1975

Laune Rangers – 1975

 Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship for the eleventh time.

Laune Rangers won the Co. U-16 Football Championship for the first time and the Mid-Kerry Championship for the eighth time.

Laune Rangers retained the Co. U-14 Football Championship and won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the eighth time.

Killorglin Community Games football team won the Co. Final for the second successive year.

Intermediate School won the Dunloe Cup (U-15) for the first time.

Kerry won the All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship. John Evans was a substitute.

The Munster U-21 Football Final was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin on Sat. 26^th July – Kerry 0-17; Waterford 1-5.

James Coffey was elected as Joint-Treasurer of the Kerry Co. Board for the third successive year.

Pat O Shea was re-elected as Vice-Chairman of Bord na nOg Chiarraí for the fifth successive year.

Pat O Shea was re-elected onto the Co. Senior Football Selection Committee.

Laune Rangers organised Puck Fair for the second and last time.

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The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held on Fri. 3^rd Jan. 1975, in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin. The Chairman, James Coffey, presided. Also in attendance were Pat O Shea, Pat Lynch, Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Tom Curran, Tom Johnston, Declan Crowley, Tom Evans, Denis Lynch, Johnny O Connor, Tom O Shea, Jim Casey, Paddy Foley, Denis O Neill, Ted Houlihan, Billy Dodd, James O Riordan, John Clifford, Barry Harmon, Kieran Foley, Jim Galvin, John ‘Scart’ Clifford, Eamonn Crowley, Anthony O Sullivan, Michael O Shea, John Joy, Mossy Joy, John O Connell, Paudie O Connor, Paul Lucey, Seamus Curran, Pat Finnegan, Patsy Joy and Jerome Conway. The minutes of the previous AGM were read. Sean O Reilly proposed their adoption and Denis O Neill seconded. (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1974).

The Treasurers’ Report was adopted, having been proposed by Jim Casey and seconded by Maurice Harmon.

Income and Expenditure Account for year ending 31^st Dec. 1974

Income:                                                                        Expenditure:

Dancing (Net income)       £532.91     O Sullivan Park (capital expenses)            £1,127.24

Carnival            (Net income)  71.62      O Sullivan Park (maintenance)                 292.53

Talent Competition & Tops (net)   £204.90        Players’ travelling expenses        233.00

Tournament               £309.21               Bus and Car-hire                                         164.68

Gate receipts (net)          31.13                Petrol                                  4.50

Membership                      26.00                        Meals and refreshments                             169.85

Bord na bPáirc draw (net)  73.00                   Medical                      2.00

Ahane Camogie Club Draw 53.00                  Affiliations and insurance                               20.48

London trip – 1973               9.00                        Footballs, jerseys, laundry etc                   69.20

New York raffle and dance   90.59                        Trophies                                                       71.50

Grazing of pitch              10.00                        Secretary’s expenses                               42.18

Meals subscriptions          7.00                        Treasurers’ expenses                                 4.37

Sundry receipts                  27.17                        Grant to Bord na nOg                             250.00

Interest on deposits        160.50                        Loss on Social (1973)                               28.26

Grant from Munster Council  500.00                        Stationery                                           11.09

Presentations and subscriptions                   26.45

Loans repaid                                           40.00

Due to Co. Board (1971 tournament)     40.00

                                                             Bank Charges and interest                         97.54

£2,106.03                                                                        £2,694.87

Surplus of expenditure over income for 1974 – £588.84

James O Riordan and Michael O Shea gave an account of the activities of Bord na nOg. Grave dissatisfaction was expressed at the decision of Co. Bord na nOg not to organise an U-12 competition in 1975. That was endorsed by the Chairman, James Coffey, who thanked the parents for allowing and encouraging their children to play football. He exhorted them to attend games as well.

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Foley (Life-President)

Vice-President – Paddy Crowley and Jim Galvin were added to the then impressive list of vice-presidents.

Chairman: James Coffey and Pat O Shea were nominated. The latter withdrew his name and James Coffey duly declared himself elected. In his speech, he welcomed all present, especially the club’s President, Paddy Foley. He, also, had a special welcome for John ‘Scart’ Clifford, whom he described as the club’s ‘Fairy-Godmother’ for raising funds on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The highlights of the year had been twofold, (i) the success of the juveniles and (ii) the running of Puck Fair. His memories of 1974 were marred by the poor display of the senior team. He blamed lack of spirit among the players. He demanded that the players give Gaelic games their first allegiance. ‘We were the first club in Kerry to vote for the abolition of the foreign games ban and, in doing so, we pledged our support at all times to our national games,’ he said. ‘To honour that pledge, I will have to ask the players for full support and I feel sure they will not let us down.’ Another disappointment for him was the club’s lack of interest in Ciste na bPáirc. He referred to the disagreement with Mid-Kerry and hoped that the differences were resolved. His hopes for the future were (i) that the players would give first preference to the GAA. When the club voted to get rid of the ‘ban’, the players said that they would put their club first. (ii) That there would be more support for the few who were running Bord na nOg. (iii) That the minors would give more support by turning out for training and games. (iv) That greater interest would be shown in the running of the club’s affairs by players and past players. In conclusion, he thanked all his fellow officers for their support.

Vice-Chairman – The following were nominated: Pat O Shea (outgoing), Billy Dodd, Michael O Shea, Pat Lynch, James Coffey (all of whom withdrew their names) and Sean O Reilly, who was declared elected.

Secretary – Jerome Conway (unopposed).

Assistant Secretary – The following were nominated: James O Riordan, Maurice Harmon, Michael O Shea, Pat O Shea, Ted Houlihan (all of whom withdrew their names) and Pat Lynch, who was declared elected.

Treasurers – The following were nominated: Pat Lynch (outgoing), Sean O Reilly (outgoing), Maurice Harmon, Denis O Neill, Billy Dodd, Ted Houlihan, James O Riordan, Michael O Shea, Pat O Shea (all of whom withdrew their names), Eamonn Crowley and John Foley, both of whom were declared elected.

Delegate to Co. Board – Maurice Harmon (unopposed).

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – The following were nominated: Pat O Shea (withdrew his name), Denis O Neill, Maurice Harmon, both of whom were declared elected.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Convention – Pat O Shea, Sean O Reilly, Denis O Neill and Maurice Harmon.

Delegates to Co. Convention – Denis Lynch and Pat Finnegan.

Senior Selectors – The following were nominated: James Coffey, Sean O Reilly, Denis O Neill, Owen Mangan, Pat Lynch, James O Riordan, Jim Casey, Patsy Joy, Noel O Mahony (all of whom withdrew their names), Pat O Shea, Jerome Conway, Maurice Harmon, Ted Houlihan, Billy Dodd, all of whom were declared elected.

Novice Selectors – Pat Lynch, Sean O Reilly and Jim Casey.

Minor Supremo – Noel O Mahony.

Senior Trainer – Pat O Shea and Barry Harmon were nominated. In the ensuing vote, Pat O Shea was elected by 16 votes to 13.

The following Chairmen of the sub-committees were appointed:

Activities – Tom Curran; Social – Ted Houlihan; Field – Pat O Shea; Bord na nOg – Michael O Shea and James O Riordan.

The following motions were discussed:

1. ‘That all the club bye-laws be set down together and be available to all members.’ (Billy Dodd). Carried.
2. ‘That we go back to Mid-Kerry competitions and bury the hatchet.’ Jim Casey. After a long discussion, that motion was carried.
3. ‘That the Central Council of the GAA initiate talks aimed at securing one athletic body to cater for the whole thirty-two counties.’ Pat Finnegan. Carried and forwarded to Co. Convention.
4. ‘That a manager be appointed, who will take total charge of the senior team and he will appoint a coach and a trainer.’  (Johnny O Connor). That was seconded by Jim Casey. However, it was defeated in preference to the existing system.
5. ‘That we take another look at training and coaching.’ (Barry Harmon). It was acknowledged that the club was always open to new ideas.
6. ‘That we plan a future trip abroad.’ (Johnny O Connor). John ‘Scart’ Clifford answered that with the words, ‘Win the Co. Championship, and you have your trip.’
7. ‘That more help be given to the minors, as they are our future team.’ (Johnny O Connor). That was seconded by Declan Crowley. Carried, even though it was pointed out that the minor team had a trainer already, who did not get the full support of the players.
8. ‘That an all-out effort be made at improving the sale of membership cards.’ (Johnny O Connor). Carried.
9. ‘That a subscription, rather than a fixed fee be taken in exchange for membership cards.’ (Pat O Shea, seconded by Maurice Harmon). Billy Dodd proposed the following amendment: ‘That the price of membership cards be raised to £1.’ That was seconded by Jim Casey. Denis O Neill proposed a further amendment, ‘That the price of membership cards be retained at 50p.’ That was seconded by Johnny O Connor. In the ensuing vote, Billy Dodd’s amendment was carried.

Pat Lynch was elected registrar.

10. ‘That the Co. Board Fixtures Committee even out the Co. League so that there would not be such big gaps between games, especially at the end of the league.’ (Michael O Shea). Carried and forwarded to Co. Convention.

A vote of sympathy was passed to John Griffin, Dooks. The Chairman thanked the members for attending and participating. The AGM concluded.

Co. Senior Football Championship

Fifteen teams played in the Co. Senior Football Championship, Spa, Desmonds, Na hÁghasaigh, Eoghan Ruadh’s, Kerins O Rahilly’s, Feale Rangers, Mid-Kerry, St. Brendan’s, South-Kerry, Laune Rangers, Shannon Rangers, Killarney, Kenmare, John Mitchel’s and Austin Stack’s.

The Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee consisted of Pat O Shea (Trainer), Ted Houlihan, Maurice Harmon, Billy Dodd and Jerome Conway.

Rd. 1 on 29^th June at Killorglin: South-Kerry 2-9; Laune Rangers 1-3.

A five-star display by Sneem’s John Egan was the only highlight of that dull and lifeless first-round Co. Championship game. The small attendance got little to cheer about, apart from the brilliance of Egan, who scored 2-5 of his side’s total.

Laune Rangers were a big disappointment to their followers. After a good opening ten minutes, during which they shot four wides from kickable positions, they faded and when a shot by Egan from thirty yards slipped through the hands of the Rangers’ goalkeeper, Pat Clifford, for the opening score of the game, it was the tonic South-Kerry needed and they went on to lead by 2-4 to 0-0 at the interval.

Laune Rangers made several positional switches at the break. They introduced John Evans to midfield and, at once, he made his presence felt. South-Kerry lost their complete supremacy in that sector and, as a result, the Rangers’ forwards saw much more of the ball. However, they failed to make use of it and it was Egan, with two points, who put South-Kerry further ahead. Laune Rangers never gave up and had two very strong penalty claims ignored, as well as a long-distance point disallowed for a square infringement.

Laune Rangers had their best players in John Evans, Mike O Shea, Francis O Doherty, Tom Curran, Johnny O Connor, Eamonn Crowley and Jimmy O Shea. The takings at the game were £67.50.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Francis O Doherty, Tom Curran (capt.), Eamonn Crowley, Johnny O Connor, Mike O Shea (0-1), Mike Hassett, Patsy Joy, Tommy Woods, Timmy Doyle, Johnny Byrnes (0-1), John Clifford (0-1), Jimmy O Shea (1-0), Pat Horgan, Enda Curtayne. Sub: John Evans. The loss of Seamus Curran (emigrated to Canada) and Barry Harmon (broken leg) was too much for Laune Rangers.

South-Kerry: P. O Connor, James O Sullivan, Michael Brennan, Pat McCrohan, Mike Kelly, Michael Lynch, Mike O Connor, T. Sugrue, Ger Driscoll, Christy O Connell, John Egan, Seamus Hoare, J. O Mahony, Moss Driscoll, Ted Foley.

Ref: Ger O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Austin Stack’s, captained by Jo Jo Barrett, won the Co. Senior Football Championship by beating Mid-Kerry in the final, after a replay, by 1-7 to 1-4. Paul Lucey, former Laune Rangers player, played at left fullback for Austin Stack’s.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 23^rd Feb. at Tarbert: Tarbert 2-7; Laune Rangers 1-7

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 16^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-6; Listowel Emmett’s 1-9

Thanks to a fine second half display at centre halfback by Tim Kennelly, Listowel scored a three points’ win over Laune Rangers. What a pity that only a handful of spectators witnessed that most entertaining game in ideal weather conditions. Laune Rangers must certainly have been wondering where all their supporters had gone.

Fitness was a deciding factor in the game. Listowel, having lost a two points’ lead going into the last five minutes, pulled themselves together to out-run and out-manoeuvre a hard-pressed local defence to score the vital points. There was no doubt that the better team won but it was Kennelly’s brilliance in the second half that inspired Listowel. He halted attack after attack, when the Rangers seemed to be getting on top. Rangers should not have felt despondent after that defeat. Their outstanding player was Jerry Coffey, a dominant centre halfback. One aspect of the Rangers play that had to be faulted, however, was their kicking. They had nobody who could kick the ball beyond thirty yards and, in the end, Jerry Coffey had to go back to take the kicks-out. In a side that sadly lacked the services of midfielder Timmy Doyle, only Seamus Curran, Mike Hassett and Eamonn Crowley, in defence, John Evans at midfield, Mike O Sullivan, who scored a fine goal, and Pat Horgan in attack gave Jerry Coffey worthwhile support.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 23^rd March at Rathmore: Rathmore 4-4; Laune Rangers 2-5.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 30^th March at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 1-11; Laune Rangers 1-3

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-12; Dingle 1-5

A fine display at corner-forward by John Clifford, plus the welcome return of fighting spirit, gave Laune Rangers their first points in the county league. Laune Rangers, without Jerry Coffey, Mike O Sullivan, Timmy Doyle and Johnny O Connor, rallied to the call of their mentors to win an important home game that produced little excitement. With Tommy Woods in great form at midfield and the defence playing soundly, Rangers managed to hold a halftime lead of 0-4 to 0-3, despite playing into a very strong wind. The Rangers’ forwards showed a great improvement in the second half, wasting little of Tommy Woods’ fine service and ran out easy winners.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 20^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; John Mitchels 0-3

 

Rd.7 on Sun. 4^th May at Moyvane: Moyvane 2-6; Laune Rangers 1-13

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 25^th May: Spa 1-10; Laune Rangers 0-7

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 1^st June at Kenmare: Kenmare 2-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.

Barry Harmon accidentally broke one of his legs in that game. He had just returned to football after breaking his other leg the previous year.

Laune Rangers: Pat  Clifford, James O Riordan, Edso Crowley, Tom Curran, Francis O Doherty, Seamus Curran, Mike Hassett, Barry Harmon, John Evans, Mike O Shea, Patsy Joy, Johnny O Connor, Davy O Shea, Pat Horgan, John Clifford.

Ref: Gerald McCarthy (Gneeveguilla).

Rd. 10 on Sun. 6^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Desmonds 0-13

Laune Rangers were fortunate to take a vital point out of that game. They were on top for most of the hour, but, as in previous outings, the forwards failed to make use of their supply of the ball.

 

Rd. 12 on Sun. 7^th Sept. at Sneem: Sneem lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 13 on Sun. 21^st Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Austin Stack’s 4-9.

Laune Rangers conceded two soft goals in the first ten minutes. Then, in a golden patch, they scored all seven points but still trailed by 2-4 to 0-7 at halftime. However, the team ran out of steam in the second half and failed to raise a flag. They had no answer to Denny Long and Co.

Laune Rangers: Pat ‘Jennings’ Clifford, James O Riordan, Patsy Joy, Tom Curran (capt.), Francis O Doherty, John Evans, Mike Hassett, Michael O Shea, Frank Russell (0-2), Johnny Byrnes (0-3), Declan Falvey, Johnny O Connor, Tom Johnston, Pat  Horgan (0-2), John Clifford. Subs: Jimmy O Shea for M. O Shea (inj.), Mossy Joy for F. Russell, Declan Crowley. Missing: Jerry Coffey (holidays), Tommy Woods (teaching in Dublin), Timmy Doyle (working), Eamonn Crowley (studying).

 

Rd. 11 on Sat. 11^th Oct. at Waterville: Waterville v Laune Rangers

That game had been scheduled for 3^rd Aug. and 23^rd Aug. but had not been played. The Co. Board would not allow the game to be played on 11^th Oct.

 

Austin Stacks won the Co. League Div. 1, beating Moyvane in the final at Moyvane on Sun. 25^th April 1976, on the score of 2-10 to 2-9.

 

Kerryman Shield

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-11; Eoghan Ruadh 1-8.

Eoghan Ruadh consisted of seven clubs, Rathmore, Gneeveguilla, Kilcummin, Glenflesk, Currow, Cordal and Scartaglin.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 26^th Oct. at Killarney: Killarney 2-9; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Ref: Gerry O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Co. League Div. 4A

There were six teams in that division, Laune Rangers ‘B’, Desmonds ‘B’, Kenmare ‘B’, Firies, St. Michael’s and Tuosist.

The Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee consisted of Pat Lynch, Sean O Reilly and Jim Casey.

Rd. 1 on Sun. 16^th March at Castleisland: Desmonds ‘B’ 3-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7

Rd. 2 on Sun. 23^rd March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-10; Kenmare ‘B’ 2-4

Rd. 3 on Sun. 20^th April at Cahersiveen: St. Michael’s beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

The team had a meal in the Ringside Rest Hotel at a cost of £24.20.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 4^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-1; Firies 6-18

Rd. 5 on Sun. 1^st June at Tuosist: Tuosist w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

 

Co. Novice Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 22^nd June at Waterville: Derrynane 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-5.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 12^th July: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Currow ‘B’ well.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 2^nd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Valentia 3-11

Valentia won the Co. Novice Championship.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th June at Milltown: Keel 1-8; Laune Rangers 1-2.

Keel confirmed their league final form when they scored a rather easy victory over the Rangers. Apart from the opening ten minutes, at the end of which Laune Rangers led by 0-2 to 0-0, it was all Keel in the first half, thanks to their midfield partnership of Pat Foley and Brendan Corcoran, who were in masterly form. However, it took Keel twenty minutes to score and their forwards shot fifteen first-half wides. The halftime score was 1-3 to 0-2 in favour of the winners.

The second half was more evenly contested, especially when Rangers’ Patsy Joy went to midfield, where he broke part of Keel’s grip in that area. However, Rangers’ forwards were unable to penetrate a sound Keel defence in which Johnny Sheehan, Paddy O Shea, Michael O Connor, Tom Prendergast, Jim Foley and Seanie Foley were in great form.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Losers’ Rd. on Sun. 27^th July at Milltown: Beaufort 0-13; Laune Rangers 0-10.

That game, played in ideal weather conditions, never lived up to expectations due mainly to the lack of interest shown by most of the Laune Rangers’ players. With a fresh wind in their favour, Rangers did all the early attacking and after fifteen minutes led by 0-5 to 0-1. Then the Beaufort mentors made the master move of switching Paudie Lynch from the ‘forty’, where he was toiling, to midfield and thereafter there was only one team in it. Inspired by the masterly Lynch, Beaufort suddenly developed into a great side and but for the brilliance of Rangers’ Tom Curran and Eamonn Crowley in the fullback line, Beaufort would have been well ahead at the interval. As it was, Rangers’ lead was cut to one point (1-6 to 0-5).

Immediately on the restart, Beaufort equalised from a Paudie Lynch free but Rangers struck back for the lead from a Johnny Byrnes’ free. However, Beaufort, now backed by the breeze and aided by persistent fouling by the Rangers’ defence, got well on top after that and were five points ahead with eight minutes left to play. Laune Rangers hit back with their best football in the closing minutes to notch two points, but Beaufort’s defence was not going to be caught napping that time like it was in the vital league game, when they lost a five points’ lead inside two minutes.

Laune Rangers were weak in attack and they faded out at midfield after a good start. While Eamonn Crowley and Tom Curran were always sound, the burden in defence fell more and more on their shoulders when Jerry Coffey tired at centre halfback and only James O Riordan and Mike Hassett showed any fight. Had Declan Falvey and John Clifford been introduced to the attack in the first half, they could have provided the punch that was necessary.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, James O Riordan, Eamonn Crowley, Tom Curran (capt.), Francis O Doherty, Jerry Coffey, Mike Hassett, Tommy Woods, John Evans, Jimmy O Shea, Johnny Byrnes, Mike O Shea, Pat Horgan, Frankie Russell, Patsy Joy. Subs: Declan Falvey and John Clifford (both played).

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Glenbeigh won the Mid-Kerry Championship by beating Milltown/Castlemaine in the final.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 16^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-10; Glenbeigh 0-1.

Laune Rangers returned in style to Mid-Kerry football in that game. One of Glenbeigh’s former stars, Mike O Sullivan, scored 3-1 for Laune Rangers at full-forward and had another 1-1 disallowed. The gross takings at the gate were £20 (one third for the club).

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 6^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5; Laune Rangers 2-5.

Ref: Jack McGrath (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 27^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Beaufort 2-6.

A goal with the second-last kick of the game by Tommy Woods gave Laune Rangers a very lucky division of the points in that game. Beaufort had led by four points with less than two minutes to go.

That was a very tough encounter, with every rule of the game broken several times, especially in the first half. When the sides did decide to play football, they gave a fine exhibition that was enjoyed by the fairly large attendance. Beaufort led at halftime by 1-3 to 0-3 despite a missed penalty. Rangers equalised immediately after the restart but Beaufort was back on the attack from the kick-out and restored their goal advantage. Despite continuous pressure, the Beaufort defence held out and only wilted in the dying minutes to give away the vital scores. Beaufort had their outstanding players in John Coffey, Jack McGrath, Paudie Lynch, Tom Kelliher, Simon O Sullivan, D.D. O Sullivan and John Scully. Laune Rangers were best served by goalkeeper Patrick Clifford, Mike O Shea, Tommy Woods, Patsy Joy, Pat Horgan, Tom Curran, Barry Harmon and Francis O Doherty.

Ref: Tom Evans (Keel).

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 2^nd May at Keel: Keel 3-8; Laune Rangers 1-4.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 11^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-6.

It had often been said that when Frank Russell played well, Laune Rangers were hard to beat, and that proved exactly to be the case in that game before a good attendance. Rangers defeated a gallant Milltown side in an exciting and entertaining game. That was, unfortunately for Milltown, one of Frank Russell’s best games with Rangers. Starting on the forty, he scored two fine points in the opening minutes and had a third just before the interval. The usually solid Milltown defence was always in trouble when Frank Russell gained possession, but poor finishing by the other Rangers’ forwards left Milltown off the hook and, in fact, the sides were level (1-4 each) at the interval.

On the resumption, Kelliher put Milltown ahead and the Rangers’ defence was fully stretched to keep a rampant Milltown side from increasing the lead. The Milltown forwards, however, did not make the best use of the play that came their way, finishing poorly and over-running with the ball. Apart from the opening ten minutes and the final ten minutes, Milltown had a firm grip at midfield, but when veteran Patsy Joy came to that sector, the Milltown grip was broken and Patsy Joy quickly made his presence felt by setting up his side’s second goal for Enda Curtayne. He was forced to retire with a severe shoulder injury and it was expected that his loss would be a severe blow to Rangers but the Killorglin side rose to the occasion in fine fashion. With minutes to go, Patsy Joy returned to play in the corner-forward position and he sealed Milltown’s fate when scoring the last point of the game.

It was a fine sporting game – the kind of football to win back the Mid-Kerry crowds. Laune Rangers won through sheer determination and spirit. Their defence was always solid, especially Seamus Curran, Tom Curran, Mike O Shea and James O Riordan. Tommy Woods put in a tremendous amount of work at midfield, while Frank Russell had a ‘blinder’. Patsy Joy, Pat Horgan and Enda Curtayne were always dangerous and John Evans redeemed himself at midfield with a tremendous last quarter. Milltown were a young side with Mike Colgan great at fullback. He got excellent assistance from Connie Hayes, Murphy, Pat Twiss and Tom Daly. It was no fault of Billy Kerins and James Mangan, at midfield, that Milltown lost but, apart from Jim Daly, John P. O Sullivan, Willie Murphy and Kelliher, their attack was weak.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeighh).

 

Final on Sun. 18^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Keel 1-6.

Keel proved once again that, when it came to finals against Laune Rangers, they were always that bit the better team. They had not lost a senior final to Rangers in Killorglin but many in the good attendance expected the strong local side to lay the bogey that time. Keel, however, trained by Tom Prendergast, rose to the occasion in fine style in a game that was played in glorious sunshine and provided a great hour’s entertainment. Despite close marking and, at times, hard tackling, the football was clean and Keel undoubtedly deserved to win. They never gave up and showed their great fighting spirit when pulling ahead twice in the second half, when Rangers had drawn level and looked like taking over.

In the first half both sides seemed affected by nerves and that, in fact, might have been Rangers’ undoing. They created three times more scoring chances than Keel but failed miserably in their efforts to score. It was in the eleventh minute that Keel got the tonic they needed, when Rangers’ goalie, Joe Crowley, left a harmless-looking lob from Pat Foley drop through his hands, to give away a goal. Despite a great fight-back by Rangers, Keel led at the interval by 1-3 to 0-5.

Five minutes after the restart, the Killorglin boys drew level, but they could not forge ahead. When they drew level a second time, midway through the second half, a poor clearance left Denny O Shea through for the lead for Keel again, and they never lost it. The big difference between the sides was that Keel made the most of their chances, whereas Rangers did not.

In Johnny Sheehan, at fullback, Pat Foley at midfield and Denny O Shea on the forty, Keel had their real match-winners. Johnny Sheehan wasn’t beaten for the hour. Pat Foley really excelled at midfield. He played a tremendous amount of the ball and his fine running had the Rangers defence in terrible difficulties. Denny O Shea was a very capable leader of the attack and, at times, cut the opposing defence to shreds. He popped up to gain possession in the most unlikely places, which was one of the features of his play. The Keel mentors made a shrewd first-half move when introducing substitute Eamonn Breen to the full-forward line. He combined very well with Denny and Mike O Shea and forced the usually sound Rangers’ defence to make many blunders. Others to play well for Keel were Seanie Foley, at centre halfback, Moss O Connor, Jim Foley, Tom Prendergast and Brendan Corcoran, who gave good assistance to Pat Foley at midfield.

A little more endeavour from a few on the Rangers side and an improved attack would make them a team to be feared. At midfield, Tommy Woods had a fine hour, running well with the ball and scoring two fine points (his first effort was superb). He got such tremendous support from John Evans that, despite Foley’s great game for Keel, Rangers were never in trouble in that sector. In the Rangers’ defence, Seamus Curran, James O Riordan, Francis O Doherty and Mike O Shea were best, while, in a most disappointing attack, only John Clifford, Frank Russell and Patsy Joy played well. It was hard to figure out why Frank Russell was moved from the forty so early in the game and why Barry Harmon wasn’t played at wing-back, his best position.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, James O Riordan Seamus Curran, Tom Curran (capt.), Francis O Doherty, Barry Harmon, Mike O Shea, Tommy Woods (0-2), John Evans, Enda Curtayne, Frank Russell (0-2), John Clifford, Pat Horgan, Timmy Doyle (0-1), Patsy Joy (0-2). Sub: Johnny O Connor for T. Doyle.

Keel: John Long, Paddy O Shea, Johnny Sheehan, Moss O Connor, Jim Foley (0-1), Seanie Foley, Tom Prendergast (capt.), Brendan Corcoran, Pat Foley (1-0), Tom Evans, Denny O Shea (0-2), Sean Sheehan (0-1), Mike O Shea (0-1), G. Teahan, Sean Foley. Sub: Eamonn Breen (0-1) for S. Foley.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh) – very capable.

 

Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup

 

Semi-final on Sun. 14^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Beaufort.

At the club meeting on Mon. 10^th Nov. a discussion took place about Laune Rangers’ further involvement in the competition. James Coffey seemed very much against participating, while most of those at the meeting were in favour of playing. Eventually, it was decided that the senior players would vote on the matter after the following Parish League games. The players voted to play.

 

At the club meeting on 15^th Dec. a discussion arose re the O Sullivan Cup semi-final, which had been fixed for Sun. 22^nd Dec. Laune Rangers had the Parish League semi-final fixed for the same date. James Coffey proposed that the parish league should proceed and the pick of the other two parish league teams, not playing on that date, should play against Beaufort in the O Sullivan Cup. That suggestion met with mixed feelings and a long discussion ensued. Eventually, Joe Crowley proposed that both games proceed on the date in question. Ted Houlihan proposed that only the O Sullivan Cup should be played and Pat O Shea seconded. As the first proposal was not seconded, the second proposal was carried. However, if the O Sullivan Cup was not played for some reason, the parish league semi-final would go ahead.

 

The competition was deferred until May of the following year.

 

Mid-Kerry Novice Championship

Players who had played in the 1974 Co. Senior Championship were ineligible to play in that competition. However, it was decided at the meeting of the Board on 20^th May that any player who commenced playing in the 1975 Novice Championship could continue to play even if the competition was not finished before the Co. Championship had started. Laune Rangers were given a bye to the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 4^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-7; Beaufort 1-10. Ref: Pat Twiss.

 

Final on Sat. 14^th June at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-16; Laune Rangers 3-6.

Milltown, as expected, won that championship but what a fright they got from Laune Rangers’ second string in as thrilling a game as one could have wished to see. After ten minutes, Milltown led by 0-7 to 0-0 and at halftime they led by 0-10 to 1-2. With only seven minutes of the second half gone, the sides were level and when Milltown went six points up again, thanks to a George McAuliffe goal, it looked all over. Nevertheless, the never-say-die spirit of the Rangers kept the fine attendance roaring and they hit back for a goal and a point as well as hitting the crossbar with two great efforts for goals. Milltown deserved to win. They took their chances and, with Billy Kerins deadly accurate from placed balls, they made the Rangers pay dearly for their petty fouls. Laune Rangers had their stars in Johnny Byrnes, Cathrach Scanlon, Francis O Doherty, Declan Crowley, Noel O Mahony, Tom Johnston, Noel Prendiville and Pat Joe O Mahony. After the game, the Father Mangan Cup was presented to the Milltown captain, Jim Daly, by James Coffey, Mid-Kerry PRO.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Senior Parish League/Championship – 1974

 

Replay on Sun. 9^th March: Caragh Lake beat Upper Town/Sunhill. Ref: Jerome Conway.

Semi-final on 17^th March: Caragh Lake 2-11; Over Laune 1-8. Ref: Denis O Neill.

Final on Good Friday: Lower Town/Meanus 1-9; Caragh Lake 1-4.

Lower Town/Meanus Panel: Eamonn Crowley, Jimmy O Shea, Joe Crowley, Declan Falvey, Peter Wyse, Edward Keane, Tom Curtayne, Owen Mangan, Seamus Curran, Tom Curran, Pat Horgan, Con Doherty, John Joy, John Horgan, Mossy Joy, Sean O Riordan, Michael Clifford, Michael Foley, Davy O Shea, Johnny Byrnes.

Ref: Denis O Neill.

 

Senior Parish League – 1975

The Senior Parish League was discussed at the club meeting on 13^th Oct. However, agreement on boundaries could not be reached. At the club meeting on 20^th Oct. Jim Casey proposed and John Foley seconded that Lower Town/Meanus would loan Declan Falvey and Jimmy O Shea to Over Laune. That was agreed unanimously. Upper Town/Sunhill and Caragh Lake were happy with their lot, while Lower Town/Meanus were smiling confidently. The competition would be run on a league basis and the top team after the preliminary rounds would qualify for the final, while the second and third teams would play in the semi-final. It was agreed that any player who had not played in one of the preliminary rounds or had not been listed as an official sub, except Jerry Coffey and university students, could not play in the knock-out stages of the competition. The minimum amount of players on a team was 12, but if there were sufficient numbers, teams would field up to a maximum of 15. Each half would consist of 25 minutes. The full length of the field would be used.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 2^nd Nov: Caragh Lake 2-9; Over Laune 0-3. Ref: Ted Houlihan.

Upper Town/Sunhill 3-4; Lower Town/Meanus 2-2. Ref: Jerome Conway.

Denis O Neill wished to play with Lower Town/Groyne but Upper Town/ Sunhill objected and the objection was upheld.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 30^th Nov: Caragh Lake beat Lower Town/Meanus

Upper Town/Sunhill beat Over Laune

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 14^th Dec: Caragh Lake beat Upper Town/Sunhill. Ref: Jerome Conway.

The winners of that game were in the final. Danny Callaghan was sent off and suspended for one week with a caution.

Over Laune beat Lower Town/Meanus. Ref: Ted Houlihan.

Joe Crowley was sent off and suspended for one week with a caution. The losers of that game were out of the competition. Lower Town was inclined to object to the composition of the Over Laune team but a reading of the minutes at the meeting on 15^th Dec. clarified matters. For compassionate reasons, the following had been allowed to play with Over Laune: Anthony Shannon, Denis Moroney, Seamus Naughton, Michael McSweeney and Martin McGillycuddy. The interest in the league had been tremendous and a full turnout of players had been recorded for all games despite the bad weather conditions.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 21^st Dec: Over Laune 1-11; Upper Town/Sunhill 0-5. Ref: Eamonn Crowley.

 

Final on Sun. 28^th Dec: Caragh Lake 1-5; Over Laune 0-2. Ref: Ted Houlihan.

Over Laune, for many years the kingpins of Laune Rangers’ Parish League football, were no match for a youthful Caragh Lake side in the final. The large attendance got little to cheer about, as Caragh Lake, after weathering the first ten minutes of pressure, took complete control and led by 1-3 to 0-1 at the interval, after playing into a fresh breeze. The second half was a mere formality and only over-eagerness on the part of some of the young Lakeside forwards, cost them many scores from fine movements. Trained by Pat O Shea, ‘Hassett’s Babes,’ as they were known locally, played a fast, open game of football and the Over Laune defence had no answer to their attacking movements. The final score in no way reflected their superiority. After the game, James Coffey, Chairman of the Club, presented the trophies to Mike Hassett and his players.

Caragh Lake Panel: Mike Hassett (capt.), John A. O Brien, James O Shea, Noel O Mahony, Michael F. O Shea, Pat Joe O Mahony, Anthony Corkery, Brendan Sweeney, Gerard O Shea, Michael O Shea, Michael Ahern, Gene Ahern, Pat Grandfield, Frank O Dwyer, Denis Murphy, Vincent O Shea, Alphonsus Tobin.

Over Laune Panel: Patrick Clifford, John Clifford, Jimmy O Shea, Tom Johnston, John Evans, Declan Falvey, Pat Lynch, Stephen Russell, Gene Evans, Jimmy Doona, James Ferris, Frank Russell, Barry Harmon, Mícheál Johnston, John Doona, Leslie West.

Upper Town/Sunhill Panel: John Griffin, James O Riordan, Tom O Connor, Anthony Foley, John O Dwyer, Patsy Joy, Micheál O Callaghan, Francis O Doherrty, Pa Foley, Johnny O Connor, Liam Russell, Noel Prendiville, Red Houlihan, Alan Diggin, Jack Reen, Peter Lyons, John O Neill, Liam Woods, Danny Healy, Denis O Neill, Harry Carey.

Lower Town/Meanus Panel: Eamonn Crowley, John Joy, Tom Curran, Mossy Joy, John Horgan, Pat Horgan, James Sheehan, Davy O Shea, Tony Brennan, Joe Crowley, Francis Mangan, Johnny Byrnes, Con Doherty, Paudie Healy, Michael Foley, Liam Clifford, Gerard Joy.

 

Senior Challenge Game

 

Tues. 22^nd April: Laune Rangers v Legion

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

 Trainer – Noel O Mahony.

Rd. 1 on Tues. 1^st July at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 5-10; Laune Rangers 1-2.

South-Kerry went on to win the Minor Co. Championship.

 

Co. Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 28^th March at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 1-5; Laune Rangers 1-2

Rd. 2 on Fri. 4^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-5; Dr. Crokes 3-8

Rd. 3 on Fri. 11^th April at Rathmore: Rathmore 1-12; Laune Rangers 1-5

Rd. 4 on Fri. 18^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Legion 4-7

Rd. 5 on Fri. 25^th April at Killorglin: Kenmare/Templenoe w/o; Laune Rangers scr..

It was decided at the club meeting on Mon. 21^st April to award a walk-over to Kenmare/Templenoe in the final round of the Co. League, as the players were showing insufficient interest.

 

Final on May 9^th at Austin Stack Park: Listowel 4-7; Kenmare/Templenoe 0-7.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

That competition was played with a loser’s round. Laune Rangers received a bye to the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 28^th July at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Final on Fri. 5^th Sept. in Milltown: Laune Rangers 3-4; Beaufort 1-9.

Laune Rangers with no les than nine of their U-16 on duty at the end of the game, held out for an unexpected win over holders Beaufort in a thrilling final. Of the nine U-16 players, six were U-15. A draw would probably have been a fair result, as Beaufort was awarded a last-minute penalty. Johnny Griffin, Laune Rangers, saved the penalty shot but it was difficult to understand why the Beaufort player did not take his point.

At the end of a thoroughly enjoyable first half, Beaufort led by 0-6 to 1-2. On the restart, Rangers, rallied by a brilliant Tom Johnston at midfield, threw everything at Beaufort and took a seven points lead. Then, in a thrilling finish, Beaufort fought all the way to cut the lead to a single point and it looked as if they would force a replay when awarded the penalty. Apart from Tom Johnston, Rangers had other great players in Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, Gerard O Shea, Edward Keane, Teddy Clifford, Mícheál Johnston, James Sheehan, John Horgan and Anthony Shannon. Beaufort’s best were Dan Coffey, Bernie Coffey, Frank Coffey, Anthony Breen and Donal Courtney. After the game, Kevin Griffin, Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, presented the Paddy Burke Memorial Trophy to Teddy Clifford, captain of Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Johnny Griffin, Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, Edward Keane, Teddy Clifford (capt.), Alan Diggin, Joe Flynn, Gerard O Shea, John Horgan, Tom Johnston, Mícheál Johnston, Harry Carey, Peter Wyse, James Sheehan. Subs: Tom O Connor for J. Flynn, Michael O Sullivan for H. Carey, Anthony Shannon for T. O Connor.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine)

 

Minor Parish League

 

The U-17 Parish League resumed on Sun. 23^rd Feb: Sunhill drew with Caragh Lake

Town beat Over Laune

 

Semi-final on Sun. 9^th March: Caragh Lake beat Sunhill

Final on Mon. 17^th March: Caragh Lake 2-5; Town 0-3

Caragh Lake: Donal Naughton, Denis Murphy, James O Shea, Gerard Flynn, Michael F. O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Anthony Shannon, Gerard O Shea, Joe Flynn, Alphonsus Tobin, Teddy O Mahony, Seamus O Shea, Tom O Connor, John Horgan, Anthony Corkery. Sub: Patrick O Doherty.

 

U-17 Co. League

Laune Rangers were grouped with Mid-Kerry, South-Kerry, Kenmare and Spa.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 25^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Mid-Kerry 0-10.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

Rd. 2 on Sat. 8^th Nov. at Spa: Spa 0-9; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 22^nd Nov. at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 3-8; Laune Rangers 1-5

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

That competition was run on a league basis. There were two groups, Urban 1 and Urban 2.

Urban 1: Dr. Crokes, Kenmare/Templenoe, Cahersiveen, Legion and Laune Rangers.

Urban 2: Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Kerins O Rahillys, Desmonds and Listowel Emmett’s.

The top two teams in each group, after the league games, contested the semi-finals.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 2^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Dr. Crokes 1-2.

Ref: Tadhgie Fleming (Dr. Crokes).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 9^th July at Killarney: Legion lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 7-7; Kenmare 0-1. Ref: Willie Murphy (Milltown).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 23^rd July at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 3-6; Laune Rangers 5-6.

Laune Rangers: Anthony Corkery, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Derek Freeman, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Mícheál O Callaghan, John O Neill, John Horgan, Paudie Healy, Michael O Sullivan, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Gerard O Shea, James Sheehan. Sub: Patrick Murphy.

Ref: M. O Connell.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 27^th Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-10; Kerins O Rahillys 2-4.

Laune Rangers: Alan Diggin, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Anthony Corkery, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Mícheál O Callaghan, John O Neill, John Horgan, Paudie Healy, Michael O Sullivan, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Gerard O Shea, James Sheehan. Subs: Peter Lyons, Derek Freeman, Patrick Horgan, Patrick Murphy, John Costello.

Ref: Willie Murphy (Milltown).

 

Semi-final (replay) on Wed. 10^th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-15; Kerins O Rahilly’s 0-1.

The team gave an exhibition of how to play good football. It was difficult to understand how Laune Rangers only barely drew with O Rahilly’s on the first day. Obviously, the team had lacked match-practice and the approach to the game had been too lackadaisical.

Laune Rangers: Alan Diggin, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Anthony Corkery, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Micheál O Callaghan, John Horgan, John O Neill, John O Dwyer, Gerard O Shea, Micheál Johnston, Paudie Healy, James Sheehan, Michael O Sullivan. Subs: Patrick Murphy for J. O Dwyer, John Costello for J. O Neill (inj.), Patrick Horgan, Brendan Sweeney, Peter Lyons.

Ref: Willie Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sun. 21^st Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 0-9; Dr. Crokes 1-4.

That was a magnificent display of football – a fitting climax to a great year of juvenile football in Laune Rangers. The score at halftime read 0-3 to 0-2 in favour of Dr. Crokes. Laune Rangers fought back on the resumption and took the lead. However, with ten minutes left in the game, Dr. Crokes scored a goal, which put them into the lead by one point. Nevertheless, the Rangers played great football and won deservedly. They won because their forwards took their chances. They picked off their points instead of trying to carry the ball through for goals. It was essentially a team performance but good performances by the following deserved mention: James O Shea, Liam Woods, Anthony Corkery, Michael F. O Shea, John Horgan, John O Neill, Mícheál Johnston, Paudie Healy, James Sheehan and Michael O Sullivan. As a reward for an excellent year, the team was taken to the All-Ireland Senior Final, Kerry v Dublin. Best for Dr. Crokes were Frank Murphy (goals), Dan O Donoghue, Dermot Mangan, Tadhg O Connor, Jerry O Leary, John Casey (0-2), Michael O Sullivan (1-1), Mike Buckley (0-1) and Colm Galvin.

Laune Rangers: Alan Diggin (capt.), Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Anthony Corkery, Mícheál O Callaghan, Michael F. O Shea, Liam Woods, John Horgan, John O Neill, John O Dwyer, Gerard O Shea, Mícheál Johnston (0-3), Paudie Healy (0-2), James Sheehan (0-2), Michael O Sullivan (0-2). Subs: Patrick Murphy, Brendan Sweeney, John Costello, Peter Lyons, John Sheehan and Brian O Shea.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

 

Final at Milltown: Laune Rangers 3-9; Keel 0-6

Laune Rangers: Alan Diggin, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Micheál O Callaghan, Anthony Corkery, Michael F. O Shea, Liam Woods, John Horgan, John O Neill, John O Dwyer, Michael O Sullivan (capt.), Paudie Healy, Patrick Murphy, Gerard O Shea, James Sheehan. Subs: Patrick Horgan, Peter Lyons.

 

U-16 Festival Blitz

 

Eight teams competed in the Div. 1 section. 21 teams took part in the parade from Strand Road to the Town Park via Rock Street and North Circular Road. Laune Rangers sent in two sets of goalposts and collected them afterwards, all at their own expense. Laune Rangers Club donated a trophy for the blitz, which was played for U-16 Hurling (Causeway 1-5; Ballyduff 0-5). Pat O Shea was very much involved in the organisation of the games and the referees.

Sun. 31^st Aug: Laune Rangers beat John Mitchels.

Semi-final: Laune Rangers beat Kerins O Rahillys.

Final in the Town Park for the O’Connell Trophy: Laune Rangers 1-12; Desmonds 0-4.

Ref: John Crean (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

U-16 Challenge Game

 

Sun. 16^th March: Laune Rangers beat Rathmore.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship

That competition was run on a league basis. There were two groups as in the U-16 competition.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 9^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 3-1; Laune Rangers 5-8.

Ref: Dan Moynihan (Legion)

Rd. 2 on Wed.  16^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-9; Legion 0-2.

Ref: Willie Murphy (Milltown)

Rd. 3 on Wed. 23^rd April at Kenmare: Kenmare 3-7; Laune Rangers 2-1.

Laune Rangers: Denis Cronin, Patrick Horgan, Brian O Shea, John Hurley, Joe Shannon, Stephen Russell, Patrick Freeman, Paudie Healy, John Sheehan, John Griffin, Anthony Shannon, Seamus O Shea, Patrick O Doherty, Raymond Murphy, Jimmy Hannon.

Ref: Donie Riney (Sneem).

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 3^rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-5; Cahersiveen 0-0.

Ref: Willie Murphy (Milltown).

 

Semi-final on Wed. 4^th June at Tralee: John Mitchels 2-6; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Laune Rangers: Pierce Prendiville, John Hurley, Brian O Shea, Donal Mangan, Paudie Sheahan, Stephen Russell, Patrick Freeman, Paudie Healy, Denis Cronin, Sean O Sullivan, Anthony Shannon, Seamus O Shea, John Sheehan, Patrick Horgan, Joe Shannon. Subs: John Griffin, Jimmy Hannon, Finbarr Coffey, Gerard Flynn, Raymond Murphy, Robert Freeman, Maurice Corkery, Patrick O Doherty.

John Mitchels: P. Houlihan, John Joe Sheehy, K. Turner, D. Jones, James Higgins, Frank O Donnell, S. O Loughran, C. O Gorman, John Hegarty, K. McMahon, Noel Kelliher, G. O Sullivan, John Fitzgerald, Joe Myers, M. Sugrue. Subs: Tony Weir, Jim O Donnell, Tommy Kerins. Coach – Sylvie Mason.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

 

Semi-final replay on Sat. 14^th June: Laune Rangers beat John Mitchels.

 

Final on Sun. 22^nd June at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 2-7; Austin Stacks 0-6.

That game was played as a curtain-raiser to the Kerry v Dublin senior challenge game. The juvenile game was a splendid game of football and Rangers succeeded in retaining their title even though they had to line out without their regular midfielder Denis Cronin. Midway through the first half, Stephen Russell, who was like a rock at centre halfback, received a severe hand injury. After treatment he soldiered on and produced a fine second half performance. On the following day, it was discovered that he had broken a bone in his hand. It would take more than that to prevent Stephen Russell from playing a final against Stacks! Others who were outstanding for Laune Rangers in that final were Pierce Prendiville, Brian O Shea, John Hurley and Donal Mangan.

Laune Rangers: Pierce Prendiville, John Hurley, Brian O Shea, Paudie Sheahan, Patrick Freeman, Stephen Russell, Donal Mangan, Paudie Healy (capt.), Denis Cronin, Anthony Shannon, Raymond Murphy, Seamus O Shea, John Sheehan, Patrick Horgan Joe Shannon. Subs: John Griffin, Jimmy Hannon, Finbarr Coffey (those three played), Patrick Pigott, Robert Freeman, John Galvin, Patrick O Doherty, Michael O Sullivan, Maurice Corkery, Gerard Flynn.

Austin Stacks: J. Naughton, J. Hill, T. Moriarty, Michael Counihan, B. Hussey, B. Hickey, R. Campbell, Ed O Brien, J. O Connor, J. O Dowd, T. Curtin, P. Stuart, T. Carroll, P. Dolan, Michael Hickey. Subs: P. Mullins, M. Carroll, J. McSweeney.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

That competition was run on a league basis.

 

Final on Sat. 12^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-7; Beaufort 1-5.

That was a hectic game and there were times during the first half when Beaufort looked like surprising the Co. Champions but the greater experience of the Rangers was vital in the end.

Laune Rangers: Joe Shannon, John Hurley, Brian O Shea, Pat Pigott, Gerard Flynn, Donal Mangan, Patrick Freeman, Denis Cronin, Paudie Healy, Anthony Shannon, Raymond Murphy, Seamus O Shea, Finbarr Coffey, Patrick Horgan, John Griffin. Sub: John Sheehan, Robert Freeman, Jimmy Hannon, John Galvin, Patrick Doherty. Stephen Russell had a broken hand from the Co. Final.

 

Community Games Football (U-13 on 31^st July)

 

The preliminary rounds of the Co. competition were played in Killorglin utilising the J.P. O Sullivan Park and the Vocational School Grounds on Sat. 31^st May. Having won in Killorglin, the team qualified for the Co. Semi-finals.

Semi-final on Sun. 29^th June at Strand Road: Killorglin beat Killarney Central.

Final on Wed. 1^st July at Strand Road: Killorglin 4-8; Rathmore 2-4.

That result qualified them for the Munster Championships in Tralee on Aug. 10^th. Laune Rangers objected to that date, as the club was also running Puck Fair.

Killorglin: John Galvin, Eugie Griffin, Ger Hurley, Sean Corkery, Liam Hayes, Patrick Freeman, Jerry Houlihan, Paudie Sheahan, Pierce Prendiville, Frankie Mangan, James Foley, Timothy Doyle, James Naughton, Jimmy Hannon, Michael Flynn. Sub: Brian Freeman.

 

U-14 Parish League

 

Final on Sun. 14^th Dec: John Sheehan 3-11; Paudie Healy 4-6.

John Sheehan: John Hurley, Joe Shannon, Jimmy Johnston, John Galvin, Eugie Griffin, Robert Freeman, Ger Hurley, John O Connell, Patrick O Sullivan, Brian Freeman, Sean Corkery, Jimmy Hannon.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Championship

 

Though there was no county competition at that grade, Mid-Kerry organised a competition for that age-group. Laune Rangers entered two teams but did not qualify for the final. Glenbeigh won the competition, their first at that age level, by beating Milltown/Castlemaine in the final.

 

U-12 Parish League

 

Final: Pierce Prendiville beat Liam Hayes.

Pierce Prendiville: Brian Freeman, Dodo Sheahan, Michael Flynn, Kevin Melia, Tom Foley, Tomás Hayes, Ciaran Callaghan, Andrew Pigott, Christy Foley, James O Shea (Shanara), Colm Horgan, Michael Fleming, Con Counihan.

 

Schools/Colleges’ Football

 

Russell Cup (U-15) final on Thurs. 22^nd May at Killarney: Intermediate School 5-9; Tralee CBS 3-5.

That was the Intermediate School’s first ever Kerry Colleges’ Football title. The Tralee side led for most of the first half but the tremendous spirit of the Killorglin boys proved too much for them. Both defences were very strong but Killorglin had the edge at midfield and, as a result, the forwards were provided with a good supply of the ball. The introduction of John G. O Connor to left full-forward made a huge difference as he scored a fine opportunist goal with his first touch of the ball and added another goal a few minutes later. The team had fine support from the school and town and were guests at a function given by the Laune Rangers’ Club afterwards. The team had beaten The Seminary in the semi-final the previous week.

Intermediate School: Denis Cronin, John O Connor (Beaufort), Michael F. O Shea (capt.), Anthony Shannon, Tony Brennan, Mícheál O Callaghan, Patrick O Shea (Glenbeigh), John Horgan, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Paudie Healy, Joe Shannon, Gerard O Shea, James Foley (Cromane), Seamus O Shea. Subs: Michael O Sullivan, John G. O Connor, Raymond Murphy, Brian O Shea, John Costello. Team coaches – Brendan Twomey and Kevin Griffin.

 

Munster/All-Ireland U-21 Championship

The senior selection committee looked after the U-21 team, also.

 

Munster Final on Sat. 26^th July at Killorglin: Kerry 0-17; Waterford 1-5.

Tommy Woods was a substitute. (In the previous two rounds, Laune Rangers were not represented).

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 17^th Aug. at Tralee: Kerry 1-15; Antrim 1-4.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan (Desmonds), Kevin O Donoghue (Glenflesk) capt, Páidí Ó Sé (Gaeltacht), Gerard Leahy (Emmett’s), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Tim Kennelly (Emmett’s), Ogie Moran (Beale), Sean Walsh (Kerins O Kahillys), Ger O Driscoll (Valentia), Barry Walsh (Ballylongford), Pat Spillane (Templenoe), Ted Foley (St. Mary’s), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), Mikey Sheehy (Austin Stacks), Jack O Shea (St. Mary’s). Subs: Gerard O Sullivan (Tarbert), Johnny O Connell (Ballinskelligs), Mike O Shea (Keel), Pat McCrohan (Renard), John Murphy (Scartaglin), John Evans (Laune Rangers), Donie Foley (Fossa), Denny Murphy (Legion), Denis Finnegan (Templenoe), Mícheál Ferriter.

 

Final on Sun. 12^th Oct. at Tipperary Town: Kerry 1-15; Dublin 0-10

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Kevin O Donoghue (capt.), Paudie O Shea, Gerald Leahy, Mick Spillane, Tim Kennelly, Ogie Moran, Ger Driscoll (0-1), Sean Walsh, Barry Walsh (0-3), Mikey Sheehy (1-5), Denny Murphy (0-1), Tommy Doyle (0-1), Jack O Shea (0-1), Pat Spillane (0-3). Subs: Mike Colgan, Paddy Mulvihill, John Evans, Donie Foley, Pat Foley, Pat McCrohan, Michael Ferriter, John Murphy, Gerald O Sullivan, Johnny O Connell, P. O Connor.

Ref: Brendan Hayden (Carlow).

 

Administration/Miscellany

Donal Keenan, Ros Comáin, was Uachtarán CLG.

At the Annual Congress in Bundoran, it was decided that, 1. Metric measurements would be introduced, 2. Third man tackle was deemed a foul, 3. Goalkeeper in possession of the ball could not be tackled. James Coffey was on the Kerry delegation.

 

Nioclás Mac Craith, Port Láirge, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Sean McCarthy, Ciarraí, was Secretary and Tadhg Ó Crualaí, Ciarraí, was Treasurer. James Coffey, Laune Rangers, was a delegate to the Munster Convention in Hayes’ Hotel, Thurles

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in the Austin Stack Park Pavilion on Sun. 26^th Jan. 1975. All the outgoing officers were re-elected unopposed, as follows: President – John Joe Sheehy, Chairman – Gerald McKenna, Vice-Chairman – Frank King, Secretary – Andy Molyneaux, Joint Treasurers – Murt Galvin and James Coffey, PRO – Tim Linehan, Delegates to Munster Council – Michael O Connor and Dave Geaney, Delegate to Central Council – Jim Brosnan. Father James Linnane was elected Youth Officer, but retired from the position at the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 8^th April..

Senior Selection Committee (after a vote) – Mick O Dwyer (97), Pat O Shea (84), Donie Sheehan (78), Denis McCarthy (70), Murt Kelly (68), all of whom were elected, Donie O Sullivan (62), Joe Keohane (53) and Johnny Walsh (48).

The Co. Minor Selection Committee, which had been elected at the end of 1974, was Seamus Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht) 44, Mick Galwey (Currow) 49, Donie O Leary (Rathmore) 34, John Rice (Templenoe) 30 and Michael Langan (Tarbert) 31. The unsuccessful candidates were Tom Ashe (Annascaul) outgoing 28, Pat Moynihan (Gneeveguilla) 25, Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels) 27, James Hobbart (Austin Stacks) 17, Gerard Hussey (Sneem) outgoing 11, Paddy Gallagher (Valentia) 9.

Laune Rangers had the following motions on the ‘clár’:

1. ‘That the Co. Senior League (Div. 1) be divided into two regional groups e.g. North and South, and that the top two teams in each group contest the semi-finals.’
2. ‘That the Kerry Co. Board ensures that the present Co. League games be played on regular Sundays to ensure that there will not be such a big gap between games.’

Both of those motions were referred to the Co. Board, where the first one was beaten in favour of the status quo.

In Feb, Bord na bPáirc was set up by the Co. Board on the instruction of Central Council. Pat O Shea, Laune Rangers, was appointed as Vice-Chairman.

It was decided at the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 4^th March to again organise a Co. Board draw (Ciste na bPáirc) with involvement of the clubs. James Coffey and Pat O Shea were appointed to canvass the support of the Mid-Kerry clubs.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 9^th June, JP O Sullivan Park, Killorglin, was chosen as the venue for the Munster U-21 Football Championship Final, Kerry v Waterford, by 9 votes, with 7 votes for Listowel and 6 votes for Castleisland.

 

The AGM of Co. Bord na nOg was held in the Pavilion, Austin Stack Park on Mon. 16^th Dec. 1974 and the following officers were elected: Chairman – Liam Sayers, Vice-Chairman – Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers), Secretary – Willie Griffin (Ardfert), Registrar – Mícheál Hayes (Austin Stacks), Treasurer – Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels), PRO – Michael O Regan (Annagh), Delegate to Co. Board – Father James Linnane. (Later in the year, Michael O Regan resigned as PRO and Jerry Gleeson was co-opted in his place). It was decided to discontinue with the U-12 football competition, despite the protestations of some of the urban clubs.

During the year, Pat O Shea attended 12 out of the 18 Bord meetings.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held on Mon. 20^th Jan. 1975 at the Monastery School, Milltown. The Chairman, Kevin Griffin, presided. (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1974). The Chairman, in his address, said, ‘While I am grateful for being re-elected unopposed, I am, at the same time, rather disappointed and concerned that the clubs have not put forward nominations to contest positions on the Board.’ He said that it seemed either the outgoing officers were very efficient and popular or else the clubs were not showing the same interest in the Board or indeed the running of their games. ‘Poor attendance of club delegates at Board meetings in the past year has led me to believe that the latter is the case,’ he said. ‘When a team has been knocked out of a competition, it should not necessarily mean its club’s delegates should not attend a Board meeting, just because the fixture being made does not specifically concern that particular club. I am making an appeal to all clubs to make sure a delegate attends all meetings, however unimportant they may seem. As a result, clubs will be more aware of what is happening, not alone within the area, but also at county level, and the Board will find it easier to make fixtures and run off the competitions.

I am asking our members and particularly our younger members to show and give their first allegiance to the Association. This is our national game and, as such, should be given priority over other codes. It is a good thing for an individual to be actively involved in some form of sport but, in the event of a clash with our game, as a true Irishman, his loyalty should rest with his national game. I believe parents should have an obligation, in this respect, to encourage their children to take an interest and play the games, while our clubs will have to become more involved in promoting and making our games more attractive at all levels.

For the second successive year all our competitions were completed in good time and gave our players a well-earned rest, which should help their appetite for the game in the coming year. It was regrettable that the smooth running of our competitions was upset by an objection to a ruling of the Board. While objections are best avoided, it very often shows a club is functioning properly and is willing to fight and question everything. But when the situation leads to where a club withdraws from competitions and refuses the use of its pitch to the Board for its competitions, this is entirely a different and more serious matter. Action of this nature, which upsets the playing of our games, cannot be accepted, no matter what grievance. I am glad to say this misunderstanding has been resolved. At an earlier meeting last year, I made it quite clear I would not tolerate clubs seeking postponements of games without good reason.  I would like to reassure all clubs that my sentiments on this issue have not altered and, in future, clubs stepping out of line will be punished.’ In the course of a long speech, he thanked the clubs for their co-operation and the Bord na nOg officers for their great work for the juveniles. He also thanked the Secretary, Pat Clifford.

Election of Officers:

President – Paddy Foley (Laune Rangers), Chairman – Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh), Vice-Chairman – Tom Evans (Keel), Secretary/Treasurer – Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine), Delegate to Co. Board – Liam Scully (Glenbeigh).

The following motions were passed:

1. ‘That the Mid-Kerry League would be played similarly to that in 1974.’
2. ‘That players who had played Co. Senior Championship in any county in 1974, could not play in the Mid-Kerry Novice Championship in 1975.
3. ‘That Co. Players could not play in the Mid-Kerry Novice Championship.’
4. ‘That the Mid-Kerry Novice Championship should commence before the start of the Co. Senior Championship.’
5. ‘That the entry fee to Mid-Kerry League games would be 20p and to Championship games 25p. The home club would retain one third of the gate at league games.
6. ‘That all officers of clubs should pay going into all games.’

 

The minutes of 10 Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available. They were held predominantly for fixture-making purposes. The following matter arose during the year:

At the meeting on 20^th May, the Secretary reported that at the League Final in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin, five members of Laune Ranger Club did not pay at the gate. Pat O Shea, Laune Rangers, said that they had each bought a club membership card for £1 and that entitled them to free admission for all games into the J.P. O Sullivan Park. The Chairman, after a long discussion on the matter, suggested that there would be a meeting between the Board officers and the Laune Rangers Club officers to discuss the matter.

 

The minutes of 28 Laune Rangers Club meetings, including an EGM, are available. The sub-committee system seemed to have unravelled, though the work still proceeded. The following Chairmen were elected: Dances – Ted Houlihan, Activities – Tom Curran, Field – Pat O Shea, Bord na nOg – Mike O Shea. The main items for fund-raising were the dances in the CYMS Hall, the Tops of the County/Primary Schools’ competition, Puck Fair (The Carnival was scrapped) and Ciste na bPáirc.

Dances in the CYMS (Ted Houlihan):

Mon. 6^th Jan. – The Rhythm Aces.

Sat. 8^th Feb. – Annual Biddy Ball to the Desmond Show-band (Michael O Callaghan). Dancing was from 9pm to 1am and admission was 60p. The Biddy Parade was at 11.30pm and there was a cash prizes of £15 as well as the Craig Cup for the only group that showed up. The band cost £45. The gross takings at the door were £165.

Sat. March 15^th – The Desmond Show-band (£45). The gross takings were £115.30.

Mon. March 17^th – The Southern Pride (£60).

Thurs. 29^th May – The Desmond Show- band.

Mon. 2^nd June – The Silver Pennies.

Fri. 31^st Oct. – The Silvertones (Cork). That was a victory dance for the All-Ireland Winning Football Teams. Dancing 9 – 1.

 

Tops of the County (in the CYMS Hall):

There were seven teams, Intermediate School, Killorglin Badminton, Vocational School, Macra na Feirme, Klinge, Castleisland Youth Club and ITGWU, Killarney. Each team/club was allowed three guests. The adjudicator was Mrs. Marjorie Long, Listowel. It was run on a knockout basis. The prize money was 1^st – £50, 2^nd – £30, 3^rd – £20, and £15 each for the other competing teams. The overall winners went forward to the Co. Finals in Tralee. The tariff at the door was 50p (adults) and 20p (children). Unfortunately, there was no sponsor.

Fri. Feb. 21^st: Intermediate School (‘New York’) v Badminton Club (‘Upstairs Downstairs’). Badminton were declared the narrow victors. The gross receipts at the door were £173.15 and the raffle netted £18.

Fri. Feb. 28^th: Klinge (‘A Trip to Heavan’)) v Macra na Feirme (‘Bless this Station’). Before a capacity audience, Klinge were declared the winners and installed as favourites for the final. The gross receipts at the door for the night were £208 and the raffle grossed £29.95.

Fri. March 7^th: Vocational School (‘The Family of One Man’) v ITGWU (‘Wedding Reception’), Killarney v Castleisland Youth Club (‘Joseph’). After a wonderful night’s entertainment, Castleisland were declared the winners. The gross takings at the door on the night were £150.60 and the raffle grossed £18.

Final on Sun. 23^rd March: Macra na Feirme v Klinge (winners) v Badminton.

It had been discovered during the week that Castleisland Youth Club had withdrawn from the final. That caused great disappointment and necessitated two meetings to decide the best course of action. Eventually, it was decided to invite Macra na Feirme to take part. Fergus Foley, Klinge, had requested that the finals would be brought forward since they would be missing some of their cast on the scheduled date. However, the request was denied as was the request to have a second adjudicator present. However, Klinge was given the use of the hall for rehearsals on Sat. 22^nd March from 7pm to 12 midnight. The tariff at the door for the final was 60p.  The Secretary issued tickets to the competing teams. Four rows of stools were reserved at the top of the hall for the competitors. Chairs were borrowed from the Intermediate School. James Coffey was Master of Ceremonies. Billy Dodd was the time-keeper back-stage. Liam Woods provided the amplification (£37.50). Pat Lynch was in charge of the box-office. Eamonn Looney was in charge of the lights. The receipts at the door on the night were £332.95 and the raffle netted £41.50. Klinge was the winner and qualified for the finals in Tralee, Badminton was second and Macra was third. It was estimated that the Tops of the County had netted the club £560. It was decided that Castleisland Youth Club would not receive any money due to their non-participation in the final and each of the participating local groups would receive £5 extra.

 

Primary Schools’ Talent Competition (in the CYMS Hall):

Five schools participated, Scoil Mhuire (A & B), Cromane (A & B), Douglas, Glounaguillagh and Kilgobnet.

Final on Fri. 21^st March:

Question Time – Cromane ‘B’; U-7 Dancing – Caitriona Hayes (Cromane ‘A’); U-9 Dancing – Muireann Joy (Scoil Mhuire ‘A’); U-11 Dancing – Helena Stack (Cromane ‘B’); U-13 Dancing – Raymond Shaughnessy (Cromane ‘A’); Group Dancing – Cromane ‘A’; Group Singing – Scoil Mhuire ‘A’; Solo Singing – Kevin Melia (Scoil Mhuire ‘A’). There was a tie again that year between Cromane ‘A’ and Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ for best school and the Laune Rangers Shield, so it was shared. Liam Foley provided the music for the dancing. Michael Shanahan, Milltown, made out the questions for the question-time. Sean O Reilly was the quiz-master and Pat Finnegan the time-keeper. Mrs. Marjorie Long was the adjudicator for the singing and dancing. The open Senior Talent Competition, which was run the previous year, was scrapped. The takings at the door were £110.40 and the raffle netted £10.

Expenses for both the Tops of the County and the Primary Schools’ Competition included, Trophies £20.50, Eamonn Looney (lighter) £11.85, Posters (Listowel Printing Works) £7.35, Liam Foley £15, Hannah McCarthy (teas for the adjudicator) £15, Johnny McCarthy (caretaker) £20.

 

Puck Fair.

It was decided to run Puck Fair 1975 from Fri. 8^th Aug. to Sun. 17^th Aug. The collection of subscriptions from the business people of the town commenced on 12^th July. Letters were sent to various commercial enterprises seeking sponsorship (Beamish and Crawford, amongst others, responded). James Cahillane checked the lights and the erection of the lights commenced on Tues. 29^th July. Helen Cahillane, Rangue, was chosen as Queen of Puck. The programme was as follows:

Fri. 8^th Aug: 8pm – Macra na Feirme Field Evening in George Evans’ field.

10pm – Macra Dance in the CYMS Hall.

Bar exemptions until 1.00am

Sat. 9^th Aug: Puck Fair Perpetual Trophy Competition in Dooks (all day).

6pm – Open NACA Sports meeting.

6.30pm – Beginners’ Road Cycle race (6 miles).

7.00pm – 35 miles Cycle Race (Langford St, Ardmoniel, Annadale Rd. and the Square).

10pm to 2am Dancing in the Oisín (The Sands).

Bar Exemptions until 1.00am

Sun. 10^th Aug: Puck Fair Perpetual Trophy Competition in Dooks (all day)

10am – Horse Fair.

2pm to 4pm – Noel Tuohy Céilí Band, Brassil School of Dancing, Pipe Band Recitals.

4pm – Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in open concert.

6pm – Parade

6.45pm – Coronation of King Puck.

8.30pm – Cabaret on Puck Stand.

9pm – Dancing in Oisín Ballroom (The Jarveys).

Bar Exemptions until 3.00am.

Mon. 11^th Aug: 5am – Cattle Fair

All day golf at Dooks

2pm – Noel Tuohy Céilí Band, Brassil School of Dancing.

7.30pm – Tug-o-war (stand-up). Michael O Grady Trophy and cash.

8.30pm – Cabaret and Ballads.

10pm – Polka Competition.

9pm – Dancing in the Oisín Ballroom (Roly Daniels and the Green County)

Bar Exemptions until 3am

Tues. 12^th Aug: All day golf at Dooks

2.30pm – Noel Tuohy Céilí Band, Brassil School of Dancing.

3pm – Eugene Lambert Puppet Show in CYMS Hall

4.30pm – Donkey Derby

5pm – Eugene Lambert Puppet Show

8pm – Dethronement of King Puck

9pm – Dancing in Oisín Ballroom (D.J. and the Kerry Blues)

Bar Exemptions until 3am

Fri. 15^th Aug: 5pm – Cromane Regatta

6pm – Ladies’ Football Blitz (The Bianconi Inn Trophy).

9pm to 2am – Cromane Regatta Dance in CYMS Hall

Bar exemptions until 1am.

Sat. 16^th Aug: 7.30pm – Mid-Kerry Senior Championship Semi-final: Milltown 0-10; Beaufort 0-7.

9pm – Dancing in Oisín Ballroom (The Smokeys)

Bar Exemptions.

Sun. 17^th Aug: Relax Day.

10pm to 2am – Dancing in Oisín Ballroom (Selma and the Echoes)

Bar exemptions until 1am.

Birds’ Funfair attended throughout the festival in the ‘Fair Field’.

‘House of Mystery’ presented half hour shows ‘The Art of Illusion’ in the CYMS Hall on Puck Fair days.

Expenses for Puck Fair included, Brassil School of Dancing (medals) £40, Noel Tuohy Céilí Band £140, Mrs. Paud Neill (meals for Noel Tuohy) £45, Castlelyons Pipe Band £30 plus meals, Newmarket Pipe Band £45 plus meals, Thomas Kent Pipe Band £30 plus meals, Liam Lynch Memorial Band £45 plus meals, ESB £159, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann £40, St. Joseph’s Home (Eugene Lambert Puppet Show) £20, CYMS Hall (Eugene Lambert Puppet Show) £45, Kerryman (advertisements) £42, Gerry Murphy (lights) £84, Eugene Lambert £125 plus 10p per mile travelling expenses. The club received £200 from Donal Mangan for the dancing in the Oisín Ballroom during Puck.

At the club meeting on Mon. 17^th Nov. it was estimated that Laune Rangers’ net profit for the running of Puck Fair for two years was £650. The unanimous decision of the meeting, proposed by Maurice Harmon and seconded by Eamonn Crowley, was that Laune Rangers would not run Puck Fair in 1976. The reasons were twofold:

1. 1975 was the worst year football-wise for the club for a long time and the club should get its priorities right.
2. A sizeable percentage of the town felt that a GAA Club should not be running Puck Fair.

It was further decided that the incoming Puck Fair Committee would receive the amount that the club inherited at the beginning – £172.33. Laune Rangers had stepped in to run Puck Fair when nobody else was interested and they had made it clear from the outset that they were going to use it as a fundraising venture. They had reasonably expected to make £1,000 per year profit but, as it transpired, if they had put the same amount of effort into fundraising within the club, they would have made much more money. If the club had employed a contractor to erect the lights, for instance, the venture would have been run at a loss. Then there was the factor of the time required to organise the event, which meant that teams had been neglected. The Carnival had been much more profitable but the club had dropped that from its calendar in 1975. The biggest problem with Puck Fair, from a financial point of view, was that the costs had increased but the subscriptions from the business people had remained the same or, in some cases, decreased.

Ciste na bPáirc (run by the Kerry Co. Board).

Initially, the club decided that it would sell 200 books, giving a net profit of £750. In April, the target was revised upwards to £1,000. Eventually, the club sold tickets to the value of £1,550 and consequently received commission of £1,160. Two of the top sellers were James Coffey and Pat O Shea. That money was lodged into the Bank of Ireland, as no money had been lodged there since Brendan Fullam’s departure. At the meeting on Mon. 21^st April, Pat O Shea proposed, and it was carried, that the Ciste na bPáirc profit would be divided as follows: 50% to J.P. O Sullivan Park, 40% to the senior section of the club and 10% to Bord na nOg.

 

Other matters decided at the Laune Rangers’ 28 club meetings included:

1. At the meeting on 3^rd Feb. Pat Lynch proposed, Pat O Shea seconded and it was unanimously agreed that all Laune Rangers’ membership-card holders be admitted free of charge to all games in the J.P. O Sullivan Park and that that be printed on the cards.
2. The senior team was invited to partake in the Derrynane seven-s-side competition – refused.
3. The cost of affiliating (and insurance) to the Co. Board was £21.38.
4. Twelve o clock Mass on St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated for the deceased members and benefactors of the club.
5. A request from Monasterevin GAA Senior team for a challenge in Killorglin during Easter was denied – the club had enough commitments during Easter.
6. At the club meeting on Mon. 12^th May, Pat O Shea appealed for help for himself, Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon in the running of Bord na nOg. Eamonn Crowley, Ted Houlihan and James Coffey volunteered their services.
7. The Munster U-21 Football Final was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sat. 26^th July. Kerry beat Waterford by 0-17 to 1-5. Tommy Woods was a substitute on the team.
8. At the club meeting on Mon. 15^th July Ted Houlihan and Maurice Harmon tendered their resignations as senior selectors due to verbal abuse by players. They eventually consented to continue as selectors on condition that the offending players were asked to account for their actions. At the same meeting, Eamonn Crowley proposed, and it was carried, that since the club was spending too much hard-earned money, spending should be curtailed in the areas of meals and inviting home of the away-based players for games.
9. An EGM took place on Sat. 6^th Sept. in the CYMS Hall to discuss the lack of interest shown by the senior and minor players in either training or playing. James Coffey presided. The following, also, attended: Sean O Reilly, Pat Lynch, Ted Houlihan, Michael O Sullivan, Denis Lynch, John A. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Noel Prendiville, John Evans, Denis O Neill, Pat O Shea, Jim Galvin, Davy O Shea, Declan Crowley, Tom Curran, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Jim Casey, Pat Horgan, Frank Russell, Billy Dodd, Danny Callaghan, Tom O Connor, Barry Harmon, John Clifford, Tommy Woods, John Joy, Pat Clifford, Johnny Byrnes, Francis O Doherty, Johnny O Connor, John (Mary Quart) Foley, Owen Mangan, Declan Falvey, Sean Mangan, Maurice Harmon, Mike O Shea, Tom Johnston, Liam Shannon and Jerome Conway.

James Coffey opened the meeting and congratulated the minors on winning the Mid-Kerry minor final. He said that the team consisted mainly of U-16 players – a sad reflection on the actual minors. He said that the turn-out against Waterville in the vital Co. League game had been most distressing. The meeting had been called to discuss whether or not to withdraw from senior, novice and minor competitions in the County and Mid-Kerry. Perhaps Laune Rangers should become strictly a juvenile club. He said that most players never notified the Secretary if they were unable to attend games and that made the selectors’ job impossible. He asked whether it was worth while wasting money on the remaining games.

Michael O Sullivan said that it was a mistake to field two teams. If the club got rid of the ‘B’ team, all the players would be trying to get a game with the ‘A’ team. John Evans said that the club was failing in two ways, (i) The players were physically unfit due to the fact that they did not train and, (ii) The players were mentally unfit due to too much drinking and carousing prior to games. Tommy Woods said that there was not enough competition for places on the team. The players were not changed often enough. Eamonn Crowley said that the club had spent in excess of £400 on travelling expenses that year. Most of that was for the Co. League. Perhaps the club should pull out of the Co. League. Denis O Neill expressed the opinion that the club should pull out of the Co. Championship and Kerryman Shield. Frank Russell disagreed, saying that to pull out of the Co. Championship would make the club the laughing-stock of the rest of the county. Johnny O Connor said that it had been an exceptional year. The club had lost five or six key players and it would take time to replace them. Barry Harmon opined that the team could win if the players wanted badly enough but they had lost heart. There had been too much talk about not winning anything for four or five years. Players should not be watched. Tom Curran said that there had been a great turnout for the Co. Championship and therefore it would be madness to pull out of the Co. Championship. Mike O Shea said that there was too much emphasis put on the Co. Championship and, when the team was beaten, players packed up training and trained only for a fortnight before a game. Owen Mangan offered the opinion that there was general apathy, breeding lack of confidence. There was a man in the town who could be persuaded to train the team to peak fitness. There was too much gossip among players and officials and too much watching each other. Anthony O Sullivan said that one man should be in charge of the team, while on the pitch, as it took five selectors too long to make up their minds. The meeting adjourned on Owen Mangan’s suggestion that there would be training on two nights per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and if a player did not turn up, the selectors should forget him. If a player was unable to attend, he should notify the Secretary. That meeting became famous for the occasion when, at some stage, Johnny O Connor informed the Chairman that he (Johnny) knew what he (the Chairman) was thinking and the whole attendance burst into prolonged laughter (at least it eased the tension).

10. The All-Ireland Senior Football tickets were divided as follows: Co Board Delegate (2 Hogan Stand), Paddy Foley (1 uncovered Cusack Stand), Secretary (1 Hogan Stand), Vice-Chairman (1 uncovered Cusack Stand), John Foley (Hogan Stand), Eamonn Crowley (1 Upper Cusack Stand), Assistant Secretary – (1 Hogan Stand), Noel O Mahony (1 uncovered Cusack Stand), Patsy Joy (longest servant and hardest worker) (1 uncovered Cusack). Mike O Shea (Bord na nOg), James O Riordan (Bord na nOg) and Liam Shannon (Bord na nOg) each got a ticket. One ticket was raffled between those who brought cars to games – winner, Billy Dodd. Two tickets were raffled between the workers in the club – winners, Sean Mangan and Tom Curran. Pat Horgan received a ticket for services rendered in the dressing-rooms. Two tickets were raffled between the players – winners, Tom Johnston (Nally Stand) and Jerry Coffey (Cusack Stand). Two tickets were raffled between the members – winners, Tom Evans (Nally Stand) and Willie Murphy (Cusack Stand).
11. The U-16 team was taken to the All-Ireland Football Final (accompanied by Liam Shannon, Paudie O Connor and Jerome Conway). The following was the financial account of the  trip:

Income                                                            Expenditure

Grant from Club                        £75          Train fare                        £60.60

17 Players at £3 each            £51              Meals                                    £26.00

Paudie O Connor (pass)              £1          Refund to Patrick Horgan    £3.00

L. Woods & P. Healy              £3.50

Debit balance                        £33.90

£127                                                             £127.00

12. There was a victory dance in the CYMS Hall on Fri. 31^st Oct, to celebrate the winning of the All-Ireland Senior, Minor and U-21 Championships. That was preceded by a function in the Bianconi Inn, to which the Co. Senior team, substitutes, the U-21 and minor captains, Co. Board officials, Co. Bord na nOg Chairman and Secretary, senior selectors and club officials were invited. Gerald McKenna, Chairman of the Co. Board, thanked the Laune Rangers Club for having the players and officials as guests at the best-organised reception since the winning of the All-Ireland. He also said it was most thoughtful of them to have as guest the captain of the minor hurling team, that had won the Special All-Ireland and also the Chairman and Secretary of Bord na nOg. After the function, the team was taken by lorry (Donie Mangan) through the town at 11pm, led by the Newmarket Pipe Band and accompanied by the U-16 team carrying torch-lights. Mike O Shea lit a bonfire at Grady’s corner and Tom Harris lit one at the bridge. The teams got a great reception as they passed through the various streets on their way to the CYMS Hall. The dance in the CYMS Hall was from 9pm to 1am with a fee of 60p and it had the biggest attendance since its opening twenty one years previously. In the hall, the players were introduced to the audience by Andy Molyneaux, Secretary of the Kerry Co. Board. The senior captain, Mickey O Sullivan, addressed the audience as did Liam Sayers, Chairman of Co. Bord na nOg, Seamus Mac Gearailt, trainer of the Co. Minor team and Mick O Dwyer. The Laune Rangers minor, U-16 and U-14 players were allowed free entry as they were presented with their medals on stage by Mick O Dwyer. The dance yielded £338.25 (gross).
13. At the Club meeting on Mon. 13^th Oct. Pat O Shea reported that he and the Secretary had approached Danny Kissane with a view to the purchase of some of his land at the North-West end of the J.P. O Sullivan Park. He asked the meeting how much the club was willing to spend. The land was estimated to be worth £2,000 per acre. At the time, Con Counihan was in the process of levelling the ground at that end of the pitch, which heretofore had been wasteland. It was the intention of the club to make that area into a training cum juvenile pitch. An old unused pump jutted out about seven/eight yards onto the property belonging to the club and the boundary fence did not run perpendicular to the road. The club wished to buy the pump area and enough land to square out the boundary fence. The meeting granted permission to Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway to make the best possible deal for as much land as Kissane would sell.

At the following meeting, Pat O Shea reported that he and the Secretary had met with Danny Kissane. They had negotiated for the purchase of two-fifths of an acre (approx.) for £1,000. That much land would have been of immense value to the club in the laying out of a juvenile pitch. Danny Kissane seemed satisfied but he said that he would have to consult with his wife in America and he would confirm within a fortnight.

14. The following was the estimated financial position of the club in October:

Credit                                                                        Debit

AIB                                            £530.34              AIB                                    £535.29

AIB (Puck Fair Deposit a/c)    £588.50     Jerry Griffin (wall)      £320.00

AIB (Puck Fair Current a/c)    £441.15     Bank of Ireland (Loan)       £458.00

Bank of Ireland (Deposit a/c)  £1,876.00  5 years term loans        £765.00

Credit Union                                 £505.00         Mrs. Paud O Neill (Puck)              £30.00

Schemes                                          £240.00

Donal Mangan (for Puck Fair)  £270.00     Credit Balance            £2,342.70

Total                                    £4,450.99                                                       £4,450.99

15. At the meeting on 27^th Oct. it was announced that the Sam Maguire Cup would be taken to all the primary and post-primary schools in the parish on Fri. 31^st Oct. James Coffey bet £1 with Pat O Shea that he would accompany the Cup to the Vocational School and would say, ‘There is the Sam Maguire Cup now and to hell with your rugby and soccer.’
16. At the meeting on Mon. 3^rd Nov. it was decided not to have a Puck Fair Social as the cost would be too high.

 

The following is the number of senior/novice games, excluding Parish League games, that players played in 1975: Francis O Doherty (26), John Clifford (25), Patsy Joy (24), Mike O Shea (23), Pat Horgan (23), John Evans (21), Tom Johnston (20), Tom Curran (20), Eamonn Crowley (20), Mike Hassett (19), Johnny O Connor (16), Pat Joe O Mahony (15), Pat Clifford (15), James O Riordan (15), Tommy Woods (14), Davy O Shea (14), Frank Russell (13), Joe Crowley (9), Seamus Curran (9), Johnny Byrnes (9), Jerry Coffey (9), Enda Curtayne (9), Mossy Joy (8), Barry Harmon (8), Noel Prendiville (8), Noel O Mahony (7), Timmy Doyle (6), Pat Lynch (4), Danny O Callaghan (4), Gene Ahern (4), Mickey O Sullivan (4), Ted Houlihan (4), Jimmy O Shea (4), Declan Falvey (4), Declan Crowley (3), James O Shea (3), Cathrach Scanlon (3), Frank O Dwyer (2), Denis O Neill (2), John A. O Brien (2), Pa Foley (1), Mick O Connell (1), Willie Murphy (1), Joe Flynn (1), John Joy (1), Martin O Riordan (1), Mícheál Scanlon (1), Michael O Sullivan (Tureenasligaun) (1), Anthony O Sullivan (Sunhill) (1).

 

The following were members of Laune Rangers Club in 1975: Pat O Shea, Michael O Shea (Senior), John O Connell (AIB), Sean O Reilly, John Joy, Barry Harmon, Johnny O Connor, Eamonn Crowley, Jim Casey, Jim Galvin, John Scart Clifford, Thomas Evans, Mossy Joy, Michael O Shea (Rangue), John Clifford, Jerome Conway, Pat Finnegan, James O Riordan, Billy Dodd, Ted Houlihan, Pat Lynch, Kevin Foley, John Foley (Iveragh Road), Maurice Harmon, Davy O Shea, Owen Mangan, Tom Curtayne, Noel O Mahony, Paudie O Connor, Michael Ahern, Frank O Dwyer, Pat Joe O Mahony, Michael O Sullivan (Tureenasligaun), Willie Murphy, Mike Hassett, John A. O Brien, Patrick O Grady, Donal Prendiville, James Coffey, Murt Knightley, Jimmy Doona, Pat Joy (Caragh Lake), John Mangan (Seán O Mangan), Kieran Foley, Pat Horgan, John Foley (Dungeel), Declan Falvey, Anthony O Sullivan (Sunhill), Patsy Joy, Pat Joy (Annadale), Francie Sheahan, Denis Lynch, Leslie West, Denis Doyle (Laune View), Denis O Neill.

 

A general summary of games, including challenge games, played, won, drawn and lost by the Laune Rangers’ teams in 1975 included:

Teams                                    Played            Won            Drawn            Lost            Parish Leagues

Senior                                             25              7            4            14            10

Novice                                               8              3            0              5

Minor/U-17                                  10              3            0              7              2

U-16                                                 15            12              2              1

U-14A                                              18            16            1              1            13

U-14B                                                  2              0                      0              2

Community Games                         7              6            0              1

U-12A                                                  3              1            0              2              8

U-12B                                                  3              1            0              2                         

Total                                                 91            49            7            35            33

 

The following was the number of club meetings, attended by members during 1975: Jerome Conway (27), Maurice Harmon (25), James Coffey (22), Jim Casey (21), John Foley (20), Pat O Shea (20), Eamonn Crowley (20), Ted Houlihan (16), Pat Lynch (15), Billy Dodd (10), Sean O Reilly (9), Pat Finnegan (7), Joe Crowley (6), Mike O Shea, Rangue (4), Patsy Joy (3), Denis O Neill (2), James O Riordan (1), John Joy (1), Fergus Foley (1), Liam Shannon (1), Kevin Foley (1), Jim Galvin (1), Francis O Doherty (1), Noel Prendiville (1).

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 8^th April, Paul Lucey’s transfer from Laune Rangers to Austin Stacks was sanctioned.

 

Rupert Costello, Tullig, was Secretary of the Co. Vocational Schools’ Games Committee.

 

Christy Kissane was elected Treasurer of the Kingdom GAA Club in London at its AGM.

 

The death occurred in England on 23^rd Feb. of John T. O Riordan, Iveragh Road. Sean, as he was known to his friends, had been a playing member of Laune Rangers’ Club in the thirties and became the first Secretary of the Mid-Kerry Board upon its formation in 1947. Past and present members of the Laune Rangers’ Club and Mid-Kerry Board formed a guard of honour and accompanied the remains to Dromavalla.

 

After the conclusion of the U-17/Minor League, a number of Co. Minor Trial games were arranged. One of those included Tralee CBS/St. Brendan’s versus the remaining colleges in the county, known as the ‘Rest’, on Wed. 26^th March at Tralee. In goals for the ‘Rest’ was Alan Diggin (Laune Rangers) and Teddy Clifford (Laune Rangers) was centre halfback.

 

Seamus Curran emigrated to Canada on Tues. 3^rd June.

 

The death occurred suddenly of John Joe Falvey on 16^th June. One of Laune Rangers best known footballers of the thirties, he was a Kerry Junior from 1933 to 1937, winning a Munster Junior Championship in 1934. His former team mates, past and present members of Laune Rangers Club and Kerry Co. Board and Mid-Kerry Board representatives formed a guard of honour both at the removal to the church and removal to Dromavalla Cemetery on the following day.

 

On 3^rd Aug., the death occurred of Dannyo Lyons, Iveragh Road. He had been a prominent player with Laune Rangers. Members of the club formed a guard of honour at his funeral to Dromavalla Cemetery.

 

Kerry won the All-Ireland Senior, U-21 and Minor Football All-Irelands in 1975, the first county, in the history of the GAA, to achieve that.

 

Munster SFC final at Killarney on Sun. 13^th July: Kerry 1-14; Cork 0-7.

Munster MFC Final at Killarney on Sun. 13^th July: Kerry 3-7; Cork 1-11.

Munster U-21 Football Final at Killorglin on Sat. 26^th July: Kerry 0-17; Waterford 1-5.

That was the first ever Munster Final to be played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park.

 

All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-final at Croke Park on Sun. 10^th Aug: Kerry 3-13; Sligo 0-5.

All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-final at Croke Park on Sun. 10^th Aug: Kerry 3-12; Roscommon 0-6.

All-Ireland U-21 Football Semi-final on Sun. 17^th Aug. at Tralee: Kerry 1-15; Antrim 1-4

 

In the final trial game, before selecting the team for the All-Ireland Final, John Evans played at right halfback on the ‘Second Team’ versus the Probable team at Killarney on Sun. 14^th Sept.

 

All-Ireland SFC Final on Sun. 28^th Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-12; Dublin 0-11.

That was Kerry’s 23^rd Senior Championship title.

Kerry: Paudie O Mahony, Ger O Keeffe, John O Keeffe, Jimmy Deenihan, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennelly, Ger Power, Paudie Lynch, Pat McCarthy, Brendan Lynch, Ogie Moran, Mickey O Sullivan (capt.), John Egan, Mikey Sheehy, Pat Spillane. Sub: Ger Driscoll for M. O Sullivan (inj.), Johnny Bunyan, John Long, Batt O Shea, Jackie Walsh, D. O Sullivan.

 

All-Ireland MFC Final on Sun. 28^th Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-10; Tyrone 0-4

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan (Desmonds), Vincent O Connor (Dingle), Michael O Sullivan (Rathmore), Mike Colgan (Milltown/Castlemaine), J. J. O Connor (St. Mary’s), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Gearóid Casey (Lispole), Sean Walsh (Kerins O Rahillys), Neilie Donovan (Gneeveguilla) 0-1, F. Scannell (Tarbert) 0-2, Johnny Mulvihill (Moyvane) 0-2, Robert Bunyan (Ballydonoghue) capt, Con O Connor (Kerins O Rahilly’s) 0-1, Jack O Shea (St. Mary’s) 1-3, Paudie Sheahan (St. Mary’s) 0-1. Subs: Tommy Bridgeman (Tarbert), Pat Foley (Keel), Billy Myles (John Mitchels), Humphrey Moynihan (Gneeveguilla), Bernard O Sullivan (Dingle).

Ref: P.J. McGrath (Mayo).

 

Co. Senior Championship Final (replay) on Sun. 16^th Nov. at Killarney: Austin Stacks 1-7; Mid-Kerry 1-4

Paul Lucey played at left fullback.

Co. Intermediate Final on Sun. 19^th Oct. at Killarney: Castlegregory 2-7; Tarbert 1-7

Co. Junior Final on Sun. 16^th Nov. at Killarney: Templenoe 1-5; Moyvane 1-3.

Co. Novice Final on Sun. 12^th Oct. at Killarney: Valentia 1-10; Scartaglin 2-4

Kerryman Shield Final on Sun. 14^th Dec. at Tralee: Feale Rangers 2-7; Mid-Kerry 0-4

Co. Minor Final on Sun. 31^st Aug. at Tralee: South-Kerry 3-13; St. Brendan’s 3-9.

Co. Minor League Div. 1 Final on Fri. 16^th May at Tralee: St. Mary’s 1-15; Emmetts 0-5.

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1 Champions – Austin Stacks.

 

Laune Rangers’ Church-gate Collection in aid of Kerry Teams’ Training Fund, prior to the All-Ireland Final, yielded £115.

 

Noel O Mahony refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

Fri. 15^th Aug. Co. MFC at Killorglin: South-Kerry beat Eoghan Ruadh.

Sun. 24^th Aug. Co. NFC at Killorglin: Valentia 1-10; Duagh 1-8.

Sun. 5^th Oct. Div. 3 Semi-final at Killorglin: Templenoe beat Annascaul.

Sun. 19^th Oct. Div. 2 Semi-final at Killorglin: Lispole beat Dr. Crokes.

 

Sun. 14^th Sept. Mid-Kerry Senior Final at Killorglin: Glenbeigh 2-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-5.

Ref: Denis O Neill (Laune Rangers).

 

Ted Houlihan refereed the following games, amongst others, for Co. Bord na nOg:

U-14 Rural 4 on Wed. 2^nd April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 4-8; Beaufort 2-1.

U-14 Rural 4 on Wed. 16^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6; Fossa 0-2.

U-14 Urban playoff on Wed. 28^th May at Killorglin: Kenmare defeated Cahersiveen.

U-14 Rural semi-final on Wed. 4^th June at Killorglin: Gaeltacht 4-6; Valentia 2-5.

 

Pat O Shea refereed the following game, amongst others, for Co. Bord na nOg:

U-14 Rural 4 on 23^rd April at Milltown: Milltown lost to Firies.

U-16 Urban playoff on Wed. 13^th Aug. at Killorglin: Dr. Crokes defeated Cahersiveen.

 

James Coffey proposed, at the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 21^st Oct, that, as the Co. Senior Championship had not been completed and they were top of Division 1 of the Co. League, Austin Stacks would represent Kerry in the Munster Club Championship. They beat Dunhill (Waterford) by 4-7 to 1-8 and Kilrush by 1-9 to 0-11 before succumbing to Nemo Rangers, by 1-9 to 0-10, after a second replay in the final, which was played on Sun. 18^th Jan. 1976 in Limerick. Paul Lucey played at left fullback in all the games.

 

In Oct. the death took place in Liverpool of Michael Morris, formerly of Glencar and Main Street, Killorglin. He had been Chairman of the Laune Rangers Club in 1958, when the senior team won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the first time. In fact the club had made a clean sweep of titles in Mid-Kerry that year. He was later Treasurer of the club and of the Mid-Kerry board and was very active in the fund-raising for the J.P. O Sullivan Park Committee. Sympathy was expressed to his widow and relatives at the weekly meeting of the Laune Rangers Club.

 

Mid-Kerry’s request to use the facilities in the J.P. O Sullivan Park for training for the Co. Final and the replay was acceded to willingly by the Laune Rangers Club.

 

The Annual Laune Rangers’ Social was held in Towers Hotel, Glenbeigh on Fri. 30^th Jan. 1976. The maximum number of tickets on sale was 130 and Joe Crowley took full responsibility for the sale of tickets. Maurice Harmon undertook to get spot prizes from the business people of the town, rather than purchasing same. A raffle was held during the social, the proceeds of which (£81) was given to the Irish Handicapped Children’s Trust to help send local children to Lourdes during Easter. Gerald McKenna, Chairman of the Co. Board, in the course of his address, said that Laune Rangers had again shown the way and he was proud to be associated with them in that effort. Brian McCarthy, AIB, returned thanks to the club for its donation at a subsequent club meeting.

 

At the Co. Community Games AGM on Sun. 2^nd Feb. Pat Finnegan was elected onto the committee.

 

At the AGM of the Kerrymen’s Association in Dublin in the North Star Hotel, Bart Moriarty was re-elected as Treasurer.

 

Klinge Social Club, having won the Laune Rangers Tops of the County competition, went on to represent Killorglin at the County Semi-finals in Tralee. They were pitted against ITGWU Sports and Leisure Club and overcame them to qualify for the final. The Killorglin presentation was entitled ‘A trip to Heaven’ and it certainly proved an excellent vehicle in which to unfold the group’s abundance of talent. Producer, Fergus Foley, succeeded in getting the best from his players.

After Town-Crier, James Galvin, had made his initial appearance on stage, the show opened with the full chorus singing ‘Morning Has Broken’ and they followed that with the well-known ‘John Brown’s Body.’ The first solo-item fell to Mary Jo Evans, who gave a truly delightful rendition of ‘Jerusalem.’ That was followed by a parody by Con Corkery. Mary Jo Evans returned to sing ‘Prepare Ye,’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ Killorglin believed strongly in using solo material as much as possible and, in turn, we heard David Gannon sing ‘Lord of the Dance,’ and Declan Trant’s offering of ‘Any Dream Will Do.’ Neillie Moriarty as Paddy Joe, and Brendan Foley and Timothy Conway, as Co. Council workers, were seen to excellent advantage in a well-staged sketch. In the pub scene, there was a delightful step-dance by Mary Doyle, accompanied on the fiddle by James Hayes. That was followed by ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ sung by Fergus Foley and Mary Jo Evans stepped forward to render the nostalgic ‘How Are Things In Glocamara.’ The show moved towards a well-rehearsed Polka half-set, danced by Mary Keane, Chris O Neill, Timothy Conway and John Clifford. Town-Crier, James Galvin, was again heard on stage before the full chorus closed the proceedings with ‘Wish Me Luck.’

 

The Killorglin Cycling Club elected the following officers at its AGM: President/Chairman – Paddy O Callaghan, Vice-President – Dan Ahern, Secretary – Michael Moriarty, Ass. Secretary – Josephine Harrington, Treasurer – Brendan Foley, PRO – Denis Harris, Committee – Denis Mangan, Pat Healy, Paud Teahan, Donal McKenna, Murt Knightley, John Mangan, Pat Finnegan. Delegates to Kerry NACAI Board – Michael Morirty and Brendan Foley. Delegates to Munster NACAI Council – Paddy O Callaghan and Michael Moriarty.

Rás Chill Orglan was held on Sun. 9^th March in the most atrocious weather conditions. The race was over three laps of a 21 miles circuit (Lower Bridge Street, Annadale Road, Beaufort Village, Beaufort Bridge, Ballymalis Cross, Laune Bridge and Lower Bridge Street) and finished at the top of the town. Bobby Power, Carrick-on-Suir, won the five-man sprint from John Mangan, Killorglin and thus received the Railway Hotel Perpetual Trophy. Other Killorglin cyclists in the race were Michael Breen, Denis Mangan, Pat Healy and Michael Moriarty. Results of the U-12 race: 1^st John Ahern (Killorglin), 2^nd Kieran O Callaghan (do.).

Rás Mumhan was organised by Killorglin Cycling Club over four days (29^th March to 31^st March). John Mangan (Killorglin)was the winner, with Bobby Power second. Michael Breen was second in the junior category.

Kerry had a four-man team in nine-days ‘Discover Ireland’ Rás Tailteann, which began in Dublin on Sat. 7^th June. The team consisted of Eamonn Breen (Desmonds C.C.), Michael Breen (Killorglin C.C.), Anthony O Halloran (Tralee C.C.) and Tim O Sullivan (Desmonds C.C.). That was Michael Breen’s second successive Rás Tailteann and he finished in 43^rd place. The team finished in fifth place. Denis Harris was the team manager.

Rás Chiarraí was run in conjunction with Puck Fair on Sat. 9^th Aug.

 

The Killorglin Area Community Games Sports took place in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Mon. 2^nd June. Competitors could only qualify in one event. The results were as follows:

Boys. U-8 (80m) – 1^st Michael Brosnan, 2^nd John Sheehan, 3^rd Anthony Clifford. U-8 (100m) – 1^st Patrick Brennan, 2^nd Timmy Fleming, 3^rd Kieran O Keeffe. U-10 (100m) – 1^st Noel Doyle, 2^nd Florence Leen, 3^rd Gerard Murphy. U-10 (200m) – 1^st Michael Scannell, 2^nd Fergal O Shea, 3^rd Michael Costello. U-10 (60m Hurdles) – 1^st Paul Moroney, 2^nd William Browne, 3^rd Michael Dermody. U-12 (100m) – 1^st Sean Corkery, 2^nd John O Connell, 3^rd Patrick O Sullivan. U-12 (200m) – 1^st Andrew Pigott, 2^nd Jerome Foley, 3^rd John Foley. U-14 (100m) – 1^st Donal Mangan, 2^nd Seamus O Shea, 3^rd Raymond Murphy. U-14 (800m) – 1^st Denis Cronin, 2^nd Jimmy Hannon, 3^rd Sean O Sullivan. U-14 (Long-jump) – 1^st Pierce Prendiville, 2^nd Gerard Flynn, 3^rd Donal Pigott. U-14 (Shot) – 1^st Brian O Shea, 2^nd John Hurley, 3^rd James Johnston. U-16 (100m) – 1^st Micheál Johnston, 2^nd Anthony Shannon, 3^rd John Costello. U-16 (1,500m) – 1^st Michael O Sullivan, 2^nd Henry Cahillane, 3^rd Patrick Pigott. U-16 (High-jump) – 1^st Anthony Corkery, 2^nd John O Neill, 3^rd Peter Lyons. U-16 (Discus) – 1^st Tony Brennan, 2^nd John Costello, 3^rd John Melia. U-17 (Marathon) – 1^st Alan Diggin, 2^nd Patrick Freeman.

Girls. U-8 (80m) – 1^st Annette O Sullivan, 2^nd Mary Cronin, 3^rd Helen Costello. U-8 (100m) – 1^st Margaret Foley, 2^nd Agnes Ahern, 3^rd Ann Marie Corkery. U-10 (100m) – 1^st Fiona Foley, 2^nd Deirdre Houlihan, 3^rd Marie Melia. U-10 (200m) – 1^st Elaine Mangan, 2^nd Regina Diggin, 3^rd Nuala Scanlon. U-10 (60m Hurdles) – 1^st Mairead Scanlon, 2^nd Geraldine Brosnan, 3^rd Nancy O Neill. U-12 (100m) – 1^st Lisa Houlihan, 2^nd Deirdre Costello, 3^rd Ann Melia. U-12 (200m) – 1^st Michelle Mangan, 2^nd Mary Hannon, 3^rd Martina O Shea. U-14 (100m) – 1^st Margaret Costello, 2^nd Maeve O Connell, 3^rd Ann grealish. U-14 (800m) – 1^st Mary O Connell, 2^nd Ann Cronin, 3^rd Sandra Diggin. U-14 (Long-jump) – 1^st Eileen O Sullivan, 2^nd Elsie Ahern, 3^rd Breda O Shea. U-14 (Shot) – 1^st Sheila Horgan, 2^nd Brigid Cahillane, 3^rd Lisa Dermody. U-16 (100m) – 1^st Kay Hannon, 2^nd Myra Houlihan, 3^rd Mary Teahan. U-16 (1,500m) – 1^st Martina Cronin, 2^nd Valerie Diggin, 3^rd Doreen McKenna. U-16 (High-jump) – 1^st Maureen Costello, 2^nd Mary Brennan, 3^rd Kathleen Teahan. U-17 (Javelin) – 1^st Kathleen Keane, 2^nd Angela Foley, 3^rd Theresa O Shea.

The Kerry Co. Finals of Community Games were held on 5^th/6^th July in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee. The Killorglin competitors finished as follows:

Boys: U-8 (100m) – 1^st John Sheehan. U-10 (200m) – 1^st Gerard Murphy. U-12 (200m) – 3^rd Jerome Foley. U-14 (800m) – 3^rd Sean O Sullivan. U-16 (1,500m) – 2^nd Michael O Sullivan. U-16 (High-jump) – 1^st Anthony Corkery. U-17 (Marathan) – 2^nd Alan Diggin.

Girls. U-14 (800m) – 1^st Mary O Connell. U-14 (Long-jump) – 2^nd Eileen O Sullivan. U-17 (Javelin) – 3^rd Kathleen Keane.

The team tied for second place with Fossa for the Athletic Plaque. Marian Foley and Frankie Mangan won gold medals in the Kerry Community Games Swimming finals in Hotel Europe and thus qualified for the National Finals in Mosney. Angela Foley and Marie Prendiville won bronze medals.

At the All-Ireland Finals in Mosney on the weekend 6^th/7^th Sept. the following were the results of the Killorglin competitors: Boys – U-8 (100m) John Sheehan 5^th in the semi-finals, U-10 (200m) Gerard Murphy 5^th in the final, U-16 (high-jump) Anthony Corkery 10^th in the final. Girls – U-14 (800m) Mary O Connell 1^st in the final.

 

The Kerry NACAI Juvenile Sports were held in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin on Sun. 8^th June. The following were the Killorglin results:

Boys. U-16 (100m) – 3^rd Anthony Corkery. U-16 (800m) – 2^nd Anthony Corkery. U-16 (1,500m) – 1^st Mícheál Johnston, 3^rd Michael O Sullivan. U-16 (Long-jump) – 2^nd Anthony Corkery, 3^rd John Costello. U-16 (3,000m) – 3^rd Michael O Sullivan. U-16 (High-jump) – 1^st Anthony Corkery, 3^rd Peter Lyons. U-14 (100m) – 1^st Anthony Shannon, 3^rd Sean O Sullivan. U-14 (400m) – 1^st Denis Cronin, 2^nd Anthony Shannon. U-14 (1,500m) – 3^rd B. Horgan), U-14 (Long-jump) 2^nd J. O Sullivan, 3^rd Pat Pigott. U-10 (100m) – 1^st Andrew Pigott. U-10 (200m) – Andrew Pigott. U-9 (100m) – 1^st Gerard Murphy. U-9 (200m) – 1^st Gerard Murphy, 3^rd Noel Doyle. U-8 (100m) – 3^rd Michael Brosnan.

Girls. U-16 (100m) – 1^st Martina Cronin, 3^rd Kay Hannon. U-16 (400m) – 1^st Martina Cronin, 2^nd Kay Hannon. U-16 (1,500m) – 1^st Martina Cronin, 2^nd Anne Cronin, 3^rd D. McKenna. U-16 (Long-jump) – 2^nd Kay Hannon, 3^rd Martina Cronin. U-16 (High Jump) 1^st T. O Shea (tie). U-14 (100m) – 1^st Mary O Connell, 3^rd Eileen O Sullivan. U-14 (400m) – 1^st Mary O Connell, 3^rd  M. Houlihan. U-14 (800m) – 1^st Mary O Connell, 2^nd Anne Cronin, 3^rd B. Horgan. U-14 (Long-jump) – 2^nd Eileen O Sullivan. U-12 (100m) 3^rd Maeve O Connell. U-12 (400) – 1^st Maeve O Connell. U-10 (200m) – 3^rd Deirdre Costello. U-9 (100m) 2^nd Elaine Mangan, U-9 (200m) – 3^rd Elaine Mangan.

Killorglin won the overall club award with 70 points.

 

The former Bishop of Kerry, Bishop Denis Moynihan, died in December. He had been Bishop of Kerry from 1953 until 1969, at which time he had retired.

 

On New Year’s Eve, Butty Sugrue opened a £150,000 working men’s club at Kilburn High Road, London, with three-tear seating, four bars, a new £24,000 stage and a restaurant. Josef Locke started the cabaret spot. Butty Sugrue, former heavyweight wrestler and circus strongman, had been running the Wellington Pub, Shepherd’s Bush.

 

In his report to the annual Convention of Bord na nOg Chiarraí on Fri. 16^th Jan. 1976, the Secretary, Willie Griffin, remarked that ‘once again we have to pay tribute to the great work of the Laune Rangers’ Club who, despite the great opposition that came up against in the urban groupings, won both the U-14 and U-16 football championships. Some of our leading clubs in urban competitions must be almost in despair, wondering what they have to do to beat these Killorglin lads and, having looked at many of our games this year, one can only feel sorry that teams like Dr. Crokes, whom Laune Rangers met in the U-16 final, had to end up as losers. On top of these wins, Laune Rangers also won our U-16 Festival Blitz, thus bringing off a great treble.’

 

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club took place on Thurs. 8^th Jan. 1976. The Secretary, Jerome Conway, gave the following report: ‘A Chathaoirligh agus a chairde uilig, as has become my very unsavoury job for the past few years, I wish to report a very successful year in activities outside the football field and a blissful year inside.

A total of 124 games were played (including parish league games and challenge games), a sign of a very active club. The senior team played 35, the novice team played 8, the minors 12, the U-16 team played 15, the U-14 team played 33, the Community Games team played 7 and the U-12 team played 14. I wish to congratulate the U-14 team on winning the Co. and Mid-Kerry Championships. I wish to congratulate the U-16 team on winning the Co. Championship, Mid-Kerry Championship and the Special U-16 Co. Blitz. Congratulations, also, the minor team on winning the Mid-Kerry Championship against a highly rated Beaufort team. Thanks to all, especially Pat O Shea, for making Laune Rangers juvenile club the most successful club in the county. The Senior Parish Championship and Parish League were highly successful. Lower Town/Meanus annexed the Championship and Caragh Lake, showing what determination and dedication can do, won the League in great style against the odds.

The year began on a high note with the great success of the Tops of the County Competition. This exceeded all expectations both as a social event and financial venture. Those members that helped in its organisation, can be proud of the job well done. Ciste na bPáirc contributed handsomely to the Field Fund and we look forward to an even greater effort on the part of all members in 1976 to sell tickets for the draw. Puck Fair, this year, was most successful for the town of Killorglin. Unfortunately, this success is not reflected on our balance sheet. Nevertheless, (I don’t want to begin mentioning names in case I forget someone), I wish to thank wholeheartedly all those who helped in erecting and taking down the lights, collecting subscriptions, supplying tractors, running the parade and organising the events. The club may feel proud that it has contributed so much good to the town in running Puck Fair for the past two years. We stepped into the breach, when nobody else was interested. Unfortunately, some people in the town felt that the GAA club should not be running Puck Fair, while others expressed a wish for an end to Puck Fair altogether. These reasons, coupled with the fact that playing football should be our main priority, contributed to the club abandoning the running of Puck Fair.

On the field of play, the senior players showed great interest at the beginning of the year, especially for the first round of the Co. Senior Championship. With a bit of luck on that day, we could have advanced. Subsequently, things went from bad to worse and it was distressing to see the turnout for the vital Co. League game against Waterville – a game that could have decided whether we would be in Division 1 or 2 in 1976 and, ultimately, could have cost us our senior status. Following this, a special meeting was called and, even though the attendance was inspiring, very little transpired. Mike O Shea, at that meeting, probably pinpointed the problem when he said that there is too much emphasis placed on the Co. Championship. Players train for that alone and when they are knocked out, even as early in the year as July, training is then shelved. In 1976, we should adjust our sights some. We should set out to win the Mid-Kerry competitions. We should treat the first round of the Co. Championship as just another game – if we win, well and good, but if we lose, we should carry on with our goal. People say that if we can’t beat Milltown, Glenbeigh, Beaufort and Keel, how can we win the Co. Championship? The answer is simple – we don’t train for games against these teams. If we did, we would sweep the Mid-Kerry competitions, as we should. I urge all players to give their all in 1976 and cooperate with the trainer and selectors to make the team again a team to be reckoned with both in the county and especially in Mid-Kerry.

Finally, I wish to thank my fellow officers, especially the Chairman, James Coffey, who seems to be working even harder every year for the club. I wish to thank both he and Pat O Shea in the way both of them contributed to the achieving of the historic treble. Thanks to the other officers, who did  everything that was asked of them, the Treasurers, Eamonn Crowley and John Foley, the Registrar, Pat Lynch, and Maurice Harmon, who has to travel to Co. Board meetings. Thanks to Ted Houlihan, who has the unenviable job of looking after the dances. Thanks to Pat O Shea, who looks after the field better than his own front garden. Thanks to Tom Curran, who was given the unfair job of Activities, when he lives mainly in Cahersiveen. Thanks to Mike O Shea and James O Riordan, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of Bord na nOg. Thanks to my fellow selectors, who carry on through thick and thin, mostly thick these days. Rath Dé oraibh and go raibh maith agaibh.’

 

 

 

 

 

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