1977

                             Laune Rangers – 1977

 Laune Rangers won the Co. Minor Football Championship for the first time.

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

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship for the tenth time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship for the tenth time.

Laune Rangers were beaten in the Co. U-12 Football Championship Final but won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the fifth time.

Kerry won the All-Ireland Vocational Schools’ Championship. The Laune Rangers players on the team were John O Neill (centre half-forward) and James Sheehan (right full-forward). Peter Lyons was a substitute.

Intermediate School won Corn an Rúnaí (U-19 Munster Football Colleges) and Corn na Carraige (Munster Colleges U-17 and a half).

Michael F. O Shea was left fullback on the Kerry team that lost to Cork in the Munster Minor Football Final.

Kerry won the All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship. Tom Johnston was a substitute.

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

Pat O Shea was re-elected onto the Co. Senior Football Selection Committee for the fourth successive year.

James Coffey was elected as PRO for the Mid-Kerry Board.

Pat O Shea was re-elected as Secretary of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg.

*              *                *              *                *                  *                    *                *

The AGM of the club was held on Sun. 2^nd Jan. 1977 in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin at 3pm. The Chairman, James Coffey, presided. Also present were Sean O Reilly, Eamonn Crowley, John Foley, Maurice Harmon, Pat O Shea, Billy Dodd, Joe Crowley, Declan Falvey, Ted Houlihan, Dan Carey, Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Noel O Mahony, James O Riordan, Barry Harmon, Denis Lynch, Jimmy Doona, Joe Curran, John Doona, Mike Hassett, Jim Casey, John Clifford, Michael Foley (Reen), Paud O Connor, Mike O Shea, Patsy Joy, Johnny O Connor, Jack Reen, Pat Clifford, Francis O Doherty, Sean O Mangan, Jimmy O Shea, Johnny Byrnes, Joe Flynn, Denis O Neill and Jerome Conway.

The minutes of the previous AGM were read and adopted – proposed by Ted Houlihan and seconded by Maurice Harmon (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1976).

Treasurers’ Report – Eamonn Crowley, spokesman for the joint-Treasurers, reported a very healthy financial situation. The statement of account was presented. He reported that total money assets of the club amounted to £4,500. He reported that expenses for 1976 had been well down on the previous year. He said that it was pointless having all that money in the bank but that we should use it. He thanked all his fellow officers. Pat O Shea congratulated both Treasurers on their great work during the year and on their excellently produced statement of accounts. Maurice Harmon proposed the adoption of the statement, Ted Houlihan seconded and it was adopted.

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31^st Dec. 1976

Income:                                                                   Expenditure:

Dances (Net Income)               £2,018          Meals for teams                    £21

Talent Competition & Tops (Net)  164      Players’ Travelling Exp    £79

Social (Net income)                                 21      Dressing rooms Maintenance £55

Gate Money collected                               8      Field Maintenance                      £85

Membership                                              57        Footballs, jerseys etc.               £53

Subscriptions                                             10       Trophies                                        £55

Affiliation fees                           £22

ESB                                                  £14

Stationery                                    £17

Secretary’s expenses              £50

Insurance                                    £53

Bank Interest and Charges £122

Sundry expenses                        £80

Bord na nOg expenses            £188

                                                                        Tickets purchased for draw               £84

£2,278                                                                         £978

Surplus of Income over Expenditure – £1,300

Est. receipts from Bord na bPáirc      – £1,070

Deposit interest received                        –       191

Net income for 1976                £2,561

Bord na nOg – There was no separate statement of accounts from Bord na nOg, as the senior board had paid all the bills in 1976, there having been no grant given to Bord na nOg for that year. Pat O Shea reported that Bord na nOg had supervised seven teams. He reported that a total of 71 games had been played, plus 69 parish league games. The Co. U-16 and U-14 Championships had been annexed. The Mid-Kerry Minor, U-16 and U-14 Championships had, also, been won. He estimated that a total of 130 juveniles had been catered for. Maurice Harmon proposed the adoption of the report, Ted Houlihan seconded and it was adopted.

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Foley (Life President). The Chairman congratulated him on his good health and offered him every good wish for the New Year.

Vice-President – Paddy Crowley and John ‘Scart’ Clifford were added to the existing list. Pat O Shea withdrew his name.

Chairman – Nominated were James Coffey and Pat O Shea. The latter withdrew his name and James Coffey declared himself elected. In his address, he related that the club had gone through its hardest time ever at the beginning of the year, when there had been times that the club did not know whether it would be able to field a team or not on any given occasion, and that the club had been forced to play underage players on its senior team. He thanked the players who had stood by the club. He said that their performance in the first round of the Co. Senior Championship showed anything but a glum outlook.

Speaking about the field, he urged that the club would develop it before it was too late – before the main pitch was overused. He congratulated Joe Crowley on the great work being done by him in promoting dancing. Not only was he adding to the coffers of the club, but he was also benefiting the town and the Chairman said that he had no doubt but that the town would repay when it would be asked. He asked for more volunteers, especially for staffing the dance-hall.

He said that it was a credit to the club that it had contributed towards the sending of an invalid child to Lourdes in 1976 and that it would endeavour to repeat that at the Social in 1977. The patients had been most grateful and indeed their prayers would be welcome.

The Chairman then congratulated the juvenile teams on winning the various trophies. However, he was loud in his displeasure at the filling of cups in pubs for juveniles and urged that the celebrations be done in restaurants thereafter.

He was still adamant that the club should receive a grant from the Mid-Kerry Board to help put a team out in the Co. Senior Championship. He said that the club was helping to fill the coffers of the Mid-Kerry Board – the club had contested three finals in 1976 – part of which was used for the training of the Mid-Kerry team for the Co. Senior Championship.

He urged better attendance at the weekly meetings. He thanked all the officers who had made his work easy. He thanked all the players, the people who had used their cars for the club, the CYMS and all the helpers.

Vice-Chairman – Sean O Reilly.

Secretary – Jerome Conway.

Joint-Treasurers – Eamonn Crowley and John Foley.

Registrar – Pat Lynch.

Delegate to Co. Board – Maurice Harmon. Michael O Shea and John Foley had withdrawn their names.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – Maurice Harmon and Denis O Neill (Mike O Shea had withdrawn his name.)

Delegates to Co. Convention – Denis Lynch and Maurice Harmon.

Senior Selection Committee – Pat O Shea, Mike Hassett, James Coffey, Owen Mangan and Jerome Conway were elected. Dan Carey, Billy Dodd, Patsy Joy, Maurice Harmon and Ted Houlihan had withdrawn their names. Owen Mangan withdrew as a selector in the first week of February and Maurice Harmon was co-opted in his place. Mike Hassett failed to turn up to many selectors’ meetings and, at the club meeting on 13^th June, he was replaced by Bart Moriarty.

Novice Selection Committee – Billy Dodd, Jim Casey, John A O Brien, Dan Carey and Pat Lynch were elected. Ted Houlihan, Maurice Harmon, Noel O Mahony and Thomas Evans had withdrawn their names. Danny O Callaghan, though nominated, had emigrated.

Senior Trainer – Pat O Shea declared that he was only interested in the coaching side of the senior team. Billy Dodd proposed Barry Harmon for senior trainer and he was elected.

Minor Trainer – Noel O Mahony.

At the club meeting on 13^th Dec. it was decided that three sub-committees were necessary – Social (Joe Crowley), Field (Pat Lynch and Jim Casey) and Bord na nOg (Pat O Shea).

The following motions were discussed:

1. ‘That the boundary wall on the Laharn Road of the J.P. O Sullivan Park be completed in 1977.’ (Pat O Shea).
2. ‘That the development of a juvenile pitch be looked into, a) if it is possible to lay out one with the available space in the field, b) to purchase lands to provide some pitch adjacent or convenient to the O Sullivan Park.’ (Pat O Shea)
3. That the goal-mouths be re-sodded by the end of March, when growth has begun and that this work be done by voluntary labour.’ (Pat O Shea)

All those three motions were referred to the Field Committee, whose findings would be put before a weekly meeting of the club.

4. ‘That any organisation looking for the use of the J.P. O Sullivan Park,

a)      Should make an application in writing.

b)     Should give four weeks notice.

c)      Should be granted permission by the club or Field Committee.

d)     Should be granted permission, in the case of necessity, by the Secretary or two individuals connected with the management of the field.’ (Pat O Shea)

That was an extension of an existing rule, that there had to be two weeks notice given. It was agreed that that section of the motion should be adopted and that it be adhered to. However, part (d) seemed to be contradictory and was withdrawn.

5. ‘That college football games, except those involving Killorglin Colleges and Schools, be prevented from availing of the use of the field.’ (Joe Crowley)

It was felt that that was being too extreme and that it might backfire. Moreover, motion 3 seemed to sufficiently protect the field.

6. ‘That more support be given for the preparation for the Mid-Kerry Championship, rather than for the Co. Senior Championship.’ (Pat Joy, Caragh Lake).

The proposer was not present. However, it was felt that the motion was being supported by the recent trend of the club.

7. ‘That, after each serious match, a period of fifteen minutes be set aside to discuss the position in the league table, forthcoming games and, most importantly, to iron out, in a peaceful manner, any problems that might have arisen during the course of the match rather than have a slagging match.’ (Mike O Shea)

It was felt that that was a desirable thing and should be given a try, where feasible – that could not be done at away games, where there were no dressing-room facilities.

8. ‘That more co-operation between players and officers be displayed.’ (Johnny O Connor).

That was withdrawn, since the proposer felt that motion 7 provided sufficient opportunity.

9. ‘That a welfare officer be appointed to look after the players both on and off the field.’ (Barry Harmon)

The proposer explained that there should be someone to tell players the procedure, when injured and to have refreshments at halftime (oranges were the in-thing for players at halftime at that time). The Secretary volunteered to look after the first part of the motion. He also said that there would be no difficulty with the second part – the biggest problem was to remember to purchase the refreshments. The motion was then withdrawn.

10. That the club purchase ten-years All-Ireland tickets from Central Council, rather than the proposed new system of the Kerry Co. Board.’ (Pat O Shea)

In moving the motion, the proposer said that he thought the new system by the Kerry Co. Board would lessen the amount of tickets available to clubs and that Laune Rangers would probably get better tickets from Central Council anyhow. However, as the validity of the first part of the argument was by no means certain, it was decided to wait until after Co. Convention to decide the best course of action.

11. ‘That the club organise a trip abroad – if only to England.’ (Johnny O Connor)

That was referred to the Social Committee for consideration.

12. ‘That the selection or non-selection of a player on the senior team rest finally with the selection committee.’ (Declan Falvey)
13. ‘That the GAA and the soccer association work together and that the Convention plan, not just out of pride but, with the future in mind.’ (Johnny O Connor)

Those two motions were discussed together.

Declan Falvey moved that, in order to promote goodwill and harmony amongst all sports in the community, the notion of the ‘ban’, under the guise of suspension for non-allegiance, be done away with and that the selection committee be entrusted with the function of deciding what happened to any player in that circumstance. After discussion, that was passed.

In moving his motion, Johnny O Connor explained that he, and all the other people who played soccer, had a great wish to play GAA as well. He realised that, in the event of a clash, problems arose but the convention would have to accept that they had a certain allegiance to the soccer club that accommodated them during the winter months. Efforts, at that stage, to go back to the happenings of the previous year were quelled, as it was generally felt that the club should be going forward. A good healthy discussion followed, with people from both sides giving their views uninterruptedly. Finally, it was agreed by all that co-operation by both sides was desirable. What was co-operation? The people that played soccer asked that, where possible, the club would endeavour to change times or dates of matches to suit. Whereas, that was seen as being very difficult and often impossible, the club agreed to comply whenever possible. Pat O Shea outlined clearly what his interpretation of co-operation was. He explained that in the event of a clash between GAA, soccer, rugby and Basketball, all would have to give proportionately e.g. in the event of a clash of all four codes, it was calculated that, in the circumstances that existed, 6 played soccer, 4 played rugby  and 2 played basketball. Therefore, the GAA was giving away two-thirds of its players. If every club was co-operating, then they should give back a similar proportion of the players that play GAA i.e. soccer 4, rugby 2 and basketball 1. That was agreed by all codes. Furthermore, it was felt that there was very little chance of a clash in 1977.

14. ‘That the club’s membership fee for 1977 be a) £5 for adults, b) £1 for juveniles (16 to 18 years and students), c) adult members to receive concessions on admission to club dances, d) both adults and juveniles be admitted free of charge to all games in the J. P. O Sullivan Park, e) both adults and juveniles have voting rights and be included in the draw for All-Ireland tickets.’ (Pat O Shea).

Noel O Mahony felt that if one wanted to become a member of the club, one would pay any price and there should be no concessions. He felt that £1 was much too small for the honour bestowed. There followed much discussion. Finally, Ted Houlihan proposed £3 membership, with free admission to the field as the only concession. He proposed that juvenile membership be £1, but that they would not be allowed to vote at convention. Pat O Shea withdrew his motion in favour of Ted Houlihan’s proposal and it was passed.

15. ‘That intending new members, who wish to join the club, be vetted by the committee before being accepted,’ (Pat O Shea). That was already a rule of the Association and had to be accepted. Discussion arose as to the constitution of the committee. The Secretary stated that the rule book said that the committee was composed of the officers and at least five other members, one of whom had to be under 21 years of age.
16. ‘That the role of the Registrar be clearly defined. Also, the eligibility of any person to become a member of the club be clearly defined.’ (Declan Falvey). The second part of the motion was already covered in motion 15. On the first part, the Secretary informed the rulebook stated that the Registrar was to keep an account of the membership of the club and forward a triplicate copy of the club’s membership to the Co. Secretary, together with 5p per member.

The Convention then concluded.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

Fifteen teams entered for the Co. Senior Football Championship, Eoghan Ruadh, West-Kerry, South-Kerry, Kerins O Rahillys, Castleisland, Laune Rangers, Castlegregory, Spa, John Mitchel’s, East-Kerry, Shannon Rangers, Austin Stacks, Mid-Kerry, Feale Rangers and Kenmare. It was played on a knockout system.

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Pat O Shea, James Coffey, Jerome Conway, Maurice Harmon and Bart Moriarty. Barry Harmon was trainer.

Rd. 1 on Sun. 26^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-5; Castleisland District 2-7.

Castleisland won by the skin of their teeth! In a closely-contested game, they had to fight every inch of the way against a great-hearted Laune Rangers side that actually contributed to its own defeat. Castleisland got off to a great start, when, only after two minutes, Patsy O Connor got loose to boot the ball to the net from a break between Rangers’ fullback Pat Horgan and full-forward, Eamonn O Connor. Rangers should not have conceded that goal, which was the result of slack marking. However, they fought back and were ahead by 1-1 to 1-0 after six minutes, thanks to a great goal by Johnny Byrnes, who ran onto a pass from Patsy Joy and gave Charlie Nelligan no chance. Minutes later, Johnny Byrnes was unlucky, when he blasted the ball off the lower part of the upright. At that stage, Castleisland, despite midfield superiority, seemed to be in real trouble, as the fast-moving Rangers’ forwards were giving their defence the run-a-round. Luckily for Castleisland, some great scoring chances were wasted, with wide after wide being kicked. Then, in the twenty-first minute, with Rangers leading by one point, Castleisland got the tonic they needed, when wing-forward, Joe Kerins, scored a goal from over 30 yards range. He must have been amazed to see his effort go all the way past the defence and goalkeeper. A minute later, Mikey O Connor pointed from a fifty to give his side an interval lead of 2-3 to 1-3.

During the break, Laune Rangers made changes and they seemed to have the desired effect. For instance, James O Shea, who moved to fullback, got the upper-hand on Eamonn O Connor, who had been the big thorn in the Rangers’ defence in the first half. After three minutes, Johnny Byrnes was grounded on his way to goal, and he converted the penalty award with great confidence to tie the score. Tom Johnston put the Killorglin side in front with a fine point after six minutes. In a ding-dong struggle, Castleisland levelled after eight minutes from a Kerins free and two minutes later, the same player similarly obliged to give his side the lead, which they never subsequently lost.

Laune Ranger pressed and pressed and seemed to be through for a goal, but Tom Johnston was adjudged to have touched the ball on the ground. In the fifty-fourth minute, Rangers were awarded a free over fifty yards from the Castleisland posts but, instead of lashing the ball into the goal-mouth, Declan Falvey decided to send a short pass to John Evans, whose kick was blocked down. In the resultant play, B. O Riordan pointed to give Castleisland a three-points’ lead. Tommy Woods cut the lead to two points with four minutes left to play, but, try as they might, Rangers were unable to get through for the goal that would have swung it for them.

Laune Rangers were disappointed with the result, but a team that wastes so much did not deserve to win. However, they would improve with more dedication. Frank Russell had to be moved to midfield to curb Mikey O Connor, and even if he did not succeed, he still won enough possession to keep his forwards moving. However, he was badly missed in attack. Declan Falvey had a good game at midfield and his fine running with the ball always had the Castleisland defence in trouble. The Rangers defence was not as good as it could be. Peter Lyons should have covered the second goal. Francis O Doherty was sound at right fullback. Michael F. O Shea had a tough hour at centre halfback, but he acquitted himself well. James O Shea played extremely well at fullback. Barry Harmon and Mike O Shea stuck to their tasks well. Mike O Shea’s retiral midway through the second half, with a fractured jaw, upset the defence. In the Rangers’ attack, Johnny Byrnes was in great form. He read the game to perfection and he had been given more of the ball, Castleisland would have been in big trouble.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan, Mike O Shea, Barry Harmon (capt.), Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea (0-1, free), Declan Falvey, John Evans, Tommy Woods (0-1), Frank Russell, John Horgan, Johnny Byrnes (2-0, 1 penalty), Patsy Joy, Johnny O Connor (0-2, frees). Subs: Jack Reen for P. Horgan (James O Shea for fullback), Tom Johnston (0-1) for J. Horgan, Jimmy O Shea for M. O Shea (broken jaw), Joe Crowley, Gerard O Shea, Tom O Connor.

Castleisland: Charlie Nelligan (Desmonds), Maurice McAuliffe (Knocknagoshel), Tadhg McGillycuddy (Desmonds), Jim Thompson (Knocknagoshel), Chas Cronin (Desmonds), Mossy Dore (Knocknagoshel), Donal O Connor (Desmonds), Mikey O Connor (do) 0-2, Tommy Murphy (Currow), Pat Joe Kerins (Ballymac) 1-2, Phil Horan (Desmonds), Patsy O Connor (Scartaglin) 1-0, Brendan O Riordan (do) 0-1, Eamonn O Connor (Desmonds) 0-2, John Horan (Currow).

Ref: Weeshie Fogarty (Legion).

 

Shannon Rangers, captained by Jackie Walsh, beat Feale Rangers in the Co. Final on Sun. 9^th Oct. by 0-10 to 0-6.

 

Senior Co. League Div. 1

There were fourteen teams in Div. 1, Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Kenmare, Spa, Waterville, Tarbert, Moyvane, Rathmore, Dingle, Castlegregory, Glenbeigh, Desmonds, Gneeveguilla and Legion. However, it was decided, at a special meeting of the Co. Board on Mon. 7^th Feb, that there would be only twelve teams in Div. 1 in 1978. Consequently, four teams would be relegated to Div. 2 and two teams promoted from Div. 2 in 1977. It was also decided that there would be a top four competition at the end of the League. Laune Rangers delegates at that meeting were Maurice Harmon and Pat O Shea.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 13^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Gneeveguilla 1-6

That was a good workmanlike performance by the Rangers. Patsy Joy was outstanding at midfield. The forwards were moving well but the wet conditions militated against their combined play. Rangers led at halftime by 1-3 to 0-5, though Gneeveguilla had played with the aid of a strong wind. Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea and John Evans were the best of the defence. Joe Crowley had been at his sister’s wedding on the previous day and, at times, showed the effects. Declan Falvey missed a penalty but otherwise played well.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Barry Harmon, Michael F. O Shea, Jack Reen, Francis O Doherty, John Evans, James O Shea, Patsy Joy (0-1), Declan Falvey (0-2, 1 free), Johnny Byrnes (2-0), Tom Johnston (0-2), John Horgan (0-1), Gerard O Shea, Frank Russell (0-1), John Clifford. Subs: Johnny O Connor for J. Horgan, Jimmy O Shea for G. O Shea, James O Riordan, John O Neill, Mike O Shea.

Ref: Weeshie Fogarty (Legion).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 27^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-8; Rathmore 1-3

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Francis O Doherty, Michael F. O Shea, Barry Harmon, Jimmy O Shea, John Evans, James O Shea (0-1, fifty), Patsy Joy, Declan Falvey (0-2, frees), Johnny Byrnes (2-0), Tom Johnston, John Horgan (0-1), Mike O Shea (0-3), Frank Russell, Johnny O Connor (0-1). Subs: Jack Reen, James O Riordan, John Clifford, John O Neill.

Ref: Tom Brennan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 9^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Glenbeigh 1-7

The referee tolerated no nonsense. Considering the Rangers’ injuries and Barry Harmon’s suspension, that was a very good result. Indeed, they could have won the game, as Joe Crowley drove a penalty kick wide in the second half. In the last quarter, Frank Russell played outstandingly at midfield.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Jack Reen, Pat Horgan, Francis O Doherty, Mike O Shea, Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, John Evans, James O Riordan, Gerard O Shea, Johnny O Connor (0-6, 5 frees), John Horgan (0-1), Tom Johnston, Frank Russell, Johnny Byrnes (0-2). Subs: Patsy Joy (0-1), though injured, came on for J. O Riordan, Jimmy O Shea, John Clifford, Declan Falvey (inj.).

Ref: Liam Sayers (St. Pat’s).

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 30^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Dingle 2-7

That was a very good spirited team effort by Rangers. There had been a minor flare-up before the game, but a sensible discussion afterwards ironed out matters, when all the players promised to turn out for training.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Jack Reen, Pat Horgan, James O Riordan, Mike O Shea, Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, John Evans (0-1), Declan Falvey (0-1), Tom Johnston (0-1), Frank Russell (0-1), John Horgan, Johnny Byrnes (0-3), Patsy Joy (1-1), Johnny O Connor (1-1, 1 free). Subs: Jimmy O Shea for M. O Shea, Gerard O Shea, John Clifford.

Ref: Mick O Neill (Tralee).

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 21^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-4; Castlegregory 3-6.

That was one of the worst displays ever by a Laune Rangers’ senior team against depleted opposition that began the game with only fourteen men.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Jack Reen, Pat Horgan, Barry Harmon, Mike O Shea, Francis O Doherty, James O Riordan, John Evans, Declan Falvey, Tom Johnston, Frank Russell (0-1), Johnny Byrnes, John Clifford, Patsy Joy, Johnny O Connor (0-3, frees). Subs: Michael F. O Shea for D. Falvey, James O Shea for J. Byrnes.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 4^th June at Moyvane: Moyvane 2-9; Laune Rangers 1-11.

The team was provided with a meal in the Listowel Arms Hotel, afterwards.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan, Tom O Connor, Anthony Foley, John Evans, Mike O Shea, Patsy Joy, Declan Falvey, Johnny Byrnes, Barry Harmon, Tommy Woods, Mossy Joy, Frank Russell, Joe Crowley. Subs: Patrick Foley, John Clifford, Michael Foley, James Ferris.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 11^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Spa 0-9.

Laune Rangers had to pull out all the stops in the dying minutes to hold out for that win. A fine display of goalkeeping by young Peter Lyons, great defensive play by Francis O Doherty, in the second half, and a great-hearted, never-say-die display by Barry Harmon, in attack, were features of that closely contested game.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Jack Reen, Pat Horgan, Tom O Connor, Jimmy O Shea, John Evans, Mike O Shea, Declan Falvey (0-2), Francis O Doherty, Tom Johnston, Barry Harmon, Johnny Byrnes (0-3), Joe Crowley (0-1), Patsy Joy (1-1), Frank Russell. Subs: Mossy Joy for J. Crowley, Anthony Corkery for T. Johnston, Joe Crowley for M. Joy, Pat Joe O Mahony, John Clifford.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 8 on Wed. 13^th July at Kenmare: Kenmare 0-7; Laune Rangers 0-5.

At the club meeting on 18^th July, there was a long and, at times, heated discussion on the conduct of players on the field and officials on the sideline. The use of a certain four-letters word and the abuse of referees were condemned. It was decided that Barry Harmon, in his capacity as trainer, should instruct the players, prior to games and during training sessions, about conduct on the field during games. If he was not satisfied with the conduct of players on the field during games, he should notify the selectors and seek reprimands.

 

Rd. 9 on Wed. 27^th July at Castleisland: Laune Rangers 0-9; Desmonds 0-4

Ref: James Broderick (Causeway).

 

Rd. 10 on Wed. 10^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-8; Waterville 1-5.

Ref: Richie Williams (Fossa)

 

Rd. 11 on Sat. 3^rd Sept. ay Killarney: Legion 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-9.

At the club meeting on Mon. 5^th Sept. Barry Harmon asked if the players could vote at the next AGM. He was told that they could if they held membership cards. He took exception to that rule and said that, if he was not allowed to vote at Convention, – he did not hold a membership card – he would not turn up for the game against Austin Stacks and he would bring as many players as he could with him. He also said that he did not become a member because all the other players did not. His points seemed to be that the players would have no say in the election of the senior selection committee at Convention That was despite the fact that the closing date for the sale of membership cards had been published in the Kerryman. Barry Harmon was aggrieved at the performance of the selectors during the year, blamed them for most of the defeats and called on them to resign after the defeat against Legion.

At that stage, Declan Falvey, having moderately chided the selectors, accused Pat O Shea of dominating the selection committee meetings, saying that it had been his team that always had played. He said that at least ten of the senior team believed that and Barry Harmon stated that the information had come from one or two of the selectors. Even though that was denied by James Coffey and Jerome Conway (both selectors), it was not accepted. Barry Harmon then asked why the selectors had not taken off some of the minors on Saturday evening. He accused the selectors of using the game as a ‘run’ for the minors. He also said that they had not put Tom O Connor on in Kenmare but they had put a minor on.

Pat O Shea tendered his resignation from both the senior selection committee and from the senior club, as he felt that he must have been impeding the club’s progress. The Chairman refused to accept the resignation. Heated discussion continued with both sides giving vent to their feelings and very few succeeding in remaining neutral. Eventually, Barry Harmon stormed out, saying that he knew that no one would listen to him. Eamonn Crowley proposed that the date for the closure of the sale of membership cards be changed to 1^st Oct. Joe Crowley seconded. Pat O Shea proposed a direct amendment, that the date remain as it was unless there was a withdrawal of the statement by Barry Harmon regarding his pulling out of the senior team against Austin Stacks and getting other players to do likewise. The Chairman would not allow a vote and adjourned to meeting until 12^th Sept.

At the meeting on Mon. 12^th Sept. a note was received from Barry Harmon apologising for any hasty things he had said at the previous meeting. He also tendered his resignation as trainer and player. The Chairman refused to accept the resignation. Bart Moriarty suggested that the officers approach Barry Harmon to ask him to reconsider resigning as a player at least. That was agreed.

At subsequent meetings, the matter with regard to membership was raised. Eventually, the Chairman ruled that anybody, who had helped out with the running of the club, could become a member for 1977 by paying the membership fee of £3 before 1^st Oct. (At a later meeting, that date was further extended until Sat. 15^th Oct.)

 

Rd. 12 on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Austin Stacks 4-3.

The game was played in atrocious weather conditions. Laune Rangers were first to attack and had 1-2 on the scoreboard before Stack’s settled down with a pointed free by John L. McElligott and a good goal by Billy O Carroll, followed by a point by the same player. Rangers replied with a goal and a point to retire at halftime leading by 2-3 to 1-2. On the restart, Rangers increased their lead with a point. A shot by Paudie McCarthy was deflected to the net by a Rangers defender for a Stack’s goal. A pointed ‘50’ for the home side was followed by a goal by the visitors, when a Colm Mangan free from 50 yards was deflected to the net again by a Rangers defender. Colm Mangan scored another goal, from a pass by Ger Power to close the scoring.

Prior to that game, at the top of the league table were Austin Stack’s (19 points), Desmond’s (14 points) and Laune Rangers (13 points) and the latter was in with a great chance of reaching the play-off stages. However, the numbers at training were paltry and, indeed, the Secretary, Jerome Conway, had to write to the panel on a number of occasions, asking the players to train.

Ref: Mick O Neill.

Co. Novice Championship

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Billy Dodd, Dan Carey, Jim Casey, John A. O Brien and Pat Lynch.

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th May at Spa: Spa ‘B’ 0-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-7.

Pat O Riordan, formerly of Laune Rangers, scored 0-5 for Spa.

Laune Rangers: Davy O Shea, Anthony Foley, Eamonn Crowley, Tom O Connor, Francis O Doherty, James O Shea, Jack Reen, John Evans, Johnny O Connor, Johnny Byrnes, Tom Johnston, Pat Joe O Mahony, John Clifford, Tom Curran

Ref: John Daly (Dr. Crokes).

At the Co. Board meeting on 8^th March, Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, John Clifford and Jack Reen had been regraded from senior status.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Championship

The competition was played with a losers’ round.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 18^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-9; Glenbeigh 1-7.

The new-look Laune Rangers turned on the style from the throw-in and led by 0-7 to 0-2 after 25minutes. Up to that, they seemed to be in a hurry to get the game sewn up, but the remaining five minutes saw a complete turn-about in the game, as Glenbeigh suddenly got on top and had a well-taken goal by Peadar O Sullivan.

The large attendance sensed that a great second half was on the cards, and they were proven correct. The first ten minutes saw no score, with defences on both sides doing heroic work, but once Jimmy Healy pointed in the 11^th minute, Glenbeigh gradually cut the Rangers’ lead. With ten minutes left in the game, only one point separated the sides. The Killorglin boys did not panic, however, and Jack Reen made his presence felt in attack, when he cut through to score a very vital goal. Glenbeigh hit back for a point, but there was no holding the winners. Playing like they did in the first half, they added two more points and so qualified for the semi-final. That was the win that Laune Rangers needed so badly. Not for a long time had Rangers played so well, though they still had a few weaknesses, the greatest being inaccuracy by the forwards.

Laune Rangers laid the foundation of their win at midfield, where Declan Falvey had a great hour. He got good assistance from Barry Harmon, while Michael F. O Shea, at centre halfback, cut off dangerous attacks. Tommy Woods, on the forty, was quick to grab any ball broken by his midfielders. Peter Lyons, in goals, had a fine game, bringing off one great save in the second half. Outside him Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan and Mike O Shea formed a solid fullback line, while James O Shea played the proverbial ‘blinder’ at left halfback. After a slow start, Frank Russell was dominant at full-forward, though he did waste some good scoring chances. Johnny Byrnes, when in possession, was the real danger-man.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan, Mike O Shea, Anthony Foley, Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, Declan Falvey (0-1), Barry Harmon (capt.), Tom Johnston, Tommy Woods (0-1), John Horgan (0-3, 2 frees), Johnny Byrnes (1-1), Frank Russell (0-3), Joe Crowley. Subs: Jimmy O Shea for A. Foley, Johnny O Connor for J. Crowley, Jack Reen (1-0) for J. O Connor, Anthony Corkery, Pat Joe O Mahony. Patsy Joy and John Evans were injured and unable to play.

Ref: Tom Prendergast (Keel).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 31^st July at Milltown: Glenbeigh 3-8; Laune Rangers 1-10.

A blistering game had been anticipated but it did not transpire. Never before had those teams given such a sub-standard performance. Jimmy Healy put Glenbeigh ahead within a minute but the next twenty minutes belonged to Rangers, who opened up a five-points’ lead (1-4 to 0-2). Then loose marking by Rangers left Mike Horan through for a goal after twenty five minutes and, four minutes later, Denis Griffin broke through for another goal to give his side a 2-2 to 1-4 interval lead.

The second half saw an improvement in the standard of play. Laune Rangers, with Gerard O Shea then at midfield, were playing better but Johnny O Connor looked dangerous against a Glenbeigh defence, into which Mike Breen had been drafted after spending the first half in attack. With ten minutes left and the score at 2-6 to 1-8, it was anybody’s game. Then disaster struck for Laune Rangers. Fullback, James O Shea, attempted a short kick to an unmarked team-mate but the ball was intercepted and the result was that Denis Griffin banged home a vital goal. Rangers fought back for two points but there was no stopping Glenbeigh and Neilie O Sullivan wrapped it up for them with a point in the final minute.

Laune Rangers were very disappointed with that result. They seemed to have been set for victory in the early stages but were shocked with goals that should never have come. Loose marking by the forwards, when frees were awarded, allowed the Glenbeigh halfbacks to come up-field and provide the overlap, which led to the two first-half goals. The defence played extremely well, especially the half line, in which Michael F. O Shea again was the master at centre halfback. He got great support from Francis O Doherty, Jack Reen, John Evans and James O Shea. The Rangers midfield was most disappointing, until Gerard O Shea moved there. The forwards got enough of the ball but, apart from Johnny O Connor, who moved to attack from midfield, Joe Crowley, Gerard O Shea and Tom Johnston, in the first half, the Rangers had little to offer.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Francis O Doherty, James O Shea, Barry Harmon (capt.), Jack Reen, Michael F. O Shea (0-1), John Evans, Johnny O Connor (0-6), Declan Falvey (0-1), John Horgan, Tom Johnston (1-0), Gerard O Shea, Johnny Byrnes (0-1), Frank Russell, Joe Crowley (0-1).

Glenbeigh: Owen O Riordan, Pat McGillycuddy, Frank O Connor, Donal Griffin, Kevin Griffin, John Griffin, Pat Sheahan, Neilie O Sullivan (0-2), Peadar O Sullivan, Donie O Sullivan (0-1), Derry O Sullivan (0-2), Mike Horan (1-0), Denis Griffin (2-0), Mike Breen, Jimmy Healy (0-3).

Ref: Tom Prendergast (Keel).

At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting on 25^th July, a letter was read from Laune Rangers Club expressing disappointment at the change of date for their Mid-Kerry Championship Semi-final versus Glenbeigh (from 10^th July to 31^st July). The club felt that it should have been consulted, as it had been one of the competing teams. The Chairman said that, at the previous meeting, the semi-finals had been provisionally fixed for 10^th July or 31^st July. It had also been arranged, at that meeting, that training for the Mid-Kerry team would commence on the following Monday night but not a single player showed up. He arranged a Kerryman Shield game with South-Kerry for 10^th July and called off the Mid-Kerry Championship game, which had been arranged for that date. He said that he was Chairman of the Board and he had taken that action in the best interest of Mid-Kerry football. The Laune Rangers’ delegate accused the Chairman of calling off the Mid-Kerry Championship game because Glenbeigh had injured players. The Chairman admitted that Glenbeigh had  five injured players and that he would be prepared to call off a game for any club that had that number of injured players, but he stated that that was not the reason that he had called off the game in that instance.

 

Final on Sun. 11^th Sept. at Milltown: Beaufort 2-10; Glenbeigh 1-11.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Keel 0-5

The game was played in glorious conditions but it never produced the expected exciting struggle. Rangers, who had a very young side on view, were always in command and but for some brilliant saves by Breen, in the Keel goal-mouth, the gap at the end would have been much larger. It was hard to estimate the worth of the Killorglin side. When in possession, the side moved fluently, breaking very fast from defence to set up fine attacking movements but the defence, at times, was at sixes and sevens and was lucky not to have conceded a few major scores. Fine defensive work by young fullback Michael F. O Shea sealed the often wide open gap that nearly left Keel through on at least four occasions. His best support in defence came from James O Riordan, Francis O Doherty, James O Shea and Joe Crowley in goal. Veteran Patsy Joy had a fine hour at midfield, as had John Evans. Admittedly, Keel was very depleted but the Rangers should have won even more comprehensively. Johnny Byrnes, who was in brilliant form, hit the woodwork on four occasions, with the Keel goalie beaten. Furthermore, he had two other shots cleared miraculously off the line by the Keel cornerback. He got best assistance from Tom Johnston, Gerard O Shea, Frank Russell, John Horgan and Anthony Corkery. Best for Keel were Johnny Sheehan, Moss O Connor, Sean Foley, Jim Foley, Ned O Shea and Denis Foley.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Barry Harmon, Michael F. O Shea, Mike O Shea, Francis O Doherty, James O Riordan, James O Shea, Patsy Joy, Tom Johnston (0-2), Gerard O Shea (0-1), John Evans (0-3, 2 frees), John Horgan (0-1), John Clifford (0-1), Frank Russell (0-1), Johnny Byrnes (0-3). Subs: Johnny O Connor for J. Clifford, Jimmy O Shea for M. O Shea, Anthony Corkery (0-1) for J. Horgan, Jack Reen, John O Neill, Noel Prendiville. Missing were Declan Falvey (Kerry v Galway challenge) and Pat Horgan (working).

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort)

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 20^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-10; Laune Rangers 0-5

That match was best forgotten, both from a Laune Rangers’ and a football point of view. Had the Irish international rugby selectors been at the game, they would have seen a few players who could have solved a few problems regarding tackles. Almost from the word ‘go,’ that game produced bone-crushing and often vicious tackling, with no regard for the age or size of players. Both sides were guilty and the amazing thing was that each of them finished with a full compliment of players. There should have been a few dismissals during the hour.

The main difference between the sides was in their finishing. Beaufort took their chances, while Laune Rangers did not. If Rangers had a good place-kicker, they would have won, but there could be no denying that Beaufort deserved their victory. John Coffey, at midfield gave the Beaufort side great punch. Michael O Sullivan, Brendan Lynch and Bernie Coffey were the best of the attack, while Donal Courtney, Aidan Coffey and Aidan Kelly, as well as goalkeeper, Patie Hartnett, played well in defence. Laune Rangers lacked the spirit for a game like that. However, it was no fault of John Horgan and Gerard O Shea in attack that they failed to get the winning scores. In defence, Michael F. O Shea, Mike O Shea and James O Shea did all that was asked of them, as did young John O Neill in goal. Arising out of the referee’s report at the Mid-Kerry Board meeting on Mon. 21^st March, the Secretary was instructed to write to Brendan Lynch, John Coffey and Aidan Kelly for an explanation of their conduct at that game. At the subsequent Board meeting, letters were received from both Aidan Kelly and John Coffey apologising for their actions.

Laune Rangers: John O Neill, James O Riordan, Michael F. O Shea, Barry Harmon, Mike O Shea, John Evans, James O Shea, Patsy Joy, Declan Falvey (0-3, 1 free), Johnny Byrnes (0-1), Johnny O Connor, John Horgan, Gerard O Shea, Frank Russell, John Clifford (0-1). Subs: Jimmy O Shea for J. O Connor (inj.), Joe Crowley for F. Russell (inj.), Anthony Corkery, Brendan Sweeney.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine)

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 2^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Glenbeigh 2-14

The fair-sized attendance that braved the artic-like conditions got good value as Glenbeigh turned on the style to thrash Laune Rangers. Despite the fact that Laune Rangers played very badly, the referee was very bad also. He allowed some very dangerous tackles. The sides were level at the interval, 0-7 each, after a very enjoyable first half. The referee sent Barry Harmon off for dissent, at a time in the game when the Rangers were only one point in arrears. (At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting on 25^th April, he was suspended for two weeks).Thereafter, the floodgates opened. It was a brilliantly taken Derry O Sullivan goal in the 13^th minute of the second half that started the rout. Declan Falvey and Barry Harmon had been at Ted Houlihan’s wedding earlier in the day. Patsy Joy’s absence through injury was a big handicap. Best for the Rangers were Frank Russell, Michael F. O Shea, Jimmy O Shea, James O Shea, Mike O Shea, John Horgan and Francis O Doherty.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Jack Reen, Michael F. O Shea, Barry Harmon, Jimmy O Shea (0-1), John Evans, James O Shea (0-1, free), Declan Falvey, Francis O Doherty (1-0), John Horgan (0-2, frees), Tom Johnston, Johnny Byrnes, Gerard O Shea, Frank Russell (0-2), Mike O Shea. Sub: Anthony Corkery (0-1) for J. Byrnes (injured in the first minute). A ball hit the referee and went over the bar for a point for Rangers and it was allowed!

Ref: Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine). At the subsequent Laune Rangers Club meeting, great dissatisfaction was expressed at the standard of refereeing in Mid-Kerry. Pat O Shea proposed that a course for referees should be organised and that Weeshie Fogarty and Mick O Neill should be the tutors. He further suggested that each club should be requested to send at least three referees to the course and that the officers of the Board should show interest by attending and that, as a follow up, a referees’ committee should be set up within the District Board.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 24^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-6; Laune Rangers 1-8

Those who were brave enough to attend that game got little satisfaction. The game, played in wet, cold and windy conditions, never provided the expected excitement and the only things worth remembering were the uncertainty of the outcome and the fine refereeing. The local side was leading with thirteen minutes remaining and a shock result was on the cards. However, two minutes after Johnny O Connor had pointed from a free, Johnny Byrnes sealed Milltown’s fate with a well-taken goal. Even though Rangers won, they played poorly. The minors, who had been rested, were sorely missed. Best for the winners were Pat Horgan Jack Reen, Eamonn Crowley, Mike O Shea, Johnny O Connor, Tom Johnston, Johnny Byrnes, John Clifford, James O Riordan and John Evans. Milltown/Castlemaine’s best were Connie Hayes, Jimmy Hayes, James Mangan, Mike Colgan, Billy Kerins, Pat Twiss, O Connor and Mike McCarthy.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan, Eamonn Crowley, Mike O Shea, Jack Reen, James O Shea, John Evans (0-2), James O Riordan, Johnny Byrnes (1-0), Declan Falvey (0-1), Tom Johnston (0-1), John Clifford (0-1), Patsy Joy, Johnny O Connor (0-3, frees). Subs: Michael F. O Shea, Gerard O Shea.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Sun.15^th May at Milltown: Beaufort 1-11; Laune Rangers 0-11

The large attendance got tremendous value for money in that thrilling semi-final, as both teams went all out to play open football and how well they succeeded! Laune Rangers had the aid of a stiff breeze in the first half and led by 0-6 to 0-1 after twenty minutes. However, the game took on a new look, when Beaufort were awarded a rather controversial penalty for a foul on Brendan Lynch in the 25^th minute. Ian Joy had no difficulty in converting the spot-kick. Both sides exchanged points before the interval, at which stage the Rangers led by 0-7 to 1-2.

The second half was played at a cracking pace. After both sides had exchanged points in the opening minutes, Beaufort went on to add four points from play in a great five minutes spell. Rangers fought back and levelled the scores but Beaufort were back in the lead in the 47^th minute through a free from Brendan Lynch. Rangers equalised again, when Johnny O Connor pointed a free but that was to be their last score. Beaufort finished strongly with three points to deservedly qualify for the final.

The Beaufort men were yards ahead of their opponents in the run for the ball and, as a result, were seldom pressed when kicking for points. Paudie Lynch had a solid game at centre halfback and, behind him, the Breens and Courtney formed a solid fullback line. Beaufort made a master move when they switched Dan Coffey to midfield from attack. He dominated the exchanges and, as well as scoring three fine points, created an extra man in attack. In attack, Brendan Lynch had a fine game. He got best support from Mike O Sullivan, on the forty, and Bernie Coffey. Scorers for Beaufort were B. Lynch 0-5, D. Coffey 0-3, Ian Joy 1-0, John Coffey 0-2, Tom Kelliher 0-1.

Laune Rangers rested their young players. In defence Francis O Doherty, Jimmy O Shea and Pat Horgan were best. John Evans played well at midfield and did Patsy Joy, when moved there. In attack, Tom Johnston and Johnny O Connor were the pick. Frank Russell faded after a fine first half.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Francis O Doherty, Pat Horgan, Barry Harmon, Jimmy O Shea, Jack Reen, Mike O Shea, John Evans, Declan Falvey, Tom Johnston (0-1), Frank Russell (0-1), Johnny O Connor (0-7, frees), Johnny Byrnes (0-1), Patsy Joy (0-1), John Clifford.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

A very serious incident occurred after the final whistle. John Evans was assaulted by a Beaufort mentor, Murt Kelly, using an umbrella, causing him to have four stitches inserted over one of his eyes. At the Laune Rangers club meeting on Mon. 16^th May, the matter was raised and James Coffey confirmed that he had seen an umbrella being raised and lowered twice. After further discussion, it was decided to await the outcome of the Mid-Kerry Board meeting before taking any action. If the Board did not look for an investigation, then the club would demand one. Meanwhile, it was proposed that a solicitor would take statements from witnesses – Sean McKenna, Johnny O Connor, John Evans, James Coffey, Maurice Harmon, Patsy Joy, Pat Sheahan (Groyne) and Seamus Hurley.

At the subsequent club meeting on Mon. 23^rd May, James Coffey proposed that, if the club was not satisfied with the result of the Mid-Kerry Board enquiry, it should withdraw from all Mid-Kerry competitions. Joe Crowley seconded. When asked to clarify what ‘satisfied’ meant, he left it to the meeting to decide. After one and a half hours’ discussion, there seemed to have been four trains of thought,

1)     Satisfied only if Murt Kelly was suspended.

2)     Satisfied only if Murt Kelly was suspended, fined or otherwise reprimanded.

3)     Satisfied as long as Murt Kelly was found guilty and John Evans was vindicated – the punishment thereafter was irrelevant.

4)     Eamonn Crowley, doubting that the Mid-Kerry Board would take any action, proposed that the club take action and ban Murt Kelly from the J.P. O Sullivan Park.

When it was pointed out by the Secretary that any proposal by the club might influence adversely the decision of the Mid-Kerry Board, James Coffey withdrew his proposal. It was also doubted if the club was empowered to ban Murt Kelly from the J.P. Sullivan Park, when the incident did not take place there. The matter rested there.

Jerome Conway reported to the meeting on 30^th May that the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board would not hear of an investigation into the incident involving John Evans and Murt Kelly, but only warned all clubs to be responsible for their supporters in the future. It was decided to appeal the decision of the Mid-Kerry Board, not to carry out an investigation, to the Kerry Co. Board. The GPC of the Kerry Co. Board, at its meeting on Wed. 22^nd June, upheld the decision of the Mid-Kerry Board. Laune Rangers were represented by Maurice Harmon and the Mid-Kerry Board by Kevin Griffin and Pat Clifford. At the meeting, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Kevin Griffin, described the incident as trivial. Maurice Harmon questioned the GPC’s decision at the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 28^th June, but the Co. Board adopted the decision.

 

Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.

 

Losers’ Rd. on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Milltown: Keel 2-3; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Mid-Kerry Novice Championship

Players, who had played in the Senior Co. Championship in the previous year or present year, were ineligible to play in that competition. It was played with a losers’ round. Laune Rangers received a bye to the semi-finals.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 17^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine beat Laune Rangers ‘B’ by one point.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

At the subsequent Mid-Kerry Board meeting, the referee, in his report, stated that it was about time that something was done with so-called members of the Milltown/Castlemaine Club, who went to games to cause trouble. The Milltown delegate named the person in question as John Joe Harmon, club PRO. The Chairman said that the Milltown/Castlemaine Club was responsible for the members of its club. He instructed the Secretary to write to the club and ask it to take action so that the trouble would not happen again at Mid-Kerry games.

 

Beaufort beat Milltown/Castlemaine by 2-5 to 2-4 in the final.

 

Senior Parish League

The competition was played on a double-round basis. At the club meeting on 14^th Feb, controversy arose as to which team Declan Falvey and Jimmy O Shea should play. Joe Crowley, the Lower Town/Meanus delegate, insisted that both players should return to their original team. (They had been given to Over Laune in the previous year due to the non-availability of Jerry Coffey and John Evans). Jerome Conway, the Over Laune representative, eventually agreed to that, as an experiment, but if Over Laune did badly in the competition, one or both players would play with them in 1978.

 

17^th March: Caragh Lake/Rangue v Upper Town/Sunhill (Ref: Jerome Conway)

Over Laune v Lower Town/Meanus (Ref: Ted Houlihan)

 

Tues. 31^st May: Upper Town/Sunhill v Lower Town/Meanus

Tues. 7^th June: Over Laune v Caragh Lake/Rangue

 

Tues. 28^th June: Caragh Lake/Rangue v Upper Town/Sunhill.

Upper Town/Sunhill failed to field a team. At the subsequent club meeting, it was reported that the Upper Town/Sunhill team had not been aware of the fixture until the night before the game. The Chairman ruled that the game should be re-fixed for Thurs. 7^th July. However, Caragh Lake/Rangue objected to the re-fixture and failed to field a team on the scheduled date. Upper Town/Sunhill was awarded the points.

Thurs. 30^th June: Over Laune v Lower Town/Meanus.

Lower Town/Meanus failed to field a team and Over Laune were awarded the points.

 

Sun. 9^th Oct: Caragh Lake/Rangue beat Lower Town/Meanus

Ref: Bart Moriarty.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 31^st Oct: Caragh Lake/Rangue beat Upper Town/Sunhill

Ref: Bart Moriarty.

 

Final on 26^th Dec: Caragh Lake/Rangue beat Over Laune.

 

Senior Challenge/Tournament Games

 

Sun. 6^th Feb. at Listry: Listry 1-6; Laune Rangers 3-8

Laune Rangers led at halftime by 2-2 to 1-3.

Laune Ranges: Joe Crowley, Barry Harmon, Pat Horgan, James O Riordan, Mike O Shea, Francis O Doherty, Patsy Joy (0-1), Declan Falvey (0-1), Frank Russell (1-1), John Evans (0-1), John Horgan, Johnny O Connor (0-2), John Clifford (1-2), Anthony Corkery. Subs: Michael F. O Shea for F. Doherty, Gerard O Shea (1-0) for J. Evans, Brendan Sweeney for A. Corkery, John O Neill for J. Crowley.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers).

 

Sun. 20^th Feb. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-1; Laune Rangers 5-4

Laune Rangers led at halftime by 3-2 to 0-0.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, Barry Harmon, Michael F. O Shea, Mike O Shea, Jimmy O Shea, Tom Johnston, Francis O Doherty, Patsy Joy, Declan Falvey (0-1, free), John Horgan, John Evans (1-0), Gerard O Shea (0-1), Johnny O Connor, Frank Russell (1-0), Johnny Byrnes (1-2). Subs: Jack Reen for J. Crowley, James O Riordan for M.F. O Shea, Tom O Connor for P. Joy, James O Shea for D. Falvey, John Clifford (1-0) for F. Russell, Brendan Sweeney for J. O Connor, Anthony Corkery for G. O Shea, Noel Prendiville (1-0) for J. Horgan.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers)

 

Sun. 27^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-6; Lispole 0-3

Laune Rangers had only twelve players, while Lispole had fourteen. Lispole agreed to give one player to the home side and a game of thirteen-a-side was played. Rangers led at halftime by 0-3 to 0-1.

Laune Rangers: Joe Crowley, James O Shea, Anthony Foley (Iveragh Road), Jimmy O Shea, Michael F. O Shea, Mike O Shea, John Evans (0-3, 2 frees), Gerard O Shea (0-1), Brendan Sweeney (0-1), John Clifford (0-1), Patrick Foley (Iveragh Road), James Ferris, a Lispole player.

 

Tues. 14^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Wed. 6^th July at Ballylongford: Ballylongford v Laune Rangers

 

Sat. 6^th Aug. at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh Carnival Tournament for the Andy O Sullivan Memorial Trophy.

Semi-final: Laune Rangers v Beaufort.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 2^nd Aug. at Castleisland: Shannon Rangers 3-7; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Ref: Michael Reidy (Ballymac). That was the first Co. U-21 Football Championship.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Trainer/Selector – Noel O Mahony. Selectors – Pat O Shea, Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon.

 

Rd. 1on Tues. 5^th July: Laune Rangers beat Shannon Rangers

Rd. 2 on Tues. 26^th July at Killarney: Laune Rangers 2-11; Austin Stacks 2-1.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 22^nd Aug. at Tralee: Laune Rangers 0-10; Feale Rangers 0-5.

 

Final on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Tralee: Laune Rangers 2-5; Castleisland 1-3.

A second half revival by Laune Rangers won them the Co. Minor Football Championship at Austin Stack Park and ensured them of a place in the sporting history books for it was the first time that the Killorglin side had won the title. They had to call on all their reserves of stamina and courage to overcome the challenge of a plucky Castleisland side. Both attacks exhibited some appalling inaccuracy, with the victors probably the greater culprits. However, despite that weakness, the game was fought at a fast pace and the second half, in particular, had some exciting moments.

Aided by the breeze, Castleisland set the pace in the first half and enjoyed a slight edge at midfield. They managed to take their chances reasonably well and held the lead on the scoreboard for most of the half. It was Laune Rangers, who were first to score, however, with a point by John Horgan in the opening minutes. But Castleisland equalised within thirty seconds when Jamie Lyons pointed. Castleisland looked to have a goal at their mercy four minutes later when Des McCarthy initiated a very dangerous attack. He sent the ball in the direction of John Hough, but it eventually went wide. John O Connor pointed a close-in free for Castleisland in the eighth minute to give his side a lead, which they were to hold for the remainder of the first half.

It was at that stage that both defences really started coming into their own and, while the low scoring was in part due to the inaccuracy of both attacks, it was also due to some outstanding defensive work by both teams. The Castleisland fullback line of Eddie Sugrue, Mike Cronin and Wilsie King conceded little to their opponents and King, in particular, made some outstanding catches in the air. The Laune Rangers trio of Mícheál O Callaghan, Michael F. O Shea and Anthony Shannon were equally effective at the other end. We had to wait until the 18^th minute for the next score, a goal by Jim Walsh for Castleisland. That was a long-awaited score and, as expected, it helped to inject some much-needed life into the proceedings. The score must have touched a panic nerve in the Laune Rangers side because they fought back with a strong attack on the opposition goal. Although they had a free blocked down in the 21^st minute, Michael O Sullivan was on hand to collect the ball and score a point. Shortly afterwards John O Connor had a point to leave the halftime score at 1-3 to 0-2 in favour of Castleisland.

Laune Rangers started the second half with the advantage of the breeze and it was obvious that that was going to help them considerably. Castleisland never seemed to settle down in that half and, indeed, failed to raise even a single flag. James Sheehan pointed for the Rangers in the 34^th minute, but the Killorglin side had to wait until the 42^nd minute for their next score, a point by John Horgan. The real turning point of the game came in the 51^st minute when Patrick Murphy sent a hard, low shot along the ground to the net and gave Laune Rangers the lead for the first time. That provided a great fillip for them and, two minutes later, James O Shea was unlucky not to put them further ahead when he sent the ball just wide from a well-taken sideline free. Rangers’ next score came in the 56^th minute when Gerard O Shea cut through the Castleisland defence in a brilliant solo-run and passed to John O Neill, who pointed. Then Rangers clinched victory shortly before the final whistle, when Anthony Corkery scored a goal after a melee in front of the posts.

It was a glory day for Laune Rangers and they could take credit for a fighting performance. They were best served by the fullback line, already mentioned, Liam Woods, John Horgan and Anthony Corkery.

The captain, Mícheál Johnson, was unable to play because of shingles. Frantic efforts had been made during the previous week to get him right, including an excursion to Lispole on the Wed. by Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway to acquire a concoction from a ‘healer’ but all to no avail. When it was discovered that he had the shingles, Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway approached Mícheál O Callaghan, who had set his sights on a cycling career that summer. Even though it meant that his cycling preparations would be seriously affected, he loyally answered the call.

The absence of Mícheál Johnston had unsettled the team, especially in the early stages, but, as they had done so often in the past, they fought back to win. After ten minutes play, Michael O Sullivan and Anthony Corkery switched positions. Approaching halftime, James O Shea and Michael F. O Shea switched positions. When Paudie Healy came on, he played at full-forward and Patrick Murphy switched to the right corner.

Noel O Mahony had the team at peak fitness. The team was beautifully togged out, thanks to the generous sponsorship by the local AIB branch. Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway had been to see the Co. Semi-final, in which Castleisland had beaten St. Brendan’s by 0-5 to 0-4, and had reported back to the Laune Rangers ‘camp’ that they would have preferred to play Castleisland.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mícheál O Callaghan, Michael F. O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Michael O Sullivan (0-1), James O Shea (capt.), Liam Woods, John Horgan (0-2), Gerard O Shea, John O Neill (0-1), James Sheehan (0-1), Anthony Corkery (1-0), John O Dwyer, Patrick Murphy (1-0), Brendan Sweeney. Subs: Paudie Healy for J. O Dwyer, John Costello, Gene Evans, Alan Diggin, Stephen Russell, Donal Mangan, Patrick Pigott.

Castleisland: P.J. Murphy (Scartaglin), Eddie Sugrue, Mike Cronin, Wilsie King (Desmonds), D. Shea, Tom Lynch (Desmonds), Mike Nash (Brosna), Jamie Lyons (Desmonds), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Joe Murphy (Currow), Jim Walsh, John O Connor, John Hough (Brosna), Liam Galwey (Currow), Des McCarthy (Desmonds). Subs: D. Twomey for D. McCarthy, Arthur Connor (Desmonds) for L. Galwey.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchel’s).

The team had a meal in the Imperial Hotel, Tralee. Bonfires blazed and crowds were on the streets of Killorglin in the evening to give a heroes’ welcome to the team. Everywhere there was cheering, flag-waving and excitement, as the bus, carrying the team, accompanied by a huge cavalcade of cars, drove through the different streets and housing estates. Winning championships was nothing new to those lads. They had been together since they were very young and had won the Co. U-12, U-14 and U-16 Championships, as well as numerous tournaments.

Present at the game was eighty-eight years old Paddy Foley, Iveragh Road, the sole surviving member of the 1911 Co. Championship winning team. His grandson, Noel O Mahony, trained the minor team and another grandson, John O Dwyer, was at corner forward.

At the subsequent club meeting, the Chairman congratulated the team on winning the Co. Championship for the first time. He, also, congratulated Castleisland for being gallant losers. He praised the work of all connected with the historic occasion, especially Noel O Mahony, Pat O Shea, Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon. He, also, thanked AIB manager, John O Connell, for the generous sponsorship of the togs and stockings for the team. It was decided to write a letter of thanks to John Dowling, Kerins O Rahillys, for his co-operation in coming to Killorglin for two challenge games prior to the final.

Eamonn ‘Edso’ Crowley penned the following lines in honour of that historic occasion:

‘The Boys Have Grown to Men’.

“The town they call Killorglin, a spot beside the Laune,

A house stands guard beside the bridge, you’ll pass as you go down.

On the eighteenth of September in ninety seventy seven

A crowd of boys passed out that house, they were on their way to heaven.

 

Six years before, not knowing the score, Mid-Kerry left behind,

O Shea and Conway took the youth and impressed upon their minds.

At under twelve, fourteen, sixteen, they swept the county clean.

Then came the day, they held at bay Castleisland at under eighteen.

 

In goal was Lyons, not long come home, his net he minded well.

Outside him mighty Mike Frank stood, he’d hold out the fires of hell.

At corner-back, the tide he’d stem, a river bears his name,

Young Shannon stood, he looked so good, a boy for future fame.

 

For O Callaghan the call came late, in cycling he’d set his goal.

He fielded well and cleared like hell. That his wheels may always roll.

The halfback line, like a poem in rhyme, stood strong, steadfast and true.

Young Woods, the spark, he made his mark and Corkery, what more could he do.

 

In the centre was the Caragh boy, James Shea so tall and strong.

He fielded high ‘neath the clear blue sky, birds sang his praise in song.

At centre-field, the engine room kept order through the storm.

The going was tough and the seas were rough but the lads stayed true to form.

 

O Shea Gearóid he harassed hard, he chased and raced and won

And Horgan John he battled long and finished like the blazing sun.

The attacking six were a different mix from the crew before selected,

For a cruel blow laid young Johnston low, but as captain he’d been elected.

 

On the left, O Neill, like a ton of steel, kept hammering with all his might.

On the other side, like a surging tide, O Sullivan, you showed the light.

On the fortieth yard, a boy so hard kept shining through the hour,

James Sheehan true, a boy in blue, like a smiling autumn flower.

 

To the inside three, I bend my knee, their praise I’ll echo long.

O Dwyer, the flyer, your star shines higher, for you I’ll sing my song.

And Sweeney young, our adopted son from Glenbeigh’s shiny shore,

He fielded, darted, turned and parted for another Rangers’ score.

 

And the Bansha boy, he gave us joy, Pat Murphy stood apart,

For he struck the net, sure we’ll ne’er forget that he thrill-filled every heart.

There were twenty-two of those boys in blue, who brought the club to glory,

But to name them all, I would need Saint Paul and then no song, but story.

 

Young Healy tall, I must recall, for as substitute came on.

He played his role and made the goal that filled our hearts with song.

And the trainer too, a Ranger blue, Noel Mahony we must admire,

For he took his team and worked up their spleen and instilled within them fire.

 

Well the day is done and the victory won, but those men we’ll long acclaim,

Pat Shea, Ger Conway and Shannon’s dad have laid their claim to fame.

Now the boys have grown and the seed is sown for a senior county win,

And that house will ring, as the lads will sing when the ‘Bishop’ is landed in.

Monologue:

‘Twas in nineteen eleven we last went to heaven, when the bold Paddy Foley was captain.

That house it has seen great men who were keen to ensure that some day it would happen.

For its in Coffey’s pub the great Ranger club has now for long congregated

And the time it has come, with the penance well done, for this hour we years have all waited.”

Co. Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 25^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-14; St. Mary’s 0-4

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brendan Sweeney, Michael F. O Shea, Mícheál O Callaghan, Liam Woods, James O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan, John O Neill, Anthony Corkery, Gerard O Shea, Mícheál Johnston (0-9), John O Dwyer, Patrick Murphy, James Sheehan (0-4). Subs: John Costello for P. Murphy, Alan Diggin (0-1) for J. O Dwyer, Stephen Russell and Tony McGlynn.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers), as the appointed referee had failed to show.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 8^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-10; Rathmore 1-2.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Brendan Sweeney, John Horgan, John O Neill, Anthony Corkery, Paudie Healy, Gerard O Shea, John O Dwyer, James Sheehan, Patrick Murphy.

Ref: Richie Williams (Fossa).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-9; Dr. Crokes 2-5.

Laune Rangers led for most of the game, but two goals near the end sealed the issue.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, John Costello, James O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan, John O Neill, Gerard O Shea, Paudie Healy, Mícheál Johnston, John O dwyer, James Sheehan, Anthony Corkery. Subs: Patrick Murphy, Brendan Sweeney.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Spa 1-8

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brendan Sweeney, James O Shea, Alan Diggin, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan, John O Neill, Mícheál Johnston, Gerard O Shea, James Sheehan, Anthony Corkery, John O Dwyer, Gene Evans.

Ref: T.J. O Connor (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 29^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-15; Legion 2-5.

Ref: Derry O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Mon. 2^nd May at Tralee: Laune Rangers 0-7; Listowel Emmett’s 0-7.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Alan Diggin, Liam Woods, Michael F. O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan John O Neill, Gerard O Shea, Anthony Corkery, Mícheál Johnston, Brendan Sweeney, James Sheehan, Patrick Murphy.

 

Semi-final replay on Sun. 8^th May at Tralee: Laune Rangers 0-8; Listowel Emmett’s 0-3.

Anthony Corkery was sent off in that game and was suspended for two weeks, which caused him to miss the final.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony Shannon, Michael F. O Shea, Alan Diggin, Liam Woods, James O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan John O Neill, Gerard O Shea, Anthony Corkery, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, James Sheehan, Brendan Sweeney.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

 

Final on Fri. 13^th May at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 1-10; Laune Rangers 0-9.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony Shannon, Michael F. O Shea, Alan Diggin, Michael O Sullivan, James O Shea (capt.), Mícheál O Callaghan, Liam Woods, Gerard O Shea, Brendan Sweeney, James Sheehan, Mícheál Johnston, John O Neill, Patrick Murphy, John Horgan.

Ref: Tom Brennan (Desmonds).

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Championship

That competition was played with a losers’ round.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 21^st June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh lost to Laune Rangers.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine)

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Milltown/Castlemaine.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh)

 

Final on Thurs. 25^th Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-7; Keel 0-2.

That was an over-robust game.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Michael O Sullivan, Michael F. O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Anthony Corkery, James O Shea, Liam Woods, Gerard O Shea, John Horgan, John O Neill, James Sheehan, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Patrick Murphy, Brendan Sweeney. Subs: Paudie Healy, Donal Mangan.

 

Minor Football Challenge Games

 

15^th/17^th April in Dublin: St. Kevin’s College v Laune Rangers.

That invitation had been issued by Kieran Foley, former Laune Rangers’ player then teaching in Dublin. Noel O Mahony, Pat O Shea, Dan Carey and Jim Casey travelled with the team. The club subsidised the trip to the tune of £50.

 

U-17 Parish League

There were four captains, James Sheehan, Mícheál O Callaghan, John O Neill and Anthony Corkery. The games were played on Sun. evenings and the people in charge were Noel O Mahony and Liam Shannon. It was played on a double round basis.

 

Sun. 16^th Oct: James Sheehan beat Mícheál O Callaghan.

John O Neill beat Anthony Corkery.

 

Sun. 6^th Nov: James Sheehan beat Mícheál O Callaghan.

John O Neill beat Anthony Corkery.

 

Sun. 27^th Nov: Anthony Corkery beat Mícheál O Callaghan.

James Sheehan beat John O Neill.

 

Semi-final ‘A’ League on Sun. 11^th Dec: Anthony Corkery beat John O Neill.

Semi-final ‘B’ league on Sun. 18^th Dec: John O Neill beat Mícheál O Callaghan.

‘A’ Final on Sun. 1^st Jan. 1978: James Sheehan beat Anthony Corkery.

James Sheehan: John Griffin, Alan Diggin, Gene Evans, Pat Pigott, Donal Pigott, Paudie Sheahan, John O Dwyer, Peter Lyons, Patrick O Connor, John O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard O Shea, Teddy Moriarty, John Murphy, Pat O Donnell.

 

Co. U-16 Championship

There were two groups in the urban section and the top two teams, after the preliminary rounds, qualified for the semi-finals.

Group 1 – Dr. Crokes. Legion, Laune Rangers, Kenmare and Cahersiveen.

Group 2 – Austin Stack’s, Kerins O Rahilly’s, John Mitchels, Desmonds and Listowel.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 20^th July at Killarney: Laune Rangers defeated Legion.

Ref: Dan Moynihan (Legion)

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 28^th July at Killarney: Dr. Crokes defeated Laune Rangers.

Ref: John Nolan (Listry).

Rd. 3 on Wed. 3^rd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-3; Kenmare 0-2.

Ref: Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh).

Rd. 4 on Sat. 27^th Aug. at Cahersiveen: Cahersiveen 1-3; Laune Rangers 2-13.

Laune Rangers led at halftime by 2-7 to 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, John Hurley, Paudie Sheahan, Stephen Russell, Jim Johnston, Anthony Shannon, Donal Mangan, Joe Shannon, Paudie Healy, Seamus O Shea, John Sheehan, Patrick Horgan, Finbarr Coffey. Subs: John Griffin, Eugie Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Liam Hayes, Jimmy Hannon.

Ref: Michael O Shea (Laune Rangers).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 24^th Sept at Killarney: Austin Stacks 1-14; Laune Rangers 3-6.

Following a first half that was all one-way traffic, Stacks turned over leading by 1-9 to 0-2 and people were wondering what had happened to the old Laune Rangers spirit. It was a different story in the second half, however. Rangers staged a tremendous fight-back and Stacks were extremely lucky to hold out for a two points’ victory. On that Laune Rangers’ team were Paudie Sheahan, Patrick Pigott, Stephen Russell, Donal Mangan, Anthony Shannon, John Griffin, Joe Shannon and Paudie Healy. On the Stack’s team were Ed O Brien, Mike Counihan, Michael Hickey, Liam Kerins, David Charles and Tommy Curtin.

 

Co. Final in Killarney on Sat. 29^th Oct: Austin Stacks 10-5; Kenmare 0-1.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Championship

 

Final at Milltown: Laune Rangers beat Beaufort.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Paudie Sheahan, John Hurley, Pat Pigott, Donal Mangan, Stephen Russell, Jim Johnston, Anthony Shannon, Patrick Horgan, John Griffin, Raymond Murphy, Joe Shannon, John Sheehan, Paudie Healy, Finbarr Coffey. Subs: Seamus O Shea, Jimmy Hannon.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16B Championship

 

Semi-final: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship

There were two groups and the top two teams in each group, after the preliminary rounds, went into the semi-finals.

Group 1: Legion, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes, Kenmare and Cahersiveen.

Group 2: Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stack’s, John Mitchels and Desmonds.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 9^th June at Killarney: Legion 4-4; Laune Rangers 2-3.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Kevin Melia, Ger Hurley, Sean Corkery, Tomás Hayes, Liam Hayes, Tommy Foley, Eugie Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Brian Freeman, Pierce Prendiville, Michael O Reilly, Timothy Doyle, Timmy Moriarty, Dodo Sheahan. Subs: John O Connell, James Naughton, Jerry Houlihan.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 15^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-5; Dr. Croke’s 4-10.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Sean Corkery, Liam Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, Timothy Doyle, John O Connell, Kevin Melia, Michael O Reilly, Tomás Hayes, Brian Freeman, Dodo Sheahan, Gerard Murphy, Timmy Moriarty, James Naughton, Ciarán O Callaghan.

Ref: George McAuliffe (Milltown).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 22^nd June at Kenmare: Kenmare beat Laune Rangers. Ref: Batt Burns (Sneem).

Rd. 4 on Wed. 29^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Cahersiveen.

 

Co. Final on Fri. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: John Mitchels 3-5; Dr. Crokes 3-5.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

Replay on Sat. 13^th Aug. at Killorglin: John Mitchels 3-11; Dr. Crokes 3-3. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

 

Mon. 16^th May: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 5-9; Beaufort 3-8.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: John Foley, Kevin Melia, Ger Hurley, Sean Corkery, Jerry Houlihan, Liam Hayes, Denis O Neill, Eugie Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Patrick O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Dodo Sheahan, James Naughton, Timmy Moriarty, Timothy Doyle.

 

Mon. 23^rd May at Rossbeigh: Glenbeigh lost to Laune Rangers.

Cars for the transport of the players were provided by Joe Crowley, Michael Foley, John Foley and Jerome Conway.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Kevin Melia, Ger Hurley, Sean Corkery, Jerry Houlihan, Liam Hayes, Patrick O Shea, Eugie Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Brian Freeman, Pierce Prendiville, James Naughton, Timothy Doyle, Timmy Moriarty, Dodo Sheahan.

 

Final at the beginning of July: Laune Rangers beat Glenbeigh.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean Corkery, Ger Hurley, Donal Hurley, Dodo Sheahan, Liam Hayes, John O Connell, Eugie Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Christopher Knightley, Pierce Prendiville, James Naughton, Timothy Doyle, Timmy Moriarty, Kevin O Grady. Subs: Kevin Melia, Jerry Houlihan, Denis O Neill, Patrick O Shea.

Glenbeigh: Patrick O Sullivan (Village), Michael Cahill (Rossbeigh), Raymond O Sullivan (Village), Paul Moriarty (Droum), Mike Griffin (Lettir), Kevin Moriarty (Droum), Danny Sheahan (Clahane), Sean Sheahan (Ballinakilla), Patrick O Grady (Keelnabrack), Pat Sheahan (Ballinakilla), Michael O Sullivan (Reenalagane), Gerry O Connor (Clahane), Gerard O Connor (Village), Mike Sheahan (Village), Mike O Connor (Village).

 

U-14 Challenge/Tournament Game

 

Sat. 26^th Aug. in Tralee – Laune Rangers competed in the Festival Blitz.

 

Community Games Football (U-12.5 years)

 

Killorglin reached the quarter-finals of the county competition.

Killorglin: Frank Foley, Donal Hurley, John O Connell, Padraig O Shea, Jerry Horgan, Cornelius Naughton, Florence Leen, Michael O Reilly, Tomás Hayes, Joe Doyle, Ciarán O Callaghan, Gerard Murphy, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Patrick Diggin, Kevin O Grady. Subs: Con Counihan, Andrew Pigott, Dermot Griffin, Martin Clifford, James Clifford.

 

U-13 Parish League

There were four captains, Michael O Reilly, Tomás Hayes, Tommy Foley and John O Connell. The games were played on Sat. evenings and the people in charge were Michael Foley and Bart Moriarty.

 

Sat. 15^th Oct: Tomás Hayes beat Michael O Reilly

Tommy Foley beat John O Connell.

 

Sat. 5^th Nov: Michael O Reilly beat Tomás Hayes.

Tommy Foley beat John O Connell

The final stages of the league were deferred until 1978.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

There were two urban groups and the top two teams in each, after the preliminary rounds, went into the semi-finals.

Group 1 – Kerins O Rahilly’s, Legion. Desmonds and Austin Stack’s ‘A’.

Group 2 – Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes, John Mitchels and Austin Stack’s ‘B’.

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 21^st April at Connolly Park: Austin Stack’s ‘B’ 4-4; Laune Rangers 2-4.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

Rd. 3 on Wed. 27^th April at Mitchels Pitch: John Mitchel’s 2-2; Laune Rangers 3-6.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

Rd. 1 on Sat. 7^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-6; Dr. Crokes 2-4.

Laune Rangers: Niall O Meara, James Clifford, Ciarán O Callaghan, Donal Hurley, Florence Leen, Cornelius Naughton, Martin Clifford, Tomás Hayes, Con Counihan, Joe Doyle, Gerard Murphy, Andrew Pigott, Chris Foley, Adrian Mulvihill, Kevin O Grady. Sub: Dermot Griffin.

Dr. Crokes: Peter Fleming, Gerald O Brien, Seamus O Mahony, Colm Kiely, John O Shea, Padraig O Shea, Seamus Cronin, Padraig Daly, Noel O Leane, Timothy Coffey, Con Murphy, Vincent Casey, Pat O Shea, Tim Keogh, Francis Keogh. Subs: Liam Wynn, Niall Hickey, John Galvin, Stephen O Neill, Gerald Horan.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

 

Three teams ended with four points each, and in the ensuing toss, Laune Rangers progressed into the semi-finals.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 25^th May at Milltown: Laune Rangers 4-4; Legion 1-5.

Laune Rangers: Niall O Meara, James Clifford, Ciarán O Callaghan, Donal Hurley, Florence Leen, Cornelius Naughton, Martin Clifford, Tomás Hayes, Con Counihan, Andrew Pigott, Gerard Murphy, Kevin O Grady, Christopher Foley, Adrian Mulvihill, Dermot Griffin.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels)..

Cars for the transport of the players were provided by Joe Crowley, James Coffey and Ted Houlihan.

 

Final on Thurs. 2^nd June at Killarney: Austin Stack’s beat Laune Rangers.

Lovers of juvenile football were treated to a real feast of thrills and those two teams fought out the Urban U-12 final. Whilst the scoreboard showed Stack’s to have won convincingly, it did not do justice to the Killorglin youngsters, who fought very gallantly to the final whistle. Ref: Weeshie Fogarty (Legion).

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered two teams, ‘A’ and ‘B’. There were two groups and the top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals.

Group 1: Laune Rangers ‘A’, Beaufort and Glenbeigh.

Group 2: Keel, Milltown and Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 12^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Milltown.

Rd. 1 on Sat. 23^rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Glenbeigh.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Niall O Meara, Donal Hurley, Ciarán O Callaghan, Florence Leen, Michael Scannell, James Clifford, Martin Clifford, Tomás Hayes, Con Counihan, Gerard Murphy, Cornelius Naughton, Andrew Pigott, Joe Doyle, Kevin O Grady, Adrian Mulvihill.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 25^th April at Beaufort: Beaufort lost to Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 26^th April at Keel: Keel beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Final on 9^th May at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-9; Keel 1-1.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Niall O Meara, Florence Leen, Ciarán O Callaghan, Donal Hurley, Michael Scannell, James Clifford, Martin Clifford, Con Counihan, Tomás Hayes, Andrew Pigott, Gerard Murphy, Kevin O Grady, Joe Doyle, Adrian Mulvihill, Christopher Foley. Sub: Billy O Neill.

 

U-12 Tournament/Challenge Games

 

Sat. 14^th May at Killarney – Dr. Crokes Pan-Celtic Football Blitz (Blitz organiser – Jackie Looney). 12 teams took part and they were grouped in four groups. Laune Rangers played Knocknagoshel and Kerins O Rahilly’s.

Wed. 18^th May at Killarney: Laune Rangers v Kenmare.

 

U-11 Parish League

There were four captains, Dermot Griffin, Padraig McMahon, Gerard Murphy and Noel Doyle. The games were played every Sunday morning and the person in charge was Jerome Conway.

 

Sun. 16^th Oct: Dermot Griffin beat Noel Doyle.

Gerard Murphy beat Padraig McMahon.

 

Sun. 6^th Nov: Dermot Griffin beat Padraig McMahon.

Gerard Murphy beat Noel Doyle.

The final stages of the league were deferred until 1978.

 

U-9 Parish League

There were four captains, Paul O Sullivan, Kieran O Keeffe, John Byrne and Paul Griffin. The games were played every Sat. morning and the person in charge was Pat O Shea.

 

Sat. 15^th Oct: Kieran O Keeffe beat Paul O Sullivan.

Paul Griffin beat John Byrne.

 

Sat. 5^th Nov: Paul O Sullivan drew with Kieran O Keeffe.

John Byrne beat Paul Griffin.

The final stages of the league were deferred until 1978.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Primary Schools Football 1976/’77

Sun. 13^th March: Michael O Shea beat Glounaguillagh

Michael O Reilly v Gerard Murphy.

 

‘A’ Final on Sun. 27^th March: Douglas (Blue Jerseys) beat Tommy Foley (Orange Jerseys)

Ref: Bart Moriarty.

‘B’ Final on Sun. 27^th March: Cromane (Maroon Jerseys) beat Michael O Shea (Green & Gold Jerseys)

Ref: Jerome Conway.

The trophies and medals for the competition were sponsored by Rangue Concrete Products (Seamus Naughton).

Primary Schools’ Football 1977/’78

There were six teams, Glounaguillagh, Douglas, Cromane, Martin Clifford (Scoil Mhuire), Gerard Murphy (Scoil Mhuire) and Joe Mangan (Scoil Mhuire).

 

Fri. 14^th Oct: Glounaguillagh beat Martin Clifford.

Douglas beat Gerard Murphy.

Cromane drew with Joe Mangan.

 

1976/’77 Munster/All-Ireland Vocational Schools’ Championship

 

Munster Final at Macroom: Kerry 2-6; Cork 1-5

James Sheehan came on as a sub and scored 1-1.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sat. 16^th March at Cloughjordan: Kerry 2-6; Mayo 1-5. James Sheehan played at left full-forward but was replaced. John O Neill came on as a sub and scored 1-1, while Anthony Corkery also came on as a sub.

 

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 17^th April at Croke Park: Kerry 1-9; Kildare 0-11.

Kerry: Pat Brosnan (Tralee), Mike Brosnan (Listowel), Michael Keane (Tralee), John Crowley (Tralee), Niall Carey (Tralee), J.C. Horan (Rathmore), Sean Carroll (Tralee), Tim Horan (Rathmore), Donie Kelliher (Rathmore) 0-1, Joe Murphy (Castleisland) 0-1, John O Neill (Killorglin), Neilie Curran (Cahersiveen) 0-3, Bernard O Connell (Tralee), Sean O Leary (Rathmore) capt. 1-3, James Sheehan (Killorglin). Subs: Peter Lyons (Killorglin) 0-1 for J. O Neill (inj.), Aindrias O Regan (Killarney), D. Curtin (Tralee), M. O Connor (Tralee), G. Lyne (Cahersiveen), S. Quigley (Killarney), M. Moriarty (Tralee), Donie Kelliher (Rathmore), J. O Connor (Cahersiveen). The trainer was Donie O Sullivan. Peter Gill, Killorglin Vocational School, was a selector.

1977/’78 Munster Vocational Schools’ Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 16^th Nov. at Rathkeale: Kerry 3-12; Tipperary 2-0.

John O Neill played at midfield, James Sheehan at centre half-forward and Anthony Corkery at right full-forward.

 

Colleges Football

 

Corn an Rúnaí (Munster Colleges’ U-19 Championship)

Semi-final on Wed. 23^rd Feb. at Ballyvourney: Intermediate School 0-8; Midleton CBS 0-7.

In that thrilling encounter, the sides were level at the break, 0-5 each. The Killorglin boys withstood tremendous pressure in the last quarter to win by the narrowest of margins. Michael F. O Shea, Gerard O Shea and James O Shea were in great form. They got great support from Michael O Sullivan, John Horgan John O Dwyer and Paudie Healy.

 

Final at Finuge: Intermediate School 2-8; Ennistymon 0-2.

The Intermediate School created its own little niche in college football history by wining its first Munster Colleges’ title and, understandably, there was great joy at the victory.

The game was played in atrocious weather conditions, but the standard of football was quite good. Killorglin won the toss and captain, Michael O Sullivan, elected to take first advantage of a strong breeze. However, it was Ennistymonowever, it was EnnistymonH that made the early running, winning at midfield and finding their men well. Fortunately, the Killorglin defence, which was brilliant throughout the game, stood very firm. Ennistymon could not maintain the pace and gradually Killorglin took command. A point by Donie O Sullivan was quickly followed by another from Paudie Healy. Then full-forward John Costello set a low shot to the net and Killorglin were well on their way to victory. Five glorious points from frees followed from Mícheál Johnston to leave his side leading by 1-7 to 0-0 at halftime.

Ennistymon began the second half in spirited fashion, but Killorglin conceded no ground, thanks to good goalkeeping by Alan Diggin and great work by all the backs. To well and truly break the back of the Ennistymon challenge, John O Dwyer beat two men before shooting a fine goal. Mícheál Johnston added a point from a free. The Clare side replied with two points late in the game. There could be no doubting Killorglin’s all-round superiority. It was a fine team effort on their part.

 

Dunloe Cup

Semi-final on Wed. 4^th May: CBS, Tralee beat Intermediate School

 

Corn na Carraige (Munster Colleges U-17.5 Championship)

Semi-final on Thurs. 5^th May at Fermoy: Intermediate School beat Templemore.

 

Final at the end of May at Macroom: Intermediate School beat Rochestown College.

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

 

Co. Minor Final trial on Sat. 14^th May at Tralee: South-Kerry v North-Kerry

James O Shea played at fullback, Michael F. O Shea at left fullback and John O Neill at right half-forward.

On Wed. 25^th June, a Co. Minor Football panel was selected. Michael F. O Shea and James Sheehan were included.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 15^th July at Limerick: Limerick 2-7; Kerry 2-8.

Kerry: Tom Lynch (Desmonds), Mikey Keane (K. O Rahillys), Noel O Sullivan (do.), Michael F. O Shea (Laune Rangers), Michael Maguire (Emmett’s), John Keane (K. O Rahilly’s), Pat Cronin (Spa), Tadhgie O Connor (Dr. Crokes), Frank O Donoghue (Renard), John Dowd (John Mitchels), Tom Sayers (Annascaul), Ger Fitzgerald (Glenflesk), John Hough (Brosna), Peadar O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Billy O Carroll (Austin Stacks). Subs: James O Shea (Laune Rangers), John O Connor (Dingle), John Crowley (Ardfert), Mike Murphy (Legion), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Sean Cronin (Spa), Conor Keane (Emmett’s), Paudie Landers (St. Mary’s).

 

Final on Sun. 24^th July at Killarney: Kerry 1-3; Cork 1-7.

Kerry: Tom Lynch, Mikey Keane, Noel O Sullivan, Michael F. O Shea, Michael Maguire, John Keane, Sean Cronin, Tadhgie O Connor (capt.), Frank O Donoghue, John Dowd, Mike Murphy, Billy O Carroll, John Hough, Tomás Flaherty, Tom Sayers. Subs: Pat Cronin for S. Cronin, James O Shea for M. Murphy, Peadar O Sullivan for J. Hough, John O Connor, Eamonn Walsh, Paudie Landers, Conor Keane, Nicholas Riordan, Ger Fitzgerald, John Crowley.

 

Munster/All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Fri. 6^th May at Ballylongford: Kerry beat Clare.

Francis O Doherty was a substitute.

 

Final on Tues. 9^th Aug. at Cork: Cork 0-8; Kerry 2-8.

Tom Johnston was a substitute.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 21^st Aug. at Carrick-on-Shannon: Leitrim 3-8; Kerry 3-15.

Tom Johnston was a substitute.

 

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-11; Down 1-5.

That was Kerry’s third All-Ireland U-21 title in-a-row and its fifth title altogether.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan (Desmonds), Michael Keane, Vincent O Connor (Dingle), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Ogie Moran (Beale), Johnny Mulvihill (Moyvane), Gabriel Casey (Lispole), Jack O Shea (St. Mary’s), Owen Liston (Beale), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), Sean Walsh (Kerins O Rahilly’s), Pat Foley (Keel), Denis Moran (Waterville), Tommy Bridgeman, (Tarbert) Dan Coffey (Beaufort). Subs: Gerald O Sullivan (Tarbert) for D. Moran, Michael O Sullivan (Rathmore), Mike Colgan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Tom O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Tom Johnston (Laune Rangers), Nicholas Riordan (Ballydonoghue), Neilie O Donovan (Gneeveguilla).

Down: J. Parr, M. Sands, D. Carey, H. Trainor, J. McCartan, T. McGovern (capt.), Paddy O Rourke, J. Wright, Liam Austin, D. Watson, R. Matthews, Vinny McGovern, Benny Loughran, John McCartan, M. McCann. Subs: E. McGivern for P. O Rourke, A. McAulfield for B. Loughran.

 

Ladies Football

The AGM of the Kerry Ladies Football GAA Board was held in the ‘Golden Nugget’, Fossa, on Fri. 25^th Feb. Joan Harmon was re-elected as Secretary. The teams for the Co. League were divided into two groups,

A: Austin Stacks, Ardfert, Churchill, Listowel and Castleisland.

B: Fossa, Legion, Killorglin, Templenoe and Dr. Crokes.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd April at Killorglin: Killorglin v Templenoe.

 

Austin Stacks won the Co. Championship by beating Castleisland in the final by 2-10 to 3-2, after extra time, on Mon. 31^st Oct.

 

Senior Hurling

 

The newly formed senior hurling team played Austin Stacks in a seven-a-side challenge game in Killorglin on Fri. 15^th July and, although the Tralee side won by four points, the team gave a very encouraging display. A return game with Austin Stack’s and a game versus Lixnaw were planned.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Con Murphy, Corcaigh, was Uachtarán CLG.

James Coffey, Laune Rangers, was on the Kerry delegation to Annual Congress in St. Mary’s College, Dundalk on Sat. 9^th/Sun. 10^th April.

 

Mick Frawley, Tiobrad Árainn was elected Chairman of the Munster Council, Sean McCarthy, Ciarraí, was Secretary and Tadhg Crowley, Ciarraí, was Treasurer. James Coffey, Laune Rangers, was a Kerry Delegate to the Munster Convention in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. On 24^th July, Sean McCarthy, Ciarraí, who had been Secretary of the Munster Council since 1931, died. Tadhg Crowley was appointed interim Secretary and, eventually, on 28^th Sept. Donie Nealon was elected Secretary.

 

Kerry Co. Convention was held on Sat. 29^th Jan. in the Austin Stack Park Pavilion. The following officers were elected: President – John Joe Sheehy, Chairman – Gerald McKenna, Vice-Chairman – Frank King, Secretar/Registrar – Andy Molyneaux, Joint Treasurers – Mort Galvin and James Coffey, PRO – Tim Linehan, Youth Officer – Father James Linnane, Delegates to Munster Council – Michael O Connor and Dave Geaney, Delegate to Central Council – Jim Brosnan.

Senior Selection Committee: Mick O Dwyer (94), Pat O Shea (89), Paud O Donoghue (89), Donie Sheehan (80), Mort Kelly (75), all elected, Joe Keohane (61), Donie O Sullivan (46), John Barry (46).

Minor Selection Committee: Tom Prendergast (96), Seamus Mac Gearailt (84), Paddy Kennedy (46), Paddy Gallagher (43), Tom Fitzgerald (41), all elected, Donie O Leary (38), Jim Wrenn (38), John Joe Tangney (35), Mick Galwey (30), P.J. Healy (31), Sylvie Mason (27), Tadhgie Fleming (28), Michael Shanahan (22), Liam Scully (13), D. Lyne (11).

 

The AGM of Bord na nOg Chiarraí was held in the Pavilion, Austin Stack Park on Fri. 21^st Jan. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Liam Sayers (John Mitchels), Vice-Chairman – Donie O Sullivan (Spa) 39 votes, Pat Healy (Emmett’s) 37, Secretary – Willie Griffin (Ardfert), Treasurer – Mattie Flaherty (Austin Stacks), Registrar – Denis McCarthy (Kenmare), Auditors – Pat Healy (Listowel) and John M. Brick (Kilmoyley). Laune Rangers Club was represented by Pat O Shea and James Coffey.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in the Community Hall, Beaufort on Mon. 17^th Jan.  (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1976). The Treasurer’s Report showed a credit balance of £908.91. The Chairman, Kevin Griffin, in his address, said that he was not seeking re-election. He stated that, despite Mid-Kerry’s failure in the Co. Championship, the year had been reasonably successful within the area. He congratulated Beaufort on a very successful year, highlighted by their first victory in the senior championship. He appealed to the Mid-Kerry selectors to attend more games in the area, so that the best possible team could be selected. He said that it was vital for Mid-Kerry football that the senior team would get back on top again. He was very critical of a club (Milltown/Castlemaine) in the area looking for field expenses. He said that if the Board was to survive, a firm stand would have to be taken once again. He said that the death of Brother Fergal, during the year, was a loss that would be felt by all. Brother Fergal had been a great worker and had done a lot for football in the district. The Chairman thanked the Kerryman for the fine coverage it gave to the games and paid tribute to the Secretary, Pat Clifford, and Treasurer, Maurice Harmon, for the hard work they were putting into the running of the affairs of the Board.

The following officers were elected: President – Paddy Foley (Laune Rangers). As there was only one nomination for Chairman (Kevin Griffin) and Secretary (Pat Clifford), James Coffey proposed that all the outgoing officers should remain in situ. After some consideration, the following were elected: Chairman – Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh), Vice-Chairman – Jim Foley (Keel), Secretary – Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine), Treasurer – Mossie Harmon (Milltown/Castlemaine), PRO – James Coffey (Laune Rangers), Delegate to Co. Board – Mort Kelly (Beaufort).

 

The minutes of seven Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available. Although they were mainly of the fixture-making variety, the following matters were also discussed:

March 21^st – a letter from Laune Rangers seeking four weeks notice of Mid-Kerry games was read. Pat O Shea explained that there had been a clash of games the previous year and the club was endeavouring to avoid a repetition in 1977. The Board decided that it would give as much notice as possible. A vote of sympathy was passed to Patsy Joy on the death of his father, Paddy.

25^th April – a letter from Laune Rangers was read, stating that the standard of refereeing in Mid-Kerry was at a low ebb and calling for the course for referees. The Secretary was instructed to contact Weeshie Fogarty on the matter.

30^th May – the referee’s report on the Mid-Kerry League Semi-final, Laune Rangers v Beaufort, stated, ‘Just after the fulltime whistle, two players started to fight and, as a result, other players started fighting, also. Supporters from both sides came onto the pitch and, as a result, two players got hurt.’ After a short debate, the Chairman said that he would not take any further action on the matter. He said that he had enquired from some people, who had been at the game, and had been told that, first of all, the steward, who should have been guarding the gate on that side of the field, had not stayed at the gate. As a result, the Beaufort supporters had opened the gate and had come onto the pitch. He named Donal Courtney as the man, who had opened the gate and he blamed the Beaufort supporters for causing the trouble.

 

The following officers were elected at the AGM of Bord na nOg Ciarraí Lár on Wed. 16^th Feb. at Milltown: Chairman – Pat Ladden (Keel), Vice-Chairman – Michael Shanahan NT (Milltown), Secretary – Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers), PRO – Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers).

 

The minutes of 38 Laune Rangers club meetings are available. The sub-committee structure still operated and the three Chairmen reported to the weekly club meetings as follows:

 

Social (Joe Crowley)

Dancing continued in the CYMS and proved very financially beneficial to the club. The money was ploughed into the development of the J.P. O Sullivan Park. The dances were very popular amongst the young people of the area and, indeed, beyond. Clifford’s, Cahersiveen, had organised a bus from Cahersiveen every Friday night, leaving the library at 9.45pm

Fri. 7^th Jan. – Harvest.

Fri. 21^st Jan. – Ian Corrigan and Country Style.

Fri. 28^th Jan. – Glenn Curtin (£375). There had been a disagreement between the band manager and Joe Crowley concerning the price of the band and, eventually, they agreed to split the difference.

Fri. 4^th Feb. – Bill Ryan and Buckshot (£300). The gross takings had been £384.06. Net profit of £50 (approx.).

Fri. 11^th Feb. – The Times (£250). Gross takings – £380. Net profit – £65. At that time, the club paid VAT, at 11% of gross takings, to the bands instead of to the Revenue Commissioners.

Fri. 19^th Feb. – The Big Time (£250). Gross takings – £274. The reasons for the small crowd had been the Pantomime Social and the Biddy Ball in Glencar. Joe Crowley reported at the subsequent club meeting that there had been some trouble but that it had been successfully dealt with. However, he appealed for more help and criticised the senior players for their apathy to the dances, even though it was the club’s bread and butter. It was decided that a list of volunteers should be compiled and that a rotary system would be devised, so that a person might have to be on duty every five or six weeks. The following volunteered their names Jim Galvin, Jim Casey, Liam Shannon, Michael Foley, Dan Carey, Maurice Harmon, Thomas Evans, Sean O Reilly, Bart Moriarty, Jimmy Doona, John Foley, James O Riordan, Barry Harmon, Joan Harmon, John Clifford, Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Pat Lynch, Mike Hassett, Billy Dodd, Ted Houlihan, and Joe Crowley.

Fri. 26^th Feb. – The Swarbriggs (fresh from their National Song-Contest win). Gross takings – £623. Band 60/40. Net profit – £167 (approx.).

Fri. 4^th March – Tarzan and the Monkeys (£240). Gross takings – £407. Net profit – £110 (approx). Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 11^th March – Brian Harkin and the Plainsmen (£250 or 50/50). Gross takings – £354. Net profit – £50 (approx.).Stewards – Jim Galvin, Liam Shannon, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley and Dan Carey.

Fri. 18^th March – Samba and the Philosophers (£300 or 50/50). Gross takings – £472. Net profit – £110 (approx.) Stewards – Jimmy Doona, John Foley, James O Riordan, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 25^th March – Brotherly Love. Gross takings- £352. Net profit – £70 (approx.). Stewards – John Clifford, Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett and Billy Dodd.

Fri. 1^st April – Margo (£400). Gross takings – £708. Net profit – £240 (approx.) Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 15^th April – Skid Row (£300). Gross takings – £538. Net profit – £175 (approx.). Stewards – Jim Galvin, Liam Shannon, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley and Pat Lynch. The CYMS Committee and the Laune Rangers Club had agreed that the former would advertise the latter’s dances at Bingo and the latter would advertise the Bingo in the Kerryman Advertisement for the dances.

Fri. 22^nd April – D.J. and the Kerry Blues (£300). Gross takings – £411. Net profit £50 (approx.). Stewards – Jimmy Doona, John Foley, James O Riordan, Barry Harmon, Joan Harmon.

Fri. 29^th April – The Plattermen (£250). Stewards – Declan Falvey, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston. The stewards had been provided with tea and sandwiches but it was decided to abandon that practice at the club meeting on 26^th April, at the behest of Joe Crowley.

Fri. 6^th May – The Freshmen. Stewards – John Clifford, Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett and Billy Dodd.

Fri. 13^th May – Brian Harkin and the Plainsmen (£250 or 50/50). Gross takings – £356. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 20^th May – Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions (£350). Stewards – Jim Galvin, Liam Shannon, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley and Dan Carey.

Fri. 27^th May – Cahir O Doherty and the Dazzle Band. Gross takings – £407. Stewards – Jimmy Doona, John Foley, James O Riordan, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 3^rd June – Glenn Curtin (£350). Gross takings – £530. Stewards – John Clifford, Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett and Billy Dodd.

Fri. 10^th June – Margo (£400). Gross takings – £707. That was a dance to select a contestant for the Kerry Rose of Tralee competition. Stewards – Declan Falvey, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston.

Fri. 17^th June – Magic (£350). Gross takings – £550 approx. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey. Unfortunately, there was trouble. Some people caused damage to the toilets. Having been put outside the door, they continued to make trouble, during which Joe Crowley was assaulted. The gardaí had been alerted. Afterwards, however, Pat Horgan was assaulted and the gardaí were anxious to press charges. The following were barred from the Laune Rangers’ dances in the CYMS Hall: Eamonn Breen, Coolmagort, Beaufort, Michael O Connor, Alohert, Beaufort and Aidan O Connor, Cooleanaigh, Beaufort. Joe Crowley tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Social sub-committee, because of work commitments. He agreed, however, to continue to book the bands and to feed the advertisements to James Coffey (Kerryman Correspondent). Eamonn Crowley undertook to distribute the posters for the dances and the person in the box-office each night would pay the band, pay Johnny McCarthy, caretaker, lodge the money and return the lodgement slip to the following meeting.

Fri. 24^th June – Skid Row (£300). The gross takings were £533. Michael Foley lodged £228. Stewards – Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch and Patsy Joy.

Fri. 1^st July – Horslips. Gross takings – £699. Pat O Shea lodged £254. Stewards – John Clifford, James O Riordan, John Foley, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 8^th July – Cahir O Doherty and Dazzle Band (£450). Gross takings – £646. Stewards – John Evans, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston.

Fri. 15^th July – Roly Daniels (£500). Gross takings – £686. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey, Jim Casey.

Fri. 22^nd July – Samba and the Philosophers (£300 or 60/40). Gross takings – £585.67. Stewards – Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch and Patsy Joy.

Fri. 29^th July – Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions (£475). Gross takings – £549. Stewards – John Clifford, James O Riordam John Foley, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 5^th Aug. – Brendan Shine (£630). Stewards – John Evans, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston.

Fri. 19^th Aug. – The Freshmen. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 26^th Aug. – Paddy Cole and the Superstars (£525). Stewards – John Foley, James O Riordan, Jimmy Doona, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 2^nd Sept. – Harvest (£250). Gross takings – £562.50. Stewards – Declan Falvey, Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston.

Fri. 9^th Sept. – Rob Strong and Las Vegas (£250). Gross takings – £450. Stewards – Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea and Mike Hassett.

Fri. 16^th Sept. – The Times (£275).Gross takings – £434. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 23^rd Sept. – Morgan and the Pirates (£225). Gross takings – £384. Stewards – Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch and Patsy Joy.

Fri. 30^th Sept. – Magic (£350). Gross takings – £393. Stewards – John Clifford, James O Riordan, John Foley, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 7^th Oct. – Glenn Curtin (£300). Gross takings – £450. Stewards – Patsy Joy, Declan Falvey, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan and Tom Johnston.

Fri. 14^th Oct. – Flint (£200). Gross takings – £380. Stewards – Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett and Pat Joy (Caragh Lake).

Fri. 21^st Oct. – Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions (£350). Gross takings – £603 approx. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Dan Carey and Jim Casey.

Fri. 28^th Oct. – D.J. and the Kerry Blues (£325). Gross takings – £722. Stewards – Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch and Patsy Joy.

Sat. 5^th Nov. – Gloria and the Mississippi (£300). Gross takings – £462. Stewards – John Clifford, James O Riordan, John Foley, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 11^th Nov. – John Glenn and the Mainliners (£500). Gross takings – £533. Stewards – Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan, Tom Johnston, Dan Carey and James O Riordan.

Fri. 18^th Nov. – Margo (£400). Gross takings – £655 approx.

Fri.  25^th Nov. – Roly Daniels (£500), Gross takings – £610. The teams for stewarding were restructured. Stewards – Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett, Denis Harris, Johnny O Connor (Cromane) and Jerome Conway. It was decided to paint the front of the stage (Joe Crowley). Johnny McCarthy would ensure that there was a mineral bar at the dances. A notice, reserving the right of admission was placed over the entrance door It   was left to the discretion of those at the door, to admit or refuse admission to people.

Fri. 2^nd Dec. – Brendan Shine (£400). Gross takings – £550. Stewards – Sean O Reilly, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Jim Casey, Ted Houlihan and Liam Shannon.

Fri. 9^th Dec. – The Times (£275). Stewards – Jim Galvin, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch and Patsy Joy.

Fri. 16^th Dec: The Freshmen. . Stewards – John Clifford, James O Riordan, John Foley, Barry Harmon and Joan Harmon.

Fri. 23^rd Dec: Glenn Curtin. Stewards – Patsy Joy, Eamonn Crowley, Sean O Mangan, Tom Johnston, Dan Carey and James O Riordan.

Fri. 30^th Dec: The Nevada. Stewards – Pat O Shea, Mike O Shea, Mike Hassett, Denis Harris, Johnny O Connor (Cromane) and Jerome Conway.

 

Field (Pat Lynch)

1. An inspection of the field took place at the end of Jan. with a view to extending the wall at the Western side of the field, moving the main pitch towards the road, examining the boundary fence at the Eastern side of the field, building ladies’ and gent’s toilets and building a machinery shed.
2. Arising out of the above inspection, it was decided to extend the wall at the Western side by 110 yards (approx.), move the main pitch 14 yards towards the road so as to allow sufficient width for a juvenile pitch at the Northern end of the field, identify suitable site for ladies’ and gent’s toilets and a machinery shed. The wall consisted of a block on the flat and the quotation from Jerry Griffin was £2,700. The construction commenced in September. However, in October, the club decided to raise the height of the wall at a cost of £300.
3. Brendan Keogh, Co. Council Engineer, was employed to oversee all of the above.
4. Jerome Conway met with John A. Foley, the original owner of the ‘Track’, and discovered from him that it was he that had constructed the pump that jutted out onto club’s property at the Northern end of the field. Therefore, the property belonged to Danny Kissane.
5. Pat O Shea proposed that the club would build two substitute shelters and press accommodation outside the wire in front of the stand, with sufficient seats to accommodate ten people each (£200). The wire could be cut so as to accommodate the ‘dugouts’. He further proposed that the club would build juvenile dressing-rooms, 25’ x 10’, at the Northern end of the field, containing toilets and a foot-trough (£800). The machinery shed would be built in the existing recess in the Western wall and the ladies’ and gent’s toilets would be built on the town-side of the existing septic tank. James Coffey proposed that a score-board could be placed on top of the toilets.
6. The meeting of 3^rd Oct. it was reported that the club had a credit balance of £7,233. The estimated building expenditure was £5,500. James Coffey and Jerome Conway sought a bank-loan of £10,000, which over seven years @ 10.75% entailed monthly repayments of £168.
7. At the end of Oct. Jerome Conway received a quotation of £800 from Jerry Griffin for stepping the  stand – 16 concrete steps, 4’’ high and 1’6’’ wide.
8. The flat roof on the dressing-rooms continued to cause trouble. Patsy Joy and Sean McKenna, having inspected it, reported that the leak did not come from the flashing on the wall. Tom Gleasure, the contractor who had put on the roof originally, examined the roof and proposed putting tongued and grooved ply-wood instead of the existing chip-board.
9. In April, Pat Lynch explained that his time was limited and he would not be able to give sufficient time to the field. Full responsibility was given to Jim Casey.
10. The goal-mouths were re-sodded during April, using sods from the Northern side of the field.
11. Francis O Doherty painted the gates and the girders of the Stand for £90.
12. Dan Carey spent a few weeks clearing the bushes and briars around the interior perimeter of the field and was given £12.
13. Sheep continued to trespass onto the field, destroying the nets and causing an unbearable stench in the stand. Initially, the club had written to the owner, Mr. Clifford, asking him to desist but had then been forced to get the club’s solicitor to write to him, warning him to desist.
14. On the question of the field trustees, it was confirmed that there should be five – one from Central Council, one from Munster Council and three from the club. In order to regularise matters, it was decided to invite the officers of the J.P. O Sullivan Park Committee to a club meeting, with a view to signing over the Park to the club. The officers were Paddy Foley, James Coffey, Todd Mulvihill and Paddy Crowley.
15. Con Counihan was ready to begin the levelling of the proposed juvenile pitch at the Northern end of the field in Nov. but the weather was very inclement.

 

Bord na nOg (Pat O Shea)

That very busy sub-committee oversaw all the juvenile/minor activity within the club.

At the club meeting on 24^th Oct. Pat O Shea proposed, and it was unanimously agreed, that Johnny O Connor and Michael O Riordan, both of Cromane, would be co-opted onto the sub-committee.

Bord na nOg held a Church-Gate collection at the end of Oct. that yielded £190.

An invitation to attend a juvenile coaching course, of three nights’ duration, commencing on Thurs. 17^th Nov. in the Comprehensive School, Tarbert, was accepted and Bart Moriarty, John O Connor, Dan Carey and Jerome Conway attended.

 

Other matters dealt with at the 38 Laune Rangers Club meetings during the year included:

1. The Irish Epilepsy Association held a Church-Gate Collection, sponsored by the GAA. On Sat. 29^th/Sun. 30^th Jan. John Foley officiated at 7.30pm Mass, Jim Casey and Maurice Harmon at 8am Mass, James Coffey and Pat O Shea at 10am, Joe Crowley and Jerome Conway at 12 noon.
2. Mid-Kerry Senior Scór Finals were held in Milltown Muintir na Tíre Hall on Sun. 6^th Feb. Liam Shannon (Solo Singing) and Caragh Lake Set Dance qualified for the Co. Finals.
3. At the meeting on 14^th Feb. Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon were appointed as delegates to Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg Convention and to Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg meetings.
4. At the club meeting on 21^st Feb. the Chairman welcomed Bart Moriarty to his first Laune Rangers club meeting.
5. At the club meeting on 28^th Feb. a discussion arose on the matter of whether or not to approach James Mangan, Dromin, to play with the club. He had intimated, though not officially, that he wished to play with Laune Rangers. A case was made that, by accepting him, the club would seriously weaken Milltown/Castlemaine, as Willie Murphy had already defected to Dr. Crokes. However, it was decided, taking into account the number of players that the club had doing the leaving certificate, that the club would await an official approach from the player and if he wished to play with Laune Rangers, he would be accepted.
6. The registration of players and competition entry fee for county competitions cost £32.68.
7. The Killorglin NACA Open Sports were held in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sun 29^th May. At the subsequent club meeting, dissatisfaction was expressed at the clean-up afterwards. Milltown/Castlemaine sought the transfer of Pat Clifford, Dromin, However, it was felt that a precedent would be set, and the request was refused. It was decided to organise a Parish League for players instead.
8. At the club meeting on Mon. 13^th June, Pat Finnegan defended the NACA, which had been accused by Pat O Shea of being responsible for damaging a juvenile goalpost at the NACA Kerry Juvenile Sports in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sun. 12^th June. After a long and heated discussion, Pat O Shea proposed that any organisation using the Park would have to take out an insurance policy to coverall public liability and all GAA property. Pat Finnegan seconded that proposal. However, he insisted that the goalposts had been previously damaged and he had three witnesses to substantiate that. He departed to find his three witnesses but returned without them, saying that he would have them for the following meeting.
9. At the club meeting on 18^th July, it was agreed unanimously that, no matter what happened in Mid-Kerry officership-wise or other-wise, Laune Rangers would not participate in Mid-Kerry competitions in any grade from 1978 onwards.
10. At the club meeting on Mon. 17^th Oct. the Chairman, James Coffey announced the sub-committee to prepare for Centenary Year (1985!!):

(i)              Functions – Joe Crowley and James Coffey.

(ii)            Research (history, photographs, medals etc.) – Pat O Shea, Bart Moriarty, Jerome Conway, Sean O Reilly and Noel O Mahony.

(iii)           Games – Pat O Shea and Bart Moriarty.

11. Pat O Shea, Bart Moriarty and Jerome Conway attended at the Bingo in the CYMS hall on Sun. 27^th Nov. to help with its organisation.

 

The following senior players were notified for training in January: Joe Crowley, John O Neill, Jack Reen, Pat Horgan, James O Shea, Eamonn Crowley, Jimmy O Shea, Michael F. O Shea, James O Riordan, Francis O Doherty, Mike O Shea, Tom Johnston, Patsy Joy, John Evans, Declan Falvey, Gerard O Shea, Frank Russell, John Horgan, Johnny Byrnes, Johnny O Connor, Barry Harmon, John Clifford, Anthony Corkery and Mícheál Johnston.

 

At the Kerry Co. Board meeting on Tues. 15^th February, correspondence was read from Laune Rangers regarding the use of its pitch. Four weeks notice was required in writing from organisations wishing to use the J.P. O Sullivan Park. That did not apply to the Kerry Co. Board.

 

At the first meeting of the year of Bord na nOg Ciarraí on Mon. 14^th March in Tralee, people were appointed from the District Boards to supply information to the PRO regarding fixtures and activities at juvenile level. Jerome Conway was appointed from the Mid-Kerry District Board.

 

Pat O Shea was a member of Bord na bPáirc, a sub-committee of Kerry Co. Board, which offered advice to clubs on the purchase/development of club property.

 

The following attended Laune Rangers Club meetings during the year: Dan Carey (35), Jerome Conway (34), James Coffey (33), Joe Crowley (32), Michael Foley (32), Jim Casey (30), Bart Moriarty (28), John Foley (27), Eamonn Crowley (27), Jim Galvin (27), Pat O Shea (24), Thomas Evans (24), Pat Lynch (17), Billy Dodd (15), Liam Shannon (15), James O Riordan (10), Maurice Harmon (9), Sean O Reilly (7), Pat Joy, Caragh Lake (6), Ted Houlihan (4), John O Connor, Cromane (3), John Evans (3), Johnny O Connor (2), Paddy Foley (2), Barry Harmon (2), Declan Falvey (2), Jimmy Doona (1), Johnny Doona (1), Mike Hassett (1), Pat Finnegan (1), Johnny Byrnes (1), Noel O Mahony (1), Pat O Grady (1).

 

Timmy Doyle transferred to Clontarf Football Club in Dublin.

 

Sun. 27^th Feb. at Croke Park, Kerry beat Dublin in a senior challenge by 1-11 to 0-4.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan, John O Keeffe, Ger Leahy, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennelly, Ger Power, John Long, Jack O Shea, Declan Falvey, Paudie Lynch, Patie O Mahony, Mikey Sheehy, Ger O Driscoll, Vincent O Connor. Subs: Ger O Keeffe for J. Deenihan, Pat McCarthy for M. Sheehy, John Galvin for G. Power, Jim Deenihan for J. O Shea.

Sun. 6^th March at Askeaton, Kerry beat Galway for the Fr. Paddy Mahon/Denis Moran Trophy.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, John Galvin, Jimmy Deenihan, Ger Leahy, Ogie Moran, Sean Walsh, Vincent O Connor, Pat McCarthy, John Long, John Coffey, Paudie Lynch, Pat O Mahony, Johnny Mulvihill, Tim O Regan, Declan Falvey. Sub: Jack O Shea for D. Falvey.

Sat. 12^th March at Listowel, Kerry played Mayo in a Senior Challenge game. Declan Falvey was a sub.

Sun. 29^th May at Dundalk, Kerry lost to Louth in a senior challenge.

Kerry: Paudie O Mahony, Bernard O Sullivan (Dingle), Ger O Keeffe, Kevin O Donoghue (Glenflesk), John Evans (Laune Rangers), Tony O Keeffe, Ger Power, Pat McCarthy, John Long, Pat Sheehan (Legion), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), Mickey O Sullivan, Denny Murphy (Legion), Vincent O Connor (Dingle), Johnny Byrnes (Laune Rangers).

Sun. 19^th June at Listry, there was a Kerry senior football trial game, with two teams as follows:

‘A’ – Paudie O Mahony, Jimmy Deenihan, Paudie Lynch, Ger O Keeffe, Ogie Moran, Tim Kennelly, Ger Power, Pat McCarthy, John O Keeffe, Jackie Walsh, Tommy Doyle, Mickey O Sullivan, Barry Walsh, Ger Driscoll, John Egan. Subs: Kevin O Donoghue, Mick Spillane, Michael O Sullivan, Frank Russell.

‘B’ – Charlie Nelligan, Bernard O Sullivan, Mike Colgan, Ger Leahy, Paudie O Shea, Anthony O Keeffe, John Galvin, John Long, Jack O Shea, Brendan Lynch, Mikey Sheehy, Sean Walsh, Derry O Sullivan, Vincent O Connor, Pat Spillane. Subs: John Coffey, John Evans, Mike Breen, Johnny Mulvihill, Pat Foley, Gerald O Sullivan, Tom O Shea.

 

Rupert Costello, Vocational School, Killorglin, was Secretary of Coiste Cluichí na nGairmscoileanna Chiarraí.

 

Austin Stacks, representing Kerry in the Munster/All-Ireland Club Championship, beat The Kingdom Club, London in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sun. 30^th Jan. by 2-16 to 0-7. Paul Lucey played at left fullback for Stack’s and John Evans, who scored 0-1, played at right half-forward for the Kingdom. On Sun. 19^th Feb, Stacks beat Portlaois in Portlaois in the semi-final by 1-14 to 2-6, with Paul Lucey at left fullback. On 13^th March, Stacks won the All-Ireland Club Championship Final, by 1-13 to 2-7, at the expense of Ballerin, Derry. Paul Lucey played at left fullback.

 

On 14^th April, the death took place in London of Paddy Mike Foley, formerly of Aunagarry, who had been a prominent player with Laune Rangers in the thirties and forties. He was 58 years of age. On Sat. 23^rd April some of his former team-mates, as well as members and officials of the club, formed a guard-of-honour and shouldered the coffin to Dromavalla Cemetery.

 

Laune Rangers Scór na nOg was held on Wed. 7^th Dec. in the CYMS Hall. The Mid-Kerry finals were on Fri. 16^th Dec. At the Co. Finals in the CYMS Hall, Tralee on Fri. 30^th Dec., Laune Rangers were represented by Solo Singing (Rosemary Murphy sang ‘Buachaill ón Éirne’), Group Singing (Rosemary Murphy, Anne Melia, Catherine O Riordan and Miriam Murphy sang ‘The Connemara Cradle Song’ and Peigí Leitir Mhóir’), Set Dancing (Fergal O Shea, Martin Joy, Gerard Murphy, Noel Jones, Marian Joy, Breda Clifford, Margaret O Riordan and Triona Jones).

 

The Laune Rangers Club Annual Social was held in the Ross Inn, Glenbeigh on Thurs. 29^th Dec. Tickets cost £3.50. There was a choice of main-course – beef or salmon. The Minor Co. Championship winning players were guests of honour. They were presented with their Co. and Mid-Kerry medals and a coloured souvenir team-photograph by Chairman of the Co. Board, Gerald McKenna. Other guests included Liam Sayers, Chairman of Co. Bord na nOg, Paddy Foley, Laune Rangers Club President, Father Maher C.C, and Father James Griffin, a former Laune Rangers player, then ministering in Waterford diocese. A collection of prizes for the raffle from the business people of the town was made on the week commencing Mon. 19^th Dec. The raffle was in aid of sending two physically handicapped children to Lourdes in 1978.

 

The Kingdom Club, London won the London Championship for the fifth year-in-a-row by beating Tara in the final at New Eltham by 3-8 to 2-4 on Sun. 18^th Sept. Stephen Costello, son of John Costello, formerly of Gurrane, Killorglin, was a sub on the team. He was the first player to come through the London Juvenile and Minor Board system to win a Senior Championship medal. On Sun. 18^th Dec. The Kingdom Club also won the London League by beating Tara in the final by 1-8 to 0-5. Stephen Costello played at right half-forward.

 

Sun. 4^th Dec. Co. IFC Final: Tarbert 2-7; Keel 2-3.

Sun. 9^th Oct. Co. JFC Final: Beaufort 4-9; Gneeveguilla 2-7.

Sun. 16^th Oct. Co. NFC Final: Beale 2-8; Scartaglin 1-5.

Co. U-21 Championship final replay: West-Kerry 2-7; South-Kerry 1-5.

Co. League Div. 1 (played on Sun. 17^th March 1978): Dingle 2-5; Austin Stacks 0-9.

 

Munster SFC Final on Sun. 24^th July at Killarney: Kerry 3-15; Cork 0-9.

All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-final on Sun. 21^st Aug. at Croke Park: Dublin 3-12; Kerry 1-13.

Kerry: Paudie O Mahony, Jimmy Deenihan, John O Keeffe, Ger O Keeffe (capt.),Ogie Moran, Tim Kennelly, Ger Power, Paudie O Shea, Jack O Shea, John Egan, Paudie Lynch, Pat Spillane, Barry Walsh, Sean Walsh, Mikey Sheehy. Subs: Tommy Doyle for B. Walsh, Pat McCarthy for J. O Shea, Charlie Nelligan, John Long, Vincent O Connor, Ger Leahy, Tony O Keeffe, Johnny Mulvihill, Patie O Mahony, Tommy Doyle, Owen Liston, John Galvin. .

Dublin: Paddy Cullen, Gay O Driscoll, Sean O Doherty, Robbie Kelliher, Tommy Drumm, Kevin Moran, Pat O Neill, Brian Mullins, Fran Ryder, Anton O Toole, Tony Hanohoe (capt.), David Hickey, Bobby Doyle, Jimmy Keaveney, John McCarthy. Subs: Bernard Brogan for F. Ryder, Pat Gogarty for J. McCarthy.

 

At a meeting of the Paddy Burke Memorial Park Committee, Milltown, sympathy was expressed to the relatives of Brother Fergal, and to the Presentation Brothers, on the death of their esteemed colleague. Pat O Shea, Laune Rangers, paid tribute to Bro. Fergal as a member of Bord na nOg Ciarraí. After arriving in his native Kerry, he immediately became involved in the activities of the Board. He was a regular attendant at all their meetings and had held many posts of responsibility with the Board.

 

Noel O Mahony refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board in 1977:

SFL Div. 2 on Sun. 13^th March at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 2-7; Annascaul 1-5.

MFL on Fri. 25^th March at Milltown: Keel/Milltown 1-3; Churchill 1-4.

SFL Div. 2 on Sun. 27^th March at Keel: Keel 1-7; John Mitchels 1-7.

SFL Div. 3 on Sat. 9^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3; Duagh 0-7.

SFL Div. 1 on Sun. 1^st May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 2-10; Desmonds 1-7.

MFL on Fri. 6^th May at Glenbeigh: Firies beat Valentia.

IFC on Sun. 8^th May at Keel: Keel 1-14; Sneem 2-8.

SFL Div. 1 on Sat. 21^st May at Waterville: Waterville 1-11; Glenbeigh 3-2.

Kerryman Shield on Sun. 29^th May at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 0-14; Castleisland 2-5.

SFL Div. 2 on Sat. 4^th June at Keel: Keel 1-9; Dr. Crokes 0-8.

SFL Div. 2 on Sat. 11^th June at Keel: Keel 2-13; Templenoe 2-5.

Kerryman Shield on Sun. 10^th July at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 0-9; Mid-Kerry 2-8.

SFL Div. 3 on Wed. 13^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-9; Cordal 1-6.

SFL Div. 1 on Wed. 27^th July at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 1-9; Austin Stack’s 3-4.

NFC on Sun. 31^st July at Waterville: Waterville 0-13; Dr. Crokes 3-3.

U-21 Championship on Thurs. 22^nd Sept. at Milltown: West-Kerry 3-12; East-Kerry 1-4.

U-21 final on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Castleisland: West-Kerry 0-9; South-Kerry 2-6.

Div. 3 relegation playoff on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Milltown: St. Michael’s drew with Kilcummin.

 

Noel O Mahony refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

Senior League on Sun. 20^th Feb. at Keel: Keel v Milltown/Castlemaine.

Novice Championship on Sun. 1^st May at Keel: Keel v Glenbeigh.

Minor Championship on Tues. 21^st June at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine lost to Beaufort.

Novice Championship semi-final on Fri. 22^nd July at Milltown: Beaufort v Keel. That game was unfinished because the referee could not find a football, with which to finish the game. At the time, there was a dispute between Milltown/Castlemaine and Dermot O Connor. When a football went into his property, he would not allow it to be retrieved and, in the above game, the teams simply did not have enough footballs and the game had to be terminated.

Novice Championship on Sat. 13^th Aug. at Milltown: Beaufort drew with Keel.

Minor Championship semi-final on Tues. 16^th Aug. at Milltown: Keel beat Beaufort.

 

Pat O Shea refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board in 1977:

U-21 Championship on Tues. 2^nd Aug. at Milltown: West-Kerry beat Eoghan Ruadh.

 

Bart Moriarty refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board in 1977:

SFLDiv. 2 on Wed. 13^th July at Listry: Listry 2-6; Kerins O Rahillys 2-11.

SFL Div. 1 on Sat. 15^th Oct. at Dingle: Dingle 3-4; Rathmore 2-5.

Kerryman Shield on Sat. 10^th Dec. at Killarney: South-Kerry defeated Eoghan Ruadh.

 

Bart Moriarty refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

NFC on Sun. 1^st May at Beaufort: Beaufort beat Milltown/Castlemaine.

MFC losers’ round on Fri. 1^st July at Glenbeigh: Milltown/Castlemaine beat Glenbeigh.

 

Denis O Neill refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

Senior League on Sun. 20^th Feb. at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Beaufort.

 

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

U-14 Rural 3 on 22^nd June at Milltown: Milltown defeated Ballymac.

 

The death occurred in a work-accident of Brendan Doyle, Rangue, aged 24 on 5^th Nov. He had played juvenile and minor football with Laune Rangers in the sixties and early seventies. Members of the Laune Rangers club formed a guard of honour at his funeral to Dromavalla Cemetery.

 

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

U-14 on Wed. 8^th June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 5-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-4.

U-16 Rural 4 on 20^th July at Milltown: Milltown defeated Glenbeigh.

 

Bart Moriarty refereed the following games, amongst others, for Bord na nOg Chiarraí:

Co. U-14 Urban Semi-final on Wed. 20^th July at Killorglin: Dr. Crokes 2-8; Austin Stacks 1-10.

Co. U-14 Rural Quarter-final on Thurs. 28^th July at Milltown: Castlegregory 1-7; Sneem 0-7.

Co. U-14 Div. 1 Final on Fri. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: John Mitchels 3-5; Dr. Crokes 3-5.

Co. U-14 Div. 1 Final (replay) at Killorglin on Sat. 13^th Aug: John Mitchels 3-11; Dr. Crokes 3-4.

Co. U-16 Rural semi-final on Wed. 30^th Aug. at Keel: Dingle 0-10; Currow 1-3.

Co. U-16 on Sun. 4^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 3-7; Kerins O Rahillys 1-2.

 

The Annual Pantomime in the CYMS hall in Jan. was ‘Puss in Boots’ – producer Declan Mangan.

 

The General Election took place on Thurs. 23^rd June. John O Leary (FF), Michael Begley (FG) and Timothy ‘Chub’ O Connor (FF) were elected to represent the South-Kerry constituency. Unsuccessful candidates were Michael ‘Scarteen’ O Connor (FG), Michael Moynihan (Lab.) and Redmond O Sullivan (SF). Jack Lynch was elected Taoiseach.

 

Kit Ahern (FF) was elected Chairperson of Kerry Co. Council – the first woman to hold the position.

 

Paddy O Callaghan, Glosha, was appointed as full-time official of Rás Tailtean.

 

The Munster NACA Juvenile Track and Field Championships were held in Fossa on Sat. 2^nd/Sun. 3^rd July. For the second year-in-a-row, Kerry was the outstanding county. The Killorglin competitors featured as follows: U-16 Shot – 3^rd Pat Pigott. 100m U-14 – 2^nd Jerome Foley. High-jump U-14 – 2^nd Jerome Foley. 100m U-11 – 3^rd Gerard Murphy. Long-jump U-11 – 1^st Gerard Murphy, 100m U-10 – 2^nd Michael Brosnan. 400m U-10 – 3^rd Michael Brosnan. 100m U-9 – 1^st Paul O Sullivan. 60m U-9 – 1^st Paul O Sullivan. 100m U-15 – 1^st Maeve O Connell. 800m U-15 – 1^st Maeve O Connell. High-jump U-15 – 1^st Maeve O Connell. 100m U-14 – 2^nd Maeve O Connell. 200m U-13 – 3^rd P. Curran. U-13 Long-jump – 1^st Maeve O Connell. 800m U-13 – 3^rd Maeve O Connell. 100m U-12 – 2^nd Maeve O Connell. 200m u-12 – 2^nd Maeve O Connell. 800m U-12 – 1^st Maeve O Connell. High-jump U-12 – 3^rd Maeve O Connell. 100m U-11 – 3^rd Elaine Mangan. 800m U-11 – 1^st Elaine Mangan.

 

The Co. Finals of Community Games were held in Tralee on Sun. 10^th July. The Killorglin competitors featured as follows: 800m U-14 – 1^st Jerome Foley. 200m U-10 – 1^st Michael Brosnan. 60m Hurdles – 1^st Patrick Brennan. Long-jump – 1^st Mary McGillycuddy. Long-jump – 2^nd Andrew Pigott. 100m – 3^rd Mary O Connell. 100m U-11 – 3^rd Elaine Mangan. 100m U-11 – 3^rd Gerard Murphy. 100m U-9 – 3^rd Paul O Sullivan. Long Puck – 3^rd John Kennedy. Killorglin won the Euro-Snack Trophy, which was awarded for the second best area in athletics at the finals. The area had winners in the art competition, Stephen O Shea (gold), M. Griffin (silver) and Thomas Counihan (bronze).

 

Puck-Fair Festival Cycling Race (30 miles) – 1^st Seamus Kennedy (Dublin), 2^nd Pat Healy (Killorglin). Seamus Kennedy also won the Donal McKenna Memorial Trophy Race (70 miles), which was run for the first time on the following day.

 

The sudden death occurred in London on Sun. 16^th Oct. of Michael ‘Butty’ Sugrue.

 

The price of The Kerryman newspaper in 1977 was 15p.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held on Mon. 23^rd Jan. 1978 at Glenbeigh. The Secretary, Pat Clifford, in his report, stated that, “The year under review was disappointing for Mid-Kerry football. Two teams from the area took part in the Senior, U-21 and Minor Co. Championships, Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers. In the Senior Championship, both teams were beaten in the first rounds, Mid-Kerry by South-Kerry and Laune Rangers by Castleisland. No effort was made by the Mid-Kerry players to train for their game and, worse still, nine of the selected panel, played in a tournament game in Glenbeigh just two nights previously, in which some players were injured. In the Minor Championship, Mid-Kerry was beaten by West-Kerry, while Laune Rangers went on to win the competition. In the U-21 Championship, Mid-Kerry was beaten in the quarter-final by West-Kerry, while Laune Rangers were beaten by Shannon Rangers. Early in the year, Mid-Kerry won the 1976 Kerryman Shield and is in the semi-final of the 1977 competition, which will be played in the spring.

Within the area, a total of 86 games were played. The winners of the competitions were as follows:

Senior Championship – Beaufort; Senior League – Glenbeigh; Novice Championship – Beaufort; Minor Championship – Laune Rangers; O Sullivan Cup – not finished.

Bord na nOg: U-12 A – Laune Rangers; U-12B – Keel; U-14A – Laune Rangers; U-14B – Milltown/Castlemaine; U-16A – Laune Rangers; U-16B – Beaufort.

For the coming year, I think that the new Board should take a serious look at the way it is running its competitions. Our Senior Championship should not be allowed to interfere with the training of the Mid-Kerry teams and they should be put back until after the Co. Championship or else scrapped.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Chairman of the Co. Board, Gerald McKenna, who came a long way early in the year to sort out a problem for the Board. I hope all the clubs in Mid-Kerry will thank him for it. I would like to thank the clubs for their co-operation during the year, our referees, the officers of the Bord na nOg, other Board officers, the Kerryman for the great coverage that they gave to our games and the Board’s Chairman, Kevin Griffin, who is not seeking re-election. He will be a big loss to the Board.”