1981

Laune Rangers – 1981

 Laune Rangers reached the Co. Senior Football Semi-final, only to be beaten by the eventual winners, South-Kerry.

Laune Rangers, trained by Patsy Joy, won promotion to Division 1 of the Co. Senior Football League, having spent two years in Division 2.

Laune Rangers lost to Keel in the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship Final.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League for the sixth time.

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

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

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the eighth time.

Tommy Woods trained the Community Games football team to reach the All-Ireland Final, having won the County title for the third time.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-12 Football Final for the third successive year.

Laune Rangers took part in the St. Eunan’s, Letterkenny, seven-a-side competition.

Killorglin Hurling U-14 team lost the Kerry Féile na nGael Final to Kilmoyley by 1-1 to 1-0.

The Munster Minor Football Semi-final, Kerry 2-13; Tipperary 1-3, was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin.

Kerry lost the Munster U-21 Football Final to Cork – Michael F. O Shea played at centre halfback. Anthony Shannon was a substitute.

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

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

Jerome Conway was elected as Chairman of Bord na nOg Chiarrai.

James Coffey was re-elected as Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board for the third successive year. Maurice Harmon was re-elected as Secretary, Joint-Treasurer and Delegate to Co. Board for the second successive year.

Bart Moriarty was appointed as Secretary of the Co. Referees’ Committee for the third successive year.

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The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin on Sat. 31^st Jan. 1981. A large attendance was present. The presiding Chairman, James Coffey, in his address, said that a new and welcome spirit had been evident amongst the senior players during the year, which could be considered successful. He paid tribute to the players, who had rallied behind their trainer, Patsy Joy, who had devoted so much of his time to the preparation of the team. He, also, praised the selectors of the teams, who, he hoped, would shortly achieve their goal. He said that it was important that the senior team gain promotion in the coming year. He paid tribute to all in charge of the underage teams and he thanked the parents for their co-operation. However, he warned that victories, at that age, should not be celebrated in the pubs. He thanked Patsy Joy and his helpers for organising football in Cromane and he also thanked the New York based committee, who had donated the Patsy Foley Memorial Trophy for (primary) schools’ football in the parish. The Chairman appealed for more support for Senior Scór and he felt that a Ladies’ Committee should be set up. He said that there should be a cutback in expenses and a fund set up for centenary celebrations. New ideas on fund-raising were needed and he hoped for a generous response throughout the parish. Finally, he paid tribute to his fellow officers and said that he was sorry to hear that the outgoing Secretary, Pat O Grady, was unable to go forward again. (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1980). The Treasurers’ Report, which showed a debit balance of £4,000, was adopted. The reasons for the debt were the improvements to the J.P. O Sullivan Park, the high cost of travelling and the everyday maintenance of the Park. The Bord na nOg Report, submitted by Pat O Shea, was adopted.

Election of Officers:

President – Paddy Foley.

Chairman – James Coffey.

Vice-Chairman – Jim Galvin.

Secretary – Jerome Conway.

Assistant Secretary – Michael O Shea.

Joint Treasurers – John Foley and Eamonn Crowley.

Delegate to Co. Board – Michael Foley.

Senior Selection Committee – Patsy Joy, Liam Shannon, Michael Foley, Jim Casey and Pat O Shea.

Novice Selection Committee – Michael O Shea, Dan Carey and James Coffey.

 

The following motions were passed:

1. ‘That the videoing of games in the O Sullivan Park should be prohibited to anyone other than club members, who would have to apply in writing, giving full details.
2. ‘That each sub-committee must submit reports to the weekly meetings.’
3. ‘That a Ladies’ Committee should be set up.’
4. ‘That a 400 Club should be organised.’

 

The AGM of Killorglin Hurling Club took place in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Wed. 21^st Jan. There was a large attendance, which was proof of a growing interest in hurling in the area. Activities during 1980 had been confined to the juveniles, who had been very successful and the prospects for 1981 looked very promising. It was hoped to revive the junior team. Jerome Conway, Chairman of Kerry Bord na nOg, and James Coffey, Chairman of Laune Rangers Club, addressed the meeting. The following officers were elected: President – James Coffey; Chairman – Celsius O Connor; Vice-Chairman – John Sheehan (St. James’ Gardens); Hon. Secretary – Pat Sheehy (Intermediate School); Hon. Treasurer – Johnny O Shea; Trainers – John Fitzpatrick, Christy Kennedy, Pat Lynch, and Michael McSweeney.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

Sixteen teams entered for the Co. Senior football Championship, Spa/Glenflesk, Na Fianna, Castleisland, Kenmare, Laune Rangers, Eoghan Ruadh, Kerins O Rahillys, Killarney, St. Brendan’s, John Mitchels, West-Kerry, Austin Stacks, Feale Rangers, Shannon Rangers, Mid-Kerry and South-Kerry.

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Patsy Joy (trainer), Liam Shannon, Michael Foley, Jim Casey and Pat O Shea.

Rd. 1 on 14^th June at Killarney: Eoghan Ruadh 0-4; Laune Rangers 2-8.

The score-line tells its story as Laune Rangers were by far the better side and more than deserved their ten-points’ victory. Throughout the first quarter, it appeared that both sides were content to test the other. That sort of approach resulted in no scores until Laune Rangers scored a point from a free in the fifteenth minute. Midfielder, Frank Russell, then scored a great point. He had a good game throughout, making decisive attacks on the opposition backline. A poor first half ended with Laune Rangers leading by 0-2 to 0-1, Eoghan Ruadh’s score-getter being Ambrose O Donovan in the twenty-third minute.

Shortly after the resumption it became clear that Laune Rangers were slowly drawing away from their opposition. Wing-forward, James Sheehan, came into his own and in the third quarter he slotted over three well-taken points. Frank Russell had another tremendous point on the three-quarters mark to b put four points between the sides. With only ten minutes to go, Eoghan Ruadh launched a last, vain attempt to topple Laune Rangers, when Johnny Cahill sent over from a free. However, it was in the last ten minutes that the Rangers pulled out all the stops. Pierce Prendiville was at the end of a passing movement to blast the ball to the net with unerring accuracy in the twenty-first minute. Not to be outdone, Laune Rangers’ other corner-forward, John Griffin, repeated the dose with only six minutes remaining.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, James O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Paudie Sheahan, Michael F. O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, John Evans, James Sheehan, John Griffin, Pa Foley, Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Seamus O Shea for P. Foley.

Eoghan Ruadh: Paudie Hickey, Mícheál Dennehy, Dan O Keeffe, John Murphy (Upper Gneeveguilla), John J. Reen, Denis Murphy, David Twomey, Neilie Donovan, Matt Riordan, Michael Murphy, Ambrose O Donovan, John Murphy (Newquarter), Johnny Cahill, Johnny Kelly, Mossy O Donovan.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 5^th July at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers v St. Brendan’s.

St. Brendan’s had informed the Co. Board on the previous Friday that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture, as several of their players were working on the oil-rig off the West Coast. At the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 7^th July, the game was awarded to Laune Rangers. St. Brendan’s successfully appealed that decision to the Munster Council and the game was refixed. Laune Rangers appealed that decision to Central Council but the appeal was ruled out of order, as the matter had already had two hearings.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 15^th Aug. at Austin Stack Park, Tralee: Laune Rangers 3-5; St. Brendan’s 1-9.

In an exciting and highly entertaining encounter, Laune Rangers advanced to the quarter-finals of the Co. Senior Football Championship. With two minutes to go, the teams were locked at level scores. Tom O Mahony was fouled and from the resultant free J. Connell got what looked like the winning point for St. Brendan’s. But it was not to be. The Rangers attacked relentlessly. Two attacks were broken up by a sound St. Brendan’s defence. Then a long kick from Michael F. O Shea was broken down by full-forward, Pa Foley, into the path of the inrushing John Griffin, who made no mistake with a great goal. The kick-out heralded the end of the game. Laune Rangers had snatched the game out of the fire.

The game had started at a hectic pace and Frank Russell had a goal disallowed after two minutes. Maurice Leahy led the first St. Brendan’s attack, but Pat Dowling sent wide. Maurice Leahy, who had a great game, was wide also from a great position immediately afterwards. A great passing movement by the Rangers, beginning with Teddy Clifford, through Anthony Shannon to Michael F. O Shea, resulted in a great goal by Pa Foley. John O Dwyer missed a sitter before Pat Crowley opened the scoring for St. Brendan’s with a point from a free. There followed a series of sustained attacks by Laune Rangers but the forwards could make little headway against a stubborn St. Brendan’s backline. Anthony Shannon cut through and kicked a very good point. That was followed by a Pierce Prendiville point. At the other end of the field, St. Brendan’s were unable to capitalise on the fouls conceded by the opposing backs with Pat Crowley and Maurice Leahy kicking wide from good positions. Martin Ferris fisted a great John Fitzgerald centre over the bar and that was followed immediately by a point from Tom O Mahony. Maurice Leahy and Pat Dowling were dominating midfield but the Rangers’ defence of James O Shea, Teddy Clifford and goalkeeper, Ger Hurley, stood firm. Pat Flaherty and Pat Dowling had points for St. Brendan’s before Martin Ferris rose highest to meet a high ball and fist it to the net. The Rangers brought Frank Russell to midfield in an attempt to stem the tide. With about five minutes left to halftime, John Griffin pointed a free to leave the score 1-5 to 1-3 in favour of St. Brendan’s.

Laune Rangers began the second half as they had the first, with persistent pressure. Brendan Walsh dived to his left to save a shot from John O Dwyer. Michael F. O Shea pointed the resultant fifty. John Evans hit the woodwork and the ball was cleared. Frank Russell, who was lording it at midfield, kicked a great point from forty-five metres. Then, disaster struck for St. Brendan’s. John O Dwyer collected a poor kick-out and found the net for an opportunist goal. The Brendan’s raided and had a goal by Pat Flaherty disallowed for a square infringement. Pat Crowley cut the deficit to two points with a free. There followed a period of Brendan’s pressure during which they had points from Paudie McCarthy and Bert Courtney. The stage was then set for that dramatic finish.

Best for the winners were John Clifford, Joe Crowley, Ger Hurley, Michael F. O Shea, Stephen Russell, Frank Russell, Pa Foley, John Griffin and Anthony Shannon (first half).

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford (capt.), James O Shea, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, John Evans, Teddy Clifford, Michael F. O Shea (0-1), Stephen Russell, Anthony Shannon (0-1), Pa Foley (1-0), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), John O Dwyer (1-0), Frank Russell (0-1), John Griffin (1-1). Sub: Seamus O Shea for J. O Shea (inj.).

St. Brendan’s: Brendan Walsh, Batt O Shea, Stan McCarthy, Maurice Crowley, Ger O Mahony, John Fitzgerald, Pat Flaherty (0-1), Pat Dowling (0-1), Philip O Sullivan, Tom O Mahony (0-1), Maurice Leahy, Pat Crowley (0-2), Bert Courtney (0-1), Martin Ferris (1-1), Paudie McCarthy (0-1). Subs: J. O Connell (0-1) for P. O Sullivan, Jim Crowley for P. Crowley, P. Crowley for T. O Mahony (inj.).

Ref: Martin Hayes (Kilcummin).

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 23^rd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Kerins O Rahillys 0-7.

Laune Rangers delighted their supporters when they struggled through to the Co. Semi-final after a closely contested but generally ragged contest. They deserved their win but they had their task made easier by the Tralee side’s complete failure to capitalise on their scoring chances throughout the hour. The halftime score of 0-5 to 0-1 in Rangers’ favour, in no way reflects the first half exchanges, for O Rahillys seemed to be completely on top out-field at times, but, even from the most scoreable frees, they were off target, whereas the locals took most of their  chances to edge ahead.

That first half was notable for the wonderful fielding of the great-hearted veteran Frank Russell at midfield. Time and again he won possession in the aerial duels and, while he didn’t reap a lot of reward for his possession, he at least succeeded in denying the Tralee men the opportunity to move up the field. Still, O Rahillys did succeed in breaking through often enough to have established an interval lead, but, even when they were awarded a penalty midway through the half, Sean Kissane’s shot was well saved by goalkeeper Ger Hurley. Points by Frank Russell, John Evans and Joe Shannon were supplemented by two expertly taken frees by Michael F. O Shea to give Rangers their 0-5 total, while John Collins tapped over a free near halftime to give the Tralee men their only score before the interval. Michael Francis O Shea’s two points were only a hint of what was to come from his unerring boot in the second half, when he broke the Tralee men’s hearts with two massive kicks for points, each from fully sixth yards.

O Rahilly’s threatened to take control early in the second half, when Noel O Sullivan and Mervyn Griffin had two quick points from long range but John Evans struck back from a Laune Rangers’ breakaway. Sean Walsh came to midfield to break Frank Russell’s hold in that area and immediately struck with a good point but Michael F. O Shea responded with a mighty kick from over sixty yards. John Collins and Sean Kissane hit back with points to bring O Rahillys within a single point of their rivals, but John Evans, grateful to be free of the attentions of Sean Walsh, had two rapid points within a minute to restore the winners three-points advantage. O Rahillys threw everything into attack and Kissane pointed from a sideline kick from near the end-line. However, the Rangers’ defence gave nothing else away and the last word went to Michael F. O Shea, who pointed a marvellous ball from a sideline kick in front of the stand, and the referee blew for fulltime.

Rangers owed a lot to midfielders Frank Russell and Michael F. O Shea, while John Evans, Anthony and Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville and goalkeeper, Ger Hurley, also played manfully.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Joe Crowley, James O Shea, John Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon, Frank Russell (0-1), Michael F. O Shea (0-4), Joe Shannon (0-1), John Evans (0-4), Pierce Prendiville, Pa Foley, Stephen Russell, John Griffin. Sub: John O Dwyer for S. Russell.

Kerins O Rahillys: John Crean, Mikey Keane, Mike O Halloran, T. Browne, Stanley Rogers, Sean Walsh (0-1), J. Cronin, Noel Kelter, John O Connor, John Collins (0-2), Mervyn Griffin (0-1), Davy Keane, Sean Kissane (0-2), Noel O Sullivan (0-1), Greg O Donnell.

Ref: Tom Brennan (Desmonds).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 30^th Aug. in Tralee: South-Kerry 1-12; Laune Rangers 1-6.

South-Kerry won their way through the final with that decisive win over Laune Rangers. The game was, at times, a treat for lovers of vintage Kerry football. Full marks to Laune Rangers for a whole-hearted and spirited bid for a place in the final, but, in truth, they were always playing second fiddle to a South-Kerry team that opened with the three best points seen in local football for many a day, scored by Patie O Mahony, Ger O Driscoll and Paudie Sheahan. Seamus Fitzgerald added another point before the Killorglin men registered on the scoreboard with a fine solo effort by Joe Shannon. That was a fine effort by Joe Shannon, who had a couple of minutes earlier received a nasty stamp on the face as he lay on the ground. Rangers had a couple of other opportunities but the usually reliable Michael F. O Shea was off target. At midfield, Ger Lynch displayed spectacular fielding against the outclassed Frank Russell, while Joe Shannon ensured that Ger O Driscoll did not have a happy day. By halftime, South-Kerry had increased their advantage to 0-9 to 0-2 and it was obvious that, even with the breeze to favour them in the second half, the Killorglin men were in serious trouble.

Inside eight minutes of the restart, Laune Rangers had tacked on three points without reply, two from fine kicks by Michael F. O Shea and the other from Frank Russell, after good work by Anthony Shannon. At 0-9 to 0-5, a goal might have done the trick for Rangers but, when the goal came, it was South-Kerry that benefited. Ironically, it was a harmless-looking centre that beat the hitherto dogged Killorglin defenders, John T. O Sullivan dropped in the ball, James O Shea was caught on the wrong side of the full-forward, Sean Clifford, and he flicked the ball over the head of the advancing Ger Hurley. That goal killed any hopes of a Killorglin victory, although, to their credit, they never ceased trying and did manage a goal in the eighteenth minute, when John O Dwyer deflected a shot by John Evans.

For Laune Rangers, it was a day in which they lost nothing in defeat, as they tried with great heart against a better equipped opposition. Joe Shannon, until he tired near the end, had a fine game. John Evans tried his heart out against Jack O Shea, and Frank Russell, although not able to match the younger Ger Lynch, also turned in a most wholehearted display. Jerry Coffey, Michael F. O Shea, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea and Pierce Prendiville were others to hold their own against impressive opposition.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford (capt.), James O Shea, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon (0-1), Frank Russell (0-1), Michael F. O Shea (0-2), Joe Shannon (0-1), John Evans, Pierce Prendiville, John Griffin (0-1), Stephen Russell, Pa Foley. Sub: John O Dwyer (1-0), James Sheehan, Seamus O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Michael O Reilly, Peter Lyons.

South-Kerry: Ger Buckley, Mícheál Lyne, Brendie Murphy, Paudie O Shea, Paudie Sheahan (capt.) 0-1, Jack O Shea (0-1), Johnny Murphy, Ger Lynch (0-2), Ger O Driscoll (0-1), Patie O Connor, Patie O Mahony (0-2), Seamus Fitzgerald (0-4), Frank Courtney, Sean Clifford (1-0), John Egan (0-1). Subs: John T. O Sullivan for J. Murphy, Ed O Neill for P. O Connor.

Ref: Buddy O Grady (John Mitchels).

 

Co. Final on Sun. 27^th Sept. at Tralee: South-Kerry 1-12; Austin Stacks 0-11. Captain – Paudie Sheahan, St. Mary’s.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 2

At the beginning of the year the Senior ‘A’ panel was drawn up as follows: Ger Hurley, Joe Crowley, James O Shea, John Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Teddy Clifford, Anthony Shannon, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Michael F. O Shea, Joe Shannon, John Griffin, James Sheehan, Pa Foley, Pierce Prendiville, John Evans, John Horgan, Brian O Shea, Seamus O Shea and Anthony Corkery.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 15^th March at Finuge: Listowel Emmets 0-5; Laune Rangers 0-9.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, James O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon (0-1), Michael F. O Shea (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, John Evans (0-1), James Sheehan (0-3, 2 frees), John Griffin (0-2), Pa Foley, Seamus O Shea. Subs: Pierce Prendiville (0-1) for S. Russell, Joe Crowley for P. Foley, Tommy Woods.

Ref: Tom O Connor (Lixnaw).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 22^nd March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Moyvane 1-4.

That was a tough uncompromising game, with neither side excelling. The star of the game, as far as Laune Rangers were concerned, was Seamus O Shea, who operated at left fullback and whose reading of the game certainly prevented Moyvane from scoring on several occasions. Frank Russell was sent off with a few minutes left to play for fighting.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford (capt.), James O Shea, Seamus O Shea, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Crowley, Anthony Shannon (0-1), Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon (0-2), John Evans, James Sheehan (0-2), John Griffin (1-0), Pa Foley (0-1), Pierce Prendiville (0-1). Sub: Tommy Woods for S. Russell. Jerry Coffey and Michael F. O Shea were unavailable.

Ref: Tom Brennan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-15; Rathmore 2-5.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, James O Shea, Seamus O Shea, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Crowley, Anthony Shannon, Frank Russell, Michael F. O Shea, Joe Shannon, John Evans, James Sheehan, John Griffin, Pa Foley, Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Anthony Corkery for J. Crowley, Teddy Clifford for J. Clifford. Jerry Coffey and Stephen Russell were unavailable.

At the club meeting on 30^th March, the question of Frank Russell’s eligibility for that game arose, as he had been sent off on Sun. 22^nd March. It was pointed out by the Chairman that the proper procedure was to contact the Chairman of the Co. Board, Frank King, and ask if Frank Russell could play. (It would depend on the referee’s report, whether he got the minimum suspension of two weeks or a longer suspension). Pat O Shea disagreed and vehemently protested that the club should play the player, as his automatic suspension would be served by midnight on Sat. night (4^th April). The Chairman, James Coffey, pointed out the rule. Pat O Shea stormed out of the meeting, protesting that the club always went by the rule. The meeting decided to contact Frank King, who stated that Frank Russell could play, as he had been given the minimum suspension, based on the referee’s report.

Ref: Tom Keane (St. Mary’s).

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 17^th April at Castlegregory: Annascaul lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 3^rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; John Mitchels 1-1.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 7^th June at Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys 1-7; Laune Rangers 2-5.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 27^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-5; Valentia 0-10.

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 12^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-9; Beale 3-4.

Despite conceding two penalties and failing from the spot, Rangers were always in command and as a result, retained their position at the top of the league.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 2^nd Aug. at Kenmare: Kenmare 1-6; Laune Rangers 2-7.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 6^th Sept. at Waterville: Waterville 1-6; Laune Rangers 1-9.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Paudie Sheahan, John Clifford, Joe Crowley, Seamus O Shea, Michael F. O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, John Evans, Pierce Prendiville, John O Dwyer, Pa Foley, James Sheehan. Subs: James O Shea for P. Foley, Michael O Reilly for F. Russell, Patrick Pigott for J. Crowley, Peter Lyons, James O Shea (Shanara). John Griffin, Anthony Shannon and Jerry Coffey were unavailable.

 

Rd. 11 on Sat. 21^st Nov. at Templenoe: Templenoe 0-5; Laune Rangers 4-9.

Despite the score-line, that was an evenly-contested game for forty minutes, with both teams displaying some good passages of football. Templenoe were on top for the first ten minutes, due to their midfielders, Tom Spillane and John O Sullivan. The former had a brilliant first half, scoring four great points from fifty yards. Despite the early pressure exerted by them, Templenoe could only score one point. That was due to fine defensive play by the Rangers’ defence, ably marshalled by Anthony Shannon. From the tenth minute onwards, it was a see-saw battle between both teams. Frank Russell, at midfield, and Michael F. O Shea, at centre halfback, began to control their respective positions for Rangers. Templenoe had their stars in defence, with Mick Spillane and Sean Finnegan sealing off the path to goal. The result was that Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville and the other Killorglin forwards had to work for their scores up the wings.

Tom Spillane opened the scoring with a point in the fifth minute, but Rangers replied with two points by John Griffin. Tom Spillane kicked three brilliant points between the fifteenth and twenty-second minutes, to give Templenoe the lead. Rangers then had points from James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville and Joe Shannon to leave them ahead at the interval by 0-5 to 0-4.

On the resumption, John O Dwyer scored a point for Rangers and, for the next ten minutes, play ranged from goal to goal. Then, in the fortieth minute, disaster struck for Templenoe. Michael F. O Shea raced on to a poor clearance and kicked a goal from thirty yards. That was the turning point of the game. Timmy Clifford scored Templenoe’s only point in the second half in the forty-second minute and Rangers had further scores from John O Dwyer (1-1), Pierce Prendiville (1-0), John Griffin (1-1) and Joe Shannon (0-1), to well and truly wrap up the title.

Best for Rangers were Anthony Shannon and Michael F. O Shea in defence, Frank Russell at midfield, and Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer and John Griffin in attack.

Laune Rangers were then promoted to Div. 1 of the Co. League after having spent two years in Div. 2. The ‘PF’ Memorial Cup was presented to team captain, John Clifford, by Co. Board Joint-Treasurer, James Coffey. The celebrations commenced in Pat Spillane’s Pub and meals were provided by the club in the Gleneagle Hotel on the way home (37 meals @ £4). On reaching Killorglin, the team and a cavalcade of cars drove triumphantly through the streets and were given a fine reception.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony Shannon, John Clifford, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Michael F. O Shea (1-0), Seamus O Shea, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Pierce Prendiville (1-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), James Sheehan (0-1), John O Dwyer (1-2), Brian O Shea, John Griffin (1-3). Subs: Michael O Reilly, John Sheehan (Glencuttane) and James O Shea (Shanara).

Templenoe: John Sheehan, P. Moriarty, Sean Finnegan, John Casey, D. Sheehan, Mick Spillane, J. Moriarty, Tom Spillane (0-4), John O Sullivan, Timmy Sheehan, John Spillane, John Christian, Joe Moriarty, Timmy Clifford (0-1), Paddy Doyle.

 

Co. Novice Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th May at Waterville: Derrynane 1-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-11.

Seamus O Shea, Stephen Russell and Pat Pigott, of the senior panel, were eligible to play.

Quarter-final on Sat. 5^th Sept. at Currow: Currow ‘B’ 1-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-1.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 4

At the beginning of the year the Senior ‘B’ panel was drawn up as follows: Pat Joe O Mahony, Gene Evans, Maurice Corkery, Patrick Pigott, Tom O Connor, Finbarr Coffey, James O Riordan, Pat Grandfield, Michael O Shea (Rangue), Liam Hayes, Patrick Freeman, Harry Carey, John Hurley, Tommy Woods, Pat O Riordan, John Costello, John Foley (Reen), Gerard O Shea, Mossy Joy, John O Dwyer, John O Neill, John Galvin.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 22^nd March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-3; Legion ‘B’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers got sufficient chances to get the vital scores but they failed to overcome the bad underfoot conditions.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-9; Foilmore 0-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Brian O Shea, Patrick Pigott, James O Riordan, Maurice Corkery, Finbarr Coffey, Mossy Joy, Gene Evans, Tommy Woods, Anthony Corkery, Harry Carey, Teddy Clifford, Donal Pigott, Gerard O Shea, James O Shea (Shanara), Michael O Shea. Subs: Pa Foley for D. Pigott, John Galvin. Michael O Reilly and Liam Hayes, both minors, were unavailable.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 17^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Derrynane.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 3^rd May at Waterville: Dromid 1-2; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-2.

Rd. 5 on Sat. 30^th May at Rossbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ 3-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-10.

Rd. 6 on Sun. 28^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Skellig Rangers 3-6. Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

Rd. 7 on Sun. 12^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; Fossa 0-9.

Rangers scored from a penalty in the last minute to snatch a draw with table-toppers, Fossa. The game produced some fine football and it was a heartening result for the Rangers who had fielded without Tom O Connor, Barry Harmon, Pat Joe O Mahony, Michael O Reilly and Anthony Corkery of the selected side.

Rd. 8 on Sun. 13^th Sept. at Tuosist: Tuosist lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Promotion play-off on Sun. 4^th Oct. at Renard: Skellig Rangers 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8.

A goal that followed at least three unpunished fouls by the South-Kerry side, gave Skellig Rangers the win. Laune Rangers’ forwards missed many scores through inaccuracy.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

The competition was run with a losers’ round. Laune Rangers got a bye to the semi-finals.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 21^st June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; Beaufort 0-7.

In six minutes of fast, open and exciting football between the 17^th and 23^rd minutes, Laune Rangers scored four great points to give themselves a point lead at the interval. That show of class was an indication of what a young and talented side was capable of producing. It was in those minutes, also, that those great warriors from Beaufort showed signs of wilting. In fact in the second half, when under almost continuous pressure, the defence completely cracked up.

So, Beaufort’s ambitions of six titles in-a-row were ended at the hands of a very fit Laune Rangers’ side that produced the star of the day in Joe Shannon, who gave an exhibition of football skills seldom seen in those days. He sparked off the Laune Rangers’ glory period with a fine point and, from that on, he was involved in almost every movement that brought scores, setting up most of them.

That was a tough, hard-fought encounter. There was plenty of close-marking in the first half that saw some great long-distance frees by Beaufort’s John Coffey and Laune Rangers’ Michael F. O Shea. In fact, one of the highlights of the game was the duel between those two. Rangers, despite their dominance, found it hard enough to pull away from Beaufort. That was mainly due to some needless fouling that was punished by the in-form Coffey. At the break, Laune Rangers led by 0-5 to 0-4, but at that stage, the end seemed to be near for the champions.

There was still only a point between the sides after ten minutes of the restart but veteran Frank Russell injected new life into his team with a fine point at the three-quarters stage. From then on it was all one-way traffic, with the clinching goal coming from Joe Crowley two minutes from time and what a fine well-taken goal it was! He got possession with the fullback behind him, but he turned swiftly and in the one movement sent the ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

Joe Shannon was the man-of-the-match. Stephen Russell gave a mighty performance and kept Paudie Lynch out of the game. Frank Russell fielded magnificently. Michael F. O Shea was outstandingly sound, scoring three points, two from frees. All but two of Laune Rangers’ scores came from play.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, James O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Paudie Sheahan, Michael F. O Shea (0-3), Teddy Clifford, Frank Russell (0-2), Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon (0-1), John Evans, James Sheehan (0-3), John Griffin (0-1), Seamus O Shea, Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Jerry Coffey for P. Prendiville, Joe Crowley (1-0) for J. Evans, Pa Foley, Patrick Pigott, James O Shea (Shanara), Michael O Reilly.

Beaufort: Kieran Breen, John O Connor, D.D. O Sullivan, Simon O Sullivan, Patie Hartnett, Donal Courtney, Frank Coffey, Paudie Lynch, Dan Coffey (0-1), Timmy Hartnett (0-1), John Coffey (0-5, frees), Donal Hartnett, Dermot O Sullivan, Bernie Coffey, Michael O Sullivan.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Final on Sun. 26^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-3; Keel 1-6.

Keel achieved what almost everyone thought was impossible, at least everyone outside Keel, and that was to beat Laune Rangers. However, after ten years in the wilderness, Keel did just that but only after a hectic struggle in which their large following got plenty to cheer about. Laune Rangers had once again failed to lay the Keel bogey. In one of the best finals for some time, most of the Keel side outshone their opposite numbers. They showed great fitness, determination and skill and that , matched with their great spirit, was just that bit too much for a most disappointing Laune Rangers side that never seemed to get going.

Keel got off to a dream start in that final when, in the fifth minute, just after Denny O Shea had given them a point lead, Brian Ladden pounced on a loose ball in front of goal, following a defensive Rangers’ blunder, to blast it to the net. That was what Keel needed and thereafter they never allowed Rangers to come closer than two points. Playing well in all departments, especially in defence, they led by 1-3 to 0-2 at the interval.

Rangers had received a shock just before the game when their star midfielder, Frank Russell, was unable to play. He had gone down with the flu over the weekend and Owen McCrohan (team physio) thought it unwise to start him. That was a disastrous decision, because, when he came on later in the game, Frankie Russell played a blinder. As it was, Rangers had to reshuffle the team, bringing Michael F. O Shea to midfield and moving Joe Crowley to centre halfback. That had an unsettling effect on the backline, on which Keel capitalised early in the game. When Frank Russell entered the game in the second half, he contributed much more that some of his colleagues, including a well-taken goal that brought a glimmer of hope into the Rangers’ camp. That goal in the thirty seventh minute came at a time when Keel led by 1-5 to 0-3 and it certainly lifted Laune Rangers, as a result of which that second half was thrilling with plenty of fast, open football. Even though the defences on both sides were on top, there were, however, some very near misses by both sides. There were some great individual performances and, despite the close marking, there were no niggling fouls in that fine sporting encounter.

Keel won the game because they wisely selected ‘horses for courses’ and that was borne out with Tony Carey, who had been selected at wing back, moved to centre half to mark Joe Shannon. It was a wise move and it was doubtful if any other player could have stuck so closely to young Shannon over the hour, even if he had to play second fiddle. Laune Rangers were very disappointed with their display, given that they had done the difficult part, as they thought, in beating Beaufort, the champions of the previous five years. There could be no doubt but that the late withdrawal of Frank Russell had an upsetting effect. They were slow to settle down and seemed full of nerves. They could never open up or speed up the pace of the game to their liking, especially in the first half, and when they did succeed in speeding it up, it was left to Michael F. O Shea and the Shannon brothers, Anthony and Joe, to do all the running.

Ger Hurley was sound in goals, bringing off one fine save. With the exception of some early blunders, the fullback line played well, with Anthony Shannon’s running with the ball often causing Keel problems. Joe Crowley and Paudie Sheahan were good in the halfback line, but not as effective as in previous games. Michael F. O Shea played his heart out at midfield and seemed to be everywhere in the second half. In a most disappointing attack, Joe Shannon was left with too much to do, getting little or no support, except late in the game from Pierce Prendiville, who moved to the half-forward line, and Frank Russell when he came on. John Griffin did gain some good possession but he was never allowed the freedom he so often had enjoyed in other games. As already stated, Frank Russell’s introduction added a new lease of life to the side and one was left wondering what the result would have been had he been on  from the start.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, James O Shea, John Clifford (capt.), Anthony Shannon, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Crowley, Teddy Clifford, Michael F. O Shea (0-2), Stephen Russell, Seamus O Shea, Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, John Griffin (0-1), John Evans, Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Frank Russell (1-0), Pa Foley, John O Dwyer.

Keel: Michael Breen, Jim ‘Fox’ Foley, James Long, Sean Foley, Ian Foley, Johnny Sheehan, Tony Carey, Pat Foley, Larry McKenna (capt.) 0-2, Denis Foley, John Long (0-1), Mike O Shea (0-1), Denny O Shea (0-2), John Cahillane, Brian Ladden (1-0). Subs: Sean Sheehan.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

After the game, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, James Coffey, presented the Kennedy Cup to the Keel captain, Larry McKenna.

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

1980 Final replay on Sun. 12^th April at Milltown: Laune Rangers w/o; Beaufort scr.

 

1981 Rd. 1 on Sun. 22^nd Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-1.

The following features of the game stood out: The covering of Joe Crowley, the appetite for the game of Paudie Sheahan, the coolness of Jerry Coffey, the dash of Anthony Shannon, the intelligent play of Frank Russell, the work-rate of Joe Shannon, the distribution of Pa Foley and the cuteness of John Griffin.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Joe Crowley, James O Shea, John Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon (1-1), John Evans (0-1), James Sheehan (0-4, 2 frees), John Griffin (1-0), Pa Foley (1-1), Pierce Prendiville (1-1). Subs: Anthony Corkery (0-1) for J. Sheehan, Seamus O Shea (1-1) for P. Prendiville, Tommy Woods for J. Griffin, Brian O Shea, Liam Hayes, Gene Evans, Patrick Freeman, Michael Corkery.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 1^st March at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 2-4; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Jerry Coffey, James O Shea, John Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Michael F. O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, John Evans, James Sheehan, John Griffin, Pa Foley, Seamus O Shea. Subs: Brian O Shea, Tommy Woods, Anthony Corkery, Liam Hayes, Patrick Freeman, Maurice Corkery, John Horgan, Teddy Clifford. Joe Crowley and Pierce Prendiville were unavailable.

Ref: Tom Evans (Keel).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 29^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Keel 0-6.

Laune Rangers were lucky in that game, as Keel looked the more impressive side. Keel looked sharp and hungry for the ball, whereas Laune Rangers, on the other hand, lacked drive and bite.

Rangers played against the wind in the first half and were under severe pressure for the first six minutes with their fullback line in all sorts of trouble, with the Keel pair Mike O Shea and Denny O Shea running rampant. Keel opened the scoring after six minutes from a free. Rangers showed their best form in the game over the next ten minutes when scoring two points per Seamus O Shea and goal by Pa Foley. Keel replied with three points per Pat Ladden, Denis Foley and Larry McKenna, in that order, to leave the halftime score at 1-2 to 0-4 in favour of the visitors.

Keel opened the scoring on the resumption with a point by Brian Ladden after a series of mistakes by the Rangers’ defence. The Killorglin side responded with points by Seamus and Michael F. O Shea. Keel came back to score a point per Larry McKenna but Joe Shannon closed the scoring with a point for the Rangers. Best for the winners were Paudie Sheahan and Joe Crowley in defence, Michael F. O Shea and Joe Shannon at midfield, Pierce Prendiville, John Griffin and Seamus O Shea in attack.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, James O Shea, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon, Michael F. O Shea, Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, John Evans, James Sheehan, John Griffin, Pa Foley, Seamus O Shea. Subs: Stephen Russell, Tommy Woods and Michael O Reilly.

Keel: Michael Breen, John Fitzgerald, James Long, Sean Foley, Tony Foley, Johnny Sheehan, Tony Carey, Martin Foley, Brian Ladden, Denis Foley, John Long, Larry McKenna, Denny O Shea, Michael O Shea, James Cahillane. Sub. Jim Foley.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

Owen McCrohan attended before the game and massaged the players.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 12^th April at Milltown: Laune Rangers w/o; Beaufort scr.

That game was scheduled for Milltown, on condition that the recommended work on the Paddy Burke Memorial Park was completed. When it was reported that such work had not been completed, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board fixed the game for the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin. Beaufort refused to play there and, subsequently, the game was awarded to Laune Rangers, who had been bitterly disappointed that the game had not taken place.

 

Final on Sun. 18^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-1; Glenbeigh 0-4.

Laune Rangers and Glenbeigh served up the most amazing game seen at Killorglin for years in that final. It was hard to believe that both those teams had scored 2-12 and 2-11, respectively, on the previous Sunday, so puerile were their efforts in that game.

Glenbeigh were more at fault than Rangers. They opened up the Rangers defence time after time in the first half, but, when it came to scoring, they were either too slow, too awkward or too inaccurate, even if they were confronted by a great goalkeeper in Ger Hurley, who brought off a number of fine, courageous saves, when all seemed lost. Glenbeigh, in fact, should have had an interval lead of at least 2-6 to 0-2, after having played with the aid of a strong wind. The Killorglin boys failed to raise a flag in the first half, not so much because of Glenbeigh’s dominance, but because of their own inaccuracy. The outfield exchanges were even enough, with Glenbeigh’s Donie O Sullivan and Rangers’ Joe Shannon providing the highlights at midfield, and Glenbeigh’s Peadar and Michael O Sullivan and Rangers’ Michael F. O Shea and Paudie Sheahan always well to the fore from their halfback positions. The halftime score was Glenbeigh 0-2; Laune Rangers 0-0.

The second half was only three minutes in progress when Frank Russell punched home a goal to give Rangers the lead and the game looked as good as over as far as Glenbeigh were concerned. But what Glenbeigh had done in the first half, Rangers proceeded to do in the second. However, Mike Moriarty kicked points from frees in the fortieth and forty-fifth minutes to restore the lead for Glenbeigh. Rangers had to wait until the second-last kick of the game to get the equaliser. Joe Shannon intercepted a poor kick-out and drove over the bar.

Joe Shannon was head and shoulders ahead of his colleagues on the Rangers’ side. Michael F. O Shea and Paudie Sheahan did most to stem the Glenbeigh attacks and got good support from John Clifford and Joe Crowley. Ger Hurley, in goals, had a great hour, while Pierce Prendiville, in the first half and late in the game, was Rangers’ best forward, with James Sheehan and, at times, John Griffin looking dangerous.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford (capt.), James O Shea, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Michael F. O Shea, Seamus O Shea, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, John Griffin, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, Frank Russell (1-0), Michael O Reilly. Subs: John Evans for J. O Dwyer, Pa Foley for J. Sheehan, Brian O Shea for M. O Reilly.

Glenbeigh: Owen O Riordan, Pat McGillycuddy, Neilie O Sullivan, Kevin Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Peadar O Sullivan, Pat O Riordan, Donie O Sullivan (0-2), John Griffin, Mike Moriarty (0-2), Donal Griffin, Pat O Grady, Derry O Sullivan, Denis Griffin, Mike Breen.

Ref: Sean O Connor (Spa).

 

Final replay on Sun. 8^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-10; Glenbeigh 1-7.

The fine attendance that paid record gate receipts got good value for their money in that final, where Laune Rangers turned on the style in the second half against a Glenbeigh side that, even with defeat a certainty, never gave up and were still attacking at the final whistle. It was an exciting, hard-fought but always clean decider and thoroughly enjoyable. The game produced some great passages of open football, with few stoppages, thanks to the man in charge, Weeshie Fogarty, whose contribution helped in no small way to the continuity of the game. The weather was glorious and the pitch in perfect condition and those factors also contributed to the game. Co. Senior Selector, Pat O Shea, cut short his world tour with the Kerry team, to be on the sideline for the game and how well the players, including his two sons, Michael Francis and Seamus, responded to his pre-match talk! Laune Rangers achieved that victory because their teamwork was much better than their opponents and their defence, which had been so often suspect in other games and indeed in the opening quarter of that game, settled down so well that they became the clear masters.

The game opened, as in the two recent encounters between the sides, with Glenbeigh doing all the attacking and yet could only manage to score three points in the opening quarter. Laune Rangers did get a few openings in that period but overplayed them and they had to wait until the seventeenth minute for James Sheehan to cut through for a point. A minute later, Glenbeigh’s Peadar O Sullivan intercepted a Rangers’ passing movement to break down-field in a good sixty metres solo-run and finished off with a great point. Laune Rangers made a match-winning move at that stage, when their wing-backs, Seamus O Shea and Paudie Sheahan swapped places with great results. Then, with ten minutes of the half remaining, Michael F. O Shea won a very high ball at midfield and shook off two tackles before parting to Pierce Prendiville, who made tracks for the Glenbeigh goal. He just parted, when tackled, to John Griffin, who made no mistake with his effort to goal. Michael F. O Shea, who was showing his class at midfield, pointed a free from over forty metres and Frank Russell had a like score before Mike Moriarty pulled one back for Glenbeigh from a free. Just before the break, Joe Shannon scored a fine point to give his side a 1-4 to 0-5 lead at the interval.

The second half was eight minutes old before Pierce Prendiville stretched his side’s lead with a well-taken point and four minutes later, the same player moved on well to take a ball about forty metres from the Glenbeigh goal. He swerved beautifully from a tackle to float the ball in front of the fast-moving John O Dwyer, who made no mistake in placing the ball well out of the reach of Owen O Riordan, in the Glenbeigh goal, for a well-executed score. A minute later, Joe Shannon added a point and, at that stage, the Glenbeigh defence was made to look very poor. Derry O Sullivan and John Griffin swapped points. Joe Shannon added another point and John Griffin notched the Rangers’ final two scores. Glebeigh were a beaten side then, but they were not giving up and, in a hectic finish, they had a pointed free from Mike Moriarty and a goal by Denis Griffin, with only a minute remaining.

As already stated, that was a victory for teamwork and direct football. After a quiet opening, Laune Rangers’ midfielders got the better of things and were in complete control in the second half. Michael F. O Shea had his usual cool game there, but it was his partner, Stephen Russell, who surprised everyone with the game of his life. The winners’ defence played confidently and, apart from the early minutes, coped with any dangerous Glenbeigh move. John Clifford played a captain’s part in that triumph and Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon and Seamus O Shea were always to the fore. Gerry Coffey, recovering from a bout of the flu, did well at centre halfback. Pierce Prendiville was the mastermind behind most of his side’s raids on the Glenbeigh goal. Time and time again, he split the opposing defence with accurate passing, both from the hand and boot, and how his colleagues loved it! They moved forward so often to collect those passes that the Glenbeigh fullback line was brought far outfield and then the speedy Rangers’ forwards left them far behind. The Rangers’ corner-men, John O Dwyer and John Griffin, read every Pierce Prendiville move to perfection and James Sheehan also showed great flair on the left wing, where he seemed to be involved in every move. After a quiet first half, during which he seemed to overplay the ball, Joe Shannon had a great second half on the forty, scoring three fine points. Frank Russell, though slower than usual, showed once again that he was still one of the best fielders in the game. That was a brilliant performance by the team, maintaining the club’s successful record in finals in Mid-Kerry, in league and championship, over the previous thirty years.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, John Clifford (Capt.), Anthony Shannon, Joe Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Seamus O Shea, Michael F. O Shea (0-1), Stephen Russell, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-3), James Sheehan (0-1), John O Dwyer (1-0), Frank Russell (0-1), John Griffin (1-3). Subs: Michael O Reilly, Brian O Shea, Pa Foley, Peter Lyons, Michael O Shea, John Sheehan, Patrick Pigott, James O Shea (Shanara), Maurice Corkery. James O Shea (broken leg) and John Evans also played in the league.

Glenbeigh: Owen O Riordan, Pat McGillycuddy, Neilie O Sullivan, Kevin Griffin, Mike O Grady, Peadar O Sullivan (0-1), Pat O Riordan, Donie O Sullivan, John Griffin, Mike Moriarty (0-4), Donal Griffin, Pat O Grady (0-1), Jerry O Connor, Derry O Sullivan (0-1), Denis Griffin (1-0).

Ref: Weeshie Fogarty (Legion).

After the game, Mid-Kerry Board Chairman, James Coffey, presented the Kelliher Cup to the Laune Rangers’ captain, John Clifford.

 

Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup

 

Semi-final on Sun. 11^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-12; Beaufort 3-5.

The score at halftime was 1-7 to 1-1 in favour of the winners. It was a very good win for the Rangers considering that they were missing Frank Russell, Pierce Prendiville, John Evans, Jerry Coffey and Pa Foley for that thrilling encounter. Scorers for Beaufort were Timmy Hartnett (1-1), Fergus Kelly (1-0), Seamus Courtney (1-0), Michael O Sullivan (0-2), John Coffey (0-2). Scorers for the Rangers were Michael O Reilly (1-2), Joe Shannon (0-4), James Sheehan (0-3), Brian O Shea (1-0), John O Dwyer (0-1), John Griffin (0-1), Michael F. O Shea (0-1, 45).

 

Final on Sun. 25^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-3; Glenbeigh 1-6.

That dour and exciting final was marred by an incident three minutes from the end when two Laune Rangers’ players were injured. Fullback, James O Shea, and corner-back, Anthony Shannon, were removed to St. Catherine’s Hospital. The former was detained with a broken leg and a badly-shaken Anthony Shannon, who suffered torn ligaments in the neck, was discharged after treatment. The incident happened so quickly that few, if any, really saw what happened. Derry O Sullivan and Anthony Shannon were in a race for possession about thirty-five metres from the Rangers’ goal-mouth, the ball seemed to break forward on the ground and, seconds later, the two Rangers’ players lay prone on the pitch a few feet from each other and were quickly surrounded by players from both sides. As soon as it was realised that the injuries were serious, the game was abandoned.

The wonder about that game was that there were no other serious injuries, as the tackling was hard and often very dangerous and the referee was certainly in a very lenient mood. The O Sullivan Park was no place for a boy and anyone, who tried to play fancy football, was quick to discover the mistake. Despite the toughness, the game was a vast improvement on the one the previous Sunday (The drawn Mid-Kerry League Final). Underfoot conditions were treacherous and made it very difficult both for the backs and forwards. However, there were a few fine individual displays in a game that had the good attendance cheering all the way. Both sets of forwards were guilty of some poor finishing but really they could not be blamed, so bad were the underfoot conditions, especially in front of the scoreboard goal. A strong, cold wind often made it difficult to judge the flight of the ball. However, the teams did serve up good value for money.

The opening quarter belonged to Glenbeigh and they were ahead by two points to nil after seven minutes. The Rangers’ backs, facing the wind, were hard-pressed. However, wing-backs Seamus O Shea and Paudie Sheahan were dominating the exchanges but centre half-forward, Donal Griffin, was causing a lot of problems but his shooting was bad. Glenbeigh tried the long ball into the fullback line with positive results. However, they failed to convert a penalty and play swung to the other end of the field. The Glenbeigh backs seemed to have had matters their own way until the eighteenth minute, when John Griffin ran loose to finish off a fine movement with a grand goal. A minute later, the same player struck again, when he fisted home another fine goal. Glenbeigh fought back and scored three points to leave the score at halftime 2-0 to 0-5 in favour of the home side.

Shortly after the resumption, Michael F. O Shea converted a free from about forty-five metres and, a minute later, John Griffin pointed a close-in free. It was all Laune Rangers at that stage, as they attacked continuously, only to be beaten back time and again. Glenbeigh did break away for a point by Peadar O Sullivan but Joe Shannon replied with a like score a minute later. There was some very exciting play from both sides, with Joe Shannon really causing the Glenbeigh defence a lot of worry but the scores were not coming. As time went by, it looked like a Laune Rangers’ victory. Then Glenbeigh were awarded a free about twenty yards from their own goals and, to everybody’s amazement, the referee allowed the kicker, Neilie O Sullivan, to pick up the ball and solo with it. His kick dropped into the Rangers’ goalmouth, where two players fumbled the ball and it fell to the ground for Denis Griffin to boot home for the equaliser, with four minutes remaining. Amidst wild excitement, it looked like anybody’s game until the incident a minute or so later.

Laune Rangers’ Ger Hurley was again very sound in goals. In the fullback line, Anthony Shannon had easily one of his best ever games for his side both at right and, later, at left fullback. As already stated, Seamus O Shea and Paudie Sheahan never put a foot wrong and Jerry Coffey had a good second half. The Rangers’ midfield pair of Michael F. O Shea and Stephen Russell was more effective than their opponents. In the attack, Joe Shannon seemed to be involved in every movement and was often at the receiving end of some hard tackling. He got good support from John O Dwyer, John Griffin and James Sheehan.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, John Clifford (capt.), Paudie Sheahan Gerry Coffey, Seamus O Shea, Michael F. O Shea (0-1), Stephen Russell, Pa Foley, Joe Shannon (0-1), James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, Frank Russell, John Griffin (2-1). Sub: Pierce Prendiville for P. Foley.

Glenbeigh: Owen O Riordan, Pat McGillycuddy, Neilie O Sullivan, Kevin Griffin, Michael O Sullivan, Peadar O Sullivan (0-1), Pat O Riordan, Donie O Sullivan, John Griffin, Mike Moriarty (0-1), Donal Griffin, Pat O Grady, Jerry O Connor (0-2), Denis Griffin (1-1), Mike O Grady (0-1). Sub: Derry O Sullivan for J. O Connor.

Ref: Tom Evans (Keel).

The replay was played on Sun. 25^th July 1982.

 

Mid-Kerry Novice Championship

 

Rd 1 on Tues. 5^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine v Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 12^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8; Glenbeigh ‘B’ 3-4.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 19^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers’ B’ v Beaufort ‘B’.

Rd. 4 on Tues. 26^th May at Keel: Keel v Laune Rangers.

 

Final on Tues. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Beaufort 2-6; Keel 1-3.

 

Senior Football Challenge Games

 

Sun. 8^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 3-9; Kenmare ‘A’ 1-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Kenmare ‘B’ 1-2.

 

Sun. 15^th March at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-7; Foilmore 2-7.

Sun. 10^th May at Spa: Spa 0-5; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Sun. 24^th May at Lispole: West-Kerry v Laune Rangers.

Thurs. 28^th May at Churchill: St. Brendan’s v Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers 3-4; St. Mary’s 2-4.

Sun. 20^th Dec. in Cork: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Our Lady’s Cork (for the Brendan Doyle Memorial Trophy).

Laune Rangers ‘A’ v Bishopstown.

The teams travelled by bus. A meal was provided in The Castle Hotel, Macroom on the return journey. Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway, who were in charge of affairs on the evening, positioned themselves strategically, as they thought, in close proximity to the door so as to prevent any of the party from escaping ‘on the town’. Unfortunately, another escape route out the back door was discovered by John Evans and it was well past bar ‘closing time’ before the bus resumed its journey. A celebratory end to the year!

 

Over-35’s Football

 

Seamus Naughton Trophy:

Rd. 1 on Sat. 6^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-1; Glenbeigh 0-2.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 13^th June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 1-2; Laune Rangers 0-1.

Final on Sat. Sat. 27^th June: Laune Rangers beat Glenbeigh by six points.

Milltown Carnival on Sat. 11^th July: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3; Laune Rangers 5-4.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 23^rd June at Austin Stack Park: John Mitchels lost to Laune Rangers by one point.

Quarter-final on Thurs. 30^th Aug. at Tralee: Austin Stacks 1-12; Laune Rangers 2-1.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 30^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Mid-Kerry

 

Co. Minor Football League

Laune Rangers were grouped with St. Mary’s, Dr. Crokes, Milltown/Keel, Kenmare and Legion.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 3^rd April at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 1-7; Laune Rangers 0-9. Ref: Tom Keane (St. Mary’s).

Rd. 2 on Fri. 10^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 3-12; Laune Rangers 1-2. Ref: John Somers (Legion).

Rd. 3 on Fri. 17^th April at Killorglin; Laune Rangers 2-5; Milltown/Castlemaine/Keel 2-3.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 20^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-7; Kenmare 2-6. Ref: Jerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

Rd. 5 on Fri. 24^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-12; Legion 0-2.

 

Final on Fri. 15^th May at Austin Stack Park: John Mitchels 1-4; Austin Stacks 0-6.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

That competition was played again on a league basis in 1981.

Rd. 1 on Fri. 8^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-1; Laune Rangers 4-14. Ref: Mike Murphy (Milltown).

Rd. 2 on Fri. 15^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Milltown/Castlemaine. Ref: Tom Evans (Keel).

Rd. 3 on Fri. 22^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Keel.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 14^th Aug. at Rossbeigh: Glenbeigh v Laune Rangers.

Semi-final on Fri. 18^th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-10; Keel 1-5.

Final on Fri. 2^nd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Glenbeigh. Ref: Pat Twiss.

The game was not played as Glenbeigh was unable to field a team.

 

Final on Sat. 24^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-3; Glenbeigh 0-4.

Laune Rangers’ bid for eight titles in-a-row was halted by Glenbeigh in that final. Treacherous ground conditions and heavy rain, which fell during the second half, ruled out classy football and, in a game in which defences were on top throughout, close marking made open football very difficult. Both side failed to score from close-in frees, and Laune Rangers were probably the worst offenders in that respect. They had the chance of an equaliser four minutes from time, but Michael O Reilly sent the twenty metres free wide. Glenbeigh deserved to win as they adapted themselves better to the conditions and made the ball do the work, while their opponents tried to carry the ball out of defence and were often stopped in their efforts. The halftime score was 0-4 to 0-2 in favour of the winners.

Laune Rangers: Michael McCarthy, Dodo Sheahan, Donal Hurley, Padraig O Shea, Tomás Hayes, Liam Hayes, Pat Diggin, Michael O Reilly, James O Shea, Tommy Foley, Pierce Prendiville, Sean Corkery, Fergal O Shea (0-2), John Hurley, Gerard Murphy (0-1).

Glenbeigh: Raymond O Sullivan, J. Sheahan, M. Sheahan, Dan O Connor, M. Moriarty, J. Sullivan, Patie Griffin, Pat O Grady, Sean Sheahan, Jerry O Connor (0-2), M. Sullivan, Patrick Sheahan (0-2), Paul Moriarty, Michael Cahill, Pat Sullivan.

 

Having been beaten in the ‘A’ Final, Laune Rangers entered the ‘B’ Championship.

‘B’ Final on Sat. 7^th Nov. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 6-9; Keel 0-0.

Laune Rangers: Michael McCarthy (Cromane), Dodo Sheahan, Donal Hurley, Padraig O Shea, Florence Leen, Liam Hayes, Ger Hurley (capt.), Tomás Hayes, Michael O Reilly, Tommy Foley, James O Shea (Shanara), Gerard Murphy, Fergal O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy O Neill. Sub: Jimmy O Neill.

Ref: Steve Caulfield (Glenbeigh).

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

There were two groups in Division 1:

Group ‘A’: Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Kerins O Rahillys and Dingle.

Group ‘B’: Dr. Crokes, Laune Rangers, Legion and Kenmare.

Team trainer – Liam Shannon.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 8^th July at Killarney: Legion v Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 15^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-2; Kenmare 3-15.

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 23^rd July at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 3-5; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Laune Rangers did not qualify for the semi-final.

 

Final on Wed. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Austin Stacks 3-5; Dr. Crokes 1-2. Ref: Denis O Neill, Laune Rangers.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

For that competition again in 1981, the other teams in Mid-Kerry, except Laune Rangers, were allowed to play players that were sixteen and half years old.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 15^th March at Killorglin:  Laune Rangers 2-5; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-2.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 17^th March: Laune Rangers 7-6; Beaufort 0-0.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 25^th April: Laune Rangers 2-4; Glenbeigh 2-2.

Rd. 4 on Sat. 2^nd May at Keel: Keel 4-2; Laune Rangers 4-9.

Final on Sun. 28^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Glenbeigh by one point..

 

Laune Rangers ‘B’ team then entered the Mid-Kerry U-16B Championship.

Replay on Sat. 12^th Sept: Laune Rangers drew with Beaufort.

Eventually, Laune Rangers beat Beaufort. However, when Laune Rangers travelled to Glenbeigh to play the local side, Glenbeigh refused to play, because of a difference in the interpretation of the rules for the competition. Laune Rangers withdrew from the competition.

 

U-16 Football Challenge Game

 

Sun. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 11-6; Na Gaeil 3-2.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship

There were two groups in Division 1:

Group ‘A’: Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Kerins O Rahillys and Dingle.

Group ‘B’: Dr. Crokes, Laune Rangers, Legion and Kenmare.

Team trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 20^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-6; Dr. Crokes 2-8.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 29^th May at Kenmare: Kenmare 2-6; Laune Rangers 0-11. Ref: Jerome Conway.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 3^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-13; Legion 5-3.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 17^th June at Spa: Kerins O Rahillys 1-13; Laune Rangers 1-5.

The halftime score was 0-5 to 0-4 in favour of the winners.

Laune Rangers: Joe Kennedy, Sean O Connor, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Timmy Moroney, William Joy, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Richard O Connor, Owen Mangan, Ronan O Shea, Michael Moriarty (capt.), Patrick Brennan, Paul O Sullivan, Gerard Casey, Timmy Fleming. Subs: Andrew Doona for T. Fleming, Mossy O Grady for P. O Sullivan, Kenneth O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Shane O Sullivan, Pat McKenna (Steelroe).

Ref: Sean Connor (Spa).

 

Final on Mon. 20^th July at Killorglin: Dr. Crokes 3-4; Kerins O Rahillys 0-6. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered two teams, ‘A’ and ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 11^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 4-1; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 4-8.

At Beaufort: Beaufort 4-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-1.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 18^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ v Beaufort.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 25^th May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 8-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-2.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 1^st June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Glenbeigh.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 8^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Final on Mon. 22^nd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-1.

Laune Rangers: Joe Kennedy, Sean O Connor, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Timmy Moroney, William Joy, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Richard O Connor, Owen Mangan, Ronan O Shea, Michael Moriarty (capt.), Patrick Brennan, Paul O Sullivan, Andrew Doona, Gerard Casey. Subs: Timmy Fleming for S. O Connor (inj.), Robert Evans, Shane O Sullivan, Kenneth O Sullivan, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Brian Costello, Mossy O Grady.

 

Laune Rangers U-14B team played in the Mid-Kerry U-14B competition.

Final on Mon. 26^th Oct. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘A’ 4-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5.

 

U-14 Football Challenge Game

 

Sun. 26^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Legion by two points.

 

Co. Community Games Football (U-13)

Trainer – Tommy Woods.

Quarter-final on Sat. 30^th May at Strand Road, Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys 1-1; Killorglin 2-6.

The game was played in a downpour.

Semi-final on Sat. 20^th June at Killarney: Killorglin beat Rathmore.

Final on Sat. 4^th July: Killorglin 1-6; Kenmare 0-2.

Killorglin: Patie Casey, Fergus O Meara, Michael Cronin, Brian O Keeffe, Sean Fenton, Kieran O Keeffe (capt.), Ian Murphy, Robert Evans, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming, Bertie O Riordan, Mark O Connor, John Byrne, Tommy Byrne. Subs: Frankie Brennan, Pat Hannon, Shane O Sullivan, Laurence Hogan, Shane Mulvihill.

 

Munster Quarter-Final on Sat. 18^th July at Strand Road, Tralee at 12.30pm:

Killorglin 3-5; Waterford Champions 1-2.

Munster Semi-final at 4.30pm: Killorglin 3-6; Limerick Champions 1-4.

Munster Final on Sat. 25^th July at Tralee: Killorglin 3-11; Clare Champions 0-3.

Killorglin: Shane Mulvihill, Fergus O Meara, Michael Cronin, Brian O Keeffe, Sean Fenton, Kieran O Keeffe (capt.), Ian Murphy, Robert Evans, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), John Byrne, Timmy Fleming, Bertie O Riordan, Tommy Byrne, Patie Casey, Paul Griffin. Subs: Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Pat Hannon, Shane O Sullivan, Laurence Hogan.

All-Ireland Final in Butlin’s: Killorglin lost to Salthill, the Galway Champions.

At the club meeting on Mon. 28^th Sept. Pat O Shea congratulated Tommy Woods and the team on reaching the All-Ireland Final, saying that it was a magnificent achievement.

U-13 Football Challenge Game

 

Sun. 8^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Legion.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

There were two groups in Division 1:

Group ‘A’: Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Kerins O Rahillys, and Dingle.

Group ‘B’: Dr. Crokes, Kenmare, Laune Rangers and Legion

Trainer – Tommy Woods.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 8^th April at Killarney: Legion 1-4; Laune Rangers 4-6.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 15^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Kenmare. Ref: Steve Caulfield (Glenbeigh).

Rd. 3 on Wed. 22^nd April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 2-3; Laune Rangers 2-9.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 29^th April at Spa: Laune Rangers 1-18; Austin Stacks 0-1. Ref; Sean O Connor (Spa).

On Wed. 6^th May, the Ladies’ Committee organised refreshments for the team in the Pavilion, J.P. O Sullivan Park.

 

Final on Sun. 10^th May at Fossa: Kerins O Rahillys 1-4; Laune Rangers 1-3.

Both sets of backs excelled and the sides were level at 0-3 each at halftime. Then, with both teams crashing home goals, the outcome was in the balance until Tommy Kennedy grabbed the winning point in a hectic finish.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered two teams, ‘A’ and ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 6^th April: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-11; Keel 0-6.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 13^th April: Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 20^th April: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 3-14; Glenbeigh 1-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-1; Milltown/Castlemaine 4-2.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 27^th April: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-8; Keel 0-1.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Glenbeigh.

 

Final on Mon. 20^th July at Killorglin; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 3-14; Glenbeigh 0-5.

Laune Rangers: Shane Mulvihill, Fergus O Meara, Michael Cronin, Brian O Keeffe, Sean Fenton, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Ian Murphy, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming, Tommy Byrne, John Byrne, Paul Griffin, Mark O Connor, Patie Casey, Francis Brennan.

 

The U-12B entered the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship.

Rd. 1 on Sat. 24^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Beaufort ‘A’.

Semi-final on Sat. 31^st Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Glenbeigh ‘A’.

 

U-12 Football Parish League

There were four teams, Town (Capt. Michael Cronin), Over Laune/Douglas, Cromane/Caragh Lake and ‘The Rest’ (Capt. Timmy Fleming).

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 1^st March: Town 4-3; Over Laune/Douglas 3-3.

The Rest 1-4; Cromane/Caragh Lake 1-2.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 8^th March: Town v Cromane/Caragh Lake

The Rest v Over Laune/Douglas.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 15^th March: Town beat The Rest.

Cromane/Caragh Lake beat Over Laune/Douglas.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 22^nd March: The Rest 10-6; Cromane/Caragh Lake 10-5.

Town beat Over Laune/Douglas.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 29^th March: Cromane/Caragh Lake drew with Town.

The Rest beat Over Laune/Douglas.

Semi-finals on Sat. 25^th April: Cromane/Caragh Lake beat Town.

Rest beat Over Laune/Douglas.

Finals on Sun. 3^rd May, ‘A’: The Rest 2-11; Cromane/Caragh Lake 3-2.

‘B’: Town 11-3; Over Laune/Douglas 1-2.

 

U-12 Football Challenge Games

 

Sat. 28^th March at Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys ‘A’ drew with Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’ by one point.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Laune Rangers’ Primary Schools League

There were eight teams, Douglas, Cromane, Glounaguillagh and five teams from Scoil Mhuire (The captains were Timmy Fleming, William Joy, Robert Evans, Alan Foley and Sean Gamble).

 

Sat. 23^rd May at Lonart (Patsy Joy’s Field): Cromane 14-14; Douglas 1-2.

At Killorglin: Glounaguillagh 5-1; Timmy Fleming 2-2.

Sat. 30^th May at Lonart: Cromane beat Glouaguillagh.

At Lonart: Douglas beat Alan Foley.

Semi-final on Sat. 6^th June at Lonart: Cromane 5-5; Robert Evans 2-0.

At Lonart: Douglas 3-3; William Joy 2-4.

At Killorglin: Timmy Fleming 0-16; Alan Foley 0-4.

Glounaguillagh 3-4; Sean Gamble 2-0.

Finals on Thurs. 18^th June:

‘A’ (Patsy Foley Cup): Cromane 1-5; Douglas 2-1.

Cromane were the clear pre-match favourites but a great-hearted display by Douglas had the huge crowd shouting from start to finish. Cromane led by one point at halftime but midway through the second half Douglas went ahead and, amidst great excitement, Cromane came back to score the winning point just before fulltime. The game produced a high standard of football many stars of the future were seen at their best. After the game, the magnificent Patsy Foley Memorial Trophy was presented to Cromane N.S. by Mrs. Kathleen Foley, Caragh Lake. James Coffey and Pat O Shea spoke at the presentation on behalf of Laune Rangers Club and Mrs. Hayes N.T. spoke on behalf of Cromane N.S.

‘B’ (Naughton Cup): Robert Evans beat William Joy.

‘C’ Timmy Fleming beat Glounaguillagh.

‘D’ Sean Gamble beat Alan Foley.

 

Co. Vocational Schools’ U-17 Championship (Intermediate)

In March at J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 7-7; Kenmare V.S. 2-5.

The score-line did not do justice to the fight put up by Kenmare in the first half. Having led initially, they quickly found themselves two goals behind, principally due to defensive errors. A goal by Mike O Shea brought Kenmare back into contention but two goals by midfielder Michael O Reilly left Killorglin ahead at the break by 4-4 to 1-3. Killorglin dominated the second half and goals by Michael O Reilly and Andrew Boyle left them easy winners at the finish.

Killorglin: Richard O Connor, Martin Joy, James O Shea, Paul Moriarty (Glenbeigh), Martin Clifford, Denis Courtney, Pat Diggin,, Michael O Reilly, Donal Hurley, Pat Sheehan, Michael Moriarty, Morgan Sheehan (Glenbeigh), Brian O Sullivan, Andrew Boyle (Milltown/Castlemaine), Patrick O Sullivan. Subs: Johnny O Shea, John Courtney and Bertie Griffin (Milltown/Castlemaine).

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

 

Final on Fri. 29^th May at Fitzgerald Stadium: Killorglin V.S. 1-9; Rathmore V.S. 2-4.

Michael O Reilly, at midfield, inspired Killorglin with his fielding and free-taking ability in the second half. He scored 0-5 from placed balls from distances ranging from 30 to 50 yards.

Pat Sheehan opened the scoring for Killorglin with a point after five minutes. Rathmore, playing with the aid of slight breeze, began to take control of the game and Michael Conway equalised after eight minutes. Ted Cronin (free) and Tim O Callaghan had points for Rathmore. The latter was then on hand in the twenty-fourth minute to finish the ball to the net after a clash between the goalkeeper, fullback and full-forward at the edge of the Killorglin square. Approaching halftime, Michael O Reilly scored a goal from a penalty to reduce the lead and to leave the halftime score at 1-3 to 1-1 in favour of Rathmore.

The second half was to prove a thriller. Killorglin had the benefit of the breeze and Michael O Reilly pointed two frees to level the scores. Morgan Sheahan put Killorglin ahead and then Michael O Reilly pointed a sideline kick from 40 yards. Tim Counihan pulled back a point for Rathmore but Michael O Reilly pointed a long-range free to put Killorglin two points ahead again. Then came a Rathmore goal when, following a good move, Pat Griffin crashed the ball to the net. However, Killorglin were not to be outdone and with great leadership being shown by their captain and fullback, James O Shea, they surged up the field and Brian O Sullivan pointed to equalise. Michael O Reilly pointed a fifty to give his side the lead with less than five minutes remaining. Pat Diggin scored another point in the closing minutes to clinch the victory. Ref: Eamonn O Sullivan (Castleisland V.S.).

 

Co. Vocational Schools’ 1^st Year’s Championship

Fri. 3^rd April at J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 1-8; Listowel V.S. 0-0.

That was a well-merited win. Killorglin had to fight all the way for their interval lead of 0-4 to 0-0. The second half continued to go the home side’s way and they sealed victory with a goal near the finish.

Ref: Bart Moriarty.

 

Final on Fri. 17^th April at Fossa: Rathmore V.S. 0-7; Killorglin V.S. 0-6.

The game was played in ideal conditions. Killorglin dominated for long periods but failed to register their outfield dominance on the scoreboard. Rathmore took the chances that came their way during the game and that proved the deciding factor.

Rathmore led from the start with a Ger Looney pointed free in the second minute. They were leading by four points before Joe Kennedy scored for Killorglin from a free in the twenty-fourth minute, after numerous shots had been sent wide previously. Noel O Sullivan added a Killorglin point one minute later. Sean Og O Leary scored for Rathmore before Noel O Sullivan replied for Killorglin to leave the halftime scores at 0-5 to 0-3.

Points by Timmy Joe Horgan and Joe Kennedy had Killorglin level by the thirtieth minute. A further thirteen scoreless minutes followed as both sides strove for the vital scores. Eventually, Ger Looney (free) and Sean Og O Leary scored points for Rathmore. The last chance fell to Killorglin’s Bertie Griffin but his 13m free went over the bar.

Best for Killorglin were Timmy Joe Horgan, Bertie Griffin, Martin Joy, Richard O Connor and Padraig Hogan. Scorers for Killorglin – Joe Kennedy (0-2), Noel O Sullivan (0-2), T.J. Horgan (0-1), Bertie Griffin (0-1)

 

Co. Vocational Schools’ U-15.5 Hurling Championship

Fri. 3^rd April at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Killorglin V.S. 1-1; Listowel V.S. 2-0.

Listowel goaled in the final minutes, to grab victory.

 

Munster Vocational Schools’ Championship

Final on Fri. 20^th March at Ballingeary: Cork 4-8; Kerry 1-6.

James O Shea (Shanara) played at full-forward and Michael O Reilly at centre half-forward. James O Shea had a fisted goal disallowed for an apparent square infringement, while Michael O Reilly made a big difference to the performance of the team when he was switched to midfield.

 

Dunloe Cup (Kerry U-17 Colleges’ Football)

In Oct. in Killorglin: Intermediate School, Killorglin 1-3; CBS, Dingle 5-11.

Dingle elected to play with the wind in the first half and led by 2-6 to 0-0 at halftime.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Championship

Rd. 1 on Wed. 14^th Oct. at Milltown: Killorglin V.S. 3-3; Killarney V.S. 1-4.

The previous year’s title-holders suffered defeat in that game. Killorglin dominated the first half and led by 2-2 to 0-0 at halftime, thanks to goals by Pat Sheahan and Andrew Boyle. Killarney attempted in vain to score goals against a strong Killorglin defence in which Donal Hurley and James O Shea were outstanding.

On the resumption, Killarney camped in the Killorglin half for twenty minutes, during which they scored 1-4 without reply. However, good defensive play by the Killorglin defence, allied to some good fielding by the team captain, Michael O Reilly, saw corner-forward Brian O Sullivan score a goal five minutes from fulltime, which helped his side to run out deserving winners.

 

Rd. 2: Rathmore surprisingly beat Killorglin in Fitzgerald Stadium.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ First Year’s Championship

Rd. 1 in Nov. at Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 3-7; Dingle V.S. 1-4.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ U-16 Championship

Quarter-final on Thurs. 26^th Nov. at Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 0-1; Tralee V.S. 4-8.

Killorglin: Timmy Teahan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Pat McKenna (Laune Rangers), Bertie Griffin (Milltown/Castlemaine), Martin Joy (Laune Rangers), Noel O Sullivan (do.), Paul Moriarty (Glenbeigh), James O Shea (Laune Rangers), Vincent Prendergast (Keel), Timmy Joe Horgan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Paud Hogan (do), Mike Moriarty (Laune Rangers), Brian O Sullivan (do), Gerard Casey (do.), Timmy Moroney (do.), Anthony Breen (Beaufort). Subs: T. Murphy for J. O Shea, J. Courtney for T. Moroney, M. O Grady for A. Breen.

Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship

 

Sun. Aug. 7^th at Tralee: Causeway ‘B’ 4-10; Killorglin 1-4.

 

Co. Senior Hurling League Div. 2

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 22^nd May at Causeway: Causeway ‘B’ v Killorglin.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 29^th May at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan v Killorglin.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 5^th June at Killorglin: Killorglin v Ladies’ Walk.

 

Co. U-16 Hurling Championship

There were three groups. Killorglin was grouped with Kenmare.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 2^nd July at Kenmare: Kenmare beat Killorglin.

Quarter-final on Sun. 16^th Aug. at Tralee: Crotta O Neills beat Killorglin.

 

Co. U-15 Hurling Championship

That competition was played on a knockout basis. It was a conditioned competition, as players, except the goalkeeper, could not handle the ball.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 12^th Sept at Killorglin: Killorglin beat Kilmoyley.

Semi-final on Sun. 11^th Oct. at Tralee:

 

Co. U-14 Hurling Championship

That was a knockout competition.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 26^th July at Killorglin: Killorglin v Austin Stacks.

 

U-14 Hurling Challenge

 

Thurs. 1^st Jan. at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Killorglin 1-1; Newcastlewest 3-4.

That was a tremendous performance as the Newcastlewest boys were the West-Limerick champions and were runners-up to Claughaun in the Limerick Co. U-14 Final, having defeated Ahane in the semi-final.

Killorglin: Joe Purcell, Dermot Clifford, William Browne, Michael Moriarty, Vincent Hearne, Richard O Connor, Martin Clifford, Michael Brosnan, Gerard Murphy, Martin Joy, Timmy Moroney, Brian O Sullivan, Joe Kennedy, John Sheehan, John Byrne. Subs: Joe O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Tommy Byrne, Tony Ahern and Patrick Clifford.

After the game, the parents provided sandwiches, cakes, etc. as refreshments.

 

Christy Ring School of Hurling

 

Derry Mannix, Munster Hurling Officer, announced at Bord na nOg Annual Convention the setting up of the Christy Ring School of Hurling. That was a special national scheme for counties such as Kerry, which were invited to send twenty boys each between the ages of thirteen and fifteen and two mentors to a course being run in Cork in April.

Two trial games were held on Sat. 21^st Feb. at Ardfert, in an effort to select the above panel. Eighty players attended. Arising out of those trial games, another trial game was organised for Sun. 29^th Feb. at Ardfert. Richard O Connor, Gerard Murphy and Joe Purcell were at that trial.

Sun. 15^th March at Ardfert – another trial was held. Richard O Connor, Gerard Murphy and Joe Purcell were invited to attend.

When the eventual panel was selected, Gerard Murphy was Killorglin’s only representative.

 

Co. Féile na nGael Championship (U-14 Hurling)

There were eleven teams, divided into three groups.

Group 1: Austin Stacks, Killorglin and Kenmare.

Group 2: St. Brendan’s, Ballyheigue, Abbeydorney and Causeway.

Grou 3: Kilmoyley, Crotta O Neill’s, Ballyduff and Lixnaw.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 4^th April at Tralee: Austin Stacks lost to Killorglin.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 18^th April at Killorglin: Killorglin beat Kenmare.

Semi-final on Thurs. 28^th May at Killorglin: Killorglin beat St. Brendan’s.

Final on Mon. 1^st June at Ardfert: Kilmoyley 1-1; Killorglin 1-0.

Conditions were atrocious. It rained continuously and that created lots of problems for the players, but they rose to the occasion like seasoned performers and provided a grand exhibition of the code. Killorglin’s display was something of a revelation. They won many admirers by their approach to the game and by their skills and they rocked Kilmoyley back on their heels when a hard shot from thirty metre skidded off the wet surface into the net. Killorglin were unlucky not to add to their lead before halftime, at which time they led by 1-0 to 0-0.

The second half started with a brilliant save by Brendan Stack in the Kilmoyley goal. Not to be outdone, his opposite number, Joe Purcell, made a number of breath-taking saves. Kilmoyley began to dominate at midfield with the arrival of Tom Godley to that sector. Midway through the half, he got possession and, although quickly surrounded, he passed to Timmy Lawlor who sent an unstoppable shot to the net. Kilmoyley kept up the pressure and were rewarded when John Curran pointed a sixty-five metres free.

Reaching the final was a marvellous achievement by Killorglin and holding Kilmoyley, who were seeking their fourth Féile title in-a-row, scoreless for three-quarters of the game was some feat. Their best performers on the day were Joe Purcell, Joe O Shea, Vincent Hearne, Joe Kennedy and Mike Moriarty.

Killorglin: Joe Purcell, Pat McKenna, Joe O Shea, John Sheehan, Tony Ahern, Vincent Hearne, Dermot Clifford, Paul Gillespie, Richard O Connor, Joe Kennedy, Owen Mangan, Mike Moriarty, A. Clifford, Timmy Moroney, Shane O Sullivan.

Kilmoyley: Brendan Stack, Seamus O Regan, Tom Godley, J. O Sullivan, K. Sheehy, Timmy Lawlor, M. Marshall, John Curran, J. Galvin, D. Lovett, B. Diggins, T. Gentleman, F. Sullivan, D. Regan, N. O Connor. Subs: S. Harris, M. Fitzgerald.

Ref: John Mike McCarthy (St. Brendan’s).

 

Co. Community Games Hurling

 

On the weekend 23^rd/24^th May, Killorglin finished runners-up in the Co. Finals.

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

 

The following trials were held:

Sat. 14^th Feb. at Milltown: Laune Rangers v Mid-Kerry. Ref: Jerome Conway.

Sat. 21^st Feb. at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry v Laune Rangers/Mid-Kerry.

Sat. 14^th March at Killarney: South-Kerry/Mid-Kerry/Laune Rangers v East-Kerry/Kenmare.

South-Kerry/Mid-Kerry/Laune Rangers: Ger Buckley (Valentia), Raymond O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Michael Keating (Waterville), John O Dwyer (do.), Liam Hayes (Laune Rangers), Tony Carey (Keel), Michael O Reilly (Laune Rangers), John Gallagher (Valentia), David O Connor (St. Mary’s), James O Shea (Laune Rangers), John Clifford (Waterville), Ger Hurley (Laune Rangers), Willie Maher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Pierce Prendiville (Laune Rangers), Murty O Connell (St. Mary’s). Subs: Mike Heffernan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Dermot O Sullivan (Beaufort), Donal Courtney (do.), D. O Dwyer (Waterville), Mike O Donoghue (Valentia).

None of the Laune Rangers’ players made the county panel for the Munster Championship.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 10^th July at Killorglin: Kerry 2-13; Tipperary 1-3.

 

Munster U-21 Football Championship

 

Kerry trial on Wed. 10^th June at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry/South-Kerry v East-Kerry/Kenmare.

Mid-Kerry/South-Kerry: Donie Hartnett (Beaufort), Paudie Sheahan (Laune Rangers), Brian Ladden (Keel), Jimmy Dowling (Dromid), Anthony Shannon (Laune Rangers), John T. O Sullivan (Renard), Pat Sheahan (Glenbeigh), Johnny O Sullivan (Waterville), Frank O Donoghue (Renard), Joe Shannon (Laune Rangers), Donie O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), James Sheehan (Laune Rangers), John Griffin (Laune Rangers), Peadar O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Seamus Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s). Subs: John O Connor (Beaufort), Edward O Neill (Renard).

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 22^nd July at Finuge: Kerry 2-9; Limerick 2-6.

Kerry had good reason to hail substitute Anthony Shannon after that game. For were it not for a golden goal from the former Kerry minor two minutes from time, then Kerry would have suffered the same fate as the previous year. Despite playing against a gale-force wind in the first half, Kerry only trailed by one point (1-3 to 1-2) at the interval. However, they made hard work of winning the game in the second half and, indeed, it looked all over for them until the Laune Rangers’ man, Anthony Shannon, struck the all-important goal with a hard, low shot from the wing. Michael F. O Shea played at centre halfback.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 29^th July at Dungarvan: Kerry beat Waterford.

 

Final on Wed. 19^th Aug. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-6; Cork 0-11.

Kerry: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds), Mikey Keane (Kerins O Rahillys), Liam O Connor (Dingle), Brian Ladden (Keel), Davy Keane (Kerins O Rahillys), Michael F. O Shea (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Pat Sheahan (Glenbeigh), Tommy Spillane (Templenoe) 0-1, Tommy Sheehy (Ballylongford), Liam Kerins (Austin Stacks), Tomás Ó Flatharta (Gaeltacht), Joe Murphy (Currow) 0-1, Willie O Connor (Desmonds), Ambrose O Donovan (Gneeveguilla), Jerry Costello (0-2). Subs: J. Murphy (0-1) for W. O Connor, John Keane for B. Ladden, Tommy Parker for J. Murphy, Anthony Shannon.

 

National Football League 1981/’82

 

Sun. 15^th Nov. at Croke Park: Dublin 0-7; Kerry 1-7.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan, Sean Walsh, Bernard O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennelly, Mick Spillane, Jack O Shea (1-4), Tommy Spillane, Ger Power, Tommy Doyle (0-1), Johnny Doyle, Diarmuid O Donoghue, Eoin Liston (0-1), John Egan (0-1). Subs: Joe Shannon for D. O Donoghue, Ogie Moran for J. Egan. That was Joe Shannon’s first appearance in a competitive game for the Kerry Senior football team.

 

Sun. 22^nd Nov. at Roscommon: Roscommon 0-9; Kerry 0-6.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan, John O Keeffe, Brenard O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennelly, Mick Spillane, Jack O Shea, Tommy Spillane (0-1), Joe Shannon, Ambrose O Donovan, Johnny Doyle, Ger Power (0-3), Sean Walsh (0-1), Ger O Driscoll (0-1). Subs: Ger Lynch for J. Doyle.

 

Sun. 29^th Nov. at Crosmolina: Mayo 0-9; Kerry 1-5.

Joe Shannon was a substitute.

 

Ladies’ Senior Football

 

Munster Senior Championship

Semi-final on Sun. 9^th Aug: Kerry 3-8; Tipperary 1-8.

Kerry: Hilda O Leary, Martina Walsh (Castleisland), Eileen O Connor, Nora Foley (Beaufort), Marian Doherty (Castleisland), Jacqueline McGillycuddy, Lil Horgan, Mary Twomey (Castleisland), Annette Walsh (do.), Marina Barry, Eileen Lawlor, Mai Lombard (Castleisland), M. Lawlor, D. McLoughlin, Mary Joe Curran (Beaufort).

 

National Football League

Kerry won the league. Jacqueline McGillycuddy was a substitute.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Paddy McFlynn, An Dún, was Uachtarán CLG.

Congress was held on 28^th/29^th March in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney. James Coffey was on the organising committee for congress. The Kerry delegation consisted of Frank King, Sean Kelly, Tim Linehan, Dave Geaney, James Coffey, Gerald Whyte, Michael O Connor, Murt Galvin, Gerald McKenna, Tom Fitzgerald and Jerome Conway. Scores from the hand were banned in football.

 

Donal O Sullivan, Corcaigh, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Donie Nealon, Tiobrad Árainn, was Secretary and Tadhg Crowley, Ciarraí, was Treasurer. James Coffey was appointed as one of the Kerry delegates to the Munster Council Convention in Thurles.

 

The Kerry Co. Convention was held on Sun. 25^th Jan. in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee. Laune Rangers’ delegates were Michael Foley, Patsy Joy and Dan Carey. Jerome Conway attended as Chairman of Bord na nOg Ciarraí. The following officers were re-elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc; Chairman – Frank King; Secretary – Andy Molyneaux; Joint-Treasurers – Murt Galvin and James Coffey; PRO – Tim Linehan; Central Council delegate – Gerald McKenna; Munster Council delegates – Dave Geaney and Michael O Connor; Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Séamus Mac Gearailt (He subsequently resigned and Tony O Keeffe, Austin Stacks, was elected in his place, defeating T. Ó Sé by 108 votes to 82)); Youth Officer – Tom Fitzgerald. Gerald Whyte, outgoing Vice-Chairman, held off the challenge of Joe Keohane by 154 votes to 32.

Senior Selection Committee – Mick O Dwyer, Pat O Shea, Liam Higgins, Bernie O Callaghan and Joe Keohane.

Minor Football Selection Committee (Jerome Conway did not seek re-election): Tom Prendergast (111 votes), Buddy O Grady (101), Eddie ‘Tatler’ O Sullivan (101), Eric Murphy (91), Michael Pice (76), all of whom were elected, Ollie Kerins (75).

At the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 3^rd Feb. the Chairman, Frank King, proposed John ‘Kerry’ O Donnell as a candidate for the Presidency of the GAA. James Coffey seconded the proposal.

As Chairman of Bord na nOg Ciarraí, Jerome Conway was a member of the Kerry Co. Board Committee.

The members of the General Purposes Committee of the Kerry Co. Board for 1981 were Murt Galvin (Dr. Crokes), James Broderick (Causeway), Derry Murphy (Dingle), Jack Harrington (Ballyduff), Timmy Carmody, Jerome Conway (Bord na nOg), Pat Lynch (Killorglin Hurling Club) and Richie Williams (Fossa).

The members of Bord na bPáirc of Kerry Co. Board were Michael O Connor (Dr. Crokes), Cormac O Leary (Moyvane), Sean O Neill (Renard), Sean O Dowd (Castlegregory), Vincent Carmody (Emmets), Denis McCarthy (Kenmare), Frank King (Chairman Co. Board), Andy Molyneaux (Secretary Co. Board), Donal Kelliher, solicitor (Castleisland), Father McKenna (Dingle), Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers) and Mick Donovan (John Mitchels).

 

The officers of the Kerry Referees’ Committee were Chairman – Weeshie Fogarty (Legion), Secretary – Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers), PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds).

 

The AGM of Bord na nOg Ciarraí was held in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Mon. 12^th Jan. Over 100 delegates attended. The outgoing Chairman, Willie Griffin thanked the officers of the Board, especially the Vice-Chairman, Jerome Conway, who had assumed the duties of Chairman, while he had been sick. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Jerome Conway; Vice-Chairman – Joe Linnane; Secretary – Tom O Connor; Treasurer – Matty Flaherty; Auditors – Donie O Sullivan and Bernie O Connor. The following motions were adopted: 1) That all cups would be phased out and replaced by other trophies or plaques, 2) That five substitutes would be allowed in U-12 competitions, 3) That Bord na nOg medals would be circular with a cross in the centre.

 

As Chairman of Co. Bord na nOg, Jerome Conway attended the Conference of Youth Officers and officers of Bordanna na nOg in St. Mary’s Conference Centre, Balheary, Swords, Co. Dublin on Fri. 23^rd/Sat. 24^th Oct.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held on Tues. 20^th Jan. in Keel. (The Secretary’s report was given at the end of 1980). Chairman, James Coffey, in the course of his address, said that he was bitterly disappointed with the approach of the players, selectors and clubs to the Mid-Kerry teams. He said that the day of the unfit player playing Gaelic football was gone. There was no longer any respect for the player who went from pub to the playing pitch and, when a game or training session was over, returned to the pub. ‘This type of player can be tolerated no longer,’ he said. If there was a decline in the standard of the Mid-Kerry senior team in the County Championship, then there was certain to be a decline in the standard of Mid-Kerry competitions. If that happened, or was allowed to happen, it would be a sad day for the clubs in the area. He told the clubs that the job of selectors was to select the best Mid-Kerry teams and not to get as much representation as possible for their own clubs on the teams. ‘The clubs must put the best men forward as selectors and not hold them responsible for getting as many of their won clubmen as possible on the team,’ he said. He appealed to the Mid-Kerry players to respond to the trainer that year and make an all-out effort to win the Co. Championship. He congratulated the various clubs on their successes during the year and also those who were associated with Kerry’s All-Ireland senior and minor victories. He paid tribute to the referees in the area and described them as among the best in the county. He also paid tribute to the Board’s Secretary, Maurice Harmon. ‘In his first year in the post,’ said James Coffey, ‘he had done Trojan work for the Board, as well as representing it well at Co. Board level.’

The report of the Treasurers, Maurice Harmon and George Evans, showed a slight loss in the year’s workings.  The following officers were re-elected: President – Paddy Foley; Chairman – James Coffey; Vice-Chairman – Jim Foley; Hon. Secretary – Maurice Harmon; Joint Hon. Treasurers – George Evans and Maurice Harmon; Delegate to Co. Board – Maurice Harmon.

 

The minutes of five Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available, mainly of the fixture-making nature.

At the meeting in the Old Forge Inn, Killorglin on 9^th March, the Beaufort delegates opted for Milltown as the venue for the replay of the 1980 Mid-Kerry League Final on Sun. 12^th April, Laune Rangers v Beaufort. Pat Twiss, Milltown/Castleisland delegate, promised that the wiring of the field would be completed by then and the game was scheduled for Milltown, subject to the wiring being completed. On the week prior to the game, the Milltown/Castlemaine Chairman informed the Chairman of the Board that the wiring of the pitch would not be completed in time for the game. The Chairman then rescheduled the game for the J.P. O Sullivan Park, expecting that Beaufort would have no objection to playing there. However, later in the week, the Beaufort Chairman informed the Board Chairman that Beaufort had no intention of playing in Killorglin. At the subsequent Mid-Kerry Board meeting on Wed. 14^th April, the Beaufort delegate, Murt Kelly, said that he thought that the Milltown pitch was suitable for the game. The Chairman of the Board disagreed and awarded the game to Laune Rangers. The Laune Rangers’ delegate, Jerome Conway, said that Laune Rangers did not want to take the game and appealed to Beaufort to play the game as fixed, that Beaufort had a great record against all the teams in the area and Beaufort should not have to concede the game. The Beaufort delegate answered, ‘Bullshit,’ and left the meeting.

 

The following were the officers of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg for 1981: Chairman – Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers), Vice-Chairman – Pat Ladden (Keel), Secretary/PRO – Mick O Toole (Glenbeigh).

 

The minutes of 33 Laune Rangers’ Club meetings are available. The sub-committee system operated very effectively in the club and each Chairman reported to the weekly meetings.

At the club meeting on Mon. 9^th Feb. the Chairmen of the various sub-committees were appointed, Social – Joe Crowley, Field – Jim Casey (He resigned on 23^rd March and was replaced by Jim Galvin and Dan Carey) and Bord na nOg – Pat O Shea.

Social Sub-Committee (Joe Crowley):

Fri. 2^nd Jan. – Reform. Stewards – Lower Town.

Fri. 9^th Jan. – Nevada. Stewards – Over Laune.

Fri. 23^rd Jan. – Tommy Drennan. Stewards – Upper Town.

Fri. 30^th Jan. – Jimmy Swarbrigg and his Band. Stewards – Caragh Lake.

Fri. 6^th Feb. – The Clowns. Stewards – Lower Town.

Fri. 13^th Feb. – The Times. Stewards – Over Laune.

Fri. 20^th Feb. – The Conquerors. Stewards – Upper Town. 298 people attended – a loss of £5 on the night.

Fri. 27^th Feb. – Sandie Jones. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 303 people attended – a loss of £25 on the night.

Fri. 6^th March – The Chips. Stewards – Lower Town. 260 people paid £498 – a loss of £100 (approx.).

Fri. 13^th March – Mamas Boys. Stewards – Over Laune. 429 people attended.

Fri. 20^th March –  Crackers. Stewards – Upper Town. 245 people attended – a loss of £30 on the night.

Fri. 27^th March – Denis Allen and his Band. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 215 people attended – a loss of £150.

Fri. 3^rd April – Reform. Stewards – Lower Town. 400 people attended – profit of £200.

Fri. 10^th April – Des Lee, Julia and Star Band. Stewards – Over Laune. Gross – £640. Profit – £100.

Fri. 24^th April – Brush Shiels and Skid Row. Stewards – Upper Town. 420 attended – profit of £150.

Fri. 1^st May – Lucky Numbers. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 330 people attended. Profit – £90.

Fri. 8^th May – The Conquerors. Stewards – Lower Town. 267 people attended – loss of £70.

Fri. 15^th May – Magic. Stewards – Over Laune. 261 people attended – loss of £90. There was trouble at the dance, as a result of which the following were barred from entry: Tim Griffin, Ardcanacht, Keel; Frank Corkery, Tullig; Dominic Flaherty, Tullig; Tim and Michael Griffin, Iveragh Park. It was decided to ask the sergeant to have a Garda on duty near the hall on Friday nights.

Fri. 22^nd May – Sandie Jones. Stewards – Upper Town. 230 people attended – loss of £100.

Fri. 29^th May – Nevada. Stewards – Caragh Lake.

Fri. 5^th June – Starband. Stewards – Lower Town. 392 people attended – profit of £120.

Fri. 12^th June – Sandie Duskey and the Fairways. Stewards – Over Laune. 298 people attended – profit of £124 approx.

Fri. 19^th June – Marmalade. Stewards – Upper Town.

Fri. 3^rd July – Teddy Palmer and Band. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 346 attended – profit of £80.

Fri. 10^th July – Sandie Jones. Stewards – Lower Town. 360 attended – profit of £120.

Fri. 17^th July – Brush Shiels and Skid Row. Stewards – Over Laune. 477 attended – lodged £412.

Fri. 24^th July – Reform. Stewards – Upper Town. 448 attended.

Fri. 31^st July – Zen Alligators. Stewards – Caragh Lake.

Fri. 7^th Aug. – Des Lee, Julia and Star Band. Stewards – Lower Town.

Fri. 14^th Aug. – The Chips. Stewards – Over Laune.

Fri. 21^st Aug. – The Crack. Stewards – Upper Town.

Fri. 28^th Aug. – The Lookalikes. Stewards – Caragh Lake. Gross takings – £1,146. Lodged £329.

Fri. 4^th Sept. – The Clowns. Stewards – Lower Town.

Fri. 11^th Sept. – The Duskey Sisters. Stewards – Over Laune.

Fri. 18^th Sept. – Denny, Julia and Starband. Stewards – Upper Town.

Fri. 25^th Sept. – San Bernadino. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 220 attended. Gross takings – £454.

Fri. 2^nd Oct. – Flint. Stewards – Lower Town. Gross takings – £927. That was a Kerry team victory dance. The following members of the Kerry team and Co. Board attended: Jimmy Deenihan (capt.), Paudie Lynch, Ogie Moran, Eoin Liston, Ger O Keeffe; Selectors – Bernie O Callaghan, Liam Higgins, Pat O Shea, Mick O Dwyer; Tom McCarthy (Chairman of Australian Tour Fund-Raising Committee), Tom Fitzgerald (Co. Youth Officer and Secretary of Australian Tour), James Coffey (Joint Treasurer Co. Board).

Fri. 9^th Oct. – The Times. Stewards – Over Laune. Gross takings – £400.

Fri. 16^th Oct. – Jimmy Swarbrigg. Stewards – Upper Town. 250 attended. Gross – £500. Band – £400.

Fri. 23^rd Oct. – Brush Shiels and Skid Row. Stewards – Caragh Lake.

Fri. 30^th Oct. – Starband. Stewards – Lower Town. 310 attended. Profit (50/50) – £300.

Fri. 6^th Nov. – Sandie Jones. Stewards – Over Laune. 300 attended. Lodged – £169.

Fri. 13^th Nov. – The Clowns. Stewards – Upper Town. 230 attended – nett loss.

Fri. 20^th Nov. – Sandie Duskey. Stewards – Caragh Lake. 188 attended at £2 – nett loss.

Fri. 27^th Nov. – Tommy Drennan. Stewards – Lower Town. 116 attended. Nett loss of £300+.

Fri. 4^th Dec. – San Bernadino. Stewards – Over Laune. 200 attended. Lodged £133.

Fri. 11^th Dec. – Zen Alligators. Stewards – Upper Town.188 attended – loss of £200.

Fri.  18^th Dec. – Nevada. Stewards – Caragh Lake.

At the club meeting on 12^th Oct. it was decided to write to Dick Spring (Minister for State in the Department of Justice), complaining about the amount of bar exemptions in Killorglin. It was further decided to ask the club’s solicitor, William Crowley, to object to further exemptions. In reply, Dick Spring said that there was not a whole lot he could do about the bar-exemptions as it was a matter for the gardaí. He advised the club to object to the exemptions and to get as many as possible to object, also. William Crowley, suggested that the club would have to employ a solicitor for every court in Kerry where  an application for an exemption could be made.

At a review of dancing at the club meeting on 7^th Dec. it was revealed that the nett profit from dancing in 1981 was £3,000 – £3,500. Recent losses were graver than the previous year. The main reason for the losses was the fact that the bars in the town were having exemptions every Friday night and the patrons had chosen to remain in the pubs.

 

Field Sub-Committee (Jim Casey/Jim Galvin):

At the meeting on 11^th Feb. the Field Committee was told that spending on the field would be cut to a minimum in 1981 – maintenance expenses only.

New juvenile posts were acquired for the juvenile pitch at the end of the field.

The ‘Danny Kissane Affair’ was discussed at the club meeting on 9^th March. The Secretary reported on matters up to that time. That matter began in 1975, when both he and Pat O Shea had attempted to buy some ground from Danny Kissane with a view to developing the northern end of the field. Danny Kissane had verbally agreed to sell sufficient ground as to straighten the boundary fence between him and the J. P O Sullivan Park. However, upon returning to the U.S. nothing was heard from him. When he returned to Ireland the following year, a similar approach had been made to him. He again seemed sympathetic and agreed to meet with Pat O Shea and Jerome Conway in James Coffey’s Bar. He, however, failed to fulfil the appointment and returned to the U.S. Development and levelling began at the northern end of the field. The well, as it existed, impeded such development and, bearing in mind how sympathetic Danny Kissane seemed to have been, the pump was removed (There had been no other encroachment onto Danny Kissane’s property). Almost immediately, notice was received to replace the pump. When Danny Kissane again came home, James Coffey met with him and he (James Coffey) was left under the impression that the matter would be resolved out of court without delay. However, meanwhile, further letters had been received from Danny Kissane’s solicitor in Cork, seeking damages of £10,000. Both the Secretary and the Chairman had consulted with the club’s solicitor, William Crowley. Maps had been ordered and when the amount of ground that had been taken would be calculated, a further effort would be made to purchase same.

In March it was decided to purchase extra trees to be put around the perimeter of the field.

At the club meeting on 23^rd March, Jim Casey resigned as Chairman of the Field Committee due to pressure of work. Jim Galvin and Dan Carey accepted joint-responsibility for the field.

In April, Donie Griffin made a new liner for the field.

Pat O Shea looked after the showers, which were out of order and purchased nets of the goals.

The Munster Minor Football Semi-final was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Fri. 10^th July. The following stewards were appointed: Parking – Liam Shannon; Pavilion Supervision – Dan Carey; Pitch cutting/lining etc. – Jim Galvin; Tipperary flag – Pat O Shea; Notification of Gardaí – James Coffey; Pitch supervision on the evening – Jerome Conway.

In Oct. the club bought four ESB poles for £60 and Joe Crowley oversaw the purchase of spot-lights from the rugby club via Rick Sheehy for £140.

 

Bord na nOg Sub-Committee (Pat O Shea):

That committee had a very busy year, entering county and Mid-Kerry competitions at U-12, U-14, U-16 and minor levels. ‘B’ teams were also entered in Mid-Kerry competitions at U-12, U-14 and U-16 levels. The Laune Rangers Primary Schools’ competition was also organised and an U-12 Parish League.

 

Ladies’ Sub-Committee:

It had been decided at the AGM that a Ladies’ Sub-Committee should be set up. That was done on Wed. 18^th Feb. in the Pavilion, J.P. O Sullivan Park. Chairperson – Liz O Shea, Secretary – Maura Tuohy. Committee – Finola Cronin, Breda Clifford, Kathleen Foley, Kitty O Shea, Kathleen Shannon, Eileen Hayes, Mary Joy, Joan O Shea, Noreen Griffin, Patsy Clifford, Noreen Murphy and Nancy Moriarty. The terms of reference were 1) the committee to assist with the club’s financial affairs and 2) the committee to assist with the catering for visiting teams. The committee would meet the club committee on the first Monday of each month. The ladies could either become a full-member of the club for £5 (optional) or the club would make them honorary members, with no right to vote at the club’s AGM.

The committee ran a shop in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, commencing on 22^nd May (Seamus Murphy put in the shelving). A card was obtained from Punch’s Cash and Carry, Killarney. Snacks, mars bars, minerals and taytos were acquired. A separate bank-account was opened. The committee provided teas and sandwiches to the players and officials at halftime in the Munster Minor Football Championship Semi-final, Kerry v Tipperary, on Fri. 10^th July in the O Sullivan Park. Excess stock from the shop was sold to the post-primary students at the end of the year.

 

Other matters that were discussed at the Laune Rangers’ Club meetings included:

• At the meeting on 9^th Feb. it was decided to organise a ‘400 club’ draw, with ten monthly draws at £1 per month. The prize was £100 per month. Forty members would endeavour to get ten names each. The following volunteered/were appointed to sell tickets: Jim Galvin, Finola Cronin, Breda Clifford, Pat O Shea, Eileen Hayes, Liam Shannon, Michael O Shea, Michael Foley, Eamonn Crowley, James Coffey, Bart Moriarty, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Maura Tuohy, Liam Hayes, Maurice Corkery, John Foley (Reen), Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon, Finbarr Coffey, Patrick Freeman, Ger Hurley, Anthony Corkery, Frank Russell, Anthony Shannon, James Sheehan, Jerry Coffey, Pat Lynch, Pa Foley, John Clifford, Brian O Shea, John Foley (Iveragh Road), Maurice Geary, Joe Crowley, Maurice Harmon, Tommy Woods, Kitty O Shea, Mary Joy, Liz O Shea, Patsy Clifford, Noreen Murphy, Noreen Griffin, Jerome Conway, John Costello, Stephen Russell and Pierce Prendiville.

Winners: Fri. 13^th March – Mrs. Sheila O Connor N.T;

Fri. 10^th April – Declan Mangan N.T;

Mon. 11^th May – Tom O Shea, Mountain View;

Mon. 15^th June – Patricia Lacey, c/o James O Shea;

Mon. 20^th July – Peter Moroney, Reen;

Mon. 24^th Aug. – Jackie O Reilly, Cromane Lower;

Mon. 5^th Oct. – Paddy Cahillane, Gortleen, Keel;

Mon. 2^nd Nov. – Pat Joy, Caragh Lake;

Mon. 30^th Nov. – Larry Daly, c/o Liebherr;

Dec. (held in Jan. 1982) Mary Foley, Reen.

The net profit from the venture was £2,500 (approx.).

• At the meeting of 9^th Feb. it was decided, with a view to fostering the culture of the country and to improving the social side of the club, to organise an Oíche Cheoil once a month, on Fri. nights, in the mini-theatre of the CYMS Hall (The fee to the CYMS was £6 per night). Tea and biscuits were supplied.

1^st night – Fri. 13^th March was a complete failure. Very few attended but those, that did, enjoyed themselves. There was no scarcity of music and a cup of tea was provided. Expenses – hall £6, teas £3.50, Nora O Sullivan £3. The takings at the door, though not compulsory, were £12.40.

2^nd night – Fri. 27^th March was at least as big a disaster as the first might.

3^rd night – Fri. 10^th April was also a disaster and it was decided to discontinue with that project.

• At the meeting on 23^rd Feb. it was decided to forfeit the one-third of the gate from home Mid-Kerry League games in return for the granting of free admission to all games to the J. P O Sullivan Park to membership card holders. Membership cost £5. That meeting adjourned abruptly, when controversy broke out between the Chairman and Joe Crowley.
• The CEC of the club was formed at the meeting on 2^nd March and consisted of James Coffey (Chairman), Jim Galvin (Vice-Chairman), Jerome Conway (Secretary), John Foley and Eamonn Crowley (Joint Treasurers), Bart Moriarty, Tommy Woods, Brian O Shea and Maurice Corkery (U-21 members), Eileen Hayes and Maura Tuohy (Ladies’ representatives).
• The club decided to support Antóin Ó Caoimh as Oifeagach na Gaelige in the Kerry Co. Board.
• It was decided at the meeting on 23^rd March to employ Owen McCrohan for a few sessions to check out the physical state of the senior players. He attended for 20 sessions and he also gave individual treatment to four players. Nothing like that had ever been tried by the club previously. His bill for the year was £575 and, at the end of the year, it was decided to dispense with his services.
• Permission was granted to the Killorglin Community Games Committee to run its sports meeting on Sat. 30th/Sun. 31^st May in the J.P. O Sullivan Park.
• Permission was granted to the Vocational School to run the 25^th Annual Co. Sports in the J.P. O Sullivan Park.
• Permission was granted, at the meeting on 25^th May, to the Keel Club to video its first round Mid-Kerry Senior Championship game versus Beaufort.
• Dan Carey, Thomas Evans and Liam Shannon volunteered to act as stewards at the stage-end of the Rás Tailteann at Killorglin on Mon. 22^nd June, in reply to a request from the local cycling club.
• Tommy Woods represented the club at a meeting of the Community Council on Thurs 9^th July in the CYMS Hall, where the need for a sports hall/complex was discussed. Killorglin had been selected as one of twelve centres in the country where a community complex was to be built. The Department of Education would give a grant of £86,000, the Department of Youth and Sport would give a grant of £86,000 and the remaining £86,000 would have to be raised locally.
• Munster Football Final tickets were distributed at the meeting on 13^th July (The club received 50 tickets from Kerry Co. Board, the hurling club 10 and Co. Bord na nOg gave the club 4) The distribution was as follows, each person getting one ticket: Paddy Foley, Jim Galvin, Jerome Conway, Michael O Shea, John Foley, Eamonn Crowley, Joe Crowley, Dan Carey, Patsy Joy, Michael Foley, Jim Casey, Liam Shannon, Patrick O Grady. Seventeen tickets were raffled amongst the players and the winners were John O Dwyer, James O Shea (Shanara), James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Patrick Freeman, Pat Joe O Mahony, John Clifford, Padraig O Shea, Mossy Joy, Finbarr Coffey, Jimmy O Neill, Alan Diggin, John Galvin, Anthony Corkery, Gerard O Shea, Pat O Riordan, Gene Evans and Tom O Connor. Six tickets were raffled between those who stood at the dancehall door and the winners were Seamus O Shea, Pa Foley, Maurice Corkery, Brian O Shea, Paul McMahon and John Foley (Reen). Seventeen tickets were raffled between those who sold tickets for the ‘400 club’ and the winners were Frank Russell, Maurice Harmon, Bart Moriarty, Stephen Russell, John Costello, Ger Hurley, Liam Shannon, Breda Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon, Maurice Geary, Liam Hayes, James Sheehan, Pat O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Pierce Prendiville and Anthony Shannon. Four tickets were raffled between those that carried their cars to matches and the winners were Seamus Hurley, John O Keeffe, Harry Carey and Donie Griffin. Four tickets were raffled amongst the Ladies’ Committee and the winners were Noreen Murphy, Mary Joy, Maura Tuohy and Eileen Hayes. Three tickets were given to Bord na nOg – Tommy Woods, Matttie Cronin and Jerry Griffin.
• It was decided that the U-12 and U-14 teams would march in the Puck Fair parade.
• At the meeting on 27^th July, Bart Moriarty proposed and it was agreed to donate the grass-cutter, then lying idle, to St. Mary of the Angels Home.
• At the meeting on 7^th Dec. it was decided that the Secretary would arrange to have a Mass said for the deceased members, relatives and friends of the club that had died during 1981.

 

The following people attended meetings of the Laune Rangers Club during 1981: Jerome Conway (32), Bart Moriarty (32), Jim Galvin (29), Dan Carey (27), Liam Shannon (26), Pat O Shea (23), James Coffey (22), John Foley (21), Michael O Shea (21), Michael Foley (21), Eamonn Crowley (13), Maura Tuohy (12), Noreen Murphy (11), Jim Casey (11), Liz O Shea (9), Thomas Evans (9), Tommy Woods (8), Kathleen Shannon (8), Joe Crowley (7), Breda Clifford (6), Mary Joy (5), Patsy Joy (5), Tony Lyons (4), Patricia Clifford (4), Kathleen Foley (2), Noreen Griffin (2), James O Shea (2), Finola Cronin (1), Kitty O Shea (1), Eileen Hayes (1), Seamus Naughton (1), Pat Lynch (1), Stephen Clifford (1).

 

The following were members of Laune Rangers Club for 1981: James Coffey, Maurice Harmon, Jerome Conway, Thomas Evans, Michael Foley, Pat O Shea, Patsy Joy, Liam Shannon, Jim Casey, John Evans, Joe Crowley, Pierce Prendiville, Pat Pigott, Pa Foley, Joe Shannon, Bill McSwiney, Mossy Joy, Pat Clifford, Jimmy Doona, Johnny Doona, Pat Sheehan, Michael O Shea (Laharn), Michael O Shea (Rangue), Kevin Foley, Gerard O Shea, Mike Hassett, Owen Mangan, Dan O Sullivan (Langford St.), John Curran, Harry Carey, Teddy Healy, Danny Healy, John Galvin, Tommy Woods, Jim Galvin, Bart Moriarty, Eamonn Crowley, John Foley (Iveragh Road), Maura Tuohy, Kathleen Woods, Pat O Riordan, Tony Lyons, James O Shea, Ger Hurley, John Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Jerry Coffey, Anthony Shannon, Teddy Clifford, Frankie Russell, Stephen Russell, John Griffin, Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, Michael F. O Shea, John Horgan, Pa O Grady, Brian O Shea, Pat Joe O Mahony, Gene Evans, Maurice Corkery, Seamus O Shea, Tom O Connor, Anthony Corkery, Finbarr Coffey, James O Riordan, Pat Grandfield, Liam Hayes, Patrick Freeman, John O Dwyer, John O Neill, John Hurley, John Costello, John Foley, James Ferris, Donal Pigott, Michael O Reilly, Sean Corkery, Timothy Doyle, Eugie Griffin, James Shannon, Dodo Sheahan, Johnny Healy, David Griffin, Davy O Shea, Michael Sweeney, Mícheal O Callaghan, Anthony Foley, Mícheal Scanlon, Donal Hurley, Jimmy O Neill, James O Shea, Tomás Hayes, Kevin O Grady, Timmy O Neill, Gerard Murphy, John Murphy, Donal Mangan, Ciarán O Callaghan, Tommy Foley, Donie Griffin, Dan Carey, Paudie Healy, Patrick Horgan, Pat Diggin.

 

The Mid-Kerry Senior Scór Finals were held in Milltown in mid-February. Laune Rangers were represented by the following: Recitation – Christine O Connor; Solo-Singing – Karen Moroney; Question-Time – Sean Corkery, Mike Dowd and Jerome Conway; Instrumental Music – Mike Dowd and Raymond Shaughnessy; Ballad Group – Anthony Shannon, Finbarr Coffey, James Looney, Fergus Foley and Mike Dowd. The club was successful in both singing competitions and the contestants went forward to the Co. Semi-Final in Rathmore on Fri. 20^th Feb. The ballad group qualified for the Co. Final in Killarney on Fri. 27^th Feb, where they were placed second.

The Laune Rangers’ Scór na nOg was held in the mini-theatre in the CYMS Hall on Sat. 14^th Nov. Admission was 50p and the takings at the door amounted to £17.50. Amplification – Liam Woods, Trophies – Pat Finnegan, Questions – Jerome Conway, M.C. – Jerome Conway. The following qualified for the Mid-Kerry Finals in Beaufort on Fri. 20^th Nov:

Rinnce Foirne – Helena Stack, Helena Teahan, Kathleen McKenna and Patricia Casey;

Ceol Uirlise – Helena and Austin Stack (jig and slow air).

Amhranaíocht Aonair – Emir Murphy (Mo Pháistín Fionn).

Tráth na gCeist – Fergal O Shea, Paul Moroney and Michael Costello.

Nuachleas – Thomas Houlihan, Gerard Murphy, Deirdre Costello, Helena Stack and Patricia Casey.

Bailéad Grúpa – Fiona Foley, Christena O Shea, Pauline Foley, Elaine Mangan and Maria Melia (Spanish Lady and Fiddler’s Green).

Rinnce Set – Gerard Murphy, Fergal O Shea, Austin Stack, Michael Dermody, Nancy O Neill, Patricia Casey, Kathleen McKenna and Helena Stack.

The Bailéad Grúpa, Rinnce Set, Ceol Uirlise and Tráth na gCeist qualified for the Co. Semi-finals in Kenmare on Sat, 5^th Dec.

Tráth na gCeist and Ceol Uirlise qualified for the Co. Finals in the Ringside Rest, Cahersiveen on Fri. 11^th Dec. Tráth na gCeist finished in second place and Ceol Uirlise won the Co. title and went forward to represent Kerry in the Munster Semi-finals in Newmarket-on-Fergus on Sat. 16^th Jan. 1982.

 

Laune Rangers took part in the St. Eunan’s, Letterkenny Seven-a-side competition on Sun. 19^th April. The party of twenty-nine people travelled by cars on Sat. 18^th April. Patsy Joy, Michael Foley, Liam Shannon, Pat O Shea and Harry Carey drove their cars from Killorglin, while John Evans travelled from Dublin. The entire party of players, officials and their wives enjoyed a great week-end, and were given a great céad míle fáilte by St. Eunan’s Club. The players were told to enjoy their football with no pressure on them but when they saw the magnificent prizes, over £1,000 worth of Cavan Crystal, they decided to give it a go and it was only hard luck that prevented them from reaching the final.

The Rangers beat Caherlestrane (Galway) by 3-4 to 1-5, Ardara (Donegal) and St. Mary’s (Saggart, Co. Dublin) by 4-8 to 1-2, to reach the semi-final against St. Teresa’s, Belfast. However, an ankle injury to star-player, James Sheehan, ruled him out and then the very popular Laune Rangers were forced to play with two substitutes against the opposition’s three. With two minutes to go, Rangers were ahead by a point but two mistakes, when in possession, allowed St. Teresa’s in for the vital scores to win by 3-12 to 3-8 in the best game of the tournament. The sides were given a fine ovation on leaving the field. During the presentation-of-awards social, it was announced that John Griffin had won the award for the best score in the tournament. Rangers were on their way home by then but John Griffin was presented with his award in Sligo. On the way home, the party visited Knock Shrine.

Laune Rangers (10 on a panel): Michael F. O Shea, James O Shea, Seamus O Shea, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon, Teddy Clifford, Pierce Prendiville, John Griffin and John Evans.

The entire party, including the above players, consisted of Patsy Joy, Stephen Russell, Michael Foley, Kathleen Foley, Dan Carey, Maurice Corkery, Ger Hurley, Liam Shannon, Kathleen Shannon, Gina Sheehan, Pat O Shea, Joan O Shea, Bernadette O Shea, Harry Carey, Brian O Shea, Pa Foley, Dominic Crowley, Bridie Evans and James Coffey.

All those travelling contributed £10 each, except the drivers. Each car was given £40 for petrol. The host club gave a grant of £300 and the deficit to the club for the weekend was £120.

 

Christy Kissane was re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the Kingdom Club in London.

 

The death occurred on Wed. 10^th July on Michael O Grady, Upper Bridge Street (aged 60 years). He had played with Laune Rangers and the Dick Fitzgerald’s in the forties and he had been a keen follower and supporter of the club until his death. Past and present members of the Laune Rangers formed a guard of honour on Thursday to the church and to Dromavalla Cemetery on Friday. The Laune Rangers Club and Mid-Kerry Board adjourned their meetings as a mark of respect.

On the following week, the discovery of the body of his son, sixteen years-old Kevin O Grady, Upper Bridge Street, a short distance away from where he had been camped with the FCA in Derrymore, west of Tralee, brought to an end a week of intensive searching. He had been a prominent member of Laune Rangers’ underage teams. He had been equally prominent in the hurling juvenile teams. A guard of honour of the young hurlers and footballers, dressed in their respective colours, together with the senior members of the Laune Rangers’ Club and Killorglin Hurling Club escorted his remains to St. James’ Church and again to Dromavalla Cemetery.

On 25^th of July, the death occurred of Patrick ‘Duffy’ O Shea. He had been one of the best known Ballroom and Cinema proprietors in the county. He was never slow to give his hall to Laune Rangers for dances in the ‘bad, old’ days and they would not have survived without his generosity. Laune Rangers club meetings had been held in the Oisín for years.

On 27^th October, the death occurred of Tim Sheehan, Tinnahalla. In his youth, he had been a very good footballer and had won an East-Kerry Senior Championship with Laune Rangers in 1932 (played in 1933).

On 18^th December, the death occurred of John A. Foley, Iveragh Road. He had owned the Greyhound Track, which he later sold to the Laune Rangers’ Club and, but for his generosity at the time, Killorglin might have still been without a suitable football pitch.

 

Bart Moriarty refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

Sat. 20^th June, SFL Div, 4 at Killorglin: Fossa v Skellig Rangers.

 

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

Sat. 25^th April, SFL at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine v Glenbeigh.

Tues. 12^th May, Novice Championship at Milltown: Milltown v Beaufort.

Tues. 2^nd June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Denis O Neill refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

Fri. 10^th April, MFL Div. E at Glenbeigh: Beaufort/Glenbeigh 5-16; Valentia 2-6.

Fri. 17^th April, MFL Div. E at Firies: Firies lost to Beaufort/Glenbeigh.

Sat. 4^th July, Co. League Div. 4 at Killorglin: Fossa v Skellig Rangers.

 

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

Fri. 8^th May, Minor Championship at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Keel.

Fri. 22^nd May, Minor Championship at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Beaufort.

Tues. 2^nd June, Novice Championship at Beaufort: Beaufort v Keel.

 

Johnny O Shea refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

Fri. 10^th April, MFL Div. D at Currow: Scartaglin 3-1; Kilcummin 2-10.

 

Jerome Conway, who had opted out of refereeing to concentrate on his positions as Secretary of the Club and Chairman of Bord na nOg Ciarraí, refereed the following games:

Wed. 8^th April, Co. U-12 Championship at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Glenflesk.

Sat. 25^th April, Mid-Kerry Senior League at Keel: Keel v Beaufort.

Fri. 1^st May, Co. Minor League Semi-final at Killorglin: Austin Stacks beat Dr. Crokes.

Sun. 10^th May, Mid-Kerry Senior League play-off at Killorglin: Glenbeigh 3-8; Beaufort 2-3.

Sun. 24^th May, Mid-Kerry Senior Championship at Killorglin: Glenbeigh 4-7; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-4.

The Kerryman reported thus: “That game coincided with the introduction of the new hand-pass rules and it was a shambles as both teams failed completely to adapt to the changes. It was no fault of the referee, Jerome Conway, who was strict in the interpretation of the rules, that things turned out so badly. In any event, the game was a good lesson for the players and spectators alike and clearly the Keel and Beaufort players learned a lot while watching the game, because they came out subsequently and provided much better fare.”

Sun. 21^st June, Mid-Kerry SFC Semi-final at Killorglin: Keel 0-9; Glenbeigh 1-5.

Sun. 16^th Aug. Co. SFC at Tralee: Castleisland 3-6; West-Kerry 0-8.

Sun. 4^th Oct. NFL at Ennis: Clare v Limerick.

 

Laune Rangers’ referees officiated at the following games, amongst others, under the auspices of Bord na nOg Chiarraí;

U-12 Football Div. 4A on Wed. 15^th April at Glenbeigh Glenbeigh beat Glenflesk. Ref: Jerome Conway.

U-14 Football Div. 4A on Wed. 3^rd June at Glenbeigh Glenbeigh lost to Kilcummin. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

U-14 Football Div. 2 on Wed. 17^th June at Killorglin; Rathmore beat St. Mary’s. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

U-14 Div. 1 Final on Mon. 20^th July at Killorglin; Dr. Crokes 3-4; Kerins O Rahillys 0-6. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

U-16 Div. 1 Final on Wed. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin; Austin Stacks 3-5; Dr. Crokes 1-2. Ref: Denis O Neill.

U-14 Hurling Div. 2 on Sun. 4^th Oct. at Killorglin; Abbeydorney v Kenmare. Ref: Pat Lynch.

U-14 Hurling Div. 2 on Sun. 11^th Oct. at Killorglin; Lixnaw v Kenmare. Ref: Pat Lynch.

 

The Kerry referees took part in the All-Ireland Referees Seven-a-side competition at Swords on Sat. 19^th Sept. Kerry won out their group with wins over Dublin (2-6 to 0-2) and Mayo (2-2 to 0-6). They beat Galway easily in the semi-final and accounted for Meath in the final by 1-3 to 0-4. The panel was Martin Hayes (Kilcummin), Timmy Sheehan (Templenoe), Richie Williams (Fossa), Dan O Sullivan (Currow), Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers), Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds), Dan Moynihan (Legion), Denis Sheehan (Templenoe), and Jerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

The Kerry referees travelled to Limerick on Sat. 26^th Sept. to defend the title, which they had won the previous year, in the Annual Tournament organised by the Limerick Referees. The other counties represented were Limerick and Dublin. Each county played the other. Kerry lost to Limerick and beat Dublin by one point. As Dublin only drew with Limerick the final was played between Kerry and the host county. Limerick led all the way, but a late opportunist goal stole the title for Kerry on th score of 1-2 to 0-4. The Kerry panel included those at the All-Ireland Sevens, in addition to Jackie Quirke (Firies), Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac), Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk), Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) and Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh). Bart Moriarty accepted the trophy and medals on behalf of the team.

Bart Moriarty, Hon. Sec. of the Kerry Referees’ Committee, wrote the following article in the Co. Final programme of Sun. 27^th Sept: ‘Referees are the men who just cannot win. No matter how well he performs, how judicious his interpretations and decisions are, the referee, oft times the most maligned figure in sport, just cannot win. The referees’ committee is appealing to every club to supply at least one referee, who is willing to referee league games. We must offer a word of thanks to the clubs who do supply one or more referees. There are a number of clubs in the county who supply no referees, and those clubs are the first to be heard criticising when the appointed referee fails to turn up for one reason or another. Perhaps, it is time that clubs were made pay the referees’ travelling expenses on the day of the game, before the game starts. This system is working very well in other counties. The referees’ committee is appealing to every club in the county, big or small, to supply at least one referee for the coming season. It had been suggested to the referees’ committee that clubs who did not supply any referee should not have any referee appointed for their home games. What do you think? Our sincere thanks to all our referees who refereed our games at all grades during the year, in all kinds of weather. I wish the referees in to-day’s finals every success.’

 

The Annual Church Gate collection in aid of the Kerry Team Training Fund in Killorglin amounted to £408.30.

 

The Annual Co. Bord na nOg Church Gate collection in Killorglin parish amounted to £221.

 

Laune Rangers held their Annual Social in the Castlerosse Hotel, Killarney on Wed. 30^th Dec. Tickets cost £8 each. The music was supplied by Christy O Riordan and Band. 200 people attended. The menu was: Starter – Kenmare Bay Seafood Cocktail, Cream of Vegetable Soup or Consommé au Sherry; Main Course – Roast Sirloin of beef; Dessert – Fresh Fruit Salad or Ice-Cream and Butterscotch Sauce; Tea or Coffee. The amount paid to the hotel was £1,446.

 

Co. SFC Final on Sun. 28^th Sept. at Tralee: South-Kerry 1-12; Austin Stacks 0-11.

Co. MFC Final on Sun. 28^th Sept. at Tralee: Killarney 5-4; Shannon Rangers 0-6.

Co. U-21 Championship Final on Sat. 27^th Sept. at Killarney: Mid-Kerry 2-14; Kenmare 1-9.

Co. Club Championship Final on Sun. 29^th Nov. at Tralee: Desmonds 1-9; Dr. Crokes 0-7.

(The Club Championship was played between the winners of the various District Boards).

Co. IFC Final on Sun. 20^th Dec. at Tralee: Desmonds 1-11; Dr. Crokes 0-5.

Co. JFC Final on Sun. 6^th Dec. at Killorglin: Valentia 1-10; Lispole 2-5.

Co. NFC Final on Sun. 18^th Oct. at Tralee: Ardfert 1-5; Scartaglin 0-5.

Co. Football League Div. 1 Champions – Desmonds.

 

The sudden death occurred of Andy Molyneaux, Kerry Co. Board Secretary, on Tues. 23^rd June. He was succeeded as Secretary by Tim Linehan, Rathmore, who amazingly died suddenly on Wed. 29^th July. Anthony O Keeffe was appointed as Acting-Secretary for the remainder of the year.

 

Munster Senior Semi-final at Listowel on Sun. 28^th June: Kerry 4-17; Clare 0-6.

Munster Senior Final on Sun. 19^th July at Killarney: Kerry 1-11; Cork 0-3.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan (capt.), John O Keeffe, Paudie Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Sean Walsh, Mick Spillane, Jack O Shea (0-1), Tommy Doyle, Ger Power, Ogie Moran, Pat Spillane (0-3), Mikey Sheehy (1-5, 2 frees), Eoin Liston (0-1), John Egan (0-1).

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 9^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-19; Mayo 1-6.

Interviewed before that game, selector Pat O Shea, while admitting that Mayo did not look impressive in the Connacht Final against Sligo, said that Kerry would have a very healthy respect for the Westerners in the All-Ireland Semi-final. “I feel that Kerry are good enough to win another All-Ireland,” said Pat, “I am very happy with the team. They are keener this year than ever. They trained as hard for this year’s Munster Final as they did when they won the All-Ireland in 1975. We take every game as it comes. I actually expected good things from Cork this year, having watched them in the league against Kerry in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last October. Their younger players were very impressive then. Quite obviously, in the Munster Final we did not beat a good Cork team. I think we should take Mayo unless they pull something out of the blue. But Kerry treats every team with respect.”

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 20^th Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-12; Offaly 0-8.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, John O Keeffe, Paudie Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennellly, Mick Spillane, Jack O Shea, Sean Walsh, Ger Power, Ogie Moran, Tommy Doyle, Mikey Sheehy, Eoin Liston, John Egan. Subs: Pat Spillane for J. Egan, Ger O Keeffe for M. Spillane, Patie O Mahony, Tommy Spillane, Pat Sheahan, Bernard O Sullivan, Barry Walsh, Ger O Driscoll, Diarmuid O Donoghue, Ger Lynch.

Offaly: Martin Furlong, Mick Fitzgerald, Liam O Connor, C. Conroy, Pat Fitzgerald, Richie O Connor, Liam Currams, Tomás O Connor, P. Dunne, V. Henry, G. Carroll, A. O Halloran, Matt O Connor, Sean Lowry, Brendan Lowry. Subs: Johnny Mooney for T. O Connor, J. Moran for V. Henry, D. Wynne, O. Minnock, Seamus Darby, Mick Wright, T. Fitzpatrick, J. Guinan, Mick Lowry.

Ref: Paddy Collins (Westmeath).

 

With enthusiasm building up in a very big way, there was a big crowd in the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sat. 12^th Sept. at 6.00pm for the pre-All-Ireland football challenge between the Kerry team and a selection from the rest of the county. Mikey Sheehy and Pat Spillane were both absent through injury. The gate receipts went to the Australian Tour Fund.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan, John O Keeffe, Paudie Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Tim Kennelly, Mick Spillane, Jack O Shea, Sean Walsh, Tommy Doyle, Ogie Moran, Ger Power, Diarmuid O Donoghue, Eoin Liston, John Egan.

Rest of Kerry: Paudie O Mahony (Spa), Bernard O Sullivan (Dingle), Liam O Connor (do.), Mikey Keane (Kerins O Rahillys), Ger Lynch (Valentia), Ger O Keeffe (Austin Stacks), Pat Sheahan (Glenbeigh), Tommy Spillane (Templenoe), Tommy Sheehy (Dingle), Joe Shannon (Laune Rangers), Barry Walsh, (Ballylongford), Liam O Connell (Austin Stacks), Tom O Connell (St. Senan’s), Ambrose O Donovan (Gneeveguilla), Ger O Driscoll (Valentia).

Subs: Donal Liston (Beale), Michael F. O Shea (Laune Rangers), Johnny O Donoghue (Dr. Crokes), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel).

 

The General Election took place on Thurs. 11^th June. The total electorate was 41,807 in the South-Kerry Constituency and the valid poll was 33,593. Michael Moynihan (Lab.), John O Leary (FF) and Michael Begley (FG) were elected. As a result of the General Election Fine Gael and Labour formed a Coalition Government with Garrett Fitzgerald as Taoiseach.

 

The census of 1981 showed that the population of Kerry was 122,734, composed of 63,463 males and 59,271 females.

 

Killorglin’s industrialists were rewarded for their work for the community by the local Community Council. The five industrialists were Paul Wenzel Ltd. (leather goods), which had been in Killorglin for fifteen years, Liebig International (safety bolts), which had been in operation for ten years, Klinge Co. (chemicals), which had been operating for nine years, Willibald International (heavy machinery), which had newly opened and Killorglin Precision Engineering (machine parts), another newly-opened firm.

 

Killorglin cyclists, Michael Breen and Mícheál O Callaghan competed with the Kerry team in the gruelling 800 miles Tirolia sponsored Rás Tailteann.

 

Michael Mangan, Killorglin A.C., captured the first Kerry NACA senior cross-country title at Derrynane on Sun. 27^th Dec. He finished the seven and a half miles’ course well-ahead of his nearest rival.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Glenbeigh on Mon. 24^th Jan. 1982. The Secretary, Maurice Harmon, in his report stated, “The year under review was, in some ways, successful. Two teams from the area took part in the Senior Co. Championship. Laune Rangers were defeated by South-Kerry in the semi-final. Mid-Kerry were defeated in their first game by Shannon Rangers in Ballybunion. This defeat is due to the players themselves, who did no appear to have the commitment and some did not bother to turn up for training. In the Minor Championship, Laune Rangers were defeated by Kenmare, while Mid-Kerry were unlucky to fall to Castleisland in Currow. In the U-21 Championship, Laune Rangers went out to Austin Stacks. Pride of place must go the Mid-Kerry U-21 team who, having travelled to Ballybunion and Listowel, disposed of Shannon Rangers and Feale Rangers. They defeated Austin Stacks in Killorglin and went to Killarney and defeated Kenmare in a great final on one of the worst Saturday evenings of the year. In winning the Championship, they showed true Mid-Kerry determination and it was just reward for all the hard training that they did. Speaking of training brings me to George McAuliffe. George did an excellent job and everything he asked of the U-21 team, he got from them, and I hope he will receive the same commitment, not alone from this year’s U-21 team but also from the senior team and, if he does, I am of the opinion that we will have a successful year once again.

Within the area, 34 games were played. The final of the O Sullivan Cup was not replayed, as a date could not be found. Laune Rangers were awarded last year’s league final when Beaufort refused to play in Killorglin – the Chairman had transferred the game from Milltown due to the condition of the pitch there. The following were the winners: Senior Championship – Keel; Senior League – Laune Rangers; Novice Championship – Beaufort; Minor ‘A’ – Glenbeigh; Minor ‘B’ – Beaufort. I congratulate Laune Rangers on winning Division 2 of the Co. League and being promoted to Division 1. I congratulate Paudie Lynch and Pat Sheahan, as players, and Pat O Shea, as selector, on bringing ‘Sam’ back for the fourth year-in-a-row. I wish to thank the clubs for their co-operation, our referees, the officers of the Board as well as Bord na nOg, who made my job during the year that much easier. In this regard, I wish a special word of thanks to our Chairman, James Coffey.

 

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held in the Pavilion, J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sat. 2^nd Jan. 1982. The Secretary, Jerome Conway, gave an account of the year’s proceedings both on and off the field. He cited the promotion to Division 1 of the Co. League as the major achievement and the defeat in the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship Final, at the hands of Keel, as the greatest disappointment. He thanked all those who helped the club during the year, Bord na nOg, Field Committee, Social Committee, Ladies’ Committee, players and selectors. He appealed to the latter two for even greater co-operation during 1982.