The Draw for the 2005 O’Sullivan Cup in association with Central Car Sales Farranfore resulted as follows :

First round byes: Legion, Scartaglen and Cordal

First Round Glenflesk 1-7 Listry 1-6

Fossa 1-14 G/Guilla “B” 1-9

Dr Crokes “B” 0-14 Currow “B” 0-12Spa “B” 2-7 Firies 1-9

Rathmore “B” 1-7 Kilcummin “B” 1-9

Final Preview

The curtain comes down on the 2005 playing season on Saturday evening next when Glenflesk and Legion clash in the final of the Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup. The game was originally due to take place in Fitzgerald Stadium, however due to the McGrath Cup fixture, a change of venue was necessary. The game is now fixed for Listry, (throw in 3 p.m.).This game certainly promises to be a closely fought affair between two teams not very accustomed to meeting each other in the latter stages of this competition. The O’Sullivan Cup is presented to the winners of the East Kerry Junior championship, however, these teams are of course junior in name only, the rules of the competition being such that teams in Division 3 of the county league and lower may field their first team in the competition, ( Division 1 and 2 play their “B” teams).Legion have only won this competition on one occasion, that being way back in 1980 when they overcame Listry with a team that included former Kerry stalwart, Tom Prendergast, Mike Murphy, Connie Carroll and current mentor, Sean O’Sullivan. The town side came good in the latter half of the season just passed to claim the county Intermediate title and a place in the hat for the county championship draw. Indeed, had they started the season with any degree of consistency they would now be in Division 2 of the county league. They did not over impress when disposing of a determined Fossa challenge in the semi final a week before Christmas, however they will no doubt want to add the O’Sullivan Cup to their county title with the likes of Sean Hegarty, Michael B. O’Donoghue, Derek Pyne, David Murphy and veteran John Keane central to their challenge. The injured John Cronin will no doubt be a big loss however.Glenflesk have won the O’Sullivan Cup competition on three previous occasions; In 1978 when they defeated Scartaglen, 1988 when victory over Kilcummin brought them the O’Donoghue Cup and O’Sullivan Cup double and most recently in 1991 when following a drawn final against Dr Crokes “B” they were awarded the replay in the boardroom.In stark contrast to their opponents who were playing championship games right up to Christmas, Glenflesk have been inactive since defeating Cordal in the semi final of this competition way back on the October bank holiday weekend. That may very well work in their favour as they should be the fresher side come Saturday. They do have a number on injuries however and they will be waiting anxiously on the fitness of the likes of Micheál O’Donoghue and Damian McCarthy. Seamus Moynihan will be available to join the likes of captain, Shane Dennehy, Paul Favier, Eric O’Donoghue and James O’Sullivan but the availability or otherwise of former Kerry star, John Crowley is not known. This is a difficult result to call given that Legion are just recovering from a very heavy Autumn fixtures list and the doubts about the availability of key players for Glenflesk. I am sure however that both sides will make one hell of an effort to reclaim the O’Sullivan Cup and spectators can be assured of a very lively opening to the new playing season.* The O’Sullivan Cup was presented to the East Kerry Board back in 1975 to perpetuate the memory of the late Owen O’Sullivan who was chairman of the Firies club at the time of his untimely death earlier that year. During his playing days, Owen played with a number of clubs, including Milltown and Kilcummin before joining Kerins O’Rahillys with whom he played in the county final of 1961 when defeated by Tralee neighbours, John Mitchels. In 1962 he transferred to then recently formed Firies club and opened a motor sales and repairs garage in the former Collins’ dance hall. He served the club well in various capacities until a traffic accident led to his death in January 1975.His son, Con, has done Trojan work researching the competition and two years ago he set up a website which carries detailed information and photographs outlining all aspects of the competition. His labour of love can be viewed on www.owenosullivancup.net.

Dr Crokes “B” lead the roll of honour with six titles, with Firies and Kilcummin next on five. Dr Crokes, Spa, Currow and Gneeveguilla have won the trophy with “B” teams while Rathmore are the only club not to have won the trophy.

Glenflesk, Fossa, Kilcummin “B”, Spa “B” and holders Dr Crokes “B” are through to the quarter finals of the Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup following the five first round games played. Glenflesk just got the better of Listry at Glenflesk where the visitors, when wind assisted, built up an early lead of 1-2 to no score, all their scores coming from Jimmy O’Leary frees. Three pointed frees from Shane Dennehy and another from Enda Favier, saw Glenflesk trail by just a point at the break, 1-2 to 4 points. Shane Dennehy, who scored all but a point of Glenflesk’s total, had the sides on level terms by the 37th minute before Glenflesk were reduced to 14 men midway through the half. Listry were not able to take advantage however, and a defensive error resulted in a penalty for the homeside when William Kissane was brought down in the square. Shane Dennehy goaled from the spot and despite two late points from a Jimmy O’Leary free and a “45” converted by Tadhg Aherne, Glenflesk held on for a 1-7 to 1 -6 victory.Spa “B” caused a big upset when defeating Firies at Spa. Liam O’Connell for Firies and Sean Casey for Spa had early goals before Conor O’Riordan converted a penalty to give Spa the lead. Points by Neil Foley and Ger Murphy had the sides on level terms at the break, 2-2 to 1-5.Donal Daly switched to midfield for the second half but Spa continued to take the game to their opponents and a point from Ronan O’Sullivan had them a point to the good at the three quarter stage. Firies dominated the remainder of the game but hit 8 wides as Spa held out for a narrow victory on a 2-7 to 1-9 scoreline.Two points in injury time gave holders Dr Crokes “B” a narrow victory over Currow “B” at Lewis Rd. With Denis Dennehy scoring 6 first half points, Currow led by 10 points to 7 at half time but Dr Crokes were level within 5 minutes of the resumption thanks to points from Roland Neher, Edmund O’Sullivan and David Moloney. Scores were at a premium thereafter but points from Kevin Casey and Pat O’Sullivan gave Currow a two point lead with 9 minutes remaining, however, David Moloney soon had the sides back on level terms before two points in injury time from Moloney again, and Mike O’Donoghue, gave Dr Crokes victory on a 14 points to 12 scoreline.Kilcummin “B” had a good win over Rathmore “B” in Rathbeg where the homeside, thanks to a goal from Daniel O’Leary, led by 1 -6 to 3 points at the break. The turning point came at the three quarter stage when Paul Lenihan goaled for Kilcummin, and the winners added 4 points without reply for a deserved victory 1-9 to 1-7.

The Quarter Finals

Fossa 3-11 Spa “B” 1-15

Legion 0-12 Scartaglen 0-9Cordal 0-14 Dr Crokes “B” 2-5Glenflesk 2-15 Kilcummin “B” 1-10

Fossa 3-11 Spa 3-15

Fossa can thank their twin striking force of Domhnall O’Sullivan and Kerry minor, Jimmy Falvey, for this narrow victory over Spa “B” in the quarter final Fossa. This was a well contested game throughout with some fine scores being kicked by both sides and indeed at the final whistle, Fossa looked a highly relieved side to have overcome the Spa challenge after looking in deep trouble at the three quarter stage. The game opened with a flurry of good scores and the winners led by 3 points to 2 when Domhnall O’Sullivan was brought down in the square after twelve minutes and Jimmy Falvey made no mistake from the resultant penalty. Spa recovered well from this set-back and responded with three good scores, all from play, from Patrick Cronin (2) and a mighty effort from Fergus Clifford from outfield. Spa were winning plenty ball around the middle of the field, but Fossa were always threatening in the full forward line and they enjoyed a two point lead approaching the break before two pointed frees from Pat Cronin saw Spa deservedly on level terms at the break, 1-5 to 0-8.Fossa seemed to have grabbed the initiative on the restart when a high ball from Falvey seemed to be deflected to their own net by a Spa defender and the winners were four clear within five minutes. However, Spa were level within another five when after Cronin added a great point, Kieran Herlihy fisted to the net to level the game. Spa were now dominating the outfield exchanges and three good scores from Brendan Dolan (2) and Sean Morris reflected this dominance on the scoreboard.Fossa looked in deep trouble at this stage but the moving of Jimmy Falvey to the “40” and improved play from Eoin Long and Killian Lynch saw the winners bounce back with two good scores from Falvey, the second from a well struck “45”.A bad mistake by a Spa defender saw Killian Lynch place Domhnall O’Sullivan for a goal with seven minutes left to restore the lead to Fossa and thereafter despite two fine scores from O’Sullivan and Lynch, the Fossa goal had some scary moments when Sean Morris and Sean Casy both blazed just over the bar to leave the homeside clinging omn for a victory they just about deserved. Scorers: Fossa; Domhnall O’Sullivan 1-6, Jimmy Falvey 1-4, Killian Lynch 0-1. Spa “B”: Patrick Cronin 0-7, Kieran Herlihy 1-1, Sean Morris and Brendan Doolan 0-2 each, Fergus Clifford , Cathal O’Flaherty and Sean Casey 0-1 each.

Referee: Pat Kissane, (Legion).

Cordal 0-14 Dr Crokes “B” 2-5

Holders Dr Crokes “B” were knocked out of this year’s O’Sullivan Cup at Cordal in very wet and windy conditions. The winners, thanks to some fine play from Eamonn John O’Donoghue at midfield and sharpshooter, Tommy O’Connor at full forward, deserved their victory and fought back well in the second half after trailing at the interval having played with the strong wind. Dr Crokes enjoyed a two points lead at the break having played against the elements, (2-2 to 0-6) following goals from Michael O’Donoghue and Tomás Bracker Regan. Tommy O’Connor was proving a handfull at full forward for Cordal however, and following four first half points he added three more, all from play, to level the game in the first ten minutes of the second half. Eamonn John O’Donoghue was lording the midfield exchanges however, and his deliveries brought three further points from O’Connor, the third, after his effort from a penalty rebounded off the crossbar, gave victory to the homeside.

Scorers: Cordal ; Tommy O’Connor 0-10, James O’Donoghue, John Brosnan and Eamonn John O’Donoghue 0-1 each. Dr Crokes “B”; Michael O’Donoghue and Tomás O’Regan 1-0 each, David Moloney 0-3, Mike Cooper and James Jones 0-1 each

Legion 0-12 Scartaglen 0-9

Legion had a hard earned victory over Scartaglen to qualify for the semi finals of the O’Sullivan Cup at Dereen. Playing with the aid of the strong wind Scartaglen got off to a great start and were 4 points to nil ahead at the end of the first quarter. Seanie Culloty with two points, reduced the deficit but further points from Tom Boyle and J.J. Murphy restored Scart’s four point lead. Kerry minor, David Murphy closed the scoring in the first half with a brace of points to leave the visitors 6 points to 4 ahead at the break. Pa Rahilly extended that lead on the resumption, but wind assisted, Legion began to pick off the points with the Murphys, David and Enda and Michael B. O’Donoghue levelling the game by the 37^th minute. David Murphy gave Legion the lead for the first time before Scart were out of luck when young J.J. Murphy’s shot came back off the crossbar at the three quarter stage. Padraig Reidy levelled for a defiant Scart once more but Legion, with points from David Murphy (2), Michael O’Sullivan and Michael B. O’Donoghue, finished stronger to join Fossa and Cordal in the semi finals. Glenflesk and Kilcummin “B” have yet to play their quarter final tie.

Scorers: Legion; David Murphy 0-6, Seanie Culloty and Michael B. O’Donoghue 0-2 each, Enda Murphy and Michael O’Sullivan 0-1 each. Scartaglen; Tom Boyle 0-3, Pa Rahilly 0-2, Alan Dineen, Seamus O’Riordan, J.J. Murphy and Padraig Reidy 0-1 each.

Glenflesk 2-15 Kilcummin “B” 1-10

Kilcummin “B” put up a very creditable performance against Glenflesk seniors in the quarter final of the Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup at Glenflesk on Saturday afternoon last. Indeed the issue was in the balance right up to the three quarter stage when a goal by Shane Dennehy finally killed off the underdog’s challenge.Seanie O’Leary and Shane Dennehy swapped early points before Kilcummin got the boost of a goal from John Devane. Glenflesk replied almost immediately when James O’Sullivan goaled and at the break the homeside had a three points advantage, 1-8 to 1-5. Kilcummin continued to take the game to their more fancied opponents during the third quarter and just a point separated the sides when Dennehy struck for that all important goal. Thereafter there was only one team in it as Glenflesk ensured a semi final place against Cordal. Legion and Fossa will contest the other semi final. Teams and scorers: Glenflesk; Mike Guerin, Paul Favier, Micheál O’Donoghue, Gerry Kennedy, Gary Murphy, Timmy O’Sullivan, Eric O’Donoghue, Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Damian McCarthy (0-2), Daniel Crowley (0-1), Shane Dennehy (1-5), Denis Dennehy, James O’Sullivan (1-3), John B. O’Donoghue (0-2), Ollie Favier.

Kilcummin “B”; Brendan Kealy (0-1, “45”), John O’Keeffe, Killian Murphy, Muiris Healy, Danny O’Leary, Kevin Bruton, Danny O’Riordan, Tommy Cooper, Kevin Gorman, Pat O’Donoghue, Michael O’Connor (0-1), John Devane (1-1), Richie O’Connor, Seanie O’Leary (0-7, 0-5 frees), Danny O’Leary.

The Semi Finals

Glenflesk 1-15 Cordal 0-8

Glenflesk eased their way into the Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup Final thanks to a rather facile semi final victory over Cordal at Dereen on Bank Holiday Sunday evening last. Glenflesk dominated this game from the throw-in with Seamus Moynihan and Timmy O’Sullivan on top around midfield and at the back their defence was very sound.Glenflesk went into a five point lead before Tommy O’Connor opened Cordal’s account in the 12^th minute and by the break, the winners had added seven more points with Tommy O’Connor (2) and Eamonn John O’Donoghue adding points for the losers to leave the half time score 11 points to 4 in favour of Glenflesk.Any chance a demoralised Cordal side had of saving the game quickly vanished on the resumption when John B. O’Donoghue set up Shane Dennehy for the only goal of the game. Thereafter it was a case of Glenflesk consolidating their position but to their credit, Cordal never threw in the towel and finished the game with three points from Michael Cahill (2) and the evergreen Tommy O’Connor. Teams and scorers: Glenflesk; Mike Guerin, Paul Favier, Micheál O’Donoghue, Gerry Kennedy, Gary Murphy, Donal O’Sullivan, John C. O’Donoghue, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Timmy O’Sullivan (0-1), Daniel Crowley , Shane Dennehy (1-7), Donnacha Dennehy, James O’Sullivan (0-2), John B. O’Donoghue (0-1), D.J. O’Donoghue. Subs: Eamonn Counihan, William Kissane, Donal Herlihy, Seamus O’Mahony, Jerry Murphy. Cordal: Seán Óg Ó Ciardubhaín, Michéal Ó’Ciardubhaín, Mossie Enright, Colm Clifford, Maurice Costello, Con Greaney, John Brosnan, Eamonn John O’Donoghue (0-2), Gerald Murphy, Pierce Brosnan, Tommy O’Connor (0-5), James O’Sullivan, James O’Donoghue, Tommy O’Mahony, Micheal Cahill (0-1). Subs: Brendan Brosnan, Sean Clifford, Padraig O’Donoghue.

Referee: Padraig O’Sullivan (Firies).

Legion 0-18 Fossa 1-10

It took extra time to separate these two sides after a very entertaining Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup semi final at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday afternoon last. At the end of the day it was the greater fitness level of the town side that saw them through however Fossa can count themselves very unlucky to come out on the losing side.Legion, thanks to fine play from Michael B. O’Donoghue around the centre, had the lion’s share of possession in the opening half, however Fossa made better use of a more limited supply. Some good play from both Jimmy Falvey and Domhnall O’Sullivan saw both kick good points for Fossa but Michael B. O’Donoghue levelled matters from fifty yards in the eighteenth minute. Jimmy Falvey had two fine scores, one from a sideline free, but John Keane and Kieran O’Neill replied with points for Legion to tie the scores once again. Fossa finished the half on the up with good scores from Killian Lynch and a fifty yards free from Jimmy Falvey to lead by 6 points to 4 at the break.Falvey again pointed from all of forty five yards on the resumption and Fossa were in the ascendancy at this stage, however they were unable to put daylight between themselves and their rivals. David Murphy (free) and Enda Murphy with a fine effort, left the minimum between the sides at the three quarter stage and Fintan Coffey punched over to put two points between the sides once more with five minutes of normal time left. The Murphys, Enda and David, had Legion back on level terms once more but when Jimmy Falvey converted a free two minutes from time Fossa looked to be on their way to a famous victory. However it was not to be as David Murphy pointed from a free with the last kick five minutes into added time.Murphy again, from a free, pointed Legion in front in the first period of extra time but then Fossa got the boost of a goal from the penalty spot by Jimmy Falvey after a foul on Padraig Kelly. Back came Legion to level once more through pointed frees from Murphy and Keane. Legion, with Sean Hegarty outstanding, took over completely during the final period and they kicked five points without reply including two from Enda Murphy, to qualify for their first final since 1980. Teams and scorers: Legion; Justin Healy, Brian Doolan, Gene McCarthy, Fergal Moynihan, Kieran O’ Neill (0-2), Sean Hegarty, Michael O’Sullivan, Michael B. O’Donoghue (0-1), John Keane (0-3, 0-2 frees), Adam Moynihan, Derek Pyne, Enda Murphy (0-4), David Murphy (0-7, 0-5 frees), Peter O’Leary, Kevin Breen (0-1). Subs; Anthony O’Leary and Kieran O’Grady. Fossa; Colin Myers, Lorcan Daly, Anthony Wharton, Mark Dennehy, Derry O’Sullivan, Fintan Coffey (0-1), Daniel O’Sullivan, Tommy Cronin, Mikey Cronin, Kenneth Clifford (0-1), Killian Lynch (0-1), Padraig Kelly, Colin Davidson, Jimmy Falvey (1-6, 1 -3 frees), Domhnall O’Sullivan (0-1). Referee: Donal Casey (Scartaglen).

Central Car Sales O'Sullivan Cup Final

The curtain comes down on the 2005 playing season on Saturday evening next when Glenflesk and Legion clash in the final of the Central Car Sales O'Sullivan Cup at Fitzgerald Stadium, (throw in 3 p.m.).

This game certainly promises to be a closely fought affair between two teams not very accustomed to meeting each other in the latter stages of this competition. The O'Sullivan Cup is presented to the winners of the East Kerry Junior championship, however, these teams are of course junior in name only, the rules of the competition being such that teams in Division 3 of the county league and lower may field their first team in the competition.

Legion have only won this competition on one occasion, that being way back in 1980 when they overcame Listry with a team that included former Kerry stalwart, Tom Prendergast, Mike Murphy, Connie Carroll and current mentor, Sean O'Sullivan. The town side came good in the latter half of the season just passed to claim the county Intermediate title and a place in the hat for the county championship draw. Indeed, had they started the season with any degree of consistency they would now be in Division 2 of the county league. They did not over impress when disposing of a determined Fossa challenge in the semi final a week before Christmas, however they will no doubt want to add the O'Sullivan Cup to their county title with the likes of Sean Hegarty, Michael B. O'Donoghue, Derek Pyne, David Murphy and veteran John Keane central to their challenge. The injured John Cronin will no doubt be a big loss however.

Glenflesk have won the O'Sullivan Cup competition on three previous occasions; In 1978 when they defeated Scartaglen, 1988 when victory over Kilcummin brought them the O'Donoghue Cup and O'Sullivan Cup double and most recently in 1991 when following a drawn final against Dr Crokes they were awarded the replay in the boardroom.

In stark contrast to their opponents who were playing championship games right up to Christmas, Glenflesk have been inactive since defeating Cordal in the semi final of this competition way back on the October bank holiday weekend. That may very well work in their favour as they should be the fresher side come Saturday. They do have a number on injuries however and they will be waiting anxiously on the fitness of the likes of Micheál O’Donoghue and Damian McCarthy. Seamus Moynihan will be available to join the likes of captain, Shane Dennehy, Paul Favier, Eric O’Donoghue and James O’Sullivan but the availability or otherwise of former Kerry star, John Crowley is not known.

This is a difficult result to call given that Legion are just recovering from a very heavy Autumn fixtures list and the doubts about the availability of key players for Glenflesk. I am sure however that both sides will make one hell of an effort to reclaim the O’Sullivan Cup and spectators can be assured of a very lively opening to the new playing season.

* The O'Sullivan Cup was presented to the East Kerry Board back in 1975 to perpetuate the memory of the late Owen O'Sullivan who was chairman of the Firies club at the time of his untimely death earlier that year. During his playing days, Owen played with a number of clubs, including Milltown and Kilcummin before joining Kerins O'Rahillys with whom he played in the county final of 1961 when defeated by Tralee neighbours, John Mitchels. In 1962 he transferred to then recently formed Firies club and opened a motor sales and repairs garage in the former Collins 'dance hall. He served the club well in various capacities until a traffic accident led to his death in January 1975.

His son, Con, has done Trojan work researching the competition and two years ago he set up a website which carries detailed information and photographs outlining all aspects of the competition. His labour of love can be viewed on www.owenosullivancup.net.

Dr Crokes lead the roll of honour with six titles, with Kilcummin next on five. Dr Crokes, Spa, Currow and Gneeveguilla have won the trophy with teams while Rathmore are the only club not to have won the trophy.

Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup Final

The Central Car Sales O’Sullivan Cup final between Glenflesk and Legion, scheduled for Saturday last (Jan 27th) in Fitzgerald Stadium, did not take place after Legion notified the Board that they would not be fulfilling the fixture. The matter will now be referred to the Board’s general purposes committee for a decision.