1984

Laune Rangers – 1984

Laune Rangers fielded three teams in the Co. Senior Football Leagues, Divisions 1, 3A and 4C.

Laune Rangers retained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship, winning it for the ninth time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship for the third year-in-a-row.

Mid-Kerry lost the Co. U-16 District Board Championship final to West-Kerry by one point.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-16 Football Final to Austin Stacks.

Laune Rangers won the Co. U-15 Football Ogsport but lost the All-Ireland Semi-final.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-14 Football Final to Austin Stacks but won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the sixteenth time.

Noreen Murphy trained the Community Games team to win the county title (for the fifth time) but they lost to Turner’s Cross in the Munster Final.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-12 Football Final to Austin Stacks for the sixth successive year.

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

Jerome Conway was re-elected as Chairman of Bord na nOg Chiarrai for the fourth successive year.

The J.P. O Sullivan Park hosted its third NFL game on Sun. 5^th Feb, Kerry 1-9; Offaly 1-5.

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

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The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the Carnegie Hall on Mon. 20^th Feb. There was the largest ever attendance. (The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1983). The Chairman, James Coffey, in his address, stressed the importance of unity in the parish, stating that the Laune Rangers Club had served the youth of the parish well for a century and a division could be disastrous. He pointed out that when the parish was split GAA-wise in the 1950’s, it had been disastrous and it had been only when unity was restored that the standard of football in the parish had improved with Laune Rangers making a clean sweep of all competitions in Mid-Kerry in 1958 and, in doing so, won their first Senior Mid-Kerry Championship title. He said that the parents of young footballers in the parish knew only too well what the Laune Rangers Club was doing for the youth over the past two decades. Now the club was on the verge of reaping its reward as a result of its outstanding work for the youth and it would be a pity if a split would spoil it.

He appealed to the local hurling club to foster camogie in the parish, starting in the post-primary schools. He said that it would be an ideal thing to do during Centenary Year. He also hoped that a ladies football team would be organised within the club that year. ‘The Ladies Committee has been most active and successful and it’s only right that we should give the idea of a ladies’ team every consideration,’ he said. The thanked all the players, and his fellow officers, for their wonderful co-operation. He said that it was wonderful to see such a splendid turnout of helpers for the Kerry/Offaly game. ‘We felt proud to be Laune Rangers,’ he said.

Concluding, the Chairman said that during its first century, the GAA had done Trojan work for the country’s youth. It had never allowed politics or war divide it but then, as it entered its second century, it would have to become more broadminded in its outlook and co-operate with all other athletic and sporting organisations and so establish greater and more closely-knit communities.

The report of Joint-Treasurers, John Foley and Eamonn Crowley, showed that the club broke even on the year’s activities and, despite a credit balance, they warned that greater cut-backs would be needed as the ‘fund-raisers’, dances and Silver Circle, were not attracting the necessary support.

 

Income and Expenditure Account

Gross Dancing Receipts       £13,406

Deduct Expenses

Bands                                    7,700

Advertising                        1,091

Rent of Hall                        2,000

Caretaker’s Fees                           350

Performing Rights               149

Phone, tickets, etc.                 50

£11,340

Net Income from Dancing                                    £2,066

Net Income from Silver Circle                             £1,578

Other Income

Membership and Insurance 1,013

Gate Money                            292

National League Game                297

Donations                              50

Profit from Shop                            270                          £1,922

£5,566

 

Deduct Running Costs

Team Travel & Expenses            329

Players’ Travel                        904

Field Maintenance            505

Dressing-rooms                        755

Football, Jerseys, etc.            349

Trophies                                    123

Affiliation/Insurance            190

ESB                                      68

Sec./Admin. Expenses            670

Insurance                        266

Bank Charges                             5

Loss on Social                        246

Sundry                                    192

£4,602

964

Deposit Interest Received             421

Net Income for the Year          £1,385

 

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley.

Vice-Presidents – Liam Shannon and Kevin Foley were added to the list.

Chairman – James Coffey.

Vice – Chairman – Jim Galvin.

Hon. Secretary – Jerome Conway.

Ass. Secretaries – Maureen and Bernadette O Mahony and Brian O Shea.

Joint-Treasurers – John Foley and Eamonn Crowley.

Delegate to Co. Board – Noel O Mahony.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – John Clifford and Jerome Conway.

Senior Selection Committee – Noel O Mahony, Patsy Joy and Jerome Conway.

‘B’ Team Selection Committee – James Coffey, Jim Galvin and Pat O Grady (the latter did not operate).

‘C’ Team Selection Committee (elected at club meeting on 5^th March) – Michael Foley and Eamonn Crowley.

The following motions were passed:

1. ‘That a Social committee be set up to cater for dancing and other social events that the club might undertake.’ (James Coffey). The sub-committee consisted of Joe Crowley, Tommy Woods, Patsy Joy, Liam Hayes, Joe Shannon, Edward Stack, Anthony Shannon, Maurice Corkery and Jim Galvin.
2. ‘That the club organise a Ladies’ Football team.’ (James Coffey).

 

The AGM of Killorglin Hurling Club was held at the end of Dec. 1983. The following officers were elected: President – James Coffey, Vice-President – John Fitzpatrick, Chairman – Pat Lynch, Vice-Chairman – Seamus Murphy, Joint Hon. Secretaries – Noelette Purcell and Patsy Clifford, Joint Hon. Treasurers – Dermot Goggin and Liam Healy, PRO – Bill Hearne. Committee – John Purcell, Noreen Murphy, Breda Clifford, Pat O Shea, Donie Griffin, John Sheehan, Maurice Lynch, Paddy Creagh, Michael Sweeney, Christy Kennedy and Josie Fenton.

Team trainers: U-12 – Gerard Murphy and Pat Lynch; U-14 – Paddy Creagh and Christy Kennedy; U-16 – Liam Healy and Michael Sweeney; Minor – Paddy Creagh and John Purcell.

It was decided to enter teams, at all underage levels up to and including minor, in the 1984 Co. Championships. It was also decided to organise a seven-a-side league at senior level within the club.

Membership cards were available from John Purcell, Seamus Murphy, Pat Lynch, Dermot Goggin and Liam Healy. Subscriptions – Adult (£5), Minor (£1), Family (£6).

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

Eighteen teams entered for the Co. Senior Football Championship, West-Kerry, Kenmare, Castleisland, Emmets, Austin Stacks, Clanna Gael, Laune Rangers, St. Brendan’s, Beale, John Mitchels, Mid-Kerry, Kerins O Rahillys, Gneeveguilla, Gweestin Rangers, Shannon Rangers, South-Kerry, Killarney, Feale Rangers. It was played on a knockout system.

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Noel O Mahony (Trainer), Patsy Joy and Jerome Conway.

Rd. 1 on Sat. 16^th June at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s 0-7; Laune Rangers 1-7.

That was a very good win for Laune Rangers, particularly as the game was played in Ardfert. However, the visitors created enough chances to have won by much more. The opening quarter was even enough, with St. Brendan’s scoring three points to Laune Rangers two. The football was tame enough and the home side added two more points to lead by 0-5 to 0-2 at halftime.

However, Rangers showed much more determination in the second half. The championship bite was more evident. Joe Shannon enjoyed his switch to midfield, where Pierce Prendiville and he set up some great movements. Stephen Russell switched with Tom Johnston, who proceeded to play very well on the forty, scoring a great goal. James Sheehan switched with Liam Hayes and the former added great punch to the forward line. After the goal, Joe Shannon (2) and James Sheehan added points in the 49^th, 50^th and 51^st minutes. Mícheál Johnston’s great shot came back off the crossbar in the 55^th minute. Two minutes from time, Anthony Shannon raced up the field to give Rangers a safe three points’ lead.

The backs played quite well, even though the corner men were a little shaky. Peter Lyons made a great and, as it turned out, important save in the first half. Brian O Shea never put a foot wrong. James Sheehan was very sound at right halfback, as was Anthony Shannon, after a slow start, on the left wing. Paudie Sheahan played well at centre halfback, but he gave away a few needless frees. Pierce Prendiville was always on top at midfield, where he distributed the ball accurately. His partner, Michael O Reilly, was never able to get going and had obviously not recovered from a heavy bout of ‘flu. (However, when he was replaced, he threw his jersey on the wire, as he stormed out the gate.) Joe Shannon, who was having his usual clever game at wing-forward, moved to midfield and St. Brendan’s were struggling from that point on. Liam Hayes won a lot of possession but was not terribly accurate. However, when he moved to the defence, he turned in a most inspiring display. Corner forwards, John Griffin and John O Dwyer, moved well, always creating openings for themselves and colleagues.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan (0-1) capt., Paudie Sheahan Anthony Shannon (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, Michael O Reilly, Joe Shannon (0-2), Stephen Russell, Liam Hayes, John O Dwyer, Tom Johnston (1-1), John Griffin (0-1). Subs: Mícheál Johnston for M. O Reilly (sick), Tommy Woods, Mossy Joy, Dodo Sheahan, Pat Pigott.

St. Brendan’s: Brendan Walsh, Maurice Leahy, Maurice Crowley, John Fitzgerald, Joe Stack, John Crowley (0-4), Gerald O Mahony, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Pat Dowling, Mike Fitzgerald (0-2), Phil McCarthy (0-1), Joby O Connell, Phil O Sullivan, Martin Ferris, Liam O Mahony.

Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 14^th July at Ballybunion: Beale 0-7; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Lady luck certainly smiled on Beale in a big way, when they came from the jaws of defeat to snatch an equalising point thirty seconds from the end of normal time in that game. That all-important score came from the boot of substitute John ‘Gobby’ Costello, who fielded a Laune Rangers’ kick-out and calmly slotted the ball between the uprights. The truth of the game, however, was that, on the run of play, a point or a goal at that stage should only have helped to take the bare look off the scoreboard. For almost the entire game, except for occasional raids, Laune Rangers were the masters in a game, which they should have won by at least six points and, indeed, could have won by as many more, such was the amount of possession that they had.

What was most surprising about Rangers’ display was the manner in which they dominated the midfield exchanges, even though Beale had Kerry stars Ogie Moran and Eoin Liston operating in that area. From the outset, their plan was not to attempt to outfield the ‘Bomber’ but to punch the ball away from him, with another Rangers man snapping up the breaking ball. That tactic worked very well and, while the ‘Bomber’ and Ogie fielded some balls, they were never able to assert their authority. Operating at midfield for Rangers were Tom Johnston and Pierce Prendiville and, while they were more than satisfied with their contribution to their team’s display, like their forwards, they too were guilty of some very bad wides. Beale’s cause was not helped by an injury to Eoin Liston, who had to operate at full-forward for all of the second half. At halftime, Rangers led by 0-4 to 0-2, two of their points coming from placed balls by Anthony Shannon, which was an indication of the lack of penetration by the forwards, having had the benefit of wind advantage.

Aided by the wind, Beale were expected to come back into the game, but it was the Rangers that stretched their lead with two more points. However, points by Ogie Moran, ‘Bomber’ Liston and Padraig Liston left only a point separating the sides. Michael O Reilly kicked a great point for Rangers and there were still ten minutes remaining. Patie Mahony reduced the lead for the home side but Rangers’ defence was coping capably with anything Beale could throw at it. A great chance for Rangers was lost four minutes from time when Mícheál Johnston won possession, completely unmarked, but he overplayed the ball and it was cleared to safety. Excitement at that stage was unbearable as both teams had attacks beaten off and Beale fought desperately for the equaliser. And still Rangers stood firm and even set up attacks themselves. With time ticking away and, with Rangers having survived another Beale onslaught, an upset looked a real possibility. Peter Lyons placed the ball for a kick-out. The kick went straight to John Costello and, with the wind behind him, he sent the ball directly between the posts from about forty-five metres. In the added time, both teams had chances of scores but it was not to be.

That was a superlative performance, the best yet from that Rangers team. The backs and midfield were outstanding and the forwards foraged and worked exceptionally well. The pity was that they did not win as they surely would if they had taken all their chances and if the referee had not disallowed a perfectly good goal in the first half. The backs were very impressive, especially Gene Evans, who was man-of-the-match. Others on the team to impress were Brian O Shea, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, John O Dwyer, Tomás Hayes and Michael O Reilly. The team travelled by bus and it was late arriving home!

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan (capt.), Liam Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, Tom Johnston (0-1), Mícheál Johnston, Michael O Reilly (0-1), Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer (0-2), Stephen Russell, Tomás Hayes (0-1). Subs: John Griffin for T. Hayes, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Mossy Joy, Jerry Foley, John Hickey, Pat Pigott.

Beale: Tom McCarthy, Don Twomey, Liam Browne, Ted Griffin, J. J. O Connor, Brendan O Connor, Liam Lynch, Eoin Liston (0-1), Ogie Moran (0-1), Stephen Linnane, Sean Liston, Patie O Mahony (0-3), Paudie Griffin, Mike Joyce, Padraig Liston (0-1). Subs: Jimmy King for P. Griffin, John Costello (0-1) for S. Linnane.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Patrick’s).

 

Rd. 2 replay on Sat. 28^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Beale 0-8.

A polished second-half performance saw Laune Rangers dispose of the Beale challenge in that replay. The game had plenty of bite in it and it was way ahead of the drawn game as far as football was concerned and it was anybody’s game up the close of the third quarter, when the winners scored the only goal of the game.

The Laune Rangers’ mentors had made what could have been described as two match-winning moves early in the first half when they placed John Griffin at full-forward from his corner-forward position and when they moved Anthony Shannon to right halfback to curb the dangerous Patie O Mahony, a job he did in style, while John Griffin completely outwitted the Beale defence and combined magnificently with John O Dwyer to notch some vital scores. The third vital move by Rangers’ sideline men was the introduction of John Hickey to the ‘forty’ and no sooner was he on the field when he was on hand to blast home his side’s vital goal, after John Griffin’s effort had been blocked on the goal-line.

Beale, with the advantage of a fresh wind, did most of the attacking in the opening minutes but wonderful covering by the Rangers’ defence and, in particular, Brian O Shea at fullback, prevented Beale from getting pot-shots and, under pressure, their accuracy was very poor. Brian O Shea’s marking of the ‘Bomber’ Liston was a delight and was a relief to the local supporters, with no needless frees given away. In fact, Beale moved the full-forward to the forty after ten minutes in an effort to open up the tightly-knit defence and, at times, it seemed as if he would succeed but there was always the fullback and his corner-men, Gene Evans and James Sheehan, to seal off the way to goal.

Ogie Moran pointed for Beale after two minutes but points by John Griffin in the 9^th and 10^th minutes put his side ahead. A minute later, John O Dwyer added his first point when he took a pass from Joe Shannon, who was in excellent form. Beale fought back for points by Liam Lynch, a free from over fifty-five metres, and Donal Liston equalised in the 18^th minute. Joe Shannon restored Rangers’ lead in the 21^st minute and three minutes later, John O Dwyer took a fine pass from Tom Johnston to put his side two points ahead. Rangers lead at the break by 0-5 to 0-2.

The second half had no sooner begun, when Pierce Prendiville and Mícheál Johnston combined to put Joe Shannon through for a delightful point. Two minutes later, Michael O Reilly was accurate from a 45 metres’ free close to the sideline. A certain amount of messing, when in possession, seemed to slip into the Rangers play at that stage and Beale reduced the lead with points by John Costello and Patie O Mahony. Then came the vital goal by John Hickey. The movement was started by Pierce Prendiville, who linked well with Mícheál Johnston and John Griffin, and the latter’s effort was blocked but the inrushing Hickey made no mistake. A minute later, John Griffin was on hand to add a point and Michael O Reilly increased his side’s lead from a free just inside the 45 metres’ line. Eoin Liston and Patie O Mahony reduced the lead with points in the 19^th and 23^rd minutes for Beale. However, John  Dwyer made it safe for Rangers with four minutes remaining and the same player swapped points with Jimmy King in overtime.

That was the kind of win that Rangers had been hoping for – in front of the home supporters. Brian O Shea was outstanding on the ‘Bomber’ Liston. He never resorted to any unfair tactics in policing his opponent and his blocking and oftimes dispossessing of the Beale giant, brought much deserved applause from the home supporters and, indeed, from the many neutral present. Many thought that loss of Paudie Sheahan from centre halfback would be fatal, but young Tomás Hayes played extremely well in that position and his outfielding of Liston on a few occasions surely helped his team-mates to lift their game. It was also felt that the loss of Stephen Russell from full-forward would hamper the attack but John Griffin’s introduction to that position quashed those fears.

In all, that was a cool, calculated display by Laune Rangers. They were on top for most of the hour at midfield, where Tom Johnston and Pierce Prendiville had developed a fine partnership. Joe Shannon was back to his best form and on that display there were few to master him and both he and right-winger, Mícheál Johnston, combined so well with their midfielders that the Beale defence was often drawn out of position and that was fatal with inside forwards John Griffin and John O Dwyer so accurate. Liam Hayes had a very nervous beginning. However, while the attack and midfielders contributed so much to that fine win, the Rangers’ defence had to again be praised for their alertness and all-round covering. The man-of-the-match was fullback, Brian O Shea. He got fine covering from Gene Evans and James Sheehan, while Peter Lyons was very alert in goals, making one fine deflection from the ‘Bomber’ when a goal seemed ‘on’. The backs played very well as a unit, Teddy Clifford settling down after he had been switched off Patie O Mahony.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Teddy Clifford, Tomás Hayes, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Michael O Reilly (0-2), Joe Shannon (0-2), John O Dwyer (0-4), Liam Hayes, John Griffin (0-3). Subs: John Hickey (1-0) for L. Hayes, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Jerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Mossy Joy, Tommy Woods, Ger Hurley, Dodo Sheahan. Paudie Sheahan was on holidays and Stephen Russell was injured.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Patrick’s).

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Mid-Kerry 1-6.

A goal, late in the second half, failed to save Laune Rangers from defeat at the hands of Mid-Kerry before an estimated attendance of 1,500 people. Mid-Kerry ran out winners by the narrowest of margins but the Rangers could have been considered unlucky as the wet and slippery conditions seemed to favour the winners more than the home side. The football might not have been the best, but the large crowd, which turned up in the rain, was treated to a competitive battle in that local derby.

Laune Rangers exerted all the early pressure and, indeed, for the first ten minutes, the ball seemed to have taken root in the Mid-Kerry half of the field. After four minutes, John O Dwyer was fouled about 30 yards out but Michael O Reilly sent the resultant free wide. A minute later, John O Dwyer won possession again and, from nearly 40 yards out, he sent the ball sailing between the posts. Two minutes later, the home side stretched their lead with a point from Joe Shannon and, at that stage, Mid-Kerry seemed to have been at sixes and sevens. Laune Rangers attacked again and the ball was broken down to John Griffin on the edge of the square but he failed, in the slippery conditions, to finish the ball to the net. That let-off seemed to be the signal for Mid-Kerry to go forward and, in only their second attack, they grabbed a goal. Paudie Lynch cleared the ball out of defence to his brother Brendan, who parted to Peadar O Sullivan about 30 yards out. He lobbed the ball behind the defensive cover to the unmarked Dermot O Sullivan and, from the edge of the square, he slotted the ball past goalkeeper, Peter Lyons.

That was the boost that Mid-Kerry needed and, for the next ten minutes, Rangers looked to be completely out of it. Brendan Lynch added a point from a free out about 50 yards. Players were finding it hard to keep their feet, due to the poor conditions. The ground was still hard after the dry spell but, with the rain constantly falling, the surface of the pitch was like an ice-rink. Peter Lyons proved his worth in the Rangers’ goal when saving magnificently from Dermot O Sullivan in the 22^nd minute. And, once again, the let-off seemed to be a signal for the other team to come back into the game. Mícheál Johnston, in the 23^rd minute, decided to go for a goal   when he could easily have pointed the ball but Kieran Breen cleared to safety. At that stage, John O Dwyer was playing havoc with the Mid-Kerry defence and, in the 24^th minute, his persistence paid off with a well-taken point. In the last four minutes of the first half, Laune Rangers sent three scoring chances wide and, in the final analysis, those proved to be very costly indeed. Brendan Lynch kicked a right-footed point on the stroke of halftime to leave Mid-Kerry leading by 1-2 to 0-3.

For the first fifteen minutes of the second half, Mid-Kerry were not in the game at all. However, it took the Rangers twelve minutes to narrow the gap to one point. A minute later, Joe Shannon scored the equaliser from a free on the 20 yards line. Rangers broke through again and had a three-to-one advantage, but they failed to capitalise on it. Then, strangely, Rangers faded before a Mid-Kerry onslaught and allowed their rivals to notch a four-points’ lead. Peter Lyons was called upon to once again save from Dermot O Sullivan. With just five minutes remaining, it seemed like the end of the road for the Killorglin side. But they were not finished yet.

The home side, urged on by their supporters, attacked strongly and came up with a move, which clicked. The ball was broken down to John O Dwyer on the right and his speculative cross was punched into the right-hand corner of the Mid-Kerry net by Liam Hayes. With just a point in it, it was expected that Laune Rangers would flourish and try and win the game but they seemed to have run out of steam. Mid-Kerry attacked three more times before the final whistle, none of which brought reward.

Too many players played below par for Laune Rangers in that game. The exceptions were Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, Liam Hayes, John O Dwyer (first half) and Stephen Russell.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Liam Hayes (1-0), Joe Shannon (0-2), John O Dwyer (0-2), Michael O Reilly, John Griffin. Subs: Stephen Russell for M. O Reilly, John Hickey for J. Griffin, Tomás Hayes, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pat Pigott, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan.

Mid-Kerry: Kieran Breen (Beaufort), Pat  Grady (Glenbeigh), Mike Colgan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Frankie Coffey (Beaufort), Brian Ladden (Keel), Paudie Lynch (Beaufort), Pat Sheahan (Glenbeigh), Donie O Sullivan (do.), Donie Hartnett (Beaufort), Brendan Lynch (do.) 0-5, Dan Coffey (do.) 0-1, Pat Griffin (Glenbeigh), Dermot O Sullivan (Beaufort) 1-0, Jimmy Woods (Milltown/Castlemaine), Peadar O Sullivan (Glenbeigh). Subs: Denis Griffin (Glenbeigh) for F. Coffey, Patie Hartnett (Beaufort) for P. Griffin.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

West-Kerry, captained by Gabriel Casey, won the Co. Senior Championship by beating South-Kerry in the final at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sun. 7^th Oct. Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 11^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-8; Valentia 3-9.

The selectors were forced to make several late changes as no less than six of the selected team failed to put in an appearance. Rangers conceded a soft goal, as a result of a defensive blunder within the first ten minutes, which did not help the cause. Valentia led at halftime by 2-5 to 0-1. Rangers took over after the break and, after missing two good scoring chances, began to pick off their points. With eight minutes remaining, the score stood at 2-6 to 0-8. However, the home supporters were denied a hectic finish when the defence blundered again and there was no stopping Valentia after that. Anthony Shannon, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Teddy Clifford, Joe Shannon, Liam Hayes and Stephen Russell tried hard but Valentia were much fitter. The high-point of the game from a Rangers’ point of view was the play of minor, Gerard Murphy, who kicked two fine points and whose introduction in the second half sparked off a great effort from the locals. Noel O Mahony, team trainer, complained bitterly that some players were giving allegiance to other codes but showed scant regard for Laune Rangers Club.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Stephen Russell, Liam Hayes, Tommy Foley, Joe Shannon, Teddy Clifford, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, John Griffin. Sub: Gerard Murphy for Tommy Foley. Quite a number of players were missing e.g Tom Johnston, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer (all soccer), Pierce Prendiville (basketball), Peter Lyons (suspended), John Evans (unexplained absence). Michael Reilly walked into the field and went down to the stand, apparently saying that he had no interest! He later explained to Jim Galvin that he had not been officially notified about the game. (It should be pointed out that no other player had been notified either as it had not been club policy to do so, but players that had been training had been told verbally).

Ref: John Somers (Legion).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 25^th March at Tralee: John Mitchels 0-5; Laune Rangers 2-8.

That was a very good performance. All the backs played well. Anthony Shannon scored a great penalty. A cross from Brian O Shea was turned into his own net by a Mitchels corner-back under pressure from John O Dwyer. Peter Lyons looked very sharp.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, James O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Liam Hayes, Stephen Russell, Peter Lyons, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, Brian O Shea, John Griffin. Subs: James O Shea (Shanara) for L. Hayes, Liam Hayes for J. Griffin, Gerard Murphy, Richard O Connor. Missing were Tom and Mícheál Johnston (soccer), Michael O Reilly (inj.), John Evans (inj.).

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 8^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-8; Ballylongford 0-11.

Rangers had many chances but failed to convert them into scores. Many of the players had been training only one night per week and seemed to be unfit.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Teddy Clifford, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Liam Hayes, Stephen Russell, Tom Johnston, Michael O Reilly, Peter Lyons, John O Dwyer, Pierce Prendiville, Tomás Hayes. Subs: John Griffin (late arrival) for T. Hayes (inj.), Gene Evans. Joe Shannon was on his honeymoon.

Ref: Ger O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 22^nd April at Ballybunion: Beale 0-10; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Rangers showed a marked improvement in performance, as asked for by the trainer, Noel O Mahony, before the game. They should have won but conceded needless frees. Ogie Moran scored eight of their ten points – six from frees. Michael O Reilly played outstandingly at midfield, particularly in the first half. Liam Hayes was a very successful experiment at fullback. Gerard Murphy took his goal well but he missed some other chances of points. Rangers hit the crossbar and the post.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, Liam Hayes, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, James O Shea, Michael O Reilly, Tom Johnston, Gerard Murphy, Pierce Prendiville, Peter Lyons, John O Dwyer, Brian O Shea, Tomás Hayes. Subs: Joe Shannon for P. Lyons, Anthony Shannon for J. O Shea, Stephen Russell for B. O Shea.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 6^th May at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-6.

Laune Rangers had enough possession in the first half to have won comfortably. However, they missed blatant chances and, instead of leading by 0-4 to 0-1 at halftime, they should have led by ten points. On the resumption, Desmonds got three quick scores (1-2) and there after took all their chances. Near the end, Tom Lynch brought off a top-class save from James Sheehan.

Laune Rangers: Brian O Shea, Gene Evans, Liam Hayes, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Michael O Reilly, Gerard Murphy, Joe Shannon, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Pierce Prendiville, Peter Lyons. Subs: James O Shea for P. Lyons (inj.) – James Sheehan went to left full-forward – Stephen Russell for J. O Dwyer (inj.) – Teddy Clifford went to right full-forward.

Ref: Mike Carey (Kenmare).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 20^th May at Austin Stack Park: Austin Stacks 1-9; Laune Rangers 2-4.

That was an inexcusable display by the Rangers’ forwards, none of whom scored. Rangers had the greater share of possession due to Michael O Reilly’s display at midfield, outfielding John O Keeffe. Gerard Murphy was the only one of the forwards to play well – he seemed to be light-years ahead of the others in thinking.

Laune Rangers: Brian O Shea, Gene Evans, Liam Hayes, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon (1-1, 1 penalty), Michael O Reilly (1-3, 2 frees), Tom Johnston, Peter Lyons, Joe Shannon, Mícheál Johnston, John O Dwyer, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy. Subs: James O Shea (Shanara) for P. Lyons, Stephen Russell for J. O Dwyer, James O Shea, Tommy Foley.

Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert).

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 24^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-6; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Laune Rangers showed plenty of fire and put together some very good moves, resulting in great goals by Stephen Russell and Pierce Prendiville. With five minutes to go, they led by four points but they then conceded a soft goal. Nevertheless, they withstood the home side’s pressure to prevail.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Liam Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Michael O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Tom Johnston, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, John Griffin. Subs: Mossy Joy, Pat Pigott, Dodo Sheahan.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Patrick’s).

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 4^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-9; Beaufort 1-0.

The home side eased their relegation worries by picking up two valuable points at the expense of a depleted Beaufort outfit, short six of their regular team. That was a match that was almost totally dominated by Laune Rangers but they showed an alarming inability to score. They played against a strong breeze in the first half and, such was their dominance that they could afford to kick eleven wides, and still go in at halftime two points in front, 0-5 to 1-0. Brendan Lynch had got Beaufort’s only score in that half from the penalty spot in the 18^th minute. Most of Rangers’ attacks in the first half had sprung from right half-forward, Mícheál Johnston, but Beaufort switched John O Connor onto him in the second half and that helped to curb his activities.

Backed by a strong wind in the second half, a Michael O Reilly free put them three points up after three minutes. However, with the Beaufort defence defending stubbornly, the Rangers’ followers had to wait until the 13^th minute before a Joe Shannon point extended their lead. The game finally ended as a contest, when a fine Rangers’ movement led to John O Dwyer firing home a good goal seven minutes from the end.

Tom Johnston, at midfield, was Rangers’ best player. The defence was never in any great difficulty against a weak Beaufort attack, while in attack, Michael O Reilly, Mícheál Johnston and Joe Shannon were prominent.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston (0-1), Michael O Reilly (0-4), Joe Shannon (0-3), John O Dwyer (1-0), Liam Hayes, John Griffin (0-1). Subs: John Hickey for L. Hayes, James O Shea for J. O Dwyer, Liam Hayes for M. Johnston. Tomás Hayes and Stephen Russell were injured.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 16^th Sept. at Spa: Spa 0-4; Laune Rangers 0-11.

A feature of the game was the number of players that managed to get their names on the score-sheet. Rangers led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the break. They were best served by Joe Shannon, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Peter Lyons and John O Dwyer. When Tomás Hayes was congratulated afterwards by one of the team mentors on his great performance on Mike McAuliffe, he replied, ‘Is that who he was? Isn’t he small?’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville, Tom Johnston, Mícheál Johnston, Joe Shannon, Liam Hayes, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, John Griffin. Sub: Jerry Foley for J. Griffin.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 20^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Dr. Crokes 0-6.

It was a well-contested first half but the Rangers’ superior fitness won the game for them in the second half.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Paudie Sheahan, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pat Pigott, Michael O Reilly, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Frank Russell, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, John Griffin. Subs: Tommy Woods, Jerry Foley. James Sheehan and Brian O Shea were injured. The Hayes brothers, Liam and Tomás, did not travel from Dublin due to the activities in UCD. Teddy Clifford was absent without explanation.

Ref: Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 4^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-5; Gneeveguilla 2-8.

Peter Lyons was in fine form in goals and so was Brian O Shea at fullback. The result was of no consequence to Laune Rangers but the win kept Gneeveguilla in Div. 1. The visitors started very poorly. Joe Shannon was replaced by Michael Moriarty, who was making his senior debut. He proceeded to score two goals.

 

Co. Club ‘B’ Football Championship

That competition was for players who had not played in the previous or present year’s Senior County Championship, unless they had been regraded. The following players were regraded from senior status: James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Joe Crowley, Stephen Russell, Peter Lyons, Brian O Shea, Pa Foley and Frankie Russell.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 26^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 6-8; Ardfert ‘B’ 0-0.

Hero of the hour was Mossy Joy, who scored 5-1 of his side’s total from the full-forward position. The team, despite a shaky start, settled well after Mossy Joy’s first goal, and, with Stephen Russell and John Hickey lording matters at midfield, they were never in danger.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 30^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 6-6; Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ 1-1.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Ger Hurley, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Dodo Sheahan Jimmy Johnston, Jerry Foley, Brian Freeman, Pa Foley, James O Shea (Shanara) 0-1, Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Tommy Woods (2-0), Patrick Foley (Laharn), Liam Healy (1-2), Mossy Joy (2-0), John Sheehan (Tinnahalla) 1-2. Subs: Tomás Hayes for P. Foley (Laharn), Maurice Corkery for J. O Shea (inj.), Edward Stack for M. Corkery, Michael O Shea.

Ref: Dan Moynihan (Legion).

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 19^th Aug. at Moyvane: Moyvane ‘B’ 1-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-5.

The very good performance of Pa Foley at midfield was the difference between the teams. After the game, the players had sandwiches, compliments of Brosnan’s Bar, while they watched the All-Ireland semi-final, Dublin v Tyrone.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Pat Pigott, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Liam Healy, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan, Pa Foley, James O Shea (Shanara), Patrick Freeman, Frank Russell, Tommy Woods, Edward Stack, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla). Subs: Pat Diggin for E. Stack, Michael Sweeney and Brian Freeman.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-4; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 0-4.

Playing with the aid of a strong wind, Rangers got off to a flying start when the O Rahillys’ goalkeeper failed to hold two easy efforts in the first five minutes, one by James O Shea and the other by John Sheehan. It looked like it would be a runaway win but the Tralee boys settled and dominated the rest of the half to trail by only two points at the interval, 2-0 to 0-4.

Laune Rangers looked a new side on the changeover and, after withstanding some early pressure, went on to get the vital scores. Firstly, Mossy Joy kicked a point and then Michael O Shea scored a goal. Two further points by Mossy Joy and a fine drive from 40 yards by Jerry Foley killed the game as a contest. Michael Moriarty closed the scoring for Rangers, when he blasted a point from 20m. Man-of-the-match was Dodo Sheahan.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Dodo Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley (0-1), Pat Pigott, James O Shea (1-0), Pa Foley, Michael Moriarty (0-1), Mossy Joy (0-2), Tommy Woods, Jerry Coffey, Frankie Russell, John Sheehan (1-0). Sub: Michael O Shea (1-0) for D. Crowley.

Ref: John Somers (Legion).

 

Final on Sun. 25^th Nov. at Milltown: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 0-15; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8.

Some superb marksmanship in the last quarter gave Dr. Crokes a seven points winning margin in that final. Crokes led at the end of a keenly-fought first half by a single point, 0-6 to 0-5. They could thank a tenacious defence for that lead as Rangers, for whom Frank Russell was in great form, came close to notching at least one goal. The winners quickly added two points after the resumption but Rangers fought back to come within a point midway through the half. However, Crokes seemed to move up a gear and Rangers were not able to stay with them. Unfortunately, they had not prepared well enough for that final and could not stay the pace in the end. Best for the Rangers were John Murphy in goals, Declan Crowley, Jerry Foley, Jerry Coffey, James O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Frankie Russell, Tommy Woods and Mossy Joy.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Dodo Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, Jerry Coffey (capt.), Pa Foley, James O Shea (0-1), Michael Moriarty (0-3), Frankie Russell (0-2), Tommy Woods, Pat Pigott, Mossy Joy (0-2), John Sheehan. Subs: John Sheehan (Glencuttane) for P. Foley, Pat Diggin for P. Pigott.

Dr. Crokes ‘B’: Mike O Leary, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Eugene Ryan, Aidan Kelly, Noel O Leary, Niall Keogh, Malachy Walsh (capt.), James Cronin (0-3), Pat O Connor, Jerry O Leary (0-1), Harry O Neill, Ger O Shea (0-2), Pat O Shea (0-4, 2 frees), Derek Ryan, Seanie O Shea (0-5).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 3A

The question of whether to accept promotion to Div. 3 was discussed at the club meeting on Mon. 30^th Jan. It was reported that the majority of the players were in favour of promotion. After a long discussion, it was decided to give the ‘B’ team a chance in Div. 3.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 10^th March at the Demesne, Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 3-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5.

Rangers conceded two very soft goals, one on either side of halftime, when the game was very close, and did not deserve other than to be beaten. Admittedly, they were quite under-strength. John Sheehan, Stephen Russell, Pat and Donal Pigott, John Clifford, Peter Lyons and Maurice Corkery gave of their best. Peter Lyons was sent off for dissent and he received the minimum two weeks suspension.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Edward Stack, John Clifford, Jerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, Pat Pigott, Maurice Corkery, Stephen Russell, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, Tommy Woods, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Peter Lyons, Donal Pigott. Subs: Michael O Shea (Laharn), Sean Whelan. Many of the players, who had been in favour of accepting promotion from Div. 4 were not present when they were needed.

Ref: Tony Falvey (Firies).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 25^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-6; Kilgarvan 5-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ were finding the going tough in Div. 3. The fact that all the players were not available to the club, did not help matters.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Edward Stack, John Clifford, Donal Hurley, Michael Sweeney, Pa Foley (Iveragh Road), Jerry Foley, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Frank Russell, Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, Pat Diggin, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Tommy Woods, Patrick Freeman. Subs: Martin Clifford (Glencuttane) for E. Stack, Patrick Foley (Laharn).

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 8^th April at Annascaul: Annascaul 2-16; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5.

That was an excellent performance from Annascaul, who were Div. 2 standard, while Laune Rangers ‘B’ were Div. 4 standard.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Mossy Joy, Declan Crowley, John Clifford, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, John Sheehan, pat Pigott, Frank Russell, Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, James O Shea (Shanara), John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Tommy Woods, Donal Pigott. Subs: Patrick Clifford for J. Galvin, Edward Stack, Pat Diggin, Dominic Crowley.

Ref: Mossy Breen (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-4; Templenoe 3-4.

It was difficult to beat a team containing the three Spillanes!

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Donal Hurley, John Clifford, Pat Clifford, Donal Pigott, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan, Frank Russell, Pat Pigott, Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, James O Shea (Shanara), John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Tommy Woods, Mossy Joy. Subs: None.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 6^th May at Renard: Renard 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-3.

Laune Rangers owned the ball but could not score. John Sheehan (Glencuttane) was sent off after fifteen minutes.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Pat Pigott, Mossy Joy, Dodo Sheahan, Michael Sweeney, Declan Crowley, Jerry Foley, John Sheehan, Tommy Woods, Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, Donal Pigott, Pat Diggin, Pa Foley, John Griffin. Subs: John Sheehan (Tinnahalla) for D. Pigott, Maurice Corkery for T. Foley (inj.).

Ref: Michael O Connell (Ballinskelligs).

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 19^th May at Farranfore: Kilcummin 3-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Pat Pigott, John Clifford, Dodo Sheahan, Michael Sweeney, Mossy Joy, Declan Crowley, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Tommy Foley, Tommy Woods, Pat Diggin, John Sheehan, James O Shea (Shanara), Maurice Corkery. Subs: Donal Pigott for F. Russell (inj.), Pat Foley (Laharn) for D. Pigott, Edward Stack for M. Corkery.

Ref: Dan Moynihan (Legion).

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 23^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3; Firies 0-7.

That game should have been won by Laune Rangers by double scores because, not alone did they miss a penalty in the first half but, having played against the wind in the first half, they led by two points at halftime. However, the forwards completely floundered in the second half.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Ger Hurley, John Clifford, Declan Crowley, Pat Pigott, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan, James O Shea (Shanara), Sean O Sullivan, Pa Foley, Tommy Woods, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Liam Healy, Mossy Joy, Peter Lyons. Subs: Maurice Corkery for P. Foley, John Galvin.

Ref: Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; Fossa 2-6.

Trailing by five points at halftime, Laune Rangers ‘B’ staged a brave comeback in the second half but failed to overhaul Fossa. The visitors had dominated the first half, with Cian Long prominent. Their backs, marshalled by Ivo O Sullivan, held Rangers’ attackers at bay. Pa Foley and James O Shea were labouring at midfield for the Rangers. With their backs to the wall in the second half, Rangers responded like cornered rats. John Griffin, Frank Russell and Mossy Joy whipped the Rangers machine into order and soon cut the deficit to a few points but time ran out for them and Fossa finished three points ahead.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Ger Hurley, Donal Hurley, John Clifford, Dodo Sheahan, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, Jerry Coffey, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pa Foley, John Hickey, Frank Russell, John Griffin, Liam Healy, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan. Sub: Brian Freeman for J. Hickey.

Ref: Ger O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 16^th Sept. at Listry: Listry 1-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ tried out some new blood. John Murphy, Richard O Connor and Michael Moriarty impressed.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 21^st Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Pat Pigott, Ger Hurley, Donal Hurley, Jerry Foley, Declan Crowley, Dodo Sheahan, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pa Foley, Jerry Coffey, Mossy Joy, Tommy Woods, Pat Diggin, Frank Russell, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla). Subs: Michael Moriarty for G. Hurley, Richard O Connor for P. Diggin, Pat McInery.

Ref: Jerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 4^th Nov. at Knocknagoshel: Knocknagoshel 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 4C

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 25^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-1; Skellig Rangers 1-9.

Laune Rangers played against the wind in the first half and, even though Pa Foley scored a goal, they trailed by 1-1 to 0-5 at halftime. They failed to score in the second half but the players enjoyed themselves.

Laune Rangers ‘ C’: Tommy Woods, Jerry Houlihan, Mike Murphy (capt.), Florence Leen, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Donal Hurley, John Foley (Reen), Terence O Shea, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Jimmy Hannon, Sean Whelan, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Michael O Shea (Laharn), Dominic Crowley, Patrick Freeman. Sub: David Griffin for M. O Shea.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 5^th April at Rathmore: Rathmore ‘B’ 4-11; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-5.

Patrick Foley was sent off for fighting.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Michael Dermody, Florence Leen, Mike Murphy, Jerry Houlihan, Martin Clifford, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Tom Johnston, Terence O Shea, Liam Healy, Peter Lyons, Dodo Sheahan, Sean Whelan, Tommy Woods, Patrick Foley (Laharn). Subs: Con Counihan for M. Clifford (Mountain View) inj, Michael O Shea for S. Whelan, Dominic Crowley for J. Houlihan, David Griffin.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-3; Tuosist 4-12.

John Hurley played in goals, Dominic Crowley at fullback, Mike Murphy at centre halfback, Michael Dermody and John Gillespie played at midfield.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 6^th May at Glenflesk: Glenflesk ‘B’ 2-10; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-4

Laune Rangers had only fourteen players. Some players, having promised to, failed to travel e.g. James McInery and Martin Clifford (Mountain View).

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Michael Dermody, Eamonn Crowley, Mike Murphy, Edward Stack, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Donal Hurley, Jerry Houlihan, Terence O Shea, Finbarr Coffey, John Whelan, Patrick Foley, Michael O Shea (Laharn), Dominic Crowley, Pat O Donnell.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 24^th June at Dromid: Dromid Pearses 2-4; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-8.

That was the team’s first win of the year and it was well deserved.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: John Murphy (Steelroe), Jerry Houlihan, Ger Hurley, Brian Freeman, Michael Sweeney, Donal Hurley, Robert Freeman, Patrick Foley (Laharn), James O Riordan, Patrick Freeman, Edward Stack, Michael Moriarty, Michael O Shea (Laharn), Dominic Crowley, Johnny O Shea. Sub: Sean O Connor (Laharn) for D. Crowley.

Ref: Eugene Curran (St. Mary’s).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 15^th July at Derrynane: Derrynane 5-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: John Galvin, Jerry Houlihan, Mike Murphy, Robert Freeman, Jimmy Johnston, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Patrick Foley, Pat Diggin, Finbarr Coffey, John Whelan, Sean Corkery, Michael O Shea, Edward Stack, Dominic Crowley. Sub: Maurice Corkery for D. Crowley.

Ref: John V. O Sullivan (Sneem).

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-5; Foilmore 2-14.

Pat Diggin was sent off for striking an opponent.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: John Murphy, Jerry Houlihan, Ger Hurley, Florence Leen, John Foley (Reen), Donal Hurley, Maurice Corkery, John Hickey, Brian Freeman, Patrick Foley, Pat Diggin, John Whelan, Pat O Donnell, Michael O Shea, Dominic Crowley.

Ref: Tony Falvey (Firies).

Rd. 8 on Sun. 4^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-6; Glenbeigh ‘B’ 0-8.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 18^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ w/o; St. Michael’s, Ballinskelligs scr.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

Laune Rangers received a bye to the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 9^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-4; Glenbeigh 0-6.

The rain had disappeared for that game but there was a strong wind blowing and Glenbeigh elected to play with it in the first half. Approaching the end of the first quarter, the sides were level at 0-1 each. The Glenbeigh goalkeeper, Paul Moriarty, who had been having some problems with his kick-outs, saw a particularly poor kick-out going to Laune Rangers’ corner-forward, John O Dwyer, who parted smartly to Frank Russell and he drove the ball into the corner of the net. That was a major boost to the Rangers and they held the Glenbeigh team at bay until just before halftime, when Denis Griffin was fouled in the Rangers’ square. Glenbeigh brought up goalkeeper Moriarty to take the penalty but his weakly-hit shot was turned out for a ‘45’ by Peter Lyons. That game should have been wrapped up by Laune Rangers in the first half but instead, at halftime, they only led by 1-1 to 0-2. Admittedly, they had played against the breeze but they had missed an amount of scores.

On the resumption, Rangers still continued to dominate midfield but scores came very slowly. Entering the third quarter, Rangers led by three points. Thereafter, Glenbeigh took control and, but for some brilliant play by the home side’s backs, they would have been in trouble. All the forwards, except Stephen Russell, seemed to throw in the towel. Then Derry O Sullivan, Glenbeigh, was sent off for striking Tom Johnston. Peter Lyons saved at point-blank range from Donal Griffin. The Glenbeigh full-forward also missed any easy chance for a point. With time running out, and the scores level, Rangers broke up the field and Stephen Russell, gaining possession forty yards out, kicked the winning points that seemed to take an eternity to go over the bar. Best for the Rangers were Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Anthony Shannon, Joe Shannon and Stephen Russell.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Liam Hayes, Joe Shannon (0-1), John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell (1-2), John Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly for M. Johnston, John Hickey for J. Griffin, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pat Pigott, Jerry Foley.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – excellent.

 

Final on Sun. 28^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-4; Beaufort 0-9.

John Griffin and John O Dwyer had often punished defenders for slip-ups and they had also pulverised defences with their jinking runs and well-placed passes. The result was that, between them, they had won many games for Laune Rangers. The latest example of their prowess was provided in that game when the Rangers retained the Mid-Kerry Championship at the expense of a gallant Beaufort team. After a lack-lustre first half, both sides put it together in the second moiety, to give a rousing display. In the last quarter, the excitement was at fever pitch.

The team had assembled in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, known locally as the ‘Track’, at 1.30pm and the spirit amongst the players and mentors was very good. John Griffin got the team off to a dream start, when, after four minutes, he ran on to an O Dwyer pass to slam the ball to the net. Two minutes later, Joe Shannon kicked a point. Laune Rangers were completely on top at that stage and indeed, if they could have scored consistently, they would have been ahead by the proverbial mile at the break. Beaufort asserted themselves and points from Brendan Lynch and John Coffey cut the arrears to a single point. Peter Lyons got a tremendous ovation when he made a daring and brilliant save at the feet of Paudie Lynch, a save that probably won the match for his team. At the break, Rangers led by 1-1 to 0-3.

On the resumption, Beaufort took the lead, thanks to the brilliance of Brendan Lynch. Then John O Dwyer struck for the Champions, when he flicked home a goal to give his side a two points lead. Pierce Prendiville made up for previous misses with a fine point from the right wing, to widen the gap. But the league winners were far from beaten and Brendan Lynch pulled back a point from a placed ball. Another Beaufort point followed two Rangers’ misses from frees and, with four minutes remaining, Paudie Lynch was fouled and he made no mistake from the resultant free to equalise. A draw looked a very likely result but the Rangers showed great heart in going for and getting the winner. John Griffin picked up a break on the 13m line and sent over the winning point.

Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan in defence were Rangers best. Tomás Hayes had a blinder in the halfback line. Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston were excellent at midfield. Liam Hayes, Joe Shannon and Mícheál Johnston and the dynamic duo in the corners shone in the winners’ attack. The injured Brian O Shea, at fullback, gave little away to Paudie Lynch. It was a well-merited win for the Rangers, who showed great spirit in fighting back when all seemed lost. That was Rangers’ ninth Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship title.

After the game, the Kennedy Cup was presented to the winning captain, James Sheehan, by the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Noel Spillane. Well-known South-Kerry GAA personality, Tom Keane, judged the man-of-the-match, which was awarded to Brendan Lynch.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan (capt.), Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Liam Hayes, Michael O Reilly, Joe Shannon (0-2), John O Dwyer (1-0), Stephen Russell, John Griffin (1-1). Subs: Mícheál Johnston for S. Russell, Teddy Clifford, James O Shea, Pat Pigott, Jerry Foley, Tommy Woods, John Hickey, James O Shea (Shanara), Frank Russell, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla).

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh) – excellent.

A successful motion to Co. Convention, earlier that year, had stated that only the District Board Champions could take part in the Co. Club Championship. As the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship had been played so late, Laune Rangers had been debarred from participating in the Co. Club Championship. The Mid-Kerry Final had been scheduled for Sun. 16^th Sept. but Beaufort would not play because they had five players injured. Eventually, it was agreed to play the final on Sun. 28^th Oct.

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 19^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Glenbeigh 1-3

That was a good start to the year even though there was a lot of surplus flesh to be seen! Both teams were on the experimental side. Glenbeigh were very weak. Rangers were far superior at midfield where Liam Hayes had a fine hour, getting great assistance from Michael O Reilly. John Griffin, making a welcome return, was in great form for the Rangers, scoring two goals, having another disallowed and hitting the crossbar with a rasper. Paudie Sheahan was a revelation on the ‘40’ and even greater in the second half at centre halfback. Brian O Shea played in goals in the second half and he effected one master save from Peadar O Sullivan. Newcomers, Tommy Foley and Pat Pigott, played extremely well.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Teddy Clifford, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, James Sheehan, Stephen Russell, Anthony Shannon, Liam Hayes, Michael O Reilly, Tommy Foley, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, John Griffin. Subs: Liam Healy for A. Shannon (inj.) – Stephen Russell went to left halfback, Paudie Sheahan to centre halfback and Liam Healy to centre half-forward – Maurice Corkery, Dominic Crowley.

Ref: Tom Kelliher (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 4^th March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine v Laune Rangers.

Milltown/Castlemaine refused to play due to the death of Tommy Woods. The Mid-Kerry Board insisted that the game should proceed as the body had been buried. Laune Rangers did not press the issue.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 18^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-7; Laune Rangers 1-6.

That was a very workmanlike performance even though Laune Rangers were again below strength. Best for Rangers were Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Shanara), Pierce Prendiville, Paudie Sheahan and Michael O Reilly, who was outstanding in the last quarter, fielding everything in sight and delivering well (However, if all the players had been present, there was no way that he would have been selected because of his actions on the previous Sunday. Laune Rangers were very appreciative of Beaufort’s Dr. Brendan Lynch, who looked after the injury to James Sheehan, who had been forced to retire from the game.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Teddy Clifford, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan Anthony Shannon, Liam Hayes, Michael O Reilly, James O Shea (Shanara), Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott, Pierce Prendiville, Brian O Shea. Sub: Maurice Corkery for J. Sheehan (inj.).

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 1^st April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-10; Keel 0-8.

That was a drab game, with the exception of the first ten minutes. Rangers made many silly mistakes. John O Dwyer scored a very good goal in the first half and Liam Hayes an equally good goal in the second half.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, James Sheehan (capt.), Paudie Sheahan, Tomás Hayes, Liam Hayes, Stephen Russell, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea (Shanara), Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, Brian O Shea, John Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly for J. O Dwyer (inj.), Tommy Foley for B. O Shea, Jerry Foley for J. Sheehan.

Ref: Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine).

At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting on Mon. 2^nd April, Frank Twiss, Milltown/Castlemaine, said that, as they were already out of the league, they would not play Laune Rangers. That left three teams, Glenbeigh, Beaufort and Laune Rangers, on six points. The names were put in a hat and the first team out, Glenbeigh, went into the final. The other two were in the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 15^th April at Milltown: Beaufort 4-7; Laune Rangers 0-7.

That was a terrible performance – best forgotten. Only Paudie Sheahan, Michael O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston could remember the game with any semblance of pride.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, Liam Hayes, Tom Johnston, Peter Lyons, Stephen Russell, Tomás Hayes, John O Dwyer, Pierce Prendiville, John Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly (late arrival) for J. Griffin, John Griffin for A. Shannon (inj.), Tommy Foley for J. O Dwyer, Pat Pigott.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

 

Final on Sun. 13^th May at Milltown: Beaufort 4-10; Glenbeigh 3-3.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Football Championship

Clubs had to submit lists of their ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams and , in Laune Rangers’ case, ‘C’ team and players were then given permission to play.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 28^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 3-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-4.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Robert Freeman, Jerry Houlihan, Mike Murphy, James O Riordan, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Donal Hurley, Con Counihan, John Hickey, Patrick Foley (Laharn), John Whelan, Edward Stack, David Griffin, Johnny O Shea (School Road), Dominic Crowley, Michael O Shea (Laharn). Subs: Maurice Corkery, Dermot Goggin, Pat O Donnell (all played).

Beaufort ‘B’ Rory Kelly, Derry Coffey, Derry O Sullivan, Denis Scully, Timmy J. O Sullivan, Sean O Sullivan, Aidan Coffey, Michael Curran, John Scully, Tom Kelliher, John Cronin, Mick  Sullivan, Jack Coffey, Joe Coffey, Ian Joy.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ 1-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10.

John Sheehan (Glencuttane) was again sent off by the referee for striking a Glenbeigh player and for using abusive language to the referee. At a subsequent Mid-Kerry Board meeting, he was suspended for two months.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tommy Woods, John Clifford, Brian O Shea, Pat Pigott, Dodo Sheahan, Pa Foley, Michael Sweeney, Stephen Russell, John Sheehan, Tommy Foley, Liam Healy, Peter Lyons, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Mossy Joy, John Griffin. Sub: Donal Pigott.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 5^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 7-11; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, John Clifford, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan, Stephen Russell, Peter Lyons, Michael Dermody, Pa Foley, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Liam Healy, Tommy woods, John Griffin.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Robert Freeman, Con Counihan, James O Riordan, Maurice Corkery, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Donal Hurley, Jerry Houlihan, John Hickey, Sean O Sullivan (Lonart), John Whelan, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Patrick Freeman, Michael O Shea, Dominic Crowley, Edward Stack. Subs: Pat O Donnell, Patrick McInery, John Murphy (Steelroe), David Griffin.

Ref: Denis O Neill (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 3 on Tues. 19^th June at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 3-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-12.

That was a very good game. Laune Rangers were leading by seven points at one stage but Keel came back at them and eventually drew level.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Galvin, John Clifford, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Pat Pigott, Jerry Foley, Dodo Sheahan, Frank Russell, Stephen Russell, Tommy Woods, Pa Foley, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Liam Healy, Mossy Joy, Peter Lyons. Sub: Michael Sweeney.

Ref: Pat Clifford (Laune Rangers).

At Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-3.

Rd. 4 on Tues. 26^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-3; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-9.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: John Murphy (Steelroe) James O Riordan, Mike Murphy, Jerry Houlihan, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Donal Hurley, Michael O Sullivan, Terence O Shea, John Hickey, Finbarr Coffey, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Pat O Donnell, Michael O Shea (Laharn), Edward Stack, Sean Corkery. Subs: Robert Freeman for J. Houlihan, Maurice Corkery for M. O Shea, John Whelan for E. Stack.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

At Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8.

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 30^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-9; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 1-1.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Peter Lyons, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, Dodo Sheahan, Michael Sweeney, Jerry Foley, Declan Crowley, Tomás Hayes, Pa Foley, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Frank Russell, Tommy Woods, Liam Healy, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla). Sub: John Galvin.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

Rd. 5 on Tues. 31^st July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-3; Keel ‘B’ 3-9.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: John Galvin, Jerry Houlihan, Mike Murphy, Florence Leen, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Donal Hurley, Michael O Sullivan, James O Riordan, Brian Freeman, Maurice Corkery, Terence O Shea, Patrick Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Michael O Shea, Dominic Crowley.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sat. 29^th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-9; Keel ‘B’ 2-9.

Rain fell throughout the game, making underfoot conditions slippery and ball control difficult. Rangers got off to a disastrous start, Keel scoring 1-2 in the first few minutes without reply. However, once the winners settled down, there was never any doubt about the result. Their overall greater physique, together with their fitness and style of football (they made the ball do the work) soon paid dividends. They had five good points without reply to take the lead. Before halftime, Rangers scored two great goals to lead by 2-7 to 1-2.

Laune Rangers were not upset by two early Keel points on the resumption but struck back with three goals, one of those was deflected past the goalkeeper by the inrushing Frank Russell, who was operating at full-forward and was causing panic in the Keel defence with his speed and high-fielding. Others to give the Keel defence problems were Tommy Woods, Mossy Joy and James O Shea, with their speed and clever running.

That was a very fit Laune Rangers team and no weak links showed up anywhere. Their defence, built around Brian O Shea, at fullback, and Tomás Hayes at centre halfback, found their feet after the first ten minutes and were never in trouble thereafter. At midfield, Stephen Russell was the dominant figure and a number of unsuccessful switches were made to curb his influence. Rangers’ half-forward line constantly out-fielded the Keel defence and got some scores that would do justice to any ‘A’ team. Frank Russell showed he was still in a class of his own, combining well with Liam Healy and John Sheehan.

Rangers’ goals were scored by Frank Russell, Tommy Woods (2), Mossy Joy and John Sheehan. After the game, the trophy was presented to the Laune Rangers’ captain, Jerry Foley, by the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Noel Spillane, who expressed the opinion that as Laune Rangers had won the competition three years-in-a-row, they had destroyed the competition!

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Peter Lyons, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Jerry Foley (capt.), Tomás Hayes, Dodo Sheahan, Stephen Russell, Pa Foley, James O Shea (Shanara), Mossy Joy, Tommy Woods, Liam Healy, Frank Russell, John Sheehan (Tinahalla). Subs: John Griffin for D. Sheahan, John Hickey, John Clifford, Michael Sweeney, Pat Diggin, Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, John Galvin, John Murphy.

Ref: Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Senior Football Challenge Game

 

Wed. 15^th Aug. at Milltown: Milltown 2-14; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-6.

Sun. 18^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ drew with Scartaglin ‘B’.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Shannon Rangers 1-13.

Laune Rangers played with great heart and spirit. The teams were all square at halftime (1-4 to 0-7). Tomás Hayes marked John Kennedy very well. Pierce Prendiville and Liam Hayes played very well at midfield. Indeed, all the players showed great determination. Michael O Reilly pulled one of his usual tricks – he walked in the gate of the field and straight down to the stand, without speaking to anybody. When one of the mentors followed him to the stand, he said that he was injured. His colleagues were very disappointed and angry with his behaviour. It was nice to see Jimmy O Neill, from Cromane, turning up for the game. He showed that he was one of the independent-minded players from that area, who had been willing to defy the powers that were back there, and associated with back there, and play with Laune Rangers. There was never a question of the Hayes brothers being influenced not to play either – they were too independent-minded.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Jerry Houlihan, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Dodo Sheahan, Tomás Hayes, Jimmy O Neill, Liam Hayes, Pierce Prendiville (capt.), Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Liam Healy, Sean Corkery, Brian O Sullivan, James O Shea (Shanara), Brian Freeman. Subs: Richard O Connor for M. Clifford (Mountain View), Michael O Shea (Laharn), Sean O Connor (Laharn).

Ref: John Somers (Legion).

 

U-21 Football Challenge Game

 

Fri. 29^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-4; Mid-Kerry 0-4.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Jerry Houlihan, Dan Hurley, Brian Freeman, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Tomás Hayes, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Terence O Shea, Liam Hayes, Liam Healy, Michael O Reilly, Sean Corkery, Michael Dermody, James O Shea (Shanara), Noel Doyle. Sub: Patrick Brennan for N. Doyle.

Ref: Johnny O Shea (Laune Rangers).

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Trainer/Coach – Jerome Conway. The minor team commenced training on Sun. 11^th March.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 19^th July at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s w/o; Laune Rangers scr.

When the team assembled in the Square in Killorglin at 6.30pm, there were only twelve players and no transport. Jerome Conway was the only mentor. He rushed up to Jim Galvin’s house in Keelcoulacht and borrowed his Hiace van. The players were bundled into the van and the first stop was James Coffey’s Bar, Lower Bridge St. Instructions were given to James Coffey to collect three U-16 players, Shane O Sullivan, Kieran O Keeffe and Mark O Connor, and to follow the van to Ardfert. When the Killorglin contingent arrived at the venue, it was discovered that there were only thirteen players – two of the U-16 players had not been at home when James Coffey called. The game was conceded and a challenge game was played instead. In fairness to St. Brendan’s, they did not complain. The players that travelled were Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Eoin Mangan, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Michael Moriarty, James Foley (Corbally), Patrick Brennan, Patrick McInery, Anthony Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe (U-16), William Joy (U-16), Pat McKenna (Steelroe) U-15. Gerard Murphy had torn the cruciate ligament in one of his knees before the Munster Minor Final, Brian O Sullivan had one of his thumb’s broken in the Co. Minor Hurling Championship on the previous Tuesday, Cornelius Lucey had walked the Ring of Kerry with Killorglin Youth Club and was lame as a result, Richard O Connor and Shane O Sullivan were working and Dermot Griffin failed to show up. That was the first time that Laune Rangers had ever conceded a championship game.

 

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1

Laune Rangers were grouped with Dr. Crokes, Currow, Kerins O Rahillys, Kenmare and Legion, with the top two teams, after the preliminary rounds, qualifying for the semi-finals.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 30^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Dr. Crokes 2-9

Laune Rangers certainly did not deserve to lose by eight points. Dr. Crokes were very strong at midfield.      For Rangers, Michael Moriarty, who had a shoulder injury, could not operate at full stretch. Michael Fleming was outstanding in goals and Noel Doyle was excellent at fullback. Others to play well for the home side were Gerard Murphy (he scored some fine points), Brian O Sullivan, Richard O Connor, Austin Stack and Pat McKenna. It was good to see Dermot Griffin return to the fold after such a long absence.

Laune Rangers: Michael Fleming, Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Eoin Mangan, Austin Stack, Andrew Doona, Martin Joy, Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, James Foley, Gerard Murphy (capt.), Patrick Brennan, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McInery, Dermot Griffin. Subs: Patrick McKenna (Lonart) for D. Clifford, Michael Moriarty (Tinnahalla) for P. McInery, Anthony Clifford for D. Griffin, Shane O Sullivan.

Ref: Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 5^th April at Currow: Currow 1-10; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Rangers had plenty of chances to win that game but they did not take them. However, the players tried hard and seemed to enjoy themselves. Noel Doyle had a very good game at fullback, while Michael Fleming was excellent in goals. Cornelius Lucey made a welcome return to the fold and played well. Anthony Clifford scored two good points. Brian O Sullivan played very well and scored a great goal. Gerard Murphy played well.

Laune Rangers: Michael Fleming, Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Eoin Mangan, Cornelius Lucey, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna, Richard O Connor, Michael Moriarty, James Foley, Gerard Murphy, Anthony Clifford, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McInery, Dermot Griffin. Subs: Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla) for P. McInery, Michael Griffin for A. Clifford. Patrick Brennan and Austin Stack were injured.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (Austin Stacks).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-4; Kerins O Rahillys 5-11.

At the time that the game was scheduled to commence, Laune Rangers had only fourteen players due to the inexplicable non-appearance of Austin Stack and Brian O Sullivan. Jerome Conway rushed to the Vocational School Field, where the Hurlers were training, and he got Pat McKenna (Steelroe), who played quite well.

Laune Rangers: Michael Fleming, Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Pat McKenna, Cornelius Lucey, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, James Foley, Gerard Murphy, Anthony Clifford, Michael Griffin, Patrick McInery, Dermot Griffin. Subs – none. Patrick Brennan and Eoin Mangan were in France on a school tour with the Intermediate School.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 20^th April at Kenmare: Kenmare 2-8; Laune Rangers 2-8.

Rangers played against the breeze in the first half and performed quite well. However, they relaxed ten minutes before halftime and conceded 2-4. Nevertheless, they rallied in the second half and deserved the draw.

Laune Rangers: Michael Fleming, Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Eoin Mangan, Patrick McKenna, Andrew Doona, Cornelius Lucey, Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, James Foley, Gerard Murphy, Anthony Clifford, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McInery, Dermot Griffin. Sub: Michael Moriarty (Tinnahalla) for A. Clifford.

Ref: Timmy Sheehan (Templenoe).

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 30^th April at Knockreer: Legion 2-14; Laune Rangers 5-6.

Both teams had failed to reach the semi-finals and so that game was only of prestige value. Laune Rangers did not play well in the first half. Richard O Connor was switched to midfield for the second half, with Anthony Clifford going into goals. Pat Brennan went to full-forward, where he scored 3-2. Brian O Sullivan and Dermot Griffin scored the other goals.

Laune Rangers: Richard O Connor, Eoin Mangan, Noel Doyle, Dermot Clifford, Cornelius Lucey, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna, Michael Moriarty, Gerard Murphy (capt.), James Foley, Pat Brennan, Anthony Clifford, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McInery, Dermot Griffin. Sub: Shane O Sullivan for P. McInery.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Final on Fri. 18^th May at Austin Stack Park: Dr. Crokes 2-8; Currow 0-7.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 26^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers w/o; Beaufort scr.

Semi-final on Thurs. 2^nd Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers v Glenbeigh.

The appointed referee failed to show up and both teams went home.

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 23^rd Aug. at Milltown: Glenbeigh 1-9; Laune Rangers 1-6.

The losses of Gerard Murphy and Brian O Sullivan, both injured, were too great. Patrick Brennan, who had been suffering from food-poisoning, got out of bed to play. The players played well, with Eoin Mangan outstanding. Patrick Brennan had an excellent game, scoring 1-2 before he had to retire through injury and the evenly contested game up to then, went Glenbeigh’s way. Michael Moriarty played very well when he was moved to midfield. Patrick McKenna played his heart out. Glenbeigh were physically stronger and used their strength, not always legitimately but apparently to the satisfaction of the referee!! That was the first time in about twenty years that a Laune Rangers team would not contest a Mid-Kerry Minor Final.

Laune Rangers: Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Noel Doyle, Martin Joy, Andrew Doona, Cornelius Lucey, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Richard O Connor, James Foley, Patrick McInery, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick Brennan, Michael Moriarty, Dermot Griffin (capt.). Subs: Austin Stack for M. Joy, William Joy for P. Brennan (inj.), Michael Fleming, Anthony Clifford, Sean Gamble.

Ref: Pat Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Tues. 28^th Aug. at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine 3-7; Glenbeigh 0-9.

 

Minor Football Challenge Game

 

Tues. 3^rd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Mid-Kerry.

Mon. 20^th Aug. at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 2-6; Laune Rangers 3-3.

It flogged rain throughout the game. Rangers travelled in Poff’s bus and Jerome Conway’s car.

Laune Rangers: Pat McKenna, Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Sean Gamble, William Joy, Andrew Doona, Cornelius Lucey, Patrick McKenna, Richard O Connor, James Foley, Pat McInery, Shane O Sullivan, Michael Fleming, Patrick Brennan, Anthony Clifford.

Ref: Patie O Shea (St. Mary’s).

 

Co. U-16 District Board Football Championship

Trainer/Coach and sole selector – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 8^th Sept. at Castleisland: Mid-Kerry 1-7; Tralee 0-9.

The Mid-Kerry team played outstandingly and showed much more determination and will-to-win than their opponents.

Mid-Kerry: Pat McKenna (Laune Rangers), Brian Kerins (Milltown/Castlemaine), Derry Coffey (Beaufort), Liam Kerins (Milltown/Castlemaine), Kieran O Keeffe (Laune Rangers), William Joy (do.), Liam Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Gerald O Connor (do.), Jerome O Connor (Glenbeigh), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers), John Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine) capt, James Moriarty (Glenbeigh), Patie Casey (Laune Rangers), Shane O Sullivan (do.), Gerard Woods (Milltown/Castlemaine). Subs: James O Shea (Laune Rangers), Mark O Connor (do.), Randle Joy (Beaufort), Sean Counihan (Milltown/Castlemaine), John Corkery (Glenbeigh).

Ref: Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 15^th Sept. at Castleisland: Mid-Kerry 2-4; East-Kerry 0-9.

The Mid-Kerry boys took the chances that came their way in the first half and led at halftime by 2-2 to 0-2. They added two further points shortly after the resumption but it was all East-Kerry for the final twenty minutes and they reduced the lead point by point. However, they missed a number of easy scoring chances and Mid-Kerry held on the win by the smallest of margins.

 

Final on Sat. 29^th Sept. at Ballymac: West-Kerry 1-6; Mid-Kerry 1-5.

That was a very well-contested game, played in driving rain. Mid-Kerry led all during the game and still led by one point with five minutes remaining but Kieran O Keeffe was then sent off for dissent. Apparently, the referee was only going to take his name, but when the player began to spell the name, the referee took that as an insult and sent him off. West-Kerry, coached by Johnny O Donnell, Annascaul, deserved to win.

Mid-Kerry applied all the early pressure and, despite missing many chances, they led through a point by John Burke and a goal by Shane O Sullivan. Points by T. Flaherty and D. Hannifin reduced the lead. Gerard Woods (free) and James Moriarty stretched the Mid-Kerry lead but in a rare attack, T. Falvey fisted a West-Kerry goal. However, within a minute, Patie Casey restored Mid-Kerry’s four-points’ advantage with a great goal. Indeed, Mid-Kerry missed a couple of close-in frees at that stage and goalkeeper, Tom Hand, made two first-class saves. A mix-up in the Mid-Kerry defence allowed midfielder, F. Sheehy, to poach a goal just before halftime to leave the score at 2-3 to 2-2, a score that flattered West-Kerry.

At the beginning of the second half, Gerard Woods and T. Falvey exchanged points. As the conditions worsened, it was clear that the stronger West-Kerry boys were getting on top. John Burke and T. Falvey exchanged points. Then, with eight minutes remaining, Sean Geaney equalised for West-Kerry. Patie O Connor kicked the winning point from play. Mid-Kerry had two late chances from kickable frees but both were missed.

Mid-Kerry: Pat McKenna, Brian Kerins, Derry Coffey, Liam Kerins, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Liam Kelliher, Jerome O Connor, Gerald O Connor, Timmy Fleming, John Burke (capt.), James Moriarty, Patie Casey, Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Woods. Subs: James O Shea, Mark O Connor, Randle Joy, Sean Counihan, John Corkery.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Patrick’s).

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

Joint Trainers/Coaches – James Sheehan and Anthony Shannon. Selectors with James Sheehan and Anthony Shannon – Maurice Corkery and John Clifford. The U-16 team commenced training on Sun. 11^th March.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 4^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; Legion 6-6.

Laune Rangers, with a depleted outfit, did not expect to do well. However, with ten minutes to play, they were only three points in arrears. Then they missed two scoreable frees and Legion, led by Donal Culloty, ran in for a few soft goals and that was that.

Laune Rangers: Tommy Byrne, Bertie O Riordan, Kieran O Keeffe, Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Joe Hoare, William Joy, Timmy Fleming, Patie Casey, Shane O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea, Mark O Connor. Sub: John F. O Brien. James O Shea was injured and unable to play.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 11^th July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-11; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 18^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-7; Kerins O Rahillys 0-11.

That team had great heart and spirit. Things clicked for them on that evening.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Kieran O Keeffe, Maurice O Shea, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, William Joy, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Shane O Sullivan, Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Danny Cahill, John F. O Brien. Subs: Robert Evans for J.F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Michael O Connell.

Ref: Davy Keane (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 25^th July at Mitchels’ Pitch: John Mitchels 2-6; Laune Rangers 3-9.

Tommy Stack was outstanding at fullback. Liam Foley was excellent in goals.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Tommy Stack, Maurice O Shea, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, Pat McKenna, William Joy, Paul Griffin, Patie Casey, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Robert Evans. Subs: Michael O Connell and John F. O Brien.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 1^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Dr. Crokes scr.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 8^th Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-7; Kerins O Rahillys 1-2.

That was a great performance by Laune Rangers. That team had been given no hope of success but James Sheehan had moulded the players into a formidable outfit.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Kieran O Keeffe, Maurice O Shea, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Shane O Sullivan, William Joy (capt.), James O Shea (Lonart), Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming, Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Pat McKenna,  Danny Cahill. Subs: Paul McKenna (sick) for B. O Riordan, Joe Hoare, Michael O Connell, Michael Cronin, John F. O Brien. Tommy Stack missed the game because of an accident.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Final on Wed. 22^nd Aug. at Currow: Austin Stacks 5-12; Laune Rangers 2-6.

It is doubtful if Laune Rangers would have won that game but they should have been much closer, as they missed four great chances of goals, including a penalty. However, they were conceding too much in size and strength to the opposition. Kieran O Keeffe had a disastrous game at fullback, while Shane O Sullivan was the Killorglin side’s man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Kieran O Keeffe, Bertie O Riordan, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Shane O Sullivan, William Joy (capt.), James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming, Patie Casey, Robert Evans, Pat McKenna, Mark O Connor. Subs: Tommy Stack for P. McKenna, John Byrne for K. Corkery, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Michael O Connell.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

Milltown/Castlemaine were allowed to play players that were six months overage and the other teams, Glenbeigh, Beaufort and Keel, were allowed to play players that were one year overage.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 17^th March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 8-6; Laune Rangers 0-3.

That was a terrible drubbing. Laune Rangers had a very young team – mostly U-15 years of age. Some players chose not to play with Laune Rangers e.g. Ronan O Shea, Mossy O Grady and Paul O Sullivan. It is doubtful, however, if those players would have made a difference to that result.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Foley, Alan Foley, Paul McKenna, Bertie O Riordan, John Byrne, Pat Hannon, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Paul Griffin, Shane Mulvihill, Robert Evans, Patrick McDonagh, Michael Cronin, Timmy Fleming. Subs; Liam Foley, Evan Mangan, Fergus O Meara, Mark O Connor, Maurice O Shea, Michael Costello, Kevin Corkery, Joe Hoare (all of whom played).

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 24^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-15; Keel 0-3.

That was a much better performance. It was good to see Patie Casey and Tommy Stack back in the fold. They had been encouraged not to play, because of Laune Rangers opposition to the formation of a separate club in Cromane. However, it was good to see that the players had minds of their own and were not influenced by people, though never before involved, seemed to have a sudden, if questionable, interest in the GAA.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Foley, Gerard Curran, Kieran O Keeffe, Bertie O Riordan, John Byrne, Pat Hannon, Tommy Stack, Pat McKenna, William Joy, Timmy Fleming, Shane O Sullivan, Patie Casey, Liam Foley, Robert Evans, Paul Griffin. Subs: Alan Foley for L. Foley, Michael Cronin for R. Evans, Fergus O Meara for G. Curran, Christopher Foley (Dungeel), Maurice O Shea, Michael Costello, Patrick McDonagh, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Rd.  3 on Sat. 31^st March at Rossbeigh: Glenbeigh 1-0; Laune Rangers 4-6.

There was a bitterly cold wind blowing and Laune Rangers elected to play against it in the first half. Having led by 1-2 to 1-0 at halftime, it was just a matter of by how much they would win. The team although very young, played well. Glenbeigh were very disorganised – they began with fourteen players, they had to use a mixed set of jerseys and they did not arrive until 7 o clock for a 6.30pm game.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Foley, Paul McKenna, Kieran O Keeffe, Bertie O Riordan, John Byrne, Pat Hannon, Tommy Stack, James O Shea (Lonart), William Joy (capt.), Patie Casey, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, John O Sullivan (Cromane), Shane O Sullivan. Subs: Robert Evans for P. Griffin, Brian Casey for J. Byrne, Mark O Connor for T. Fleming, Liam Foley, Alan Foley, Patrick McDonagh, Joe Hoare, Evan Mangan, Michael Costello, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Kevin Corkery, Gerard Curran.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 4 on Tues. 17^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-5; Beaufort 4-3.

Confusion reigned before the start, as quite a few of the regulars failed to show up, possibly due to the bad evening – the weather was terrible. However, the team played very well, with every player playing his heart out. The appointed referee did not show up either and the travelling team had the appointment in that situation. The Beaufort trainer, Rory Kelly, took the whistle and he was unashamedly biased towards his own team, disallowing a perfectly good goal by Laune Rangers and allowing a similar score for Beaufort.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Kieran O Keeffe, Paul McKenna, Eoin Mangan, Pat Hannon, Robert Evans, John Byrne, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Shane O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Mark O Connor, Michael Cronin, Maurice O Shea. Subs – none.

Ref: Rory Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 6^th May at Milltown at 6.30pm: Beaufort 2-10; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Two major factors contributed to that defeat, 1) The referee was unbelievably poor – his knowledge of the rules was sparse and his style of refereeing suited the bigger, older, tougher Beaufort lads (Beaufort had been allowed to play players that were U-17 years of age, whereas most of the Laune Rangers team was U-15 years of age). 2) Pat O Shea took the players, who lived in the Cromane area, to Keel during the day to play Keel minors in a challenge game and, consequently, they could scarcely stir during the second game.

Anthony Shannon, joint-trainer of the team, was reported to Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg for abusing the referee and the club was fined £5. It was difficult to blame the joint-trainer. At one stage, Timmy Fleming was cutting through the Beaufort defence and, inexplicably, the referee gave a free out. When Jerome Conway asked why the free was given, the referee told him that he was perfectly entitled to give a free if he felt like it!!

Laune Rangers: Gerard Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Kieran O Keeffe, Paul McKenna, Tommy Stack, Pat Hannon, John Byrne, John O Sullivan (Cromane), James O Shea (Lonart), Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming, Patie Casey, Robert Evans, Pat McKenna, Shane O Sullivan. Subs: Danny Cahill for T. Stack, Mark O Connor for R. Evans, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Liam Foley, Kevin Corkery, Joe Hoare.

Ref: John Joe Ladden (Castlemaine).

 

Mid-Kerry U-16B Football Championship

Having been knocked out of the ‘A’ Championship, Laune Rangers entered the ‘B’ Championship, which did not have any age advantage for the other teams.

 

Final on Sun. 28^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-8; Beaufort 1-3.

That was the only game that Rangers had in that competition and, considering that they did not have a game together for a few months, they were rusty. The boys from the Cromane area had to play parish league games prior to that game – good preparation!

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Kieran O Keeffe, Paul McKenna, John Byrne, Pat Hannon, Kevin Corkery, James O Shea, William Joy (capt.), Patie Casey, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Shane O Sullivan, Mark O Connor. Subs: Tommy Stack for M. O Connor, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Michael cronin, Brendan Corkery, Robert Evans, Michael O Connell.

Ref: Dan Cronin (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Ogsport Gael (U-15)

That competition was played at seven-a-side and was in blitz form. Trainer/Coach – James Sheehan.

Each District Board had to organise a competition in order to have a qualifier for the county finals (District Boards could not nominate a representative). The Mid-Kerry blitz took place on Sat. 23^rd June at Killorglin:

There were two groups: Group ‘A’ – Laune Rangers ‘A’, Beaufort and Milltown/Castlemaine.

Group ‘B’ – Laune Rangers ‘B’, Glenbeigh and Keel.

Rd. 1: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-4; Beaufort 1-2.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ drew with Glenbeigh.

Rd. 2: Beaufort beat Milltown/Castlemaine.

Glenbeigh beat Keel.

Rd. 3: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Milltown/Castlemaine

Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Keel.

Play-off: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Glenbeigh.

Final: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-4.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Paul McKenna, Bertie O Riordan, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Mark O Connor, John Byrne, Danny Cahill and Patie Casey.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Gerard Foley, Fergus O Meara, Tommy Byrne, Kevin Galvin, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Sean Moriarty and Frankie Brennan.

 

Co. Final blitz on Sat. 7^th July at Castleisland:

There were two groups: Group ‘A’: Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes and Kerins O Rahillys.

Group ‘B’: Desmonds, Emmets and Waterville.

Group ‘A’: Laune Rangers 1-4; Dr. Crokes 0-7.

Kerins O Rahillys 2-3; Dr. Crokes 1-3.

Laune Rangers 2-6; Kerins O Rahillys 1-3.

Final: Laune Rangers 8-9; Desmonds 4-3.

Man-of-the-tournament was Bertie O Riordan, who played superbly in defence and found time to notch up a few vital scores.

Laune Rangers’ panel of ten: Pat McKenna (goals), Paul McKenna, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming (capt.), Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Frankie Brennan and Ian Murphy.

The trophy was presented to the winning captain, Timmy Fleming, by Tom Donovan, manager of New Ireland Assurance, sponsors of the event. In attendance at the finals was Jack Boothman, National Chairman of Coiste na nOg.

That victory qualified Laune Rangers to represent Kerry at the All-Ireland finals in Gormanstown, Co. Meath, from Sun. 12^th Aug. until Thurs. 16^th Aug. The representatives of Dublin, Kerry, Galway and Tyrone paraded in Croke Park at halftime in the All-Ireland Semi-final, Kerry v Galway. Then they headed, led by James Sheehan and Donie Griffin, for Gormanstown.

There, after playing seven games, beating the champions of Derry (5-5 to 3-3), Carlow (9-5 to 3-6), Sligo (5-11 to 2-3), Fermanagh (9-8 to 5-2), Louth (1-15 to 1-9), Monaghan (9-6 to 3-6) and losing to Meath (4-12 to 4-10), they reached the quarter-final, where they beat Laois by 7-9 to 3-7. Alas, they were beaten by Antrim in the semi-final by 5-9 to 3-7. (Antrim lost the final to Kildare). However, Laune Rangers were awarded the prize for the best-behaved and most sporting team in the competition. Killorglin Credit Union had sponsored a set of jerseys for the team and Gill’s Sports Centre sponsored very generously a set of track-suits. Each participating club in Kerry paid an entry fee of £25 and the accumulated money, together with a grant of £150 from Bord na nOg, went to the team representing the county, to defray costs.

Panel of ten in Gormanstown: Pat McKenna, Bertie O Riordan, Paul McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Patie Casey, Paul Griffin, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill and John Byrne.

Co. U-14 Football Championship Div. 1

Trainer/Coach – Tommy Woods. Selector with Tommy Woods – Pat Pigott. The U-14 team commenced training on Sat. 3^rd March.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 23^rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; Austin Stacks 1-8.

Rangers played against the stiffish breeze in the first half and trailed by 1-7 to 0-3 at halftime. They had started the game quite well, keeping in touch until ten minutes before halftime, when they played disastrously. During that half, Ian Murphy missed at least one great chance of a goal.

In the second half, Rangers were transformed. Danny Cahill lorded the play at midfield. Ian Murphy kicked some great points. Sean Fenton was brilliant at fullback. Tommy Byrne took command at centre halfback. Frankie Brennan worked very hard and scored a great goal. Kevin Galvin seemed to grow in confidence as well.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John Naughton, Sean Fenton, Mark O Sullivan, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Padraig Lynch, Danny Cahill, Kevin Galvin, Joe Sweeney, Frankie Brennan, Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Ian Murphy, Patrick Curran. Subs: Brian O Keeffe for M. O Sullivan (inj.), Timothy O Connor for J. Sweeney, Pa Murphy for T. O Connor, Gerard Costello, Sean Moriarty, Michael Corkery, Timmy Linehan.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee did not show up and Austin Stacks agreed to the local referee.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 29^th May at Killarney (St. Finan’s Field): Legion 0-2; Laune Rangers 1-16.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Bernard O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Kevin Galvin, Billy O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan, Patrick Curran, Timmy Corkery, Ian Murphy, Pa Murphy. Subs: Padraig Lynch for T. Corkery, Timothy O Connor for P. Murphy, Michael Corkery for B. O Keeffe, Sean Moriarty, Gerard Costello.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 6^th June at Knockreer: Dr. Crokes 4-4; Laune Rangers 2-14.

That was not a good performance by Laune Rangers, even though they won. Pat Curran played very well.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Bernard O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Kevin Galvin, Billy O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan, Pat Curran, Timmy Corkery, Ian Murphy, Pa Murphy. Subs: Sean Moriarty for F. Brennan, Padraig Lynch for T. Corkery, Michael Corkery for B. Corkery, Timothy O Connor, Gerard Costello, Adrian O Connor.

Ref: Murt Scott (Firies).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 10^th June at Austin Stack Park: Kerins O Rahillys 3-11; Laune Rangers 1-7.

The game was played as a curtain-raiser to the Munster Senior football Championship game, Kerry v Tipperary. It was an even more terrible performance by a Laune Rangers team that was capable of much better. Brendan Corkery was man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Michael Corkery, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Bernard O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Kevin Galvin, Billy O Sullivan, Ian Murphy, Frankie Brennan, Timmy Corkery, Sean Moriarty, Pa Murphy. Subs: Padraig Lynch for Bernard O Sullivan, Timothy O Connor for Billy O Sullivan, Joe Sweeney, Gerard Costello, Adrian O Connor, Brian O Keeffe, Timmy Linehan.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 20^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-9; John Mitchels 2-5.

Before that game, Laune Rangers had already qualified for the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 28^th June at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 2-11; Legion 0-4.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Michael corkery, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Padraig Lynch, Danny Cahill, Kevin Galvin, Billy o Sullivan, Frankie Brennan, Patrick Curran, Bernard O Sullivan, Ian Murphy, Pa Murphy. Subs: Timmy Corkery for Bernard O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty, Brian O Keeffe.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Final on Mon. 2^nd July at Farranfore: Austin Stacks 5-11; Laune Rangers 1-2.

Rangers got a tonic of a goal in the first minute. However, they missed a few easy chances before Stacks settled down and began to play to their potential and that was that. Some of the Rangers’ ‘big guns’ showed little heart.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Michael Corkery, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Padraig Lynch, Danny Cahill (capt.), Kevin Galvin, Billy O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan, Patrick Curran, Timmy Corkery, Ian Murphy, Pa Murphy. Subs: Brian O Keeffe for P. Murphy, Timothy O Connor for I. Murphy, Bernard O Sullivan, Sean Moriarty, Adrian O Connor (Iveragh Park), Timmy Linehan.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Co. U-14B Football Championship

There were just four teams, Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’, Austin Stacks ‘B’, Dr. Crokes ‘B’ and Laune Rangers ‘B’. The top team, after the preliminary rounds, went into the final and the second and third teams played in the semi-final.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 26^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 3-9.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 3^rd Oct. at Tralee: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 3-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 6^th Oct. at Killorglin; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 1-4.

Semi-final on Sat. 13^th Oct. at Milltown: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ panel: Brian Curtayne, John Paul Cahillane, Patrick Cahillane, Brian Mangan, Timmy Linehan, John O Donnell, Peter Byrne, John Joe O Sullivan, Stephen Casey, Timothy O Connor, Adrian O Connor, Eoin Joy, Gerard Costello, Padraig Lynch, Danny O Sullivan, Padraig O Sullivan (Iveragh Road).

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

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

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 27^th June at Beaufort: Beaufort 6-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-2.

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 5^th July at Keel: Keel scr; Laune Rangers ‘A’ w/o.

Keel had only thirteen players.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 7^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-6; Glenbeigh 2-5.

 

Rd. 3 on Mon. 9^th July at Lickeen: Glenbeigh 2-4; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 3-7.

At Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 2-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ had only nine players.

 

Rd.  4 on Mon. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 20^th July at Beaufort: Beaufort lost to Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 23^rd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Keel scr.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 27^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ w/o; Milltown/Castlemaine scr.

Milltown/Castlemaine had only five players.

 

Final on Mon. 20^th Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 5-14; Beaufort 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Michael Corkery, Brendan Corkery, Kevin Galvin, Brian O Keeffe, Danny Cahill, Billy O Sullivan, Padraig Lynch, Frankie Brennan, Patrick Curran, Timmy Corkery, Ian Murphy, Pa Murphy. Subs: Bernard O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Timothy O Connor, Adrian O Connor, Sean Moriarty (all played).

Ref: Tom Evans (Keel).

 

U-14 Football Parish League

There were four teams.

 

Final on Sun. 20^th May: Danny Cahill v Kevin Galvin.

 

U-14 Football Challenge Games

 

Tues. 15^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Kenmare.

Wed. 20^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v John Mitchels.

Weekend 7^th /8^th July Laune Rangers played hosts to Redeemer Club U-14 team, Dundalk.

Weekend, Sat. 15^th/Sun. 16^th Sept. the U-14 team had a most enjoyable weekend in Dundalk as guests of the Redeemer Parish, which was part of the Clanna Gael Club, Dundalk. The boys were unanimously in praise of the reception they had received and the organisation of the club. The fact that they lost to Clanna Gael by 5-12 to 5-7 detracted nought from the experience. Trainer, Tommy Woods, greatly praised the hospitality of the host club.

 

Community Games Football

That competition was for players that were under twelve and half years of age. Coaches/Trainers – Noreen Murphy and Myles Coffey. The county was divided into four sections for the initial part of the competition. Killorglin was the venue for the areas Beaufort, Rathmore, Killarney South, Cahersiveen, Spa/Muckross, Valentia and Killorglin.

 

Sat. 19^th May at Killorglin: Killorglin and Spa/Muckross progressed into the county quarter-finals.

 

Co. Final Sat. 9^th June at Ballymac: Killorglin 3-7; Moyvane/Knockanure 1-4.

The heroes of that game were Brian Mangan and Timmy Linehan.

Killorglin; John King (Cromane), Nessan Diggin (Laharn), Pa Murphy (Mountain View), John Doona (Main Street), David  Reilly (Rangue), Brian Mangan (Dromin), Kieran Moriarty (Iveragh Road), Brian Curtayne (Dunmaniheen), Timmy Linehan (Laharn), Owen Corkery (Gurrane), Adrian Hassett (Caragh Lake), Eoin Joy (Cromane), Jason Griffin (Mountain View), Ivor Falvey (Farrentoreen), Michael Lynch (Mountain View). Subs: Niall Moriarty (Muingaphouca), Peter Byrne (Mountain View), Paudie O Shea (Mountain View), Pat Cahill (Keelcoulacht), Malcolm Sweeney (Mountain View).

 

Munster Semi-finals on Sat. 21^st July at Cappaquin, Co. Waterford: Killorglin 6-8; Clare winners 0-1.

Munster Final on Sun. 29^th July at Glenflesk: Turners Cross 2-2; Killorglin 1-4.

Adrian Hassett had the mumps and could not start. However, when he came on the team played well and scored a goal and a point in the final quarter.

Killorglin: John King, John Doona, Pa Murphy (capt.), Nessan Diggin, Kieran Moriarty, Brian Mangan, David O Reilly, Timmy Linehan, Brian Curtayne, Eoin Joy, Niall Moriarty, Owen Corkery, Michael Lynch, Ivor Falvey, Jason Griffin. Subs: Adrian Hassett (sick) for N. Moriarty, Paudie O Shea, Pat Cahill, Malcolm Sweeney.

Ref: Martin Hayes (Kilcummin).

Unfortunately, the fixture clashed with Lá na gClub, the day set aside by the GAA as a day solely for club activities.

Co. U-12 Football Championship Div. 1

Coaches – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan. The U-12 team commenced training on Sat. 3^rd March.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 4^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-6; Dr. Crokes 2-4.

That was a reasonably good performance by the Rangers. The team only really played well in the first ten minutes and the last ten minutes.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona Patrick Cahill, Owen Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea (Mountain View), Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Stephen O Sullivan for O. O Shea, Anthony O Sullivan (Iveragh Park), for S. O Sullivan, Brian Kissane, Jerome Cahill.

Ref: Peadar O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 11^th April at Caherslee, Tralee: Austin Stacks 2-15; Laune Rangers 1-4.

Rangers played outstandingly well in the first half and led by one point (1-4 to 0-6) at halftime. There was little or no breeze. However, inexplicably Rangers failed to score in the second half. Admittedly, Eoin Corkery and Eoin Joy were sick and should really not have played. John Doona was man-of-the-match at fullback.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Patrick Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan, Jason Griffin, Paudie O Shea, Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Declan Byrne for P. O Shea, Patrick O Shea for D. Byrne, Stephen O Sullivan, Jerome Cahill, Brian Kissane.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 18^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Legion 2-6.

That was a game that Rangers should have won easily. At halftime, having played against a strong breeze, they were only one point in arrears. However, they failed to capitalise on their chances in the second half.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Anthony O Sullivan for G. Knightley, Brian Kissane, Stephen O Sullivan.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 25^th April at Tralee: John Mitchels 1-3; Laune Rangers 5-7.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Timmy Coffey for G. Knightley, Anthony O Sullivan for T. Coffey, Jerome Cahill, Brian Kissane, Carl O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 2^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Kerins O Rahillys 0-5.

That was a very good performance by Laune Rangers. Michael Lynch and Jason Griffin played exceptionally well in attack, Adrian Hassett at midfield, while Kieran Moriarty and John Doona did likewise in defence. That result qualified the Rangers for the Co. Semi-final.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Hason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Anthony O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan. Subs: Gerard Knightley for A. O Sullivan, Stephen O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Patrick O Shea, Carl O Sullivan, Pat Donovan, Brian Kissane.

Ref: Jim O Malley (Beaufort).

 

Semi-final on Wed. 9^th May at Fossa: Laune Rangers 5-7; Legion 0-9.

That was the best display that year from that team. The defence and goalkeeper excelled. Indeed, all the players played well. Eoin O Sullivan scored two goals, Michael Lynch, Adrian Hassett and Mike Hassett scored one each.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Eoin Joy, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Niall Moriarty for P. O Shea, Anthony O Sullivan, Stephen O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Brian Kissane, Timmy Coffey, Kevin Jones.

Ref: Denis Kelliher (Fossa).

 

Final on Thurs. 17^th May at Currow: Austin Stacks 2-7; Laune Rangers 0-3.

The game was played on a very fine evening. The grass had been cut but, unfortunately, it had not been picked up, making it hard for both teams at times to forage for possession from the pick-up. Laune Rangers started in whirlwind fashion, scoring two points in the first five minutes per Eoin Joy and Adrian Hassett, and missing two goaling chances, which had been excellently blocked by the Stacks defence. The next fifteen minutes saw no score for either team. Stacks were exerting that little bit more pressure but good defensive play by Pat Cahill and David O Reilly kept them out. Then in a quick breakaway, Stacks’ goalie had to make a great save and on another occasion, when a goal looked ‘on’, Rangers overplayed the ball. Eoin O Sullivan kicked a point for Rangers. The winners got their first score on sixteen minutes and by halftime they led by 1-5 to 0-3, the goal coming from a long high ball that deceived goalkeeper, John King.

On the resumption, Stacks then took over and never looked back. Eoin Joy and David O Reilly played excellently well for Rangers. Pat Cahill had a very good game, while Gerard Knightley tried hard in the second half, during which Rangers failed to score. That was Laune Rangers’ fourth successive U-12 final without success and Austin Stacks’ tenth title in eleven years. Nevertheless, the team and mentors showed their sportsmanship by remaining on the field for the presentation of the Cup by the Chairman of Bord na nOg, Jerome Conway, to the winning captain, John Barry.

Laune Rangers: John King, Malcolm Sweeney, John Doona, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Kieran Moriarty, David O Reilly, Adrian Hassett (capt.) 0-1, Eoin Joy (0-1), Michael Lynch, Niall Moriarty, Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Gerard Knightley, Mike Hassett. Subs: Paudie O Shea for N. Moriarty, Anthony O Sullivan, Stephen O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Brian Kissane, Timmy Coffey, Kevin Jones.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

Co. U-12B Football Championship

There were six teams, Austin Stacks ‘B’, Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’, Laune Rangers ‘B’, Dr. Crokes ‘B’, Legion ‘B’ and Na Gaeil ‘B’. Trainers/Coaches – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan .

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 13^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-3.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 20^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Na Gaeil ‘B’ scr.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 27^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 2-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan (Gurrane), Tom Fitzgerald (Tullig), Sean O Sullivan (Tullig), Patrick O Shea (Lonart), Gerard O Mahony (Iveragh Park), Fergus O Connor (Dooks), Kevin O Donovan (Lonart), Declan Byrne Mountain View), Timmy Coffey (Iveragh Park), Rory O Connor (Laune View), Anthony O Sullivan (Iveragh Park), Mikey Griffin (Gurrane), Liam Hassett (Caragh Lake), Colm Joy (Lonart), Carl O Sullivan (Glenashe). Subs: Frankie Murphy (Iveragh Park) for L. Hassett, Robert Murphy (Iveragh Park) for T. Coffey, Raymond Murphy, Adrian O Connor (St. James’ Gardens), Michael Cahillane (Mill Road), Ivor Ferris (Bansha).

Ref: Dan Cronin (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 11^th July at Knockreer: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 3-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ had already qualified for the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 18^th July at Milltown: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 2-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-4.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

Laune Rangers ‘A’ team was debarred from participating because they would win the competition too easily!!

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 17^th Aug. at Keel: Keel 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 24^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 31^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Glenbeigh 1-3.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 14^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-10; Beaufort 0-8.

Semi-final on Fri. 21^st Sept. at Milltown: Keel 1-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ panel: Stephen O Sullivan, John O Riordan, Sean O Sullivan, Jerome Cahill, Patrick O Shea, Timmy Coffey, Tom Fitzgerald, Rory O Connor, Colm Joy, Mikey Griffin, Declan Byrne, Anthony O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Carl O Sullivan, Sean O Riordan, Kevin Jones, Fergus O Connor, Pat McCarthy.

 

U-12 Football Challenge Games

 

Tues. 20^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Kerins O Rahillys ‘A’.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘C’ beat Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’.

Wed. 28^th March at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘A’ lost to Laune Rangers ‘A’ by one point.

Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Mon. 13^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Beaufort.

 

U-10 Football

There was no official competition at that level but Seamus Murphy took over the coaching of that age-group and faithfully held sessions from April until October. A parish-league with picked captains was also run.

‘A’ Final on Sun. 25^th Nov: Raymond O Sullivan v Karl Griffin.

‘B’ Final: Turlough Byrnes v Redmond Fitzgerald.

 

Schools/Colleges’ Football

 

Laune Rangers’ National Schools’ Competition

There were six teams, Glounaguillagh, Cromane, Douglas, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (Billy O Sullivan), Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (Pa Murphy) and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ (Eoin Joy). The coaches of the teams were Cromane (Patsy Joy), Glounaguillagh (Noel O Mahony), Douglas (Bertie Houlihan), Scoil Mhuire (Jerome Conway, Tommy Woods, Declan Falvey).

There were two groups: Group ‘A’ – Scoil Mhuire ‘A’, Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ and Glounaguillagh.

Group ‘B’ – Cromane, Douglas and Scoil Mhuire ‘B’.

The top team in each group, after the preliminary rounds played in the ‘A’ final, the second placed teams in the ‘B’ final and the remaining two in the ‘C’ final.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 25^th March: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Glounaguillagh by four points.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ beat Cromane easily.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 1^st April: Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ drew with Glounaguillagh.

Douglas 2-3; Cromane 0-3.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 8^th March: Douglas beat Scoil Mhuire ‘B’, to reach the ‘A’ final.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ to reach the ‘A’ final.

Play-off on Sun. 15^th April: Glounaguillagh beat Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ to reach the ‘B’ final.

Eoin Joy was sick and could only play half of the game. Kieran Moriarty and Paudie O Shea failed to show up for the game. Ref: Bertie Houlihan.

 

Finals on Fri. 20^th April at 11.30am: Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 8-12; Cromane 0-0.

At 12.15pm: Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 2-9; Glounaguillagh 1-5.

The Naughtons failed to show up for Glounaguillagh.

At 1.00pm: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 3-9; Douglas 2-4.

Mid-Kerry National Schools’ Competition

Laune Rangers had six teams involved, Cromane, Douglas, Glounaguillagh, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’.

Semi-final of 4-teachers’ schools at Milltown: Cullina beat Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (Billy O Sullivan).

At Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (Pa Murphy) beat Glounaguillagh.

Final on Sun. 17^th June at Killorglin: Cullina 3-6; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-3.

That was Cullina’s first school’s title.

 

Munster Vocational Schools’ Football Championship

Semi-final on Wed. 22^nd Feb. at Killarney: Kerry 2-14; Cork City 0-3.

Brian O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) came off the bench to replace Pat O Shea (Dr. Crokes).

 

Final on Fri. 9^th March at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 2-4; Kerry 2-5.

Brian O Sullivan was a substitute.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 25^th March at Cusack Park, Ennis: Longford 2-6; Kerry 1-6.

Brian O Sullivan scored a goal from right full-forward.

 

Munster Vocational Schools’ (Inter-Scheme) Hurling Championship

Rd. 1 on Wed. 1^st Feb. at the Glen of Aherlow: South-Tipperary 0-2; Kerry 2-8.

Two Killorglin players, Richard O Connor played at centre half-forward and Brian O Sullivan at left full-forward.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 22^nd Feb. at Causeway: Kerry 1-7; Cork County 2-8.

Richard O Connor played at centre half-forward and Brian O Sullivan scored a goal from left full-forward. Dermot Clifford was a substitute.

 

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 1^st April at St. Patrick’s Training College, Drumcondra: Kerry 3-7; Down 0-6.

Kerry (Schools in parenthesis): Edward Murnane (Causeway), Tom Godley (do.), James McCarthy (Tralee), John O Neill (Causeway) 1-2, 1 free, Billy Diggins (do.), Anthony O Connor (do.), Mike Hennessy (do.) 0-2, frees, Martin Conway (do.) 0-2, frees, Mike Moriarty (do.), John Curran (do.), Richard O Connor (Killorglin), Pat McAuliffe (Causeway) 1-0, free, Maurice Fitzgerald (do.), Pat O Mahony (do.) 1-1, Brian O Sullivan (Killorglin). Subs: T.J. O Donoghue (Causeway) for B. Diggins, Mike Casey (Tralee), Jimmy Browne (do.), Thomas Murray (do.), Dermot Clifford (Killorglin), Eugene Hogan (Causeway), Brendan Stack (do.).

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Championship

Semi-final in Mid-November at Killarney: Tralee V.S. 3-5; Killorglin V.S. 1-3.

Scorers for Killorglin were J. O Connor (1-0), Gerard Woods (0-2) and Tommy Stack (0-1).

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ U-16A Football Championship

Semi-final in November at Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 2-5; Tralee V.S. 0-1.

Cyril Morris (Firies) had an outstanding game at midfield, scoring a goal and instigated the movement that led to the second goal scored by Tommy Stack (Laune Rangers).

Killorglin: Mike Murphy, Paul McKenna, Liam Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, M. O Sullivan, Randle Joy, Brendan Corkery, Cyril Morris, Danny Cahill, T. O Dwyer, Tommy Stack, Patie Casey, Kevin Falvey, Terence McCarthy, T. O Connor. Subs: Paud Hogan, M. Gallagher.

 

Final on Fri. 7^th Dec. at Farranfore: Killorglin V.S. 2-10; Killarney V.S. 0-2.

That was Killorglin’s first victory at that level. The best players were Cyril Morris, Terence McCarthy, Paul McKenna, Randle Joy, Brendan Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Paddy O Connor and Patie Casey.

Killorglin: Mike Murphy, Paul McKenna, Liam Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, Paddy O Connor, Randle Joy (0-1), M. O Sullivan, Cyril Morris (2-2), Danny Cahill (0-1), Brendan Corkery, Patie Casey (capt.), J. O Dwyer, Terence McCarthy (0-4), Tommy Stack (0-2), T. O Connor. Subs: S. O Sullivan, Paul Hogan, J. O Brien.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools U-14 Championship

Killorglin V.S., coached by Myles Coffey, won out the county competition.

 

Munster Junior Football Championship

 

Final on Fri. 13^th July at Cahersiveen: Kerry 0-9; Cork 1-12.

Michael F. O Shea (Clyda Rovers and formerly of Laune Rangers) played at left fullback with Kerry.

 

Munster U-21 Football Championship

A Kerry U-21 Football Trail was held in the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Mon. 4^th June. Pierce Prendiville, Liam Hayes and Michael O Reilly were invited to attend.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 4^th July at Gneeveguilla: Kerry beat Waterford.

Michael O Reilly was on the panel.

Semi-final on Wed. 11^th July at Askeaton: Limerick 1-16; Kerry 0-12.

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 27^th April at Tarbert: Kerry 1-7; Limerick 2-3.

Gerard Murphy played at centre half-forward and scored one point.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 11^th May at Cappoquin: Waterford 0-8; Kerry 2-8.

Kerry: Joe O Leary (Spa), Pat Coughlan (Rathmore), Colm Murphy (Na Gaeil), Tim Galway (Currow), Mikey Brosnan (Knocknagoshel), John Walsh (Austin Stacks), Stephen Stack (Emmets), John Galvin (Dr. Crokes), Mick Galway (Currow), Seamus O Sullivan (St. Pat’s), P.J. Gare (Duagh) 2-0, Gerard Murphy (Laune Rangers) 0-3, Eoin Moynihan (Austin Stacks) 0-3, Liam Canty (Emmets) 0-1, Kevin Rice (Templenoe) 0-1. Subs: Timmy Brosnan (Currow) for M. Brosnan, Tom Finnerty (St. Senan’s) for J. Walsh.

Final on Sun. 1^st July at Killarney: Tipperary 2-3; Kerry 0-8.

Gerard Murphy had injured his knee at training on Tues. 12^th June and was unable to play.

 

Co. Senior Hurling Championship

Killorglin players played with South-Kerry.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 7^th July at Tralee: Ballyheigue 1-17; South-Kerry 2-3.

South-Kerry: T. J. Healy (Kilgarvan), Pat Kelliher (St. Patrick’s), D. Healy (Kilgarvan), J.J. Purcell (do.), Michael Sweeney (Killorglin), W. Hegarty (Kilgarvan), Liam Healy (Killorglin), T. O Driscoll (Kilgarvan), Martin Beckett (do.) 0-2, R. Hickey (do.), Ray Walsh (Killorglin), Jerry Foley (do.), Pat O Shea (St. Patrick’s), Tom Houlihan (do.) 2-1, Pat Pigott (Killorglin). Subs: P.J. Luddy (St. Patrick’s) for M. Sweeney, Denis Randles (Kilgarvan) for P. Pigott, Ciarán O Callaghan (Killorglin) for J. Foley.

 

South-Kerry Senior Hurling League

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 15^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 4-5; Killorglin 2-6.

Although short a number of key players, the Killorglin side gave a reasonable display and the performances of minor players, Richard O Connor, Joe Purcell, Dermot Clifford, Paul Gillespie and Vincent Hearne were very encouraging.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 22^nd June at Killorglin: Killorglin 3-4; Corca Dhuibhne 2-4.

Rd.  3 on Sat. 29^th Sept. at Killarney: St. Patrick’s, East-Kerry, beat Killorglin easily.

 

Minor Hurling Co. League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th April at the J.P. O Sullivan Park: Killorglin 0-1; Ballyduff 3-6.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 15^th April at Kilmoyley: Kilmoyley 1-4; Killorglin 2-5.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Killorglin 1-1; Causeay 6-4.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 29^th April at Crotta: Crotta 3-5; Killorglin 5-4.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 6^th May at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s v Killorglin.

 

Co. U-16 Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 10^th March at Milltown: Killorglin was well beaten by Kenmare.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 25^th March at Milltown: Killorglin lost to Austin Stacks.

 

U-15 Hurling Parish League

There were four teams, A, B, C and D and each team had an adult manager.

Team ‘A’ (Manager Paddy Creagh): John Byrne, Mark O Connor, Fergus O Meara, Timothy O Connor, Bernard O Sullivan, Dominic Jones, Mark O Sullivan, Gerard Brick, Timothy Jones, Patrick Clifford, M. Kissane, David Gillespie, G. O Sullivan.

Team ‘B’ (Manager Joe Purcell): Timmy Fleming, Laurence Hogan, Tommy Byrne, Kevin Galvin, Mark Murphy, Pa Murphy, Pat Curran, Eoin Mangan, Danny O Sullivan, John Clifford, Michael Costello, J. Naughton, C. Doyle.

Team ‘C’ (Manager Liam Healy): Paul Griffin, Brendan Hearne, Timmy Corkery, Padraig Lynch, John Sweeney, John Murphy, Brian Mangan, John Falvey, Brian O Keeffe, Frankie Brennan, M. Hanafin, P. Costello, Ken O Sullivan.

Team ‘D’ (Manager Michael Sweeney): Pat McKenna, Tommy Stack, Gerard Clifford, Barry Lynch, Billy o Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, D. Horgan, P. Foley, Timmy Linehan, Peter Byrne, Shane Mulvihill, Sean Fenton, M. O Shea.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 30^th March in Vocational School Field: ‘B’ 5-3; ‘A’ 2-1 and ‘C’ 3-6; ‘D’ 3-2.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 6^th April in Vocational School Field: ‘B’ 1-3; ‘D’ 0-2 and ‘A’ 0-6; ‘C’ 1-1.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 13^th April in Vocational School Field: ‘D’ beat ‘A’ and ‘C’ beat ‘B’.

Semi-final on Fri. 4^th May: ‘B’ beat ‘D’.

Final at the end of May: ‘B’ 3-2; ‘C’ 3-1.

 

Co. Féile na nGael (U-14 Hurling)

Killorglin was grouped with Austin Stacks, Kenmare and St. Patrick’s (Killarney).

 

Rd. 1 in April at Killorglin: Killorglin 6-2; Austin Stacks 4-3.

Rd. 2 in April at Killarney: St. Pat’s 1-3; Killorglin 4-0.

Rd. 3 in April at Killorglin: Killorglin 1-0; Kenmare 2-7.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 6^th May at Killorglin: Killorglin v Na Gaeil.

Quarter-final: Ballyduff 3-2; Killorglin 2-3.

 

South-Kerry U-14 Hurling Championship

 

In the first week of Aug: Killorglin 6-4; Austin Stacks 2-0.

Killorglin: Michael Lynch, Mark O Sullivan, Gerard Clifford, Brian Mangan, K. O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Timmy Corkery, Sean Fenton, Pat Curran, Padraig Lynch, Ian Murphy, Billy O Sullivan, Gerard Hearne, Adrian O Connor, Timmy Linehan.

 

Semi-final on Tues. 14^th Aug: St. Pat’s 5-0; Killorglin 0-5.

 

Co. U-12 Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 14^th June: Killorglin v St. Pat’s.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 18^th June at Kenmare: Kenmare beat Killorglin well.

 

Munster U-16 Inter-Divisional Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 7^th April at Kenmare: South-Kerry lost to Carbery, Co. Cork.

Shane O Sullivan, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, John Byrne and Timmy Fleming, from Killorglin, played with South-Kerry.

 

Munster Minor Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 19^th April at Lixnaw: Kerry 3-5; Cork 1-18.

Kerry: Eamonn Murnane (Ballyheigue), John O Neill (Kilmoyley), Tom Godley (do.), Anthony O Connor (Causeway), Pat McAuliffe (Lixnaw), James McCarthy (Crotta), Mike Hennessy (Ballyduff), Martin Conway (Lixnaw) 0-3, Seamus Sheehan (Causeway), Gerard Murphy (Killorglin) 1-0, Richard O Connor (Killorglin), P. Harty (Ballyheigue), Maurice Fitzgerald (Kilmoyley) 1-1, Tom Quilter (Causeway) 1-0, Mike Crowley (St. Brendan’s) 0-1. Subs: Denis O Mahony (Crotta) for P. Harty, Denis Randles (Kenmare) for M. Fitzgerald.

 

Co. Ladies Football Championship

 

Semi-final at Currow: Castleisland beat Laune Rangers by fifteen points.

 

Co. Ladies Football League

At the Laune Rangers Club meeting on Mon. 26^th March, there was a deputation of girls, who wished to set up a Ladies Football Club. The deputation consisted of Catherine O Brien, Elaine McGillycuddy, Joan Roche, Mary Coffey, Sheila Roche, Mary Jo Curran, Mary Conway, Nora Foley, Kathleen Roche and Ann Maria O Sullivan. The following officers were elected: Chairperson – Catherine O Brien, Secretary – Nora Foley. Trainer – Peter Lyons. It was decided to have training every Wednesday evening from 6-30pm to 8.00pm.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 20^th April at Waterville: South-Kerry 0-2; Laune Rangers 5-11.

Nora Foley played at fullback, Jacqueline McGillycuddy at midfield and four of the forwards were Mary Buckley, Mary Horgan, Mary Conway and Gina Sheehan. Dolores O Dwyer was a substitute.

Ref: Maurice Corkery (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 5^th May at Killorglin: Killorglin v Austin Stacks.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 14^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Abbeydorney 2-2.

That was a hard-earned, but well-deserved, win and put Laune Rangers into second place in the league table.

Laune Rangers: Kitty Cahillane, Liz Foley, Nora Foley, Ann Marie O Sullivan, Kathleen Roche, Phil Curran, Mary Coffey, Mary Jo Curran (0-3), Mary Buckley, Patricia Griffin, Mary Horgan (0-2), Brenda Griffin (1-1), Dolores O Dwyer, Catherine O Brien (capt.) 1-0, Geraldine Cahillane.

 

Semi-final: Austin Stacks w/o; Laune Rangers scr.

 

Ladies Football Parish League

The competition was for five-a-side teams. Goals were not allowed.

 

Final at Killorglin: Mary Jo Curran 0-23; Nora Foley 0-20.

The player of the tournament went to Kathleen Roche. The Most Improved Player prize was won by Mary Coffey.

Mary Jo Curran, Breda Falvey, Mary McCarthy, Bernadette O Mahony, Noreen Roche.

Nora Foley, Brenda Griffin, Mary Coffey, Kathleen Roche.

After the final, the Pat Finnegan Perpetual Trophy was presented to Mary Jo Curran by the Chairman of Laune Rangers Club, James Coffey, who thanked the donor and Christy Kissane, who sponsored the team trophies and the most enjoyable function on the night of the final. Team coach/trainer, Peter Lyons, received tremendous praise for his work for the team. Referee, Bart Moriarty was also presented with a trophy.

 

Munster Ladies’ Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 23^rd June at Ballyvourney: Kerry 2-8; Cork 1-4.

A great goal by Mary Jo Curran in the seventh minute set Kerry on the victory trail.

Kerry: Kathleen McElligott, Siobhán Leen, Nora Foley (Killorglin), Tess Horgan, Pat Joyce, Phil Curran (Killorglin), Marian Doherty, Lil Horgan, Annette Walsh, Marina Barry 0-1, Mary Jo Curran (Killorglin) 1-2, Ann Costello 1-1, Eileen Lawlor 0-2, Margaret Lawlor 0-2, Mary Buckley (Killorglin). Subs: Margaret Flaherty for M. Buckley, Margaret Sheehan, Barbara White, Noreen Daly, Mary Twomey.

 

Semi-final at Shanagolden: Limerick 1-1; Kerry 4-11.

Kerry; Kathleen McElligott, Tess Horgan, Nora Foley, Margaret Sheehan, Pat Joyce, Phil Curran, Marian Doherty, Lil Horgan (0-1), Mary Buckley, Marina Barry (0-2), Mary Jo Curran (0-1), Ann Costello (0-1), Margaret Flaherty (1-3), Noreen Daly (3-3), Margaret Lawlor. Subs: Bridget Leen, Barbara White, Ann Halloran, Mary Horgan, Ann Maunsell, Mary Stack.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 26^th Aug. at Wexford Park: Wexford 2-3; Kerry 2-7.

Player of the match was Phil Curran, Laune Rangers.

Kerry; Kathleen McElligott, Bridget Leen, Nora Foley, Tess Horgan, Marian Doherty, Phil Curran, Pat Joyce,  Lil Horgan, Mary Jo Curran, Marina Barry, Eileen Lawlor (0-2), Margaret Lawlor (0-3), Margaret Flaherty (1-1), Noreen Daly (1-0), Ann Costello (0-1).

 

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 9^th Sept. at Timahoe, Co. Laois: Kerry 0-5; Leitrim 0-3.

Good work by Lil Horgan and Mary Jo Curran, in the middle of the field, ensured a good supply to the Kerry forwards but they failed to take advantage and, indeed, were guilty of some bad wides. It was a pity that the conditions did not allow Mary Jo to use her many skills to full advantage. Nevertheless, she left her mark on the game with some good runs and telling passes.

Kerry: Kathleen McElligott, Bridget Leen, Nora Foley, Tess Horgan, Marian Doherty, Phil Curran, Pat Joyce, Mary Jo Curran, Lil Horgan, Marina Barry (0-2, frees), Eileen Lawlor (0-3), Margaret Lawlor, Margaret Flaherty, Noreen Daly, Ann Costello. Sub: Mary Buckley for A. Costello.

 

Ladies National Football League 1984

Nora Foley, Laune Rangers, was elected as Secretary of the Kerry Ladies’ Football Board at its AGM in the Grand Hotel, Tralee on Fri. 16^th March.

 

Sun. 29^th April at Mitchelstown: Kerry beat Waterford

Kerry: Kathleen McElligott, Barbara White, Nora Foley, Margaret Sheehan, Tess Horgan, Bridget Leen, Marian Doherty, Lil Horgan, Mary Jo Curran (0-1), Marina Barry (1-5), Margaret Lawlor (0-5), Ann Costello, Margaret Flaherty, Noreen Daly (0-3), Mary Stack. Subs: Helen Maunsell for M. Sheehan, Phil Curran for T. Horgan.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 27^th May at Newport, Co. Tipperary: Kerry 3-10; Westmeath 2-7.

Kerry: Kathleen McElligott, Bridget Leen, Nora Foley, Tess Horgan, Pat Joyce, Phil Curran, Marian Doherty, Annette Walsh (2-0), Mary Buckley (1-0), Ann Costello (0-3), Mary Jo Curran (0-3), Margaret Lawlor (0-3), Margaret Sheehan, Dell White (0-1), Ann O Halloran. Sub: Barbara White for A. Halloran.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 10^th June at Rath, Co. Offaly: Kerry 3-6; Leitrim 2-4.

Nora Foley played at fullback, Phil Curran at centre halfback, Mary Buckley at midfield and Mary Jo Curran at centre half-forward.

 

Final on Sun. 22^nd June at Newport: Kerry beat Laois.

That was Kerry’s fifth NFL title-in-a-row.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Paddy Buggy, Cill Coinnigh, was Uachtarán CLG. (Dr. Mick Loftus was elected Uachtarán) James Coffey was on the Kerry delegation to Annual Congress, which was held in Queen’s University, Belfast on 21^st April.

 

Brendan Vaughan, An Clár, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Donie Nealon, Tiobrad Árainn, was Secretary and Tadhg Crowley, Ciarraí, was Treasurer. James Coffey was on the Kerry delegation to the Munster Council Convention, which was held in Ennis on 2^nd March.

 

Kerry Co. Convention was held in the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sun. 29^th Jan. Laune Rangers Club was represented by Noel O Mahony, Bart Moriarty, Michael Foley and Liam Shannon. Co. Officers, James Coffey and Jerome Conway were also in attendance. The following officers were elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc, Chairman – Frank King, Vice-Chairman – Sean Kelly, Secretary – Gerald Whyte, Joint Treasurers – Murt Galvin and James Coffey, PRO – Denis P. O Sullivan, Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Derry Murphy, Youth Officer – James Broderick (Jerome Conway did not seek re-election), Development Officer – Michael O Connor, Delegates to Munster Council – Dave Geaney and Tony O Keeffe, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna.

Senior Football Selection Committee (It had been decided at the Co. Board meeting on 14^th Nov. that the officers would appoint the trainer/selector of the various teams and Convention would elect the other selectors) – Mick O Dwyer (Waterville) appointed, Mickey O Sullivan (Kenmare) 84, Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh) 77, Eddie O Sullivan (Dr. Crokes) 72, Joe Keohane (John Mitchels) 70, all elected, Liam Higgins (Lispole) 56, Bernie O Callaghan (Beale) 47, Alan Kennelly (Ballylongford) 46, Tom Keane (Renard) 42, Con O Riordan (Moyvane) 30, Gerald Stack (Emmets) 28. (Kevin Griffin, in expressing delight at being elected, said ‘I think the biggest thing was the help I got from the outgoing Pat O Shea. He enabled me to get a lot of extra votes in North-Kerry’).

Minor Football Selection Committee – Paudie Herlihy (appointed), John Bambury (Dingle) 88, Joe Langan (Tarbert) 87, Mick Galway (Currow) 68, Jimmy Keating (Waterville) 57, all elected, Donie O Leary (Spa) 53, Michael Price (Kenmare) 52, Ollie Kerins (Austin Stacks) 52, John Galvin (Dr. Crokes) 45, Brendan Ashe (Gneeveguilla) 42.

In his report to Convention, Bart Moriarty, Secretary of the Referees’ Committee, stated that there had been 36 clubs in the county who had not yet supplied an active referee and the decision of the Co. Board to penalise those clubs should be carried through. He said that the Referees’ Committee had brought to the notice of the Co. Board the fact that there had been no referee from Kerry appointed to any match in the first rounds of the National Football League. The Chairman of the Co. Board had made representations to Croke Park to give Kerry referees recognition and, as a result, Tommy Sugrue had been appointed to referee his first National League game – Cork v Dublin in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Secretary stated that the Referees’ Committee had been indebted to the referees, who had officiated at up to 900 games at all levels during 1983. ‘There appeared to be some breakdown in communication in some instances through referees not turning up at appointed times and places and games being changed,’ he continued. ‘The Referees’ Committee is hopeful that this problem will not arise in 1984.’ In congratulating the outgoing Chairman of the Referees’ Committee, Weeshie Fogarty, on refereeing the previous year’s All-Ireland Football semi-final, Galway v Donegal, the Secretary added, ‘The referees of Kerry must express their deepest disappointment that he was not accorded the honour he richly deserved – that of refereeing the All-Ireland Football Final.’ The report said that referees were entitled to the same notification as officers of the Co. Board where change of games and venues affect them. That being the Centenary of the GAA, it would have been helpful to the referees, if all clubs had their pitches properly lined and flagged. Regretting the decision of committee chairman, Weeshie Fogarty, to step down from that position, the Secretary said that the Legion official had done tremendous work for the referees over the previous five years and his decision to resign as Chairman had been regrettable.

 

As Chairman of Bord na nOg, Jerome Conway was appointed onto the GPC of the Co. Board. Maurice Harmon, Laune Rangers, was appointed by the Mid-Kerry Board onto the Co. Fixtures Committee.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 6^th Feb. a letter was read from Cumann Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, seeking permission to affiliate as a new club. Frank Walsh and John Joe O Reilly presented the case. James Coffey appealed to them to remain with Laune Rangers. Jerome Conway and Noel O Mahony opposed the application. John O Donoghue, Firies, proposed that the Réalt na Mara club be accepted. There was no seconder and the application was declared lost.

At the reconvened meeting of the Co. Board on Tues. 14^th Feb., a letter from Cromane seeking permission to enter a team in the Co. Football League in association with Laune Rangers was read. The Chairman (Frank King) ruled that the matter was an internal matter for Laune Rangers Club.

 

James Broderick (Causeway) was Chairman of the Co. Referees’ Committee, Bart Moriarty was secretary and Eamonn O Sullivan was PRO.

 

James Coffey was appointed as Chairman of the Co. Board Draw Committee, with Anthony O Keeffe as Secretary.

 

In Oct. the Chairman of the Co. Board, Frank King, set up a sub-committee to investigate the running of all the competitions under the jurisdiction of the Co. Board. He wanted a representative of each District Board on the committee. The following were the members of the committee: Frank King, Bernie O Callaghan (North-Kerry), Liam Cotter (St. Brendan’s), John Dowling (Tralee), John L. O Sullivan (West-Kerry), Noel O Mahony (Mid-Kerry), Tom Keane (South-Kerry), Pat Favier (East-Kerry), Mike Carey (Kenmare), Jerome Conway (Bord na nOg), Dave Geaney (Fixtures), P.J. McIntyre (South-Kerry Hurling Board), Jerry Keane (North-Kerry Hurling Board). The Secretary of the committee was Tom Fitzgerald. The committee met on four occasions (14 hours approx.). Jerome Conway chaired three of the meetings in the absence of the Co. Chairman. The findings laid the basis of the competitions, which the Co. Board organised for the following years.

 

The Annual Convention of Kerry Bord na nOg was held in the Austin Stacks Park Pavilion on Mon. 16^th Jan. The Chairman, Jerome Conway, in his address to the delegates, said, ‘The people in clubs who involve themselves in promoting underage games are the unsung heroes of the GAA. Bord na nOg has served Kerry well down through the years and this is due to the fine attitude of the club delegates, who are only interested in advancing the games in the county and who, by and large, accept the decisions of the Bord as being correct. This support is evident in the returns from the church gate collections and the sale of the Co. Football Final programmes.’ He stressed the need for coaching and for clubs to have their own Bord na nOg. He was surprised that there had been so much opposition to coaching and stressed that the GAA had no longer the right to expect young lads to play Gaelic Football in preference to other games. ‘We are in a market with other codes, who are well organised and the only way to compete is to make our own games more attractive in every way possible, he said. ‘We must coach the basic skills and make the games attractive to play. Players must participate but must also enjoy that participation. In past years, there was always coaching, but it was self-taught. Many hours were spent practicing all the skills in the local field or crossroads or against the gable-wall. Nowadays, unless it’s organised, youngster will watch TV or play other games. Clubs are failing in their responsibilities if they overlook the importance of coaching. In both football and hurling, excellent videos on skills are available. Natural ability need not in any way be suppressed.’ He expressed the wish that in Centenary Year clubs would give more attention to the promotion of the games, especially in regard to referees, playing pitches and skills. He congratulated all the winners in 1983 and thanked his fellow officers for their efforts through the year. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers), Vice-Chairman – Derry Sheehan (Desmonds), Secretary – Tom O Connor (Lixnaw), Treasurer – Bernie O Connor (Legion), Fixtures Secretary – John McMahon (Emmets), PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds), Registrar – Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels), Auditors – Joe Linnane (Ballydonoghue) and Matt Flaherty (Austin Stacks). GPC – Patsy Cremin (Spa) and John M. McCarthy (St. Brendan’s).

 

A Hurling Coaching Course, for minor, post-primary and juvenile coaches, was held in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Fri. 13^th/20^th Jan. and Sat. 14^th/21^st Jan. The course Director was Tommy O Riordan (Dublin) and the course Administrator was Jerome Conway. Coaches included Mick Kinsella (Wexford), Declan Lovett (Kilmoyley) and Tommy O Riordan. Lecturers included Tony Jordan (Dublin), Dave Geaney, Liam O Donoghue (Limerick) and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. 38 coaches attended.

A Hurley Repair Course was run in Causeway on Sun. 22^nd Jan. Course Director was Fintan Walsh and course Administrator was Jerome Conway. 20 club people attended.

 

Scéim don Óige was promoted by ‘Ford’ throughout the country from April to September. £20 was donated to the scheme for every car sold during that period. Countrywide, the scheme raised £56,000, with Kerry’s share just over £2,000. The money had to be used exclusively for the purchase of juvenile hurleys and footballs. Bord na nOg decided that each club in the county would benefit equally. Mícheál O Hehir made all three presentations on behalf of the sponsoring company. Bord na nOg was represented in Kenmare by Chairman, Jerome Conway, in Killarney by Derry Sheehan, Patsy Cremin and Bernie O Connor, and in Tralee by Tom O Connor and John McMahon.

 

In his capacity as Chairman of Bord na nOg, Jerome Conway was a guest at Na Gaeil Annual Social at Ballygarry House, Tralee on Sat. 3^rd March. In his address, he praised the achievements of the club in 1983, saying that the name of the game was ‘commitment and patience’. He said that the GAA was a readymade youth club and that it was the duty of every parent to help that youth club. He said that the ‘50’s belonged to Kerins O Rahillys, the ‘60’s to John Mitchels, the ‘70’s to Austin Stacks and that the turn of Na Gaeil was surely coming, but it would only come with hard work. There was no such thing as instant success.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in the Carnegie Hall, Killorglin on Tues. 17^th Jan. 1984. Laune Rangers were represented by Noel O Mahony, Jim Galvin, Michael Foley, Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon. (The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1983). The Treasurers’ Report showed that the Board had a credit balance of £2,734. The Chairman, Noel Spillane, in his address said, “I would like to compliment the Secretary on his report, which may seem harsh but it is the truthful assessment by a man determined to get Mid-Kerry back to the top. On the positive side, whereas we did not make any imprint on the Co. Championship, nevertheless, our players gave a spirited display against a star-studded Austin Stacks team. They showed that the true Mid-Kerry spirit is still alive and, given the breaks with a lucky draw and more commitment from the players, we can look forward with confidence to the centenary year.

I would like to congratulate all the players for their sportsmanship on the field during the year. For two clubs, 1983 will be an historic year. Beaufort and Glenbeigh have purchased their own playing pitches. I would like to congratulate Beaufort, who have almost paid off their purchase price already and, especially, Glenbeigh whose commitment of £50,000 shows great courage and confidence in the future.

I would like to congratulate, also, all the Mid-Kerry players who have been honoured to play for Kerry at different levels, Patie Griffin on the minors, Pat O Grady, Joe Shannon and Paudie Sheahan on the U-21 team, Pat Sheahan, Donie Hartnett, John Coffey and Mike Colgan on the Junior team, Paudie Lynch, Donie Hartnett and Willie Maher on the senior team. Also, I congratulate Michael O Sullivan, who was entrusted with the refereeing of the Co. U-21 Final.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Pat O Shea, who has served the area well in his capacity as Kerry Senior Selector over the past decade. Now we are lucky to have Kevin Griffin in the contest for selector on Sunday week. Kevin is widely respected all over Kerry and, as we know his work-rate, he deserves every support in his bid for success. His election is vital for a number of promising Mid-Kerry players. I would like to thank our trainer, Jack McGrath, who motivated the team, and all our referees, who helped during the year. To James Coffey and Jerome Conway, who attended all the meetings and kept us briefed on Co. Board affairs, we thank you. Thanks to the Laune Rangers Club for facilitating us with their club-rooms for meetings. A special thanks to our Secretary, whose dedication and enthusiasm for work has made our job easy.” The following officers were elected:

President – Murt Kelly (Beaufort),

Chairman – Noel Spillane, Vice-Chairman – Mike McCarthy (Milltown/Castlemaine), Secretary – Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine), Treasurers – Maurice Harmon (Laune Rangers), George Evans (Keel) and Frank Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine), PRO – Colm Kelly (Beaufort), Delegate to Co. Board – Maurice Harmon (Laune Rangers).

 

The minutes of eight Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available, mostly dealing with fixtures. Other matters that transpired at the meetings were:

Tues. 7^th Feb. at Killorglin: Jerome Conway apologised to the Board for the fact that Laune Rangers did not have any competitor at the finals of Mid-Kerry Scór in Beaufort, as the Pantomime was on in Killorglin at that time. At the same meeting, a letter from the Secretary of Cromane Club was read as follows:

Lios na Gaoithe

An Cromán

25/1/’84.

Rúnaí, a chara,

I received your letter of the 20/1/’84. Thank you for your prompt reply.

To make our position clearer, we wish to affiliate our club – ‘Cumann Réalt na Mara, Cromane Football Club’ – with the Mid-Kerry CLCG Board as per Rule 16A of the official guide. I enclose a list of our players.

I also wish to point out that Cromane had a team affiliated to the Mid-Kerry Board in 1954,’55, ’56.

I will send a letter of application similar to this, together with the list of players to the Secretary of the County Board.

Is mise, le meas,

Proinnsias Breathnach

(Rúnaí, Cumann Réalt na Mara).

The Chairman said that, after what the Co. Board had said on the previous night, Cromane was not a recognised club and he had no more to say on the matter. He also complained that he had been criticised by some people for not supporting the Cromane case at the Co. Board meeting. A vote of sympathy was passed to the family of Pete Coughlan, Beaufort, who had died. James Coffey wished to be associated with that vote and he also proposed a vote of sympathy to the family of Tadhg O Reilly, Killorglin, who had died.

Thurs. 8^th March at Killorglin: James Coffey said that he would like to bring to the notice of the Board and the clubs that the problem that existed within the Laune Rangers Club was sorting itself out. He asked clubs not to be playing challenge games with Cromane. He pointed out that there were clubs that had played challenge games with Cromane and their players had not been insured to do so, as Cromane had not been a recognised club. Mike McCarthy, Milltown/Castlemaine, said that his club supported Laune Rangers on that matter. The Milltown/Castlemaine delegate said that his club would not play the Mid-Kerry senior League match against Laune Rangers on Sun. 4^th March as one of their players, Tommy Woods, had died in a fire accident on the previous day. James Coffey said that Laune Rangers would not claim the points and would agree to a re-fixture. The Chairman of the Board said that the game would have to go ahead as the remains would be buried by the day of the game and postponing the game would complicate matters later on. It was decided to wait until the other games in the league were played and it might not then be necessary to play the game at all.

Mon. 2^nd April at Killorglin: Frank Twiss, Milltown/Castlemaine, said that there was no need for Milltown/Castlemaine to play Laune Rangers as his team was out of the Mid-Kerry League.

Mon. 30^th July at Killorglin: The Chairman congratulated Laune Rangers on their display against Beale in the Co. Senior Football Championship. He said that they were the most exciting team in the county and he looked forward to a fine sporting game against them in the Mid-Kerry Championship. In response to a request by Jerome Conway for some help towards the defraying of expenses for the Laune Rangers U-15 team, which would be representing Kerry in a special competition in Gormanstown, Co. Meath, the Chairman promised funds from the Mid-Kerry Board.

Wed. 26^th Sept. at Killorglin: Jerome Conway explained that he had taken it upon himself to hire buses to take the Mid-Kerry U-16 players to their games in the Co. District Board u-16 Championship. He said that they were in the Co. Final and that they would need the buses again for that. The Chairman said that it was fine by him and he congratulated Jerome Conway on reaching the Co. Final and he wished the team well. Jerome Conway said that the players should be provided with a meal after the final. George Evans said that money should be spent on any Mid-Kerry team that reached a Co. Final. The Chairman said that he would leave it to Jerome Conway to make the arrangements.

The minutes of fourteen Laune Rangers Club meetings are available. The sub-committee system still operated very successfully in the club:

Social Sub-Committee (Joe Crowley)

Dancing in the CYMS Hall:

Fri. 6^th Jan. – Reform. 270 people were present. Lodged – £287.

Fri. 16^th March – Pulling Faces (£300). Gross takings – £627. Paul McMahon (caretaker) – £15. Lodged £310.

Fri. 13^th April – The Pete Rivers Band. Gross takings – £340.66.

Thurs. 19^th April – Reform.

Fri. 27^th April – The Conquerors. 290 people attended – no profit made.

Fri. 1^st June – San Bernadino.

Fri. 22^nd June – Pulling Faces.

Fri. 29^th June – April South Band.

Fri. 13^th July – Tequila Sunrise.

Fri. 20^th July – Art Supple and the Showstoppers.

Fri. 3^rd Aug. – Rob Strong and the Rockets.

Fri. 24^th Aug. – San Bernadino.

Fri. 31^st Aug. – Reform.

Sat. 27^th Oct. – San Bernadino.

Sat. 3^rd Nov. – Celtic Fusion (Mid-Kerry Senior Championship victory dance).

 

Field Sub-Committee (Jim Galvin)

The National Football League game, Kerry 1-9; Offaly 1-5, was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sun. 5^th Feb. A fine crowd of about 5,000 spectators turned out for that game, which promised much but failed to produce the expected fireworks. The blame for that did not lie with Kerry but rather with the lack-lustre approach of the visitors. The intermittent showers in the first half made the underfoot conditions tricky and, in the second half, the players had to endure a downpour. Kerry won deservedly by four points. The game witnessed the return to competitive football in the green and gold of Pat Spillane and he displayed much of his old magic.

Kerry: Rory Kilgallon, Paudie O Shea, Sean Walsh, John Higgins, Tommy Doyle, Tim Kennelly, Donie Hartnett, Jack O Shea (capt.), Vincent O Connor, Timmy Dowd, Eoin Liston, Pat Spillane, Diarmuid O Donoghue, Jerry O Sullivan, Willie Maher. Sub: Ogie Moran for D. O Donoghue.

Offaly: Martin Furlong, Mick Fitzgerald, Sean Lowry, Mick Lowry, Pat Fitzgerald, Richie Connor, Aidan Scally, Tomás O Connor (capt.), Liam Currams, Matt Connor, P. Dunne, Declan Farrell, Denis Kelly, Liam O Connor, Brendan Lowry.

The following were the arrangements for the game:

Ticket Sellers – Eamonn Crowley, Michael Moriarty, Edward Stack, Liam Healy, Jim Burns, Anthony Shannon, Dermot Goggin, Pat Lynch, Matty Cronin, Con Griffin, Pat Finnegan, Maurice Harmon, Michael Foley, Noel O Mahony, Michael O Reilly, Pat Pigott, James Sheehan and Paudie Sheahan.

Gatemen: Main Gate – John Clifford, Seamus Murphy, Josie Fenton, Mike Hassett, Stephen Russell and Brian O Shea.

Small Gate near Main Gate – Gene Evans and John Purcell.

Middle Gate – John Foley and Maurice Corkery.

Western Gate – Tom O Shea and Donal Pigott.

Amplification – Tommy Woods.

Scoreboard – John Foley (Reen) and Donie Griffin.

Press-box – Joe Crowley.

Parking outside the wall – Liam Shannon, Pa O Grady and Johnny O Shea.

Dressing-rooms – John Galvin, Tom Curtayne, Bart Moriarty and Danny O Sullivan.

Parking inside the wall – Donal O Meara and Tommy Foley.

Gate into pitch – Jim Galvin  and Pat Sheehan.

Main gate into pitch – Thomas Evans and Sean McKenna.

Stewards inside the wire of the pitch – Patsy Joy, Brendan O Sullivan, Matty Cahill, Barry Harmon, Peter Lyons, Pierce Prendiville, Pat O Riordan, Michael O Sullivan, John Sheehan, John Evans, Michael Costello, Tom Curran, Frank Russell, Jerry Griffin and John Griffin.

Stewards on Western Wall – Mossy Joy, James O Riordan, Michael Sweeney, Seamus Hurley, Ger Hurley, John Hurley and Donal Hurley.

Band – Myles Coffey (They won the praise of all for their entertainment before the game and during the interval).

Refreshments for the players, officials, press, commentator, referee and his officials, Gardaí and helpers – Ladies’ Committee. Shop – Ladies’ Committee.

Pageant Marshals – Gerard Murphy and Florence Leen.

The Kerry Vocational Schools’ Committee and, in particular local teacher George Dennis, produced a special 40-page Centenary Year Commemorative booklet as a programme and the fact that they were all sold was an indication of its worth.

The staff of the Intermediate School helped with the painting of the banners, which were used for the pageant. The pageant depicted the historic years of Kerry’s and Offaly’s contribution to the GAA and the U-12 players carried the banners depicting the historic years. The commentary, by Jerome Conway, went as follows: “A dhaoine uaisle, in this, the Centenary year of An Cumann Lúthcleas Gael, the Laune Rangers Club, through its U-12 team, who will march behind the Killorglin Youth Band, under conductor Myles Coffey, would like to remind you of some significant dates in the first century of the Association, as these dates pertain particularly to the opposing counties today, Uabh Fhaillí agus Ciarraí.

1884 – On Sat. 1^st Nov. 1884, this magnificent Association of ours was founded in the billiard-room of Miss Hayes’ Hotel, Thurles. The foresight and industry of Michael Cusack was responsible for that occasion. Having received the patronage of Dr. Croke, Archbishop of Cashel, and Charles Stuart Parnell, the wheels of this great association were set in motion.

1891 – In 1891 Kerry won its first and, so far, only All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, when Ballyduff defeated Crossbeg (Wexford) by 2-3 to 1-5. The game was played on 28^th Feb. 1892 in Clonturk Park, Dublin. The captain of the winning team was John O Mahony.

1892 – Kerry’s first effort at winning an All-Ireland Senior Football title was thwarted in the 1892 Championship. The local Laune Rangers team was defeated by Dublin’s Young Irelanders on the score of 1-4 to 0-3. That game was played on the 26^th March 1893 in Clonturk Park. The captain of the Laune Rangers team was J.P. O Sullivan, after whom this field is named.

1903 – Kerry’s first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship was achieved in 1903, when they defeated London Hibernians by 0-11 to 0-3. In the semi-final, it took three games with Kildare to decide the issue. The final was played in Jones’ Road on 12^th Nov. 1905. Kerry’s captain was Thady Gorman, Tralee.

1932 – 1932 was the first time that Kerry achieved four-in-a-row All-Ireland Senior Football titles. On 25^th Sept. they defeated Muigheó by 2-7 to 2-4 at Croke Park. This sequence of 4-in-a-row had begun in 1929, when Kerry defeated Kildare by 1-8 to 1-5 to win the Sam Maguire for the first time. They retained the title in 1930 by defeating Monaghan by 3-11 to 0-2. In 1931, they defeated Kildare on the score of 1-11 to 0-8. The four captains were Joe Barrett (1929), John Joe Sheehy (1930), Con Brosnan (1931) and Joe Barrett (1932).

1969 – 1969 was the first time Ciarraí met Uabh Fhaillí in an All-Ireland Senior Football Final. On that occasion, Ciarraí triumphed by 0-10 to 0-7, to bring the title back the Ciarraí for the 21^st time. The Kerry captain on that occasion was Johnny Culloty and the Offally captain was John Egan.

1971 – 1971 saw Uabh Fhaillí write its name on the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time, when they defeated An Ghaillimh by 1-14 to 2-8. Captain of Offaly on that historic day was Willie Bryans.

1972 – Offaly retained the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1972, when they defeated Ciarraí in a replay by 1-19 to 0-13. This win really established the county as a force in Gaelic Football. The captain of Uabh Fhaillí on that day was Tony McTague and the Ciarraí captain was Pat Griffin.

1981 – 1981 witnessed Uabh Fhaillí joining that elite number of counties to win Senior All-Irelands in both hurling and football. The McCarthy Cup was won for the first time by defeating An Ghaillimh in the final. That year also saw Ciarraí achieve its second four-in-a-row of All-Ireland Senior Football titles by defeating Uabh Fhaillí in the final by 1-12 to 0-8. That defeat of Uabh Fhaillí prevented the county from achieving a remarkable and elusive double.

1982 – In 1982 Uabh Fhaillí exacted sweet revenge for their defeat the previous year by defeating Ciarraí in the final by 1-15 to 0-17. It is hardly necessary to remind Kerry folk that the defeat shattered the dream of  five-in-a-row. The Uabh Fhaillí captain that day was Richie O Connor, while the captain of Ciarraí was John Egan.

1984 – In 1984 we celebrate the centenary of our Association. Is féidir linn féachaint siar go maorgach ar an sár-obair atá déanta ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Mar an gcéanna, is féidir linn féachanit romhainn le dóchas agus muinín. Caithfimid leanúint leis an dea-obair.

Just as the twentieth century held a challenge for the founders of the Association, so also the 21^st century is a challenge for us today. Just as they succeeded in meeting and overcoming the challenges of the twentieth century, so also must we face and overcome the problems of the approaching century. We will succeed. As long as we have players to give the commitment and people to give of their time and dedication, we will succeed. Ar aghaidh le cluichí Gaelacha i gcónaí.”

 

Extra Cypress trees were planted around the perimeter of the field during the year.

NACAI Sports in the field on Sun. 10^th June.

A children’s play area, which included swings and a slide, was provided by Donie Griffin.

In Nov. it was decided to close the pitch, as it had been overused for the previous many years and it was time to assess the damage and decide the remedy.

 

Bord na nOg Sub-Committee (Bart Moriarty).

On Fri. 3^rd March, a football coaching video was shown in the Carnegie to all intending juvenile coaches and teachers.

 

Other matters that transpired at Laune Rangers Club meetings during the year were as follows:

Mon. 13^th Feb. – The Chairman reported from the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 6^th Feb. The Secretary of the Club, Jerome Conway, had made the following impassioned plea to the Co. Committee: “I regret that I have to plead for the very existence of Laune Rangers Club, a club that has, in the past, represented this county proudly. The club was established in 1888 and won Co. Championships in 1889, 1890, 1892, 1893, 1900 and 1911 and reached the All-Ireland Football Final in 1892. It participated with distinction in the East-Kerry Board and joined the Mid-Kerry Board, when it was founded in 1947. The club decided to re-enter the Co. Senior Football Championship in 1970. It achieved semi-final places in 1972 and 1983. The club realised that, for the sake of real participation in the Co. Senior Championship, it would have to embark on a sound youth policy and that began in 1971. Every club will admit that we have catered for our young players since. We would not have achieved out titles otherwise. We won the Co. U-12 title in 1972, 1973 and 1974, the Co. U-14 title in 1974, 1975 and 1976, the Co. U-16 title in 1975 and 1976, the Co. Minor title in 1977 and the Co. Minor League in 1978. These players are now maturing into our present senior team. We won the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship in 1983, the first for ten years. We hope to make an onslaught on greater goals in the near future. We will, if we are allowed to stay together. Would you be responsible for dividing us and dashing a dream that was born thirteen years ago and to which we have given the last thirteen hard years to bring to fruition? In case I give the impression that we cater for only the best players, here is the programme for the past two years at juvenile level:

U-12 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in the Mid-Kerry Championship in 1982 (There was no Mid-Kerry U-12 competition in 1983), U-12 ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Co. Championship in 1982 and 1983.

Inter-Primary Schools Competition within the parish, 7 teams in 1982, 6 teams in 1983.

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools Competition – Laune Rangers had 7 teams in 1982 and six teams in 1983.

U-12 Parish League in 1982 – four teams.

Community Games Football – Co. Semi-final in 1982, Munster Semi-final in 1983.

U-14 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in Mid-Kerry Championship in 1982 and 1983.

U-14 A in Co. Championship in 1982; U-14 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in the Co. Championship in 1983.

U-14 Parish League in 1982 – four teams.

U-16 in Mid-Kerry Championship in 1982 and 1983.

U-16 in Co. Championship in 1982 and 1983.

Minor team in Co. Minor League, Co. Championship and Mid-Kerry Championship in 1982 and 1983.

Taking all of the above into account, it borders on the ludicrous to suggest that we have neglected our youth. Ask any club around the county and it will surprise me greatly if they do not agree.

To prove that we have been catering for players from the Cromane area, I will give you names for 1983 as follows: U-12 – Eoin Joy and John Joe O Sullivan, Community Games – Eoin Joy, Terence McCarthy and Joe Sweeney, U-14 – Paul McKenna, Patie Casey, John O Sullivan, Tommy Stack, John Clifford and Tadhg Hayes, U-16 – William Joy, Brian Casey, Gerard Casey, Patrick McDonagh, Patrick McKenna (Capt.), Patrick Teahan, Gerard Teahan and David McGrath, Minor – Ciarán O Callaghan (capt.), Noel Foley, Tomás Hayes and Brian O Sullivan. We entered two adult teams, ‘B’ and ‘C’, in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship in 1982 and the two teams met in the final, which was sportingly contested and which the ‘B’ team won. We again entered two adult teams in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship and in the Co. League Div. 4 in 1983. The two teams again contested the final of the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship and again the ‘B’ team was successful. Six of the players from the Cromane area played with Laune Rangers ‘B’ in the Co. Club ‘B’ Championship in 1983. So it is obvious that the players from the Cromane area, who are interested in playing football, are well catered for by Laune Rangers Club.

A teacher in the Intermediate School in the town is part of this move for division – he is propagating division. Consequently, the young people attending the school are not sure what choice to make. I beg the Co. Board to listen to us. We have served this Co. Board well through the years – James Coffey as Joint-Treasurer, Bart Moriarty as Secretary to the Referees’ Committee and I, as Youth Officer, Chairman of Bord na nOg and Minor Selector. I appeal to you not to divide our parish. If you have the good of the GAA at heart, do not divide us.”

Cromane’s application to affiliate a club with the Co. Board was refused (John O Donoghue, Firies, proposed that Réalt na Mara Club be accepted but the proposition was not even seconded). The case for the Cromane Club had been put by Frank Walsh and John Joe O Reilly. The Chairman of the Co. Board had rang James Coffey to say that a deputation from Cromane had sought to meet him about the matter.

An objection by Finuge to the constitution of Laune Rangers ‘B’ team in the Div. 4 Semi-final was ruled out of order. It was learned afterwards that Finuge had been prompted to object by a member of the Cromane team, which had been seeking to be allowed to be recognised as a club.

(At the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 14^th Feb. the Chairman of the Co. Board, Frank King delivered the brusque message that mob rule would not be tolerated at any future Co. Board meetings while he was Chairman. He was hitting out against unruly behaviour witnessed at a meeting of the Co. Board a week earlier. He was referring to abuse hurdled at him at the meeting when the Board was adjudicating on a request from Cromane to be allowed form a club of their own. ‘I regret very much the attitude adopted here the last night by Pat O Shea,’ said the Chairman. ‘It was Frank King, the person, and not the office of Chairman that was castigated here last week. That kind of mob rule is not going to be allowed here in future.’ He said that when democratic decisions were taken by the Board, they would have to be upheld. Some people had reacted to those decisions and were not prepared to accept them and had adopted a negative attitude of castigating the Chairman and hurdling abuse.’). At the same meeting a letter was read from Cromane, requesting to enter a team in the Co. League, in association with Laune Rangers. The Chairman would not allow any discussion on that as it was a matter for the Laune Rangers Club. James Coffey also reported on a conversation that he had with Frank Walsh (Secretary of the proposed club). He said that he had explained the situation to him as it would affect the Laune Rangers Club. He had advised him of the date of the Laune Rangers AGM. A discussion on the promotion of the ‘B’ team from Div. 4 to Div. 3 also took place at that meeting.

Mon. 27^th Feb. – Arising out of a decision by the Co. Board officers, the three Laune Rangers’ teams in the Co. Leagues were at different venues on the days that they were away from home. James Coffey and Jerome Conway reported from the meeting with a deputation from Cromane, which had been held in the Pavilion on Tues. 21^st Feb. The Cromane deputation had consisted of Frank Walsh, John Joe O Reilly, Michael Healy, Pat Casey and Michael Teahan. Laune Rangers had been represented by James Coffey, Jerome Conway, Jim Galvin and Noel O Mahony. Most points had been agreed as follows:

1) That the Laune Rangers Club is in complete control of all football teams in the parish.

2) That the Senior ‘A’ selectors have first call on all players registered with Laune Rangers Club.

3) That all players eligible for U-21 and minor teams must train and play for Laune Rangers if selected.

4) That all players, who are eligible, must train and play, if selected, for Laune Rangers ‘B’ team in the Co. Club ‘B’ Championship.

5) That all Laune Rangers teams will train and play in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, unless otherwise decided by Laune Rangers Club.

6) That, as in previous years, the selectors of the three adult Laune Rangers’ teams will be appointed at the AGM of the club.

7) That the Kerry Co. Board will conduct all correspondence regarding fixtures, venues, dates, times, etc. for Laune Rangers’ teams through the Rúnaí of the club alone.

8) That all correspondence re fixtures, re-fixtures, change of venue, changes of time of games, etc. concerning Laune Rangers’ teams will be made through the club Rúnaí.

9) That Laune Rangers Club will recommend to the Co. Fixtures Committee that Laune Rangers ‘B’ team play in Div. 3 of the Co. League and that Laune Rangers ‘C’ take the place of the ‘B’ team in Div. 4B.

10) That Laune Rangers Club will enter two teams, ‘B’ and ‘C’, in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship.

That any competitions at senior, U-21, minor or juvenile levels, being organised within the parish, must have the prior sanction of the Laune Rangers Club.

11) That all Laune Rangers’ teams’ lists must be signed by the Club Rúnaí, or, in his absence, a club officer deputising for the Rúnaí, before being submitted to the referee of a game.

12) That Laune Rangers Club would submit a monthly report to the Chairman of the Co. Board or to the Co. Committee concerning the implementation of those agreements.

13) That Laune Rangers Club feel certain that the execution of the above agreements will ensure that all players wishing to play football for the Laune Rangers Club, will be catered for.

However, two important points were not accepted by Cromane, 1) Cromane wanted to field their own juvenile teams in Mid-Kerry competitions. 2) Cromane could not guarantee that all of their players would line out if selected for Laune Rangers Senior ‘A’, U-21 and minor teams and they would continue to select those players even if they had refused. The result was that there was no agreement. The Rúnaí had spoken to Frank Walsh during the day on Wed. 22^nd Feb. and he conceded that the Cromane juveniles would play with Laune Rangers but the adult players’ situation would have to be negotiable as the proposed Cromane club had problems that had to be sorted out internally. The Rúnaí reported that message to the Laune Rangers club on Wed. night (22^nd Feb.) but it was decided that the matter re the adult players would have to be resolved before agreement could be reached. The Rúnaí contacted Frank Walsh by phone on Wed. night and relayed that message to him but he would not concede.

It was decided at the meeting that all the players that had played with Laune Rangers ‘C’ team in 1983 would be circularised, asking them whether or not they were willing to play with Laune Rangers teams.

The following was the letter that was sent to each of the 1983 ‘C’ team players:

‘Dear ___________

Laune Rangers Club is entering three teams in the senior Co. Football Leagues for 1984. All players in the parish are welcome to play. The Co. Leagues will commence on the weekend of 11^th March. In order to facilitate the selectors, please indicate below if you will or will not be available for selection.

A stamped addressed envelope is enclosed to facilitate a prompt reply. If the club does not hear from you by 6^th March, it will assume that you are not available.’

 

Yes            O                                                No            O

It was further decided to write to Michael F. O Shea, requesting him to play with Laune Rangers senior team.

‘Dear Michael Francis,

We, the undersigned officials and players of Laune Rangers Club, wish to convey to you that we want you to play with the ‘A’ team in 1984. You have given tremendous service and commitment to the club over the years and your return to the team would be an inspiration for greater success. As well as the undersigned, all our members expressed a similar wish at our recent AGM.’

That letter was signed by the officers and most of the senior players. There was never an official reply.

Mon. 5^th March – All of the 1983 ‘C’ team players had been circularised. Three letters had been received – Seamus O Shea and Fergal O Shea, Rangue, did not wish to be considered by Laune Rangers, while Sean O Sullivan, Lonart, did.

Mon. 26^th March – It was reported that the appeal by ‘Cromane’ against the decision of the Kerry Co. Board to the Munster Council would be heard on Thurs 29^th March in Limerick. The following was the appeal by Cromane:

Lios na Gaoithe

An Cromán,

Dónal Uas. Ó Nialláin,                                                                        Cill Orglan.

Rúnaí, Comhairle na Mumhan CLG,                                                27/2/’84.

Aonach Urmhumhan,

Co. Tiobraid Árainn.

 

A Chara,

In accordance with Rule 105 (b)(1), page 87 T.O. I wish to appeal against a decision of Coiste Contae Chiarraí C.L.G. made at its meeting held in Tráilí on 6^th February 1984. More specifically it is an appeal against the procedure adopted by an Cathaoirleach in not allowing the Coiste to make a decision.

In accordance with Rule 16(a) page 17 T.O. I made an application for affiliation of a new club to Coiste Contae Chiarraí, C.L.G. I complied in full, on behalf of those making the application, with the terms of Rule 16(a) and gave undertakings to comply in full with all rules and regulations of C.L.G.

The name of the proposed club is Cumann Réalt na Mara, Cromán. We have more than double the number of playing members (adult) and have also more than adequate numbers for Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Minor. We are not taking these players from any existing club.

At the meeting of Coiste Contae Chiarraí we were allowed to put our case to its meeting. The Cathaoirleach did not allow a vote of the members to be taken as he said that this would require a proposer and seconder.

We contend that this procedure was defective because (a) we feel it did not require a proposer and seconder (b) the Cathaoirleach did not ask for a proposer and seconder to reject our application, which we feel he should have done to be consistent (c) it was not in accordance with procedure adopted for an earlier application from a club wishing to change from one Divisional Board to another. Where the Committee was allowed to vote without any proposer or seconder for to accept or reject the said application.

Enclosed please find fee of £2, in accordance with Rule 107 (b) page 89 T.O.

Mise le meas,

Proinnsias Breathnach.

James Coffey and Jerome Conway attended at the appeal to defend the Laune Rangers’ case, particularly against the blatant untrue assertion that the proposed new club would not take players from any existing club. It was pointed out that, for instance, on 27^th Nov. 1983 the ‘C’ team (Cromane) consisted of two Laune Rangers’ minor players and three Laune Rangers’ U-17 players and the question was posed as to where were the players that were on the list submitted to the Co. Board. It was asserted by the Laune Rangers’ representatives that the list had been only submitted in order to get the club sanctioned and that transfers would then be sought for Laune Rangers’ players. The Munster Council was informed about the efforts at reconciliation and the two sticking points. The Laune Rangers’ delegates informed the Council that since the efforts at reconciliation all the juvenile players had been training with the club, most of the minors had done likewise and three seniors. Others were awaiting the outcome of that meeting. Finally, the Council was assured that there were parents in the heart of the Cromane area who did not want that division but that it was being perpetuated by a few individuals.

An adult football league had been organised in the Cromane area, in order to keep the players playing football and to discourage them from playing with Laune Rangers. There had been four teams. The finals on Sun. 16^th Dec. resulted as follows:

‘B’ Final – Michael McCarthy’s team beat Michael Healy’s team.

Noel Foley had a great game for the winners and received the man-of-the-match award.

‘A’ Final: Frank Walsh’s team beat Moss Teahan’s team.

The losers kept in touch for most of the game and it took a brilliant one-handed save by Michael Teahan from Patie Casey’s penalty to hold them out. Despite the penalty miss, Patie Casey gave a great display of high-fielding and accurate passing to win the man-of-the-match award. Others to shine on the day were Patie Healy, Michael Stack and Brendan McDonagh for the winners and Billy O Neill and Brendan Teahan for the losers.

Mon. 2^nd July – The only item on the agenda was the organisation of a Centenary Draw.

Mon. 12^th Nov. – The following letter from Frank Walsh was marked read:

 

“Cumann Réalt na Mara,

An Cromán.

Lios na Gaoithe,

An Cromán.

30/10/1984

Diarmuid Ó Conbhaí Uas.

Rúnaí,

Cumann Fánaithe na Leamhna CLG.

 

A Chara,

On behalf of the committee of Cumann Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, I wish to inform you that we intend to apply to have our club affiliation as a GAA club for the coming year.

We ask Cumann Fánaithe na Leamhna CLG not to stand in the way of Cromane’s application for a club of its own by objecting to our application.

If there is any matter, which you wish to discuss with us in connection with our application, we will gladly meet with you.

Mise le meas,

Proinnsias Breathnach

(An Rúnaí).”

 

The following is the list of players submitted by Cromane to support its application for a club of its own:

Séamus Ó Foghlú (21 years), Íochtar Cromán.

Pádraig Ó Siochrú (21), Íochtar Cromán.

Mícheál Ó Ceallachain (22), Glosha, Cromán.

Mícheál Ó Éalaithe (22), Lios na Gaoithe, Cromán.

Proinnsias Breathnach (28), Lios na Gaoithe.

Diarmuid Ó Téachain (25), Íochtar Cromán.

Seán Ó Téacháin (23), Glosha, Cromán.

Donnchadha Ó Téacháin, Íochtar Cromán.

Mícheál Mac Cárthaigh (20), Íochtar Cromán.

Mícheál Ó Téacháin (23), Íochtar Cromán.

Donncha Ó Téacháin (18), Íochtar Cromán.

Pádraig Mac Mathúna (18), Íochtar Cromán.

Nollaig Ó Foghlú (19), Íochtar Cromán.

Seán Ó Sé (18), Lónart, Cromán.

Mícheal de Staic (20), Oileán Stuaice, Cromán.

Proinnsias Mac Cárthaigh (19), Cromán.

Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin (18), Cromán.

Pádraig Ó Cathasaigh (25), Cromán.

Tadhg Ó Flathartaigh (18), Upper Tullig.

Seán Ó Siochrú (24), Íochtar Cromán.

Mícheál Ó Siochrú (31), Íochtar Cromán.

Ciarán Ó Ceallacháin (19), Glosha, Cromán.

Tadhg Ó Néill (20), Caisleán Chonbhaí.

Seán Ó Caoimh, Oilean Stuaice, Cromán.

 

The following attended meetings of Laune Rangers Club during 1984: James Coffey (13), Jerome Conway (13), Bart Moriarty (12), Jim Galvin (12), Liam Shannon (11), John Foley (8), Michael Foley (7), Pat Finnegan (5), Noel O Mahony (4), Eamonn Crowley (3), Pat O Grady (1), Patsy Joy (1), Thomas Evans (1), Catherine O Brien (1), Elaine McGillycuddy (1), Joan Roche (1), Mary Coffey (1), Sheila roche (1), Mary Jo Curran (1), Mary Conway (1), Nora Foley 91), Kathleen Roche (1), Ann Maria O Sullivan (1).

 

The following were registered as members of Laune Rangers Club in 1984: James Coffey, Jim Galvin, Jerome Conway, Eamonn Crowley, John Foley, Noel O Mahony, Patsy joy, Patrick O Grady, Bart Moriarty, Liam Shannon, Denis O Neill, Johnny O Shea, Tommy Woods, Anthony Shannon, James Sheehan, Bertie Houlihan, Seamus Murphy, Maurice Corkery, Mike Hassett, Michael Foley, Peter Lyons, Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, James O Shea (Caragh lake), Michael F. O Shea, John Clifford, Liam Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Crowley, Joe Shannon, John Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Frankie Russell, John O Dwyer, John Evans, Michael O Reilly, Seamus O Shea, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Pat Pigott, Teddy Clifford, Stephen Russell, Pa Foley, John Hurley, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Shanara), Declan Crowley, Patrick Freeman, Patrick Horgan, John Horgan, John Galvin, Liam Clifford, Gerard O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Pat Joe O Mahony, Tom Johnston, Mícheál Johnston, Sean O Sullivan (Lonart), John Hickey, Tom O Connor, Finbarr Coffey, James O Riordan, Pat Grandfield, Harry Carey, John O Neill, Jimmy Hannon, John Foley (Reen), Mossy Joy, James Ferris, Donal Pigott, Pat O Riordan, Roy Evans, Sean Corkery (Reen), Timothy Doyle, Dodo Sheahan, Jerry Houlihan (Mill Road), Dominic Crowley, Martin Clifford (Mountain View), Michael Sweeney, Danny Healy, Dan Mangan, Johnny Healy, Mike O Shea (Ceannovree), Pat Diggin, Alan Diggin, Davy O Shea, Mícheál O Callaghan, Jimmy O Neill (Cromane), Pat O Shea (Rangue), John Murphy, Tommy Foley, Paudie Healy, Frank O Dwyer, Patrick Horgan (The Square), Mike Murphy, Mick O Connell, Gerry Foley, James McInery, Gene Ahern, Michael O Sullivan (Tureenasligaun), Liam Healy, Edward Stack, Declan Falvey, Sean Whelan, Paddy Creagh, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Terence O Shea, Florence Leen, Donal Hurley, Con Counihan, Michael Dermody, Ciarán O Callaghan, Tomás Hayes, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Michael McCarthy (Cromane), Michael Healy, John Teahan, Frank Walsh, Danny McKenna (Cromane), Patrick Sugrue, John Sugrue, Michael Teahan, James foley (Cromane), Noel Foley, Dermot Teahan, Austin Shaughnessy, James Clifford (Mountain View), David Griffin, Dermot Goggin, Michael Stack (Stookisland).

The following were registered as members of the Laune Rangers Minor Club in 1984: Richard O Connor, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), Austin Stack, Padraig McMahon (Cromane), Noel Doyle, Fergal O Shea, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Gerard Murphy, Michael Fleming, Tommy Geary, Eoin Mangan, Gerard Clifford (caragh Bridge), John O Shea (Lonart), Martin Joy (Tullig), James Foley (Corbally), Andrew Doona, Patrick McInery, Patrick Brennan, Dermot Clifford, Paul O Shea (School Road), Gerard Casey, William Joy, Shane O Sullivan, Kieran O Keeffe, Robert Evans.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 12^th March, the following Laune Rangers’ players were regraded from senior status: James O Shea, Joe Crowley, Stephen Russell, Peter Lyons, Brian O Shea, Pa Foley and Frankie Russell.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 12^th March, James McInery’s transfer from Renard to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 9^th April, the transfer of Frank Walsh from Laune Rangers to Legion was sanctioned, as was Michael F. O Shea’s transfer to Cork (Clyda Rovers).

 

Chun tosach Comóradh an Chéid CLG a cheiliúradh, bhí Aifreann Lán-Ghaelach sa séipéal Lá le Pádraig, eagraithe ag Cumann Fánaithe na Leamhna. B’é an tAthair Pádraig Mac Cárthaigh a léigh an tAifreann. Léigh Séamus Ó Cofaigh, Cathaoirleach an Chlub, agus Nollaig Ó Mathúna, traenálaí na foirne sinsire, an dá ceacht. Bhí Máire Ní Thuathaigh (Coiste na mBan), Tomás Ó Foghlú (imreoir) agus Tadhg Ó Clúbháin (captaen) páirteach i nGuí an Phobaill. B’é muintir Uí Fhoghlú, Mícheál, a bhean-chéile Caitlín agus a mbeirt mac, Nioclás agus Cormac, as Rín, a thug suas na hoifreálaithe. Chan an Cór Aifreann Sheáin Uí Riada, faoi stiúrthóirí, Liam Ó Foghlú agus Áine Bean Uí Sheoighe.

 

On Sat. 17^th March, a Senior Co. Football Trial was held in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee. Joe Shannon was invited to attend.

 

The death occurred on 27^th January of Tadhg O Reilly, Sunhill, President of Laune Rangers Club. He had been a prominent referee and administrator with Laune Rangers in the 1920’s and 1930’s. A guard of honour, drawn from present and past players of the club, escorted the remains to St. James’ Church on Sun. 29^th Jan. and to Dromavalla Cemetery on Monday.

The death took place, in January, in the USA of Timmy O Connell, Castleconway. He had been a prominent Laune Rangers player prior to his departure to the ‘new world’.

On Sun. 5^th Feb. the death took place suddenly in of Pete Coughlan, Beaufort. He had just returned home from the NFL game, Kerry v Offaly, in Killorglin. He had played with Laune Rangers in the thirties.

The death occurred in March of Jim Tobin, who had worked so hard in the fifties to revive hurling in Killorglin.

On Sun. 1^st April, the death occurred in St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, of Tadhg Ó Conchubhair, Baile Nua. He had been a member of the J.P. O Sullivan Park Committee in the fifties, which had been set up to purchase a playing field for the Laune Rangers Club and he had been active in the raising of funds to pay for the field after its purchase.

On Wed. 4^th April, the unexpected death occurred of Monnie O Reilly, Baile Nua. His death took place only hours after the burial of his great friend, Tadhg Ó Conchubhair. He had been a prominent member of the Laune Rangers’ teams of the thirties. Past and present players and members of Laune Rangers Club marched in the guard of honour at both the removal of the remains to St. James’ Church and at the funeral to Dromavalla Cemetery on Friday.

 

Niall Moriarty, Laune Rangers, won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Skills competition on Sat. 15^th Sept. at the J.P.  Sullivan Park. Anthony O Sullivan also represented Laune Rangers, while Adrian Hassett failed to show up, having qualified for the final.

 

A Cromane Sports-field 300 Club Six-monthly Draw was organised in order to pay for the field, which was purchased for £20,000 in Lios na Gaoithe.

March Draw: £300 – Dan O Shea (Dooks), £25 – Michael Hoare (Caragh Lake), Noreen Howe (Tullig), Donal McSweeney (Dooks), Josie Fenton (Muingaphouca), £10 – Frank Coffey (Carnahone), Dermot Foley (Lower Bridge Street), Pat Twiss (c/o Klinge), John O Grady (c/o Klinge), Patricia Griffin (Cromane Lower), Mick Ahern (St. James’ Gardens), Paudie O Shea (Waterville), Colin O Sullivan (Cromane Upper), Frank Sheahan (Killorglin), Patie Corkery (Cromane Upper).

April Draw: £300 – Mike Breen (Glenbeigh), £25 – Michael O Shea (Rangue), Very Rev. Canon Keane (Killorglin), Dr. Gillespie (Killorglin), Paddy Creagh (Tullig). £10 – Jimmy Healy (Glenbeigh), Anne Foley (Caragh Lake), Con Counihan (Sunhill), Michael Dermody (Sunhill), Joe Casey (Cromane), Mary Kelly (Ballycleave), Kathleen O Shea (Lonart), John Riordan (Tullig), Jimmy McCormack (Douglas), Steve Joe Cahillane (Killorglin).

June Draw: £300 – Dick O Callaghan (Tralee), £25 – Pat Ahern (Upper Tullig), Bridie Riordan (Cromane Cross), Eugene O Grady (Kells), Catherine O Shea (Caragh Lake), £10 – James Coffey (Killorglin), John Riordan (Cromane Lower), Kerry Petroleum (Tralee), Kathleen Healy (Cromane), Tim Hussey (Abbeydorney), Denis P. O Sullivan (Kilgarvan P.O), John P. Costello (Douglas), Angela O Shea (Stookisland), Denis Sheahan (Glenbeigh), Mikey Brosnan (Killorglin).

August Draw: £300 – Con Griffin (Knocklyne), £25 – Marian Lyons (Iveragh Road), Ger Foley (Stookisland), Michael Little (Stookisland), Mossy Breen (Beaufort), £10 – Diarmuid O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Johnny Reilly (Cromane Lower), C.D. O Sullivan (Lonart), Mary O Shea (Curraheen), Anne Fitzgerald (Douglas), Liam Chute (c/o Kerry Co-op), Harry Carey (Tullig), Justin Brosnan (The Spa), Timmy O Neill (Sunhill), Con Counihan (Sunhill).

 

The Munster referees beat the Rest of Ireland referees by 3-7 to 0-5 at Rockwell College grounds in June. Johnny O Shea (Laune Rangers) scored one of the goals. The team was managed by Bart Moriarty, who accepted the beautiful centenary cup.

Sat. 30^th June at Killorglin; Co. Referees 7-a-side Blitz. There were two teams and they played the best out of three games. The Laune Rangers’ referees in action were Bart Moriarty and Johnny O Shea. Jerome Conway refereed the three games.

 

To celebrate the centenary of the foundation of the GAA, a day, Lá na gClub, was set aside on Sun. 29^th July for club activities only. Laune Rangers celebrated that day in fine style in the J.P.  Sullivan Park. There was a disappointing turnout of competitors and spectators but those that attended enjoyed themselves greatly. The results were as follows;

U-10 Football Game: Winners – Turlough Byrnes, Ronan Curtayne, Colm Conway, Eamonn Foley, James Murphy, Francis O Sullivan, Joe Hayes, Redmond Fitzgerald, Eamonn Clifford.

Runners-up – Mark Conway, Glenn Evans, Andrew Doyle, Brendan Doherty, Thomas Murphy, Tony O Sullivan, Tony O Mahony, John Cronin, Pat O Keeffe.

U-10 Football Skills – 1^st James Murphy, 2^nd Tony O Sullivan, 3^rd Mark Conway.

U-12 Football Game: Winners – Anthony O Sullivan, Raymond Griffin, John O Riordan, Rory O Connor, Colm Joy, Brian Kissane, Paudie Russell, Leslie O Dwyer, Fergus O Connor, Jerome Cahill, Tom Fitzgerald.

Runners-up – Carl O Sullivan, Bryan Murphy, Robert Murphy, Kevin Donovan, Pat McCarthy, Timmy Coffey, Brendan O Brien, Gerard Murphy, Frank Murphy, Sean O Riordan, Kieran Clifford.

U-12 Football Skills – 1^st Colm Joy, 2^nd Anthony O Sullivan, 3^rd Bryan Murphy. (Most of the U-12 footballers were in Glenflesk with the Community Games Football team).

U-14 Football Game: Winners – Danny Cahill, Adrian O Connor, Mark O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan, John Paul Cahillane.

Runners-up – Padraig Lynch, Sean Fenton, Timmy Corkery, Pat Curran, Robert Kennedy.

U-14 football Skills – 1^st Padraig Lynch, 2^nd Pat Curran, 3^rd Danny Cahill.

Minor/U-16 Football Game: Winners – Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Kieran OKeeffe, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Mark O Connor, Robert Evans, Kevin Corkery, Danny Cahill.

Runners-up – Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, James Foley, Michael O Connell, Maurice O Shea, James O Shea, John F. O Brien,  Michael Cronin, Joe Hoare, Patrick Brennan, Pat McInery.

U-16 Football Skills – 1^ST Mark O Connor, 2^nd Paul Griffin, 3^rd Pat McKenna (Steelroe).

Senior/Retired Football Game: Winners – John Evans, Noel O Mahony, Tommy Woods, Liam Shannon, Patsy Joy, Michael O Shea, Pat McInery, John Galvin, Johnny O Shea.

Runners-up – Teddy Mangan, James Ferris, Jerome Conway, Eoin Mangan (junior), Owen Mangan, Pat Pigott, Bart Moriarty, Jim Burns, Pat               Lynch.

U-12 Hurling Skills – 1^st Robert Kennedy, 2^nd Gerard Hearne, 3^rd Jerome Cahill.

U-14 Hurling Game; Winners – Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Robert Kennedy, Danny O Sullivan, Michael Cronin.

U-14 Hurling Skills – 1^st Sean Fenton, 2^nd Mark O Sullivan, 3^rd Adrian O Connor.

Minor/U-16 Hurling Game: Winners – Richard O Connor, Robert Evans, Mark O Connor, Paul Griffin, Sean Fenton, Christy Kennedy (minor??).

U-16 Hurling Skills – 1^st Mark O Connor, 2^nd Robert Evans, 3^rd Brendan Hearne.

Minor Hurling Skills – 1^st Vincent Hearne, 2^nd Paul Griffin, 3^rd Richard O Connor.

Senior Hurling Game: Winners – Tommy Woods, Peter Lyons, Christy Kennedy, Pat Pigott, Pat Lynch, Richard O Connor.

Senior Ladies Football Game: Winners – Mary Jo Curran, Catherine O Brien, Kathleen Roche, Sheila Roche, Gina Sheehan, Tina Healy.

Runners-up – Nora Foley, Phil Curran, Ann Maria O Sullivan, Liz Foley,  Dolores O Dwyer, Noreen Roche.

Senior Ladies 100m – 1^st Phil Curran, 2^nd Ann Maria O Sullivan, 3^rd Mary Jo Curran.

‘Advanced’ Ladies 50m – 1^st Kathleen O Dwyer, 2^nd Bridget O Sullivan, 3^rd Mary Joy, 4^th Eva Conway 5^th Mary Fenton.

 

There was a final trial in the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sun. 9^th Sept. in preparation for the All-Ireland Senior Football Final, Kerry v Rest of Kerry. Joe Shannon was on the Rest of Kerry panel.

 

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

Fri. 6^th April, MFL Div. 1 at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 2-9; Kerins O Rahillys 1-2.

Fri. 20^th April, MFL Div. 3 at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh lost to Valentia

Sun. 22^nd April, SFL Div. 3A at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 5-5; Renard 0-6.

Sun. 6^th May, SFL Div. 1 at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 1-9; Valentia 1-10.

Sun. 20^th May, SFL Div. 2 at Killarney: Legion 2-11; Glenflesk 1-5.

Sun. 10^th June, Senior ‘B’ Championship replay at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 0-5; Legion ‘B’ 2-9.

Sat. 16^th June, SFC 1^st Rd. at Castleisland: Castleisland 1-10; Emmets 1-5.

Sun. 5^th Aug, SFL Div. 3A at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 1-13; Kilgarvan 2-6.

Sun. 16^th Sept, SFL Div. 3B at Currow: Currow lost to St. Senan’s.

Sun. 4^th Nov, SFL Div. 5 at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘C’ v Scartaglin ‘B’.

 

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

Sun. 26^th Feb, SFL at Beaufort: Beaufort v Milltown/Castlemaine.

Sun. 9^th Sept, SFC semi-final at Killorglin: Beaufort 2-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-3.

 

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

Sat. 21^st April, SFL Div. 4C at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ lost to Glenflesk ‘B’.

Sun. 20^th May, SFL Div. 4C at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ 1-2; Derrynane 0-8.

Sat. 14^th July, IFC at Valentia: Valentia 2-7; Glenbeigh 3-5.

Sat. 4^th Aug, SFL Div. 3A at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 1-10; Annascaul 2-7.

Sun. 16^th Sept, SFL Div. 3A at Renard: Renard 0-14; Kilgarvan 1-5.

Sun. 21^st Oct, SFL Div. 5 at Churchill: Churchill ‘B’ v Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’.

Sun. 4^th Nov, SFL Div. 3A at Renard: Renard v Kilcummin.

 

Johnny O Shea refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

Sun. 26^th Feb. SFL at Keel: Keel v Glenbeigh.

 

Co. U-14 Div. 3 Final at Killorglin: Firies defeated Glenbeigh. Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Laune Rangers took up a Church Gate Collection in aid of the Kerry Team Training Fund. It yielded £435.39.

 

Laune Rangers Club received 27 tickets for the All-Ireland football final on Sun. 23^rd Sept. The tickets were raffled as follows:

Senior Players (3 tickets) – Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Mícheál Johnston, Michael O Reilly, Liam Hayes, Tomás Hayes, John O Dwyer, Joe Shannon, Stephen Russell, John Griffin, John Hickey, Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott. Winners – Tomás Hayes, Mícheál Johnston and John Hickey.

‘B’ Team Players (3 tickets) – John Galvin, Pat Pigott, John Clifford, Dodo Sheahan,Michael Sweeney, Declan Crowley, Frankie Russell, Tommy Woods, Pa Foley, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Pat Diggin, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Ger Hurley, Donal Hurley, Gerry Foley, Stephen Russell, Brian O Shea, Liam Healy, Edward Stack, Peter Lyons, Donal Pigott, Tommy Foley, Maurice Corkery, Patrick Freeman. Winners – Donal Hurley, Michael Sweeney, John Clifford.

‘C’ Team Players (1 ticket) – John Murphy, Mike Murphy, Brian Freeman, Jerry Houlihan, Robert Freeman, Dominic Crowley, Michael O Shea, Sean Whelan, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Sean O Sullivan, James O Shea (Shanara), Pat O Donnell, Finbarr Coffey, Maurice Corkery, Edward Stack. Winner – Sean Whelan.

Adults, who used their cars as transport to adult games (3 tickets) – Teddy Clifford, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea, Tom Johnston, John O Dwyer, Joe Shannon, John Griffin, Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Declan Crowley, Frankie Russell, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Liam Healy, Edward Stack, Maurice Corkery, Dominic Crowley, Patrick Foley, Pat Sheehan. Winners – John Griffin, Liam Healy, Teddy Clifford.

Adults, who used their cars as transport to juvenile games (2 tickets) – Michael Fleming, Mrs. Maureen Brennan, Michael Foley, Anthony Shannon, Donie Griffin, Seamus Murphy, Paudie O Connor, Matty Cahill, Pat Clifford, Josie Fenton, Sean O Sullivan, Sean Moriarty, Mike Hassett, Tom O Shea, Maurice Lynch, Gearóid O Sullivan. Winners – Paudie O Connor, Tom O Shea.

Ladies Committee (2 tickets) – Maura Tuohy, Noreen Murphy, Noreen Griffin, Kathleen Foley, Kathleen Shannon, Breda Clifford, Patsy Clifford, Nancy Moriarty, Margaret Murphy, Caroline Shannon. Winners – Maura Tuohy, Breda Clifford.

Co. Board Ticket Holders: Winners – James Ferris, Aidan O Shea.

One ticket each was given to James Coffey, Jim Galvin, Jerome Conway, Eamonn Crowley, John Foley, Patsy Joy, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon and Bart Moriarty. Two tickets were given to the Hurling Club.

 

The Finance Committee of Kerry Co. Board, under the Chairmanship of James Coffey, organised a Centenary Draw, from which the clubs of the county benefited, depending on the number of tickets each club sold. Laune Rangers netted £3,050 from the draw. Maurice Corkery was the winner of the first prize of £20,000 and Tim O Shea won a car.

 

Laune Rangers 25^th Annual Social was held in the Castle Heights Hotel, Killarney on Thurs. 27^th Dec. Michael O Callaghan and his Band supplied the music. Tickets cost £9. As part of the Centenary year’s Celebrations, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Noel Spillane, made a presentation to James Coffey in appreciation of the Trojan work done for the Board by him. As Secretary, he had kept activities alive in the lean years and had helped to build the Board into a real strong and active unit of the GAA.

 

Co. Senior Football Final on Sun. 7^th Oct. at Tralee: West-Kerry 1-7; South-Kerry 1-6.

Co. Minor Football Final at the end of Aug: Castleisland beat Killarney.

Co. U-21 Football Final on Sat. 15^th Sept. at Killorglin: South-Kerry 1-10; Kenmare 1-7.

Co. Junior Football Final on Sun. 2^nd Dec. at Connolly Park: Lispole 0-12; Ardfert 1-3.

Co. Novice Championship Final on Sun. 14^th Oct. at Listowel: St. Senan’s 2-10; Knocknagoshel 0-3.

Co. Club Championship Final replay on Sun. 18^th Nov. at Tralee: Desmonds 2-7; St. Mary’s 0-7.

Co. League Div. 1 winners: Valentia.

 

Munster Senior Football Final on Sun. 1^st July at Killarney: Kerry 3-14; Cork 2-10.

All-Ireland Senior Football semi-final on Sun. 12^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-17; Galway 0-11.

All-Ireland Senior Football Final on Sun. 23^rd Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 0-14; Dublin 1-6.

That was Kerry’s 28^th All-Ireland Senior Football title.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Paudie O Shea, Sean Walsh, Mick Spillane, Tommy Doyle, Tommy Spillane, Ger Lynch, Jack O Shea, Ambrose O Donovan (capt.), John Kennedy, Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, Pat Spillane, Ger Power, Eoin Liston, John Egan. Subs: Timmy Dowd for J. Egan, Mikey Sheehy, Diarmuid O Donoghue, John Higgins, Donie Hartnett, Jeremiah O Sullivan, Willie O Connor.

 

The Kerry Vocational Schools’ Sports were held in Kenmare at the end of May. The following were the results by the Killorglin V.S. competitors:

Intermediate Boys: High Jump – 1^st Andrew Lucey, Long Jump – 2^nd Austin McGinley, Shot Putt – 1^st F. O Donoghue, Javelin – 1^st Joe Purcell.

Open Boys: Javelin – 1^st William Browne.

Junior Girls: High Jump – 3^rd Kerry Galvin.

Senior Girls: 100m – 3^rd Adele Carlyon, 200m – 2^nd Lucy Cronin, High Jump – 2^nd Adele Carlyon, Long Jump – 1^st Adele Carlyon.

Open Girls: Shot Putt – 1^st Adele Carlyon, Javelin – 1^st Adele Carlyon, 2^nd Jacyln Carlyon.

 

Killorglin NACA sports were held in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sun. 17^th June. The Killorglin competitors fared as follows:

Senior men: Long Jump – 2^nd Pat Coffey (St. James’ Gardens).

Senior Ladies: 100m – 1^st Martina Cronin (Main Street), 3^rd Kathleen Dwyer (Muingaphouca).

4x100m relay – 2^nd Killorglin.

Boys U-9: 600m – 2^nd John Cronin (Iveragh Park).

Boys U-11: 600m – 3^rd Brendan O Brien (Caragh Lake).

Boys U-13: 600m – 2^nd Anthony O Sullivan (Iveragh Park). 100m – 3^rd Anthony O Sullivan.

Boys U-16: 1,500m – 3^rd Gerard Curran (Sunhill).

Girls U-5: 50m – 3^rd Caroline Brick (St. James’ Gardens).

Girls U-6: 60m – 2^nd Joan McGillycuddy (Ardnaknockeen).

Girls U-7: 80m – 3^rd J. Dwyer (Caragh Lake).

Girls U-8: 100m – 2^nd Geraldine O Brien (Annadale).

Girls U-9: 600m – 3^rd Geraldine O Brien.

Girls U-12: 600m – 2^nd Colette Finnegan (Iveragh Park), 3^rd Karen Quinn (Iveragh Park).

Girls U-15: 100m – 1^st K. Cahillane. Girls U-16: 800m – 2^nd K. Cahillane. Long Jump – 3^rd K. Cahillane.

Confined Events:

Boys U-17: 1,500m – 1^st Anthony Clifford, 2^nd Gerard Curran.

Married Men: 1^st Maurice Foley, 2^nd John A. O Brien, 3^rd Tom Cronin.

Married Women – 1^st Kathleen Dwyer, 2^nd J. Houlihan, 3^rd Kathleen Finnegan.

 

The Co. Community Games Finals were held in the Austin Stacks Park, Tralee on Sat. 30^th June. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Boys U-14 800m – 4^th Billy O Sullivan, U-14 Shot-putt – 3^rd Brian O Keeffe, U-16 High Jump – 1^st Timmy Fleming.

Girls U-12 600m – 2^nd Collette Finnegan, U-17 Marathon – 2^nd Helen Costello.

 

Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan was held in Killorglin on the weekend 7^th/8^th July. The Fleadh commenced with a parade, in which Laune Rangers were represented by the U-12 Football team.

 

The officers of Callanfersy F.C. were Chairman – Jimmy Doona, Secretary – Dolores O Dwyer, Treasurer – Phil Delaney.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in the Convent School, Milltown on Tues. 22^nd Jan. 1985. The Secretary, Paddy Clifford, in his report, stated, “The Centenary Year has come and gone and it leaves us with no great memories. The year started with great hopes of achieving big things in 1984. One hope was to try and win the Co. Senior Championship and maybe the U-21 as well, but these hopes were gone by the end of August.

In the Senior Co. Championship, Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers again took part. Mid-Kerry started training three weeks before the first game against Kerins O Rahillys, with a good attendance for the first two nights, but after that it started dropping down to almost nil. I made every effort with letters, phone calls and calling to them (the players) to try to keep them training and the trainer did the same. But it was a waste of time and money. The game with Kerins O Rahillys was played in Tralee. Mid-Kerry won but, had O Rahillys a free-taker, we should have been beaten by at least five points. Laune Rangers had a draw in Ballybunion with Beale. The replay, which was played in Killorglin, was won by the Rangers. The Rangers that night looked to me to be a good team. Their players fought for everything and used the home field to the best advantage. The pairing for the quarter-final was Mid-Kerry v Laune Rangers. This game was played in Killorglin. Mid-Kerry had to line out for this game without county player, Willie Maher, who had broken his leg sometime previously. As the team was about to go out on the field, the selectors had to make last minute changes, as the selected fullback had not turned up and this was not good for the team. In the first half, it was Mid-Kerry that looked the better team and everybody thought that, in the second half, Mid-Kerry would win easily, but things did not turn out that way. The lack of fitness of the Mid-Kerry players was obvious after ten minutes. The Rangers came back at them and pulled back the Mid-Kerry lead and it was only with the height of luck that Mid-Kerry won by a single point. With this point win, Mid-Kerry was in the semi-final against South-Kerry. Again the training attendance was very bad. In this game, the pattern was the same as against the Rangers, playing well in the first half and not able to move in the second half and were well beaten at the finish.

In the U-21 Co. Championship, Mid-Kerry was drawn against Killarney, one of the strongest U-21 teams in the county. On that Sunday afternoon, Mid-Kerry played some great football and, with Willie Maher in top form, he brought out the best in the lads. Mid-Kerry was leading by two points with two minutes to go. In a tussle for a ball around midfield between a group of players, the sound of a bone breaking was heard by everybody present. The bone that broke was that of Willie Maher’s leg. The game was held up for 20 minutes, while the player was being removed from the field. I did not see the last two minutes of this game, but Mid-Kerry won by two points. On that day in Milltown, we had 27 players but where were they in our next game against West-Kerry? We landed in Dingle field that night with 14 players and a child, short 9 of the team that played in Milltown against Killarney. West-Kerry kicked us off the field. But I must say for the lads that played that night, they tried their best but were too weak for the bigger and stronger West-Kerry team. Laune Rangers U-21 team was beaten in the first round by Shannon Rangers.

The Mid-Kerry minors were drawn at home in their first game. It was one of the weakest minor teams that ever took the field for Mid-Kerry. They were beaten but I wonder why. There are two clubs that I blame for our weak team – Glenbeigh and Beaufort. Beaufort did not field a team for the first round of out Minor Championship and had to be forced by the Board to field a team against Keel in the second round. They beat Keel and, in the semi-final, lost to Milltown by only a couple of points. Glenbeigh, on the other hand, beat Laune Rangers’ Co. Championship team in the semi-final and were beaten only by a small score by Milltown in the final. So, looking at it that way, Glenbeigh and Beaufort clubs are not seeing after their minors and, one thing for sure, they are not sending them out to play with Mid-Kerry. At the convention last year, it was decided to set up separate selection committees for senior, U-21 and minor. A selector from each club was appointed and the onus was on him to get the players from his club to come out and train and play for Mid-Kerry. But this did not work and who is to blame? I ask is it the Board, the selectors or the clubs? To me, it is the clubs. They are not fulfilling their responsibilities. Laune Rangers were beaten in the first round by St. Brendan’s.

Scór ’84 was run for the Board by Beaufort. It was a big success but one club, Laune Rangers, did not take part. Beaufort club reported that they made a profit of more than £300. I wonder was it a wise thing to do to change the venue this year, as we were long enough trying to get it going.

I think that we were the only District Board in the county that did not run a special competition during the year – Centenary Year. The only thing we did was to make a presentation to Father Kelly, Murt Kelly and James Coffey in appreciation of the work they have done for football in Mid-Kerry down the years.

Beaufort and Glenbeigh have almost finished work on their new playing fields. The two fields will be opened this year. I heard that the Dublin team was coming to Beaufort at the end of May to play for their opening.

Within the area, a total of 106 games were played and all our competitions were completed. Laune Rangers won the Senior Championship and took home the Kennedy Cup, beating Beaufort in the final before the largest crowd ever to attend a Mid-Kerry final. But at one stage, I thought that we would not have a final at all. The final was first fixed by the Board to be played on Sept. 16^th. Beaufort refused to play on that date. A letter received from Beaufort club stated that they were appealing the decision of the Board in fixing the final for 16^th Sept. But they did not appeal. In was only the sportsmanship of Laune Rangers Club in agreeing to a new date that made the final possible. Beaufort won the Senior League and Glenbeigh the O Sullivan Cup. The ‘B’ Championship was won by Laune Rangers. This competition is just only a laugh, when clubs can play Senior Co. Championship players against fourteen year-olds and forty year-olds. Milltown won the Minor Championship with a young team. If these players are seen after, Milltown senior team will be a big force in a few years. The winners of the competitions are as follows:

Senior Championship – Laune Rangers.

Senior League – Beaufort.

O Sullivan Cup – Glenbeigh.

‘B’ Championship – Laune Rangers.

Minor Championship – Milltown/Castlemaine.

U-16 – Milltown/Castlemaine. U-16B – Laune Rangers.

U-14 – Laune Rangers. U-14B – Beaufort.

U-12 – Glenbeigh.

U-15 seven-a-side – Laune Rangers.

4 Teacher-Schools – Cullina (Beaufort).

3 Teacher-Schools – Fybough (Keel).

2 Teacher-Schools – Ballyfinnane (Castlemaine).

For the New Year, I think,

1. That there should be no Co. League games played from Mid-June to the 1^st Sept. so that District Boards and Co. Boards can play off their championships in the summer weather.
2. That the ‘B’ Championship should be scrapped and replaced by a new Novice Championship.
3. That action should be taken against clubs that refuse, without a good reason, to fulfil fixtures and also against players, who do not train and play for Mid-Kerry teams.
4. That three selectors should be appointed by the Board to pick the Mid-Kerry teams.

I would like to congratulate the Kerry team on winning the All-Ireland Final. Congratulations to our Co. Selector, Kevin Griffin, to Jim Coffey, Co. Board official, to Donie Hartnett, who was a sub on the Kerry panel, to Willie Maher on winning a Munster Championship medal. What a pity it was that tragedy struck this young player. I am sure he would have held his place in the team and made us all proud that big day in Croke Park. Congratulations to Ronan O Shea of Laune Rangers and Intermediate School on winning the Essay Competition. We are better at writing than at the football.

In conclusion, I would like to thank,

All our referees for their good services during the year and especially Mick O Sullivan and his officials for the way he refereed the Senior Championship final. It was refereeing at its best,

Our senior trainer, Jack McGrath, who is a willing and very capable trainer but did not have the team to train,

All the other Board officers,

Jim Coffey for the help he gave me and the Board during the year,

Laune Rangers and Milltown field Committees for the use of their fields for our major competitions and training,

Derry Murphy and the West-Kerry Board, for bringing a team to Milltown, without being asked, to play in a benefit game for Willie Maher,

Finally, our Chairman, Noel Spillane. I must say it was a pleasure to work with you, Noel, at all times and you were always available to help me out with problems. You are an honest, fair and a good Chairman. Thank you, Noel.

P. Ó Clúbháin,

Rúnaí.”

 

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held in the Carnegie on Mon. 25^th Feb. 1985. The Secretary, Jerome Conway, in his report, stated, “1984, the centenary year of the GAA, was again a very successful year for the Laune Rangers’ Club. Looking at the history of the club, we must now be in one of the golden parts, if not the most golden part, apart, that is, from the early years of the club. This is as it should be, as we approach the centenary of the club – 1988.

Our senior team was the pride of the club again this year, maintaining easily enough our Div. 1 status, winning the Mid-Kerry Championship for the second year-in-a-row and improving our performance in the Co. Championship. The seniors played 21 games. We had four games in the Mid-Kerry League, losing the semi-final to Beaufort on the score of 4-7 to 0-7. We had eleven games in the Co. League, winning four and losing seven. That gives slight cause for concern, although we were unlucky to lose some of the games, particularly against Austin Stacks, Desmonds, Beale and Ballylongford. We had a great run in the Co. Championship (four games), eventually losing the quarter-final to Mid-Kerry on the score of 1-6 to 1-5. We had two games in the Mid-Kerry Championship, beating Glenbeigh in the semi-final by 1-4 to 0-6 and Beaufort in the final by 2-4 to 0-9. Our senior team is our most important team and when it is winning, the club seems to be going well. Looking at the team recently, it looks like a team that is going places, if the commitment is there and if the feet are kept firmly on the ground. The contribution made by the selectors must not be overlooked and, I know that I’m echoing the sentiments of the players when I thank sincerely Noel (O Mahony) and Patsy (Joy).

The ‘B’ team played 21 games. We lost to Knocknagoshel in the 1983 Div. 4 final. We played ten games in the Co. League, winning only one. In hindsight, it was a mistake to seek promotion to Div. 3. Despite the best advice, we elected to play in Div. 3 and paid the penalty. We were undefeated in six games in Mid-Kerry, retaining the championship for the third tear-in-a-row. The trophy was given begrudgingly by the Mid-Kerry Chairman. They have changed the rules for 1985. We played four games in the Co. Club ‘B’ Championship and lost the final to Dr. Crokes. The competition was very protracted. The first round was played on 26^th May, the second round on 30^th June, the quarter-final on 20^th Aug. and the final on 25^th Nov. Having said that, it would have been a travesty of justice if we had won that competition, considering the effort that we put in. You will win no Co. Championship without effort.

The ‘C’ team played ten games, winning only one. We were out of our depth in Div. 4 – the Co. Board is to blame for that situation. We will be in abetter position this year in Div. 5. We hope for better co-operation from the players, when they will be at their own level. My thanks to the selectors, of whom there are too few.

The U-21 team lost the first round of the Co. Championship to Shannon Rangers by 1-13 to 1-5. The minors played five games in the Co. League, winning three. We had the experience of only getting one game in the Mid-Kerry Championship, losing the semi-final to Glenbeigh. A combination of bad refereeing and injuries did not help our cause. We failed to field a team in the Co. Minor Championship against St. Brendan’s, due to injuries, work and Youth Club activities.

The U-16 team played eleven games. It lost the Co. Final to Austin Stacks by 5-12 to 2-6 and the Mid-Kerry semi-final to Beaufort by 2-10 to 1-11. However, it won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship. The team is a bit young but the great work being done by James Sheehan will bear fruit this year. The U-15 team played ten games at seven-a-side. It won the Mid-Kerry blitz, the Co. Blitz and was defeated in Gormanstown in the All-Ireland semi-final. Congratulations to James Sheehan and Donie Griffin.

The U-14 team, ‘A’ and ‘B’, played 17 games. Coached by Tommy Woods, it reached to Co. Final, only to lose to Austin Stacks by 5-11 to 1-2 but won the Mid-Kerry Championship by beating Beaufort by 5-14 to 0-2. The ‘B’ team took part in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ and Co. ‘B’ Championships. The Community Games team, coached by Noreen Murphy and Myles Coffey, retained the Co. Championship and lost the Munster Final to Turners Cross, Cork.

Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan brought the U-12 team to the Co. Final, only to lose to Austin Stacks by 2-7 to 0-3. We had the ludicrous situation where the ‘A’ team was not allowed to compete in Mid-Kerry. The ‘B’ team did compete and also in the Co. U-12B Championship. A total of sixteen games were played.

Twenty games were played in the Primary Schools competitions. Seamus Murphy took over the U-10 training on Sunday mornings and played a parish league. Bord na nOg is in a healthy state, having played 83 games. Our thanks to Bart Moriarty, who was Chairman. Our thanks, also, to the parents, who brought players in their cars to matches.

The Ladies’ Football team was very active during the year and I must apologise to the ladies for not mentioning them at the Social.

We hosted the National Football League game, Kerry v Offaly, on Sun. 5^th Feb. The field was a credit to Jim Galvin and his helpers. The number of members who turned out to lend a hand during the previous week and on the day was uplifting and a sign of the great goodwill that exists for the club. The Ladies’ Committee was outstanding and I must mention particularly Maura Tuohy for the work she did with the flags.

The Co. Centenary Draw was quite successful for the club, due mainly to the efforts of James Coffey. The members, particularly the players, are not so good at this aspect. Much smaller clubs throughout the county than ours did very much better.

I wish to thank Joe Crowley and his helpers for running the dances, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the other competitors for participating in Scór, Bart Moriarty, Johnny O Shea, Peter Lyons and Denis O Neill for acting as referees for the club. We held Lá na gClub on Sun. 29^th July. It was poorly supported but it is a good idea and could be held again. I wish to thank the primary and post-primary schools for helping to promote our games.

The ongoing saga of Cromane seeking a separate club continues. Indeed we could do without this worry. It is being perpetuated by a few individuals for singularly selfish reasons. The juvenile players are quite content to play with Laune Rangers. Thankfully, the application has been again defeated at Co. Board level.

Finally, I wish to thank my fellow officers, officials, people who give their cars and time. We have a big club and we have need of better organisation if we are to continue to grow. I am convinced that the help is there but people must be willing to come forward without waiting to be asked. Offer help with juveniles, the field, fund-raising etc. In short, the club needs a shake-up.”

Peter Lyons reported on the activities of the Ladies Football team as follows: ‘The ladies played ten Co. League games and lost only three games, to Castleisland twice and Austin Stacks. This enabled them to qualify for the Co. League Semi-final against Austin Stacks for which we were unable to field a team (girls not turning up). We also played Castleisland in the Co. Championship semi-final, which was played in Currow, where we lost by fifteen points (girls missing again).

There were also four girls who won All-Ireland and National League medals playing with Kerry Ladies Football team – Mary Jo Curran, Nora Foley, Phil Curran and Mark Buckley.

If more of the ladies put in more effort, there would have been a winning team. Well, next year is another year!

Also Christy Kissane sponsored a set of trophies for which we ran a five-a-side football league, which was won by Mary Jo Curran’s team, beating Nora Foley’s team in the final.’