. It was a pulsating affair with no quarter given or asked. Nine yellow and three red cards might suggest an ill tempered affair but this was not the case. Every man gave honest endeavour for his club and in the tight marking and intense challenges for the ball, bookable offences were bound to be committed which would inevitably mount up for some players. Referee Eddie Walsh and his team of officials contributed hugely to the enjoyment of the spectacle bringing a fair but firm approach to their work. The East Kerry Board can be proud of these two clubs and the match officials for presenting a game of such quality to their patrons.
Gneeveguilla opened the scoring when Danny O’Sullivan pointed a close in free. The response from Dr Crokes was swift and deadly. Colm Cooper fielded a high-ball twenty metres in front of goal and ghosted his way past Eoghan Lawlor to plant the ball in the corner of Patrick O’Riordan’s net. Midfielder Don Murphy passed to Danny O’Sullivan who swung over Gneeveguilla’s second point. Over the next ten minutes, end to end football saw the battle increase in intensity. Intricate patterns of play produced four good points for Dr Crokes from James Fleming, Brian Looney, Colm Cooper and Jamie Doolin, while Gneeveguilla missed a number of chances. Nevertheless they stuck to their task. Good defensive work by John Sheehan saw him carry the ball from defence and pass to Don Murphy. Murphy took the ball through midfield and released it to Fergus McAuliffe who came storming through the middle. McAuliffe’s momentum breached the Dr Crokes defence and he slipped the ball to Danny O’Sullivan. Kieran Cremin, the Dr Crokes keeper, had no chance as O’Sullivan’s shot reached the net to reduce the lead to two points after fifteen minutes. The response from Crokes was immediate. Fleming won a throw ball and crossed to wing back Gavin Tucker who raised a white flag. Fergus McAulliffe repeated his strong run through the Dr Crokes defence and this time set up Mike Murphy for a good point. The Dr Crokes midfield of Johnny Buckley and Brian McMahon had a period of dominance at midfield where they broke the ball to their half backs Tucker and Kavanagh who quickly picked out Colm Cooper at full forward. Cooper registered three points to a single point by Mike Murphy for Gneeveguilla as Dr Crokes went four points clear approaching half time. Gneeveguilla finished the half strongly. Danny O’Sullivan struck over his second free of the half. The action finished with a sideline ball to Gneeveguilla fifty metres out which Stephen Brosnan collected and drove over the bar to reduce the deficit to two points at half time – Dr Crokes 1-8 Gneeveguilla 1-6.
During the half time interval, Ambrose O’Donovan, who didn’t feature on the match programme, was seen to warm up on the pitch. He made his appearance on the resumption where he lined out at midfield with Brian McMahon dropping back to replace Barra O’Connell at wing back. O’Donovan made a big contribution to the Dr Crokes game giving them options to strengthen their back division while his power broke up many a Gneeveguilla attack. Before the throw-in, referee Eddie Walsh took time to counsel James Fleming and D J O’Connor about their intense desire to get to know each other better. O’Connor won the ball from the restart and linking with John Brosnan, they got the ball to Liam Murphy who won a close in free off Dr Crokes full back Michael Moloney. Danny O’Sullivan was accurate and pointed. Don Murphy won the kick out, passed to centre forward Brosnan and Gneeveguilla’s Liam Murphy levelled the scores at 1-8 a piece. Jamie Doolin and Danny O’Sullivan swapped frees to keep the sides level at 1-9 each before Gneeveguilla’s midfield worked the ball forward to O’Sullivan again for the lead for the home side. Johnny Buckley won a breaking ball at midfield and stormed forward to level the game again at 1-10 each. It was now half way through the half and pundits were signalling a draw. Dr Crokes made changes and introduced Daithi Casey and Fionn Fitzgerald for corner back Luke Quinn and Brian Looney who were showing the signs of their intense workrate. Colm Cooper put Dr Crokes ahead two points and wing back Danny O’Connor reduced the lead to one point before a second yellow saw Gneeveguilla corner forward Donie O’Connor leave the field. Gneeveguilla reacted by bringing on Ronan McAulliffe for Aenas O’Leary. With ten minutes remaining, Gneeveguilla upped their efforts – the marking was close and the tackles tough. Colm Cooper was playing a roving role and began operating around midfield where he collected a Gneeveguilla kickout and fed Shane Doolin. But under good tackling from PJ Murphy, Doolin’s shot was weak and well dealt with by Patrick O’Riordan in the Gneeveguilla goal. For six minutes the ball was played around the middle section of the field. In his final challenge, James Fleming transgressed and got a second yellow. From the free, wing back D J O’Connor took a good pass from John Brosnan and he shot straight and true to level matters at 1-12 each with five minutes left. Approaching full time a Dr Crokes attack saw the ball glance wide off the post but their ace marksman Cooper was on hand a minute later to slot over the leading point as the referee signalled injury time. A Gneeveguilla attack saw Brian McMahon field a great ball but in falling to the ground he fouled the ball. Danny O’Sullivan’s free was fielded in the square by Michael Moloney and driven outfield where it was won by Gneeveguilla corner back John Sheehan. He passed to Don Murphy and with all the entire Gneeveguilla team pushing forward in a last gasp effort , the ball reached John Brosnan who was fouled forty five metres out. Danny O’Sullivan sent the ball over the bar and the teams faced extra time on a score line of 1-13 each.

In extra time Ronan Mc Aulliffe put Gneeveguilla ahead with a free. A fisted point from Ambrose O’Donovan levelled the score followed by a well won ball by Don Murphy who fed Ronan McAulliffe for the lead for the home side. Then in a two minute period, the previously quiet Dr Crokes full forward Kieran O’Leary cut loose and recorded a goal and two points assisted by Cooper and Johnny Buckley to put his side four points clear. Ace marksmen Danny O’Sullivan and Colm Cooper had points from frees to leave Dr Crokes ahead 2-17 to 1-16 at the end of the first period of extra time.
On the resumption, Gneeveguilla introduced Donal Murphy for brother Mike. Dr Crokes were intent on defending their lead and it was half way in to the second period before Ronan Mcaulliffe pointed to reduce the lead to three points. Gneeveguilla mounted a major effort to get back on terms. Their midfield - in particular Don Murphy – produced a huge effort. Fielding high above the others, Murphy moved forward and set up Ronan McAuliffe for a point and reduce the deficit to two. Another good Gneeveguilla build up was wide of the posts. Cooper was using his experience and taking control around frees. He passed to Johnny Buckley who drove forward to win a thirty five metre free which Cooper duly converted. There was now three minutes left on Eddie Walsh’s stopwatch and three points between the sides. Immediately Danny O’Sullivan scored for Gneeveguilla and a minute later he set up wing back Danny O’Connor who reduced the margin to a point 2-18 to 1-20 in favour of Dr Crokes . It was to be the last score in an enthralling game which will long be remembered by these players and those present when they reminisce in future years about the O’Donoghue Cup and the battles between two of East Kerry’s great clubs. Full time score Dr Crokes 2-18 Gneeveguilla 1-20.

Teams: Dr Crokes: Kieran Cremin, John Payne, Michael Moloney, Luke Quinn, Barra O’Connell, Eanna Kavanagh, Gavin Tucker(0-1), Johnny Buckley(0-1), Brian McMahon, Shane Doolin, Colm Cooper Capt (1-9, 0-4 frees), James Fleming (0-1), Brian Looney (0-1), Kieran O’Leary (1-2), Jamie Doolin (0-2, 0-1 free)
Subs Ambrose O’Donovan (0-1) for Barra O’Connell, Daithi Casey for Luke Quinn, Fionn Fitzgerald for Brian Looney, James Jones in extra time, Alan Kelly, Edmond O’Sullivan, Ruairi Mangan, Finian Moran, Denis Galvin, John Bartlett, Ian Howard, David O’Leary, Shane O’Neill, Johnny O’Sullivan
Gneeveguilla: Patrick O’Riordan, Mike Murphy, Eoghan Lawlor, John Sheehan, D J O’Connor(0-1), P J Murphy, Danny O’Connor(0-2), Mike Murphy(0-2), Don Murphy, Fergus McAuliffe, John Brosnan(0-1), Aeneas O’Leary, Danny O’Sullivan(1-9, 0-6 frees) , Liam Murphy(0-1), Donie O’Connor.
Subs: Ronan McAuliffe for Aeneas O’Leary, Timmy O’Leary for PJ Murphy extra time (e.t.), Paudie Brosnan for John Sheehan e.t. Donal Murphy for Mike Murphy, Barry O’Leary, Tony Sheehan, Padraig O’Connor, Philip Cremin, Connor Hickey, Paudie Brosnan, Mark Sheehan, Sean O’Connor, Brian Driver, Cian O’Keeffe.

 

East Kerry Senior Football Championship – O’Donoghue Cup Quarter Final

Scartaglen 0-12 Glenflesk 2-4

Glenflesk, playing against a strong wind, had a dream start in this Senior Championship quarter final game played in Scartaglin on Sunday last. Within five minute of the throw in, Shane Dennehy had a goal for the visitors. Scartaglin worked hard against the breeze and JJ Murphy opened their account in the seventh minute with a free which his opposite number Timmy O’Sullivan cancelled when his dipping shot glanced over the crossbar. Two points from JJ Murphy and Mike Horan levelled matters at 0-4 to 1-1 by the fifteenth minute. However Scartaglin had difficulty coping with the wind and put six attempts wide. With Seamus Moynihan playing well at midfield and moving forward, Glenflesk attacks won them two free converted by Evan Horan. A free by JJ Murphy brought the first half to a close with Glenflesk one point ahead 1-3 to 0-5.
Scartaglin took the second half by the scruff of the neck. They placed Padraig Reidy at centre forward and he directed play effectively scoring one terrific point from all of seventy yards. The Scartaglin half back line was the platform for their success and as Scartaglin was dominant in many positions, they forged a lead of five points by the twentieth minute before Glenflesk had their first point of the half – a rasper from Shane Dennehy that required the Scartaglin crossbar to deflect it over. Just as Scartaglin experienced problems with the first half wind, Glenflesk, with the wind to their back, put six shots wide. The tackles were intense in this period. An assault on the Scartaglin goal yielded results. Keeper Martin Hewitt saved and in taking possession of the ball stepped back over his line. Referee and umpire consulted and a goal was awarded to Glenflesk to reduce the lead to a single point with six minutes left. As the bookings mounted, Scartaglin’s midfielder Mike Coakley, who had made a big contribution, received a second yellow. Scartaglin held out and with JJ Murphy scoring his fourth free, his side had two points to spare at the long whistle. Scartaglin are in the semi final of the O’Donoghue Cup on a scoreline of Scartaglin 0-12 Glenflesk 2-4.

Teams:
Scartaglin: Martin Hewitt (own goal), Alan Horan, Brendan Rahillt, Niall Casey, Seamus Riordan, Padraig Reidy(0-1 free), Jeremy O’Driscoll, Mike Coakley, Philip Sullivan, JJ Murphy(0-5, 0-4 frees), Mike Horan(0-3, 0-1 free), Alan Dineen, Noel Rahilly(0-1), Daniel Murphy Tom Boyle(0-2). Subs: John Cullotty for Alan Dineen, Pa Murphy for Niall Casey, Jimmy Donoghue for Tom Boyle. David Kerins, Timothy Kerins, Fred Connor, Bernard Cronin, Tim Kerins, Freddie Galvin, Timmie O’Connor, Pat Sullivan, Mike Kerins, Gerard Connor, Seanie Reidy, Tom Cullotty,

Glenflesk: Kenny Cronin, Paul Favier, Jerry Kennedy, Matthew Cullotty, Donal O’Sullivan, Michael O’Donoghue, John O’Donoghue, Seamus Moynihan, Eric O’Donoghue, Timmy O’Sullivan(0-1), Donach Dennehy, Damien Moynihan, Evan Horan(0-2 frees), Shane Dennehy(1-1), Michael O’Shea. Subs: Ollie Favier for Damien Moynihan, Christopher Crowley for Timmy O’Sullivan, James O’Sullivan, Donie O’Donovan, Stephen O’Donoghue, Willie Kissane, Jeremy Moynihan, Alan McSweeney, Philip Kelly, Gerry Kelliher.

Referee Mike Brosnan Spa

EAST KERRY SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – O’DONOGHUE CUP QUARTER FINALS

Kilcummin 0-10 Spa 0-9
A Shane McSweeney point deep in injury time saw Kilcummin advance to the semi final of the East Kerry Senior Championship at a very wet Spa on Saturday last. Proverbial game of two halves saw Spa dominate the first half to lead by five points at half time. Indeed they stretched their lead to six points in the second half before Kilcummin reacted and gradually got back into contention to take the honours by a single point in an exciting finish.
Michael O’Donoghue had the opening score of the game – a point for Spa which Shane MCSweeney cancelled for Kilcummin with a fisted effort. Eamon O’Donoghue converted a close in free to put Kilcumin a point up but Spa drew level after ten minutes with a Cormac Cronin free. Spa adapted better to the severe weather conditions and proceeded to add points from Michael O’Donoghue to finish the half on a scoreline of Spa 0-7 Kilcummin 0-2
Immediately after the resumption, O’Donoghue added to his tally with a free for Spa to go six points clear. In an effort to stop the slide, Kilcummin management introduced three experienced subs- Seanie O’Leary, Kevin Bruton and Sean Brosnan who had a major impact on the course of the game. Three pointed frees from D.J.Fleming reduced their arrears to three points - 0-8 to 0-5 - by the tenth minute. A good pass from Shane McSweeney found D J Fleming who swung over a point from an acute angle. Sap replied with a Michael O’Donoghue point in the fifteenth minute.
This was to be Spa’s last score as Kilcummin went on to register two points from frees by D J Fleming. Spa was holding on grimly to a single point lead with a minute left when a determined Kilcummin attack saw Sean Brosnan pass to Michael McCarthy who made no mistake with a well taken point. The sides were level and extra time looked a distinct possibility when Shane McSweeney ended matters in favour of Kilcummin with a well taken point. Spa had one more chance to force extra time with a long range free from Adam O’Reilly but the Kilcummin defence cleared their lines and this remarkable second half comeback saw Kilcummin emerge victors on a scoreline of Kilcummin 0-10 Spa 0-9
Best on the day for Kilcummin were Danny O’Riordan, Shane McSweeney, Colm Linehan, DJ Fleming, Kevin Bruton and Sean O’Leary, while Spa had good service from Brian Russell, Pa Murphy, Aidan Cahill, Andrew Garnett, Niall O’Mahony and Michael O’Donoghue.
Teams:
Kilcummin: Brendan Kealy, Tommy Brosnan, Ronan O’Connor, David O’Riordan, John Herlihy, Michael MCCarthy(0-1), Kieran O’Donoghue, Shane McSweeney(0-2), Eamon O’Donoghue(0-1), Kevin Gorman, Colm Linehan, Paul O’Donoghue, David Brosnan, Ritchie O’Connor, D.J. Fleming(0-6, 0-5 frees) Subs: Sean O’Leary for Ritchie O’Connor, Sean Brosnan for Paul O’Donoghue, Kevin Bruton for John Herlihy.
Spa: James Devane, Fergus Clifford, Aidan Cahill, Brian Russell, Paul Russell, Pa Murphy, Eoin Cronin, Andrew Garnett, Kevin Healy, Cormac Cronin(0-1), Niall O’Mahony, Ivor Flynn, Adam O’Reilly, Michael O’Donoghue (0-8), Tomas Lynch Sub Cian Tobin for Tomas Lynch
Referee Con Carroll (Legion)

Dr Crokes 3-13 Fossa 0-2
The gulf in standards between Senior and Novice was apparent at Fossa on Saturday when Dr Crokes ran out easy winners over Fossa on a scoreline of 3-13 to 0-2.
In the first half Fossa matched Dr Crokes for possession but could not convert it into scores with easy chances being put wide from play and from placed balls. A goal by Eoin Brosnan in the seventh minute opened the scoring for Dr Crokes, Kieran O'Leary added a point in the fourteenth after shaking off the tenacious Kevin O'Sullivan. Thirteen minutes elapsed before Eoin Brosnan got Dr Crokes third score, a point, and Fionn Fitzgerald finished the half with a point. How Fossa must have rued their nine wides in that first half, as they trailed Dr Crokes by 1 - 3 to nil at the break..
    Fossa started the second half brightly and in the third minute Eoin O'Connell opened their account with a pointed free. In the sixth minute Jimmy Falvey narrowed the gap to four points and at this stage Fossa was competing well with their Killarney neighbours.  Referee Tommy Wren awarded Dr Crokes a penalty in the eighth minute when Jamie Doolan was upended, but Colm Cooper blasted the ball off the crossbar and it was cleared by the Fossa backs. Dr Crokes extended their lead with three unanswered points from Colm Cooper (11th), Gavin Tucker (13th) and Batt Moriarty (15th). Eoin Brosnan and Johnny Buckley began to get the upper hand at midfield and as the momentum was with them, the final quarter was all Dr Crokes as they scored 2-7 without reply- the goals coming from Johnny Buckley and Jamie Doolan. Best for Dr Crokes was Eoin Brosnan, and Johnny Buckley, while James Cahillane was outstanding at center back for Fossa.
    Teams
Dr Crokes: Kieran Cremin, Eanna Kavanagh, Luke Quinn, John Payne, Batt Moriarty, Barra O'Connell, Gavin Tucker, Johnny Buckley, Eoin Brosnan, Shane Doolin, Colm Cooper (Capt), Fionn Fitzgerald, Brian Looney, Kieran O'Leary, Jamie Doolan. Subs James Jones, Daithi Casey, James Fleming.
    Fossa: Colin Myers, Derry O'Sullivan,  Anthony Wharton, Kevin O'Sullivan, Lorcan Daly, James Cahillane,  Mark Dennehy, Conor O'Keeffe, Tommy Cronin, Karl Foley, Mikey Cronin, Kenneth Clifford, Eoin O'Connell, Jimmy Falvey, Domnhaill O'sullivan. Subs used Kevin Myers, Brendan Falvey, Lawrence Kelly.
Referee: Tom Wrenn

Rathmore 0-13 Legion 0-12
Legion came close to reaching the semi final of the O’Donoghue Cup but a late point by Eoin Lawlor brought the honours to Rathmore in Dereen on Saturday. This was a very brave effort by the home side as they took on the more experienced first division side and that gap in standard told against the division three contenders. Rathmore had three points on the board from Eoin Lawlor and John Buckley before Seanie Culloty opened the Legion account with appointed free in the tenth minute. Denis Sheahan collected a rebound off the upright for Legions second point. By the thirteenth minute Legion was level with an excellent sideline kick from James O’Donoghue. In the poor conditions and heavy rain, Legion gave away a number of frees in defence and Rathmore’s full forward line of Michael Riordan, Damien Casey and Jerry Murphy each converted their attempts to push three points ahead - 0-6 to 0-3. Good approach work by Legion midfield and half forwards often failed due to a poor final ball easily dealt with by the Rathmore full back line. David Murphy reduced arrears to two points before Legion conceded two more frees expertly converted by Rathmore’s Damien Casey. John Buckley put Rathmore five points clear with a long range point which was cancelled by Legions full forward Seanie Culloty. In the best score of the half, Rathmore’s keeper Jamieson Hughes commenced a thirteen man move which saw Jerry Murphy take the final pass out on the left wing and he swung over a magnificent point to leave Rathmore ahead 0-10 to 0-5 at the short whistle.
The second half saw a major effort by Legion to get back on terms. A goal was needed and they attempted that strategy but their efforts were well dealt with by Tom O’Sullivan and his full back line. Legion reverted to the slower process of point taking and this worked. James O’Donoghue and David Murphy reduced the lead to three points but Jerry Murphy kept Rathmore in the driving seat with a good point. Mike O’Sullivan (Legion) and Eoin Lawlor (Rathmore) swapped frees to leave the score at 0-12 to 0-8. There followed a good period for Legion. Seanie Culloty came out around midfield and Legion took control in that area. Legion put four points on the scoreboard to level the game. Substitute Derek Twomey made an immediate impact with a point. James O’Donoghue’s sideline kick off the ground forty metres out sailed straight and true over the bar to level the sides at 0-12 apiece. O’Donoghue had an opportunity from the same spot a moment later but lightening didn’t strike twice and the sides remained level approaching full time. Then on the stroke of full time, a Legion error gave Eoin Lawlor a free 40 metres out along the sideline and he kicked accurately to give his side a one point win 0-13 to Rathmore – 0-12 to Legion.

Rathmore: Jamieson Hughes, Kieran Cahill, Tom O’Sullivan, Michael O’Sullivan, James O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Sullivan, Brian O’Leary, Tim Cronin(0-1), John Buckley(0-1), Ian Kelliher, Daniel O’Sullivan, Eoin Lawlor(0-4, 0-1 free), Michael Riordan(0-1 free), Damien Casey(0-3 frees), Jerry Murphy(0-3, 0-1 free). Subs: Mike Joe Kelliher, Connor Sullivan

Legion: Brian Kelly, Derek Pyne, Eoin O’Carroll, Sean Hegarty, Jonathon Lyne, Gene McCarthy, Kevin Breen, David Murphy(0-3), Mike B O’Donoghue, Enda Murphy, Mike O’Sullivan(0-1), Denis Sheahan(0-1), James O’Donoghue(0-4, 0-1 free), Seanie Culloty(0-2, 0-1 free), John McGillycuddy.
Subs:Derek Twomey(0-1)
Referee Padraig O’Sullivan

Aquila Club O’Donoghue Cup Semi Finals

Goalkeeper heroics save Kilcummin.
Kilcummin 0-10 Rathmore 0-7

Kilcummin will play its seventh East Kerry Senior Championship final. In a reversal of last year’s result at the same stage of the Aquila Club sponsored O’Donoghue Cup semi final, they defeated Rathmore on Sunday last in Fitzgerald Stadium on a score line of 0-10 to 0-7. But it wasn’t before a heart stopping moment of drama on the stroke of full time, when hero of the hour was once again Brendan Kealy in the Kilcummin goals.
Heavy rain and a gale, especially in the first half, spoiled all the player’s best efforts. Kerry hurling legend Maurice Leahy and his management team of Brendan Mulhern and Barry Duggan (both of whom also have a good hurling pedigree) were very pleased to get through this game given the amount of wasted opportunities by their forwards. Kilcummin registered eleven wides over the game to Rathmore’s five.
Just back from Australia, Rathmore’s Aidan O’Mahony started at right wing forward and he had a good hour. Kilcummin’s full back Ronan O’Connor and centre back Mike McCarthy were towers of strength in defence for Kilcummin pushing forward to drive on their colleagues.
Playing with a strong wind, Kilcummin led by one point at half time - 0-4 to 0-3. Kilcummin’s Shane McSweeney and Eamon O’Donoghue controlled midfield for most of the game. Shane McSweeney put in a huge effort throughout the game and was particularly strong in the air and in the tackle. His covering back to assist his defence was exemplary. Kilcummins midfield advantage provided the Kilcummin forwards with plenty of possession, but they will need to improve their accuracy up front if they hope to add to their 1973 success in the O’Donoghue Cup final.
Kilcummin wing back Kieran O’Donoghue jinked his way forward to register the first point for Kilcummin from forty five metres after five minutes. A Michael O’Riordan free had Rathmore level one minute later. It was ten minutes later before D J Fleming pointed from a free. The close tackles, heavy rain and gale force wind, resulted in wayward shooting by both teams. In the twentieth minute Tom O’Sullivan started a great Rathmore movement that saw the ball pass through six players to reach Jerry Murphy who levelled the game at two points apiece. David Brosnan replied with a point from fifty metres – the best score of the half. DJ Fleming put Kilcummin two points clear before a Michael O’Riordan free reduced the Rathmore deficit on the short whistle – half time score Kilcummin 0-4 Rathmore 0-3.
Despite plenty of possession, Kilcummin continued to waste chances in the second half and Rathmore was able to keep the margin to a single point for most of the game. An Eamon O’Donoghue free put Kilcummin two points ahead after five minutes. There followed a four man Rathmore move in which Michael O’Riordan presented a good pass to Daniel O’Sullivan for Rathmores fourth point. But Kevin Gorman restored the two point margin for Kilcummin only to see Daniel O’Sullivan take Rathmore back to a one point margin. Numerous Kilcummin attacks lacked the final touch which saw chances for a goal and three points spurned. Rathmore was beginning to win some vital battles and it looked as if the game might swing in their favour. It took good defence by Kilcummins Ronan O’Connor and Mike McCarthy to withstand the assaults.
Colm Lenihan and Jerry Murphy swapped points and Kilcummin retained their one point lead after twenty five minutes. Rathmore introduced Ian Kelliher at full back and placed Tom O’Sullivan at centre back allowing him have a greater influence on matters around midfield. However Rathmore didn’t capitalise on this move as David Brosnan and D J Flemiming unlocked the Rathmore defence to push their side two clear. Just as he had done in the first half, a great supporting run through mid field by Kilcummins wing back, Kieran O’Donoghue saw him take a perfect pass on the twenty metre line and he put three points between the sides.
Normal time was now up and as the play entered injury time, the drama happened. An all out attack by Rathmore ended with full forward Damien Casey being pulled down in the square. Referee Con Carroll pointed to the penalty spot and John Buckley stepped up to take the Rathmore penalty which might level the game. He struck a brilliant shot to Brendan Kealy’s right which looked bound for the corner of the net. But as Kealy often had done in the past, he dived full length to stop the ball at the bottom of the post. A well taken penalty had produced an excellent save to the delight of the large Kilcummin following. Rathmore’s challenge was broken. Mike McCarthy powered forward through midfield, found Shane McSweeney who slipped the ball to David Brosnan for a good point under pressure.
Four points down and time running out saw a determined Rathmore effort for a goal. A great attack by Rathmore substitute Conor Sullivan saw his rasper of a shot take paint from the upper side of the Kilcummin cross bar. This was the last action and Kilcummin finished three points winners on a final score line of 0-10 to 0-7.
Kilcummin’s half back line and midfield put in a solid performance and was the springboard for their team’s success. Attacking wing back Kieran O’Donoghue made a good contribution with two points while full back Ronan O’Connor and midfielder Shane McSweeney gave strong and creative performances. Up front David Brosnan and D J Fleming struck some admirable points under pressure. Nevertheless the Kilcummin management has been left with plenty of work to do before the final to get better numbers on the scoreboard.
For Rathmore Tom O’Sullivan at full back and later at centre back put in a great hour. Aidan O’Mahony worked hard at wing forward but he was not as dynamic as usual probably due to the effects of his long trip down under. The full forward line of Jerry Murphy, Damien Casey and Michael O’Riordan worked effectively with the poor supply that came their way. Substitute Conor Sullivan caught the eye for his fifteen minutes work.
Kilcummin: Brendan Kealy, Tommy Brosnan, Ronan O’Connor, Danny O’Riordan, Kevin Bruton, Mike McCarthy (Capt), Kieran O’Donoghue (0-2), Shane McSweeney, Eamon O’Donoghue (0-1 free), Kevin Gorman (0-1), Sean Brosnan, Paul O’Donoghue, David Brosnan (0-2), Colm Lenihan (0-1), D J Fleming (0-3, 0-1 free) Subs: John Devane for Sean Brosnan, Diarmuid O’Donoghue, Seanie O’Leary, John Herlihy, Killian Murphy, Ritchie O’Connor, John O’Keeffe, Muiris Healy.
Rathmore: Jamieson Hughes, Kieran Cahill (Capt), Tom O’Sullivan, Michael Joe Kelleher, James O’Sullivan, Ciaran O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Leary, Tim Cronin, John Buckley, Aidan O’Mahony, Daniel O’Sullivan (0-2), Eoin Lawlor (0-1) Michael O’Riordan (0-2), Damien Casey, Jerry Murphy (0-2, 0-1 free). Subs: Michael O’Sullivan for Michael Joe Kelleher, Conor Sullivan for Eoin Lawlor, Ian Kelliher for Bryan O’Leary, Jamie Cooper, Stephen Lehane, Mark Nagle, Michael Anthony Kelleher, Donal Casey, Philip Kelly, John Hickey, George O’Keeffe, Paul Reen, Mark Kelleher.

 

Dr Crokes 1-12 Scartaglen 0-8

Dr Crokes reached their thirty-eighth O’Donoghue Cup Final when they defeated Scartaglen at Kilcummin on Sunday last. Dr Crokes started this game with four personnel changes and nine positional changes to the team printed on the official programme. Scartaglen won the midfield battle in the first half but they wasted too many chances. Dr Crokes was obliged to introduce some experienced players at half time to counteract a Scartaglen team that played very well in the first half. It was almost ten minutes into the second half before we saw the typical Dr Crokes flowing end to end moves that we have come to expect. But once they got into gear, the scores mounted up and they pulled well clear of Scartaglen.
Jamie Doolin and Colm Cooper were on target with two points for Dr Crokes within four minutes. A period of good possession by Scartaglen produced four wides before Tom Boyle opened the Scartaglen account with a point after fifteen minutes. However a well worked move up field from a Batt Moriarty free ended with centre forward Colm Cooper raising a green flag. Scartaglen responded strongly and was now winning the midfield battle. Mike Coakley and Mike Horan dominated midfield at this stage. Dr Crokes was rash in their defensive tackles and Horan pointed three frees in a five minute period to take the score to 1-2 to 0-4 in favour of Dr Crokes. An attractive intricate sweeping movement, which is the trade mark of the Crokes style, gave young Fionn Fitzgerald an opening to put his side two points clear with a well taken point on the stroke of half time.
Dr Crokes reacted with two substitutions. Full Back Luke Quinn and corner Back Barra O’Connell were withdrawn and the experienced Brian McMahon and James Fleming came on at midfield and half forward respectively. Nevertheless, it was Scartaglen which started the second half the better. Mike Horan and Gerard O’Connor had two points within three minutes and the game was level 1-3 to 0-6. However, the changes began to work for Dr Crokes as they improved at midfield and won the breaking ball. Ambrose O’Donovan went full forward as a target man from whom the corner forwards could feed off. Over the next twenty minutes, the Crokes forward division put seven points on the board without reply –Jamie Doolin (3), Brian Looney, Ambrose O’Donovan, Kieran O’Leary and Colm Cooper with one each. Scartaglen did manage a number of good attacks but the Dr Crokes defence closed in tight and they denied the Scartaglen forwards good quality shots. The defence was more disciplined than in the first half when frees were given away. On one such attack by Scartaglen, Padraig Reidy drove forward through midfield in the company of Mike Horan and they got the ball to centre forward Daniel Murphy who broke through the full back line. Alan Kelly came off his line smartly and smothered Murphy’s shot. The resultant counter attack ended with Jamie Doolin punching a point. In the remaining minutes, Brendan Rahilly and Niall Casey had two points for Scartaglen but Kieran O’Leary and Jamie Doolin cancelled these to maintain their side’s seven point lead and end the game on a score line of Dr Crokes 1-12 Scartaglen 0-8.
Dr Crokes: Alan Kelly, John Payne, Luke Quinn Barra O’Connell, Batt Moriarty, Mike Moloney, Jamie Doolin, Ambrose O’Donovan(0-1), Eoin Brosnan, Johnny Buckley, Colm Cooper (Capt)(1-2), Brian Looney(0-1), Fionn Fitzgerald(0-1), Kieran O’Leary(0-2), Jamie Doolin(0-5). Subs: Brian McMahon for Luke Quinn, James Fleming for Barra O’Connell, Daithi Casey for Ambrose O’Donovan.
Scartaglen: Martin Hewitt, Alan Horan, Niall Casey(0-1 free), Jeremy O’Driscoll, Tim Kerins, Padraig Reidy, Seamus O’Riordan, Mike Coakley, Bernard Cronin, J.J.Murphy, Daniel Murphy, Mike Horan(0-4,0-3 frees), Noel Rahilly, Tom Boyle(0-1), Brendan Rahilly(0-1), Subs: Gerard O’Connor(0-1)

O’Donoghue Cup Final 2008
Dr Crokes 0-7 Kilcummin 0-5
In a low scoring game played in poor weather conditions on Sunaday Nov 23rd, Dr Crokes won their 24th Senior East Kerry Championship when they defeated Kilcummin. In the harsh conditions that prevailed throughout the game, both sides made a number of bad mistakes with poorly placed passes and scoring shots falling well short. The turning point of the game was a saved penalty by Dr Crokes Alan Kelly when he prevented his opposite number Brendan Kealy, the Kilcummin keeper from putting his side a point up as the game approached half time.
Kilcummin started well and had two points on the sheet from frees by D J Fleming and Eamon O’Donoghue before Kieran O’Leary swung a point over from 45m out along the sideline after ten minutes. A minute later, Jamie Doolin levelled matters at 0-2 apiece. A second free from DJ Fleming pushed Kilcummin one ahead just before John Devane had to retire due to injury. A Brian Looney point and a free from Colm Cooper took Dr Crokes two points clear by the thirtieth minute when Ambrose O’Donovan fouled DJ Fleming and a penalty was awarded. Brendan Kealy made the long trip up field and his shot hit straight down the middle was stopped by Alan Kelly. Dr Crokes worked the ball down field and Colm Cooper had an easy task to add a further point to their tally to bring the half time score to Dr Crokes 0-6 Kilcummin 0-3.
Weather conditions disimproved in the second half and although Kilcummin now had the wind to their backs, they failed to make use of it. Indeed the sides only managed three points between them in the second half, but it was the possession game played by the Dr Crokes outfit that won the day. Over passing in the Kilcummin forward division led to David Brosnan shooting wide under pressure. A forty five metre free by DJ Fleming was deflected out for a second forty five which Eoin Brosnan fielded in the square to lift the siege. A good Dr Crokes move, started by Batt Moriarty ended with a thirty metre free which Colm Cooper failed to convert in the strong wind. Then the woodwork intervened as a Jamie Doolin shot rebounded off the crossbar. Daithi Casey sent the rebound goal wards but it was saved only to see Colm Cooper’s attempt well blocked. Kilcummin was fighting a rearguard action at this stage and was being successful. After ten minutes of such play, it took a Colm Cooper free from 25metres to register the Dr Crokes first and only score of the second half. Alan Kelly came to Dr Crokes rescue once more with a good save before Paul O’Donboghue reduced the Kilcummin arrears to three points with a punched point 0-7 to 0-4. A marvellous sweeping move by Kilcummin during which a goal looked on the cards, saw David Brosnans shot parried by Alan Kelly for a forty five metre free. Kilcummin failed to convert the free. Nevertheless, Dr Crokes was obliged to fight for their lives to keep their lead. Each defender never let his opponent get more that arms length from him. This tight marking was epitomised by corner back John Payne whose man marking on the Kilcummin danger man DJ Fleming earned him a man-of-the match award. With five minutes to go Kilcummin introduced Seanie O’Leary, Ritchie O’Connor and Cillian Murphy and Kilcummin launched further attacks. With three minutes remaining, Eamon O’Donoghue registered Kilcummins last score with a pointed free. A last attack by Kilcummin saw Shane McSweeney drop a ball into the square which Kelly parried but Seanie O’Leary’s goal shot went wide. Final score Dr Crokes 0-7 Kilcummin 0-5.
Board Chairman Dermot Griffin presented the O’Donoghue Cup to Dr Crokes Captain Colm Cooper.
Teams:
Dr Crokes: Alan Kelly, John Payne, Luke Quinn, Fionn Fitzgerald, Batt Moriarty, Michael Moloney, Shane Doolin(0-1), Eoin Brosnan, Ambrose O’Donovan, Johnny Buckley, Colm Cooper (Capt)(0-3, 2f), Brian Looney(0-1), James Fleming, Kieran O’Leary(0-1), Jamie Doolin(0-1f),
Subs: David Neeson, Keith McMahon, Bara O’Connell, Gavin Tucker, James Jones, Edmond O’Sullivan, Daithi Casey, Finian Moran, Ruairi Mangan, David O’Leary, John Bartlett, Shane O’Neill, Andrew Kennelly.
Kilcummin: Brendan Kealy, Tommy Brosnan, Ronan O’Connor, Danny O’Riordan, Kevin Bruton, Mike McCarthy(Capt), Kieran O’Donoghue, Shane McSweeney, Eamon O’Donoghue(0-2f), Paul O’Donoghue(0-1), John Devane, Kevin Gorman, David Brosnan, Colm Lenihan, DJ Fleming(0-2f).
Subs: Diarmuid O’Donoghue, John Herlihy, Cillian Murphy, Ritchie O’Connor, Seanie O’Leary, John O’Keeffe, Muiris Healy, Kieran Fleming, Daniel Kelly, Pat O’Donoghue, Jamie O’Sullivan
Referee: Eddie Walsh Rathmore.