1985

`Laune Rangers – 1985 

 Cromane was granted permission to form its own club, under strict conditions, some of which were never adhered to.

Laune Rangers won three-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championships and the tenth time in total.

Laune Rangers won four-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championships.

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

Mid-Kerry won the Co. U-16 District Board Championship for the first time.

Laune Rangers won the County (4^th time) and Mid-Kerry U-16 (15^th time) Football Championships.

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

Noreen Murphy trained the Community Games team to win the County (5^th time) and Munster Championships but they lost to Omagh in the All-Ireland Semi-final.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-12 Football Final to John Mitchels for the seventh successive year but won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the tenth time.

Killorglin V.S. won the Kerry Senior Football Championship.

Killorglin lost the Co. Minor ‘B’ Hurling Final to Austin Stacks but won the Co. League Div. 2.

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

Kerry beat Cork in the Munster Senior Football Final – Peter Lyons was sub goalkeeper.

Maurice Harmon was re-elected as Joint-Treasurer and Delegate to Co. Board for the Mid-Kerry Board for the sixth successive year.

Bart Moriarty was re-appointed as Secretary of the Co. referees’ committee for the seventh successive year.

*     *            *         *            *           *              *              *                *                *               *

The AGM of Laune Rangers Club took place in the Carnegie on Mon. 25^th Feb. The meeting had been deferred due to the furore regarding the setting up of a club in Cromane. (The Secretary’s report was given at the end of 1984). The Chairman, James Coffey, in his address, welcomed all present. He paid tribute to the achievements of the senior team in 1984. He said that the club could be proud of its contribution to the GAA in the first century of its being. He looked forward with even greater relish to the club’s own centenary. He paid tribute to all his officers and those who looked after the juveniles. He appealed once again to the men of Cromane to play with the club rather than seeking to divide the parish. He warned that only for the fear of that division, he would not be seeking re-election that year. However, he said that that would be his last year as Chairman.

 

Treasurers’ Report for year ended 31^st Dec. 1984

Gross Dancing Receipts     £8,318

Less Expenses

Bands                        £5,000

Advertising                 £439

Rent of hall            £1,000

Caretaker’s Fees                £240

Phone, tickets, etc.      £50

£6,729

Net Income from Dancing                  £1,589

Net Income from Centenary Draw   £3,050

Other Income:

Membership            £730

Gate Money            £243

NFL Game            £745

Shop Profit            £212

£1,930

Total Net Income     £6,569

 

Less Running Expenses

Team Travel & Expenses         £485

Players’ Travel                             £628

Field Maintenance                        £655

Dressing-room Maintenance            £524

Footballs, jerseys, equipment            £679

Trophies, medals, presentations            £486

Affiliation fees and Insurance            £223

E.S.B.                                                    £41

Admin: Phone,postage, etc.            £750

Insurance                                        £74

Bank Charges                                          £3

Bord na nOg                                    £434

Loss on Social                                    £290

Sundry                                                £139

£5,411

£1,158

Deposit Interest Received               469

Net Income for the Year            £1,627

The Treasurers’ Report, given by John Foley, continued, “As you can gather from the figures, we had only a very mediocre year on the financial side in 1984. We ended up with a net profit of £1,158, excluding bank interest, as opposed to £964 the previous year, which was regarded as a very poor year indeed.

On the income side, our receipts from dancing dropped from £13,406 in 1983 to £8,318 and accordingly our profit from dancing has fallen from £2,066 to £1,589. Now for 1985, with dancing gone, the position is fairly serious and alternative sources of revenue will have to be found, not alone to run the club but, also, to provide for any additional finance, which will be required to maintain and improve our field. This is not, of course, taking into account the fact that if we purchase a new field, as that would be a different ball-game altogether. As you are aware, we ran no Silver Circle last year, and instead we took part in the Co. Board Centenary Draw. This was fairly successful and, with the minimum of effort, it realised £3,050 as opposed to £1,578 from the Silver Circle the previous year. So for 1985, whether we revert back to the Silver Circle or not will presumably depend on whether the Co. Board runs another draw on the same lines as last year. Another point last year was that our total membership only came to 73 people, which is very small for a club this size. This year, steps are being taken to remedy the situation by the appointment of two registrars, who will be undertaking a big recruitment drive and hopefully boost this number to a few hundred in 1985. Other forms of income, in relation to previous years, were satisfactory enough.

On the expenditure side, the club kept its head well above water during the year, by applying rigid and strict control over all outgoings. The club’s running expenses came to £5,411 as opposed to £4,602 in 1983 and £5,596 in 1982. Now, bearing in mind that included in the figure of £5,411 is the provision of the children’s playground, which was written off rather than capitalised, and a more or less once-off payment to Bord na nOg, the figure would be virtually the same as the previous year. In a year of increasing costs, it is indeed a credit to all who gave of their time and effort in bringing about this position.

Again for 1985, it is only wise to point out that outgoings will again be kept under strict control and the club will have, in keeping with the present economic situation, to look after its finances in a prudent fashion.

On the Balance Sheet side, there was no Capital Outlay incurred, whereas the Net Asset position of the club at the end of the year was increased by £1,627. Nevertheless, taking into account that our main source of revenue for the past ten years is now gone, the club needs all it has in looking towards the future and to ensure that it carries on the fine tradition that is fast approaching the centenary mark.

Finally both Edso and myself would like to thank our fellow officers and all the people who helped in various ways during the year in bringing cars to matches, dancing, field etc., as it is as a result of these combined efforts that the running costs of the club have been kept so low. Last but not least, a special word of thanks to our Ladies for the running of the shop during the year and the turning in of a profit.”

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley.

Chairman – James Coffey.

Vice-Chairman – Jim Galvin.

Secretary – Jerome Conway.

Assistant Secretary – Brian O Shea.

Joint Treasurers – John Foley and Eamonn Crowley.

Registrars – John Clifford and Edward Stack.

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 – Jim Galvin, John Clifford and Liam Shannon (James Coffey withdrew).

‘C’ Team Selection Committee – James Coffey, Michael Foley and Eamonn Crowley (as Cromane was allowed to form its own team shortly afterwards, Laune Rangers did not enter a ‘C’ team in the Co. League and, therefore, that selection committee did not operate).

Arising out of both the Secretary’s Report and the Treasurers’ report, it was decided to set up a Fund-Raising Committee, particularly with a view to purchasing another field. Chairman – Joe Crowley, Secretary – Joe Shannon, Treasurers – John Foley and Eamonn Crowley, Brian O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, James Coffey and Jerome Conway.

The following motions were discussed:

1. ‘That the ‘C’ team selection committee consist of three persons’. (James Coffey). After due discussion, it was felt that the club might not have a ‘C’ team in 1985 due to lack of playing numbers and, also, there was uncertainty with regard to ‘the Cromane affair’. It was decided to leave the ‘C’ team in abeyance for the time being.
2. ‘That the following six nominees be appointed as Trustees of J.P. O Sullivan Memorial Park: Paddy Crowley, James Coffey, Jim Galvin, Jerome Conway, John Foley and Eamonn Crowley.’ (James Coffey). In moving the motion, James Coffey pointed out that the club no longer had a trustee for the field. Joe Crowley proposed its adoption, Pat Finnegan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
3. ‘That this convention considers the position of Laune Rangers in Mid-Kerry.’ (James Coffey). Most of the players, who spoke, expressed the view that as they were then winning in Mid-Kerry, they should not move to East-Kerry, as was suggested. Travel and the cost factor were prohibitive. Paddy Crowley was in favour of remaining in Mid-Kerry. Noel O Mahony suggested that the club should play in a Tralee tournament, if such came about. It was decided that the matter should be kept under constant review.

Josie Fenton proposed that Laune Rangers should object to Glenbeigh Club, which was playing players from the Killorglin parish. It was decided to have the Annual Social on New Year’s night in future. The AGM then concluded.

 

The AGM of Killorglin Hurling Club was held in The Carnegie on Thurs. 14^th Feb. The following officers were elected: President – James Coffey, Vice-President – John Fitzpatrick, Chairman – Bart Moriarty, Vice-Chairman – John Purcell, Secretary – Pat Lynch, Ass. Secretary – Michael Sweeney, Treasurer – Liam Healy, PRO – Bill Hearne and James Coffey. Committee – Jim O Malley, Maurice Geary, Josie Fenton, John Sheehan, Christy Kennedy, Seamus Murphy, Gerry Foley, Paddy Creagh, Pat Pigott, Mrs. Noreen Murphy, Mrs. Patsy Clifford, Mrs. Breda Clifford, Donie Griffin, Michael Fleming, Maurice Lynch, Pat O Shea and Johnny O Shea.

It was decided to enter teams, at all underage levels, up to and including minor, for County and South-Kerry Hurling Board competitions.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

Eighteen teams entered for the Co. Senior Football Championship, Feale Rangers, Kenmare, South-Kerry, Beale, Austin Stacks, Desmonds, Killarney, Gneeveguilla, Mid-Kerry, John Mitchels, St. Brendan’s, Kerins O Rahillys, West-Kerry, Shannon Rangers, Laune Rangers, Castleisland, Gweestin Rangers and Clanna Gael.

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

Rd. 1 on Sun. 30^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-12; Castleisland 0-6.

John Barry reported as follows in the Kerryman: “The final score might suggest that Laune Rangers had it easy in this Co. Senior Football Championship tie against Castleisland in Killorglin but, in fact, they had to produce a first-class last quarter to snuff out the challenge of a side that was Castleisland only in name, because the players came from Currow, Cordal, Brosna, Knocknagoshel and Scartaglin.

Laune Rangers led 0-7 to 0-2 at halftime and were looking comfortable enough, though they had played into what I would consider to be the scoring goals and also had enjoyed the advantage of a lightish breeze.  However, Castleisland came out in the second half and raised the level of their game substantially, with a far greater degree of commitment in evidence. Mike Galway drove over a fine point from play and Tommy Brosnan followed with another from a free, both coming within the first three minutes. The gap was narrowed in the 37^th minute, when Kevin Lane pointed and Timmy Brosnan kicked over a mighty 55-yards’ free in the 39^th minute to make it 0-7 to 0-6. However, the scoring flow stopped and, midway through the second half, Rangers shook themselves out of their lethargy. Centre halfback Paudie Sheahan had a lot to do with it, because he started to drive forward in a manner, which was quite inspirational, but Joe Shannon and Pierce Prendiville also re-emerged as principal figures at midfield. Joe Shannon, a magnificent kicker of the dead-ball, was particularly brilliant and afterwards officials of the Laune Rangers were maintaining that it was a shame that he wasn’t getting a chance with the county team.

Pierce Prendiville was involved in the movement, which brought Rangers their first point in the second half, splendidly kicked by John Griffin in the 46^th minute. From the kick-out, Rangers were back for another fine point from Joe Shannon and Castleisland had suddenly lost half of the ground that they had made up. Then everything changed in the 50^th minute. In a Laune Rangers’ attack, the ball was driven across from the right and one of the Castleisland backs failed to gather it. In the resultant play, Tom Johnston got his boot to the ball on the ground and it had just enough pace and direction to beat the Castleisland goalkeeper, Seanie O Leary. There was no stopping Rangers after that. They followed immediately with a point by John Griffin and Joe Shannon belted over a great free from well outside the 50m line, a minute later. A nice bit of combination work out the field ended with Pierce Prendiville passing to James Sheehan and he cut clean through before unleashing a terrific shot, which crashed into the roof of the net – easily the best score of the game. The ground was emptying fast as Tom Johnston kicked the last point of the game.”

That victory was achieved by superior team-work, an excellent midfield display by Joe Shannon and a powerful display at centre halfback by Paudie Sheahan. Having played with the aid of a swirling breeze, Rangers led at halftime by 0-7 to 0-2. Within ten minutes of the restart, Castleisland were only one point in arrears. Then Paudie Sheahan, who was outstanding at centre halfback, sallied up the field and was fouled about 30m out. The free went wide but from the kick-out, Joe Shannon fielded and having beaten four players, drove over a great point. Thereafter Rangers again assumed control. Teddy Clifford was introduced to the play. Tom Johnston scored a great goal. With five minutes remaining, James Sheehan raced through for a great left-footed goal.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Tomás Hayes, Joe Shannon (0-6, 4 frees), Pierce Prendiville, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Tom Johnston (1-1), James Sheehan (1-0), John O Dwyer, John Griffin (0-3), Anthony Shannon (0-2). Subs: Teddy Clifford for John Sheehan, Stephen Russell, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Mossy Joy, Pat Pigott, Gerry Foley, Ger Hurley.

Castleisland: Seanie O Leary (Cordal), Tim Geaney (Brosna), Hugh O Connor (Currow), Tim Galway (do.), James Daly (do.), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Tom O Connor (Cordal), Mick Galway (Currow), Jack O Connell (Knocknagoshel), Sean McElligott (do.), Timmy Brosnan (Currow), Kevin Lane (Brosna), Mossy Dore (Cordal), Joe Walsh (do.), Tommy Brosnan (Currow). Subs: Freddy Casey (Scartaglin) for S. McElligott, Sean Mulcahy for M. Dore.

Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert).

 

Quarter-final on Thurs. 15^th Aug. at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 0-14; Laune Rangers 0-3.

That was a disastrous performance. South-Kerry elected to play with the aid of a strong wind and led at halftime by 0-9 to 0-1, Joe Shannon being Rangers’ only scorer. The visitors struggled at midfield and Paudie Sheahan had a nightmare game at centre halfback (it later transpired that he was sick and should not have played). In the second half, the Rangers’ backs excelled but the forwards were not able to make much progress. Joe Shannon pointed a free and, near the end, John Griffin blazed over the bar with a goal at his mercy. Mid-way through that half, Paudie Sheahan made a good run up the field and was narrowly wide with a fierce low shot. Pierce Prendiville was really only a passenger. Both replacements tried hard when introduced. The team travelled by bus and was back in Killorglin for 11.15pm.

Laune Rangers’ trainer, Noel O Mahony, agreed that it had been a disappointing result for his side, who had hoped to give a better game to South-Kerry. But he rightly pointed out that not all was bad about Killorglin’s performance. The defence, especially county sub goalie, Peter Lyons, had done well. ‘But our forwards just couldn’t score. Overall, they had too many class players for us,’ he said. He also said that their side had been depleted by the absence of Anthony Shannon, Tomás Hayes, Gerard Murphy and Michael O Reilly and that Pierce Prendiville had carried an injury into the game.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon (0-2), Tom Johnston, Stephen Russell, John Hickey, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, John Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Pat Pigott for S. Russell, Gerry Foley for P. Prendiville, Michael Moriarty, Timmy Fleming.

South-Kerry: Ger Buckley (Valentia), John Galvin (Waterville), Brendy Murphy (Valentia), Mike O Leary (St. Mary’s) capt., John T. O Sullivan (Renard), Murty O Connell (St. Mary’s), John O Sullivan (Waterville), Ger Lynch (Valentia), Fionán Murphy (do.) 0-1, Pat O Connor (do.) 0-1, Ger O Driscoll (do.) 0-4, Seamus Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-4, Paudie O Shea (do.), Jerry O Sullivan (St. Michael’s) 0-3, Mike Keating (Waterville) 0-1. Subs: Gerdie O Sullivan for G. Lynch, John O Dwyer (Waterville) for J. Galvin.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

West-Kerry, captained by Denis Higgins, beat Feale Rangers in the final on Sun. 20^th Oct. by 0-11 to 1-5.

 

Co. Club Football Championship

That competition, the winner of which represented Kerry in the Munster Club Championship, in the event of a group team winning the Co. Senior Football Championship, was played for by the winners of the various District Board Championships.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 12^th Oct. at Beaufort: Lispole 2-6; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Two goals by veteran full-forward Liam Higgins in the 15^th and 20^th minutes of the second half knocked Laune Rangers out of the Club Championship. Both sides were without several regulars and the feeling amongst the small attendance was that the sides were just fulfilling the fixture. Conditions were ideal for football but the sides failed to put their hearts into the game.

Laune Rangers started in brilliant fashion and for eight minutes they camped in the Lispole half but all that resulted were four terrible wides and three saves by the Lispole goalkeeper. Lispole broke away for points by Gabriel Casey and Sean O Sullivan, before John O Dwyer opened the Killorglin scoring with a point in the 13^th minute. Four minutes later, the sides were level but Peter Lyons was called on the make a great save from Higgins before Casey put Lispole ahead in the 20^th minute. There were no further scores and Lispole led at the break by 0-3 to 0-2.

On the resumption, Michael O Reilly tied the scores and the same player kicked a fine point in the 37^th minute to give Laune Rangers the lead for the first time. Poor covering by the Rangers’ defence, following a mistake out the field, allowed Higgins in unmarked for his first goal. Joe Shannon reduced the lead three minutes later but Higgins was on hand to punch home from a free and a minute later Donal Hannifin added a point. Laune Rangers came to life. They should have been awarded a penalty when John O Dwyer was fouled in the small square. Joe Shannon added two points but it was too late to save the day.

That was a disastrous performance. Laune Rangers owned the ball but made hopeless use of it. Some of the team were not physically fit and some of the players were not making the required effort to become fit. Only a few players showed up for training during the previous weeks. Some of the players showed little heart and only Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, James O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Peter Lyons, Timmy Fleming and Michael O Reilly played close to form.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon (0-4), Michael O Reilly (0-2), John Hickey, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, John O Dwyer (0-1), Michael Moriarty, James Sheehan. Subs: Tom Johnston for T. Woods (James Sheehan to right halfback), Stephen Russell for J. Hickey, Pat Pigott for G. Evans, Richard O Connor.

Lispole: Donncha O Sullivan, John P. O Sullivan, Francie Dorgan, Sean Hanafin, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Hanafin, David Griffin, Gabriel Casey (0-4), Riobard Casey, Brian Keane, James Hanafin (0-1), Donal Hanafin, Brendie O Sullivan, Liam Higgins (2-0), Sean O Sullivan (0-1).

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 2^nd March at Valentia: Valentia 3-9; Laune Rangers 4-5.

Laune Rangers lost the toss and played against the hill in the first half. The underfoot conditions were terrible. The backs played poorly, the midfielders laboured and the forwards missed a few goaling chances. The halftime score was 2-5 to 0-2 in favour of Valentia. Although the Rangers began the second half sluggishly, missing a few scoring chances, the forwards opened up after about ten minutes and scored four goals and three points. However, time ran out and the team paid the price for the poor first half performance. Nevertheless, considering that a number of players were missing, the team played well. Extraordinarily (Rangers had requested that the game should be played on Sunday as a few players could not make the game on Saturday), the Co. Board, contrary to its own rules, ordained that it should go ahead on the Saturday.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brian O Shea, Jerry Coffey, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Paudie Sheahan, Tom Johnston, DEclan Crowley, Michael O Reilly, Joe Shannon (0-1, free), Tommy Foley, James Sheehan (0-3), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), John O Dwyer (2-0), Stephen Russell, John Griffin (2-0). Sub: Pat Pigott for S. Russell.

Missing – Anthony Shannon, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Liam Hayes, Tomás Hayes, James O Shea (Shanara) and Gerry Foley.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow) – very, very good.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 16^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-6; Legion 1-6.

Rangers made hard work of that win, as that was a weak Legion team. The players were not driving for the ball and indeed some of them were still unfit. Teddy Clifford and Brian O Shea were sound in defence. The midfielders struggled. Anthony Shannon added zip to the forward line, when he was switched. Joe Shannon pointed any scoreable frees that were awarded.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon (2-0), Teddy Clifford, Paudie Sheahan, Tommy Woods, Joe Shannon (0-4, frees), Michael O Reilly, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan (0-1), John O Dwyer (1-1), Stephen Russell, John Griffin. Subs: Gerry Foley for S. Russell (T. Johnston to full-forward, A. Shannon to right half-forward, T. Clifford to left fullback and G. Foley to right halfback), Pat Pigott, Declan Crowley, John Sheehan and Martin Clifford.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow) – good.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 7^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Beale 0-8.

That was an excellent game of football, played with championship fervour. Rangers had plenty of chances to win the game but they could not take their scores. Beale led at the break by 0-4 to 0-3. The sides were level coming up to fulltime but then Eoin Liston was adjudged to have been fouled as he burst towards the small square and from the resultant free came the winning point.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Jerry Coffey, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Gerry Foley, Paudie Sheahan, Tomás Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon (0-2), Liam Hayes (0-2), Michael O Reilly (0-2), James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, Tom Johnston, Anthony Shannon (0-1). Subs: Stephen Russell for G. Foley, Brian O Sullivan, Pat Pigott, Declan Crowley.

Ref: Dan Moynihan (Legion).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 28^th April at Castleisland: Desmonds 2-16; Laune Rangers 1-6.

One did not take on the All-Ireland Club Champions minus eight of one’s team and expect to win.

Laune Rangers: John Murphy, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan, Teddy Clifford, Stephen Russell, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, James Sheehan, Michael Moriarty, John Griffin, James O Shea, Mossy Joy. Subs: Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott.

Ref: Billy McCarthy (Gneeveguilla).

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 12^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Austin Stacks 0-7.

Rangers played very well, particularly in the first half, and led at halftime by 1-6 to 0-0. It was not often that Stacks had been kept scoreless for thirty minutes. The Tralee boys made a brave effort to save the day after the resumption but a fine defence, plus a brilliant Peter Lyons in goals, gave little away. Gene Evans, Declan Crowley, Paudie Sheahan and Teddy Clifford were excellent in defence. Joe Shannon and Pierce Prendiville lorded matters at midfield. All the forwards, with the exception of Michael O Reilly, played well.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan, Teddy Clifford, Joe Shannon (0-4, 1 free), Pierce Prendiville, Tom Johnston (0-1), Michael O Reilly, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, John Griffin (0-2), Anthony Shannon (1-1). Subs: Mossy Joy for M. O Reilly, Gerry Foley, James O Shea, Brian O Sullivan, Tommy Foley.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 2^nd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Kerins O Rahillys 2-8.

Laune Rangers played good football at times during that game. With the aid of the breeze in the first half, O Rahillys took every chance that came their way and led at halftime by 0-7 to 0-3. They scored a point from the throw-in on resuming but the Rangers began a fight-back. James Sheehan, Joe Shannon and Tom Johnston played extremely well. With ten minutes remaining, Rangers had gone into a one point lead (0-8 to 0-7). Then disaster struck. They conceded two penalties, both of which were converted, even though the first came off the crossbar. Brian O Shea and Paudie Sheahan defended very well but some others of the backs were sluggish.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Teddy Clifford, Joe Shannon (0-4), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Tom Johnston, Michael O Reilly (0-1), Anthony Shannon (0-2), John O Dwyer, James Sheehan (0-2), Mossy Joy. Subs: Stephen Russell for M. Joy, Gerry Foley, James O Shea, Pat Pigott.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 13^th July at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 0-8; Laune Rangers 0-11.

Laune Rangers played sluggishly but put some good moves together and scored some good points. The halfback line played very well, James O Shea defended well, while Joe Shannon and Pierce Prendiville were on top at midfield all through the game. In attack, Tom Johnston and James Sheehan were very good. John O Dwyer missed a few easy chances.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon (0-5), Teddy Clifford (0-1), Tom Johnston, James Sheehan (0-2), John O Dwyer (0-1), Stephen Russell, Anthony Shannon (0-2). Subs: Gerry Foley for T. Hayes (inj.), Pat Pigott. John Griffin did not show up for the game. Tommy Woods was sick.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 4^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Spa 0-5.

After a tentative first half, Laune Rangers led by 1-4 to 0-3 at the break. They played much better in the second half. Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston completely dominated midfield. Paudie Sheahan was outstanding in defence and Gene Evans had one of his best games ever, while Tommy Woods showed good determination. The other backs also played well as did their very reliable goalkeeper, Peter Lyons. Joe Shannon, James Sheehan and, to a lesser degree, John Hickey were the best of the forwards, for whom the corner-men were far from impressive. Unfortunately, Pierce Prendiville injured a knee and had to be replaced.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Tom Johnston (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, John Hickey, Joe Shannon (0-5), James Sheehan (2-1), Pat Pigott, Stephen Russell (0-1), Anthony Shannon. Subs: John Griffin for A. Shannon, John O Dwyer for P. Pigott, James O Shea for P. Prendiville (inj.).

Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert) – not as sharp as usual.

 

Rd. 9 on Sat. 31^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-11; Dr. Crokes 2-6.

That was a home fixture for Dr. Crokes but they conceded home advantage because they had no pitch. Laune Rangers generally played well but two mistakes, which led to goals, cost them the points. The way they were conceded would put a juvenile to shame if he were guilty of the same mistakes. Pat Brennan played well in goals. Teddy Clifford had the proverbial blinder. The other backs also played well, except for the two mistakes. The others played quite well.

Laune Rangers: Pat Brennan, Teddy Clifford, Brian O Shea, Gene Evans, Declan Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Tommy Woods, Tomás Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, Pat Pigott, Michael Moriarty, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, Tom Johnston, James Sheehan. Subs: Stephen Russell, Mícheál Johnston, Gerry Foley and Timmy Fleming.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh) – only fair.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 29^th Sept. at Ballylongford: Ballylongford 2-14; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Joe Shannon was sick but still managed to play well. Brian O Shea, James O Shea, John O Dwyer and Liam Hayes, when moved to right halfback, played well in defence. Peter Lyons brought off some fine saves and could not be faulted for the shots that beat him. Minors, Timmy Fleming, Pat Brennan and Michael Moriarty looked very promising.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), James Sheehan (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Liam Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, Pat Brennan (0-1), Michael Moriarty (0-1), Timmy Fleming (1-1, penalty), John O Dwyer (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), Noel O Mahony. There were no substitutes. Missing – Gene Evans (silage), Tomás Hayes (in Kilkenny), Tommy Woods (in Derrynane), Tom Johnston and Stephen Russell (both injured), John Hickey and Michael O Reilly (soccer), John Griffin, Teddy Clifford and Gerry Foley were unaccounted for. To make matters worse, some of the regular substitutes did not travel.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Patrick’s).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. Dec. at Gneeveguilla: Gneeveguilla 1-4; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Laune Rangers and Gneeveguilla had to win to avoid relegation. The visitors gave a performance out of the top drawer. Admittedly, the home side was without the services of the injured Ambrose O Donovan but Rangers were in outstanding form. They dominated from the throw-in but found scores hard to come by. James Sheehan scored a goal and Teddy Clifford two excellent points. Joe Shannon gave them a 1-3 to 0-3 lead at the break. On the resumption, Gneeveguilla exerted great pressure that yielded 1-1 and the lead for the home side. Then Rangers raised their game and, from then to the end, they dominated the play. Tom Johnston was outstanding at midfield as was Paudie Sheahan at centre halfback. Stephen Russell played well at full-forward and James Sheehan scored 1-3. Indeed, all the players played well which showed that when they really wanted to, they could play well. Some of the Rangers’ officials spent three-quarters of an hour afterwards searching unsuccessfully for a ball that had gone into an overgrown area behind the goals. Most of the entourage stopped at the Castle Heights Hotel, Killarney, on the way home for sandwiches and beverages.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Teddy Clifford (0-2), Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Tom Johnston (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Tomás Hayes, Joe Shannon (0-3), Timmy Fleming, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, James Sheehan (1-3). Subs: John Hickey for J. O Shea (inj.), Mícheál Johnston (1-0) for J. Hickey, Paul Griffin.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Co. Club ‘B’ Football Championship

Players who had played in the previous Senior Football Championship were ineligible for that competition. However, the following players were regraded: Mícheál Johnston, Stephen Russell and John Hickey.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 25^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Churchill ‘B’ scr.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 14^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8; Legion ‘B’ 0-11.

Laune Rangers played well in the first half, although they missed some scoring chances. However, they played poorly in the second half. John Sheehan played brilliantly at midfield. Declan Crowley played well in defence. The teams were level with two minutes remaining. An argument arose between Patsy Joy, John Galvin and the linesman about the exact position from which a Legion line ball should be taken. Meanwhile, Legion had been awarded a 20m free. When the argument persisted and was joined by some of the Rangers’ supporters, the game was abandoned. At the Co. Board meeting on 12^th Aug, arising out of the referee’s report and the recommendations of Co. GPC, which had been attended, on behalf of Laune Rangers, by Jerome Conway, James Coffey and John Galvin (Keelcoulacht), the following recommendations were accepted:

1. John Galvin (Laune Rangers) was suspended for two months. 2. Laune Rangers club was fined £100 for abuse of the referee by officials and supporters of the club at that game. 3. Laune Rangers Club was severely warned as to the future conduct of its supporters. 4. The game was awarded to Legion.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Declan Crowley, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Tommy Woods, Brian O Sullivan, Pa Foley, John Sheehan, Liam Healy, Stephen Russell, Mossy Joy. Subs: Tommy Foley for L. Healy, Frank Russell for J. Sheehan (Tinahalla), John Murphy, Edward Stack, Michael Moriarty, Richard O Connor, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Dermot Griffin, John Galvin, Tom O Connor.

Ref: Tony Falvey (Firies).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 4B

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 24^th March at Dingle: Dingle ‘B’ 0-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-6.

Noel Doyle, Martin Clifford and Gerry Foley were excellent in defence. Stephen Russell dominated at midfield. Brian O Sullivan looked promising. Donal Hurley was sent off in the second half for fighting with his direct opponent.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Noel Doyle, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, Stephen Russell, John Sheehan (Glencuttane) 0-1, Tommy Foley, Pa Foley (0-1), James O Shea (Shanara) 2-1, Brian O Sullivan (0-2), Mossy Joy (0-1), John Sheehan (Tinahalla) 2-0. Subs: Patrick McInery, Roy Evans.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine) – very poor.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 7^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7; Beale ‘B’ 0-5.

Rangers laboured at midfield but still managed to put on a good performance.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Noel Doyle, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford, Pat Pigott, Michael Sweeney, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Liam Healy, Tommy Foley, Pa Foley, James O Shea (Shanara), Brian O Sullivan, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan (Tinahalla). Subs: John Galvin, Pat Diggin.

Ref: Pat Kelliher (Fossa).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 28^th April at Castleisland: Desmonds ‘B’ 1-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-7.

The ‘A’ team, being very short of players, commandeered a number of the ‘B’ team. Nevertheless, the others played very well.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Noel Doyle, Declan Crowley, Donal Hurley, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Pat Pigott (capt.), Liam Healy, Pa Foley, Tommy Woods, Pat McInery, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), John Sheehan (Tinahalla). Sub: Roy Evans for P. McInery.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 12^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-4; Austin Stacks ‘C’ 1-8.

Overall it was an inept Rangers’ performance. Nevertheless, Michael Sweeeney played well in defence and John Sheehan tried hard at midfield. Brian O Sullivan scored the goal from a penalty.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Noel Doyle, Donal Hurley, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Edward Stack, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Stephen Russell, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Liam Healy, Tommy Foley, Brian O Sullivan, Frank Russell, John Sheehan (Tinahalla). Subs: Dominic Crowley for P. Foley, Pat McInery.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 2^nd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 0-7.

The Rangers’ backs played well. James O Shea played well at midfield. The forwards, with the exception of Brian O Sullivan, played poorly. From the throw-in, John Sheehan kicked the ball to the net – the O Rahillys goalkeeper had not taken up his position.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Patrick Clifford (Dromin), Patrick Foley (Laharn), Donal Hurley, Gerry Foley, Noel Doyle, Pat Pigott, Michael Sweeeney, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Richard O Connor, Brian O Sullivan, Tommy Foley, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Liam Healy, Frank Russell, John Murphy. Subs: Pa Foley (Iveragh Road) for T. Foley, Tom O Connor, Pat McInery.

Ref: Jerry Keating (Renard).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 14^th July at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ 1-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-4.

Laune Rangers were very short of transport for that game. John Sheehan, John Clifford and John Hickey took players in their cars and Martin Clifford drove Jerome Conway’s car. Michael Moriarty played very well at midfield.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Patrick Clifford, Martin Clifford, Donal Hurley, Patrick Foley (Laharn), Pat Pigott, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeeney, John Hickey, Michael Moriarty, Tommy Foley, Mossy Joy, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Brian O Sullivan, Frank Russell, John Murphy. Subs: James Foley for J. Sheehan, Richard O Connor for F. Russell, Pat McInery for B. O Sullivan.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 7 on Thurs. 25^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; John Mitchels ‘B’ 1-8.

Michael Moriarty and John Hickey excelled for the Rangers. Martin Clifford tried very hard. Unfortunately, most of the others were plainly unfit. Mossy Joy missed a penalty and Mitchels scored a penalty and, basically, that was the difference between the sides.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: John Murphy, Gerry Foley, Donal Hurley, Edward Stack, Noel Doyle, Martin Clifford, Michael Sweeney, Michael Moriarty, Pat Pigott, James Foley (Corbally), Pa Foley, John Sheehan, Mossy Joy, John Hickey, Florence Leen. Subs: Pat McInery for E. Stack, Dominic Crowley for J. Foley.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 4^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Spa ‘B’ 0-2.

Mossy Joy scored an extraordinary goal in the second half. He volleyed the ball, which was dropping outside the forty-five metres line, having been kicked-out by the goalie, Bernie O Riordan, from the twenty metres line. The wind caught the ball and it curled beautifully over the goalie’s head before he had time to recover. Pa Foley scored a penalty and John Murphy scored some nice points from dead-ball situations. All the backs, particularly Martin Clifford, played very well. Michael Moriarty played well at midfield. Pa Foley, Mossy Joy and John Sheehan were the pick of the forwards. Spa started with only fourteen men and were very poor.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Patrick Clifford, Florence Leen, Donal Hurley, Gerry Foley, Noel Doyle, Richard O Connor, Michael Sweeney, Michael Moriarty, Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), John Murphy, Pa Foley, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Pat McInery, Mossy Joy, James Foley. Sub: Dominic Crowley for P. McInery.

Ref: Pat Kelliher (Fossa).

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 18^th Aug. at Valentia: Valentia ‘B’ v Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 1^st Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-6; Currow ‘B’ 2-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Patrick Brennan, Pat Pigott, Donal hurley, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, Richard O Connor, Noel Doyle, Michael Moriarty, Martin Clifford, Tommy Foley, Pa Foley, James Foley, Pat McInery, Frank Russell, Florence Leen. Sub: Joe Doyle for P. McInery.

Ref: Tom Brosnan (Currow).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Gneeveguilla: Gneeveguilla ‘B’ v Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 5^th May at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-14; Beaufort 0-4.

In the first half, James Sheehan and Michael O Reilly kicked a good point each. Paudie Sheahan kicked two points. Beaufort retaliated with two points from frees. Joe Shannon was outstanding when moved to midfield and closed the scoring for that half with a pointed free to leave his side ahead at the break by 0-5 to 0-2.

Rangers gave an exhibition in the second half. The backs were outstanding, especially Paudie Sheahan and Brian O Shea. James Sheehan, John Griffin (when he moved to full-forward) and Joe Shannon combined well. John O Dwyer scored the goal.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan, Teddy Clifford, Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan, Mossy Joy, Michael O Reilly, Joe Shannon, John O Dwyer, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), John Griffin. Subs: Anthony Shannon for J. O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Stephen Russell, Gerry Foley.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Fri. 19^th July at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-7; Glenbeigh 0-7.

That was a dour, bruising and unsporting game with ridiculous tackles that were only punished with bookings. There was no doubt but that Glenbeigh had some real bully boys on its team e.g. Neillie O Sullivan, Peadar O Sullivan and Pat Sheahan.

Rangers played against a strong wind in the first half and, having played well, led at halftime by 0-5 to 0-3. The backs had played very well, midfield was equally good and the forwards looked dangerous, particularly James Sheehan and Stephen Russell. John O Dwyer was at his impish best. He had a shot deflected per the crossbar for a point and another saved by the goalkeeper’s boot.

On the resumption, Rangers again attacked and after five minutes they led by 0-7 to 0-3, with points by Anthony and Joe Shannon. Thereafter, they ran out of steam at midfield and the full-forward line. Their cause was not helped by injuries to Tom Johnston and Pierce Prendiville. Gene Evans did not give Denis ‘Mannix’ Griffin a look at the ball. With ten minutes remaining, and the score at 0-7 to 0-5, James Sheehan was sent off, having been booked earlier. Three others from either side were booked. However, Rangers held out for the draw. Best for Rangers were Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Joe Shannon, Stephen Russell and Anthony Shannon.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon (0-5, frees), Pierce Prendiville, Stephen Russell, Tom Johnston, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer (0-1), John Griffin, Anthony Shannon (0-1). Subs: John Hickey for S. Russell, Mossy Joy, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Michael O Reilly.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting on Wed. 24^th July, it was reported by the referee that James Sheehan had been sent off for a personal foul and he was suspended for two weeks.

 

Semi-final replay on Fri. 9^th Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-10; Glenbeigh 3-7.

That was an epic, in stark contrast to the drawn game. Glenbeigh elected to play with the strong wind in the first half. Laune Rangers attacked from the throw-in and raced into a four points’ lead, per a goal and a point from Anthony Shannon. For the goal, John O Dwyer intelligently broke the ball down to the inrushing Anthony Shannon and he made no mistake. Glenbeigh then grasped the initiative and drew level with a goal by Michael Moriarty. At halftime, Rangers were two points in arrears.

Even with the aid of the wind, Rangers took a long time to draw level. Glenbeigh never stopped trying and actually led by a point with the game in injury time. Then John O Dwyer drove over the equaliser amidst scenes of delight from the Rangers’ supporters.

In the first period of extra-time, Rangers again raced into a four points’ lead against the wind, Anthony Shannon converting a penalty having been fouled himself. Glenbeigh again retaliated with a goal by Donie O Sullivan to leave the halftime scores level once more. Anthony Shannon had been removed with a broken leg after an accidental clash with John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

The Rangers’ backs were playing outstandingly well as was the often much-criticised full-forward line. With three minutes remaining, Pat O Grady was sent off for punching John O Dwyer in an off-the-ball incident and leaving him concussed. Glenbeigh, in the ensuing confusion, replaced the man that had been sent off, but the referee, although approached by Laune Rangers’ officials about the matter, refused to take any action. With the penultimate kick of the game, John O Dwyer scored a goal from a John Hickey centre, but the score was disallowed for a square infringement. So the game again ended level.

As already mentioned, the Rangers’ backs, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley (second half) and Gene Evans (second half), were outstanding. Rangers badly missed the services of Pierce Prendiville at midfield, though Joe Shannon tried manfully. The half-forward line was ineffective but the full-forward line really redeemed itself.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Tom Johnston, Joe Shannon, Stephen Russell, John Hickey, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, John Griffin, Anthony Shannon. Subs: Michael Moriarty for S. Russell, Timmy Fleming for A. Shannon (inj.), Pat Pigott for M. Moriarty, James O Shea (Caragh Lake) for T. Woods (inj.), Gerry Foley, Pat Brennan.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

 

2^nd Replay on Fri. 6^th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-8; Glenbeigh 0-5.

History repeated itself. Just as in 1967, Laune Rangers won the second replay against Glenbeigh (played in 1968). Rangers elected to play against the breeze. Play was even at first but then Glenbeigh took control at midfield and the Rangers’ backs were subjected to tremendous pressure. They responded splendidly, none more so than Peter Lyons, in goals, who intercepted a very good shot by Denis ‘Mannix’ Griffin and later ran twenty yards to his left to stop the same player. On another occasion, Paudie Sheahan stopped Neillie O Sullivan in his tracks with a very good shoulder charge. The backs were all heroes. Glenbeigh, in that period, scored 0-3 from frees. Rangers switched Tom Johnston to midfield and that made a difference, as they attacked and Joe Shannon scored two points, one free, to leave the halftime score 0-3 to 0-2 in favour of Glenbeigh.

On the resumption, Rangers attacked relentlessly. John Hickey, fielding well, scored a great long-range point. James Sheehan had a similar score to give his side the lead. It was all one-way traffic then. Joe Shannon had a point from a free after Pierce Prendiville was fouled by John Griffin (the Glenbeigh defender broke his collar-bone in the process.). In a very good Glenbeigh raid, Peadar O Sullivan got inside the defence, rounded the goalie and blazed wide. What a let-off! John O Dwyer scored a very good point. Michael Moriarty put James Sheehan through and he blazed over the bar. John Griffin was put through and he blazed high and wide. The tension was then at breaking point with ten minutes to go. Michael Moriarty fielded well and had his leg pulled as he was about to shoot. Play on! James Sheehan was fouled by Pat Sheehan. Play on! Pat Sheehan pole-axed John O Dwyer, with his fist, right in front of the referee. Name taken, only! Joe Shannon pointed another free. Seconds ticking away! A Glenbeigh free was lobbed to the left of the Rangers’ goals but it was well fielded by Pierce Prendiville. Another Glenbeigh free was lobbed into the square but was superbly fielded by Brian O Shea. A shot for goals was well saved by Gene Evans. Then, full-time and elation!

Rangers really played well in the second half. Tomás Hayes, when he came on at left halfback, had the proverbial blinder. There was no lacking heart and commitment from the team on that occasion.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Declan Crowley, Tomás Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, John Hickey (0-1), Michael Moriarty, Joe Shannon (0-4), John O Dwyer (0-1), Tom Johnston, James Sheehan (0-2). Subs: John Griffin for T. Hayes, Tomás Hayes for D. Crowley, Mícheál Johnston for J. Griffin, Stephen Russell, Pat Pigott, Gerry Foley, Richard O Connor, Michael O Reilly, Pat Brennan, Timmy Fleming.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – he had a good game until the last ten minutes, when he gave the Rangers nothing.

 

Final on Sun. 15^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Keel 1-6.

The Kerryman carried the following report: “In a most exciting Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship final played at Killorglin, Laune Rangers captured their third successive title when they overcame a spirited challenge from an under-rated Keel team. Keel surprised a good attendance at J.P. O Sullivan Park by the manner in which they took the game to the holders from the throw-in. In fact, Rangers had to wait until the twenty-first minute for their first score, which came from midfielder Tom Johnston. At that stage, Rangers were lucky to be only three points in arrears. Indeed, the reigning champions did not hit the front until midway through the second half. Then, nine minutes from the end, they were rocked by a great Keel goal, to lose that lead. Rangers, however, showed their real quality when fighting back to shoot three points in as many minutes to regain the initiative again and they held on to the end.

The match was played in near-perfect conditions, with only a changeable breeze causing the players any problem. Keel opened well and, with John Foley winning good possession at midfield, they exerted maximum pressure on the Rangers’ rearguard. At the end of the first quarter, Keel led by 0-3 to 0-0, courtesy of three pointed frees by Larry McKenna. Tom Johnston then opened Rangers’ account but big John Cahillane restored Keel’s advantage with a fisted point. Then three minutes before halftime came the turning point in the match. A long ball into the Rangers’ goalmouth looked destined for the net, after Rangers’ goalie, Peter Lyons, and Cahillane had collided, but halfback, Tomás Hayes, cleared the ball off his line. That clearance sparked off a great Ranger move, which ended with corner-forward, John O Dwyer, cracking a great shot into the right-hand corner of the Keel net. So, Rangers, instead of being six points adrift, were on level terms. Just on halftime, Keel’s Tom Evans kicked a neat point to leave his side ahead by 0-5 to 1-1 at the break.

One felt that, perhaps, Rangers’ goal before halftime would seriously affect Keel’s confidence but a minute into the second half, Tom Evans struck for another good point to give Keel a two points’ advantage. However, Rangers, though kicking quite a number of wides, began to settle more into the game and, with Tom Johnston then becoming a dominant force at midfield, they were slowly wearing down the Keel men. They had points from Tom Johnston and James Sheehan to draw level for the second time in the match and then a second point by James Sheehan in the 44^th minute gave Rangers the lead for the first time. At that stage, Rangers were looking good but some careless shooting by their forwards meant that they were not pressing home their advantage.

Cahillane’s goal in the 51^st minute – a thundering shot that came down off the underneath of the crossbar – set the scene for an exciting finish. Rangers rose to the occasion and two points by Joe Shannon and one from Michael Moriarty restored their one-point advantage with six minutes remaining. A good point from Rangers’ John Griffin, three minutes from the end, was the last score of the game.

For this notable victory, Rangers can thank, in the main, midfielder Tom Johnston, who was the undisputed man-0f-the-match. He was well-supported by Gene Evans, Tommy Woods and Paudie Sheahan in defence, while in the Rangers’ attack James Sheehan, Joe Shannon and John O Dwyer did best against a sticky Keel defence.”

History was made! That was the first time that Laune Rangers had won three-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry Senior Championship titles. Due to John Foley’s dominance, Rangers moved Joe Shannon to midfield and that improved matters. For his goal, John O Dwyer collected the ball on the right of the square, moved across the goalmouth, sold a beautiful dummy to Jim ‘Fox’ Foley (not an easy thing to do!) and left-footed the ball to the right corner of the net.

After the match, Mid-Kerry Board Chairman, Michael McCarthy, presented the Kennedy Cup to Paudie Sheahan, Laune Rangers’ captain. Rangers midfielder, Tom Johnston, received the AIB man-of-the-match award, selected by Tom Keane, Cahersiveen.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, Tommy Woods, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Tomás Hayes, Tom Johnston (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan (0-2), Michael Moriarty (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), John O Dwyer (1-0), John Hickey, John Griffin (0-1). Subs: Declan Crowley, Stephen Russell, Pat Pigott, Gerry Foley, Michael O Reilly, Pat Brennan, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Mícheál Johnston, Timmy Fleming, Richard O Connor, Liam Hayes (arrived unexpectedly from Boston).

Keel: John Breen, Johnny Sheehan, James Long, Jim ‘Fox’ Foley, Ian Foley, Seanie Foley, Danny Evans, John Foley, Larry McKenna (0-3, frees), Tom Evans (0-2), Sean Sheehan, Lar Joe McKenna, Denis Foley, John Cahillane (capt.) 1-1, Maurice O Dwyer. Subs:  Denny O Shea, William O Shea, Billy Corcoran, John Ladden, Bill O Brien, Tommy Corcoran, Michael Sayers, John Fitzgerald.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – he handled his first Mid-Kerry Senior Championship final like a veteran.

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-11; Beaufort 2-3.

Beaufort got off to a good start and, after a series of attacks, went ahead with a punched goal after five minutes. Laune Rangers settled down and played some controlled football to strike back with goals from John Griffin and Peter Lyons to lead at halftime by 2-4 to 1-2. It was all Rangers in the second half as they ran out easy winners. That was an experimental Rangers side and many of the experiments worked well. Michael Moriarty played very well, scoring 0-3 off Patie Hartnett. At halftime, Gene Evans went into goals and Tommy Woods had an excellent second half at right halfback. Both midfielders were in great form, especially Michael O Reilly. Gerry Foley played well and Paudie Sheahan was outstanding. Admittedly, Beaufort were under-strength but Rangers were missing Tomás Hayes (Sigerson Cup), Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville and John O Dwyer (playing soccer), Anthony Shannon (trip to Cork), Liam Hayes and Teddy Clifford.

Laune Rangers: Tommy Woods, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Gerry Foley, James O Shea (Shanara) 0-1, Paudie Sheahan, Pat Pigott, Michael O Reilly, Joe Shannon (0-3), Tommy Foley (0-3), James Sheehan (0-1), Michael Moriarty (0-3), Michael Sweeney, Stephen Russell, John Griffin (2-0). Subs: Peter Lyons (1-0) for M. Sweeney, Pierce Prendiville for T. Foley, Jerry Coffey for J. Sheehan, Patrick McInery.

Ref: George Evans (Keel).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 24^th Feb. at Keel: Keel 0-2; Laune Rangers 2-15.

The Rangers showed great appetite for the game and completely outplayed the opposition. All the backs played well, although Ger Hurley was called upon to make two first-class saves in the first half. Michael O Reilly and Joe Shannon played outstandingly. All the forwards played well, combining well and scoring. The Mid-Kerry League was used by Rangers to experiment with different players and combinations.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Gerry Foley (0-1), Pat Pigott (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Tommy Woods, Michael O Reilly (0-1, free), Joe Shannon (0-3, 2 frees), Teddy Clifford (0-2), Michael Moriarty, Anthony Shannon (1-3), John O Dwyer (1-1), James Sheehan (0-2), John Griffin (0-1). Subs: Jerry Coffey for T. Clifford (inj.), John Murphy for G. Hurley, Michael Sweeney for A. Shannon, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Pat McInery.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 10^th March at Rossbeigh: Glenbeigh 4-9; Laune Rangers 1-4.

That was a total disaster from a Laune Rangers’ point of view. They played with the assistance of the wind in the first half and were only on level terms at halftime – 1-4 each. Michael O Reilly was inclined to stray from the middle of the field and that cost the Rangers on occasions.

Laune Rangers: Tommy Woods, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Jerry Coffey, James O Shea (Shanara) 0-1, Paudie Sheahan, Gerry Foley, Joe Shannon (0-1), Michael O Reilly (0-1), Tommy Foley, James Sheehan, Teddy Clifford, John O Dwyer (0-1), Stephen Russell (1-0), Pat Pigott. Subs: Michael Moriarty for P. Pigott, Declan Crowley for T. Foley, John Sheehan (Tinahalla) for J. O Dwyer.

Ref: John Coffey (Beaufort) – inconsistent.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 31^st March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-2.

After a shaky start by the Rangers, they routed their opponents.

Laune Rangers: Tommy Woods, Gerry Foley, Brian O Shea, Jerry Coffey, Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Liam Hayes, Michael O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville, Anthony Shannon, Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, Tom Johnston, John Griffin. Subs: Martin Clifford, James O Shea and Stephen Russell (all played), Pat Pigott.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 22^nd June at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-15; Beaufort 2-4.

That was a poorly attended game but the fare was always entertaining. It was not until the last minute that Rangers got the goal, which was hammered home by John Griffin. The Rangers’ backs were unsure and could have conceded another few goals, but for timely saves by Ger Hurley. The forwards played well, though lacking real penetration. Best for Rangers were Paudie Sheahan, Tom Johnston, Joe Shannon, John Griffin and Anthony Shannon.

Laune Rangers: Ger Hurley, Tommy Woods, Brian O Shea, Gene Evans, Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan (capt.) 0-1, Declan Crowley, Pierce Prendiville, Tom Johnston (0-3), John Sheehan, Joe Shannon (0-2), James Sheehan (0-2), John O Dwyer (0-1), John Griffin (1-2), Anthony Shannon (0-4). Subs: James O Shea (Caragh Lake) for G. Evans, Mossy Joy for John Sheehan, Pat Pigott for J. O Dwyer.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sun. 17^th Nov. at Milltown: Glenbeigh 0-8; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Glenbeigh took the game to Laune Rangers right from the throw-in and inside seven minutes they were three points clear, mainly due to the powerful fielding and shooting of midfielder Jimmy O Sullivan. The absence of Tom Johnston was to cost Rangers dearly in that sector. Glenbeigh’s tactic of playing the low ball into full-forward Denis Griffin paid handsome dividends and, with corner-forward Mike Moriarty feeding off Griffin, the scores came. At halftime, it was 0-7 to 0-2 in favour of Glenbeigh.

For the second half, Rangers introduced minor star, Timmy Fleming into their attack in place of John Hickey and switched centre halfback, Michael O Reilly, to the forty. But really it was the awakening of Joe Shannon at midfield that inspired Rangers to a second half comeback. Joe Shannon pointed four excellent frees without reply to narrow the gap to just one point entering the final quarter. In that second half, Glenbeigh seemed to panic when they failed to get early scores and gave away many unnecessary frees for which they were punished by Joe Shannon.

Rangers were applying nearly all the pressure but Glenbeigh substitute, Padraig O Shea, lifted the siege with a good point six minutes from the end. Then Joe Shannon missed a free in the 56^th minute, but he pointed one in the 58^th minute and half a minute later he kicked another one just wide. In the exciting dying minutes, Glenbeigh hung on the slimmest margins. For Laune Rangers, who considered themselves a trifle unlucky not to have forced a draw, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Joe Shannon and Michael Moriarty were best.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Teddy Clifford, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Declan Crowley, Michael O Reilly (0-1), Tomás Hayes, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon (0-5, frees), Stephen Russell, Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty (0-1), John Hickey. Subs: Gene Evans for J. Sheehan (inj.), Timmy Fleming for J. Hickey, James Sheehan for T. Clifford.

Glenbeigh: Paul Moriarty, Morgan Sheehan, John Griffin, Pat Foley, Patie Griffin, Pat O Grady, Mattie Murphy, Jimmy O Sullivan (0-2), Pat O Riordan, Pat Sheahan, Donie O Sullivan (0-1), Peadar O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty (0-3, 1 free), Denis Griffin (0-1), Aidan Roche. Subs: Seanie Brennan for P. O Riordan, Padraig O Shea (0-1) for P. Sheahan, Pat Sheahan for M. Moriarty.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 14^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Patrick Clifford (Dromin), Edward Stack, Donal Hurley, Pat Foley (Laharn), Martin Clifford, Pat Pigott, Michael Sweeney, Liam Healy, Richard O Connor, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Tommy Foley, John Murphy, Brian O Sullivan, Frank Russell, Dominic Crowley. Sub: Peter McGillycuddy for D. Crowley.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 21^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-21; Cromane ‘B’ 1-3.

In fairness, a very young Cromane side was sent like lambs to the slaughter. Laune Rangers missed as much as they scored. Cromane were awarded a penalty in the last minute, which Michael ‘Fox’ O Shea scored. Noel Doyle, Martin Clifford and Michael Sweeney played outstandingly well in defence for the Rangers. John Sheehan dominated midfield, as did Michael Moriarty, when he came on at halftime. Brian O Sullivan got some lovely scores.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Patrick Foley, Donal Hurley, Edward Stack, Noel Doyle, gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Martin Clifford, Brian O Sullivan, Tommy Foley, John Sheehan, Liam Healy, Frank Russell, John Murphy. Subs: Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park) for E. Stack, Pat O Donnell for L. Healy, Dermot Griffin for J. Murphy, Pat McInery, Tom O Connor, John Galvin.

Ref: Johnny Sheehan (Keel).

Included in the Cromane ‘B’ team were John O Keeffe, John O Sullivan, *Timothy O Neill, Paul O Sullivan, Billy O Neill, Brendan Teahan, James O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, Patrick McDonagh, Michael ‘Fox’ O Shea, Denis Teahan.

* Timmy O Neill, Castleconway, was illegal to play with Cromane, as he lived outside the agreed station districts but that was only the beginning, as, over the next number of years, Cromane blatantly flouted the agreement, which had been made with Laune Rangers. The Kerry Co. Board was supposed to be the guardian of that agreement but failed badly in its responsibilities.

 

Rd. 3 on Tues. 28^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Keel ‘B’ scr.

 

Rd. 4 on Tues. 4^th June at Fossa: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Edward Stack, Pat Pigott, Patrick Foley, Noel Doyle, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, Richard O Connor, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Brian O Sullivan, Liam Healy, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Tommy Foley, Pa Foley, John Murphy. Subs: Tom O Connor for J. Murphy, Pat McInery for L. Healy, Dominic Crowley, John Galvin.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Tues. 25^th June at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8.

The two clubs had tossed for venue and Beaufort won. Brian O Sullivan was awarded man-of-the-match, chiefly because he scores 1-4. John Sheehan played well at midfield. Gerry Foley excelled at centre halfback, while Pat Clifford played well in goals. That was the fourth year-in-a-row that Laune Rangers had won that competition.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Patrick Foley, Donal Hurley, Edward Stack, Pat Pigott (capt.), Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, John Sheehan (Glencuttane), Martin Clifford (Glencuttane), Brian O Sullivan, Pa Foley, John Sheehan, John Murphy, Frank Russell, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park). Subs: Noel Doyle for M. Clifford, Liam Healy, Tom O Connor, Richard O Connor, John Galvin, Pat McInery, Dominic Crowley.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

 

Senior Football Challenge/Tournament Games

 

Sun. 14^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Knocknagoshel.

Tues. 18^th June at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s 0-11; Laune Rangers 1-15.

 

Wed. 24^th July, Glenbeigh Carnival at Glenbeigh: St. Mary’s 1-15; Laune Rangers 1-7.

That was a very creditable performance, being short so many regulars and St. Mary’s were virtually at full strength. Rangers were well in the game at halftime, when the victors led by 1-5 to 1-3. In the second half, St. Mary’s kicked some fine points, while Rangers missed two or three goaling opportunities. Pat Pigott and John Hickey were outstanding.

Laune Rangers: Richard O Connor, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Pat Pigott, Florence Leen, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Michael O Reilly, Stephen Russell, Michael Moriarty, John Hickey, Teddy Clifford, James Foley, John Griffin, Gerry Foley. Sub: Patrick McKenna (Lonart) for F. Leen.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Over-35 Years’ Football

 

Fri. 26^th July, Glenbeigh Carnival at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 2-8; Laune Rangers 2-11.

Laune Rangers had only eleven players and had to ‘borrow’ three from Glenbeigh. The teams then had fourteen-a-side. The score-line at halftime was 1-3 to 0-3 in favour of Glenbeigh. Laune Rangers completely dominated the second half and, even though they won, the game was unanimously declared a draw.

Laune Rangers: Pat O Shea (Sunhill), John Murphy (Glenbeigh), Paul Lucey, Mike Hassett, Jerome Conway, Mike Murphy, Jackie O Dwyer, James Ferris, Mike Breen (Glenbeigh), Eoin Mangan (Sn), Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Tom Murphy (Glenbeigh), Brendan Mangan (capt.), Patsy Joy.

Sub: Denny O Shea (Glenbeigh) for J. O Dwyer (inj.).

Glenbeigh: Paddy Brennan, James Harmon, Teddy Bowler, Paddy O Sullivan, Jim Moriarty, Mícheál Griffin, Jerry O Riordan, Kevin Griffin, Liam Scully, Jimmy Healy, Joe Sweeney, Michael O Riordan, Des Connor, Sean Sheahan.

Ref: John Griffin (Glenbeigh).

 

Sun. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-8; Glenbeigh 1-7.

That game was in aid of Live Aid for Africa. Glenbeigh had only twelve players and Laune Rangers gave them Frank Russell, John A. O Brien, Teddy Mangan and Davy O Shea. The teams were then sixteen a side. At halftime, Frank Russell donned the royal blue and Jerome O Regan ‘transferred’ to Glenbeigh.

Laune Rangers: Pat O Shea, Peter Gill, Paul Lucey, Kieran Foley, Jerome Conway, Seamus Curran, Mike Hassett, Mike Murphy, Jerome O Regan, James Ferris, Sean Gill (capt.), Noel O Mahony, Owen Mangan, Brendan Mangan, Eamonn Crowley, Myles Coffey.

Both teams were presented with trophies and Sean Gill returned to Puerto Rico with a fine cup.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 3^rd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Kenmare 4-11.

Laune Rangers were well and truly beaten by a much stronger team, who had been runners-up the previous year and had most of that team again that year. They got three very soft goals, the first was a scrambled affair, the second went in off the post and the third deceived the goalkeeper and went in over his head. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper had a good game. The two minor corner-backs played very well. Tomás Hayes played fairly well and Martin Clifford never stopped trying as usual. Gerard Casey and Patie Casey (U-16) played very well. Brian O Sullivan was very accurate from frees. In all, Rangers had seven minors on view and they all played well.

Laune Rangers: Joe Kennedy, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Donal Hurley, Dermot Clifford, Noel Doyle, Michael O Reilly, Richard O Connor, Tomás Hayes, Martin Clifford, Gerard Casey, Tommy Foley, James O Shea (Lonart), Brian O Sullivan, James Foley (Corbally), Patie Casey. Subs: John O Shea (Lonart) for R. O Connor, Pat McInery for James O Shea.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 9^th July at Listowel: Shannon Rangers 2-12; Laune Rangers 2-4.

Laune Rangers went out on the field with a defeatist attitude, caused mainly by the non-appearance of Eoin Mangan and Joe Kennedy. Kieran O Keeffe and Paul O Sullivan were in France. Pat Brennan was injured and unable to play, even though he travelled with the team.

Rangers played outrageously bad in the first half, after which they were in arrears by 2-9 to 1-1. They improved in the second half when Richard O Connor went to centre halfback and Michael Moriarty to midfield. Liam Foley did not have a good game in goals. Alan Foley, Andrew Doona and Dermot Clifford were completely outplayed. The forwards, with the exception of Robert Evans, played well. The best players on the field for the Rangers were the four U-16 players, Bertie O Riordan, Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming and Paul Griffin.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Alan Foley, Dermot Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Andrew Doona (capt.), Bertie O Riordan, James O Shea, Richard O Connor, Patie Casey (0-1), Gerard Casey, Timmy Fleming (1-1), Robert Evans, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park) 0-1, Paul Griffin (1-1).

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow) – very good.

The team travelled in a bus and, trainer, Jerome Conway, brought his car.

 

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-5; Legion 0-5.

That was a very gutsy performance by the Laune Rangers. They showed great determination, grit and not a little football skill.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona (capt.), Joe Kennedy, James O Shea (Lonart), Richard O Connor, Paul O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla), Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick Brennan, Robert Evans. Subs: Patie Casey for B. O Riordan, Patrick McKenna (Lonart) and Brendan McDonagh.

Ref: Tom Brennan (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 8^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Austin Stacks 1-4.

That was a really great performance from the Rangers, considering that they were missing Richard O Connor, Paul O Sullivan and Joe Kennedy (all injured). The backs were very sound. James O Shea was outstanding at midfield, unbeatable in the air. The forwards worked well as a unit, Robert Evans having his most outstanding hour to date.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona (capt.), Patrick McKenna, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), James O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty (Tinnahalla), Patie Casey, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Patrick Brennan, Robert Evans. Sub: Alan Foley.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 12^th April at Killarney (Deerpark): Dr. Crokes 3-6; Laune Rangers 1-5.

There was a storm blowing, with which Laune Rangers played ineffectively in the first half. Crokes scored a debatable goal in that half, it seemed a blatant square ball. However, they were the stronger team and deserved their win.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna, James O Shea, Richard O Connor, Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla), Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), Patie Casey, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick Brennan, Robert Evans. Subs: Joe Kennedy for P. McKenna, Paul O Sullivan for M. Moriarty (Tinahalla), Alan Foley, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Timmy Fleming.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 15^th April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-12; Laune Rangers 2-2.

Rangers got off to a flyer, when James O Shea scored a great goal. Then Robert Evans and Pat Brennan missed goaling chances. However, as the game progressed, Rangers’ play seemed to deteriorate due to lack of fitness of some key players (Richard O Connor and Michael Moriarty). The best players for the Rangers were Brian Costello, Dermot Clifford, Andrew Doona and Shane O Sullivan. Soccer seemed to have adversely affected Pat Brennan’s football.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona, Joe Kennedy, James O Shea, Richard O Connor, Paul O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), Patie Casey, Shane O Sullivan, Pat Brennan, Robert Evans. Subs: Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla) for P. O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming for R. Evans, Alan Foley, Pat McKenna (Steelroe).

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 19^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; St. Brendan’s 0-4.

Rangers played very well and with great spirit. All the backs acquitted themselves very well. Midfield held its own with the opposition. The forwards put some good moves together and took their chances well. Rangers felt that they were denied two penalties by a referee, who made some weird mistakes, to say the least.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona (capt.), Patrick McKenna (Lonart), James O Shea, Richard O Connor, Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla), Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), Patie Casey, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick Brennan, Timmy Fleming. Subs: Paul O Sullivan for M. Moriarty (Tinnahalla), Alan Foley for T. Fleming, Pat McKenna (Steelroe) for S. O Sullivan.

Ref: Jim Coffey (Legion).

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 3^rd May at Listowel: Emmets 2-12; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Rangers played very well in the first half and had a perfectly good goal disallowed by a referee that was determined that his side was going to win. The backs played extremely well throughout the game. The midfield pairing, while playing well, threw in the towel for a time but finished strongly. In the second half, both Patie Casey and Robert Evans blazed over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. Nevertheless, it was a good performance by the team.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona (capt.), Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla), James O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Patie Casey, Alan Foley, Pat Brennan, Robert Evans.

Ref: P.J. Kelliher (Emmets) – the appointed referee failed to show up and, as Jerome Conway was on his own, it was agreed that the home team would supply the referee.

 

Rd. 7 on Fri. 17^th May at Mitchels’ Field: John Mitchels 8-14; Laune Rangers 3-6.

Rangers gave a hopeless first-half performance and were arrears by 5-6 to 0-3 at the break, having played with the aid of the breeze. The second half gave much more hope for the future. Shane O Sullivan, Patrick McKenna, Timmy Fleming and Patie Casey never gave up trying. Pat Brennan really only played in the second half, when he scored two goals.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Dermot Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), James O Shea, Patrick Brennan, Paul O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty (Tinahalla), Patie Casey, Robert Evans, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), Timmy Fleming. Sub: Alan Foley for A. Doona.

Ref: Jerome Conway – as the appointed referee did not show up.

 

Dr. Crokes were outright winners of the Co. Minor League.

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 11^th July at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-0; Laune Rangers 2-10.

That was an excellent team performance by Laune Rangers. The attitude was right from the beginning. Pat Brennan was very safe in goals. Dermot Clifford never gave an inch to his man. Eoin Mangan dominated the square. However, he was concussed and had to leave the field with four minutes remaining. Bertie O Riordan was very cool – he was an excellent reader of the game. Patrick McKenna epitomised the team spirit with a great, gritty performance. Richard O Connor was a tower of strength in the middle of the defence, while Andrew Doona improved beyond recognition from the previous Tuesday night. James O Shea was outstanding in the middle of the field, ably assisted by Michael Moriarty. The forwards combined brilliantly, but the finishing was poor in the first half, after which Rangers led by 0-6 to 0-0.

On the resumption, Gerard Casey fisted a great goal and Michael Moriarty scored the other. Timmy Fleming scored about 0-6, Patie Casey 0-2, Paul Griffin 0-1 and Michael Moriarty 0-1.

Laune Rangers: Patrick Brennan, Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Bertie O Riordan, Patrick McKenna, Richard O Connor, Andrew Doona (capt.), Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), James O Shea (Lonart), Shane O Sullivan, Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming, Robert Evans, Gerard Casey, Paul Griffin. Subs: Alan Foley for P. Griffin, William Joy for T. Fleming, Liam Foley for R. Evans.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine) – good.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-12; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3.

That was the best performance from a Laune Rangers minor team for many a day. Milltown/Castlemaine were the favourites and they were physically stronger. The wet conditions and the showers should have suited them. However, Rangers played with a strong breeze in the first half and assumed control at midfield from the start. The midfield pairing of Michael Moriarty and James O Shea was superb. However, the forwards squandered many scoring chances and only led at halftime by 0-5 to 0-0.

Rangers faced the breeze in the second half with great determination, again controlling midfield and the forwards began to take their chances. Shane O Sullivan scored the first goal, Gerard Casey the second and Paul Griffin, who had a second half blinder, scored the third. Shane O Sullivan drove a penalty kick over the bar. All the forwards outplayed their opponents. The Rangers’ defensive play was excellent. Richard O Connor was the proverbial wall at centre halfback. All the other defenders were like vices on their opponents, allowing a much-vaunted Milltown/Castlemaine attack only one point from play. Pat Brennan brought off some fine saves and justified his selection. The commitment of the players to winning that game was admirable. They had trained diligently and planned meticulously and it paid off on the night.

Laune Rangers: Patrick Brennan, Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Joe Kennedy, Patrick McKenna, Richard O Connor, Andrew Doona, Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park), James O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming, Robert Evans, Gerard Casey, Paul Griffin. Subs: Alan Foley, Liam Foley and Bertie O Riordan.

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

 

Final on Fri. 23^rd Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-10; Beaufort 0-3.

That was a very disciplined performance by Laune Rangers. That minor team had matured into a very useful outfit. They played against the wind in the first half and were two points in arrears after five minutes. Then James O Shea and Michael Moriarty got going in the middle of the field and the forwards, profiting from the possession, began to score. A great goal just before halftime by Michael Moriarty gave them a halftime lead of 1-6 to 0-3. In that half, Timmy Fleming missed a great chance of a goal, when he was put through after a very good move. Joe Kennedy was outstanding in that first half.

The game in the second half became more physical, as Beaufort began to use their weight advantage. However, the Rangers still dominated the play, none more so than Richard O Connor, who received the player-of-the-match award afterwards. The midfielders, James O Shea and Michael Moriarty, also, played well against the much-vaunted Kerry-minor, Michael Moriarty (Beaufort). Dermot Clifford was great, also, in that half. Patrick McKenna’s policing of Ian O Shea was glorious to watch, as he stuck manfully to his task without fouling. All the team really played well in difficult conditions, as the pitch was very wet and ball very greasy. Four of the panel were U-16 and six were U-17.

Laune Rangers: Patrick Brennan, Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Joe Kennedy, Patrick McKenna, Richard O Connor, Andrew Doona (capt.), Michael Moriarty (Iveragh Park) 1-2, James O Shea (0-2), Shane O Sullivan (0-2), Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming (0-3), Robert Evans, Gerard Casey, Paul Griffin (0-1). Subs: Paul O Sullivan, Kieran O Keeffe, Bertie O Riordan, Alan Foley and Liam Foley.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Minor Football Challenge Games

 

Sat. 23^rd March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Firies 3-9.

As Firies had only fourteen players, Laune Rangers played fourteen, also (one midfielder).

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Alan Foley, Dermot Clifford, Patrick McKenna, Kieran O Keeffe, Andrew Doona, Anthony Clifford, Richard O Connor, Paul O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Brian Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Patrick Brennan, Robert Evans. Sub: William Joy for A. Foley.

 

Sun. 31^st March at Farranfore: Firies 3-9; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Dermot Clifford, Brian Casey, Patrick McKenna, Eoin Mangan, Anthony Clifford, Andrew Doona, James O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Gerard Casey, Patie Casey, Robert Evans, Patrick Brennan, Shane O Sullivan. Subs: Bertie O Riordan, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Tommy Stack, Patrick McDonagh (all played).

 

Fri. 26^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Minors 2-18; Laune Rangers U-16 3-6.

Minors: Liam Foley, Brian Costello, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Patrick McKenna, Andrew Doona, Kieran O Keefe, James O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Michael Moriarty (Tinnahalla), Shane O Sullivan, Paul O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor (U-15), Robert Evans, Alan Foley.

U-16: Gerard Clifford, Paul McKenna, Brendan Teahan, Mark O Sullivan, Kevin Corkery, Tommy Stack, Tommy Byrne, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor.

 

Co. U-16 Inter-District Boards’ Championship

Coach/Trainer/Selector – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 5^th Oct. at Ballymac: Mid-Kerry 0-12; North-Kerry 2-0.

That was a triumph for teamwork and grit over physical strength. It had been a daunting task, as they had in their team the Div. 2, 4 and 5 champions. Billy O Sullivan was excellent in goals. Brian Kerins excelled at fullback. Timmy Fleming and Pat McKenna dominated midfield. Paul Griffin and Patie Casey were outstanding in attack. Sean Counihan fitted very well into the attack. Gerard Doyle kicked four points from play.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Tommy Byrne (do.), Brian Kerins (Milltown/Castlemaine), Bertie O Riordan (Laune Rangers), Sean Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Randle Joy (Beaufort), John Brendan O Brien (do.), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers), Pat McKenna (do.), Paul Griffin (do.), Gerard Doyle (Beaufort), Patie Casey (Laune Rangers) capt. Mícheál Doyle (Beaufort), Sean Counihan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Mark O Connor (Laune Rangers). Subs: George Evans (Keel) for G. Doyle, Danny Cahill (Laune Rangers) for M. O Connor, Brendan O Sullivan (Glenbeigh) for T. Byrne, John Joe O Sullivan (Beaufort), Ian O Shea (do.), Gerard O Connor (Glenbeigh), Gerard O Sullivan (do.), Paddy Hilliard (Keel).

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 19^th Oct. at Spa: Mid-Kerry 1-7; South-Kerry 0-6.

That was a very good performance by Mid-Kerry against a highly rated, physically stronger South-Kerry team. Mid-Kerry dominated midfield in the first half and led by 1-4 to 0-1 at halftime. The backs played very well and a perfectly good goal was disallowed.

On the resumption, Mid-Kerry missed many scoring chances in the first fifteen minutes and were consequently put under great pressure in the final quarter as South-Kerry took over at midfield. Nevertheless, Mid-Kerry held out for a very good win. It was that extra bit of finesses that saw Mid-Kerry book its place in the final. Billy O Sullivan excelled in goals. The fullback line was very sound and did not yield before relentless pressure. The wing-backs subdued their men but Randle Joy was under pressure. As mentioned, the midfielders played well. The forwards tried hard but lacked the sharpness that had been there in the game against North-Kerry.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan, Bertie O Riordan, Brian Kerins, Sean Burke, John B. O Brien, Randle Joy, Mark O Connor, Timmy Fleming (0-2, frees), Pat McKenna (0-2), Paul Griffin, Gerard Doyle (0-1), Patie Casey (0-1), Mícheál Doyle (0-1), Sean Counihan (1-0), Danny Cahill. Subs: Ian O Shea for M. Doyle, John Joe O Sullivan, Paddy Hilliard, George Evans.

Ref: Pat Kelliher (Fossa).

 

Final on Sat. 26^th Oct. at Castleisland: Mid-Kerry 3-8; East-Kerry 1-4.

Mid-Kerry, in the Laune Rangers’ colours, had the pick of five clubs and East-Kerry, in their resplendent yellow jerseys, had the pick of fourteen clubs. In the kick around before the game, East-Kerry had that expectant look of greater things to come, while Mid-Kerry looked like men about to scale Everest and were steeling themselves for the task ahead. However, that game was a triumph for teamwork over individualism. All the hours that Mid-Kerry had spent training together had paid off. Some of the players had hitched to training in Killorglin, others had been transported by club officials, while others were brought by their parents.

The conditions were ideal for the game and East-Kerry did the early pressing. From the beginning, the game was fast and hard, but very clean. The Mid-Kerry backs stood firm, were tenacious and fought terrier-like for every ball and, with a slice of luck, held out. The East-Kerry backs looked very comfortable as they dealt with the Mid-Kerry attacks and they seemed to be waiting for the onslaughts to peter out. But they didn’t, due mainly to the great work being done at midfield by Timmy Fleming and Pat McKenna. Midway through the half, Mid-Kerry opened the scoring with a point by Paul Griffin. East-Kerry countered with a like score and should have scored a goal but John O Leary left the ball slip from his grasp at the crucial moment and the chance was gone. Then the Mid-Kerry team began to put their game together, the forwards shooting some good scores and the constant pressure forcing the East-Kerry backs to concede frees. They led by 0-6 to 0-1 after twenty-six minutes. Then came the killer blow. A poor kick-out was collected by Patie Casey and three passes later Danny Cahill had the net dancing to lead at the break by 1-6 to 0-1.

On the resumption, Mid-Kerry attacked relentlessly and Paul Griffin finished off a great move with a great goal. All during the game, Sean Counihan played outstandingly well at full-forward, distributing the ball and taking his scores. Another defence-splitting move allowed Paul Griffin through and when his shot came back off the bar, Gerard Doyle finished the ball to the net.

Billy O Sullivan had a quiet day. Brian Kerins was outstanding and his corner-backs were quite efficient. John B. O Brien was excellent in the halfback line, while Randle Joy and Mark O Connor played very well. The midfielders outplayed their more celebrated opponents. Paul Griffin and Patie Casey were outstanding. Gerard Doyle was a little sluggish. Sean Counihan was excellent, while his corner forwards played very well.

A few things about the game stood out in the memory of those who witnessed it. One would have to go a long way to see goals similar in quality to those scored by Paul Griffin and Colman O Shea (East-Kerry). The centre-field play and free-taking of Timmy Fleming suggested that he had a bright future ahead of him. As a unit, the Mid-Kerry backs were a joy to watch. Their fielding, timely interceptions, well placed clearances and, especially, their ability to cover the forwards without conceding frees would have done justice to any senior team. Up front, the Mid-Kerry boys played an intelligent, disciplined brand of football that belied their years. That all six of them played well throughout is amply demonstrated by the fact that five of them got on the score-sheet.

After the game, the G.K. Hydraulic Trophy was presented to the winning captain, Patie Casey, by the Cathaoirleach of Bord na nOg, Derry Sheehan.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan, Bertie O Riordan, Brian Kerins, Sean Burke, John B. O Brien, Randle Joy, Mark O Connor, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Pat McKenna (0-1), Paul Griffin (1-2), Gerard Doyle (1-0), Patie Casey (capt.) 0-1, Mícheál Doyle, Sean Counihan (0-2), Danny Cahill (1-0). Subs: John Joe O Sullivan, Ian O Shea, Paddy Hilliard, George Evans, Gerard O Connor, Tommy Byrne (he had been in England on holidays).

East-Kerry: Charlie McCarthy (Firies), Michael Doherty (Rathmore), Michael Brosnan (Legion), Michael Morrissey (Kilcummin), Aeneas Looney (Gneeveguilla), Cyril Morris (Firies), Paul O Leary (Gneeveguilla), Kieran O Sullivan (Glenflesk), Tom Leslie (Listry), Owen Donnellan (Legion) 0-1, Maurice Cronin (Spa) 0-1, Francis Howe (Legion) 0-2, John O Leary (Legion), Colman O Shea (Dr. Crokes) 1-0, Francis Doherty (Spa). Subs: Danny Cooper (Dr. Crokes) for J. O Leary, Johnny McCarthy (Gneeveguilla) for F. Doherty, Donal Collins, Diarmuid O Callaghan (Kilcummin), Paul Moynihan, Martin O Leary, Michael Moriarty, Tim O Brien and Tadhg O Connor.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

The team ate in the Americano Take-Away, where they received medium fare for £70. The cavalcade travelled in convoy through Milltown and Killorglin, beeping as they went, waving their blue jerseys. There were two buses – Michael Dennehy and Tom Melia. That was the fourth year of the competition and Mid-Kerry had contested three finals (losing to East-Kerry and West-Kerry) and one semi-final (losing to Castleisland). Not bad for a small District Board!

Co. U-16 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – James Sheehan. Selectors (with James Sheehan) – John Clifford and Maurice Corkery.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 10^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 9-14; John Mitchels 2-0.

The score-line told the story. Mitchels scored the two goals in the final ten minutes. Bertie O Riordan was the pick of a good backline. Timmy Fleming lorded the midfield area. All the forwards played well, especially Paul Griffin, Patie Casey, Mark O Connor and Frankie Brennan. The team had great potential and, whereas they were physically small, they made up for it in spirit and skill. Pat Hannon was sent off with eight minutes remaining for fighting

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin (capt.), Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea. Subs: John F. O Brien for M. O Shea, Adrian O Connor for P. Casey, Brian O Keeffe for O. Griffin.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 24^th July at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-5; Laune Rangers 0-4.

There were transport problems before the team left Killorglin. James Sheehan, Michael Fleming, Maurice Corkery and Donie Griffin took the team in their cars. Rangers had enough of the ball but could not score. Patie Casey was a huge loss. Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery and Kevin Corkery played well.

Laune Rangers: Billy O Sullivan, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, John F. O Brien. Subs: Brian O Keeffe, Maurice O Shea, Bernard O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Gerard Clifford.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 31^st July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Austin Stacks 1-1.

The midfield pairing of Timmy Fleming and Pat McKenna ensured that the forwards got a plentiful supply of the ball but they were inclined to overplay the ball. Danny Cahill played well on the forty and Tommy Stack’s strength at full-forward was an advantage. Paul McKenna and Pat Hannon were very reliable in defence, while Billy O Sullivan was very safe in goals.

Laune Rangers: Billy O Sullivan, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Fergus O Meara. Subs: Patie Casey (late arrival) for F. O Meara, Maurice O Shea for F. Brennan, John F. O Brien for D. Cahill, Joe Hoare, Bernard O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Gerard Clifford.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

For one reason or another, Rangers did not play Legion or Dr. Crokes and so qualified for the semi-final.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 21^st Aug. at Castleisland: Laune Rangers 1-7; Austin Stacks 0-7.

When Patie Casey and Tommy Stack did not show up for that game, the outlook was very bleak. Nevertheless, the team really showed its character in the face of defeat. Timmy Fleming and team captain, Paul Griffin, were magnificent. Billy O Sullivan, playing at full-forward, soloed forty yards with the ball and blasted an unstoppable shot to the net..

Laune Rangers: Mark O Sullivan, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Bertie O Riordan, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Brendan Corkery, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Billy O Sullivan, Maurice O Shea. Subs: John F. O Brien for F. Brennan (sick), Joe Hoare, Bernard O Sullivan, Brian O Keeffe, Gerard Clifford.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

 

Final on Fri. 13^th Sept. at Castleisland: Laune Rangers 3-10; Kerins O Rahillys 4-5.

In the U-12 final four years previously, Kerins O Rahillys had beaten Laune Rangers by one point. In the U-14 semi-final two years previously, Rangers had beaten O Rahillys by two points. So there they were again to contest the U-16 final, Rangers, because of the clash of colours, in their unfamiliar red jerseys (Glenbeigh’s) and O Rahillys in their unfamiliar green and gold (John Mitchels). Kevin Corkery had to cry off because of sickness and Mark O Connor was switched to right halfback. Billy O Sullivan moved to left full-forward and Mark O Sullivan was again drafted into goals.

Laune Rangers elected to play with the aid of a strong wind and raced into a 1-2 lead, with points by Timmy Fleming and Tommy Stack and an opportunistic goal by Patie Casey. Rangers then, through a goalkeeping error, conceded a very soft goal. However, points by Timmy Fleming and a great effort by Paul Griffin put them further ahead. Then, the defence was at fault when the O Rahillys’ corner-forward banged home another goal. A long-range effort by Bertie O Riordan hopped over the bar and O Rahillys closed the scoring for that half with a pointed free, to leave the halftime score at 1-6 to 2-1 in favour of the eventual winners.

Immediately on the resumption, Tommy Stack scored a great goal. Rangers dominated midfield during that half, with Timmy Fleming in majestic form and Pat McKenna picking up the breaks and using the ball well. Danny Cahill had the game of his life on the forty. Then a switch in the team paid dividends. Sean Fenton was brought on to corner forward and Billy O Sullivan went onto goals. The former scored a point and Patie Casey stretched the lead further. Then O Rahillys struck for a controversial goal – it certainly seemed like a ‘square ball’ situation. However, Rangers struck back immediately and Sean Fenton was at the end of a great move to score a goal. That was followed by a tremendous point by Timmy Fleming from a sideline ball on the 20m line. Rahillys recovered to score a breakaway goal and two other points to leave the bare minimum between the sides. Rangers were not to be outdone and, in a final assault, Timmy Fleming pointed a free to close the scoring. Elation! The scenes of delight afterwards were beyond description, as was the reception afforded the players and officials afterwards in Killorglin. That was Laune Rangers first U-16 county football title since 1976.

Laune Rangers: Mark O Sullivan, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Bertie O Riordan (0-1), Mark O Connor, Pat Hannon, Brendan Corkery, Timmy Fleming (0-5), Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin (capt.) 0-1, Danny Cahill, Patie Casey (1-1), Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack (1-1), Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Sean Fenton (1-1) for M. O Sullivan (at halftime, with Billy O Sullivan going into goals), Maurice O Shea, Fergus O Meara, John F. O Brien, Brian O Keeffe, Joe Hoare, Bernard O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Gerard Clifford and Kevin Corkery (sick).

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

That competition was played on a league basis between the five teams in the District Board. The top team in the league, after the preliminary rounds, went into the final.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 13-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-0.

The Rangers team was in great shape and, as the score would suggest, completely annihilated the opposition. The only player that was missing was Patie Casey, who was under severe pressure to play with Cromane instead of Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Sean Fenton, Fergus O Meara, Paul McKenna, Bertie O Riordan, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Kevin Galvin, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, John Byrne, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea. Subs: Tommy Stack for P. McKenna, John F. O Brien, Brendan Corkery, Bernard O Sullivan, Joe Hoare (all played).

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 23^rd March at Keel: Keel 1-1; Laune Rangers 11-3.

Some of the Rangers’ players had asked to be excused due to the Intermediate School Tour and the Youth Club Basketball tournament. The Keel team was in a terrible state of disorder.

Laune Rangers: Joe Hoare, Paul McKenna, Brendan Teahan, Fergus O Meara, Kevin Corkery, Tommy Stack, Kevin Galvin, Pat McKenna, Sean Fenton, Brendan Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Patie Casey, John F. O Brien, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea. Subs: Bernard O Sullivan and Gerard Clifford (both played).

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 30^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 11-12; Glenbeigh 0-0.

Laune Rangers: Tommy Byrne, Fergus O Meara, Brendan Teahan, Maurice O Shea, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Stack, Kevin Galvin, Pat McKenna, Sean Fenton, Paul Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor. Subs: Bernard O Sullivan, Joe Hoare and John F. O Brien (all played).

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 29^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-13; Beaufort 1-2.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Paul McKenna, Brendan Teahan, Mark O Sullivan, Kevin Corkery, Tommy Stack, Tommy Byrne, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor. Subs: Pat Hannon, John Byrne, Kevin Galvin, Brendan Corkery, Sean Fenton, Joe Hoare, Bernard O Sullivan, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien (all played with the permission of the opposition).

Ref: Rory Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Final on Sat. 18^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 8-9; Beaufort 0-4.

That was a great team performance from the Rangers. Timmy Fleming and Paul Griffin were outstanding. John Byrne was very enthusiastic. Bertie O Riordan continued to display the qualities of the complete footballer. Mark O Connor was fast and accurate. Frankie Brennan scored three goals.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Sullivan, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, John Byrne, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin (capt.), Bertie O Riordan, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Patie Casey (late arrival), Kevin Galvin, Bernard O Sullivan, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Sean Fenton, Joe Hoare, Brendan Corkery, Adrian O Connor (all played with the permission of the opposition).

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Mid-Kerry U-16B Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered that knockout competition and did not play any of the first 15 players of the ‘A’ team. Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 10^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Keel scr.

The team trained instead. The following players were present: Gerard Clifford, Eoin Corkery, Eoin Joy, Timmy Corkery, Patrick Curran, Michael Cronin, Sean Fenton, Sean Moriarty, Brian O Keeffe, Adrian O Connor, Kevin Galvin, Bernard O Sullivan, Edward West, Michael Corkery, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Mark O Sullivan, Joe Hoare and Padraig Lynch.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 16^th Nov. at Beaufort: Beaufort 3-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-3.

Rangers played very well in the first half and actually led at halftime by 2-2 to 2-1. The superior strength of the Beaufort side told in the second half. Gerard Clifford played well, despite conceding an easy goal in the first half. Michael Corkery played well at corner-back. Edward West and Mark O Sullivan were outstanding, with the former being Rangers’ man-of-the-match. Joe Hoare, Brian O Keeffe and Padraig Lynch were adequate defenders. Sean Fenton played very well at midfield and received good support from Kevin Galvin. Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien and Pat Curran were the pick of the forwards. Bart Moriarty, James O Shea and Jerome Conway brought their cars as well as Tom Melia’s bus.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Padraig Lynch, Brian O Keeffe, Michael Corkery, Edward West, Mark O Sullivan, Joe Hoare, Sean Fenton, Kevin Galvin, Adrian O Connor, Maurice O Shea (capt.), Patrick Curran, Joe Sweeney, Sean Moriarty, John F. O Brien. Subs: Bernard O Sullivan for J. Sweeney, Eoin Joy for A. O Connor, Timothy O Connor for P. Curran.

Ref: John Joe Ladden – he did not favour any side but he did not seem to know the rules.

 

U-16 Football Challenge Game

 

Sat. 6^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers (U-15 team) beat Drumrath, Omagh.

Sun. 21^st July at Redmonds Grounds, Cork: Nemo Rangers 3-2; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Laune Rangers began the game by conceding three goals without reply. Thereafter, they settled down, replaced the goalkeeper and, with Paul Griffin outstanding, wore down the opposition. Maurice O Shea missed a sitter and was replaced by Tommy Stack who scored three points. In the second half, Rangers owned the ball but it took a great point by Paul Griffin to win the game.

The team travelled by bus and they were well looked after by Nemo Rangers. The following adults travelled: James and Gina Sheehan, Maurice and Bernadette Corkery, Sean McKenna, Pat Sheehan, Donie Griffin, Patsy Joy, Fergus O Meara, Josie Fenton and Jerome Conway. The team and officials were treated to the Munster Senior Football final afterwards, for which Peter Lyons was a sub goalkeeper.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Kevin Corkery, Pat Hannon, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Paul Griffin (capt.), Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Maurice O Shea. Subs: Billy O Sullivan for G. Clifford, Tommy Stack for M. O Shea, Mark O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Brian O Keeffe, Adrian O Connor, Joe Hoare.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship Div. 1

Coach/Trainer – Tommy Woods. Selector with Tommy Woods – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 22^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-12; Dr. Crokes 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Brian Curtayne, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, John Doona, Pa Murphy, David O Reilly, Timmy Corkery (capt.), Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Adrian Hassett.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 5^th June at Killarney: Legion 5-11; Laune Rangers 0-9.

That was a terrible performance. The team lacked heart and determination. Brian Curtayne did not have a good game in goals and conceded four soft goals. Defenders Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell and David O Reilly played well. Michael Lynch tried hard in the first half. Billy O Sullivan tried to do too much on his own, without much success.

Laune Rangers: Brian Curtayne, Danny O Sullivan, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Eoin Corkery, Pa Murphy, David O Reilly, Timmy Corkery, Brian Mangan, Michael Lynch, Timmy Linehan, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Billy O Sullivan, Adrian Hassett. Subs: John Doona for D. O Sullivan, Jason Griffin for E. O Sullivan, Nigel Reidy, David Gillespie, John Joe O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 10^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-6; Kerins O Rahillys 2-7.

Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan and team captain, Timmy Corkery, played well.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Pa Murphy, Brian Mangan, David O Reilly, Timmy Corkery, Eoin Joy, Michael Lynch, Billy O Sullivan, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Stephen Corkery. Subs: Jason Griffin, John Doona (both played).

Ref: Francis Quill (Kerins O Rahillys) – as the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 4 on wed. 12^th June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 0-9; Laune Rangers 0-9.

That Stacks team had beaten Rangers in the U-12 Final two years previously. For the first time that year, the team played well and could have won as a rasper from Billy O Sullivan hit the crossbar and went over, when it could just as easily have gone under the bar. Adrian Hassett excelled in his new position of right halfback. Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Michael Lynch and Pa Murphy played well in attack. David O Reilly was missing because of an appendix operation.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Eoin Corkery, Brian Mangan, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, John O Donnell, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Pa Murphy. Subs: Brian Curtayne for J. Doona, David Gillespie for B. Curtayne.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 19^th June at Kenmare: Kenmare 5-5; Laune Rangers 1-15.

That was the classic case of the better team losing! Rangers did all that was asked of them to win – and they had to win in order to qualify for the play-off stages of the competition. However, the poor goalkeeper had a disastrous game (he informed the mentors afterwards that he was injured but had bravely played on). The team showed great heart and determination and should have won easily.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Brian Mangan, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery (capt.), Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Pa Murphy. Subs: Jason Griffin for N. Moriarty (inj.), Brian Curtayne for E. O Sullivan, Nigel Reidy, David Gillespie, Tom Fitzgerald, Stephen O Sullivan.

Ref: Sean Finnegan (Templenoe).

 

Final on Thurs. 14^th July at Castleisland: Austin Stacks 1-13; Legion 0-4.

 

Co. U-14B Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 22^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 1-9.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan, David Gillespie, John Clifford, Danny O Sullivan, Kieran Moriarty, Eoin Corkery, Nigel Reidy, Kevin O Leary, Jason Griffin, Paudie Foley, Stephen Casey, Malcolm Sweeney, John Paul Cahillane, John Joe O Sullivan, Patrick Cahillane. Subs: Enda Foley, Tom Fitzgerald, Denis Diggin, Patrick Clifford, Paul Jones, Brian Kissane, Muiris O Dwyer, Christopher Sheehan, Peter Byrne, Timothy Coffey, Robert Murphy, Gerard O Mahony, Leslie Dwyer, Shaun Brennan, Joseph Guilfoyle, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Frankie Murphy (all played).

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 10^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-5; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-6.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan, Gerard O Mahony, Tom Fitzgerald, John Clifford, Nigel Reidy, David Gillespie, Paudie O Shea, Stephen Casey, Kevin O Leary, John Joe O Sullivan, John Paul Cahillane, Muiris O Dwyer, Anthony O Sullivan, Peter Byrne, Robert Murphy. Subs: Christopher Sheehan, Paudie Foley, Denis Diggin, Patrick Clifford (all played).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 12^th June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 3-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5.

Best for Rangers were Kevin O Leary, Kieran Moriarty, Christopher Sheehan and John Joe O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan, John Clifford, Tom Fitzgerald, Christopher Sheehan, Nigel Reidy, Kieran Moriarty, Gerard O Mahony, Kevin O Leary, Stephen Casey, John Joe O Sullivan, John Paul Cahillane, Paudie O Shea, Jason Griffin, Shaun Brennan, Anthony O Sullivan. Subs: Muiris O Dwyer, Robert Murphy, Patrick Clifford, Joseph Guilfoyle, Paudie Foley, Peter Byrne, Denis Diggin (all played).

 

Semi-final on Fri. 5^th July at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 5-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-1.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan, Anthony O Sullivan, John Clifford, Christopher Sheehan, David Gillespie, Tom Fitzgerald, John Joe O Sullivan (capt.), Nigel Reidy, Stephen Casey, Paudie O Shea, Ivor Falvey, Malcolm Sweeney, Paudie Foley, Shaun Brennan, Jason Griffin. Subs: Gerard O Mahony, Kevin O Leary, John Paul Cahillane, Muiris O Dwyer, Peter Byrne, Robert Murphy, Denis Diggin, Kieran Moriarty, Shaun Brennan, Joseph Guilfoyle, Patrick Clifford..

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

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

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 8^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine scr.; Laune Rangers ‘A’ w/o.

At Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5; Beaufort 2-8.

The backs played well but the forwards did not.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Stephen O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Eoin Corkery, Danny O Sullivan, John Joe O Sullivan, David Gillespie, Ivor Falvey, Stephen Corkery, Stephen Casey, Jason Griffin, Kevin O Leary, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie Foley, Shaun Brennan, Robert Murphy. Sub: Nessan Diggin for R. Murphy.

Ref: Noel Spillane (Beaufort) – as the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 15^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 10-14; Keel 0-1.

Laune Rangers: Jason Griffin, Nigel Reidy, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Stephen Corkery, Paudie O Shea, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Pa Murphy. Subs: John Paul Cahillane, Ivor Falvey, Danny O Sullivan, Stephen O Sullivan, Stephen Casey, Tom Fitzgerald (all played).

Ref: John Joe Ladden (Milltown/Castlemaine).

At Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

There were only twelve players in the Square and the Laune Rangers ‘B’ team did not travel. It was probably just as well, as there were only thirteen players in the ‘Track’ for the ‘A’ team.

 

Rd. 3 on Mon. 22^nd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 4-20; Glenbeigh 3-5.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Jason Griffin, Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Brian Mangan, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Brian Curtayne, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Pa Murphy.

Ref: John Joe laden (Milltown/Castlemaine).

At Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-3; Milltown/Castlemaine 4-2.

Milltown/Castlemaine had only ten players, so Laune Rangers gave them three U-12 players, Colm Joy, Patrick O Shea and Mike Hassett and a thirteen-a-side challenge game was played. Patrick O Shea and Mike Hassett scored one goal each.

Laune Rangers: Stephen O Sullivan, Danny O Sullivan, John Clifford, Nigel Reidy, Tom Fitzgerald, Christopher Sheehan, Kieran Moriarty, Kevin O Leary, Paudie O Shea, Stephen Casey, Anthony O Sullivan, Enda Foley, John Paul Cahillane.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) – as the appointed referee did not show up.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 29^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 5^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 5-16; Beaufort 2-8.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Jason Griffin, Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Brian Mangan, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Pa Murphy. Sub: Brian Curtayne (played).

Ref: Noel Spillane (Beaufort) – as the appointed referee failed to show up.

Tommy Woods was on holidays, so Michael Foley and Bertie Houlihan took charge of the ‘A’ team.

At Keel: Keel w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

Only eleven players showed up at the Square, Paudie O Shea, Tom Fitzgerald, Anthony O Sullivan, Kevin O Leary, Robert Murphy, Shaun Brennan, Stephen Casey, Danny O Sullivan, Nigel Reidy, Enda Foley and John Paul Cahillane. There were only two cars for transport – Michael Foley and John Brennan.

 

Final on Thurs. 22^nd Aug. at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-8; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Laune Rangers were lucky to win that final. Indeed, Beaufort would probably have won but for the fact that Rangers scored two soft goals early in the game.

Laune Rangers: Jason Griffin, Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Brian Mangan, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery (capt.), Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, Eoin O Sullivan, Brian Curtayne, Pa Murphy. Subs: Paudie O Shea for B. Curtayne, Stephen Casey, Tom Fitzgerald, Stephen O Sullivan. Rangers had to play without Timmy Linehan and David O Reilly.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

U-14 Football Challenge Game

 

Sat. 6^th April at Killorglin: Drumrath, Omagh beat Laune Rangers.

 

Wed. 15^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Desmonds 0-6.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Brian Curtayne, John O Donnell, Nessan Diggin, David Gillespie, Pa Murphy, David O Reilly, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy, Stephen Corkery, John Joe O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Adrian Hassett. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan, Kieran Moriarty, John Doona, John Paul Cahillane, Paudie Foley, Enda Foley, John Clifford, Eoin Corkery.

 

Community Games Football

That competition was for players that were under twelve and half years of age.

Coach/Trainer – Noreen Murphy.

 

Co. Semi-final on Sat. 11^th May at Strand Road: Killorglin beat Kerins O Rahillys.

Co. Final on Sat. 11^th May at Strand Road: Killorglin 6-19; Ballydonoghue 0-9.

That was Killorglin’s third year-in-a-row winning that competition.

Killorglin: Liam Hassett, Paudie Russell, Brian Kissane, Eamonn Kissane, Eoin Corkery, Pat Cahill, Robert Kennedy, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, Jason Griffin, Kevin Jones, Colm Joy, Patrick O Shea.

 

Munster Final: Killorglin defeated Turner’s Cross, Cork.

 

Weekend Sat. 31^st Aug./Sun. 1^st Sept at Butlins: Killorglin lost to Omagh in the semi-final and to Newbridge in the 3^rd/4^th play-off.

Killorglin Panel: Liam Hassett, Sean O Sullivan, Brian Kissane, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Patrick O Shea, Robert Kennedy, Eoin O Sullivan, Adrian Hassett, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Mike Hassett, Kevin Jones, Colm Joy, Rory O Connor, Carl O Sullivan, Pat Cahill, Kevin Donovan.

Co. U-12 Football Championship

Coaches/trainers – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 3^rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-1; John Mitchels 0-1.

That was a great performance in impossible conditions. It poured throughout the game and underfoot conditions were incredibly bad. Although it was not easy to judge any player in the conditions and indeed all were heroes to have played at all, Robert Kennedy and Jason Griffin were outstanding.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, Declan Byrne, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, Pat Cahill, Robert Kennedy, Paudie Russell, Patrick O Shea, Mikey Griffin, Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin, Kevin Jones, Colm Joy, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Karl Griffin for M. Griffin and a long list of others.

Ref: Donie Courtney (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 9^th April at Killarney: Legion 2-3; Laune Rangers 2-6.

That was a good, close game and Legion gave as good as they got. Pat Cahill and Eamonn Kissane played very well in defence. Jason Griffin played great stuff when moved to midfield. Kevin Jones showed great potential.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, Declan Byrne, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, Pat Cahill (capt.), Robert Kennedy, Paudie Russell, Pat O Shea, Mikey Griffin, Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin, Kevin Jones, Colm Joy, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Raymond O Sullivan for K. Donovan and a long list of others.

Ref: Pat Kelliher (Fossa).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 17^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-12; Austin Stacks 1-2.

During the game, the team was reshuffled and the players played much better. Pat Cahill was outstanding, Jason Griffin was excellent and Mike Hassett really came into his own. That was the Rangers first victory over Austin Stacks at U-12 level for many years.

Laune Rangers (as the team finished): Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Pat Cahill, Robert Kennedy, Jason Griffin, Declan Byrne, Mike Hassett, Kevin Jones, Mikey Griffin, Raymond O Sullivan, Brian Murphy, Colm Joy. Subs: Raymond O Sullivan had come on for John O Riordan, who had started at midfield, James Hurley had come on for C. O Sullivan, who had started at left full-forward, and ten others.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 24^th April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-8; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Rangers played poorly but were unlucky not to win. They had to play without the services of their fullback, Sean O Sullivan. The halfback line was beaten for the first time that year. Liam Hassett was very solid in goals, while Mikey Griffin, John Foley and Colm Joy played well in attack.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Eamonn Kissane, Declan Byrne, Pat Cahill, Robert Kennedy, Jason Griffin, John O Riordan, Mike Hassett, John Foley, Mikey Griffin, Kevin Jones, Brian Murphy, Colm Joy. Subs: Kevin Donovan for J. O Riordan, Raymond O Sullivan for D. Byrne, etc.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 1^st May at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 3-3; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Patrick O Shea, in defence, and Carl O Sullivan, in attack, were the stars of the show.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Declan Byrne, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Pat Cahill (capt.), Patrick O Shea, Jason Griffin, John Foley, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Brian Murphy, Kevin Jones.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 8^th May at Currow: Laune Rangers 1-5; Kerins O Rahillys 0-6.

Laune Rangers got off to a great start, when Kevin Jones blasted in a great goal. That was the deciding score and Rangers spent most of the remainder of the game fighting a rearguard action with Pat Cahill and Paudie Russell outstanding. Midfielders, Jason Griffin and Mike Hassett, also played very well. Kevin Jones was always menacing.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Pat Cahill, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Pat O Shea, Robert Kennedy, Jason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Carl O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Kevin Jones, Brian Murphy, Colm Joy. Subs: Declan Byrne for J. Foley, John Foley for B. Murphy, etc.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Final on Thurs. 16^th May at Castleisland: John Mitchels 0-8; Laune Rangers 1-0.

It was an enthralling game with neither side succeeding in dominating until the final five minutes. At that stage the winners led by 0-5 to 1-0. Then Mitchels found their form and tacked on three more points without reply. The better team won but undoubtedly, Laune Rangers could have been closer at the finish, but the forwards missed some good chances of scores. Pat Cahill, Robert Kennedy, James Hurley and Jason Griffin excelled for the Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Patrick O Shea, Robert Kennedy, Pat Cahill (capt.), Jason Griffin, John Foley, Mikey Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Mike Hassett, Kevin Jones. Subs: Declan Byrne for J. Foley, Brian Murphy, Kevin Donovan, John O Riordan, Karl Griffin, Raymond O Sullivan, Rory O Sullivan, Francis O Sullivan, Jerome Cahill and Kieran Clifford.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 7^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 7-13; Keel 2-3.

The team played better when the ball was moved quickly to the full-forward line. Sometimes, the players passed the ball for the sake of passing.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Declan Byrne, Paudie Russell, Kevin Donovan, Pat Cahill (capt.), Jason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Kevin Jones. Subs: Adrian O Connor for D. Byrne, Kieran Clifford for E. Kissane, Karl Griffin for P. Russell, Raymond O Sullivan for C. O Sullivan, Jerome Cahill for M. Hassett.

Ref: Tom Evans (Keel) – as the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 13^th Sept. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-4; Laune Rangers 5-18.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, Paudie Russell, Robert Kennedy, Pat Cahill, Jason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Kevin Jones. Subs: Declan Byrne, Raymond O Sullivan, Francis O Sullivan, Kealon O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor (St. James’ Gardens), all played.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 20^th Sept at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 0-2; Laune Rangers 6-19.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 27^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 14-25; Cromane 0-0.

Laune Rangers were annoyed that Patrick O Shea played with Cromane, contrary to the agreement between the two clubs (he lived outside the station areas granted to Cromane). Patrick O Shea had gone to Butlins with the Community games football team and had played with Laune Rangers in the Co. U-12 Championship.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, Paudie Russell, Robert Kennedy, Pat Cahill, Jason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Carl O Sullivan, John O Riordan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Raymond O Sullivan for C. O Sullivan, Colm Joy for J. O Riordan, Declan Byrne for K. Jones, Kealon O Sullivan for K. Donovan, Adrian O Connor, Karl Griffin.

Ref: Flor O Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar).

In the Cromane Notes in the Kerryman on the following week, they were whining about the size of the defeat. What did they expect? The Laune Rangers objection to the formation of their club was based on that fact that they did not have the numbers to be a viable club without taking players from the existing club. Now Cromane were complaining that they were too weak. Could it be that they were beginning to agree with Laune Rangers!

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 4^th Oct. at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-2; Laune Rangers 2-9.

 

Final on Sun. 27^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-7; Beaufort 0-4.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Declan Byrne, Paudie Russell, Robert Kennedy, Pat Cahill (capt.), Jason Griffin, John Foley, Mikey Griffin, Mike Hassett, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Kevin Jones. Subs: Kevin Donovan for D. Byrne, John O Riordan, Jerome Cahill, Kieran Clifford, Michael Cahillane, Raymond O Sullivan, Karl Griffin, Francis O Sullivan, Yens Bickel.

 

U-12 Football Challenge/Tournament Games

 

Sat. 6^th April at Killorglin: Drumrath, Omagh beat Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers deliberately lost that game. The Drumrath officials were Pat McCleon, Joe Campbell and Paul Doris.

Wed. 24^th July, Glenbeigh Carnival at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 0-0; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 5-16.

Milltown/Castlemaine beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Sat. 27^th July, Glenbeigh Carnival Semi-final at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-11; Cromane 0-0.

Final at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers 6-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, James Hurley, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Kissane, Paudie Russell, Patrick O Shea, Robert Kennedy, Pat Cahill, Jason Griffin, Mike Hassett, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Kevin Jones, Colm Joy, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Kevin Donovan, Brian Murphy.

Ref: Steve Caulfield (Glenbeigh).

 

U-10 Football

That age-group was again under the watchful eye of Seamus Murphy. A Parish League, with four picked teams, was organised.

Team ‘A’: Mark Conway (capt.), Karl Griffin, Cathal Crowley, Thomas Walsh, Brendan O Sullivan, David Lynch, Paul McPhillips, Michael O Connor, Liam Fitzgerald.

Team ‘B’: Glenn Evans (capt.), Raymond O Sullivan, Donncha Curran, Thomas Murphy, Colm Conway, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, John Murphy, Brian O Dwyer.

Team ‘C’: Pat O Keeffe (capt.), Redmond Fitzgerald, Ronan Curtayne, Eamonn Clifford, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie Finnegan, Cormac Brick, Alan O Sullivan, Irwin O Connor.

Team ‘D’: Francis O Sullivan (capt.), Turlough Byrnes, Tony O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Brian O Neill, Joe Hayes, Padraig Jones, Anthony O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th Oct: Team ‘A’ 6-8; Team ‘C’ 7-4.

Team ‘D’ 7-6; Team ‘B’ 6-8.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 13^th Oct: Team ‘A’ 8-4; Team ‘B’ 2-4.

Team ‘C’ 3-8; Team ‘D’ 4-4.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 27^th Oct: Team ‘A’ 3-5; Team ‘C’ 3-3.

Team ‘B’ 8-8; Team ‘D’ 4-1.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 3^rd Nov: Team ‘A’ 8-7; Team ‘B’ 6-5.

Team ‘C’ 5-3; Team ‘D’ 2-7.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 10^th Nov: Team ‘A’ 8-5; Team ‘D’ 1-3.

Team ‘B’ 6-8; Team ‘C’ 2-0.

Finals on Sun. 1^st Dec: ‘A’ Final – Mark Conway 4-4; Francis O Sullivan 2-4.

‘B’ Final: Glenn Evans 4-8; Pat O Keeffe 6-1.

The ‘A’ trophy was sponsored by Killarney Mail Order and the ‘B’ trophy was supplied by Seamus Murphy. The man-of-the-match award, sponsored by Killarney Mail Order, was presented to Ronan Curtayne, for his wonderful performance, though on the losing team, in the ‘B’ final.

Referees for the above games were Seamus Murphy and Jerome Conway.

U-10 Football Challenge Game

On Sat. 2^nd Nov. in Killorglin, Laune Rangers played three very enjoyable games against Kerins O Rahillys teams, winning two of the games.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

Laune Rangers Primary Schools Championship

There were six teams, Glounaguillagh, Cromane, Douglas, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (Michael Lynch), Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (Jason Griffin) and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ (Stephen Corkery). The schools were in two groups:

Group ‘A’: Glounaguillagh, Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’.

Group ‘B’: Cromane, Douglas and Scoil Mhuire ‘A’.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’: Michael Lynch (capt.), Kieran Moriarty, Malcolm Sweeney, Paudie O Shea, Frankie Murphy, Brendan Dennehy, Patrick Clifford, Paudie Russell, Kevin Jones, Kieran Clifford, Brian Murphy, Michael Cahillane, Kealon O Sullivan, Raymond O Sullivan, Tony O Sullivan, Redmond Fitzgerald, Donncha Costello.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Jason Griffin (Capt.), John Doona, Christopher Sheehan, Eoin O Sullivan, Donncha Dermody, Yens Bickel, Shaun Brennan, Declan Byrne, Carl O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, John Clifford, Rory O Sullivan, Nicholas Bainton, Turlough Byrnes, Cathal Crowley, John Foley, Francis O Sullivan.

Scoil Mhuire ‘C’: Stephen Corkery (capt.), Kevin O Leary, Timothy Coffey, Anthony O Sullivan, Gerard o Mahony, Michael O Connor, Brian Kissane, Robert Kennedy, Rory o Connor, Eamonn Kissane, Muiris O Dwyer, Ivor Falvey, Noel Kingston, Karl Griffin, Mark Conway, Glenn Evans, Tadhg Moriarty.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 1^st April: Douglas 0-3; Cromane 0-1.

Glounaguillagh beat Scoil Mhuire ‘B’.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 8^th April: Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ beat Scoil Mhuire ‘C’.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Douglas.

Ref: Pat Pigott.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 14^th April: Glounaguillagh beat Scoil Mhuire ‘C’.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Cromane.

 

Finals on Sun. 21^st April: ‘A’ Final – Glounaguillagh 4-5; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 1-7.

Glounaguillagh played against the wind in the first half and yet led at halftime by 3-4 to 1-4. Michael Lynch rallied his team and at one stage in the second half came within three points of the opposition. However, the winners finished with a flourish and the Patsy Foley Trophy went ‘home’.

‘B’ Final – Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 1-5; Douglas 1-3.

That game was a real cracker, with little separating the teams. A few missed chances cost Douglas dearly and Jason Griffin’s team held on to win. Ref: Patsy Joy.

‘C’ Final – Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 4-5; Cromane 2-2.

At halftime, having played against the breeze, the Killorglin side led by 3-3 to 0-0. Cromane never really threatened that lead in the second half. Ref: Bertie Houlihan.

 

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools Competition

Laune Rangers entered five teams in the Four-Teachers 15-a-side competition, Glounaguillagh, Douglas, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (Michael Lynch), Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (Jason Griffin) and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ (Stephen Corkery).

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 3^rd May: At Killorglin – Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ beat Glenbeigh. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

At Killorglin – Kilgobnet 3-2; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-8.

At Milltown: Milltown beat Scoil Mhuire ‘A’.

At Killorglin: Cromane beat Douglas.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 10^th May: At Killorglin – Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 0-4; Glounaguillagh 0-4. Ref: Michael O Reilly.

At Killorglin – Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-5; Cromane 0-1. Ref: Johnny O Shea

Castlemaine beat Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ by one point.

At Beaufort – Kilgobnet v Douglas. Ref: Bart Moriarty

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 17^th May: Glounaguillagh 8-8; Glenbeigh 0-0.

Kilgobnet 3-4; Cromane 3-4.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ v Douglas. Ref: Johnny O Shea.

Cullina 5-9; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 3-4.

 

None of the Laune Rangers schools qualified for the finals, which were played in Milltown.

Rd. 1 on 3^rd May at Beaufort: Cullina v Castlemaine. Ref: Johnny O Shea.

Rd. 3 on 17^th May at Killorglin: Cromane v Kilgobnet. Ref: Bart Moriarty.

Rd. 3 on 17^th May at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh v Glenbeigh. Ref: Michael O Reilly.

 

Munster Vocational Schools U-16A Championship

Rd. 1 on Mon. 28^th Jan. at Abbeyfeale: Killorglin V’S’ 5-6; Newcastlewest 0-1.

Inspired by wing-back Paddy O Connor, Killorglin dominated throughout and led at halftime by 2-5 to 0-0. Two goals by second-half substitute John O Dwyer put the issue beyond doubt.

Killorglin: Michael Murphy, Paul McKenna, Liam Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, Michael O Sullivan, Randle Joy, Paddy O Connor, Danny Cahill, Cyril Morris, Brendan Corkery, Patie Casey, Joe Sweeney, Terence McCarthy, Tommy Stack, John O Brien. Sub: John O Dwyer.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Semi-final on Mon. 4^th Feb. at Ballingeary: Scoil Stiofán Naofa, Corcaigh 3-2; Killorglin V.S. 1-5.

In a very keenly contested game, Stíofan Naofa goaled after four minutes but Cyril Morris scored two points to bring Killorglin back into the game. A goal by John O Brien after eleven minutes enabled Killorglin to build up a 1-4 to 1-1 interval lead.

The Cork City lads reduced the arrears about two minutes into the second half but the Killorglin lads continued to dominate the game although they failed to consolidate their position on the scoreboard. The contest was effectively decided in the 13^th and 15^th minutes when the Cork boys scored two goals in breakaways. Tommy Stack pointed for Killorglin two minutes later but, try as they might, they were thwarted by the excellent Cork goalkeeper, who twice deprived the Killorglin captain, Patie Casey.

Best for a gallant Killorglin team, that played inspiring football at times, were Randle Joy, Paddy O Connor, Michael O Sullivan and Bertie O Riordan in defence, Cyril Morris at midfield, Patie Casey and Tommy Stack in attack.

Killorglin: Michael Murphy, Paul McKenna, Liam Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, Michael O Sullivan, Tommy Stack (0-1), Paddy O Connor, Cyril Morris (0-3), Danny Cahill, Brendan Corkery, Patie Casey, John O Dwyer, Terence McCarthy (0-1), Joe Sweeney, John O Brien (1-0). Sub: Randle Joy for J. Sweeney.

Ref: Paudie Herlihy (Ballingeary V.S.).

 

Munster Vocational Schools’ Inter-Scheme Senior Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 30^th Jan. at Eire Óg Grounds, Ennis: Clare 2-8; Kerry 1-3.

Dermot Clifford played at right halfback and Joe Purcell played at left half-forward. Tony Maunsell (Abbeydorney) replaced Dermot Clifford.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Football Championship

Rd. 1 in mid-Oct. at Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 3-8; Rathmore V.S. 0-5.

Full-forward Gerard Woods (Milltown) was the hero of the hour with a personal tally of 3-4. Others to catch the eye for Killorglin were Patie Casey and Liam Cronin. Scorers for Killorglin were Gerard Woods 3-4 and Jamie Courtney 0-4.

Ref: Bart Moriarty (Laune Rangers).

 

Semi-final: Killorglin 2-9; Causeway 2-3.

 

Final on Fri. 22^nd Nov. at Kilcummin: Killorglin V.S. 1-6; Rathmore V.S. 2-2.

Killorglin only scored once in the second half of that keenly contested and exciting final at unseasonably sunny and dry Kilcummin but what a vital score it was. Captain, Jamie Courtney, shot the match-winning score in the 59^th minute to ensure the return of the premier cup in Kerry Vocational Schools Football to Killorglin for the first time since 1969.

Killorglin fully deserved that win, but Rathmore, who were 1-5 to 1-1 adrift at the interval, were unlucky not to have held out for a draw. An inspirational goal by Rathmore’s James Brosnan in the 38^th minute left the sides level (2-2 to 1-5) and the remaining twenty-two minutes of scoreless play typified the predominant features of the game – unbelievable commitment, tenacious, hard but fair tackling and excellent blocking down. Those features compensated for some lack of skill and poor marksmanship by both sides. Killorglin’s best players were Jamie Courtney, Brendan Quirke, Brian Prendergast, Liam Cronin and Gerard Woods.

Killorglin: Brendan Quirke (Firies), Liam Griffin (Milltown/Castlemaine), Liam Cronin (do.), Paddy O Connor (Glenbeigh), Michael O Sullivan (Firies), Patie Casey (Cromane), Brian Prendergast (Keel), Jamie Courtney (Listry) capt. 0-2, James O Shea (Cromane) 0-2, Kevin Falvey (Glenbeigh), Tommy Stack (Cromane), Danny Cahill (Laune Rangers), Joe Sweeney (Cromane), Gerard Woods (Milltown/Castlemaine) 1-2, John F. O Brien (Laune Rangers). Subs: Joe Hoare (Laune Rangers), Connie Lenihan, Padraig Horan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Terence McCarthy (Cromane), John Corkery (Glenbeigh), Trevor Wharton (Milltown/Castlemaine), Cyril Wharton (Laune Rangers), Ian Wharton (do.), Edward West (do.). Team trainers/coaches – George Dennis and Peter Gill.

The team then went forward to the Munster Championship, which was played on Wed. 15^th Feb. 1986.

 

Kerry Colleges Senior Football Championship

Final on Wed. 8^th May at Austin Stack Park, Tralee: Dingle CBS 2-9; Intermediate School 2-8.

That was a splendid hour of free-flowing football and most sporting. In the first half, Killorglin were assisted by a fresh breeze and, even though Dingle scored two points, Killorglin settled down and some fine shooting from their forwards had them in front after fifteen minutes by 0-5 to 0-3. Then Séamus de Londra tore through the Killorglin defence to score a good goal and regain the lead.  It was a short-lived lead, however, as one minute later Frankie Brennan split the Dingle defence and shot to the net. Three minutes later Ronan O Shea had an equally good second goal for Killorglin to leave the halftime ascore at 2-6 to 1-4 in favour of the boys from the Laune.

The Killorglin boys had cause to rue a second-half slump, which allowed a very determined Dingle team back into a game, which they seemed to have lost. A Ronan O Shea point after three minutes of the second half gave Killorglin a six points lead and they seemed to be headed for victory. Dingle, however, staged a great revival and they were spearheaded by Donal Hanafin, Sean Geaney and Seán Ó Beaglaoich. The final minutes were hectic. Ronan O Shea and Frankie Brennan led a few dangerous Killorglin attacks but those were repulsed. Dingle held out to win their first ever senior colleges title.

 

Kerry Colleges Dunloe Cup

Final: Intermediate School won the Dunloe Cup for the first time.

 

Senior Inter-County Football

The Ford Open Draw Inter-County Competition was organised.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 31^st March at Tralee: Kerry 3-8; Galway 1-11.

Kerry lined out with Peter Lyons deputising for Charlie Nelligan and he did all that was asked of him. His kick-outs had great length in them.

Kerry: Peter Lyons, Paudie O Shea, Tommy Spillane, John Higgins, J. O Sullivan, Tommy Doyle, Ger Lynch, Jack O Shea (0-1), Dermot Hannifin (1-1), Ambrose O Donovan, Timmy Dowd (1-1), John Kennedy (0-1), Diarmuid O Donoghue, Eoin Liston, Mikey Sheehy (1-2, 1 free). Subs: Mick Spillane for J. O Sullivan, Davy O Donoghue (0-2) for D. O Donoghue, Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran for E. Liston.

 

Munster Senior Football Championship

 

Challenge on Sun. 2^nd June at Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick: Kerry v Laois.

That game was for the opening of Páirc Abha Bhan, Ballyhahll. Peter Lyons played in goals.

 

Challenge on Sun. 9^th June at Beaufort: Kerry 0-8; Wexford 1-7.

Kerry: Kieran Breen (Beaufort), Donal Hartnett (do.), John Keane (Kenmare), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), John T. O Sullivan (Renard), Pat Sheehan (Glenbeigh), Dermot Hanafin (Desmonds) 0-1, Ger Lynch (Valentia) 0-1, Joe Shannon (Laune Rangers), John Kennedy (Ballylongford) 0-3, Domo Lyne (Desmonds), Peadar O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Eoin Liston (Beale) 0-3, Pierce Prendiville (Laune Rangers). Ref: Weeshie Fogarty, Legion.

 

Sun. 14^th July, Trial at Kilcummin: Kerry ‘A’ v Kerry ‘B’.

Peter Lyons played in goals for the ‘B’ team and gave an outstanding display. During the presentation of trophies after the game, he got a wonderful ovation from the crowd.

 

Final on Sun. 21^st July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 0-11; Kerry 2-11.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Paudie O Shea (capt.), Tommy Spillane, Mick Spillane, John Higgins, Tommy Doyle, Ger Lynch, Jack O Shea (0-1), Ambrose O Donovan, John Kennedy (0-1), Ogie Moran (0-1), Pat Spillane (0-2), Mikey Sheehy (1-3, 2 frees), Owen Liston (1-2), Ger Power. Subs: Timmy Dowd (0-1) for A. O Donovan (inj.), Johnny Mulvihill, Jeremiah O Sullivan, Dermot Hannafin, Sean Liston, Peter Lyons and John Keane.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 11^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-12; Monaghan 2-9.

Peter Lyons was sub goalkeeper.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final replay on Sun. 25^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-9; Monaghan 0-10.

Peter Lyons was sub goalkeeper. However, he was dropped from the panel for the final.

 

Co. Senior Hurling Championship

As Laune Rangers did not have a senior hurling team some of its players played with South-Kerry.

 

Sat. 13^th July at Beaufort: South-Kerry 2-1; Kenmare 1-11.

South-Kerry Panel: Mike Ryan, Derry Crowley, Dan Healy, Pat Kelliher, P.J. Cronin, Michael Sweeney, Pat Twomey, Richard Hickey, Martin Beckett, Tom Holohan, Mike Leahy, Dave O Connor, Tom Gill, Tom O Driscoll, Denis Randles, John Foley, Liam Healy and Paudie O Sullivan.

 

Co. Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 at the end of Sept: Killorglin 6-9; Abbeydorney 2-5.

Killorglin’s halftime lead of five points seemed precarious enough against the North-Kerry boys, who finished the half in great style. Killorglin’s greater strength in a few areas, however, began to tell as the second half wore on, and they ended worthy winners. Joe Kennedy played his finest game ever for Killorglin, striking five points, three from play. John Gamble marked his return to the team by whipping in three good goals.

Killorglin: Sean Fenton, Brendan Hearne, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Tommy Byrne, Paul Gillespie, Joe Kennedy (0-5, 2 frees), Richard O Connor (2-0), Anthony Clifford, Vincent Hearne (0-1), Shane O Sullivan (0-2), Michael Moriarty, Pat McKenna (1-0), Joe Purcell (0-1), Sean Gamble (3-0). Subs: Mark O Sullivan, Barry Lynch, Gerard Kennedy, Adrian O Connor.

 

Final on Sun. 3^rd Nov: Austin Stacks 1-4; Killorglin 0-4.

Though the score-line was low, that was an excellent game, played at a fast pace throughout.

Killorglin: Sean Fenton, Brendan Hearne, Eoin Mangan, Dermot Clifford, Mike O Connor (Glencar), Paul Gillespie, Joe Kennedy, Richard O Connor, Anthony Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Shane O Sullivan, Mark O Connor, Pat McKenna, Joe Purcell, Sean Gamble.

 

Co. Minor Hurling League Div. 2

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 7^th April at Milltown: Killorglin 5-8; Lixnaw 2-1.

Killorglin: Brendan Hearne, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Eoin Mangan, Robert Evans, Anthony Clifford, Dermot Clifford, Joe Kennedy, Paul Gillespie, Michael Moriarty, Sean Fenton, Vincent Hearne, Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Kennedy, Joe Purcell, John Sheehan. Sub: Barry Lynch. Richard O Connor had been injured while playing with the Kerry Minor Hurlers and was unable to play.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 14^th April at Killorglin: Killorglin w/o; Crotta O Neills’ scr.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 26^th April at Abbeydorney: Abbeydorney 3-4; Killorglin 1-9.

Killorglin got off to a good start and were five points in front at the end of the first quarter. They then missed several good chances of goals but were ahead by 0-7 to 0-1 with only minutes of the first half remaining. However, Abbeydorney got through for a good goal to leave only three points between the sides at the break.

Shortly after the resumption, the home side levelled and play was very even from then to the end with both sides striving for the vital scores. Abbeydorney clinched the game with a controversial goal three minutes from the end. They were awarded a free from about 60m out, which the taker failed to lift properly at the first attempt. Amazingly, the referee allowed him to lift the ball again and drive it into the Killorglin square where an inrushing forward finished it to the net.

Killorglin: Timmy Fleming, Dermot Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Robert Evans, Anthony Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Joe Kennedy (0-1), Paul Gillespie, Michael Moriarty (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-4), Richard O Connor (1-2), Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Kennedy, Joe Purcell (0-1), John Sheehan. Subs: Sean Fenton, Tommy Byrne and Barry Lynch.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 5^th May: Killorglin 4-6; Ballyheigue 4-3.

Atrocious weather conditions handicapped any kind of crisp hurling and Killorglin, playing with a strong wind, slogged their way to a precarious halftime lead of five points. Two early second-half goals, one a real blockbuster from Mark O Connor, seemed to ensure an easy Killorglin victory. Ballyheigue, however, throwing caution to the wind, showed their mettle by fighting back, score by score, and the ranging puck-outs from their elegant fullback, Murnane, might have caused palpitations in the heart of a lesser defence than Killorglin’s. Reinforced by the steely play of Owen Mangan, the determination of Dermot Clifford and the coolness of Paul Gillespie at centre halfback, the Killorglin defence just about held out.

 

Final on Sun. 12^th May at Milltown: Killorglin 4-9; Abbeydorney 1-1.

The lopsided score-line did injustice to the North-Kerry side, which were never outclassed but were rarely able to penetrate a powerful Killorglin defence. Young Timmy Fleming was again in brilliant form and, without his crucial saves, things might have ended differently. However, that was Killorglin’s day and the long tunnel of disappointments finally brightened into a glorious victory. With the team firing on fifteen cylinders, Joe Purcell scored three thundering goals, Mark O Connor whipped in another, while out the field, Richard O Connor made the gift of bi-location seem commonplace. He was everywhere, a la Jack O Shea, and notched seven impeccable points. Above all, it was a team effort and the trophy was presented to the winning captain, Owen Mangan, by John Fitzpatrick, Killorglin team trainer, on behalf of Kerry Co. Board. A jubilant cavalcade of cars honked its way across the Laune Bridge and around the town to celebrate Killorglin’s first ever county hurling title.

Killorglin: Timmy Fleming, Pat McKenna, Owen Mangan (capt.), Dermot Clifford, Robert Evans, Paul Gillespie, Joe Kennedy, Anthony Clifford, Richard O Connor, Vincent Hearne, Michael Moriarty, Paul Griffin, Joe Purcell, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan. Subs: John Sheehan, Mike ‘King’ O Connor, Brendan Hearne, Barry Lynch, Tommy Byrne, Sean Fenton, Gerard Kennedy.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

South-Kerry U-16 Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 10^th March at Kenmare: Kenmare 5-5; Killorglin 0-2.

Killorglin: Billy O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Pat McKenna, Mark Murphy, Barry Lynch, Sean Fenton, Laurence Hogan, Tommy Byrne, Timmy Fleming, Padraig Lynch, Paul Griffin, Adrian O Connor, Bernard O Sullivan, Brendan Hearne, Dominic Jones. Subs: Patrick Costello for A. O Connor.

 

Féile na nGael (U-14 Hurling)

Killorglin had been grouped St. Patrick’s and Kenmare.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 6^th April at Killarney: St. Patrick’s beat Killorglin.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 14^th April at Killorglin: Killorglin lost to Kenmare.

 

The Club’s U-14 Skills’ Competition was held in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sat. 27^th April. Robert Kennedy was first, Danny O Sullivan second and Timmy Linehan was third. Robert Kennedy also won the Poc Fada.

 

On the weekend Fri. 28^th June to Sun. 30^th June the Killorglin U-14 team, having received an invitation, travelled to Wexford for Féile na nGael 1985. The players were hosted by the Wexford club, Bannow/Ballymitty, like Killorglin, a traditionally football club, with a fledgling juvenile hurling panel. On arrival on Friday evening, an understandably drowsy Killorglin hurling team lost to their hosts by 3-3 to 1-5. On the following morning a refreshed team beat Rosslare by 3-5 to 2-4 and it was music to their ears to hear the Bannow/Ballymitty boys chanting ‘Kerry! Kerry!’ On the Sunday morning it was onward to Aifreann na Féile, held in the grounds of St. Peter’s College, Wexford. Chief con-celebrant was Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich. The parade through the streets of Wexford was, of course, the highlight of an immense and moving pageant. Local sponsors for the weekend included Tim O Connor and Sons, Eamonn Crowley (Killarney Mail Order), Richard Boyle and Sons, Casualand (Anthony Shannon).

 

Co. U-12 Hurling Championship

Killorglin was grouped with Kenmare and St. Patrick’s.

 

Rd. 1 in June: Kenmare beat Killorglin.

Killorglin: Raymond O Sullivan, Patrick O Connell, Kevin Jones, Michael O Connor, Michael O Connell, Pat Cahill, Pat O Keeffe, Robert Kennedy, Jerome Cahill, Turlough Brynes, Declan Byrne, Stephen Gamble, John Cronin, Nicholas Bainton, Tony O Mahony.

 

Rd. 2: Killorglin lost to St. Patrick’s.

 

South-Kerry U-12 Hurling Championship

 

Sat. 6^th April: St. Patrick’s beat Laune Rangers.

 

On Sat. 27^th July, Killorglin Hurling Club held its U-10 and U-12 hurling Skills/Poc Fada Competitions.

Turlough Byrnes, after a prolonged and exciting shoot-out, beat Pat O Keeffe in the U-10 Skills.

Liam Hearne, the youngest hurler present, won the U-10 Poc Fada.

Kevin Jones won the U-12 Skills and Robert Kennedy the U-12 Poc Fada.

 

South-Kerry Hurling Board U-12 Blitz

At the beginning of Nov. at Kilcummin, Killorglin beat Kenmare and were narrowly beaten by Kilcummin, St. Patrick’s and John Mitchels.

Panel: Gary McGrath, Tom O Connor, Nicholas Bainton, Nicholas Murphy, Jason Griffin, Karl Griffin, Pat O Keeffe, Turlough Byrnes, Raymond O Sullivan, Kieran Clifford, Stephen Gamble, Robert Kennedy, Kevin Jones, Michael O Connor, Patrick O Connell, Adrian O Connor, John Cronin and Declan Byrne.

 

Inter-County U-16 Hurling

There was a trial game on Sun. 24^th Feb. at Causeway. Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin and Timmy Fleming were in attendance and were selected on the panel. Later in the year, Mark O Connor was added to the panel..

 

Munster Minor Hurling League

There was a trial game in Ardfert on Sat. 23^rd Feb. Richard O Connor, Paul Gillespie and Vincent Hearne attended.

Ladies Football Co. League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 31^st March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-5; Abbeydorney 2-9.

Laune Rangers played very well, especially goalkeeper, Kathleen Kennedy.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 19^th May at Listry: Laune Rangers 9-9; Austin Stacks 1-2.

The newcomers on the Laune Rangers’ team played extremely well. Special praise was due to Jenny Pigott, Karina Coffey, Jacklyn Sweeney, Elaine McGillycuddy and Dolores Doyle.

Laune Rangers: Kathleen Kennedy, Jenny Pigott, Mary Griffin, Phil Curran, Liz Foley, Catherine O Brien, Elaine McGillycuddy, Mary Jo Curran (capt.), Nora Foley, Mark Buckley, Jacqueline McGillycuddy, Josephine Mangan, Karina Coffey, Jacklyn Sweeney, Dolores Doyle.

 

Senior Ladies Inter-County Football

RTE organised a special challenge game at Stillorgan, Dublin on Sun. 24^th Feb: Kerry 6-8; Wexford 3-1.

Nora Foley played at fullback, Phil Curran at centre halfback, Mary Jo Curran scored 1-3 and Mary Buckley scored 1-0.

Munster/All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship

 

Final on Sun. 11^th Aug. at Kilgarvan: Kerry 3-4; Cork 0-3.

Kerry: Kathleen Kennedy, Brigid Leen, Tess Horgan, Marion Doherty, Phil Curran, Nora Foley, Siobhán Leen, Mary Jo Curran, Lil Horgan (1-0), Margaret Flaherty, Annette Walsh, Marina Barry, Margaret Sheehan (0-1), Del Whyte (2-3), Eileen Lawlor. Subs: Ann Costello, Mary Buckley, Brid Lawlor, Mary Lane, Mary Stack, Helena O Connor.

 

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 8^th Sept. at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Kerry 2-9; Laois 0-5.

That was Kerry’s fourth title in-a-row. Mary Jo Curran was player of the match.

Kerry: Kathleen Curran (Laune Rangers), Bridget Leen (Castleisland), Nora Foley (Laune Rangers), Tess Horgan (Austin Stacks), Marion Doherty (Castleisland), Phil Curran (Laune Rangers), Siobhán Leen (Castleisland) capt., Lil O Sullivan (Austin Stacks), Mary Jo Curran (Laune Rangers) 1-0, Marina Barry (Austin Stacks), Annette Walsh (Castleisland) 0-4, Eileen Lawlor (Abbeydorney), Mary Buckley (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Del Whyte (Austin Stacks) 1-4, Margaret Flaherty (Castleisland). Subs: Mary Stack (Abbeydorney), Margaret Sheehan (do.), Ann Costello (do.), Mary Lane (Castleisland), Brid Lawlor (Abbeydorney), Barbara Whyte (Austin Stacks), Margaret Lawlor (Abbeydorney).

 

Munster Junior Ladies Championship

 

Final on Sun. 11^th Aug. at Kilgarvan: Kerry 1-4; Cork 1-6.

Kerry: Catherine Brosnan, Brid Lawlor, Ann Slattery, Rose Moriarty, Barbara Whyte, Mary Lane, Ann Maunsell, Ann Costello, Mary Buckley, Helena O Connor, Margaret Sheehan, Mary Stack, Helen Maunsell, Ann Callahan, Joan O Shea. Subs: Margaret Flaherty, Mary Horgan.

 

Ladies’ National Football League 1984/’85

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 24^th March at Killorglin: Kerry 4-7; Cork 1-1.

Rd. 1 against Waterford had to be abandoned at halftime due to the inclement weather. For the game against Cork, Laune Rangers had four players on duty, Nora Foley, Phil Curran, Mary Jo Curran and Mary Buckley.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 9^th June at Beaufort: Kerry 4-8; Wexford 0-6.

That game coincided with the Official Opening of Coughlan Park, Beaufort. Nora Foley, Phil Curran, Mary Jo Curran and Mary Buckley played with Kerry.

 

Final on Sun. 23^rd June at Ardrahan: Kerry 5-11; Leitrim 0-1.

That was Kerry’s sixth National League title in-a-row. They were actually unbeaten in League or Championship since Aug. 1981.

Kerry: Kathleen Curran, Brigid Leen, Nora Foley, Tess Horgan, Marion Doherty, Phil Curran, Siobhán Leen, Lil Horgan, Mary Jo Curran, Helena O Connor, Annette Walsh, Mary Buckley, Margaret Lawlor, Del Whyte, Rose Moriarty. Subs: Margaret Sheehan, Eileen Lawlor, Ann Costello.

 

Ladies Inter-Provincial Football

 

Semi-final on Sun. 17^th Feb. at Ardrahan, Galway: Connacht 0-4; Munster 6-4.

Nora Foley played at fullback and Mary Jo Curran scored 3-0.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Dr. Mick Loftus, Muigheó, was elected Uachtarán CLG.

James Coffey was on the Kerry delegation to Annual Congress.

 

Brendan Vaughan (An Clár) was Chairman of the Munster Council, Donie Nealon (Tiobraid Árainn) was Secretary and Tadhg Crowley (Ciarraí) was Treasurer. The Annual Convention of the Munster Council was held in the Ryan Hotel, Limerick on Fri. 1^st March, and James Coffey was on the Kerry delegation.

 

Kerry Co. Board Annual Convention took place in the CBS Hall, Clounalour, Tralee on Sun. 27^th Jan. The following officers were elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc, Chairman – Frank King, Vice-Chairman – Sean Kelly, Secretary – Anthony O Keeffe, Joint Treasurers – James Coffey 171 and John McMahon 124 {other candidates – Henry Ahern (Firies), John Bambury (Dingle), Pat Favier (Glenflesk), Tom Keane (Renard), Pat O Connor (Na Gaeil), John O Donoghue (Firies), Bernie O Riordan (Spa)}, PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan 130 (Denis P. O Sullivan 98), Youth Office – Joe Langan 116 (Donie O Leary, Rarthmore 114, James Broderick 66), Development Officer – Denis McCarthy 159 (Con O Riordan 67), Irish Officer – Derry Murphy, Delegates to Munster Council – Dave Geaney and Gerald White, Central Council Delegate – Gerald McKenna.

Senior Football Selection Committee: Mick O Dwyer (automatic), Mickey O Sullivan 130, Joe Keohane 125, Tim Kennelly 112, Kevin Griffin 107, all elected, Eddie O Sullivan 106.

Minor Football Selection Committee (elected at Co. Board meeting on 8^th Oct. 1984): John Bambury (80), Paudie Herlihy (77), Joe Langan (73), Jim Wrenn (62), Michael Price (49), all of whom were elected, Mick Galway (47), Jimmy Keating (42), Brendan Ashe (24), John Galvin (30). Paudie Herlihy was appointed as trainer.

In his capacity as outgoing Chairman of Bord na nOg, Jerome Conway was in attendance. Maurice Harmon represented the Mid-Kerry Board and Noel O Mahony was the urban delegate form the Mid-Kerry Board. Pat Lynch was the delegate from the South-Kerry Hurling Board. There was alarm in the Laune Rangers’ camp when it was discovered that Pat O Shea was a delegate from Killorglin Hurling Club.

 

Bart Moriarty was again Secretary of the Kerry Referees Committee and Eamonn O Sullivan was Chairman. A referees’ meeting took place in the Manor Inn, Killorglin at the end of Aug. Special guest-speaker was Denis Guerin, Dublin, (Formerly of Glenbeigh). Other speakers were Frank King, Tony O Keeffe and James Coffey.

Maurice Harmon, in his capacity as Secretary of the Mid-Kerry Board, and Pat Lynch, South-Kerry Hurling Board, were members of the Fixtures Committee of Kerry Co. Board.

 

Cromane had an application, to form its own club, before the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 11^th Feb. Frank Walsh spoke on behalf of Cromane, stating that a club had been formed on 15^th Nov. 1983 and that they were seeking affiliation on the basis that Cromane had a separate identity, that there had been a club in existence during the 1950’s and that, since they had a pitch, they were seeking club status. Jerome Conway, representing Laune Rangers, made an impassioned plea to the Co. Board delegates not to accept the application, as follows: “It is time that we called a spade, a spade and removed the cloak and dagger effort in this instance. Everybody in Killorglin, everyone in Mid-Kerry and, indeed, everyone here virtually knows that background to this situation. This situation has arisen because one man (Pat O Shea) refused to regard the authority of Bord na nOg, showed little regard for the Senior Board and refused to accept the democratic decision of the Laune Rangers Club. While he was with the club, there was never a need for another club in Killorglin, but now all of a sudden, there seems to be a need for another club in our parish.

Everybody here knows that Laune Rangers Club has worked hard over the years to promote the GAA in Killorglin. No stone has been left unturned to make sure that every facility has been given to every young person in the parish to play football if he wished. Every competition has been entered, not by just one team but often, if the need arose, two or three teams to accommodate everybody wishing to take part. If everybody then is catered for, why is there need for a rival club? I say rival club for rival club it will be. I want to put paid to the pseudo excuses that have been put forward for the formation of a club in the Cromane area. I speak for the majority of the Killorglin parish, reflecting the anxiety of people who have the unity of the parish at heart. These people are very concerned about this most divisive issue. In the TV programme last night, we heard that Michael Cusack wished the GAA to unite the community not to divide it as will happen in this case. As we enter the second century of the GAA, strong clubs are required in order for the organisation to prosper. Fragmentation only leads to weakness.

There is an opinion abroad that the formation of a new club in the parish will not weaken Laune Rangers. Of course it will weaken us and could indeed destroy us. Here are a few facts that may be of interest. There are four estates in our town, two old and two new. We depend of these and the hinterland for our players. Take away the hinterland and we will be in dire trouble. In 1984, when we had the pick of the whole parish, we failed to win the Mid-Kerry Minor Championship. Indeed, we failed to get to the final. We failed to field a team in the Minor Co. Championship. Where then is the great strength of numbers that we are supposed to have? I have been in charge of our minors for the past number of years and I know how difficult it is to field teams – players are working and there are so many other interests. What would happen if we were to be weakened even more by setting up another club in the parish? Another evil is creeping in now-a-days and other clubs will bear this out – the evil of emigration. You yourself, Chairman, and Sean Kelly referred to this at Convention. We, like others, will suffer. Four of our senior team are unemployed at the moment and even if only two of those were to emigrate, well???

The parish of Killorglin already supports two GAA clubs – the Hurling Club and ourselves. Everybody here knows the cost of running a club at the moment, with travel costs, bringing home away players, maintenance costs, etc. We are hoping to buy a piece of land in the town to facilitate the post-primary schools in the town and the juveniles of the club and to take some of the pressure off our much overused field. If another club is allowed in the parish, how can we hope to achieve this or indeed will the parish be able to support three clubs? The town already supports many other clubs of other codes.

This brings me to my final point. We have to contend with soccer in the town. Whether we like it or not, soccer is a reality and if you are not contending with it at the moment, you will have to in the near future. We first met this challenge about ten years ago. It almost destroyed us. We were not at the time strong enough to meet it on equal terms and consequently, it almost destroyed us. At that time, we had to play five U-16 players in a relegation battle versus Austin Stacks and consequently we were relegated to Division 2. We became the Cinderella club in Mid-Kerry football but we persisted. We survived that crisis because of hard work and because we had a united parish behind us. Otherwise, we would have gone to the wall. We got little or no co-operation at that time from the soccer club – Frank Walsh will bear that out – because we were not in a position to demand co-operation. Now, thankfully, we are in the driving seat, we are in a stronger position, we can now ask for and get great co-operation for the release of our players. If, however, we were to revert to our former position, and on this occasion have a rival club in the parish, I would hate to speculate on the consequences for the Laune Rangers Club.

Finally, delegates, I beg of you, do not destroy our club. Do not wreck the hopes and ambitions of the people who have slaved to put this club back to its present position and who are willing to continue slaving to make it even greater. Say to these men, ‘Go back to your club, play with the club that always looked after you.’ Do not destroy our club.”

Michael McCarthy, Chairman Mid-Kerry Board, proposed that Cromane’s application would be accepted. John O Donoghue, East-Kerry Board delegate, seconded the proposal. After a long discussion, it was proposed by Gerald White and seconded by Denis McCarthy (Kenmare), that the application for affiliation of Réalt na Mara, Cromán, would be subjected to conditions laid down by the Officers of Coiste Chontae Chiarraí, protecting both Laune Rangers and Cromane. That was accepted. It was decided that the officers of the Co. Board, Laune Rangers Club and a Cromane delegation would meet at Tralee on Thurs. 14^th Feb. to try to iron out an agreement. They would report to the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 18^th Feb.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 18^th Feb. the Cromane application was again put before the delegates. Michael McCarthy proposed that Cromane be accepted as a club and John Stack, St. Senan’s (related through marriage to Pat O Shea), seconded. The matter was decided on a secret ballot and the application was refused by 29 votes to 12, with 1 abstention.

Donie Nealon, Rúnaí, Comhairle na Mumhan received the following appeal, dated 22^nd Feb. 1985, by Cromane against the decision of the Co. Board:

“A Chara,

In accordance with Rule 105, page 87 O.G. I wish to appeal against the decision of Coiste Contae Chairraí CLG refusing an application by Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, to affiliate a club to CLG.

The background to the case is briefly as follows: The application was heard at a meeting in Tráillí on Mon. 11^th Feb. 1985. After a protracted discussion, the members decided to postpone its decision until it was in possession of recommendation from a sub-committee consisting of the officers of the Board (Coiste) to protect the existing position of Fánaithe na Leamhna and to promote good relations between that club and the proposed new club – Réalt na Mara, an Cromán.

On Mon. 18^th Feb. 1985, the Coiste reconvened and, after an announcement that there were not any recommendations from the officers, a vote was taken, which resulted in our application being refused. The grounds for the appeal are as follows:

(a)    Coiste Contae Chiarraí was in breach of honouring Rule 16, page 17 O.G. because they failed to observe sufficiently the terms of this rule and consequently are preventing them from being implemented. We pointed out to the meeting that we had sufficient players and resources of our own, which were not doing any harm to any existing club and that we were capable of carrying out all the conditions and terms of this rule. In reply to queries from Board members, we were able to point out and justify that we would not be a rival club to Fánaithe na Leamhna but we would compliment their efforts in the promotion of the activities of CLG.

(b)    We feel that our case was prejudiced when the officers of the Coiste did not bring forward recommendations. They were delegated to bring forward recommendations for specific purposes and when they failed to do so, members of the Coiste interpreted this as a clear indication that our application should be refused. We wish to make it clear that we are not suggesting that this was the motive or intention of the officers but that the members interpreted it that way.

(c)    Cromane has a very definite and distinct identity. It has its own Church, station districts, primary school, post office, community council, youth club and fishing industry.

(d)    To cater for the youth and adults of the area, we have purchased our own sports-field, which we intend to vest in the GAA. We collected £24,000 in one year for the venture. This surely indicates the commitment of the people to the promotion of its own area and identity in CLG.

(e)    We would also contend that we cannot be examined in terms only of a new club. We had a successful club during the years 1954, ’55, ’56 and we then amalgamated with Killorglin GAA Club – now Fánaithe na Leamhna – at their request.

Enclosed £2 appeal fee as per Rule 107(b), page 89 O.G.

Is mise

Le meas,

Proinnsias Breathnach.”

That appeal was lost but the Munster Council volunteered to facilitate a meeting between the officers of the Co. Board, the officers of Laune Rangers Club and the officers of the proposed new club with a view to reaching a compromise. Brendan Vaughan (Chairman Munster Council), Michael O Connor (Vice-Chairman Munster Council), Niall McInerney (Clare Delegate to Munster Council), Frank King (Chairman Kerry Co. Board), Tony O Keeffe (Secretary Kerry Co. Board), Dave Geaney (Kerry Delegate to Munster Council), James Coffey (Chairman Laune Rangers), Jerome Conway (Secretary Laune Rangers), Frank Walsh (Secretary Cromane) attended the meeting in the Pavilion, Austin Stack Park, Tralee. Laune Rangers agreed to Cromane’s application for a separate club on the following conditions, which were accepted unanimously by both sides, having been given the opportunity of presenting their own sets of proposals:

1. That Cromane GAA Club be confined to the Church Station Districts of Cromane (*These to be obtained from Canon Keane P.P. Killorglin). The names of the districts will be attached to the agreement.
2. That Cromane GAA Club shall not be permitted to play any player from any part of Killorglin parish outside of the above named Station Districts.
3. That all players from the above named Station Districts, who have played, are at present playing or in future will play with Laune Rangers Club, will have the option of playing with Laune Rangers at all times.
4. That Coiste Chontae Chiarraí will not grant transfers to any Laune Rangers player or players who is, or are, living outside the above mentioned Station Districts to the Cromane Club, except in cases of change of permanent residence and change of permanent employment to the Cromane districts above.
5. The same conditions for transfer to apply in relation to Cromane players seeking to transfer to Laune Rangers Club.
6. That Laune Rangers club alone enters juvenile teams and minor teams from the Killorglin parish in all competitions – National Schools’ Competitions, District Board and Co. Board Competitions/Tournaments.
7. That Cromane Club be permitted to enter an U-12 team in all U-12 competitions at District Board and Co. Board Competitions, starting in 1985. This arrangement to be the first step in underage activity and development by the Cromane Club in the catchment area defined in No. 1 above.
8. That U-12 players from the Cromane area, who are playing or have played with Laune Rangers at competitive level, be given the option of continuing to play with Laune Rangers.
9. That Cromane Club be permitted to play in Division 4 of the Co. League, in the Co. Novice Championship and in the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship.
10. That players from Cromane Club are obliged to play with, and only with, teams from Laune Rangers Club in Co. Senior, U-21 and Minor Championships.
11. That Cromane Club will cooperate with Killorglin Hurling Club in the running of its fixtures and training schedules.
12. That the above terms of agreement be incorporated into Kerry Co. Board bye-laws.

* Canon Keane submitted the following list of Station Districts to Antóin Ó Chaoimh, Rúnaí, Coiste Chontae Chiarraí, as being traditionally making up the Cromane Church area and they were attached to the agreement: (1) Lonart, (2) Glosha, (3) Loughygannivane, (4) Lower Cromane, (5) Upper Cromane, (6) Liosnageeha, Cloghaneroin and Stook Island, (7) Knockaneroe and Dooks, (8) Poulbawn and Dooks Mountain (9) Knockaneglas, Bohereens and Doolahig.

This agreement was ratified by the Co. Board at its meeting on Mon. 1^st April, proposed by Donie Sheehan (Dr. Crokes) and seconded by Jerry Keane (Lixnaw). James Coffey expressed his delight that the matter was all over and he wished Cromane well on their own and he hoped that the Co. Board would patrol the Parish Rule. Frank Walsh expressed his thanks to all concerned.

The Cromane Club (Cumann Réalt na Mara) had the following officers: Chairman – John Joe O Reilly, Vice-Chairman – Patrick Casey, Secretary – Frank Walsh, Treasurers – Michael McCarthy and Seamus McMahon.

At the Co. Board meeting on 3^rd Sept. Michael McCarthy (Chairman Mid-Kerry Board) was absent but sent Pat O Shea (Cromane) as his proxy.

At the Co. Board on 10^th Dec. the Co. GPC (Chaired by James Coffey on the night) deemed, and the Co. Board accepted, that Cromane had broken the agreement between themselves and Laune Rangers. However, it was felt that a genuine misunderstanding of the agreement caused the transgression and no penalty was imposed! Laune Rangers had objected to the playing by Cromane of some players from outside the agreed station districts.

 

The Annual Convention of Co. Bord na nOg was held in the Pavilion, Austin Stacks Park, Tralee on Mon. 21^st Jan. There was a very large attendance of delegates. In his address to convention, Jerome Conway stated that centenary year had brought both joy and sorrow to him as Chairman. He looked back with pride on the achievements of the Board since its foundation in 1967. He paid tribute to the great work being done in many clubs and he said he was particularly pleased at the success of Kenmare and St. Patrick’s in hurling and at the success of West-Kerry in winning the U-16 Divisional Championship. Centenary Year had brought its own sorrow with the deaths of two Bord na nOg stalwarts, Willie Griffin and Jer Kavanagh, both members of St. Brendan’s Club. He stated that it had been an honour for him to have worked with Willie Griffin and he found him to be a gentleman in all his dealings with him. Willie Griffin had served Bord na nOg with distinction in a number of positions, while Jer Kavanagh had been a founder member. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Derry Sheehan (Desmonds), Vice-Chairman – John Fitzpatrick (Kerins O Rahillys), Secretary – John McMahon (Emmets), Ass. Secretary – Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue), Registrar – Liam Moriarty (Kerins O Rahillys), PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds), Treasurers –  Tom O Connor (Lixnaw) and Bernie O Connor (Legion), Auditors – Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels) and Joe Linnane (Ballydonoghue), GPC – Patsy Cremin (Spa) and John M. McCarthy (St.Brendan’s), Paudie County (Ballyduff).

At the get-together of the officers and their wives on Tues. 5^th March in the Imperial Hotel, Tralee, Derry Sheehan, Chairman, made a presentation to Jerome Conway. He paid tribute to the former Chairman for the work he had done for Bord na nOg, as Youth Officer and as a Co. Minor Football Selector.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Milltown on Tues. 22^nd Jan. (The Secretary’s report was given at the end of 1984). The Chairman, Noel Spillane, in his address, said, “Whilst I agree with our Secretary, Pat Clifford, that the year had not been a good one as regards winning competitions, nevertheless, I still believe we can be proud of our achievements during Centenary Year. For our senior team to have reached the semi-final of the Co. Championship, where they were beaten by a star-studded South-Kerry side after playing a great first half, was certainly no disgrace. Indeed, if we were more fortunate in availing of the scoring chances presented in the first half, the final outcome could be very different.

Our clubs can justly be proud of the sportsmanship displayed at all matches within the region. Usually we get the opportunity to congratulate the finalists in competitions, but tonight I wish to avail of the opportunity to compliment all clubs, whether it be in preliminary rounds or not, on this fine sportsmanship, which has been building up for years past and had come to a peak this year. I hope it will remain at this high level for years to come. For this, I must congratulate firstly the players, their trainers and the officers of the clubs.

It is not surprising that this great sportsmanship should manifest itself when Mid-Kerry contested the Co. Championship. This it did in all matches but was perhaps best displayed when we met a team from within the area – Laune Rangers – in the quarter-final. There were many reasons why sportsmanship should take a back-seat on this occasion – a misty evening, slippery conditions, familiarity amongst players and, of course, a great desire by both sides to win. However, it is to the eternal credit of both teams that there was not one unsporting action during this very exciting hour.

For our defeat at minor level, I must agree with the Secretary’s view when he blames the Keel and Beaufort clubs for not fulfilling their fixture beforehand. This made it impossible for any selector to evaluate the minor players of these clubs.

One of the saddest aspects of our activities during the year was the poor attendance of players at challenge games. The Board delayed the Championship and arranged four challenge games, three of which were disastrous as regards being beneficial to team-building. One of these was a benefit match for a colleague who lost much in an earlier match. He lost his opportunity, through injury, of playing for the rest of the season, his chance of an All-Ireland medal, his means of support. Yet the commitment shown by his Mid-Kerry colleagues was pathetic. We must remember that we are a small division and, in my opinion,  this lack of commitment by players for their colleagues, this lack of pride in their division is one of the greatest obstacles to winning a Co. Championship. What Mid-Kerry has achieved in recent years, has been achieved due to constant pressure from the trainer, or club-selector, or Mid-Kerry Secretary, rather than any spontaneous commitment from the players. We understand that players are human and have many calls on their time but I find it very hard to reconcile their lackadaisical attitude to collective training and challenge games with the great heart and spirit, which they display, when they don the Mid-Kerry jersey.

In conclusion, I wish to congratulate James Coffey and Kevin Griffin on their involvement with Kerry in their historic Centenary win. I would ask that they both get maximum support from the area, when they contest the forthcoming elections. I wish to thank our three joint-treasurers and our PRO. To these goes the credit for our Board having such a healthy credit balance after the year’s activities. I would like to say a special thank you to our Secretary, Pat Clifford, who is capable, willing and able. I think the best tribute I could pay to him is that many counties would be glad to have a man of his calibre. I would also like to thank everybody who helped in the running of the Board during the past two years. We had our differences but these were quickly forgotten. As I am not seeking re-election, I wish my successor and the Board the best of luck for the future.

The following officers were elected: President – Murt Kelly (Beaufort), Chairman – Michael McCarthy (Milltown/Castlemaine), Vice-Chairman – Noel Spillane (Beaufort), Secretary – Pat Clifford (Milltown/Castlemaine), Joint-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) 14 votes, John Dowling (Keel) 13 votes.

Motions –

1. ‘That Pat O Shea be appointed to train the Mid-Kerry team and the number of selectors be reduced to two and that Pat O Shea would appoint the two selectors.’ (Glenbeigh). Withdrawn.
2. ‘That the competing teams in the Mid-Kerry League and Championship Finals get 10% of the gates.’ (Glenbeigh) Beaten by 20 votes to 7.
3. ‘That Cromane be allowed affiliate with Mid-Kerry Board this coming year.’ (Glenbeigh) All the other Mid-Kerry Clubs gave full support to the formation of the new club. The Keel delegation (William O Shea, etc.) was very vociferous in its favour. Glenbeigh delegates pretended that they did not fully understand what was at stake, while at the same time having a motion on the matter on the ‘clár’. All of the Milltown/Castlemaine delegates (John Burke, Jackie Kerins, etc.) were in favour. Beaufort, especially Jim O Malley, was very anti-Laune Rangers. Indeed Frank Walsh, Cromane, was allowed to speak and seek support. It was felt that the motion was out of order, as only the Co. Board or Munster Council could accept Cromane Club’s affiliation. However, the Mid-Kerry delegates to the Co. Board were instructed to support Cromane Club’s application.
4. ‘That any player who has played Senior Mid-Kerry Championship this season or last season will be ineligible to play in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship.’ (Beaufort) Carried.
5. ‘That Pat O Shea be asked to train the Mid-Kerry Senior team in 1985’. (Milltown/Castlemaine). That motion was referred to the first meeting of the Board.

 

The minutes of six Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available, mostly for the purpose of fixtures-making.

The following matters also transpired:

Mon. 3^rd April – The Chairman welcomed the Cromane delegates who were attending their first meeting since being allowed to form a club. Since Cromane were then included in the Senior Championship, it was decided that the winners of the three first-round games would go into the semi-finals and three losers would play off for the fourth position.

Wed. 8^th May – a letter was read from Laune Rangers, which stated that their senior team would not fulfil the play-off fixture with Glenbeigh on Sun. 16^th April, as they had been informed by the Chairman that it would be ok to toss to decide the play-off. He had also told Laune Rangers that Glenbeigh were agreeable to a toss and, since there had not been a Board meeting in the meantime, they would not fulfil the fixture. The Chairman said that he had agreed with Jerome Conway at first that the play-off would be decided by a toss but he had changed his mind when he discovered that the Board would be at a financial loss by not playing the game. He had changed his mind, which he had been entitled to do. The Chairman said that, as Glenbeigh had been willing to play the game, he awarded the points to Glenbeigh and they were then in the final. At the same meeting, there was a letter from Laune Rangers asking the Board to investigate the Cromane Club, which had been playing a player or players from outside their allotted station districts. It was decided that the Mid-Kerry Board had nothing to do with the granting of Cromane Club and the letter was referred to the Co. Board.

Mon. 12^th June – the agreement between Munster Council, Kerry Co. Board, Laune Rangers and Cromane was read. Frank Walsh, Cromane, said that the agreement sent out contained items that Cromane did not agree with. (The agreement sent out, was the agreement that had been made between the various bodies involved and whether Cromane agreed or not was irrelevant). The Chairman of the Board said that since Cromane were objecting to the agreement and since the agreement had not been signed, he referred the matter back to the Co. Board.

 

Milltown/Castlemaine Club was in charge of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg affairs in 1985. Dermot Ryan was Chairman and John Burke was Secretary.

 

Bart Moriarty was Chairman of Laune Rangers Bord na nOg.

 

Peter Lyons was appointed Chairman of the Laune Rangers Players’ Tour Committee in November, Joe Shannon was the Secretary and Edward Stack was the Treasurer.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Scór was held in the Muintir na Tíre Hall, Milltown on Fri. 8^th Feb. The Laune Rangers representatives were:

Rinnce Foirne and Set Dancing – Paddy Moriarty, Laurence O Connor, John O Riordan, Michael Horgan, Mary Curran, Joan O Connor, Bridie Moriarty and Kathleen O Riordan.

Recitation – Eamonn Crowley.

Solo Singing – Áine Fogarty.

Question-time – Pat Finnegan, Noel O Mahony and Eamonn Crowley.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 6^th May, the following Laune Rangers’ players were regraded from senior status: Mícheál Johnston, Stephen Russell and John Hickey.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 11^th Feb. the transfer of Fergal O Shea from Laune Rangers to Dublin was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 6^th May, the transfer of Frank Walsh from Legion to Cromane was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 8^th July, the transfer of Pat Diggin from Laune Rangers to London was sanctioned, as were the transfers of Brian Freeman and James Houlihan from Laune Rangers to the North American Board.

At the Co. Board meeting on 12^th Aug. the transfers of Harry Carey from Laune Rangers to Hertfordshire, John Whelan to Cork and of Val Broderick from Austin Stacks to Laune Rangers were sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 10^th Dec, the transfer of Pat O Brien from Listry to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

 

Laune Rangers considered purchasing Tom Mangan’s Field, Langford Street, to supplement the JP O Sullivan Park. At the time, it was owned by Ray Sheehy, Bianconi Inn. Preliminary discussions had taken place with the owner. On examining the map of the field, it was discovered that a right of way existed through it to Tom Mangan’s house in Annadale Road. A figure of £40,000 was mentioned for the field. The club felt that sites could be sold on the left side of the field, which would help to pay the mortgage but the right of way was a concern.

 

The death occurred in early March of Tom McGillycuddy, Coolbane. He and his brothers, Tadhg and Denis, had been prominent players with Laune Rangers in the late twenties and early thirties.

The unexpected death occurred of Benedict ‘Bendy’ O Dwyer, Sunhill, on Sat. 4^th May. He had taken a very keen interest in sport and had been PRO of Laune Rangers Club in 1972.

The death occurred in New York in July of Pat Sheehan, formerly of Mill Road. He had been a prominent member of the Laune Rangers prior to his departure to the USA, where he firstly captained San Francisco and later moved to New York. He had been a prominent member of the latter team in 1937.

 

The Annual Church Gate Collection for Bord na nOg Chiarraí in Killorglin amounted to £202.41.

 

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

Mon. 18^th March, SFL Div. 3A at Renard: Renard 1-9; Listry 1-7.

Sun. 24^th March, SFL Div. 5 at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘C’ v Ballymac ‘B’.

Mon. 15^th April, MFL at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Kilgarvan/Templenoe.

Sun. 28^th April, SFL Div. 4C at Foilmore: Foilmore v Tuosist.

 

Pat O Shea, School Road, refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

Sun. 24^th March, SFL Div. 4A at Oakpark, Tralee: Na Gaeil v Moyvane ‘B’.

Fri. 5^th April, MFL at Renard: Renard/Foilmore v Glenbeigh.

Mon. 8^th April, MFL at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Sneem/Derrynane.

Fri. 19^th April, MFL at Waterville: Waterville 1-15; Sneem/Derrynane 1-4.

Sat. 25^th May, NFC at Renard: Renard v Dromid.

Sun. 14^th July, SFL Div. 4C at Dromid: Dromid Pearses 0-10; Foilmore 0-18.

Sun. 4^th Aug. SFL Div. 4B at Valentia: Valentia ‘B’ v Beale ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Championship on Sat. 6^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 6-9; Keel 0-0.

Ref: Michael O Reilly (Laune Rangers).

 

There was a trial game for the Kerry Minor Footballers on Sun. 3^rd March at Ballymac, Colleges v Non-School-going. Michael Moriarty was at centre half-forward on the Colleges team.

Another trial game, ‘A’ v ‘B’, was held in Churchill on Sat. 9^th March. Michael Moriarty was at full-forward on the ‘B’ team.

Another trial game, The Rest v Kerry Colleges, was played on Sat. 16^th March at Fitzgerald Stadium. Michael Moriarty was a substitute on The Rest team.

There was a trial game, ‘A’ v ‘B’, at Firies on Sat. 13^th April. Michael Moriarty was at centre half-forward on the ‘B’ team.

Munster Minor Football Final on Sun. 21^st July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 1-8; Kerry 0-4.

Kerry: Dermot Keane (Beale), Ken Savage (Kerins O Rahillys), John Farrell (Beale), Mike Coughlan (Rathmore), Donal McEvoy (John Mitchels), Morgan Nix (Kerins O Rahillys), Tom Walsh (Emmets), Peter Fleming (Dr. Crokes), Michael Moriarty (Beaufort), Tommy Brennan (Currow) capt. 0-1, Liam Canty (Emmets) 0-1, Kevin Rice (Templenoe), Ger Looney (Gneeveguilla) 0-1, Cian Long (Fossa) 0-1, Tommy O Sullivan (Desmonds). Subs: Donal Culloty (Legion) for K. Rice, Sean Clarke (Dr. Crokes) for G. Looney, Anthony Gleeson (John Mitchels) for M. Moriarty, Kevin Moran (Derrynane), Gene O Donnell (Austin Stack’s), Timmy Slattery (Churchill), Brendan Courtney (Ardfert)..

 

On Tues. 11^th June, the All-Ireland Garda Football Championship Final was played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Kerry defeated Galway by 1-8 to 1-7. John Evans came on as a substitute and showed that he had recovered from injury by gaining a lot of possession.

Kerry: Eoin Moynihan, John Murrihy, Noel Power, Tim O Connor, Eugene Leonard, Pat O Connor, Gerry Foley, Patie O Hahony (0-4), Neilie O Sullivan, Ray Walsh, Ger O Driscoll (capt.) 0-2, Seamus O Neill, Peadar Healy (1-0), Gerry Ryan (0-2), Joe Hayes. Subs: John Evans.

 

Frankie Russell won £1,000 in the Co. Board draw on Mon. 8^th July. The winning ticket was sold by the Laune Rangers Club.

 

On Sat. 3^rd Aug. South-Kerry Hurling Board held its Skills and Poc Fada Competitions in Farranfore.

Kevin Jones and Robert Kennedy took first and third in the U-12 Skills.

Jason Griffin and Gary McGrath took second and third in the U-12 Poc Fada.

Pat O Keeffe took second place in both the U-10 Skills and Poc Fada.

The Mid-Kerry Board held its football skills competition. Brian Murphy (Laune Rangers) won the U-12 long-kick competition.

All of the above went forward to the Co. Finals on Sat. 19^th Oct.

 

On Sun. 3^rd Nov. the O Sullivan Cup Final, Glenbeigh 1-9; Keel 1-2, was played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin. A quarter of an hour into the game, Neilly O Sullivan, Glenbeigh, accidentally broke one of his ankles. There was no stretcher available but the four legs were taken off a table in the dressing-rooms and the top was used the bring O Sullivan off. Shortly afterwards, Lar Joe McKenna, Keel, collided with one of his team-mates and dislocated his hip. Again, the table-top was brought into use to ferry McKenna off. Normally, there was a stretcher at the Killorglin venue but, in a break-in, it had been stolen. However, the quick-thinking that converted a table into a stretcher saved the day.

 

The Laune Rangers Scór na nOg competition took place in the Intermediate School on Sat. 9^th Nov. Niamh O Shea, Shanara, qualified in the recitation with an excellent rendering of ‘Och! I don’t care.’ The Question-Time team of Paul Curtayne, Sheila Kissane and Shaun Brennan also qualified. Both of the above items won the Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg competitions and qualified for the Co. Semi-final in Gneeveguilla on Sat. 30^th Nov. The recitation item qualified for the Co. Finals in the Gleneagle Hotel on Sat. 14^th Dec.

 

On Mon. 9^th Dec. Laune Rangers Club, in conjunction with the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul, organised a Fashion Show in the CYMS Hall. Tickets cost £2 and the interval entertainment was provided by Finbarr Coffey.

 

Laune Rangers 26^th Annual Social was held on Fri. 3^rd Jan. 1986 in the Castle Heights Hotel, Killarney. Joint Treasurers, Eamonn Crowley and John Foley, were in charge of the tickets. The Mid-Kerry Senior Championship medals were presented to the senior players by the Board Chairman, Michael McCarthy. Presentations were, also, made to the retiring Chairman, James Coffey, and the retiring Joint-Treasurers, John Foley and Eamonn Crowley.

 

Killorglin Hurling Club’s Annual Buffet was held on Sat. 8^th Feb. 1986. Tickets cost £5 and were available from Pat Lynch, Bartley Moriarty, John Purcell and Bill Hearne. On a night, when there was enough ice around to make the Titanic shiver in its grave, the highlight was the presentation, by the President of the Club, Jams Coffey, of the Co. ‘B’ League trophies to the minor team. That was a historic first for the club and the atmosphere surpassed that of any All-Stars banquet. Neither the snowmen nor the Artic outer-world not the general misery of the country had the slightest effect upon the spirit of the dancers or the energy of the musicians. The spirit of Setanta was at large.

 

Co. Senior Football Final on Sun. 20^th Oct. at Tralee: West-Kerry 0-11; Feale Rangers 1-5.

Co. Minor Football Final on Sun. 1^st Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Gneeveguilla 1-6; South-Kerry 0-7.

Co. U-21 Football Final on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Milltown: Kenmare 1-10; John Mitchels 0-8. After the game, James Coffey presented the trophy to the winning captain, John Keane.

Co. Intermediate Final on Sun. 1^st Dec. at Connolly Park: Dr. Crokes 0-13; Moyvane 0-6.

Co. Junior Final on Sun. 1^st Dec. at Connolly Park: St. Senan’s 2-14; Gaeltacht 3-2.

Co. Novice Final on Sun. 20^th Oct. at Tralee: Brosna 3-11; Churchill 2-4.

Co. Club Championship Final on Sun. 1^st Dec. at Milltown: Desmonds 0-7; Kerins O Rahillys 0-5.

Co. Club ‘B’ Final replay on Sun. 24^th Nov. at Castleisland: John Mitchels ‘B’ 1-8; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 1-6.

Co. League Div. 1 winners – Kerins O Rahillys.

 

All-Ireland Senior Football Final on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-12; Dublin 2-8.

That was Kerry’s 29^th title.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Paudie O Shea (capt.), Sean Walsh, Mick Spillane, Tommy Doyle, Tommy Spillane, Ger Lynch, Jack O Shea, Ambrose O Donovan, Timmy Dowd, Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, Eoin Liston, Ger Power. Subs: John Kennedy for G. Power.

 

On Sun. 26^th May, Bishop Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin was ordained Bishop of Kerry in the place of Dr. McNamara.

 

The replay of the Greyhound Bar Cup Final was played in Monavalley, Tralee on Sun. 26^th May and resulted in a 3-1 win for Killarney Celtic over Callanfersy.

Callanfersy: Peter Lyons, Dermot Goggin, Tom Johnston, Sean O Sullivan, Jim Johnston, Phil Delaney, John Hickey, Mícheál Johnston, Michael O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Tim Carey. Subs: Ronan O Shea for J. Johnston, Jim Daly for T. Carey.

The AGM of Callanfersy F.C. took place at the end of June. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Johnny O Connor, Vice-Chairman – Jim Johnston, Hon. Sec. – Dolores O Dwyer, Ass. Hon. Sec. – Ted Kennedy, Hon. Treasurer – Tom Johnston, Ass. Hon. Treasurer – Phil Delaney, PRO – Mícheál Johnston. Trainer – John Hickey. Manager ‘A’ team – John Joe O Sullivan. Manager ‘B’ team – Dominic Crowley.

 

On Sat. 8^th June, Frank Conway, representing the Intermediate School, Killorglin, won the Senior Boys 2,000m steeplechase at the All-Ireland Colleges Championships at Belfield. He came second in the 1,500m.

 

The Killorglin NACAI Open Sports meeting took place in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on Sun. 9^th June. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Boys U-5 50m – 2^nd Fergal O Donoghue, 3^rd Tadhg Cronin. Boys U-6 60m – 3^rd Eoin Ferris.

Boys U-7 60m – 1^st Ian Twiss, 2^nd Johnny Lynch.

Boys U-7 80m – 1^st Johnny Lynch, 2^nd Ian Twiss, 3^rd T.J. Cronin. Boys U-8 80m – 1^st Paudie Finnegan.

Boys U-9 100m – 2^nd Fiachra O Donoghue.

Boys U-9 600m – 1^st Fiachra O Donoghue, 3^rd Paudie Finnegan. Boys U-10 600m – 1^st John Cronin.

Boys U-12 100m – 3^rd Michael O Connell. Boys U-12 600m – 2^nd John O Dwyer, 3^rd Michael O Connell.

Boys U-16 100m – 3^rd Michael O Connor. Boys U-16 800m – 2^nd Michael O Connor, 3^rd John F. O Brien.

Boys U-16 Long Jump – 3^rd Michael O Connor.

Married Men 100m – 1^st Maurice Foley, 2^nd John A. O Brien, 3^rd Teddy Cronin.

Girls U-5 50m – 3^rd Laura Ferris. Girls U-6 60m – 2^nd Helen O Connell. Girls U-7 60m – 2^nd Hilary Cronin.

Girls U-7 80m – 3^rd Hilary Cronin. Girls U-9 100m – 1^st Geraldine O Brien.

Girls U-9 600m – 1^st Geraldine O Brien. Girls U-10 600m – 1^st Christina O Brien.

Girls U-15 100m – 3^rd Caroline O Brien. Ladies Over-30 100m – 3^rd Kathleen Dwyer.

Married Ladies – 1^st Kathleen Dwyer, 2^nd Kathleen Finnegan, 3^rd Maureen Gamble.

 

The FBD Milk Rás commenced in Dublin on Sat. 22^nd June. The Kerry team consisted of Pat Healy (Killorglin), Paul Curtis (Killarney), Sean Slattery (Killarney), Claude Costello (Kalkhoff), Mick McKenna (Concorde C.C.), Kieran McKenna (Concorde C.C.).

 

The Committee of Killorglin Cycling Club was: President – Paddy O Callaghan, Chairman – John Mangan, Vice-Chairman – John Breen, Secretary – Sean O Callaghan, Ass. Secretary – Denis Harris, Treasurer – Denis Mangan, PRO – Sean O Callaghan, Registrar – Sean O Callaghan, Club Coach – John Mangan. Committee – Pat Healy, Stephen Costello, John McKenna, Dan Ahern, Brendan McCarthy, Donal Ahern, Brendan Ferris, Tom McGillycuddy, Aidan O Sullivan, Peter McGillycuddy, Kenneth O Sullivan, John Whelan, Michael O Donnell.

Killorglin Cycling Club organised the ninth Donal McKenna Memorial Trophy Race on Sun. 11^th Aug. Fittingly, Pat Healy won the senior category. Joe Healy was placed 3^rd in the U-12 category.

 

The Local Elections were held on Thurs 20^th June. The following were elected to represent the Killorglin Electoral area: John O Donoghue (FF), Tommy Cahill (FF), Michael ‘Scarteen’ O Connor (FG), Dan Barry (FG), Danny Kissane (FG) and Michael Ahern (Ind.). Two outgoing councillors, Teddy O Connor (FF) and Mick O Connell (Ind.), lost their seats.

 

The Co. Community Games Finals were held in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sat. 6^th /Sun. 7^th July. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Boys U-16 High Jump – 1^st Tadhg Hayes. Boys U-16 Discus – 4^th Paul Curtayne.

Girls U-12 600m – 3^rd S. O Sullivan. Girls Marathon – 4^th Colette Finnegan.

Girls U-14 Shot Putt – 2^nd P. Doyle.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Keel on Sun. 5^th Jan. 1986. The Secretary, Pat Clifford, in his report, stated, “The year under review did not show any great improvement from that of the past few years. Except for our U-16’s, we have no cups or medals to show. I suppose, you could say that our performance was poor.

In the Co. Senior Championship, Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers took part. Mid-Kerry started training three weeks before the first game with John Mitchels at Tralee. We were lucky to come away with a draw. In the replay at Beaufort, we were missing two players through injury but managed to win by a single point. Our next game was against Feale Rangers at Finuge in the quarter-final. Mid-Kerry were so bad that night that I could not explain it. But to be fair to the trainer and selectors, I think we didn’t have the type of players that could win Co. Championship games. Laune Rangers beat Castleisland in the first round but were well beaten by South-Kerry in the quarter-final.

Mid-Kerry were beaten by Clanna Gael in the first round of the Co. U-21 Championship and Laune Rangers lost to Kenmare.

Mid-Kerry beat Castleisland in the first round of the Co. Minor Championship at Milltown and played well. We thought that they would go a long way but again we were beaten by South-Kerry in our next game at Cahersiveen. Laune Rangers were beaten in the first round by Shannon Rangers.

Our U-16’s, managed and trained by Jerome Conway, won the Co. Championship. It was a great achievement in so far as Mid-Kerry, with only five clubs, were able to take on the much bigger District Boards. It is a sign that there are bright days ahead.

Scór ’85 was run for the Board by Milltown/Castlemaine and it was once again a big success.

Beaufort Club officially opened its new playing field during the year. I think it is a beautiful pitch. Glenbeigh Club will be opening its new field in the coming year. Within the area, the number of clubs increased from five to six. This came about by Cromane being allowed to form a new club.

A total of 109 games were played and all our senior competitions were completed. In our Senior Championship, we had some exciting games. In the semi-final, Glenbeigh/Glencar v Laune Rangers, it took three games and extra time to decide a winner and, if it was not for a bad miss by a Glenbeigh forward, they might still be playing away. The other semi-final, Milltown/Castlemaine v Keel, also had to go to a replay to decide a winner. Laune Rangers beat Keel in the final. This was also a very close game. Laune Rangers won the Kennedy Cup for the third year running. Glenbeigh/Glencar won the Senior League and O Sullivan Cup, while Laune Rangers won the Minor and ‘B’ Championships. The winners of all our competitions were as follows:

Senior Championship – Laune Rangers; Senior League – Glenbeigh/Glencar;

Minor Championship – Laune Rangers; ‘B’ Championship – Laune Rangers;

O Sullivan Cup – Glenbeigh/Glencar.

U-16A – Laune Rangers; U-16B – Milltown/Castlemaine.

U-14A – Laune Rangers; U-14B – Not finished.

National School League:

4 Teachers’ Schools – Cullina; 3 Teachers’ Schools – Ballyfinnane; 2 Teachers’ Schools – Fybough.

In some of our competitions, some players received serious injuries. I think it is the first time ever that we had so many injuries in one year. I wish those players a speedy recovery.

For the New Year

1. I think that the Board should appoint a trainer and two selectors for each of the three teams, Senior, U-21 and Minor.
2. I think that the ‘B’ Championship should be scrapped and replaced with the Novice Championship, because the ‘B’ Championship only suits the big clubs with a lot of players.
3. That the Mid-Kerry League should be finished by the end of May.
4. That the Board should try and play some, if not all, our senior competitions on Friday nights, because the supporters seem to come out in greater numbers on Friday nights than on Saturday nights or Sundays.

I would like to congratulate the Kerry team, our county selectors, Kevin Griffin, Jimmy Coffey, Co. Board Official, on winning the All-Ireland Final. Congratulations to Bord na nOg and J. Conway on winning the U-16 county final. Congratulations to other clubs and players that won or did well in other competitions.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all our referees for their good services during the year, especially Aidan Kelly for the way he refereed the Senior Championship Semi-final, Final and League Final.

–        To Bord na nOg for the good work they are doing with the underage players.

–        To the Gardaí in Killorglin and Castlemaine for seeing after the traffic outside our playing fields.

–        To all those that sponsored trophies for the man-of-the-match.

–        To Jimmy Coffey for the lifts he gave me when I had to call on him during the year.

–        To all the other Board officers.

–        To Laune Rangers and Milltown/Castlemaine Field Committees for the use of their fields for our major competitions and training.

–        To Jackie Flynn, Castlemaine, for the good service he gave to the Board in sending his ambulance, at very short notice, to take injured players to hospital.

–        To Chairman, Mike McCarthy, I think you did well in your first year as Chairamn.

Thank you,

P. Ó Clúbháin.

(Rúnaí)”

 

The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the Intermediate School on Thurs. 2^nd Jan. 1986. The Secretary, Jerome Conway, reported as follows: “In reviewing 1985, there are tidings of great joy and sorrow. History was made on two fronts – one, which gave us great satisfaction, and the other, which we could very well have done without.

The year began with the Chairman, James Coffey, and I, traipsing around both the county and province, seeking to preserve the unity of the club within the parish. During our journeys we encountered forces from within and outside the parish that seemed bent on the division of the club. The Mid-Kerry clubs were unanimously in favour of dividing us for the sake, as they said with tongues in cheek, of promoting the GAA within our parish. When one sees the amount of work these same clubs are putting into the promotion of our games within their own parishes, one seriously questions their motives. When one furthermore sees that some of the people, advocating these motives, earn their living in this town, one seriously questions their right to seek the division of our club.

The Co. Board decided to maintain the status quo within the parish despite snake-in-the-grass- efforts by an East-Kerry delegate and a North-Kerry delegate, Messrs. O Donoghue and Stack. At Munster Council, it was decided to uphold the Co. Board decision but also to seek a compromise. At a subsequent meeting of the Munster Council Officers, Co. Board Officers, ourselves and the opposition, an agreement was hammered out and accepted by all sides. Recently, an abortive effort to change this agreement was made by Cromane. It is our duty to be vigilant and so preserve our existence, and, mark you, we will be put under pressure from both sides of the divide. Envy and jealousy know no bounds.

All this provocation seemed to spur the club to even greater heights on the playing field. The club played 90 competitive games during the year – 25 senior, 14 ‘B’ team, 1 U-21, 11 minor, 11 U-16, 15 U-14 and 13 U-12. Our seniors achieved an historical three-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry Senior Championships. The commitment given by the players to this achievement was very creditable. We lost to Mid-Kerry League Final by one point to Glenbeigh. We produced a great performance to defeat Castleisland District in the first round of the Co. Championship. Subsequently, we went out to South-Kerry at, what some people say was, an appropriate time of the year. The fact that some of our players were injured was also a contributory factor but whether these reasons excuse the performance is for discussion. The performance in the Club Championship was the worst of the year but faith was again restored when we gave an excellent display against Gneeveguilla to avoid relegation. It is this facility that we have for playing badly and so well at such close intervals, that never ceases to amaze me. There is no doubt that when we put our minds to it, we can play well but we will have to get more consistency into our play. It boils down to greater commitment, greater effort in training and greater camaraderie amongst the players.

Our ‘B’ team went one better and, despite many efforts by the Mid-Kerry Board to change the rules to deprive us of our players, we won four-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championships. The players deserved better than the treatment meted out after the debacle at the end of the drawn game with Legion. It is well accepted now throughout the county that the referee in charge is highly incompetent and prone to exaggeration but this does not excuse the conduct of some of our supporters on the occasion. What is more disconcerting is the fact that the Co. Board believed that an iron bar was wielded at the referee. Returning to the ‘B’ team in 1985, I feel that they were a little neglected during the year, albeit unconsciously, and that we must make a greater effort to cater for these players, particularly in terms of training.

Before leaving our senior teams, I want to pay tribute to trainer, Noel O Mahony, who has put hours of work into the preparation of the teams and even more hours of thought into the strategy to be used. I’m sure he suffers great frustration and disillusionment at times but, as he says himself, the satisfaction gained from seeing the team play well, when they do, more than compensates. I would like to pay tribute to my fellow selector, Patsy, who is not seeking re-election. Patsy trained the team in leaner times and laid the foundation for the success of the present squad. He always brought the wiliness he showed on the field himself to the selectors’ meetings and his tremendous pride in the club often rose teams to even greater heights. I would like to thank the ‘B’ team selectors, Jim, John and Liam, for their untiring work with their care and their patience when some of their players were borrowed for ‘A’ team duty.

Our U-21 team was unlucky to meet Co. Champions, Kenmare, in the first round and were convincingly beaten. The fact that there is so little competition for this age-group does not help.

We began the year poorly in the Minor Co. League – playing seven, winning two and drawing one. However, we improved as we got fitter. Despite missing some players, we gave a very creditable performance against Shannon Rangers, before being beaten by eight points. The players gave a great commitment to winning the Mid-Kerry Championship and excelled themselves, when beating a very fancied Milltown/Castlemaine side in the semi-final. There are good players in this squad and they must be catered for.

Pride of place in the juvenile section must go to the James Sheehan and Maurice Corkery-led U-16 team. They annihilated all before them in Mid-Kerry, scoring 46-48 in five games. They then scaled even greater heights to win the Co. U-16 Championship. There is great talent in this team, but the contribution of the two trainers must not be underestimated. The respect that the players have for them bears testimony to their contribution.

Tommy Woods, on his own, coaxed and coached our U-14 team to win the Mid-Kerry Championship. With limited talent, he was unlucky not to have qualified for the county semi-finals. They went to Kenmare and scored 1-15 but lost by two points. That is bad luck. However, Tommy has ensured that the team has skill, it is not as easy to put heart into players.

Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan’s performance of bringing their U-12 team to the fourth consecutive county final is out of the top drawer. The fact that they lost is only of academic interest. The important thing is that the players are receiving their skill training. The respect that these players have for their trainers again bears testimony to the high esteem in which they are held. Patsy also led the Community Games team through the county, through Munster and on to the All-Ireland semi-final. Again, the fact that they brought certificates instead of gold is only academic when one considers that they were up against the might of city clubs. The work is being done and that is what matters.

Seamus Murphy has started up a nursery for young players and runs a very successful U-10 parish league. The harvest of his efforts will be reaped later.

All-in-all then, this was a very successful year for the club on the field, winning all the Mid-Kerry Championships. More help is needed for the juveniles, particularly from players. Our senior team should look to achieving success beyond the borders of Mid-Kerry, conquering Mid-Kerry teams as they go. Our ambitions now should exceed beating Keel and Glenbeigh.

Our field, despite the best efforts of Jim Galvin, continues to deteriorate from overuse. We will have to consider remedial action this year, even to the extent of draining and re-seeding.

Our sources of income seem to have dried up as our Treasurers will tell you now. This will have to be remedied because the greatest club in the world can’t progress without money – it will take the efforts of us all to redress the situation.

Scór takes place in Glenbeigh on Sun. 26^th Jan. We were scarcely represented last year and indeed we are now the Cinderella’s of Mid-Kerry at Scór.

Bart Moriarty still continues to organise the referees at club level for us – a daunting task. His efforts are appreciated.

To my fellow officers, who have been a great help and inspiration to me through the years, I tender my thanks. I hope they won’t mind if I single out James Coffey, who is standing down as Chairman. His association with and influence on this club has been phenomenal. His contribution to the growth of the club is immeasurable. It is an incredible record to have thirty-three years in unbroken service as an officer and to still hunger for more. He has been Secretary from 1952 to 1963, Chairman from 1964 to 1965, Vice-Chairman from 1966 to 1969 and Chairman again from 1970 to 1985. He has been the only Chairman under which I served. In those years, we never had a cross word between us and, I assure you, that speaks volumes for his patience. James, it has been an honour and pleasure to have been Secretary with you.

To the Joint Treasurers, who have kept the accounts since 1975, I congratulate you on your efforts. You kept the club going through thick and thin, mainly thin at that time, on a shoe string and yet we lacked for nought. It is only when one works closely with officers that one knows the extent of their commitment. I know that time catches up on all of us, but you can look back with pride on a job well done.

To all those who helped in the running of the club in 1985 and, indeed, for the past number of years that I have been Secretary, I extend my sincere thanks. To those who brought their cars to matches, to those who brought juveniles to games, to those who looked after the juveniles and senior teams, to those who helped in the field and dressing-rooms, to those who offered any help or indeed criticism during my years as Secretary, I thank you most heartily.

As you know, I am stepping down in favour of youth this year. If I have offended anybody during my term of office, I only hope the offended realises that it was the love I bore to the club that was at fault and I promise to be just as protective of the club in the future. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”