East Kerry GAA News By Michael OMahony PRO for the week of 1st July 2018
EAST KERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2 FINAL
Glenflesk 4-16 Killarney Legion 4-11 (After Extra Time)
These two whole hearted teams played themselves to standstill in sweltering conditions in Rathbeg. Excellent referee Brian Fleming took the sensible and much appreciated decision to allow a water break in each half. The opening quarter looked as if Glenflesk would completely overwhelm the Legion as early goals from midfielder Danny Lucey(1-3) and Shane Dennehy (1-2) set them up nicely in fact but for some errant shooting they should have been more ahead . Slowly Killarney Legion dragged themselves back into it and with man of the match Conor McCarthy (3-2)getting more ball they closed the gap in the second quarter to just a brace but Glenflesk had the ability all night to respond and this they did with a Jonathan Bowler goal to open another gap to leave the halftime score Killarney Legion 0-6 Glenflesk 3-4
Facing into a nice breeze the Legion looked to have an uphill struggle but the second half itself held many twists as both sides went flat out for the win.However the Legions achilles heel all night was their kickout which Glenflesk time after time gained posesion and converted on the scoreboard. They refused to give up the cause and with Sean McCarthy in tremendous form at midfield they gradually chipped away at the 8 point deficit. With time ticking, a clever free from Adam Moynihan which wrong footed the Glenflesk defence saw Stephen McCarthy strike low and hard to the net for a dramatic equaliser. Still time for more drama as Glenflesk on the counter struck over a free from Darragh Fleming (0-8)before Adam Moynihan did the same at the other end with the second last kick of the game in normal time. Indeed the afore mentioned Darragh Fleming was a crucial cog in Glenflesks win as he really came into his own in extra time and he returned with a fantastic total of 8 points from frees and play.
Extra time showed what the comeback had taken out of the Legion as it was dominated by Glenflesk who regrouped in fine fashion and the tacked on 5 points in that period to desevedly take the title after a thrilling final. Glenflesk had good performers round the field but Alan Murphy and Fleming did the business consistently throughout. Hard luck on Legions Conor McCarthy who with 3-2 and was practically unmarkable and in the process of flicking an overhead ball for his third goal shipped a fierce collision in the process. A great entertaining final with twists turns of all sorts along the way.
After game Johnny Brosnan, chairman of East Kerry GAA committee & sponsor Ruth Allen, of Kerry Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre Killarney, parented the cup to Glenfesk captain Gary ODnoghue.
Glenfesk Team: Kenny Cronin, Tom Doherty, Jerry Kennedy (Capt), Padraig OSullivan, Gary ODonoghue, Kieran ODonoghue, Liam Warren, Donal OSullivan, Danny Lucey, Alan McSweeney, Colm Tobin, Johnathan Bowler, Stephen Lacey, John BODonoghue, Shane Dennehy,
Killarney Legion Team: Mikey BODonoghue, Patick Mannix, Colm OCuiv, Brian Collins,, Daniel Devlin, Conor Lucy, Rob Lucy, Sean McCarthy, (Capt), Alan Moriarty, Adam Moynihan,, Michael Deviln, Cian Sheehan, Stephen McCarthy, Conor McCarthy, Luke ODonoghue,
Munster Games
Best of luck to Kerry South U14/U15 management and players taking part in Munster Games in Waterford and Cork next Saturday 7th July. All teams have trained well in advance of the competitions. Panels of twenty four players will be selected to perform on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity for Kerry South players to get a taste of intercounty football.
East Region U14 League Fixtures
East Region will again support the Give Respect Get Respect campaign. Both teams are asked to come to the middle of the pitch after the game and offer a hand-shake to opponents and the referee, please. All Games 7pm.
Feile Pheil na ng 2018 Congratulations
Congratulations to Cordal/Scartaglen U14 Team and Killarney Legion who reached the who reached the Shield Final.
Sympathy
At the June 2018 meeting of the East Kerry GAA Committee, a minutes silence was held for the late Pat Delaney, who was serving Assistant Treasurer of East Kerry GAA Committee aat the time of his recent passing away. A vote of sympathy was passed. Pat, who had served for over 21 years as an Officer on East Kerry GAA Committee, is sadly missed by his fellow Officers & Delegates.
A vote sympathy was also passed for the following Kathleen Kelly (Firies), Brid Sugrue nee Kelly (Park Road Killarney & Carrageen-Iron Mills Killarney). May they all Rest in Peace,