Laune Rangers – 1986

 Laune Rangers won the Co. Football League Div. 1 for the first time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the fourth time-in-a-row and the eleventh time in total.

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

Laune Rangers lost the Co. Minor Football Championship Final but won the Co. Minor League for the third time.

Mid-Kerry won the Co. U-17 District Board Championship, which was a new competition.

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

Laune Rangers won the Co. U-14 Football Championship for the sixth time.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. U-12 Championship Final for the eighth successive year to Legion but won the Mid-Kerry Championship for the eleventh time.

Kerry won the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Final – James O Shea (Lonart) and Patie Casey were on the team. Tommy Stack was a substitute.

The Intermediate School won the Kerry Colleges’ County Cup.

Killorglin Hurling Club became a sub-committee of Laune Rangers Club.

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

Jerome Conway was elected onto the Co. Minor Football Selection Committee.

Maurice Harmon was re-elected as Joint-Treasurer of the Mid-Kerry Board for the seventh successive year.

Kerry lost to Cork in the Munster Minor Football Final – Timmy Fleming played at left halfback and Paul Griffin played at left full-forward. James O Shea was a substitute.

Bart Moriarty was appointed as Secretary of the Kerry Referees’ Committee for the eighth successive year.

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The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the Intermediate School on Thurs. 2^nd Jan. James Coffey presided. Also in attendance were Paddy Crowley, Jim Galvin, John Foley, Eamonn Crowley, Jerome Conway, Noel O Mahony, Pierce Prendiville, John O Dwyer, Michael O Donnell, Tom Johnston, Paudie Sheahan, Dolores O Dwyer, Mícheál Johnston, Thomas Evans, Gene Evans, Pat Sheehan, Gerry Foley, Stephen Russell, Brian O Shea, John Foley (Reen), Pat Pigott, Sean McKenna, John Sheehan, Anthony Shannon, John Griffin, Con Griffin, Frankie Russell, Matty Cahill, Patsy Joy, Michael O Sullivan, Seamus Murphy, Kevin Foley, Joe Crowley, Peter Lyons, John Clifford, Gina Sheehan, James Sheehan, Mike Murphy, Bart Moriarty, Michael Foley, Maura Tuohy, Joe Shannon, Liam Shannon, Maurice Corkery, Pa Foley. (The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1985). The various reports were adopted. In his Chairman’s address, James Coffey recalled the great times he had as an officer, the highlights being the trips abroad, the development of the J.P. O Sullivan Park and the successes of the various teams. He thanked all the officers who served with him during his time. He said that he would not be seeking re-election. Many glowing tributes were deservedly paid to his wonderful contribution to the club. The Treasurers, John Foley and Eamonn Crowley, who did not seek re-election and to whom glowing tributes were paid for their ten years service, presented the financial report. They warned that, with the exception of the Co. Board draw, sources of income had dried up. They advised that, if improvements were to be carried out to the field, greater efforts would have to be made to make money.

 

Treasurers’ Report for the Year Ended 31^st Dec. 1985

 

Income                                                                        Expenditure

Net income from Co. Board Draw  £2,225  Team travel and expenses                £739

Membership                                                     730            Players’ travel                                                   £530

Gate Money                                                     184            Field maintenance                                    £716

Church Gate Collection                                         355            Dressing-rooms maintenance                        £138

Total                                                            £3,494            Footballs, jerseys and equipment                        £329

Trophies, medals                                                £318

Affiliation fees                                                £260

ESB                                                                53

Administration costs – phone, postage etc.            £711

Insurance                                                £249

Bord na nOg – Gormanstown                        £195

Loss on social                                                £376

Contribution – Matt O Connor fund                            50

Bank fees                                                      2

Sundry                                                            £292

Net loss for the year                                    £1,464            Total expenses                                                £4,958

Less deposit interest received                             476

£988

 

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley.

Chairman – Jerome Conway.

Vice-Chairman – Jim Galvin.

Secretary – Joe Shannon.

Ass. Secretary – Brian O Shea.

Joint Treasurers – James Coffey and Edward Stack..

Registrars – John Clifford, Peter Lyons and Stephen Russell.

Chairman of Laune Rangers’ Bord na nOg – Pat Pigott.

Delegate to Co. Board – Noel O Mahony.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – Joe Shannon and John Clifford.

Senior Selection Committee – Noel O Mahony, John Clifford and Frankie Russell (Neither Patsy Joy nor Jerome Conway sought re-election).

‘B’ Team Selection Committee – Liam Shannon, Maurice Corkery and Michael Foley.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

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

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Noel O Mahony, John Clifford and Frankie Russell.

 

Sun. 13^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-6; Dr. Crokes 0-8.

Whilst it took a save of memorable substance by their minor goalkeeper, Colm O Shea, to preserve Dr. Crokes’ precarious two-points advantage in the final minutes, there was no doubting the Killarney club’s right to contest a county quarter-final, having downed the dangerous challenge of Laune Rangers. In a game that never threatened to burst into a flurry of scores, Crokes maintained sufficient control all through to keep their opponents at arms-length, on the score-board at least.

The first half was notable for the manner in which the Rangers’ forwards were stymied by their markers. Even so, Killorglin took an early lead when Timmy Fleming pointed a free. It took Crokes twelve minutes to register a white flag, when Pat O Shea popped over a point when a goal attempt by his brother, Seanie, had been smothered. Soon afterwards, Connie Murphy was fouled and Peter Fleming pointed the free, before Pat O Shea stretched the lead in the fourteenth minute. Rangers, then, stepped up a gear and enjoyed the best spell of the half, which saw them draw level with points by James Sheehan and Joe Shannon, who was playing at full-forward. Gerard Murphy and Paul Griffin missed chances in that period. Two points by Connie Murphy had Crokes ahead at the interval by 0-5 to 0-3.

On the resumption, Pat O Shea pointed and Mike Buckley stretched the lead. Again, though, Rangers pulled out that little bit extra to claw themselves back into contention. After Peter Lyons had saved splendidly from Connie Murphy, Gerard Murphy hit Rangers’ first score of the half in the forty-eighth minute. Then Tom Johnston made it 0-7 to 0-5 two minutes later and that seemed to instil new life into his colleagues. Pierce Prendiville missed a good opportunity after fifty-three minutes. Mike O Grady restored Crokes’ two-points lead in the fifty-fifth minute. Joe Shannon, who always looked dangerous, pulled back a point for Rangers and the scene was set for an epic finish. Those final moments nearly provided a fairytale ending as far as the Killorglin men were concerned. Gerard Murphy made progress on the right and there was only one thing on his mind, which was to plant the ball in the back of the net. In fairness to him, his shot could not have been much better, but Colm O Shea’s save was worthy of winning any match. It is the quirky nature of football that a previously under-employed net-minder should play such a vital part in securing his team’s progress in the Co. Championship.

The general consensus afterwards was that Laune Rangers team were a little too young for the contest but, in fairness to the selectors, the senior players who should have been on the team were not physically fit enough for the job in hand. Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, Joe Shannon, who spent much of the second half at midfield, and Patie Casey could feel happy with their part in Killorglin’s bid.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan James Sheehan (0-1), Tom Johnston (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, Pat Brennan, Timmy Fleming (0-1, free), Gerard Murphy (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), Patie Casey. Subs: Mark O Connor for J. O Shea, Anthony Shannon, John O Dwyer, Martin Clifford, Stephen Russell, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan. James O Shea had fallen off his bicycle and could not tog out, while Declan Crowley had to bring his wife to hospital.

Dr. Crokes: Colm O Shea, Donie O Leary, Brendan Keogh, Noel Parker, John Galvin, Sean Clarke, Aidan Kiely, John Clifford, Noel O Leary, Connie Murphy (0-2), Connie Doherty, Peter Fleming (0-1), Pat O Shea (0-3), Mike Buckley (0-1), Seanie O Shea. Subs: Pat O Connor for N. Parker, Mike O Grady (0-1) for P. Fleming.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac) – good.

 

Austin Stack’s, captained by Mikey Counihan and trained by Paul Lucey, former Laune Ranger, beat Killarney in the final on Sun. 5^th Oct. by 1-11 to 1-7.

 

Co. Club Football Championship

That competition was played for between the winners of the District Board Championships. In a year, when a group team won the Co. Senior Championship, the winners of the Club Championship represented Kerry in the Munster/All-Ireland Club Championship. However, in a year in which a club team won the Co. Championship, such as 1986, the Club Championship did not have the same high-profile appeal.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 16^th Nov. at Milltown: Dr. Crokes 2-5; Laune Rangers 0-3.

Dr. Crokes, having played against a stiff breeze, led at halftime by 0-2 to 0-01. They could have gone in with a far healthier advantage but for the goalkeeping agility of Peter Lyons, Laune Rangers. He brought off three fine saves in a ten minutes spell, as his side struggled to come to terms with their first competitive game in six weeks. Timmy Fleming had opened the scoring after nine minutes with a pointed free. Sean Clarke replied for the winners and Noel O Leary put his side ahead after twenty three minutes. Three minutes previously, Seanie O Shea had been foiled by Peter Lyons, when a goal looked likely.

Laune Rangers began the second half with a new midfield partnership of Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville. However, their plans received an immediate jolt when Mike Doody goaled from the edge of the small square. Though Rangers’ substitute, Gerard Murphy, who shaped up impressively, hit back with a point, Seanie O Shea established Crokes’ four-points’ advantage eight minutes into the half. Rangers enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter but only had a Timmy Fleming free to show for their efforts. Crokes’ net-minder, Colm O Shea, brought off one particularly memorable save after twenty-one minutes from Gerard Murphy. Then, however, Crokes assumed command again and finished with another 1-2, the goal being scored by Colm Galvin.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon, Pat O Brien, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, Pat Brennan, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, John Griffin. Subs: Gerard Murphy (0-1) for D. Crowley, Paul Griffin for J. O Dwyer, Shane O Sullivan for P. Griffin.

Dr. Crokes: Colm O Shea, Donie O Leary, Brendan Keogh, Aidan Kiely, John Clifford, Liam Hartnett, Sean Clarke (0-1), Noel O Leary (0-2), Connie Murphy, Connie O Doherty, Mike Doody (1-0), Seanie O Shea (0-1), Pat O Shea (0-1), Mike Buckley, Vince Casey. Sub: Colm Galvin (1-0) for V. Casey.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 9^th March at Listry: Laune Rangers 3-9; Valentia 0-12.

That game was played with championship fervour. In the first half, Rangers played with the aid of the breeze. Tom Johnston opened the scoring when he flicked over a point. Valentia replied with a pointed free by Ger O Driscoll. For the remainder of that half, Rangers dominated the play, mainly through the efforts of midfielders Joe Shannon and Michael Moriarty, and the half-forward line of Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming. Tom Johnston had the measure of their fullback, while James Sheehan and John Griffin were full of running. Pat O Brien excelled in the halfback line. Joe Shannon pointed a fifty and then John Griffin finished off a great move when he blasted a pile-driver to the net. Pointed frees, by Ger O Driscoll, kept Valentia in the game. Timmy Fleming was really on song with his frees and, just before halftime, Tom Johnston rounded off a good move when, having received from Pierce Prendergast, he found the net to leave the Rangers ahead by 2-5 to 0-4.

Rangers began the second half on the defensive and the visitors whittled away slowly at their lead, despite great play by Pat O Brien, Bertie O Riordan, Brian O Shea and Declan Crowley. In an excellent counter-attack, Tom Johnston, receiving from Paul Griffin, again found the net. Joe Shannon fielded brilliantly and, racing through, kicked another great point. Valentia attacked and were rewarded with a penalty, which Peter Lyons saved brilliantly. Michael Moriarty had a very good game and Pierce Prendiville was in tremendous form.

That game was a home fixture for Laune Rangers. However, the freezing conditions had delayed the work on the surface of the pitch and, at the club meeting on 3^rd March, it was decided that the pitch would not be ready. Jerome Conway rang Paddy Gallagher, Valentia, for advice but he referred the matter to the Valentia Secretary, Johnny Reidy. Jerome Conway suggested that the game could be played in Milltown at 2pm. He said that 2pm was much too early for his team and invited Laune Rangers to travel to Valentia, an offer that was politely refused. The Valentia Secretary said that he would ring back on the morrow (Tues.). Jerome Conway got permission to use Listry pitch and he rang Johnny Reidy offering either Milltown at 2pm or Listry at 3pm. He said that he would ring back on Wed. When Jerome Conway rang on Wed, Johnny Reidy offered to play in Beaufort at 2pm. He was reminded that he had said that 2pm in Milltown had been too early. He said that he would ring on Thurs. Laune Rangers’ players and management decided that Listry would be the venue at 3pm. Jerome Conway again rang Johnny Reidy and informed him of the decision. He wanted to play in Beaufort at 2.30pm but he was informed that Listry was the venue. Jerome Conway informed the Secretary of the Co. Board, Tony O Keeffe of the venue and time.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Bertie O Riordan, Joe Shannon (capt.) 0-3, Michael Moriarty, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-4, frees), John Griffin (1-1), Tom Johnston (2-1), James Sheehan. Subs: Pat Pigott, Michael O Reilly, Pat McKenna, Brian O Sullivan, Martin Clifford.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 16^th March at Dingle: Dingle 1-5; Laune Rangers 2-10.

Rangers elected to play with the aid of the wind in the first half and Tom Johnston quickly pointed. Dingle replied with a pointed free by Cian Sugrue. Rangers dominated the rest of the half and led at halftime by 0-9 to 0-2, the points coming from Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Tom Johnston and Joe Shannon.

On the resumption, the visitors again attacked but missed a good chance. Dingle then began to win possession at midfield but their finishing was erratic. Brian O Shea, Pat O Brien and Pierce Prendiville were magnificent. Declan Crowley accidentally deflected the ball past Peter Lyons, which left the score at 0-9 to 1-4 with twelve minutes left to play. Tom Johnston moved to midfield and Rangers regained the initiative there. Then disaster struck for Dingle when their fullback, Bernard O Sullivan, was sent off for a tackle on Pierce Prendiville. James Sheehan and John Griffin scored a goal each to clinch the issue.

That was a most sporting game, played in difficult ground conditions and afterwards, the Killorglin contingent was very kindly treated to tea and sandwiches by the home club.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Bertie O Riordan, Joe Shannon (capt.) 0-2, Michael Moriarty (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-4, 2 frees0, John Griffin (1-0), Tom Johnston (0-2), James Sheehan (1-0). Subs: Gerry Foley for M. Moriarty, Brian O Sullivan, Pat Pigott, Pat McKenna, Martin Clifford.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 13^th April at Listowel: Beale 1-6; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Unbelievable was the only word to describe Laune Rangers’ absorbing and heart-stopping win over Beale. If a team ever looked doomed to a heavy defeat in the opening twenty minutes, then it was the Killorglin men, who trailed by 1-5 to 0-0 against a Beale team that was just toying with their opponents. However, eight minutes before the break, the pattern of the game changed dramatically. John Griffin got Rangers’ first score, a point. Then the referee awarded a penalty, when a back touched the ball on the ground in the small parallelogram. Joe Shannon blasted an unstoppable shot high into the net for the goal that turned the game around. Tom Johnston, playing a roving full-forward, was fouled and Timmy Fleming pointed the free. Tom Johnston closed the scoring for that half with a point to leave the score 1-5 to 1-3 in favour of the North-Kerry side. The men from the Laune had come back into contention from a seemingly impossible position.

The second half was only thirty seconds old when Joe Shannon gathered in the centre of the field and cut through the middle to slot over a lovely point to narrow the gap to the minimum. The Killorglin cheers had scarcely died down, when Michael Moriarty intercepted an attempted pass and drove over the equaliser with just five minutes of the half gone. Beale forged ahead through Gobby Costello. Timmy Fleming forced the ball to the net, after the goalkeeper had dropped it but the score was disallowed for a foul on the goalie. Joe Shannon did great work at midfield and kicked the equaliser ten minutes into the half. Play was scoreless for the next eight minutes and then Mick Joyce put Beale into the lead with a point. However, that was their last score. In the nineteenth minute, Timmy Fleming was fouled and he pointed the resultant free. One minute later, Dan Larkin was adjudged to have over-carried the ball and Timmy Fleming kicked the winning score. Beale tried valiantly in the last ten minutes to score the equaliser but the Rangers’ backs stood firm. They did manage to get the ball in the net near the end but it was disallowed for a square infringement.

Rangers deserved great credit for staying at their game when all seemed lost. They looked a very fit team, full of running. The switching of James Sheehan to centre halfback proved to be a matching move,  as he proceeded to give a performance reminiscent of the great Pat Ahern, of old – a man-of-the-match performance indeed. They were best served by Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Paudie Sheahan and James Sheehan in defence. Joe Shannon was the class player at midfield, ably assisted by Pierce Prendiville. Tom Johnston, Gerard Murphy, Michael Moriarty and Timmy Fleming did well in attack.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon (1-1), Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, Michael Moriarty (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), John Griffin (0-1), Tom Johnston (0-1), Paul Griffin. Subs: Brian O Sullivan for J. Griffin (inj.), Bertie O Riordan, Pat Pigott.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 27^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Desmonds 0-13.

Desmonds, behind for most of the game, came with a late surge to take the points. As both teams had been unbeaten, there had been a keen awareness beforehand in both camps with regard to the consequences of the result. It was then no wonder that the Castleisland men were smiling from ear to ear as they left Killorglin. The All-Ireland Club finalists had been led from the third to the fifty-eighth minute before Domo Lyne equalised and then nudged his side in front, with points. In the fifty-six minutes or so in between, Desmonds, more often than not, had to play second-fiddle to a rejuvenated Laune Rangers side, that were more than disappointed at finishing empty-handed.

What a prospect Laune Rangers had in seventeen years old Timmy Fleming. He accounted for 1-4 of his side’s total, with the goal, a real gem, coming in the third minute. Domo Lyne had given his side a first minute lead but the Killorglin men redressed the balance in sensational manner when the impressive Joe Shannon found a totally unmarked Pierce Prendiville inside the Desmonds’ rearguard, which had been caught all at sea. Prendiville released to Timmy Fleming who blasted home past the helpless Charlie Nelligan, much to the delight of the home following in the big crowd. The same player extended the lead with a free and Joe Shannon and Paul Griffin put the league leaders in a commanding 1-3 to 0-1 lead after fourteen minutes. Desmonds kept in touch with points by Mikey O Connor (free), Christy Kearney and a fierce drive by Domo Lyne that skimmed the crossbar. Halftime arrived with Laune Rangers ahead by 1-6 to 0-5, but when the dominance of Joe Shannon and Tom Johnston at midfield was considered, perhaps the lead could have been greater.

A brace of points (Rangers’ only scores in the second half) by Timmy Fleming kept them in a winning position for most of the second half. Desmonds comeback was gradual rather than dramatic. Firstly, William O Connor pointed a free and Donie Buckley reduced the lead to two points. Domo Lyne scored a great point to leave the minimum between the sides. Tom Johnston hit the side netting with only Charlie Nelligan to beat. Paul Griffin drove over the bar but he was pulled back for over-carrying the ball. Domo Lyne kicked the equaliser and he then repeated the dose to nudge his side ahead. Johnny O Connor closed the scoring with a point for the visitors. It had been a great game. Best for Rangers were Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Joe Shannon, Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin and Timmy Fleming.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Bertie O Riordan, Joe Shannon (0-2), Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (1-4), James Sheehan (0-1), Michael Moriarty, Mícheál Johnston. Subs: Anthony Shannon for M. Moriarty, Brian O Sullivan, Pat Pigott, James O Shea (Shanara), Dermot Griffin.

Desmonds: Charlie Nelligan, Domo Kirwan, Tommy Roche, Wilsie King, Pat O Callaghan, Arthur O Connor, Niall O Donoghue, Dermot Hanifin, Mikey O Connor (0-1), Willie O Connor (0-3), Christy Kearney (0-2), Domo Lyne (0-5), Johnny O Connor (0-1), Donie Buckley (0-1), John Lordan.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 24^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 0-8; Laune Rangers 0-11.

From a Rangers’ point of view, that game was a classic. It was their best performance so far that year. The game had everything – tight marking, good fielding, good movement, good scores, great saves, hard knocks, goal-mouth scrambles and total commitment. The game had attracted a lot of interest and, in the big crowd, the Laune Rangers’ supporters outnumbered the Stacks.

Rangers played against the strong wind in the first half and were in arrears by 0-6 to 0-4 at halftime, thanks to three great points by Gerard Murphy and a well-struck free by Timmy Fleming. The backs and Peter Lyons had soaked up a lot of pressure during that half but had coped very well against an attack containing Mikey Sheehy, Ger Power and Liam Kerins.

Shortly after the resumption, Gerard Murphy scored a brace of points to equalise. Mikey Sheehy gave his side the lead again but points by Joe Shannon put the visitors ahead. The backs were outstanding all through the game, playing no-nonsense football and pulling first time on the ball. Peter Lyons showed great reflexes on more than one occasion. Joe Shannon and Tom Johnston dominated the midfield battle, which gave the forward line the necessary supply of ball. The half-forward line of Gerard Murphy, Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming fought terrier-like for possession. Paul Griffin had a good game. Brian O Shea was Laune Rangers’ man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-3), Tom Johnston (0-1), Gerard Murphy (0-5), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-1), John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Paul Griffin. Subs: John Griffin for M. Moriarty, Michael O Reilly for J. O Dwyer, Brian O Sullivan, Shane O Sullivan, Declan Crowley.

Austin Stacks: Paddy ‘Whacker’ Moriarty, John Galvin, Ger O Keeffe, Pat Slattery, Gene O Donnell, Seamus O Sullivan, Kevin Barry, John O Keeffe, Mike Counihan, Ger Power, Mikey Sheehy (0-7, 5 frees), Kieran O Callaghan (0-1), Sean O Callaghan, Liam Kerins, Gordon Kerins.

Ref: Kieran Corridon (Brosna).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 8^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-4; Laune Rangers 0-4.

That was a disastrous result for Laune Rangers. The game was played in ideal conditions and drew a big attendance but failed to rise above mediocre. Laune Rangers, at no stage, played anyway near what was seen of them so far that year. They were well beaten at midfield and it was there that their troubles began. The attack was starved of the ball and that was reflected in the score of four points, two of which came from frees. It might have been an error to have played Gerard Murphy at full-forward on Sean Walsh, as it was only when he moved late in the game, that the Killorglin men looked like scoring. O Rahillys had plenty of chances of putting up a big score but it tells of how tight the Rangers backs were that all their points came from the two midfielders and Morgan Nix at wing-back.

O Rahillys got off to good start when John T. O Sullivan pointed from an acute angle. Timmy Fleming replied with a pointed free. Then a fatal mistake by the Rangers’ fullback line allowed Con O Connor to boot a loose ball past the helpless Peter Lyons. Timmy Fleming pointed a 20m free when O Rahillys were penalised for a short kick-out. In the closing minutes of the half, John T. O Sullivan pointed a 40m free and Morgan Nix moved up into the attack to score to give their side a 1-3 to 0-2 lead at the break.

On the resumption, O Rahillys were camped inside the Rangers’ half for the first ten minutes, but all they had to show was a pointed free by Cathal Sheehy. Admittedly, Pierce Hoare had two good chances of goals but he blazed wide on one occasion and Peter Lyons saved the other attempt. Then Joe Shannon and Tom Johnston began to come more into the game at midfield and the latter forced a good save from the Tralee goalkeeper. Paul Griffin was set up by Joe Shannon for a point to leave the scores 1-4 to 0-3 entering the final quarter. Then came the killer goal, which was set up by Pierce Hoare for Hawley Kerins to score on the run. Rangers rallied somewhat but could not penetrate for the vital scores. Gerard Murphy did manage a point before the end.

James O Shea, James Sheehan and Gene Evans played well in defence. Timmy Fleming and Paul Griffin were the best of the forwards.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon, Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-2, frees), John O Dwyer, Gerard Murphy (0-1), Michael O Reilly. Subs: Shane O Sullivan for M. O Reilly, Anthony Shannon for J. O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Teddy Clifford.

Kerins O Rahillys: John Crean, Mikey Keane, Sean Walsh, Mike O Halloran, Dan Walsh, Ken Savage, Morgan Nix (0-1), John T. O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free), Cathal Sheehy (0-1, free), Hawley Kerins (1-0), Davy Keane, Mike Griffin, Jeremy Sheehy, Pierce Hoare, Con O Connor (1-0). Subs: John Mulhern for J. O Sullivan (inj.).

Ref: Ger O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 29^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; St. Mary’s 0-9.

Rangers were lucky to have won that game. They had to play without their two county minors and they were sorely missed. Indeed, it was only when they brought on the three other minors that they gained control of the game.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley. Tom Johnston, Pat O Brien, Teddy Clifford, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, John O Dwyer, Joe Shannon, Anthony Shannon. Subs: Mark O Connor for T. Clifford, Bertie O Riordan for A. Shannon, Shane O Sullivan for J. O Dwyer, Martin Clifford, Pat Pigott.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 27^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Ballylongford 0-9.

That hard-earned win put Laune Rangers back at the top of the Co. League table. The backs were in great form, especially Gene Evans, Pat O Brien and James Sheehan. Tom Johnston accounted for John Kennedy over the hour, while Joe Shannon ensured that the home side won the midfield battle. Paul Griffin played well and Pierce Prendiville distributed well. The full-forward line looked very sharp, especially corner-forwards John O Dwyer and Pat Brennan. Rangers led at halftime by 0-7 to 0-4.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-3, frees), Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin (0-3), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-1), John O Dwyer (0-1), John Griffin, Pat Brennan (0-2). Subs: Gerard Murphy (0-2) for T. Fleming, Martin Clifford, James O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, Stephen Russell, Pat Pigott, Michael O Reilly.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 9 on Sat. 23^rd Aug. at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s 0-3; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Peter Lyons and Brian O Shea were excellent. Shane O Sullivan played well when moved to wing-back. Considering that Rangers were without a number of their regular forwards, and that Declan Crowley had to retire injured after only five minutes, that was a good performance.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon, Pat O Brien, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, James Sheehan, Pat Brennan, Michael O Reilly, Shane O Sullivan. Subs: Michael Moriarty for D. Crowley (inj.), Pat Pigott.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 6^th Sept. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Played in ideal weather conditions, Laune Rangers had a whirlwind start with two fine points in the first two minutes from Tom Johnston and Timmy Fleming (free). Dr. Crokes, with Noel O Leary and John Galvin holding the whip-hand at midfield, were soon on level terms. Then Mike Buckley scored a goal and John Galvin pointed a 30m free to give the home side a 1-3 to 0-2 lead. Pierce Prendiville swapped places with Joe Shannon in an effort to gain control. Tom Johnston, who played magnificently throughout for the Rangers, scored another fine point. Timmy Fleming worked his way inside the Crokes’ defence only to see his cracking shot come back off the crossbar, with the goalkeeper well beaten. However, he got some consolation a little later when Pierce Prendiville set him up for a delightful point. Seanie O Shea closed the scoring for that half with a point from a 14m free to leave Crokes ahead by 1-4 to 0-4 at halftime.

On the resumption, Laune Rangers started as if they were going to steamroll their opponents with three superbly taken points inside six minutes. The first by Michael O Reilly and the other two by Gerard Murphy, one with each leg, drew the sides level. Peter Fleming restored Crokes’ lead with a point. Then disaster struck. Joe Shannon went over on an ankle and he had to be helped from the field. Mike Doody and Peter Fleming put Crokes ahead by 1-7 to 0-7 and still there were thirteen minutes left to play. It was then that the experience of Joe Shannon was needed most of all. Through good work by Brian O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Tom Johnston and Anthony Shannon, the forwards got plenty of scoring opportunities but they were wasted through inaccuracy from within striking distance, with Gerard Murphy, the hero earlier, becoming the biggest culprit. Minors Paul Griffin and Timmy Fleming also failed with good opportunities, the latter letting Crokes off the hook when he was clean through for a goal only to delay his effort. Connie Murphy capitalised on a mix-up between Pat O Brien and Tom Johnston to score the insurance point. Best for Rangers were Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Paudie Sheahan, Pat O Brien, Tom Johnston, Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming and Michael O Reilly. Tom Johnston was Laune Rangers’ man-of-the-match

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon, Tom Johnston (0-2), Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-2), John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly (0-1), Gerard Murphy (0-2). Subs: Pat Brennan for J. Shannon (inj.), Mícheál Johnston for P. Griffin, Mark O Connor for G. Murphy, James O Shea, Declan Crowley, Michael Moriarty, Pat Pigott.

Dr. Crokes: Denis Coleman, Donie O Leary, Brendan Keogh, Mike Doody (0-1), John Clifford, Sean Clarke, Liam Hartnett, Noel O Leary (0-1), John Galvin (0-2), Connie O Doherty, Pat O Connor, Connie Murphy (0-1), Seanie O Shea (0-1), Josie O Donoghue, Mike Buckley (1-0). Subs: Noel Parker for S. Clarke, Peter Fleming (0-2) for P. O Connor, Mike O Grady for S. O Shea.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 28^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Kenmare 1-7.

That was a stop-start performance by Laune Rangers. Peter Lyons dropped a clanger at the beginning of the game – he had been at a wedding the previous day. Brian O Shea was in trouble throughout but the other five backs played outstandingly. The midfield partnership of Tom Johnston and Joe Shannon played very well. Pierce Prendiville was particularly good in the full-forward line, while Pat Brennan was the only one of the full-forwards to play well. John Griffin and Michael Moriarty made a big difference when they came on as substitutes.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon, Tom Johnston, Gerard Murphy, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly, Pat Brennan. Subs: John Griffin for J. O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty for M. O Reilly, Pat Pigott, James O Shea, Mark O Connor.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

That result, together with some other favourable results on the day, meant that there was a three-way play-off to decide the Division 1 winners between Desmonds, Valentia and Laune Rangers. Laune Rangers were drawn first out of the hat and went into the final. Valentia beat Desmonds.

 

Final on Sun. 14^th Dec. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 1-17; Valentia 0-7.

Having fallen 1-6 to 0-0 behind in an alarming first ten minutes, Laune Rangers roared back to scuttle Valentia’s notions of a win and, in doing so, chiselled out their own bit of history by winning the Co. League Div. 1 for the first time.

Rangers, who had prepared intensely under lights at Beaufort, showed tremendous guts before wearing down the Islanders with a sparkling last thirty minutes, in which their forwards displayed pin-point accuracy and their defence screened off any possible danger. Killorglin laid the block-work for that famous victory at midfield, where Tom Johnston and Joe Shannon worked like the proverbial troopers to outshine the Valentia pair of Fionán Murphy and Mike O Donoghue.

Though they faced a stiffish first-half breeze, Rangers did not panic in the early stages when they were blitzed by the Intermediate Champions. With ex-Kerry player Ger O Driscoll at the centre of most of Valentia’s initiatives, they moved into a commanding lead early on. Ger O Driscoll kicked five points, Pat O Connor cracked home a goal and Michael O Shea added a point. The first hint of Rangers’ revival came with points from young starlets Paul Griffin and Timmy Fleming. However, it was a fisted goal by Pierce Prendiville, added to by a point from Tom Johnston, that fired the blues into contention. Although Ger O Driscoll made it 1-7 to 1-3 at halftime, Laune Rangers were rapidly assuming control of proceedings and it was fair to say that the seeds of their second-half dominance had been sown earlier.

With Tom Johnston and Joe Shannon ruling the roost, Valentia pulled Ger O Driscoll out from full-forward to midfield in a switch with Mike O Donoghue and, though the Milltown garda saw plenty of the ball, his colleague found the Rangers’ defence in a particularly stingy mood. Killorglin’s forwards, on the other hand, linked very well indeed and, with sharp-shooting Gerard Murphy receiving good support from his five colleagues in attack, Rangers were soon beyond their opponents’ reach. Each of the Laune Rangers’ forwards got on the score-sheet with Joe Shannon and Tom Johnston also weighing in. In defence, Anthony Shannon, Brian O Shea and Paudie Sheahan shone. Tom Johnston was Laune Rangers’ man-of-the-match. After the game, Vice-Chairman of the Kerry Co. Board, Sean Kelly, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Joe Shannon. The trophy was the Kerryman Shield, which had replaced the former trophy. The medals for the competition were designed by Mary Johnston, sister of the man-of-the-match, and they were made by Fintan Foley, formerly of the Grove, Killorglin. The competition was sponsored by Lee Strand, through its MD, William Kennedy, former Laune Rangers’ great.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon (capt.), Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, John Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Gerard Murphy. Subs: Pat Brennan for J. Griffin, Declan Crowley for G. Evans, John O Dwyer for P. Griffin, Shane O Sullivan, Owen Mangan, Pat Pigott, Mark O Connor, James O Shea (Caragh Lake).

Valentia: D. Walsh, Mícheál Lyne, Brendy Murphy, Neillie Lyne, P.J.O Sullivan, S. O Connor, Colm Egan, Fionan Murphy, Mike O Donoghue, Pat O Connor, John Paul Curran, Richard Quigley, Michael O Shea, Ger O Driscoll, Michael Gallagher.

Co. Club ‘B’ Championship (Molyneaux Cup)

Players, who had played in the previous year’s Co. Senior Football Championship, were excluded from that competition, unless they were regraded. Laune Rangers successively regraded the following: Tommy Woods, Stephen Russell, Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea and Michael O Reilly.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 11^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Emmett’s scr.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 15^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-7; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 3-11.

Laune Rangers were in arrears by 0-6 to 0-1 at halftime. However, after ten minutes of the second half, the teams were level and the home side was looking good for a win. Then, however, their lack of fitness began to show and they collapsed. Martin Clifford and Pa Foley played at midfield. Tom O Connor was the Rangers’ best back and Owen Mangan played well when he was moved to fullback after three minutes. Brian O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin and Anthony Shannon were the best of the forwards.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Michael Sweeney, Gerry Foley, Richard O Connor, Marin Clifford, Pa Foley, Brian O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Paul Griffin, John Sheehan, Owen Mangan, Anthony Shannon. Subs: Robert Evans for M. Sweeney (inj.), Stephen Russell for D. Hurley (inj.), Bertie O Riordan for D. Pigott, James Foley, John Whelan.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 4A

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 30^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-2; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 9-9.

That was a veritable route, with all the Rangers’ players dominating their opposite numbers. Brian O Sullivan, John Whelan, Gerry Foley, Donal Hurley and Shane O Sullivan played particularly well. Gerard Murphy, also, looked in good form with no ill-effects after his knee operation.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Noel Doyle, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Michael Sweeney, Richard O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Foley (capt.), Pat Digott, Gerard Murphy, Gerry Foley, Dermot Griffin, Brian O Sullivan, John Whelan, John Sheehan (Tinahalla). Subs: Pat McKenna (Steelroe) for S. O Sullivan, James Foley (Corbally) for B. O Sullivan, Edward Stack for J. Whelan, Robert Evans, Mark O Connor.

Ref: Gerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 13^th April at Dromid: Dromid Pearses 0-2; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-3.

The team travelled by cars – John Sheehan, Martin Clifford, John Whelan, Gerry Foley, Liam Shannon and Michael Foley.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Michael Scannell, Donal Hurley, Richard O Connor, Pat McKenna, Martin Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Foley (0-1), Gerry Foley, Donal Pigott, John Sheehan, Dermot Griffin, Robert Evans, John Whelan, Anthony Shannon (0-2).

Ref: Jerry Keating (Renard).

Rd. 3 on Sun. 27^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 1-4.

Gerry Foley was superb in defence and James O Shea played well at midfield. Dermot Griffin scored three good points and John Sheehan got the goal.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Noel Doyle, Gerry Foley, Martin Clifford, James O Shea (Shanara), Michael O Reilly, Dermot Griffin, Tommy Foley, John Sheehan, Stephen Russell, John Whelan, Pa Foley. Subs: Donal Pigott for S. Russell, Richard O Connor for M. Clifford, Pat McInery, Michael Scannell, James Foley, John Galvin, Robert Evans.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 25^th May at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan 1-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-11.

The underfoot conditions were atrocious. Tom O Connor was Laune Rangers’ man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Gerry Foley, Martin Clifford, Michael O Reilly (0-2), James O Shea (Shanara) 0-1, Brian O Sullivan (0-2), Pa Foley (0-1), John Sheehan, Donal Pigott, John Whelan (0-1), Anthony Shannon (0-4). Subs: Stephen Russell for D. Pigott, Michael Scannell for P. Pigott.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 8^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-4; Derrynane 0-6.

That was a disastrous performance by Laune Rangers. They were beaten throughout the field.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Richard O Connor, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Owen Mangan, Pat Pigott, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Dermot Griffin, Pa Foley, John Sheehan, Brian O Sullivan, John Whelan, Robert Evans. Subs: Stephen Russell for P. Pigott, Donal Pigott for J. Whelan, Mossy Joy for D. Hurley, Michael Scannell, Patrick McInery.

Ref: Jerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 28^th June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ scr; Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o

Laune Rangers ‘B’ travelled to Glenbeigh but the locals failed to field a team.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 5^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-5; Cromane 1-11.

The result in that game was never in doubt. John Griffin scored two goals, Pat Brennan two goals and John O Dwyer one goal.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Donal Hurley, Shane O Sullivan, Owen Mangan, Gerry Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Martin Clifford, Stephen Russell, Mark O Connor, Pat Brennan, Anthony Shannon, John O Dwyer, John Griffin, John Sheehan. Sub: Robert Evans for D. Hurley (inj.).

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 12^th July at Knockreer, Killarney: Legion ‘B’ 1-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Donal Hurley, Pat Clifford, Mossy Joy, Gerard Clifford, Anthony Shannon, Gerry Foley, Martin Clifford, Stephen Russell, Dermot Griffin, Donal Pigott, John Griffin, Pat Brennan, John O Dwyer, Michael Foley, John Sheehan.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 17^th Aug. at Tuosist: Tuosist w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

Laune Rangers got caught in the traffic on the way to the game and did not arrive until 3.20, by which time the referee had gone away. The two teams played a challenge game instead.

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 23^rd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ w/o

Laune Rangers only read about the fixture in the Kerryman on the previous evening. They asked Dr. Crokes for a postponement due to the short notice but they would not agree. At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, Laune Rangers Club was fined £10 for not playing the game.

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 7^th Sept. at Foilmore: Foilmore w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

Laune Rangers had only nine players and did not travel, consequently. At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, the club was fined £10 for not playing the game.

 

Rd. 12 on Sun. 5^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Valentia ‘B’ by three points.

 

Rd. 13 on Mon. 27^th Oct. at Rathmore: Rathmore ‘B’ 1-15; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Pat Clifford, Mossy Joy, Robert Evans, Michael Sweeney, Gerry Foley, John Whelan, Martin Clifford, Michael O Reilly, Dermot Griffin, Michael Moriarty, David Griffin, Donal Pigott, Dominic Crowley, James Foley.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 18^th May at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 1-8, Keel 2-3.

Laune Rangers seemed to suffer from lack of match-practice and, perhaps, a little over-confidence. The result of the game was in doubt right up to the end, as Rangers, who had lost the lead five minutes before halftime, regained it twelve minutes from fulltime. Having played with the aid of the breeze, Rangers led by 0-3 to 0-0 at the end of the first quarter. Then John Cahillane struck a thundering goal to level the match. Laune Rangers did not panic and with five minutes to go to halftime, they had regained their three points advantage (0-6 to 1-0). Then Keel’s Mike O Brien followed up a rebound from goalkeeper Peter Lyons, which he should have held, and finished the ball to the net. Larry McKenna, from a free, gave Keel the lead for the first time and when Denis Foley pointed just on halftime, an upset seemed on the cards with Keel leading by 2-2 to 0-6.

When Keel scored a further point on the resumption, the Rangers realised that they were in a game. However, they had not been champions for the previous three years for nothing and they raised their game substantially in that second half, holding Keel to one single John Cahillane point. The Rangers’ backs defended stoutly and the midfield and attack worked the ball intelligently and patiently to claw back the deficit. The forwards responded well, especially Gerard Murphy and Timmy Fleming. Gerard Murphy cut the lead to two points. Then, twelve minutes from the end, Pierce Prendiville ended a good Rangers’ move with a well-taken goal to put the champions one point ahead. Joe Shannon extended the lead with another point. Keel battled away and had a number of chances to pull the game out of the fire but they kicked a number of bad wides. Pat O Brien played well when he came on for Bertie O Riordan. Brian O Shea was very good. Gene Evans and James O Shea were excellent in the second half. Tom Johnston and Pierce Prendiville were quite good.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Joe Shannon (0-1), Tom Johnston, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville (1-0), Timmy Fleming (0-4, frees), James Sheehan, Michael Moriarty (0-2), Gerard Murphy (0-1). Subs: Pat O Brien for B. O Riordan, Brian O Sullivan, Michael O Reilly, Anthony Shannon, Mícheál Johnston, Shane O Sullivan, Pat Pigott.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 19^th July at Milltown: Laune Rangers 4-6; Keel 1-2.

Laune Rangers had a surprisingly easy passage in to the final when they totally outclassed a disappointing Keel side. It was hard to believe that, playing against the breeze in the first half, Keel were four points ahead after eight minutes of play and got their only other score seven minutes from fulltime. Admittedly, Rangers were very slow to start. Tommy Evans scored a great goal in the eighth minute to give Keel a great start. However, only three minutes later, John O Dwyer fisted home his first goal to put the sides on level terms, 1-1 each. Keel stayed very much in the game but then, seven minutes before halftime, they conceded a goal that seemed to knock the stuffing out of them. Corner back Billy Corcoran was robbed in possession by John O Dwyer and he quickly crossed for Pat Brennan to shoot to the net. At halftime, Rangers led by 2-4 to 1-1.

On the restart, Keel with plenty of possession, pressed very hard but their forwards were unable to make any impression against a Rangers’ defence in which Brian O Shea, Paudie Sheahan and Pat O Brien were outstanding. Then twelve minutes into the half, disaster struck for Keel, when Paul Griffin was tripped inside the square and Joe Shannon duly shot the resultant penalty straight to the net. Rangers were then ten points ahead and Keel’s cause was hopeless. But more was to follow. Thirteen minutes from the end, Keel won a penalty but Rangers’ goalkeeper, Peter Lyons, saved John Cahillane’s kick and when Cahillane got his boot to the rebound, the goalie saved again. Six minutes from fulltime, John O Dwyer drove the nail into Keel’s coffin when he cracked home Rangers’ fourth goal.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon (1-1, 1 penalty), Tom Johnston (0-1), Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-2, 1 free), John O Dwyer (2-1), John Griffin, Pat Brennan (1-0). Subs: Bertie O Riordan for J. O Shea, Gerard Murphy for J. Griffin, Shane O Sullivan for T. Fleming, Martin Clifford, Stephen Russell, Mark O Connor, Pat Pigott, Anthony Shannon, Declan Crowley.

Keel: John Breen, Billy Corcoran, James Long, Sean Foley, Danny Evans, Tommy Corcoran, Larry McKenna, Jim Foley, Ian Foley, Tommy Evans (1-0), John Ladden, Denis Foley (0-1, free), Christopher McGinley (0-1), John Cahillane, Mike O Brien.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – excellent.

 

Final on Sun. 12^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-14; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-7.

Laune Rangers played against a strong wind in the first half and into the road goals but they only trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 at halftime. They had played well and seemed to have been in a good position. However, immediately on the resumption, Milltown/Castlemaine scored 1-1. Rangers recovered and, with twelve minutes to play, they had drawn level. Then disaster struck. Milltown/Castlemaine scored a goal and a point again. Things looked really bleak at that stage. However, Rangers did not panic and, showing great character, they clawed their way back from the jaws of defeat. Joe Shannon began the recovery with a good point. Points by Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and Pierce Prendiville put the Rangers level. Then, just into overtime, Michael Moriarty put the Rangers ahead with a neat point. Milltown/Castlemaine got a point from a free to draw level with two minutes of overtime gone. At that stage, everybody thought that the game would end all square. On the sideline, Jerome Conway and John Burke agreed that a draw would be a fair result. However, the kick-out from Peter Lyons was fielded by Pat Brennan. He parted to the speeding Tom Johnston, who raced through to kick a great, great winner from 40m. He said afterwards that he had been afraid to pass the ball for fear that the referee would blow the whistle and instead he let fly for the posts. Joe Shannon fielded the kick-out and held on for the final whistle. It had been a classic encounter between two very evenly matched and sporting teams. Needless to say, there was elation in the Rangers camp at having achieved the first four-in-a-row Mid-Kerry Senior Championships.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Anthony Shannon, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon (capt.) 0-3, Tom Johnston (0-3), Pat Brennan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-4), John O Dwyer, John Griffin (0-1), Gerard Murphy. Subs: Paul Griffin (0-1) for G. Murphy, Michael Moriarty (0-1) for J. O Dwyer, Declan Crowley, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Michael O Reilly, Mícheál Johnston, Shane O Sullivan, Bertie O Riordan, Mark O Connor, Pat Pigott, Eoin Mangan.

The team celebrated afterwards, beginning in Bunker’s, as Ger Counihan had given the club £100 to buy togs for the players.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 16^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-2; Glenbeigh 0-9.

At halftime, Glenbeigh led by 0-6 to 1-1. Declan Crowley played well at fullback on Denis ‘Mannix’ Griffin. Gene Evans, after a poor first half, improved on the resumption. Bertie O Riordan, on his senior debut, played very well. Paudie Sheahan played well but his passing of the ball was poor. Timmy Fleming played well. Michael Moriarty improved when he moved to midfield, where Laune Rangers were struggling. John Griffin showed a great appetite for the game. Pat O Brien, on his senior debut, having transferred to the club, was a little rusty but he showed that he had potential.

Laune Rangers: John Murphy, Gene Evans, Declan Crowley, Pat Pigott, Bertie O Riordan, Paudie Sheahan, Teddy Clifford, Michael O Reilly, James Sheehan, Brian O Sullivan, Pat O Brien, Timmy Fleming (0-1, free), John O Dwyer (1-1), Michael Moriarty, John Griffin. Subs: Paul Griffin for B. O Sullivan, Martin Clifford for J. Sheehan.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – very good.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 23^rd Feb. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 2-1; Laune Rangers 5-10.

Played in bitterly cold conditions, that was a great team performance by Laune Rangers against a weakened Milltown/Castlemaine side. Playing with the aid of the breeze, Joe Shannon opened the scoring with a point just fifteen seconds into the match. John O Dwyer added another in the second minute and several minutes later he intercepted a Milltown/Castlemaine pass to score another point. Joe Shannon took a pass from James Sheehan in the sixth minute and shot the ball to the back of the net. In the ninth minute, Timmy Fleming pointed from a free to leave his team leading by 1-4 to 0-0. John O Dwyer and Timmy Fleming added points. Then, in a rare home attack, Mike Hickey was adjudged to have been fouled in the square and a penalty was awarded. He struck the shot badly and the ball trickled over the end-line. In the eighteenth minute, Joe Shannon scored another goal. Michael Moriarty added a point and a long shot at goal by Brian O Sullivan was punched over the bar by Podge Leen to leave the halftime score at 2-8 to 0-0.

Although Milltown/Castlemaine had the benefit of the breeze in the second half, it never made any real difference. Two minutes into the half, Joe Shannon scored a lovely goal. From a good passing movement, the ball came to him and he chipped it over the goalkeeper and into the corner of the net. John O Dwyer was injured and had to be taken off and Michael O Reilly came on and immediately scored a point. Seanie Counihan opened the home side’s account in the eighteenth of the second half with a point. Liam Cronin punched a goal soon afterwards. Mike Hickey scored another goal to narrow the gap to eleven points. Michael O Moriarty scored his second point and Sean Counihan had a similar score for the losers. Michael O Reilly closed the scoring when he took a pass from James Sheehan to score a good goal.

Joe Shannon was outstanding at midfield, while minors Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and Bertie O Riordan also played excellently.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Pat Pigott, Bertie O Riordan, Declan Crowley, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon (3-1), Michael Moriarty (0-2), John O Dwyer (0-3), Pat O Brien, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Brian O Sullivan (0-1), James Sheehan (1-0), Paul Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly (1-1) for J. O Dwyer (inj.), Patrick McInery.

Milltown/Castlemaine: Podge Leen, John O Brien, Mike Colgan, Raymond Boyle, Sean Costello, Gerard Teahan, Paud Hogan, Jim O Connor, Joe O Sullivan, John Burke, Liam Burke, Timmy Joe Horgan, Gerard Woods, Mike Hickey (1-0), Seanie Counihan (0-1). Sub: Liam Cronin (1-0) for R. Boyle.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 2^nd March at Keel: Keel 0-2; Laune Rangers 2-14.

The Rangers were very hungry for the ball. The defence was rock solid – Keel scored two forty-fives. Pat O Brien and Paudie Sheahan were particularly outstanding. Joe Shannon and Michael Moriarty were flying at midfield. John Griffin was showing great enthusiasm and Paul Griffin and Timmy Fleming were big assets to the attack.

Laune Rangers: Gene Evans, Declan Crowley, Brian O Shea, Pat Pigott, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Bertie O Riordan, Joe Shannon, Michael Moriarty, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville (1-0), Timmy Fleming (1-5), James Sheehan, John Griffin, Michael O Reilly. Subs: Martin Clifford for P. Pigott (Martin went into goals), Brian O Sullivan for P. Griffin, Pat Pigott for T. Fleming, Patrick McInery.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 23^rd March at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-3; Laune Rangers 0-8.

Laune Rangers played against the wind in the first half and led at halftime by 0-4 to 0-2. Pat O Brien was excellent at midfield. James O Shea and Brian O Shea also defended very well. The outcome was never in doubt in the second half even though Rangers never dominated as they should have. With some minutes left to play, Joe Shannon and John Coffey were sent off for fighting.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, Paudie Sheahan Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Pierce Prendiville, Brian O Sullivan (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-3, frees), James Sheehan, John Griffin (0-2), Tom Johnston (0-2), Pat Pigott. Subs: Martin Clifford for G. Evans, Pat McKenna (Steelroe) for P. Pigott, Gerry Foley for P. Prendiville.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th April at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 8-20; Cromane 0-1.

That game, which had been originally scheduled for 9^th Feb. had been postponed due to snow. There was very little need for motivation! Cromane looked pathetic, prompting Padraig Kennelly of Kerry’s Eye to remark, ‘should Cromane ever have been formed?’ Against such opposition the Rangers were brilliant, without exception. James O Shea, Lonart, scored a point for Cromane with ten minutes left to play to the cheers (jeers!) of those present. The Rangers’ goal-scorers were Joe Shannon (4), John Griffin (2), Gerard Murphy (1) and Brian O Sullivan (1).

Laune Rangers: Gene Evans, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea James O Shea, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, Michael Moriarty, Joe Shannon (capt.), Brian O Sullivan, Tom Johnston, John Griffin. Subs: Peter Lyons (late arrival) for P. O Brien, Martin Clifford for J. Sheehan, Gerry Foley for D. Crowley, Anthony Shannon.

Cromane: Terence McCarthy, Michael Teahan, John Sugrue, Patrick McMahon, John O Shea, Tomás Hayes (capt.), Gerard Casey, Frank Walsh, James O Shea (Lonart), Patie Casey, Tim Carey, Donie McKenna, Tommy Stack, Noel Foley, John Teahan. Subs; Michael Healy for J. Teahan, Brian Casey for John O Shea. Cromane mentors – Pat O Shea, Dan Carey, Jim Casey (also chief cheer leader) and Patrick Casey.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Fri. 2^nd May at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-4; Glenbeigh 0-2.

It was a terrible evening for football. The rain bucketed down and a strong wind lashed the handful of supporters, players and mentors for the entire hour.  There was at least an inch of water on the pitch. Rangers elected to play against the wind in the first half and, through great work by the backs, they were only one point in arrears at halftime, 0-2 to 0-1, Rangers point coming from a free by Timmy Fleming. The halfback line of James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan and Bertie O Riordan was super, while midfielders Tom Johnston and Pierce Prendiville were really on top of their game.

Rangers owned the ball in the second half but the forwards, being on the light side, found the going tough in the conditions. Brian O Sullivan scored a smashing goal twelve minutes from the end.  James Sheehan was outstanding, when he moved to the forty. Other Rangers stars in that survival of the fittest were Peter Lyons, Brian O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming and Brian O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pat Pigott, Brian O Shea Declan Crowley, James Sheehan (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Bertie O Riordan, Tom Johnston, Pierce Prendiville, Shane O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), Brian O Sullivan (1-0), Gene Evans, Mícheál Johnston. Subs: Anthony Shannon for M. Johnston, John Griffin (inj.).

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – very consistent.

 

Final on Fri. 30^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5; Laune Rangers 1-12.

It had rained throughout the day and continued to do so during the game. As a result, underfoot conditions were treacherous. Rangers elected to play against the breeze in the first half and led by 0-4 to 0-3 at halftime. The backs were in great form. The midfielders held their own but, of the forwards, only Gerard Murphy seemed to be trying.

In the second half, Rangers continued to press hard and were rewarded with a few points per Joe Shannon and Gerard Murphy. Marking was very tight and not always fair. The conditions certainly suited the opposition. Then, Milltown/Castlemaine scored a goal – a punched effort from a high lob. That levelled the scores. Rangers immediately retaliated with a point by Gerard Murphy. Again the home side equalised. Rangers again attacked and, in a sweeping movement, Gerard Murphy goaled. From then to the end, the winners were completely on top and added points by Michael O Reilly, Michael Moriarty and Timmy Fleming. Outstanding for Rangers were Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, Tom Johnston, Joe Shannon, Gerard Murphy and substitute, Michael O Reilly.

After the game, Mike McCarthy, Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, presented the Maurice Kelliher Cup to the winning captain, Joe Shannon. Kevin Griffin, Co. Senior Selector, adjudged Gerard Murphy to be man-of-the-match. The team visited Larkin’s Bar, Nicksie O Brien’s Bar, Milltown, and then Coffey’s Bar, Killorglin for the celebrations. Team trainer, Noel O Mahony was in France on a school tour with Glounaguillagh N.S. for the weekend.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Pat O Brien, Paudie Sheahan, James Sheehan, Joe Shannon (capt.) 0-3, Tom Johnston, Brian O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Michael Moriarty (0-2), John O Dwyer, John Griffin, Gerard Murphy (1-3). Subs: Timmy Fleming (0-1, free) for B. O Sullivan (0-1), James O Shea for J. Griffin (Pat O Brien to full-forward), Michael O Reilly (0-2) for J. O Dwyer, Bertie O Riordan, Anthony Shannon, Pat Pigott, Shane O Sullivan. Paul Griffin and Gerry Foley were unable to travel, though selected as substitutes.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort).

 

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 27^th May at Vocational School Field, Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-9; Cromane ‘B’ 2-1.

Were it not for the size of the field, Laune Rangers would have destroyed the opposition.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Michael Scannell, Donal Hurley, Tom O Connor, Michael Sweeney, Richard O Connor, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Pa Foley, Dermot Griffin, Frank Russell, John Sheehan, Robert Evans, John Whelan, Donal Pigott. Subs: Owen Mangan for F. Russell, John Galvin for R. Evans.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 3^rd June at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 1-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-13.

Best for the Rangers were Gerry Foley and Dermot Griffin.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Edward Stack, Donal Hurley, Michael Scannell, Mark O Connor, Richard O Connor, Michael Sweeney, Martin Clifford, Gerry Foley, Robert Evans, John Sheehan, Dermot Griffin, Pat McInery, John Whelan, Donal Pigott. Sub: John Galvin.

Ref: Dermot Ryan (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 3 on Tues. 10^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Beaufort ‘B’ scr.

Rd. 5 on Tues. 24^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ scr.

 

Final on Tues. 8^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 4-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8.

Laune Rangers were going for five-in-a-row in that competition. They played quite well and led at halftime by 0-7 to 1-2. For a good period of the second half, they dominated. However, they then conceded two soft goals in quick succession. Thereafter, Rangers could do nothing right and Milltown/Castlemaine could do nothing wrong and ran out easy winners.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Owen Mangan, Donal Hurley (capt.), Tom O Connor, Gerry Foley, Michael Sweeney, Martin Clifford, Pat Brennan, Brian O Sullivan, John Sheehan, Dermot Griffin, Donal Pigott, Pa Foley, John Whelan. Subs: Patrick McKenna (Lonart) for D. Hurley (inj.), Mark O Connor for M. Sweeney, Robert Evans for D, Pigott, Edward Stack, James Foley, Michael Scannell.

Ref: Frank Walsh (Cromane).

 

Senior Football Parish League

There were four teams, Over Laune, Town, Mountain View/Glencuttane/Caragh Lake, Tullig/Gurrane.

Over Laune: Liam Foley, John Clifford, Eoin Mangan, Pat Clifford, Pat Pigott, Gene Evans, Shane O Sullivan, Mícheál Johnston, Tom Johnston, Donal Pigott, John Sheehan, James Foley, Robert Evans, Stephen Russell, Joe Purcell, James Ferris, Frank Russell.

Town: Mike Murphy, Andrew Doona, Paudie Sheahan, Dominic Crowley, Jerry Houlihan, Pat O Brien, Richard O Connor, John Kennedy, Michael Moriarty, John O Dwyer, Pierce Prendiville, Michael Fleming, Pat O Donnell, Peter Lyons, Michael Cronin.

Mountain View/Glencuttane/Caragh Lake: Gerard Clifford, Maurice O Shea, Martin Clifford, Tom O Connor, Mossy Joy, James Sheehan, William Joy, Michael O Reilly, Paul Griffin, Pat Brennan, Gerard Murphy, Frankie Brennan, Anthony Shannon, John F. O Brien, Joe Shannon, John Galvin.

Laharn/Tullig/Gurrane: Patrick O Riordan, Brendan Corkery, Donal Hurley, Joe Hoare, John Foley, Brian O Shea, Kieran O Keeffe, James O Shea, Dermot Griffin, John Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, Maurice Corkery, John Whelan, Patsy Joy.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd Aug: Over Laune 2-5; Town 1-6.

Mountain View/Glencuttane/Caragh Lake 4-8; Laharn/Tullig/Gurrane 0-5.

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 14^th Aug: Town beat Laharn/Tullig/Gurrane by two points.

Fri. 15^th Aug: Mountain View/Glencuttane/Caragh Lake beat Over Laune by three points.

 

Senior Football Tournament/Challenge Games

 

Sun. 2^nd March at Vocational School Field: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Foilmore 3-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Michael Scannell, Donal Hurley, Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Gerry Foley, Joe Kennedy, Richard O Connor, Martin Clifford, Michael Fleming, Michael Moriarty, John Whelan, Brian O Sullivan, James Foley (Corbally), Patrick McInery. Subs: Shane O Sullivan for P. McInery (inj.), Robert Evans for M. Scannell, Vincent Roche for B. O Sullivan.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Mon. 17^th March at Foilmore: Foilmore 5-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 7-3.

Foilmore had only eleven players. Laune Rangers gave them two players and they played a thirteen-a-side game. The players that travelled were Pat Pigott, Gerry Foley, Peter Lyons, Michael Moriarty, Donal Hurley, Brian O Sullivan, Patrick McKenna, John Sheehan, Pat Clifford, John Whelan, Tommy Foley, Dermot Griffin, Pat Brennan, James Foley, Vincent Roche.

Ref: Liam Shannon.

 

Sun. 23^rd March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-12.

Laune Rangers played against the wind in the first half and were in arrears by 0-4 to 0-3 at the break. Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Foley and Gerard Murphy played very well.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Tom O Connor, Donal Hurley, Noel Doyle, Michael Sweeney, Richard O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Foley, Florence Leen, Gerard Murphy, James Foley, Dermot Griffin, Pat McInery, John Whelan, John Sheehan. Subs: Edward Stack for P. McInery, Pat McInery for J. Sheehan.

Ref: Peter Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

East-Kerry Football Tournament for Co. Championship teams.

Sat. 31^st May at Currow: Castelisland 0-8; Laune Rangers 0-6.

As a result of that refeat, Laune Rangers were in the Shield Semi-final.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Bertie O Riordan, Brian O Shea, James O Shea (Caragh Lake), Pat Pigott, James Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, Michael Moriarty, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly, Anthony Shannon.

Ref: Richard Fitzgerald (Listry).

 

Shield Semi-final on Sun. 1^st June at Currow: Laune Rangers 1-10; Clanna Gael 1-5.

Just coming up to fulltime, Laune Rangers were awarded a penalty kick. James Sheehan asked the referee for the score but he refused to tell him! Consequently, James went for a goal but the goalkeeper saved the shot. The referee blew fulltime and declared the game a draw. Rangers won the game in extra time.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, James O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, James Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Pat O Brien, Pierce Prendiville, John Sheehan, Michael Moriarty, Donal Pigott, John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly, Pat Pigott. Subs: Stephen Russell, Robert Evans, Tommy Byrne (all played).

Ref: Richard Fitzgerald (Listry).

 

Shield Final on Mon. 2^nd June at Spa: Kenmare D.B. 3-9; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Rangers were well beaten. They were very tired as they had played four games in four days, whereas Kenmare had only played two (They were scheduled to play Mid-Kerry, trained by Pat O Shea, in the Shield Semi-final on the previous day, but Mid-Kerry had only six players).

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Bertie O Riordan, Brian O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor, Pat Pigott, Shane O Sullivan, Pat O Brien, Pierce Prendiville, John Sheehan, Michael Moriarty, Timmy Fleming, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, Anthony Shannon. Sub: Joe Shannon for J. Sheehan.

 

Thurs. 28^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Foilmore 1-7.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, James O Shea, John Clifford, John Whelan, Pat O Brien, Michael O Reilly, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Martin Clifford, Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, John O Dwyer, James O Shea (Shanara), Anthony Shannon.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 15^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; West-Kerry 0-11.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of the strong wind in the first half. They dominated the midfield sector and both the backs and forwards played well. They led by 1-7 to 0-5 at halftime. On the resumption, however, the backs came under fierce pressure as the Rangers’ midfield tired. A few astute switches were made that lifted the siege a little (Martin Clifford to centre halfback, Owen Mangan to full-forward and Pat Brennan to midfield). The teams were level with ten minutes to play. Michael Moriarty came on as a substitute and his strength was an asset (Rangers had six minors on the starting fifteen). Timmy Fleming pointed a free from an acute angle. Then, with two minutes left to play, Patie Casey put a great ball into the path of the inrushing Pat Brennan and he made no mistake, crashing the ball to the net.

Laune Rangers: Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Bertie O Riordan Donal Hurley, Richard O Connor, Gerard Casey, Owen Mangan, Shane O Sullivan, Tomás Hayes, Martin Clifford (capt.), Paul Griffin, Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming, Brian O Sullivan, Pat Brennan, Gerard Murphy. Subs: Mark O Connor for G. Casey, Michael Moriarty for P. Griffin (inj.), James Foley, Timmy Flaherty, Patrick McKenna (Lonart).

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Quarter-final on Tues. 29^th July at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 3-11; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Laune Rangers conceded a goal and a point to Crokes’ Pat O Shea in the first minute (He scored 2-4 of his side’s total). Rangers’ backs were in disarray and their midfield was labouring. The forwards played well with a limited supply of ball. Just before halftime a shot by Brian O Sullivan was well saved and Crokes came up the field to score another goal, to lead at halftime by 3-4 to 0-4.

Rangers improved in the second half, with Gerard Murphy particularly to the fore. The final quarter was played in a downpour, which surprisingly seemed to suit the visitors. They piled on the pressure and could have scored another goal or two. Nevertheless, the better team won.

Laune Rangers: Pat McKenna (Steelroe), Richard O Connor, Donal Hurley, Bertie O Riordan, Martin Clifford (capt.), Owen Mangan, Shane O Sullivan, Tomás Hayes, James O Shea (Lonart) 0-1, Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming (0-3), Gerard Murphy (1-1), Brian O Sullivan (0-2), Pat Brennan (0-1), Dermot Griffin. Subs: Patie Casey for D. Griffin, Gerard Casey for R. O Connor, Mark O Connor for B. O Riordan, James Foley.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

At the Laune Rangers’ club meeting on Tues. 3^rd June, it was decided to invite the following Cromane players to train with the U-21 panel: Gerard Casey, Patie Casey, Tomás Hayes, Ciarán O Callaghan, James O Shea and Tommy Stack. The Casey’s, Tomás Hayes and James O Shea attended.

 

U-21 Football Challenge Game

 

Mon. 30^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Castleisland District.

The game was played at fourteen-a-side, as the visitors had only fourteen players.

Laune Rangers: Pat McKenna, Patrick McKenna (Lonart), Donal Hurley, Richard O Connor, Andrew Doona, Owen Mangan, Shane O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, Tomás Hayes, Brian O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy, Bertie O Riordan, James Foley, Pat Brennan.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

The minor panel commenced training on Sat. 8^th March under coach/trainer – James Sheehan. Selectors with James Sheehan – Maurice Corkery, Pierce Prendiville.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 10^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-15; Clanna Gael 3-2.

Laune Rangers played outstandingly well. They seemed very hungry for the game.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Robert Evans. Subs: Michael Cronin for P. Griffin, Kevin Corkery for T. Fleming, Maurice O Shea for T. Stack, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Fergus O Meara.

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 24^th July at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s 1-4; Laune Rangers 2-6.

First-half goals by Paul Griffin and James O Shea gave the Rangers a halftime lead of 2-5 to 0-1. However, they were under terrible pressure in the second half and barely weathered the storm. Shane O Sullivan was superb.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Maurice O Shea, Sean Fenton, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Kevin Corkery, Michael Cronin.

Ref: Joe Kearney (Austin Stacks) – mediocre.

 

Quarter-final on Fri. 1^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; South-Kerry 1-6.

Laune Rangers elected to play against a very strong wind in the first half but the were only one point in arrears at halftime, 0-4 to 0-3, the three points coming from frees by Timmy Fleming. On the resumption, South-Kerry stretched their lead to two points. Rangers had chances to score but missed badly. Eventually, Timmy Fleming had a good point from play and another from a free by him levelled the scores. However, Rangers could not drive home their advantage. Then South-Kerry struck for a goal and a point. That seemed to rock the home side. A point by Patie Casey and a similar score by substitute, Billy O Sullivan, closed the gap. A great last ten minutes by James O Shea gave the Rangers territorial advantage. They were clearly the better team but left it very late to clinch the game. Time was up when a shot by Pat McKenna for the equalising point came back off a post to Patie Casey who poked it to the net on the second attempt. There was elation at the final whistle. One could say that Rangers pulled that game out of the fire. Timmy Fleming had a great game and Bertie O Riordan was man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming (0-6, 5 frees), James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey (1-1), Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Billy O Sullivan (0-1) for T. Stack, Michael Cronin, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare.

Ref: Kieran Corridan (Brosna).

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 21^st Aug. at Listry: Laune Rangers 2-11; Dr. Crokes 1-3.

Laune Rangers played very well, particularly in the first half. They got off to a dream start when debutant full-forward, Michael Cronin, banged in a great goal. Timmy Fleming and James O Shea were dominant at midfield throughout the game. The halfback line of Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan and Shane O Sullivan were terrific. William Joy and Brendan Corkery also played well. The half-forward line died in the second half. Billy O Sullivan scored a great goal when he came on and nearly got another. Tommy Byrne, although just back from England, played very solidly, when he came on.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, William Joy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Michael Cronin, Danny Cahill. Subs: Tommy Byrne for K.O Keeffe, Billy O Sullivan for P. McKenna, Tommy Stack, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Alan Foley.

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

 

Final on Sat. 30^th Aug. at Beaufort: Killarney 0-13; Laune Rangers 1-4.

It was one of those evenings when everything went wrong for Laune Rangers. They decided to play against the breeze in the first half but, despite a good point by Michael Cronin at the start, they were 0-10 to 0-2 in arrears at halftime. They had been outplayed at midfield, where only Timmy Fleming seemed on form. The halfback line, normally so dependable, played very badly. William Joy was Rangers’ man-of-the-match. Tommy Byrne also played well. Rangers owned the ball in the second half but they could not score frequently enough. That was a very poor performance by a very good team. Co. Minor selector, Jerome Conway had forewarned the mentors that they would have to mark Donal Culloty tightly as he was potentially a big threat. He was told that Laune Rangers had at least three or four players as good, if not better, than him. Culloty scored 0-4 of his side’s total. One should always treat the opposition with respect. Best for Rangers were Tommy Byrne, William Joy, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Patie Casey and, especially, Billy O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Tommy Byrne, William Joy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Michael Cronin )-1), Danny Cahill. Subs: Billy O Sullivan (1-0) for F. Brennan, Tommy Stack for M. Cronin, Kieran O Keeffe, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare, Alan Foley.

Killarney: S. Murphy (Legion), S. Donoghue (Spa), Michael Brosnan (L), A. Spillane (S), I. Hallissey (L), Pat Adams (L) capt., Jerry Griffin (L), Donal Culloty (L) 0-4, Maurice Cronin (S) 0-2, Joe McAuliffe (S) 0-3, Conor McNiece (L) 0-1, P. O Sullivan (L) 0-1, F. Howe (L), Willie O Sullivan (L) 0-1, Francis O Doherty (S) 0-1. Subs: D. Kelly (S), for W. O Sullivan, J. O Neill (S) for I. Hallissey.

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

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1

Rd. 1 on Mon. 17^th March at Milltown: Laune Rangers 4-12; John Mitchels 0-5.

That was a scintillating display against weak opposition. The game was played in Milltown, as the J. P. O Sullivan Park was closed for renovations to the pitch.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Paul McKenna, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Maurice O Shea for P. Griffin, John F. O Brien, Joe Hoare.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 31^st March at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 1-6; Dr. Crokes 0-4.

That was a very tough game. William Joy held Co. Minor, J.P. O Shea, scoreless from play. Tommy Byrne did likewise with Colman O Shea. The Rangers’ halfback line was very sound. James O Shea, after a slow beginning, played very well in the second half. Timmy Fleming played very well and contributed to the Rangers winning the midfield battle hands down. All the forwards played their part in a good win. Patie Casey and Tommy Stack were missing.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Paul McKenna, Kieran O Keeffe, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna (1-0), Mark O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Robert Evans. Subs: Brendan Corkery for Paul McKenna, Sean Fenton for M. O Connor, Michael Cronin, Alan Foley, Joe Hoare, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

Present amongst the supporters were Peter Lyons, Joe Shannon, Jerome Conway, John Clifford, Noel O Mahony, Pat Pigott, Pat Clifford, Pat Sheehan, Donie Griffin, Michael Fleming, Matty Cahill, Sean McKenna, Patrick O Connor, Sean O Sullivan (Hilltop).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 4^th April at Gneeveguilla: Gneeveguilla 0-5; Laune Rangers 0-13.

Laune Rangers played reasonably well considering that they were missing four of their regular team (Pat McKenna and Paul McKenna, both sick, Patie Casey and William Joy). Liam Foley played well in goals. All the backs played well, with Tommy Byrne being outstanding. Timmy Fleming and James O Shea completely dominated midfield. Paul Griffin, after an indifferent start, played well. Frankie Brennan had a good first half, while Danny Cahill was very good in the air, though his shooting needed more confidence. Robert Evans and Paul Griffin played well. Tommy Stack was capable of doing great things but some of his efforts at shooting were ridiculous.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.) 0-1, Timmy Fleming (0-4), James O Shea (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-3), Danny Cahill (0-1), Robert Evans, Sean Fenton, Tommy Stack (0-2), Frankie Brennan. Subs: Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Michael Cronin, Joe Hoare.

Ref: Lar Hickey (Knocknagoshel).

The team travelled in Tom Melia’s bus, as did Pierce Prendiville and Jerome Conway. James Sheehan, Mattie Cahill, Maurice Corkery, Donie Griffin and Patrick O Connor brought their cars.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 7^th April at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-0; Laune Rangers 3-9.

Laune Rangers played against the wind in the first half but led by 1-6 to 0-0 at halftime. The backs were superb, midfield was good but the forwards were a bit messy.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Kieran O Keeffe, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-3, 2 frees), William Joy, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna (1-4), Patie Casey, Robert Evans (2-2), Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Frankie Brennan for P. Griffin, Michael Cronin for R. Evans, John F. O Brien for P. Casey, Paul McKenna, Maurice O Shea, Joe Hoare.

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

The team travelled in Tom Melia’s bus. Mattie Cahill, Maurice Corkery and Donie Griffin brought their cars. James Sheehan went straight from work in Killarney to Castleisland.

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 14^th April at Knockreer, Killarney: Legion 0-8; Laune Rangers 2-15.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Robert Evans, Mark O Connor, Bertie O Riordan, Kevin Corkery, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack, Danny Cahill. Subs: Maurice O Shea for F. Brennan, Joe Hoare for D. Cahill, Brendan Corkery for K. Corkery, Sean Fenton.

The team travelled in Tom Melia’s bus. Mattie Cahill, Pierce Prendiville, Donie Griffin, Patrick O Connor and James Sheehan brought their cars.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 9^th May at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 1-7; Beale 0-2.

That was a super performance by the Rangers, who were without the services of Patie Casey and Kieran O Keeffe. The backs were excellent, as was evidenced by the score that they conceded. Brendan Corkery was man-of-the-match. Midfield played very well. When the forwards put their game together, they were very good, especially Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack and Pat McKenna.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor (0-1), Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), James O Shea (1-1), Paul Griffin (0-1), Pat McKenna, Danny Cahill, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Stack (0-1), Robert Evans. Subs: Michael Cronin for P. Griffin, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Sean Fenton, Joe Hoare, Paul McKenna, Kevin Corkery.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac).

 

Final on Fri. 23^rd May at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 3-6; Dr. Crokes 0-4.

Laune Rangers lost the toss and were forced to play with the aid of a stiff breeze in the first half. They found scores very hard to achieve in the beginning. Paul Griffin got the first score – a point. Then Patie Casey fielded brilliantly and kicked a great point. Dr. Crokes raided and J.P. O Shea got their only score of the half. Timmy Fleming, from a free, stretched the lead. Danny Cahill should have scored at least one goal but their goalkeeper saved well. With five minutes to play, Rangers only led by 0-3 to 0-1. Then, Mark O Connor made no mistake from the penalty spot. A defence-splitting move saw Patie Casey get the score of the game, when he blasted a great shot from 20m into the top corner of the net, to leave the Rangers ahead at the break by 2-3 to 0-1.

On the resumption, Dr. Crokes’ full-forward, Colman O Shea, kicked two points. Then, however, the Rangers’ backs put up the shutters and from then to the end they were impregnable. They shadowed their opponents without fouling, as backs were supposed to do. At midfield, James O Shea played his heart out. Timmy Fleming, while playing well, had played better games. Paul Griffin, also, had better games. Pat McKenna began poorly but finished well. Patie Casey was the prince of attackers. His goal in the second half was a peach. He was a beautifully balanced player. Danny Cahill played well, gaining vital possession again and again. Tommy Stack, also, played well, creating chances for his colleagues and scoring a good point. Frankie Brennan played well when he came on for the flu-affected Robert Evans. Mark O Connor had played despite a broken nose.

After the game, the Chairman of the Co. Board, Frank King, presented the cup to the Laune Rangers’ captain, Shane O Sullivan. Everybody involved was elated. Patie Casey, Tommy Stack and James O Shea then attended the presentation of the All-Ireland Vocational Schools’ medals in the East Avenue Hotel, Killarney. The remainder of the team and the supporters went in cavalcade around Killorglin. The team and mentors retired for grub in the Allegro, while the supporters suitably toasted the victory elsewhere!

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor (1-0), Bertie O Riordan, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming (0-1, free), James O Shea, Paul Griffin (0-2), Pat McKenna, Patie Casey (2-1), Robert Evans, Tommy Stack (0-1), Danny Cahill. Subs: Frankie Brennan (0-1) for R. Evans, Kevin Corkery, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien, Michael Cronin, Sean Fenton, Joe Hoare, Paul McKenna, Alan Foley.

Dr. Crokes: Peter O Brien, Ted O Shea, Jerry O Shea, John Dineen, John Horgan, Donal Mangan, Pat Sheehan, Robert Willis, Colm O Shea, Kevin O Connell, J.P. O Shea, Danny Cooper, Seamus O Neill, Colman O Shea, Donncha Galvin. Subs: Kevin Fitzpatrick, Timmy Leane, Niall O Leary.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Ballymac) – very, very good.

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sat. 13^th Sept. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-9; Laune Rangers 0-8.

The Laune Rangers team had been very downcast since the defeat in the county final. Nevertheless, they should have been able to win that game. Over-confidence contributed very much to that defeat. Some of the players thought that all they needed to do was to turn up and they would win. Lesson learned! Tommy Byrne played brilliantly. Timmy Fleming tried hard at midfield but had to play mostly a lone hand. Both the halfback line and half-forward line were well beaten. In the second half, Rangers kicked many chances wide and, with the last kick of the game, a shot by James O Shea was well saved by the home goalkeeper.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Connor, William Joy, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Billy O Sullivan, Michael Cronin, Danny Cahill. Subs: Frankie Brennan for M. Cronin, Joe Hoare, Maurice O Shea, John F. O Brien. Tommy Stack did not show up for the game.

Ref: Aidan Kelly (Beaufort) – good.

Billy O Sullivan was under fifteen years of age. Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Danny Cahill and Frankie Brennan were under sixteen years of age. Bertie O Riordan, Mark O Connor, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna and Patie Casey were under seventeen years of age.

 

Minor Football Challenge Game

Fri. 24^th Oct/Mon. 27^th Oct, Laune Rangers Minor and U-16 teams travelled to Drumragh GAA Club, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, at the invitation of Paul Dorris (Pat Lynch’s brother-in-law). The party travelled in Dero’s Bus (£700).

Sat. 25^th Oct. Minor hurling game: Drumragh 6-6; Laune Rangers 5-0.

Sun. 26^th Oct. U-16 football game: Drumragh 3-3; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Sun. 26^th Oct. Minor football game: Drumragh 2-8; Laune Rangers 3-5.

Laune Rangers panel: Billy O Sullivan, Maurice O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Bertie O Riordan, Mark O Connor, William Joy, John F. O Brien, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Danny Cahill, Michael Cronin, James O Shea, Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Brian O Keeffe, Brendan Corkery, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Frankie Brennan, Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty, Eoin Joy, Pat Curran, Bernard O Sullivan, Nessan Diggin, Padraig Lynch, Enda Foley, Adrian O Connor, Michael Corkery.

James Sheehan and Jerome Conway were hosted by Paddy Campbell. Pierce Prendiville and Maurice Corkery were hosted by Eugene McFarland. Pat Lynch stayed in Dungannon with Paul Dorris. It was a great weekend. Pat McClone, Drumragh team coach, was a great host.

Co. U-17 Inter-District Board Football Championship

Coach/trainer – Jerome Conway. Selectors with Jerome Conway – Jack McGrath and John Burke.

Rd. 1 on Wed. 29^th Oct. at Listry: East-Kerry 2-4; Mid-Kerry 2-10.

Mid-Kerry did not play well but still managed to defeat the big District Board such as East-Kerry. The trip to Omagh did not help the Laune Rangers players’ state of health.

Mid-Kerry (Laune Rangers except where stated): Billy O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Brian Kerins (Milltown/Castlemaine), J.J. O Sullivan (Beaufort), Mark O Connor, Randle Joy (Beaufort), John B. O Brien (do.), Sean Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Mícheál Doyle (Beaufort), Sean Counihan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Danny Cahill. Subs: Gerard Doyle (Beaufort) for M. Doyle, Michael Cronin, Gerard O Connor (Glenbeigh).

Ref: Richard Fitzgerald (Listry).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 1^st Nov. at Milltown: Mid-Kerry 2-18; Castleisland 0-2.

Castleisland had only fourteen players and were very weak. Despite the result, Mid-Kerry were not playing well and missed as much as they scored. Timmy Fleming was in great form.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Brian Kerins, J.J. O Sullivan, Liam Cronin (Milltown/Castlemaine), Randle Joy, John B. O Brien, Sean Burke, Timmy Fleming (capt.), Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Mark O Connor, Sean Counihan, Danny Cahill. Subs: Gerard Doyle, Mícheál Doyle, Gerard O Connor, Michael Cronin, Tommy Stack.

Ref: Jerry Keating (Renard).

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 8^th Nov. at Cahersiveen: South-Kerry 2-4; Mid-Kerry 1-10.

That was a better performance. Billy O Sullivan was capable in goals – his kick-out was very good. Both corner-backs played well. Brian Kerins was hesitant at fullback and could have been responsible for the two goals. The halfback line was excellent. Sean Burke was by far the better of the midfielders. Paul Griffin, Sean Counihan, Mícheál Doyle and Danny Cahill played well. Pat McKenna was man-of-the-match. The other forwards were below par.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Brian Kerins, J.J. O Sullivan, Mark O Connor, Liam Cronin, John B. O Brien, Sean Burke, Timmy Fleming (capt.), Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, Gerard Doyle, Sean Counihan, Danny Cahill. Subs: Mícheál Doyle for G. Doyle, Gerard O Connor, Tommy Stack, Paddy Hilliard (Keel).

Ref: John Griffin (Listry).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 22^nd Nov. at Ardfert: Mid-Kerry beat West-Kerry.

 

Final on Sat. 6^th Dec. at Ardfert: Mid-Kerry 2-7; North-Kerry 2-2.

Mid-Kerry: Billy O Sullivan, Liam Cronin, Tommy Byrne, J.J. O Sullivan, Mark O Connor, Randle Joy, John B. O Brien, Sean Burke, Brian Kerins, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming (capt.), Patie Casey, Sean Counihan, Danny Cahill. Subs: Mícheál Doyle, Gerard Doyle, Paddy Hilliard, Gerard O Connor, Tommy Stack. Ref: Jackie Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht).

After the game, Tony O Keeffe presented the John Cahill Memorial Trophy, which had been donated to the Kerry Co. Board by Dave Cahill, Chicago, to the winning captain, Timmy Fleming.

Co. U-16 Inter-District Boards’ Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 16^th July at Farranfore: Castleisland 4-9; Mid-Kerry 2-11.

Mid-Kerry played against the wind in the first half but played hopelessly. Castleisland led by 3-5 to 0-4 at halftime. In the second half, Mid-Kerry tried a little harder. Billy O Sullivan scored from a penalty but Castleisland scored a soft goal immediately. Gerard Clifford played well in goals. Mark O Sullivan and Patrick Costello tried hard. Paddy Hilliard and Danny Cahill played well, also.

Mid-Kerry (all Laune Rangers, except where stated): Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, John B. O Brien (Beaufort), Brendan Corkery (capt.), Paddy Hilliard (Keel), Gerard O Connor (Glenbeigh), Brian Cremin (Beaufort), Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Timmy Corkery, Ian O Shea (Beaufort), Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Linus Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine) for P. Costello, Pa Murphy, Adrian O Connor, Sean Moriarty, Bernard O Sullivan, Sean Doyle (Beaufort), Paudie Coffey (do.), Michael Spillane (Milltown/Castlemaine), Liam Spring (do.), Joe Daly (do.).

Ref: Jerry Coffey (Kilcummin).

 

Castleisland went on to win the Co. Championship.

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

The U-16 panel commenced training on Sun. 2^nd March under coach/trainer – Jerome Conway. There were 6 teams in the group – Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, Dr. Crokes, Legion and Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 6^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Legion.

The game was postponed due the inclement weather.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 13^th Aug. at Mitchels Field: John Mitchels 2-9; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of the breeze in the first half and, having played quite well, despite conceding a soft goal, they led by 2-6 to 1-1 at halftime. However, the second half was a disaster and they were able to score but one point. They conceded another soft goal, the ball going over the goalkeeper’s head from a 40m kick. Billy O Sullivan had a great game, scoring 2-6. Timmy Corkery, Sean Fenton, Adrian O Connor and Timmy Linehan played well, also. Danny Cahill played a very good game in the first half but ran out of steam.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Timmy Corkery, Sean Fenton, Pa Murphy, Patrick Costello, Brendan Corkery, Bernard O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Pat Curran, Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: None.

Ref: Tommy O Connor (Austin Stacks).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 27^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Dr. Crokes scr.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 1^st Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Legion 1-3.

Laune Rangers played quite well, particularly in the first half against the breeze. They led at halftime by 2-6 to 1-1. Tommy Byrne made a welcome return from England and dominated midfield. Billy O Sullivan was once again lethal, scoring 3-4. The halfback line of Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan and Brendan Corkery was very sound. Gerard Clifford was sharp in goals.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Brian O Keeffe, Pa Murphy, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Sean Fenton (0-1), Timmy Corkery (0-1), Danny Cahill (0-1), Frankie Brennan (0-1), Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (3-4). Subs: Pat Curran for S. Moriarty, Bernard O Sullivan for T. Linehan, Nessan Diggin.

Ref: Frank Walsh (Cromane).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 3^rd Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Austin Stacks 4-11.

Laune Rangers led at halftime by 1-4 to 0-5 having played very well mainly due to Tommy Byrne’s stranglehold at midfield. On the resumption, however, they conceded a stupid goal. Stacks then began to spray the ball around and that meant trouble for the Rangers. Billy O Sullivan, Danny Cahill and Tommy Byrne were great. Gerard Clifford was very sharp in goals.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Brian O Keeffe, Pa Murphy, Bernard O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, Tommy Byrne, Sean Fenton, Timmy Corkery, Danny Cahill, Frankie Brennan, Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Brendan Corkery (late arrival) for Bernard O Sullivan, Pat Curran for S. Moriarty, Nessan Diggin.

Ref: John L. McElligott (Austin Stacks) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 5^th Sept. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 3-7; Laune Rangers 1-9.

Rangers began very well but could only manage to score one point. Then they conceded three soft goals and were in arrears by 3-5 to 0-1 at the break. On the resumption, however, the team was transformed and should have won the game. Tommy Byrne and Danny Cahill were brilliant at midfield. The halfback line of Brendan Corkery, Mark O Sullivan and Patrick Costello was great. The fullback line also played very well. Billy O Sullivan played very well.

Laune Rangers: Bernard O Sullivan, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Pa Murphy, Brendan Corkery, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, Tommy Byrne, Danny Cahill, Timmy Corkery, Brian O Keeffe, Frankie Brennan (capt.), Pat Curran, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Nessan Diggin for F.Brennan (inj.).

Ref: Tommy O Connor (Austin Stacks).

 

Semi-Final on Wed. 17^th Sept. at Currow: Austin Stacks 3-7; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Laune Rangers played tremendously well and certainly deserved a draw. They had been beaten by the Stacks at U-12 level by seven points and at U-14 level by twenty-one points. As a result, the team expected to be beaten, despite great efforts to get the players to think positively. Rangers were 1-2 to 0-0 in arrears after ten minutes. However, they then decided to make a game of it and they played great football to lead at halftime by 1-5 to 1-3.

However, on the restart Rangers conceded a soft goal but recovered. Then they conceded another softie and again the Rangers recovered. They had 60% of the play but had unbelievable wides. With time almost up, Laune Rangers were one point in arrears. They got a line ball about sixty yards out from the Stacks goals. Billy O Sullivan took the kick and the ball dropped into the small parallelogram. A back got a fist to it and it dropped about thirty yards out into the hands of Mark O Sullivan, dead straight in front of the goals. He steadied himself for the shot but the referee blew the fulltime whistle and the Rangers had lost by the slimmest of margins.

All the backs played well, with Sean Fenton outstanding. Gerard Clifford brought off one good save but he did not command his square as he should have. Tommy Byrne and Danny Cahill played their hearts out and gave the Rangers the upper-hand at midfield. All the forwards played well, with Billy O Sullivan and Frankie Brennan being particularly good. Frankie Brennan and Brian O Keeffe scored the Rangers’ goals.

Afterwards, there was both disappointment and delight in the dressing-room – disappointment at losing the semi-final and delight with the performance. Tommy Byrne, in typical leadership style, made a speech during which he promised that Rangers, considering the progress that they had made, would beat the Stacks at minor level in two years time.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Pa Murphy, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne, Danny Cahill, Timmy Corkery, Brian O Keeffe, Frankie Brennan (capt.), Timmy Linehan, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Eoin Joy for S. Moriarty, Pat Curran, Bernard O Sullivan, Nessan Diggin.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

The only support that Laune Rangers had was Matty Cahill, Eva Conway and the team trainer/coach.

 

Final on Fri. 26^th Sept. at Killeen: Austin Stacks 0-7; Kerins O Rahillys 1-3.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

That competition was played on a league basis. All the other Mid-Kerry teams, with the exception of Laune Rangers, were allowed to play players that were six months overage.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 22^nd March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-0; Laune Rangers 4-9.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Padraig Lynch, Sean Fenton, Michael Corkery, Bernard O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Timmy Corkery, Danny Cahill, Frankie Brennan, Billy O Sullivan, Sean Moriarty, Pa Murphy. Subs: Nessan Diggin, Adrian O Connor, Gerard Costello, Brian Mangan (all played). Pat Pigott and Michael Foley were in charge of the team in the absence of Jerome Conway, who was on duty with the Kerry minor selectors. The team travelled by cars. Mattie Cahill and Bart Moriarty brought their cars, also.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 28^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort 2-7; Laune Rangers 7-3.

That was a reasonably good performance by the Rangers against a depleted Beaufort team. The backs played well, for the most part. Midfield was adequate, while Frankie Brennan and Pa Murphy played well in attack. Danny Cahill was man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, Michael Corkery, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe, Bernard O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Timmy Corkery, Danny Cahill, Pat Curran, Frankie Brennan (capt.), Sean Moriarty, Pa Murphy. Subs: Timmy Linehan for P. Curran, Padraig Lynch for P. Murphy, Gerard Costello for T. Corkery, Brian Mangan for M. Corkery, Adrian O Connor for S. Moriarty, Nessan Diggin for B. O Keeffe.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 3 on Mon. 21^st April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-11; Glenbeigh 3-2.

Glenbeigh were three goals ahead after ten minutes. However, Laune Rangers recovered, despite a below-par performance.

Laune Rangers: Adrian O Connor, Brian O Keeffe, Padraig Lynch, Brian Mangan, Timmy Linehan, Mark O Sullivan, Patrick Costello, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Corkery, Frankie Brennan, Danny Cahill, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, Sean Moriarty, Pat Curran. Subs: Gerard Clifford, Gerard Costello, Nessan Diggin (all played), Enda Foley.

Ref: Flor O Sullivan (Glenbeigh) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 30^th April at Keel: Keel 2-3; Laune Rangers 6-20.

Mark O Sullivan played great wholehearted football. Danny Cahill was outstanding. Frankie Brennan and Billy O Sullivan played well.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe (1-1), Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Padraig Lynch, Danny Cahill (0-2), Brendan Corkery (1-2), Adrian O Connor, Frankie Brennan (0-1), Bernard O Sullivan (0-1), Timmy Corkery (0-2), Sean Moriarty (1-2), Billy O Sullivan (3-9). Subs: Timmy Linehan, Gerard Costello, David Gillespie, Enda Foley, Nessan Diggin (all played).

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

The team travelled in Tom Melia’s bus. Jerome Conway and Mattie Cahill brought their cars.

 

Final on Mon. 26^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort 4-8; Laune Rangers 3-14.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of the wind in the first half, having lost the toss. The team played superbly. Some of the team (Tommy Byrne, Sean Fenton, Frankie Brennan, Timmy Corkery and Billy O Sullivan) had played with the Intermediate School a few hours previously. Billy O Sullivan was superb throughout the game. Sean Moriarty scored two great goals to give Rangers an interval lead of 2-9 to 0-3.

In the second half, Rangers maintained their position for the first quarter. Then Beaufort scored two quick goals. Rangers retaliated with a point. Then Beaufort scored another gaol and a few points. Danny Cahill and Frankie Brennan kicked a point each. When Beaufort scored their fourth goal, the lead had been cut to one point. Then the character of the Rangers’ team was called into question and the players responded magnificently. Billy O Sullivan gained possession and, soloing through, banged a great shot to the net. Immediately, Beaufort came up the field and Gerard Clifford deflected a point-blank shot over the bar, to leave Rangers the winners by three points. The team was elated at having beaten Beaufort on their own ground. The six months advantage had given Beaufort such players as Randle Joy, Shane Hayes, Mícheál Doyle and Michael O Shea.

At the players’ request, a cavalcade of cars did a celebratory tour of Killorglin.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne (0-2), Danny Cahill (0-2), Bernard O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan (capt.) 0-2, Pat Curran (0-1), Timmy Corkery (0-1), Sean Moriarty (2-0), Billy O Sullivan (1-6). Subs: Pa Murphy for Bernard O Sullivan, Padraig Lynch, Adrian O Connor, Timmy Linehan, Nessan Diggin, Gerard Costello, Enda Foley.

Ref: George Evans (Keel).

 

U-16 Football Challenge Games

 

Mon. 5^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 8-20; Spa 3-3.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton, Brian O Keeffe, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Bernard O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Danny Cahill, Adrian O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Brendan Corkery, Timmy Corkery, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Pat Curran, Timmy Linehan, Padraig Lynch, Nessan Diggin, Paudie Foley, Enda Foley (all played).

Ref: Sean Cronin (Spa).

 

Tues. 20^th May at Spa: Spa 2-6; Laune Rangers 7-14.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Linehan, John O Donnell, Sean Fenton (0-1), Brian O Keeffe, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Brendan Corkery, Tommy Byrne (0-2), Danny Cahill (2-2), Pat Curran (0-1), Frankie Brennan (1-0), Bernard O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery (0-3), Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan (4-5). Subs: Padraig Lynch for D. Cahill, Nessan Diggin for T. Byrne, Gerard Costello for Billy O Sullivan, Pa Murphy for Brendan Corkery, Paudie Foley for Mark O Sullivan, Enda Foley for Bernard O Sullivan.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Sat. 2^nd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-7; Nemo Rangers 1-14.

Laune Rangers played reasonably well. Billy O Sullivan scored three goals. Danny Cahill and Frankie Brennan played very well, also.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Brian O Keeffe, Pa Murphy, Patrick Costello, Brendan Corkery, Bernard O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Frankie Brennan, Pat Curran, Timmy Corkery, Sean Moriarty, Billy O Sullivan. Sub: Nessan Diggin for A. O Connor.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Mon. 4^th Aug. at Castleisland: Desmonds 3-8; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Clifford, John O Donnell, Brian O Keeffe, Pa Murphy, Patrick Costello, Brendan Corkery, Bernard O Sullivan, Sean Fenton, Mark O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, Danny Cahill, Pat Curran, Timmy Corkery, Sean Moriarty, Nessan Diggin. Subs: Padraig Lynch for N. Diggin, Timmy Linehan for A. O Connor. Billy O Sullivan was in Listowel and Frankie Brennan was at silage.

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Co. U-15 Football Blitz

That was a seven-a-side competition, played in the Austin Stack Park on Sat. 19^th July. The competing teams were the winners of the respective District Boards. There were three groups of three teams:

Group A: Austin Stacks (Tralee), Currow (Castleisland), Kenmare (Kenmare).

Group B: Legion (East-Kerry), Ballylongford (North-Kerry), Gaeltacht (West-Kerry).

Group C: Laune Rangers (Mid-Kerry), Brick Rangers (St. Brendan’s), Waterville (South-Kerry).

Coach – Jerome Conway.

Rd. 1: Laune Rangers 4-6; Waterville 5-2.

Rd. 2: Laune Rangers 5-5; Brick Rangers 1-1.

Semi-final: Kenmare 3-3; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Laune Rangers Panel: Eoin Corkery, John O Donnell, Pa Murphy, Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Eoin Joy, Michael Lynch, Adrian Hassett, Pat Cahill, Tom Fitzgerald, Anthony O Sullivan.

The party travelled in Tom Melia’s bus.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship Div. 1

The panel commenced training on Sat. 1^st March under new coaches/trainers Joe Shannon and Pat Pigott. Brian O Shea helped with the training. There were six teams in Division 1, Legion, Dr. Crokes, John Mitchels, Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks and Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 2^nd April at St. Finan’s Field, Killarney: Legion 1-4; Laune Rangers 1-9.

Laune Rangers played quite well, especially in the second half, but they could not capitalise fully on the amount of possession that they had. John Foley was very good in goals. Pat Cahill and Eoin Corkery were superb in defence. Colm Joy and Tom Fitzgerald finished strongly. Eoin Joy played very well at midfield. Michael Lynch was the best of the forwards, though Rory O Connor and Jason Griffin also caught the eye.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Pat Cahill, Tom Fitzgerald, Colm Joy, Anthony O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery, David O Reilly, Eoin Joy (0-1), Adrian Hassett (0-1), Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Paudie O Shea (0-1), Rory O Connor, Michael Lynch (1-5), Mikey Griffin. Subs: Robert Kennedy for M. Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, John O Riordan, Jams Hurley, Eamonn Kissane, Adrian O Connor (St. James’ Gardens).

Ref: Mike O Grady (Dr. Crokes).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 9^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-10; John Mitchels 0-1.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of the breeze in the first half, after which they led by 2-4 to 0-1. The expected Mitchels’ onslaught did not materialise in the second half and the home side ran out easy winners. All of the backs played well, particularly Eoin Corkery and Pat Cahill. John Doona and Adrian Hassett dominated midfield. All of the for wards played well, with Michael Lynch excelling at full-forward.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, David O Reilly, Tom Fitzgerald, Colm Joy, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Jason Griffin (1-0), Paudie O Shea, Robert Kennedy (0-2), Carl O Sullivan (1-0), Michael Lynch (2-6), Rory O Connor (2-2). Subs: John O Riordan, Noel Conroy, Eamonn Kissane, James Hurley, Mikey Griffin, Adrian O Connor, Kevin Donovan (all played).

Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 16^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Kerins O Rahillys 1-0.

It was a terribly cold, windy evening. Rangers elected to play against the gale in the first half and, as a result of a tremendous display by the backs, the score at halftime was 0-0 each. Kerins O Rahillys opened the scoring in the second half with a scrambled goal. Thereafter, there was never any doubt about the outcome. Anthony O Sullivan was man-of-the-match, with Eoin Corkery only a mite behind.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona (0-2), Adrian Hassett (1-0), Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Jason Griffin (0-5), Paudie O Shea (0-1), Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Rory O Connor. Subs- Robert Kennedy (1-0) for R. O Connor, Noel Conroy for C. O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, James Hurley, Mikey Griffin, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, John O Riordan.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 23^rd April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 1-5; Laune Rangers 3-14.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Jason Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Noel Conroy. Subs: Eamonn Kissane, Adrian O Connor, Kevin Donovan.

Ref: Pat Pigott (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

The players travelled in four cars, Pat Pigott, Joe Shannon, Mattie Cahill and Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 30^th April at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 5-5; Laune Rangers 1-3.

John Foley played very well in goals. Eoin Corkery was excellent. John Doona and Adrian Hassett tried hard at midfield.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, Colm Joy, Anthony O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery, David O Reilly, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Eoin Joy, Jason Griffin, Rory O Connor (0-3), Michael Lynch (1-0), Paudie O Shea. Subs: Robert Kennedy for P. O Shea, Carl O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Adrian O Connor, Robert Murphy, James Hurley.

Ref: Edward Stack (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

The team travelled in cars – Tom O Shea, Pat Pigott, Donie Griffin, Edward Stack, Mary Joy, Gearóid O Sullivan.

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 15^th May at Listry: Laune Rangers 1-9; Kerins O Rahillys 0-4.

John Foley was very sound in goals. Eoin Corkery was excellent. Sean O Sullivan, David O Reilly and Pat Cahill played well. Tom Fitzgerald did not play well. Anthony O Sullivan, after a shaky start, played well as the game progressed. John Doona was outstanding at midfield and Adrian Hassett played his heart out. Eoin O Sullivan was the best of the forwards. Michael Lynch played well in the second half, Paudie O Shea kicked his frees well but otherwise contributed little. Colm Joy and Jason Griffin played well, the latter with four stitches in his leg. Rory O Connor did not play well and Carl O Sullivan was a big improvement, when he came on as a substitute. Kieran Moriarty showed lack of match-practice, when he came on.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona (0-1, free), Adrian Hasset, Eoin O Sullivan (1-2), Michael Lynch (capt.), Paudie O Shea (0-5, frees), Rory O Connor (0-1), Colm Joy, Jason Griffin. Subs: Carl O Sullivan for R. O Connor, Kieran Moriarty for J. Griffin, Robert Kennedy, Noel Conroy, Robert Murphy, Adrian O Connor, James Hurley, Mikey Griffin, Kevin Donovan, Eamonn Kissane.

Ref: John Griffin (Listry).

 

Final on Mon. 19^th May at Listry: Laune Rangers 0-10; John Mitchels 0-6.

Rangers played against the breeze in the first half and were level at halftime, 0-5 each, Paudie O Shea having scored all the points, four from frees. Rangers owned the ball in the second half but could not translate their superiority into scores until near the end, when Eoin Joy got the vital scores. The fullback line was outstanding and the halfback line played well also. John Doona was unbeatable at midfield and Adrian Hassett tried hard. Michael Lynch played the captain’s part and Eoin Joy played well, also.

Laune Rangers: John Foley. Sean O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Tom Fitzgerald, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch (capt.) 0-1, Paudie O Shea (0-6, 5 frees), Jason Griffin, Eoin Joy (0-3), Colm Joy. Subs: Kieran Moriarty for J. Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, Rory O Connor, Kevin Donovan, Mikey Griffin, James Hurley, John O Riordan, Noel Conroy, Adrian O Connor, Eamonn Kissane, Robert Murphy.

Ref: John Griffin (Listry).

Afterwards, the cavalcade did the traditional tour of the town and the team ate in the Allegro.

The following brought their cars to the game: Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott, Jerome Conway, Patsy Joy, Michael O Sullivan (Tullig), Neillie Doona, Gearoid O Sullivan, Denis O Sullivan (Gurrane), Mike Hassett, Pat Donovan, Brendan Foley, Mattie Cahill, William O Reilly, Donie Griffin, Maurice Lynch, John O Sullivan (Forge), Tom O Shea, Patrick O Connor, James Murphy, Liam Shannon and Maura Tuohy.

Co. U-14B Football Championship

Only three teams competed in that Division: Laune Rangers ‘B’, Austin Stacks ‘B’ and Dr. Crokes ‘B’.

Rd. 1 on Sat. 10^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Dr. Crokes ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 17^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘B’ w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 7^th June at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 5-9’ Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ Panel: Adrian O Connor, Carl O Sullivan, Rory O Connor, Mikey Griffin, James Hurley, Kevin Donovan, Robert Murphy, Kieran Clifford, Eamonn Kissane, Karl Griffin, Kevin Jones, Ronan Curtayne, Noel Conroy, Raymond O Sullivan, Kealon O Sullivan.

The team travelled in Johnny Poff’s bus and Joe Shannon’s car.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

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

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 18^th June at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-2; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 10-13.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Jason Griffin, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Robert Kennedy.

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 25^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-7; Glenbeigh 3-4.

Rangers were diminutive by comparison to the opposition. Six of the team were U-12 (Paudie Russell, Raymond O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Kealon O Sullivan and Kevin Jones) and the remainder were U-13. It was obvious that Glenbeigh had done very little preparation and they lacked discipline. The Rangers little lads played great football. They might have been small but they did not lack heart.

Laune Ranger ‘B’: Raymond O Sullivan, Noel Conroy, James Hurley, Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan, Paudie Russell, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Kevin Jones, Mikey Griffin, Robert Kennedy, Rory O Connor, John O Riordan, Robert Murphy. Sub: Carl O Sullivan for R. O Connor.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 2^nd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ lost to Beaufort by three points.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Jason Griffin, Colm Joy. Michael Lynch, Rory O Connor. Sub: Carl O Sullivan for R. O Connor.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Milltown/Castlemaine scr.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ w/o; Cromane scr.

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

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 28^th July at Keel: Keel 0-1; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 3-13.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Rory O Connor, Eoin O Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, Carl o Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Colm Joy. Subs: Noel Conroy, Adrian O Connor (both played).

Ref: John Joe Ladden (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Semi-final on Wed. 6^th Aug. at Keel: Keel 0-2; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-9.

The weather conditions were terrible – wind and rain. Rangers played exceptional football, fielding well and scoring freely against the wind in the first half, after which they led b 2-4 to 0-2. After ten minutes of the second half, Keel asked to terminate the game, as they had no chance of winning.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Jason Griffin, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Rory O Connor, Eoin Joy, Colm Joy. Subs: Eamonn Kissane, Kevin Donovan.

Ref: John Joe Ladden (Milltown/Castlemaine)

 

Final on Thurs. 14^th Aug. at Milltown: Beaufort 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 0-6.

The weather conditions were again terrible. Laune Rangers elected to play against the strong wind in the first half, after which they were in arrears by 0-5 to 0-1. In the second half, there was a great Rangers’ revival. Michael Lynch scored a point and that was followed by three points by Rory O Connor and Eoin O Sullivan. With eight minutes left to play, Beaufort’s lead had been cut to one point. The refereeing in that second half was unbelievably biased and there was no way he was going to allow Rangers win the game. They were tackled unfairly on numerous occasions without receiving a free. Having said that, Beaufort had a good, strong team and that was their first win at U-14 level in Mid-Kerry.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch (capt.), Paudie O Shea, Rory O Connor, Eoin Joy, Jason Griffin. Subs: Robert Kennedy for P. O Shea, Colm Joy for R. O Connor, Noel Conroy, Carl O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Robert Murphy, Eamonn Kissane.

Ref: Florrie O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Féile na nOg 1986

That competition had originated in Cavan in 1982 and was for the U-14 Co. Champions of each county. 30 counties and London participated in Cork in 1986, the exceptions being Leitrim and Kilkenny. There were four divisions and the Kerry representatives were in Division 1. Games were fifteen minutes a side and played on a full-size pitch under full playing rules. Laune Rangers were hosted by Nemo Rangers, the runners-up in the 1985 final.

 

Fri. 11^th July: The party set off for Cork in the evening. Most of the players and Jerome Conway travelled in Tom Melia’s bus. Joe Shannon and Pat Pigott brought their cars. The party firstly went to City Hall for the official greeting. Thereafter, they went on to Nemo Rangers’ club, where they were hosted.

Sat. 12^th July at 11am: Nemo Rangers 4-7; Laune Rangers 0-0.

Rangers had all the play in the first few minutes but could not score. Nemo then scored a goal and a few points and thereafter thrashed the opposition.

Sat. 12^th July at 1.30pm: Laune Rangers 0-5; St. Nick’s 1-2.

The Rangers’ performance in that game was much better. John Doona, Tom Fitzgerald and Michael Lynch played very well.

Sat. 12^th July at 3pm: Laune Rangers 4-2; Beara 3-3.

Rangers played very well. They were coasting until the final five minutes, when Beara scored a few goals.

It was an excellent weekend, enjoyed by all. Rangers had to go home on Sat. evening because of the Co. Senior Football Championship on the following day, despite the protestations of both camps. Unfortunately, they missed the parade on Sunday in Fermoy. Eamonn Crowley had sponsored socks and togs for the team.

Laune Rangers Panel: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Jason Griffin, Colm Joy, Eoin Joy, Paudie O Shea, Rory O Connor, Robert Kennedy, Carl O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Noel Conroy, Adrian O Connor.

 

U-14 Football Challenge Games

Wed. 9^th July at Beaufort: Beaufort 2-7; Laune Rangers 3-10.

The teams played four quarter-hours, in preparation for the trip to Féile na nOg. At the beginning, Michael Lynch scored a goal for Rangers after a lay-off by Eoin Joy but then the team faded. Some castigation at the end of the first quarter led to a slight improvement in the second quarter. Exhortation at halftime led to an even greater improvement and they ran out easy winners. When the team concentrated on its game, Rangers played good football.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Tom Fitzgerald, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Eoin O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea, Robert Kennedy, Eoin Joy, Jason Griffin. Subs: Rory O Connor for R. Kennedy, Colm Joy for P. O Shea, Robert Kennedy for R. O Connor, Noel Conroy for S. O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Adrian O Connor.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Fri. 25^th July at Kenmare: Laune Rangers 2-6; Beara 2-5.

Laune Rangers: John Foley, Sean O Sullivan, Tom Fitzgerald, David O Reilly, Pat Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Rory O Connor, Eoin O Sullivan, Jason Griffin, Robert Kennedy, Michael Lynch, Paudie O Shea. Subs: Noel Conroy for R. O Connor, Adrian O Connor for R. Kennedy. Pat Pigott was the mentor in charge for that game.

 

Fri. 31^st Oct/Sun. 2^nd Nov. 2^nd at Killorgin: Laune Rangers beat Nemo Rangers by one point.

 

Community Games Football (U-13)

Coaches/Trainers – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 26^th April at Connolly Park, Tralee: Killorglin 1-8; Strand Road 0-5.

Killorglin gave a good first half performance after which they led by 1-5 to 0-1. However, they seemed to relax in the second half and played poorly. Mike Hassett was man-of-the-match.

Killorglin: Liam Hassett, Karl Griffin, Michael Cahillane, Ronan Curtayne, Adrian O Connor (St. James’ Gardens), Paudie Russell, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett (capt.), Colm Joy, Mikey Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Joe Healy, Kevin Jones. Subs: Francis O Sullivan (Reen) for R. O Sullivan, Mark Conway for T. Byrnes, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe) for M. Griffin.

The team travelled by cars, Bertie Houlihan, Joan Curtayne, Noreen Griffin, Mike Hassett, Myra O Sullivan, Jerome Conway.

Five teams were scheduled to attend (Cahersiveen, Blennerville, Ballyduff, Strand Road and Killorglin) but only two appeared and so the above contest.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 10^th May at Connolly Park: Castleisland 3-8; Killorglin 2-8.

Killorglin: Liam Hassett, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Ronan Curtayne, Adrian O Connor, Paudie Russell, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Colm Joy, Carl O Sullivan, Joe Healy, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Mikey Griffin, Kevin Jones. Subs: Karl Griffin, Redmond Fitzgerald, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Mark Conway (sick).

Playoff (for the bronze medals): Killorglin 2-14; Ballydonoghue 2-3.

 

Austin Stacks’ U-13 Tournament

 

Sat. 4^th Oct. at Connolly Park @ 2pm: Laune Rangers 1-2; Na Piarsaigh (Cork) 0-2.

Rangers played with the breeze in the first half but failed to score. They improved in the second period and duly won.

@ 4pm: Kerins O Rahillys 0-7; Laune Rangers 0-5.

Rangers virtually did not play at all.

@ 5pm: Laune Rangers 3-14; Austin Stacks 0-4.

That was more like the true Laune Rangers.

Since, at the end of the preliminary rounds, there were three teams on equal points, it was decided to draw teams from a hat. Consequently, Austin Stacks were drawn in the ‘A’ final against Na Gaeil, Laune Rangers were drawn in the ‘B’ final against John Mitchels. However, John Mitchels withdrew from the competition and Kerins O Rahillys agreed to take their place.

‘B’ Final on Sun. 5^th Oct. at Connolly Park: Laune Rangers 1-5; Kerins O Rahillys 1-2.

Laune Rangers: Declan Byrne, Colm Joy, James Hurley, Kealon O Sullivan, Kevin Donovan, Sean O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Pat Cahill, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, John Foley, Kevin Jones, Carl O Sullivan (capt.), Joe Healy, Liam Hassett. Subs: Robert Kennedy for Kealon O Sullivan (inj.), Eamonn Kissane, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Reen).

Laune Rangers were guests afterwards at the Co. Senior Football Final, Austin Stacks v Killarney.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship Division 1

The U-12 team commenced training on Sun. 9^th March under coaches/trainers – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan (Gerard Murphy helped with the skill-training). Division 1 was divided into two sections and Laune Rangers were grouped with Dr. Crokes, Legion and Na Gaeil.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 21^st May at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 0-3; Laune Rangers 0-6.

Laune Rangers owned the ball but could not score frequently enough. They led by 0-3 to 0-1 at halftime due mainly to a good display by Joe Healy. Paudie Russell and the Hassett brothers, Mike and Liam, were outstanding. Ray Khan and Kealon O Sullivan, also, played well in defence. Kevin Jones must learn to be a team player.

Laune Rangers: Turlough Byrnes, Redmond Fitzgerald, Michael Cahillane, Ronan Curtayne, Ray Khan, Paudie Russell (capt.), Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Raymond O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Cathal Crowley, Joe Healy, Pat O Keeffe. Subs: Leonard Mangan for C. Crowley, Fiachra O Donoghue for P. O Keeffe, Mark Conway for L. Mangan, Stephen Foley, Glenn Evans, Alan O Sullivan, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Donncha Costello, Derry O Sullivan, John Cronin, Donncha Curran, Brendan O Sullivan, Kieran Ryan, Brian O Neill, Noel Kingston, John Foley, Yens Bickel, Nicholas Bainton, Andrew Doyle, Tony O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley.

Ref: Patsy Cremin (Spa).

The following brought their cars: Patsy O Sullivan, Bertie Houlihan, Bob Khan, Catherine O Sullivan (Iveragh Road), Marion Healy, Steve Joe Cahillane, Willie Fitzgerald, Liam Crowley, Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 4^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Legion 6-6.

Laune Rangers got off to a disastrous start and were 4-5 to 0-1 in arrears after fifteen minutes. However, they then settled down, hit the crossbar on two occasions and missed two other opportunities of goals. At halftime, Legion led by 4-5 to 0-2.

In the second half, Laune Rangers showed great fighting spirit and never gave up. They owned the ball and were unlucky to miss some great scoring chances. Though the team lost, it did the club proud with a wholehearted performance. Paudie Russell (fractured finger) was a huge loss to the team.

Laune Rangers: Mark Conway, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Cahilane, Redmond Fitzgerald, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Ronan Curtayne, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Kevin Jones, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig). Subs: Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe) for P. O Keeffe, Cathal Crowley for R. Fitzgerald, Leonard Mangan for K. Griffin, Fiachra O Donoghue, Rory O Sullivan, Noel Kingston, Nicholas Bainton, Tony O Sullivan, Colm Conway, Stephen Clifford, Kieran Ryan, Brendan O Sullivan, Yens Bickel, Eamonn Foley, Brian O Neill, Anthony O Sullivan.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort) – very good.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 9^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-13; Na Gaeil 1-3.

That was a very good performance and it was needed as the winners of that game went into the semi-finals. Rangers got off to a great start when Turlough Byrnes scored a great goal. The Hassett brothers and Kevin Jones were outstanding. Paudie Russell, despite the fractured finger, was great. Joe Healy played well at full-forward. All the others played well, also.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Kealon O Sullivan, Paudie Russell (capt.), Raymond O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Mark Conway, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Leonard Mangan for M. Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald for F. O Sullivan (Glenashe), Cathal Crowley for F. O Sullivan (Reen), Fiachra O Donoghue for L. Mangan, Noel Kingston, Colm Conway, Glenn Evans, Nicholas Bainton, Yens Bickel.

Ref: Steve Caulfield (Glenbeigh).

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 12^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-10; Austin Stacks 2-3.

In the second half, Laune Rangers seemed to be coasting as they led by 0-8 to 1-0. Then Stacks scored a goal and a point. Francis O Sullivan and Turlough Byrnes scored a point each for the Rangers and then Joe Healy delivered the killer blow when he rattled the net to round off a good move.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Raymond O Sullivan, Paudie Russell (capt.), Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Mark Conway, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Leonard Mangan for M. Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald for L. Mangan, Cathal Crowley, Fiachra O Donoghue, Noel Kingston, Nicholas Bainton, Yens Bickel, Colm Conway.

 

Final on Fri. 20^th June at Beaufort: Legion 2-10; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Laune Rangers conceded a soft goal but were still on level terms at halftime. At one stage in the second half, they were four points ahead. However, with five minutes left to play and the teams on level terms, Rangers conceded another soft goal and that was the difference between the teams. The team was treated a meal in the Allegro afterwards. Declan Byrne had gone to England with the family before the beginning of the competition and he was a huge loss to the team.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Raymond O Sullivan, Paudie Russell (capt.), Kealan O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett. Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Leonard Mangan, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Cathal Crowley for L. Mangan,. Mark Conway, Donncha Costello, Pat O Keeffe, Redmond Fitzgerald, Fiachra O Donoghue, Noel Kingston, Nicholas Bainton, Yens Bickel, Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sullivan, Donncha Curran, Stephen Clifford.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 5^th Sept. at Cromane: Cromane 1-3; Laune Rangers 8-24.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Ray Khan, Paudie Russell, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Raymond O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Turlough Byrnes, Declan Byrne, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Joe Healy, Redmond Fitzgerald, Mark Conway, Eamonn Foley, Cathal Crowley, Rory Corkery, Pat O Keeffe, Michael O Neill, Fiachra O Donoghue, Tony O Sullivan (all played).

Ref: Bertie Houlihan (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 12^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-0.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Ray Khan, Paudie Russell, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Declan Byrne, Joe Healy, Raymond O Sullivan. Subs: Redmond Fitzgerald, Alan O Sullivan, Mark Conway, Eamonn Foley, Cathal Crowley, Rory Corkery, Pat O Keeffe, Michael O Neill, Fiachra O Donoghue, Tony O Sullivan (all played).

Ref: Michael Moriarty (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 19^th Sept. at Keel: Keel 1-1; Laune Rangers 8-12.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan, Raymond O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Ray Khan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones, Francis O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: James Murphy, Mark Conway, Michael O Neill, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pat O Keeffe, Rory Corkery, Eamonn Foley, Fiachra O Donoghue, Tony O Sullivan, Kenneth Mangan (all played).

Ref: John Joe Ladden (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 26^th Sept. at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-2; Laune Rangers 4-12.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Declan Byrnes, Michael Cahillane, Kealon O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Ray Khan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Kevin Jones, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Joe Healy, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Mark Conway, James Murphy, Michael O Neill, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pat O Keeffe, Rory Corkery, Eamonn Foley, Cathal Crowley, Fiachra O Donoghue, Brian O Neill, Tony O Sullivan, Kenneth Mangan (all played).

Ref: Bertie Houlihan (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 3^rd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-12; Beaufort 0-4.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Kealon O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Ray Khan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Kevin Jones, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Declan Byrne, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: James Murphy, Mark Conway, Michael O Neill, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pat O Keeffe, Cathal Crowley, Rory Corkery, Eamonn Foley, Fiachra O Donoghue, Brian O Neill, Tony O Sullivan, Kenneth Mangan (all played).

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Final on Sat. 1^st Nov. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 3-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-2.

Laune Rangers led by two points at halftime. In the second half, they ran out easy winners. Joe Healy, Kevin Jones and Turlough Byrnes scored the goals. The team retired afterwards for refreshments to Francie Sheahan’s.

Laune Rangers: Karl Griffin, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Declan Byrne, Paudie Russell (capt.), Ray Khan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Kevin Jones, Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Joe Healy, James Murphy. Subs: Mark Conway, Alan O Sullivan, Michael O Neill, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pat O Keeffe, Rory Corkery, Eamonn Foley, Brian O Neill, Tony O Sullivan, Kenneth Mangan, Cathal Crowley. Fiachra O Donoghue was injured. Kealon O Sullivan had to go to Tralee.

Ref: Noel Spillane (Beaufort).

U-12 Football Parish League

There were four teams of nine-a-side. Games were thirteen minutes a half.

Team ‘A’: Mike Hassett (capt.), Ronan Curtayne, Leonard Mangan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Brian O Neill, John O Sullivan, David Lynch, Cathal Crowley, Rory O Sullivan, Yens Bickel.

Team ‘B’: Kevin Jones (capt.), Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Joe Healy, Mark Conway, Pat O Keeffe, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Tony O Sullivan, Rory Corkery, Nicholas Bainton.

Team ‘C’: Liam Hassett (capt.), Kealon O Sullivan, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Karl Griffin, Brendan O Sullivan, Donncha Curran, Eamonn Foley, Michael O Neill, Donncha Costello.

Team ‘D’: Paudie Russell (capt.), Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Redmond Fitzgerald, Michael Cahillane, Noel Kingston, Stephen Clifford, Michael O Riordan, Pa O Sullivan, Glenn Evans.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 27^th July: Kevin Jones 5-6; Paudie Russell 0-4.

Liam Hassett 3-3; Mike Hassett 1-4.

Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 3^rd Aug: Mike Hassett 1-2; Kevin Jones 1-1.

Liam Hassett 3-6; Paudie Russell 3-1.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 17^th Aug: Mike Hassett v Paudie Russell.

Liam Hassett v Kevin Jones.

 

U-12 Football Challenge Games

 

Thurs. 10^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-8; Dr. Crokes ‘A’ 1-5.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Turlough Byrnes, Redmond Fitzgerald, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Ronan Curtayne, Declan Byrne, Kealon O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Liam Hassett, James Murphy, Mike Hassett, Raymond O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, Joe Healy. Subs: Derry O Sullivan for J. Murphy, Francis O Sullivan (Reen) for D. O Sullivan, Donncha Costello for F. O Sullivan (Glenashe).

Ref: Jerome Conway.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ 11-8; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 1-0.

That game was played at fourteen-side (one midfielder), as Dr. Crokes had only that number of players.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Yens Bickel, John Cronin, Nicholas Bainton, Tony O Sullivan, Thomas Walsh, Glenn Evans, Michael O Connor, Pat O Keeffe, Cathal Crowley, Ray Khan, Leonard Mangan, Andrew Doyle, Mark Conway, Donncha Curran. Subs: Derry O Sullivan, Brian O Neill, Eamonn Clifford (all played).

Ref: Gerard Murphy (Laune Rangers).

 

Tues. 22^nd April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘A’ 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-7.

Laune Rangers ‘A’: Nicholas Bainton, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Cahillane, Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Andrew Doyle, Kealon O Sullivan, Ronan Curtayne, Paudie Russell, Karl Griffin, Mark Conway, Kevin Jones (1-5), Raymond O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes, Joe Healy (0-1), Francis O Sullivan (Reen) 1-1.

Ref: Dan Kelliher (Dr. Crokes).

Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 3-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-1.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Yens Bickel, Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sullivan, John Cronin, Cathal Crowley, John Foley, Kieran Ryan, Noel Kingston, Donncha Curran, Brendan O Sullivan, Brian O Neill, Leonard Mangan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Derry O Sullivan, David O Shea.

The team travelled in Tom Melia’s bus and the following parents brought cars: Mary Joy, Catherine O Sullivan, Bridie Kingston, Denis O Neill and Jerome Conway. The latter was in charge of the teams for the evening, as the team trainers were unavailable.

 

Tues. 24^th June – Laune Rangers’ U-12 Skills Competition: 1^st Mike Hassett, 2^nd Kevin Jones, 3^rd Liam Hassett. Jerome Conway organised the competition.

At the end of Aug. the Mid-Kerry Skills final took place in Beaufort. Kevin Jones was the winner and Liam Hassett came fourth.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Laune Rangers Primary Schools’ Competition

There were five teams of twelve or thirteen-a-side, Douglas, Glounaguillagh, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’, Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’: Carl O Sullivan (capt.), Noel Kingston, Eamonn Foley, Kieran Cllifford, Eamonn Kissane, Turlough Byrnes, Donncha Costello, Andrew Doyle, Leonard Mangan, John Cronin, Fiachra O Donoghue, Patrick O Connell, Brendan O Sullivan, Tony O Sullivan. Coach – Jerome Conway.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Paudie Russell (capt.), Francis O Sullivan (Glenashe), Ronan Curtayne, Karl Griffin, Joe Healy, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Cathal Crowley, David O Shea, Derry O Sullivan, Michael O Connor, Irwin O Connor, Brian O Neill. Coach – Jerome Conway.

Scoil Mhuire ‘C’: Kevin Jones (capt.), Kealon O Sullivan, Yens Bickel, Glenn Evans, Michael Cahillane, Raymond O Sullivan, Rory O Sullivan, Ray Khan, Mark Conway, Stephen Gamble, Colm Conway, John Foley, John O Sullivan, Kieran Ryan. Coach – Jerome Conway.

Douglas: Donncha Curran (Capt.), James Hurley, Kevin Donovan, Colm Joy, Michael Hurley, Mikey Griffin, John O Riordan, Rory Corkery, Jerry O Brien, Pat O Keeffe, Dan O Sullivan, Thomas Walsh.

(Cromane N.S. was excluded but players from that area, who had chosen to play with Laune Rangers, were included in the Douglas N.S. team). Coach – Bertie Houlihan.

Glounaguillagh: Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Sean O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, James Murphy, Gerard Murphy, Fergal O Brien, Stephen Foley, O Dwyer, Corkery,

Coach – Noel O Mahony.

Rd. 1 on Mon. 14^th April: Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 4-13; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 3-12. Ref: Bertie Houlihan.

Douglas 3-6; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 1-3. Ref: Patsy Joy.

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 17^th April: Douglas 5-13; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 2-6. Ref: Patsy Joy.

Glounaguillagh 2-4; Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 0-2. Ref: Bertie Houlihan.

 

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 24^th April: Glounaguillagh 3-12; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 2-6.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 28^th April: Douglas 2-5; Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ 0-8.

Rd. 4 on Thurs. 1^st May: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 1-4; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 1-4.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 5^th May: Glounaguillagh 7-6; Douglas 0-2.

Rd. 5: Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ beat Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ by one point after two periods of extra time.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 12^th May: Glounaguillagh 4-12; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 1-2.

 

Finals on Sun. 22^nd June:

‘A’ Final (for the Patsy Foley Cup): Glounaguillagh 3-13; Scoil Mhuire ‘C’1-3.

That was a tremendously well-contested game. In the first half, play swung from end to end and Glounaguillagh led at the break by 0-6 to 0-1. On the resumption, Kevin Jones scored a goal and a cracker seemed in store. However, the Hassett brothers then opened up and, with Sean O Sullivan rock solid in defence, they ran out easy winners.

‘B’ Final: Douglas 1-22; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 2-8.

At halftime, Scoil Mhuire led by 1-6 to 0-6. However, on the resumption the Douglas forwards, especially John O Riordan, Mikey Griffin and Colm Joy ran riot and put up a huge score.

 

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools’ Competition

Laune Rangers entered five teams, Glounaguillagh, Douglas, Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (Carl O Sullivan), Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (Paudie Russell) and Scoil Mhuire ‘C’ (Kevin Jones). There were four categories, two-teachers’ schools, three-teachers’ schools, four-teachers’ 11-a-side and four-teachers’ 15-a-side. Glounaguillagh and Douglas were in the four-teachers’ 11-a-side and the Scoil Mhuire teams were in the 15-a-side competition.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs 24^th April at Milltown: Milltown Monastery 4-8; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 0-0.

On Fri. 25^th April at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh 2-4; Douglas 0-0.

Cromane 3-8; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-6.

Thurs 8^th May at Cromane: Cromane 4-6; Scoil Mhuire (A) 1-6.

Pat Pigott was in charge of the Scoil Mhuire team. Frank Walsh was the referee.

Fri. 9^th May at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh 2-9; Kilgobnet 0-0.

Cullina 4-7; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-2.

Fri. 16^th May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh 0-0; Glounaguillagh 4-6.

At Beaufort: Kilgobnet v Douglas.

Final (Four teachers’ schools 12-a-side) on Sun. 15^th June at Beaufort: Glounaguillagh beat Castlemaine.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Vocational Schools’ Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Mon. 3^rd Feb. at Ennis: Clare 0-4; Kerry 1-6.

James O Shea had a great game at midfield, scoring 0-1, Patie Casey played at left half-forward and Tommy Stack was a substitute.

 

Final on Sun. 9^th March at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 0-6. Kerry 1-8.

James O Shea was in great form at midfield, scoring a point in the first half. Patie Casey and Tommy Stack were substitutes.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sat. 12^th April at City of Dublin VEC, Terenure: Kerry 2-8; Donegal 3-3.

James O Shea, at midfield, was not as impressive as in the Munster Final and was replaced in the 58^th minute. Patie Casey played well at centre half-forward. Tommy Stack was a substitute.

 

Final on Sun. 4^th May at Croke Park: Kerry 2-7; Offaly 1-4.

‘As a whole, the Kerry attack played very well, with Brendan O Shea, Patie Casey and Pat O Sullivan forming a very fluent half-forward line. Anthony Gleeson and James O Shea encountered two very useful (Offaly) midfielders and the fact that the Kerry pair managed to get their forwards moving in the way they did, speaks volumes for their work-rate.’

Kerry: Charlie McCarthy (Killarney V.S.), Aeneas Looney (Rathmore V.S.), Dan O Connor (Tralee V.S.), Liam Cronin (Killorglin (V.S.), James Brosnan (Rathmore V.S.), Donal Mangan (Killarney V.S.), Tom Lynch (Tralee V.S.), Anthony Gleeson (do.), James O Shea (Killorglin V.S.) 0-2, Brendan O Shea (Cahersiveen V.S.) 1-0, Patie Casey (Killorglin V.S.) 0-1, Pat O Sullivan (Killarney V.S.) 0-1, Jamie Courtney (Killorglin V.S.) capt. 0-1, Mike Finnegan (Rathmore V.S.) 1-0, Michael O Dwyer (Waterville V.S.) 0-2, 1 free. Subs: Joe Casey (Castleisland V.S.) for T. Lynch, Kevin Moriarty (Tralee V.S.) for P. Casey, James Brosnan (Castleisland V.S.), Gerard Woods (Killorglin V.S.), Tommy Stack (do.), Tom Leslie (Killarney V.S.), Kevin Murphy (Tralee V.S.), Paudie Cronin (Rathmore V.S.), Michael O Sullivan (Killorglin V.S.).

 

Munster Vocational Schools Senior Championship (1985/86)

Semi-final on Wed. 15^th Feb. at Kenmare: Beara Community College 4-5; Killorglin V.S. 1-4.

Despite the score-line, that game was delicately balanced with nine minutes left to play. Beara led by 1-1 to 0-0 at halftime. Tommy Stack opened Killorglin’s account in the 34^th minute, when he pointed a 40m free. Midway through the second half, Killorglin were in arrears by 2-5 to 0-2. Then a switch, which saw Patie Casey go to midfield in a swap with James O Shea, worked wonders for them. Patie Casey, who was an inspiring figure throughout a hard-fought contest, set his captain, Jamie Courtney (Listry), up for two points. When left half-forward, Danny Cahill, shot home a great goal in the 51^st minute, the game was really in the melting pot. However, disaster struck for Killorglin, when some mix-ups in the defence allowed Beara in to score two goals in the final minutes. Ref: Tom O Connor (Kenmare).

 

Kerry Vocational School’s Senior Championship 1986/’87

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 2^nd Oct. at Rathmore: Rathmore V.S. beat Killorglin V.S.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 8^th Oct. at Killorglin: Killorglin V.S. 1-9; Killarney V.S. 1-7.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 17^th Nov. at Milltown: Killorglin V.S. 0-8; Tralee V.S. 1-5.

That was a most exciting contest. Killorglin led by three points at halftime. Immediately on the resumption, Tralee scored a goal. Corner forward, Bernard O Sullivan put Killorglin ahead with a point after a great passing movement involving Edward West and Jamie Courtney. However, although Tralee led twice in the last quarter, Killorglin pegged them back on both occasions. Best for Killorglin were Tommy Stack, Jamie Courtney and Michael O Sullivan.

Killorglin V.S: Brendan Quirke, Brian Mangan, Danny Cahill, Brian O Keeffe, Edward West, Patie Casey (capt.), John F. O Brien, James O Shea (0-2), Michael O Sullivan, Brendan Breen (Beaufort) 0-1, Jamie Courtney (Listry) 0-1, S. O Dwyer, Kevin Falvey (Glenbeigh), Tommy Stack (0-2, frees), C. O Shea (0-1). Subs: Bernard O Sullivan (0-1) and J. Linehan.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

 

Semi-final (Replay) on Fri. 21^st Nov. at Milltown: Tralee V.S. 0-4; Killorglin V.S. 0-2.

Near gale-force winds, blowing straight across the pitch, ruled out any possibility of a repeat of the classic football, played in the drawn encounter on the previous Friday. Scores were at a premium. Tralee opened the scoring with a free after five minutes. Patie Casey then levelled for Killorglin in the twelfth minute. Anthony Gleeson (Tralee) had a shot taken off the line by Brian Mangan, while at the other end, Killorglin’s Michael O Sullivan seemed to be fouled on the goal-line, with the goal at his mercy. However, the ball was cleared to safety. Jamie Courtney gave Killorglin the lead after eighteen minutes but Kevin Murphy (Tralee), with a 20m free, tied the scores at 0-2 each just before halftime.

In a hard-fought second half, both defences denied the respective forward lines time and time again. Danny Cahill, captain, Patie Casey, and John F. O Brien were to the forefront for Killorglin. James O Shea and Michael O Sullivan dominated the midfield battle. Entering the final quarter, however, Tralee switched Anthony Gleeson to that sector and that move proved significant, as it broke the Killorglin stranglehold. Kevin Murphy, from a 30m free, gave Tralee the lead in the forty-ninth minute. A gallant solo effort by Patie Casey to save Killorglin resulted in his shot for the equaliser being just off-target. Tralee got another point six minutes from time to put them into the final.

Killorglin V.S: Brendan Quirke, Brian Mangan, Danny Cahill, P. O Connor, Edward West, Patie Casey (capt.) 0-1, John F. O Brien, James O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, Brendan Breen, Jamie Courtney 0-1, S. O Dwyer, Bernard O Sullivan, Tommy Stack, C. O Shea.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ U-16 ‘A’ Football Championship 1986/’87

In Mid-Nov: Castleisland V.S. 1-6; Killorglin V.S. 1-4.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ U-16 ‘B’ Football Championship 1986/’87

In Mid-Nov: Waterville V.S. 2-9; Killorglin V.S. ‘B’ 0-4.

 

Kerry Colleges County Cup 1985/’86

Final on at the beginning of May at Ardfert: Intermediate School 3-5; Dingle CBS 2-6.

That game was played in very windy conditions. Upon winning the toss, Killorglin elected to play against the wind in the first half. They got off to a great start, when Liam Kelliher put Paul Griffin through for a great goal. Dingle settled slowly and picked off three points to draw level. Five minutes before halftime. Donal Hanafin burst through for a goal to give Dingle the lead at the break.

Killorglin did not find matters very easy with the wind at their backs in the second half. Dingle defended strongly and even when Timmy Fleming scored a goal direct from a 30m free, Donal Hanafin found the Killorglin net at the other end. Killorglin trailed by two points with three minutes remaining and it looked as if Dingle would retain the cup that they had won against the same opposition the previous year. However, with Killorglin pressing strongly, Liam Kelliher grabbed a loose ball about 25 yards from goal and, hitting it on the turn, he buried it in the back of the net. The same player added a point to give Killorglin a highly-satisfactory victory. Best for Killorglin were William Joy, Shane O Sullivan and Mark O Connor in defence, Sean Burke at midfield, Liam Kelliher and Paul Griffin in attack.

Intermediate School Panel: Liam Foley, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor, Liam Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Paul Griffin, Robert Evans, Timmy Fleming, Mícheál Doyle (Beaufort), Paul O Sullivan, Sean Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), William Joy, Kieran O Keeffe, Gerard Doyle (Beaufort), Gary McGrath (do.), Frankie Brennan,

 

Kerry Colleges Dunloe Cup

Final at the end of May in Tralee: Intermediate School beat St. Michael’s.

That was the Intermediate School’s first Dunloe Cup win.

Intermediate School Panel: Sean Fenton, Frankie Brennan, Tommy Byrne, Paul Griffin (capt.), Shane Hayes, Kevin Corkery, Liam O Shea. Fergus O Meara, Timmy Corkery, Maurice O Shea, Gerard Doyle (Beaufort), Gerard Clifford, Gerard O Connor (Glenbeigh), Michael Corkery, Patrick Costello, Mark O Sullivan, Sean Moriarty, Eoin Joy, Mark O Connor, Timmy Fleming, Sean Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Mícheál Doyle (Beaufort), Gerard O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Patrick Curran. Coach – Brendan Twomey.

 

Kerry Colleges 1^st Years’ Championship

Final at the end of May at Beaufort: Intermediate School beat Tralee CBS.

Intermediate School Panel: Eoin Corkery, Kevin O Leary, Kieran O Shea (Beaufort), Michael Lynch (capt.), Padraig o Sullivan, Nessan Diggin, Rory O Connor, Adrian O Connor, Eoin O Sullivan, Brian Leslie (Listry), Dan Guerin, Jason Griffin, Shaun Brennan, Kieran Moriarty, Stephen Corkery, John Doona, Billy O Shea, John King, Michael O Mahony, John Clifford, Patrick Clifford, Patrick Conway, Gerard Burke, Noel Conroy. Coaches – Paddy Creagh and Joe O Sullivan.

 

Kerry Colleges Dunloe Cup

Final: Tralee CBS beat Intermediate School, Killorglin

 

Kerry Colleges’ County Cup 1986/’87

Semi-final replay at the end of Nov: Dingle CBS beat Intermediate School.

 

Challenge Game  

Sat. 11^th Oct. at Killorglin: Intermediate School v St. Joseph’s, Fairview, Dublin.

 

Higher Education Football League

Final on Mon. 14^th April at Thomond College, Limerick: Tralee RTC 2-6; Cadet College, Curragh 2-4.

Gerard Murphy played at right half-forward for Tralee RTC and scored 0-2.

 

Munster Minor Football League

 

Senior Colleges Trial on Sat. 1^st Feb. at Caherslee: South Kerry v North Kerry.

For South-Kerry, Liam Foley played in goals, William Joy at fullback, Shane O Sullivan at right halfback and Timmy Fleming at centre half-forward.

 

Sat. 22^nd Feb: Kerry Colleges v Non-School-goers.

Timmy Fleming played at right halfback for the colleges, Paul Griffin played at right full-forward and Shane O Sullivan was a substitute. Bertie O Riordan was a substitute on the non-school-goers.

 

Sat. 1^st March at Strand Road: Trial game (minus the Vocational Schools’ players and the Seminary players). Timmy Fleming played at right halfback on one team and Paul Griffin at left full-forward on the other.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 15^th March at Cooraclare: Clare 0-5; Kerry 2-9.

Timmy Fleming played at right halfback and Paul Griffin scored 1-1 from left full-forward.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 22^nd March at Glin: Limerick 0-7; Kerry 0-10.

In a storm, Timmy Fleming played at right halfback, James O Shea scored 0-2 from left half-forward and Paul Griffin scored 0-1 from left full-forward.

 

Final on Sat. 29^th March at Ennis: Tipperary 1-10; Kerry 0-6.

Timmy Fleming was the only back to dominate his opposite number. He was less effective when moved to left half-forward, in an effort to lend more punch to the attack. Paul Griffin played quite well, winning quite a lot of possession. James O Shea, although winning quite a lot of possession, was ineffective.

Kerry: Ger Buckley (Na Gaeil), Donal Mangan (Dr. Crokes) capt. Liam Burns (Sneem), Donal Mulvihill (Beale), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers) 0-1, 45m, Gene O Donnell (Austin Stacks), Shane McDonnell (Na Gaeil), Pat Slattery (Brick Rangers), Anthony Gleeson (John Mitchels), Maurice Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-3, frees, Jerome Stack (Emmets), James O Shea (Laune Rangers), Jamie Courtney (Listry), Martin Hartnett (Kerins O Rahillys) 0-2, 1 free, Paul Griffin (Laune Rangers). Subs: John Murphy (Scartaglin) for J. O Shea, Dan O Connor (John Mitchels) for D. Mulvihill, Liam Guerin (Beale) for J. Murphy, Mike Finnegan (Gneeveguilla).

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

 

Trial on Wed. 2^nd April at Tralee: Kerry Minors v Kerry Vocational Schools.

Timmy Fleming played at left half-forward and Paul Griffin at left full-forward.

 

Timmy Fleming and James O Shea were the Laune Rangers’ players chosen on the panel of twenty to train for the Munster Minor Championship.

 

Sun. 6^th April, challenge at Glin: Kerry beat Limerick by a few points. Timmy Fleming scored 0-1 and Paul Griffin 0-2. The Vocational Schools’ players and the Seminary players were excluded from that challenge.

 

Trial on Tues. 15^th April: Possibles v Probables.

James O Shea played at midfield for the possibles, while Timmy Fleming played at left halfback and Paul Griffin at left half-forward for the probables.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 25^th April at Clonmel: Tipperary 0-5; Kerry 1-4.

Timmy Fleming played at left halfback and James O Shea was a substitute.

 

Trial on Sat. 1^st May at Milltown: Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and Bertie O Riordan were invited.

 

Trial on Sat. 10^th May at Ballyheigue: Possibles v Probables.

Timmy Fleming played at left halfback for the probables and Paul Griffin at right full-forward for the possibles. Both players were chosen on the panel of 21 for the game against Waterford.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 16^th May at Glenflesk: Kerry 2-10; Waterford 0-10.

Timmy Fleming played at left halfback and Paul Griffin was a substitute.

 

Trial on Sun. 25^th May in Austin Stack Park: Possibles v Probables.

James O Shea played at left half-forward and Paul Griffin at right full-forward for the possibles.

 

Challenge on Sat. 31^st May at Newmarket-on-Fergus: Kerry 4-12; Mayo 4-8.

Timmy Fleming played at left halfback, James O Shea scored 0-1 from midfield and Paul Griffin came on as a substitute and scored 1-0.

 

Final on Sun. 6^th July at Killarney: Kerry 0-4; Cork 2-12.

Timmy Fleming played his heart out, though he had to play second fiddle. Paul Griffin got very little ball and was replaced. James O Shea should have been brought on as a substitute to midfield.

Kerry: Colm O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Jerome Stack (Emmets), Liam Burns (Sneem), Shane McDonnell (Na Gaeil), Jerry Griffin (Legion), Gene O Donnell (Austin Stacks), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers), Anthony Gleeson (John Mitchels), Tommy Horan (Desmonds) 0-1, Maurice Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-3, 1 free, Pat Slattery (Brick Rangers), Sean Geaney (Dingle), J.P. O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Donal Culloty (Legion), Paul Griffin (Laune Rangers). Subs: James Brosnan (Gneeveguilla) for S. McDonnell, Dan O Connor (John Mitchels) for G. O Donnell, Mike Finnegan (Gneeveguilla) for P. Griffin, Jamie Courtney (Listry), James O Shea (Laune Rangers), Charlie McCarthy (Firies), Donal Mangan (Dr. Crokes).

 

National Football League 1986/’87

 

Rd. 1 on 9^th Nov. at Lurgan: Armagh 0-9; Kerry 0-10.

Peter Lyons played quite well.

Kerry: Peter Lyons (Laune Rangers), Patrick O Grady (Glenbeigh), Sean Walsh (Kerins O Rahillys), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Stephen Stack (Emmet’s), John Higgins (John Mitchels), Cathal Sheehy (Kerins O Rahillys), Tom Spillane (Templenoe), John Galvin, Seamus Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-1, Timmy Dowd (John Mitchels), John Kennedy (Ballylongford) 0-2, Willie Maher (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-4, 2 frees, Pat Spillane (Templenoe) 0-1, Michael McAuliffe (Spa) 0-2. Sub: Michael O Donoghue (Valentia) for J. Galvin.

 

Co. Senior Hurling Championship

It was decided to notify the following players to commence training on Wed. 21^st May: Michael McSweeney, Gerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Gene Evans, Richard O Connor, Joe Kennedy, Paul Gillespie, Eoin Mangan, Brian O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy, Paddy Creagh, Joe Purcell, Dermot Clifford, Anthony Clifford, James Clifford, Francis McMahon, Phil Delaney, Val Broderick, Jim O Malley and Gerard O Connor.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 21^st July at Austin Stack Park: Ballyheigue 4-4; South-Kerry 1-7.

South-Kerry: Pat O Shea, Michael Leahy, Dan Kelliher, Paul Gillespie, D. O Keeffe, Johnny Foley, Sean O Shea (0-2), Ray Walsh, Mickey Foley, Derry Crowley, Denis Randles (1-3), Richard Hickey (0-1), N. O Connor, T. Houlihan (0-1), T. Driscoll. Subs: Joe Kennedy for T. Driscoll, D. Healy for N. O Connor, Dan Healy for J. Kennedy.

 

 Co. Senior Hurling League Div. 3

Trainer – John Purcell.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 25^th June at Currow: St. Patrick’s ‘B’ 0-4; Laune Rangers 6-9.

Laune Rangers: Gerard Murphy, Francis McMahon, Jim O Malley, Dermot Clifford, Michael Sweeney, Eoin Mangan, Paul Gillespie, Richard O Connor, Pat Pigott, Joe Kennedy, Gene Evans, Vincent Hearne, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Crowe, Joe Purcell. Sub: Val Broderick for S. O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 2^nd July at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s ‘C’ 3-13; Laune Rangers 5-8.

Laune Rangers: Johnny Byrnes, Francis McMahon, Jim O Malley, Dermot Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Eoin Mangan, Paul Gillespie, Gerry Foley, Richard O Connor, Vincent Hearne, Gene Evans, Joe Kennedy, Val Broderick, Joe Crowe, Joe Purcell.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 9^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Lixnaw ‘C’ 3-7.

That was a great performance. Joe Crowe scored the winner when he crashed a free to the net at the very end of the game.

Laune Rangers: Francis McMahon, James Clifford, Jim O Malley, Dermot Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Eoin Mangan, Paul Gillespie, Richard O Connor, Pat Pigott, Brian O Sullivan, Gerry Foley, Joe Kennedy, Val Broderick, Joe Purcell, Joe Crowe. Subs: Gerard Murphy for F. McMahon, Gene Evans for D. Clifford, Dermot Clifford for J. O Malley (inj.).

Ref: Con Murphy (Na Gaeil).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-14; Ballyheigue ‘C’ 3-8.

All of the team played with great heart and Joe Kennedy was outstanding. Four games without defeat!

Laune Rangers: Richard O Connor, Dermot Clifford, Gerry Foley, James Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Eoin Mangan, Paul Gillespie, Pat Pigott, Gerard Murphy, Brian O Sullivan, Gene Evans, Joe Kennedy, Joe Purcell, Joe Crowe, Val Broderick. Subs: Michael Fleming for E. Mangan, John Whelan, Anthony Clifford, Francis McMahon, Myles O Brien, Tommy O Riordan.

Ref: Gerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 23^rd July at Ballyduff: Ballyduff ‘C’ v Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 6 on Wed. 30^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-5; Kilmoyley ‘C’ 3-7.

With five minutes left to play, Laune Rangers were two points in arrears. Joe Crowe fluffed a penalty. However, the team fought very bravely and Gene Evans forced the ball over the line for a goal. The same player got the last point, also, through sheer perseverance. Robert Evans, Gerard Murphy and Pat Pigott played well. Joe Kennedy had great stick-work but both he and Val Broderick had to train more regularly.

Laune Rangers: Eoin Mangan, Robert Evans, Gerry Foley, Dermot Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Richard O Connor, Paul Gillespie, Gerard Murphy, Pat Pigott, Joe Kennedy, Gene Evans, Joe Purcell, Michael Fleming, Joe Crowe, Val Broderick.

Ref: Pat Griffin (Kilmoyley) – the appointed referee failed to show up.

 

Rd. 7 on Wed. 6^th Aug. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-9; Laune Rangers 2-5.

Laune Rangers: Richard O Connor, Robert Evans, Gerry Foley, Dermot Clifford, Vincent Hearne, Eoin Mangan, Paul Gillespie, Pat Pigott, Gerard Murphy, Joe Kennedy, Gene Evans, Brian O Sullivan, Joe Crowe, Val Broderick, Joe Purcell. Sub: Anthony Clifford for D. Clifford.

 

Co. U-21 Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th July at Tralee: Causeway beat Laune Rangers.

 

On Sun. 19^th Jan. a Co. U-21 Hurling trial took place in Ballyheigue. Joe Kennedy, Richard O Connor, Gerard Murphy and Paul Gillespie, all Laune Rangers, were invited to attend.

 

Co. Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship

 

Semi-final at the end of Oct. at Abbeydorney: Causeway beat Laune Rangers.

 

Co. Minor Hurling League

Coaches/Trainers – Gerry Foley and Michael Sweeney.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th April at Lixnaw: Lixnaw 2-3; Laune Rangers 4-5.

Although both teams were under-strength, that was a very encouraging start for the boys from the Laune. Aided by a freshening breeze in the second half, the Rangers deserved their win. Alan Guilfoyle was sound in goals. Buddy O Sullivan marked his debut with a fine goal, while Robert Evans had a great second half.

Laune Rangers: Alan Guilfoyle, Francis O Connor, Brendan Hearne, Padraig Lynch, Adrian O Connor (0-1), Sean Fenton, Robert Evans, Shane O Sullivan (capt.) 0-3, Gerard Clifford (1-1), Brian Mangan (1-0), Barry Lynch, Gerard Kennedy, Gerard Hearne (1-0), Mark O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan (1-0).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 13^th April at Crotta: Crotta O Neill’s 4-2; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Rangers led for three quarters of the game but then conceded 2-2 in a three minutes spell in the final quarter.

Laune Rangers: Alan Guilfoyle, Brendan Quirke (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-1, Brendan Hearne, Michael Joe Leary (Listry), Brian Mangan, Sean Fenton, Barry Lynch, Shane O Sullivan (1-3), Mark O Sullivan, Gerard Clifford, Robert Evans, Mark O Connor (0-2), Buddy O Sullivan, Padraig Lynch, Gerard Kennedy. Subs: Laurence Hogan, K. Linehan, Adrian O Connor, Alan Moroney, Seamus O Brien (Firies).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 27^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-3; Ballyheigue 7-3.

Rangers gave a very spirited display and had outstanding players in Shane O Sullivan, Mark O Connor, Sean Fenton, Robert Evans, Pat McKenna, Michael Joe Leary, Seamus O Brien and Tommy Stack.

Laune Rangers: Brendan Quirke, Pat McKenna, Michael Joe O Leary, Tommy Stack, Brian Mangan, Sean Fenton, Barry Lynch, Mark O Connor, Robert Evans, Gerard Clifford, Shane O Sullivan, Laurence Hogan, Padraig Lynch, Seamus O Brien, Gerard Kennedy.

 

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 1^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-0; Abbeydorney 4-3.

That game was played in terrible weather conditions. Laune Rangers were well in command in the first half and led at halftime by two goals. The late arrival of O Dorney’s star player, Tony Maunsell, proved to be the deciding factor as he completely dominated the midfield sector in the second half.

Laune Rangers: Brendan Quirke, Barry Lynch, Brendan Hearne, Gerard Clifford, Michael Joe Leary, Sean Fenton, Brian Mangan, Mark O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Laurence Hogan, Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Kennedy, Buddy O Sullivan, Seamus O Brien, J. O Brien.

 

Co. U-16 Hurling League

Laune Rangers were in Group 3 with Kenmare and St. Patrick’s.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 14^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat St. Patrick’s.

The visitors, who had many very young players, never gave in but, in the end, were overwhelmed by the strength of the Rangers.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 21^st Sept. at Kenmare: Kenmare beat Laune Rangers.

Only the top team (Kenmare) qualified for the latter stages of the competition.

 

U-15 Parish 7-a-side Hurling League

There were four teams with captains, Timmy Corkery, Alan Guilfoyle, Michael Lynch and Gary McGrath.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 19^th July: Timmy Corkery beat Michael Lynch

Gary McGrath beat Alan Guilfoyle.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 26^th July: Timmy Corkery beat Gary McGrath.

Michael Lynch v Alan Guilfoyle.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 2^nd Aug: Alan Guilfoyle beat Timmy Corkery.

Michael Lynch beat Gary McGrath.

 

‘B’ Final: Gary McGrath beat Alan Guilfoyle.

‘A’ Final: Michael Lynch beat Timmy Corkery.

 

Féile na nGael (U-14 Hurling)

 

Sun. 30^th March: Laune Rangers 1-1; John Mitchels/Na Gaeil 6-2.

David Lynch, at fullback, played a great game, Michael Lynch, Kevin O Leary, Jason Griffin and the stylish Robert Kennedy likewise never gave up, in a brave young team that was out of its depth on the day.

 

Sun. 6^th April at Kenmare: Kenmare defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Results of the Laune Rangers Féile na nGael Poc Fada Competition, which was held at the beginning of May, were, 1^st Gerard Hearne, 2^nd Paudie O Shea, 3^rd Michael Lynch. The results of the Skills Competition were, 1^st Raymond O Sullivan, 2^nd Kevin Jones, 3^rd Gerard Hearne.

The winners went forward to the Co. Finals in Ardfert on Sat. 17^th May, where they came in a creditable seventh place.

 

South-Kerry U-14 Hurling Championship

Semi-final at the end of Aug: St. Patrick’s 2-3; Laune Rangers 1-5.

Laune Rangers: Jason Griffin, Kevin Donovan, David Lynch, Maurice Sweeney, Kevin O Leary, Paudie O Shea, Eoin Corkery, Adrian Hassett. Kieran O Shea (Beaufort), Noel Conroy, Michael Lynch, Gerard Hearne, Mike Hassett, Kevin Guilfoyle, Robert Kennedy. Subs: Sean Gamble, Liam Hassett, Adrian O Connor, Mark Conway, Raymond O Sullivan, Declan Byrne.

 

Co. U-12 Hurling League Div. 3

Only three teams competed, St. Patrick’s ‘B’, Laune Rangers and Dingle.

Rd. 1 on Fri. 16^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-3; Dingle 1-5.

Kevin Jones was outstanding for Rangers all through, while Raymond O Sullivan struck two crisp goals. Turlough Byrnes gave a fine exhibition.

Laune Rangers: Turlough Byrnes, John Cronin, Glenn Evans, Eamonn Clifford, Brendan O Sullivan, Kenneth Mangan, Rory O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, Leonard Mangan, Mark Conway, Raymond O Sullivan, Cathal Crowley, Thomas Murphy, Nicholas Bainton, John O Sullivan. Subs: Liam Hearne, Pa O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 23^rd May at Killarney: St. Pat’s ‘B’ defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Final on Sat. 21^st June in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-3; St. Patrick’s ‘B’ 6-1.

Laune Rangers Panel: Glenn Evans, Mike Hassett, John Cronin, Mark Conway, Rory O Sullivan, Nicholas Bainton, Karl Griffin, Raymond O Sullivan, Michael O Connor, Liam Hassett, Eamonn Clifford, John O Sullivan, Colm Conway, Pat O Keeffe, Leonard Mangan, Turlough Byrnes, Kevin Jones (capt.), Kenneth Mangan, Tommy Murphy, Liam Hearne, Michael O Sullivan.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Munster Minor Hurling Championship

Rd. 1 on Sat. 8^th March at Bruff: Waterford 2-8; Kerry 1-5.

Shane O Sullivan played at centre half-forward and Brendan Hearne was on the panel..

 

All-Ireland Special Minor Hurling Championship

Rd.1 on Sat. 6^th Sept. at Athleague, Co. Roscommon: Roscommon 5-11; Kerry 4-4.

Kerry: Sean Cunningham (Abbeydorney), Michael Leahy (St. Brendan’s), Liam Doyle (Kenmare), Robert Evans (Laune Rangers), Paddy O Sullivan (St. Brendan’s) capt, Padraig Teahan (Austin Stacks), Der Randles (Kenmare), Michael Foley (Kilgarvan), Richard Keane (Causeway) 0-1, Philip Healy (St. Brendan’s) 3-2, Tony Maunsell (Abbeydorney) 0-1, Kieran Tuohy (Kenmare), Finbarr Whelan (Ballyduff), Nicholas Roche (Ballyheigue), Victor Hayes (Crotta). Subs: Mike Joy (Ballyduff) for P. O Sullivan, Ger O Connell (Abbeydorney) for L. Doyle, Shane O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 1-0 for K. Tuohy.

 

Tony Forrestal Memorial U-14 Hurling Tournament

Sat. 30^th/Sun. 31^st Aug. in Waterford: Kerry lost to Clare, the eventual winners of the competition.

In the losers’ round, Kerry lost to Carlow, the eventual winners, by just two points. Michael Lynch (Laune Rangers) was part of the panel and the team was trained by Andy O Sullivan, Kenmare.

 

Administration/Miscellany

Dr. Mick Loftus, Muigheó, was Uachtarán CLG.

 

Munster Council Convention was held in Killarney on Fri. 7^th March. Michael O Connor (Ciarraí) was elected Chairman, Donie Nealon (Tiobrad Árainn) was Secretary and Tadhg Crowley (Ciarraí) was Treasurer.

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sun. 12^th Jan. Laune Rangers delegates included Jerome Conway. The following officers were elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc, Chairman – Frank King, Vice-Chairman – Sean Kelly, Secretary – Tony O Keeffe, Treasurers – James Coffey and John McMahon, PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan (161), Denis P. O Sullivan (71), Youth Officer – Joe Langan, Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Derry Murphy, Development Officer – Denis McCarthy, Central Council Delegate – Gerald McKenna, Munster Council Delegates – Dave Geaney (171), Gerald Whyte (160), elected, Pat O Shea (134). It was patently obvious why Pat O Shea contested the position of Munster Council Delegate, as that body was the custodian of the agreement between Laune Rangers and Cromane. Michael O Connor, incoming Chairman of the Munster Council, said afterwards that if the result of the contest for Munster Council Delegates had been different, he would have resigned from the GAA. Pat O Shea told Jack Nolan (Castleisland) afterwards that he had not received seven votes in Killorglin. There were nine votes in Killorglin, Laune Rangers Club (2), Laune Rangers Minor Club (1), James Coffey (1), Maurice Harmon (1), Noel O Mahony (1), Pat Lynch (1), Killorglin Hurling club (2). Laune Rangers club was anxious to know which two votes he did get.

Senior Football Selection Committee: Mick O Dwyer (Trainer), appointed, Kevin Griffin (134), Joe Keohane (127), Mickey O Sullivan (124), Tim Kennelly (108), all elected, Eddie O Sullivan (107).

Minor Football Selection Committee: (That committee had been appointed at the Co. Board meeting on 11^th Nov. 1985) Seamus Mac Gearailt (Trainer), Jerome Conway, Paudie Herlihy (Knocknagoshel), Michael Price (Kenmare), Donie O Leary (Dr. Crokes).

U-21 Football Selection Committee – Buddy O Grady (John Mitchels) trainer, Con Riordan (Knockanure), Donie Sheehan (Dr. Crokes), Euge Devane (Lispole), PJ Donovan (St. Mary’s).

John Fitzpatrick, formerly Killorglin Hurling Club, was appointed as trainer of the Co. Minor Hurling team.

A motion from Dr. Crokes, asking that all clubs have a delegate at Co. Board, with voting rights, was passed (prior to that time, only a delegate each from the Co. Senior Championship teams, District Board Chairmen and the officers of the Board, constituted the Kerry Co. Committee).

 

Eamonn O Sullivan was appointed as Chairman of the Co. Referees’ Committee and Bart Moriarty was Secretary. John Fitzpatrick was appointed Chairman of the Youth Committee.

 

Co. Bord na nOg Annual Convention was held in the Pavilion, Austin Stack Park on Wed. 8^th Jan. The following officers were elected: President – Sylvie Mason, Chairman – Derry Sheehan, Vice-Chairman – John Fitzpatrick, Secretary and PRO – Maurice O Sullivan, Fixtures Secretary – Michael O Callaghan, Registrar – Liam Moriarty, Treasurers – Bernie O Connor and Michael McSweeney. GPC – John Fitzpatrick, Patsy Cremin, Joe Linnane, John Mike McCarthy, Paudie County. John McMahon, Secretary, Eamonn O Sullivan (PRO) and Tom O Connor (Joint Treasurer) did not seek re-election. Laune Rangers’ delegates to Co. Bord na nOg were Pat Pigott and Jerome Conway.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Keel on Sun. 5^th Jan. 1986. (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1985). The Chairman, Mike McCarthy, in his address, said, ‘In 1985, we saw a new development in Mid-Kerry, with the introduction of a sixth team, namely Cromane. It adds more interest having an extra team.

We had a very good championship this year, both exciting and financially rewarding. We had three great games between Glenbeigh and the eventual winners, Laune Rangers. I congratulate Laune Rangers on winning three in-a-row senior finals and I offer my commiserations to Keel for making it one of the best finals in recent years. I also congratulate Laune Rangers on winning the Mid-Kerry Minor Championship. It shows once again that they are the top club in Mid-Kerry football.

The Board started out this year with the intention of having all competitions over by the end of September. We had the championship finished within the time, despite having four replays. The League final is just over and the O Sullivan Cup is also just over, so I think that if we had more league and championship games played on week evenings, we would have no problems. I think, personally, if at the start of the year we had all fixtures provisionally fixed, it would help a lot.

I would like to thank Milltown/Castlemaine, Laune Rangers and Beaufort for the use of their playing pitches for Board fixtures and Milltown/Castlemaine club for training of Mid-Kerry teams. I would like to congratulate Beaufort on their new pitch. It is a credit to the club and its mentors. I would like to thank them for giving their pitch for the league final. Even though it was closed, they reopened it and offered it, even though it was not played there afterwards. Two other pitches, Glenbeigh and Cromane, are near completion. Maybe in the near future we will see a Mid-Kerry final played on those fine pitches.

The most important thing facing the Board at the moment, I think, is that we have not won a Co. Championship for some time. We won an U-21 a few years ago, but nothing followed through from that team. The performances of our three Mid-Kerry teams were disastrous. I blame players from some clubs for not showing enough interest. On behalf of the Board, I say thank you to the players that trained and tried. This year, a Mid-Kerry team won a Co. U-16 Championship. It consisted of players from all the six clubs and I congratulate Jerome Conway for the part that he played. It is a sign. As Chairman of the Board and in the interest of winning a Co. Senior Championship, I think if we tried unity of all the clubs for a three years period, it would help our chances tremendously.

I would like to thank Milltown/Castlemaine for the use of their dressing-rooms for Board meetings. It is a pity though that some clubs do not think it important to send delegates to some meetings. I think if a club is entitled to two delegates, then they should send two and, if not, a proxy. I would like to thank my fellow officers for all their co-operation during the year. I would like to stress that if a person was to take a position on the Board, he or she should fulfil it to the best of his/her ability and attend all meetings, if possible. I would like to hit out at the bad press-coverage given to Mid-Kerry games at all levels. Only for Kerry’s Eye, be it good or bad, we would not be heard about at all.

I would like to thank our referees in Mid-Kerry. It is a hard job and they get a lot of abuse. Especially, I would like to give praise to Aidan Kelly, one of the top referees in Kerry, and, if anyone wants proof of his ability, the way that he handled the Mid-Kerry Championship replays was the best refereeing I have seen this year and, as far as I know, he was overlooked when county final referees were being appointed.

I would like to thank the people who sponsored man-of-the-match awards, namely Sean Moloney, Galvin’s Bar, Beaufort (‘B’ Championship), Murphy’s Foodstore, Milltown (Minor Championship), AIB, Killorglin (Senior Championship), Larkin’s Bar, Milltown (League Final) and Coffey’s Bar, Killorglin (O Sullivan Cup Final).

I think I have said enough and I thank all of you for listening attentively. Anything I said I am not trying to push or force any clubs. Anything I said is open for discussion.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the smooth running of the Board in my first year as Chairman. If it be the wish of the delegates, I would like to remain on as Chairman.’

The following officers were elected: President – Murt Kelly, Chairman – Mike McCarthy, Vice-Chairman – Noel Spillane, Secretary – Pat Clifford, Treasurers – Maurice Harmon, George Evans, Frank Twiss, PRO – Colm Kelly, Delegate to Co. Board – John Dowling (19 votes), Maurice Harmon (12 votes). (On the following day, Pat O Shea rang the Secretary of the Mid-Kerry Board, Pat Clifford, and said that he had been unaware that a contest was about to take place and  that, if he had known, he would have ensured that Cromane would have voted for Maurice Harmon. However, a fortnight later, Frank Walsh, Secretary of Cromane Club, apologised to Maurice Harmon for not voting for him, explaining that Cromane had been asked by John Dowling for its support and, since Keel had supported Cromane in its attempts to form a club, they had no option but to support the Keel candidate). There was one motion: ‘That Bord Ciarraí Lár reintroduce a Novice Championship, to be played between the clubs in Mid-Kerry with all players eligible except those who had played in the Senior Co. Championship in the current year or the previous year.’ (Cromane). The motion was passed by 12 votes to 6 and it was decided to play the Novice Championship immediately after the B-Championship.

 

The minutes of nine Mid-Kerry Board meetings are available, mostly for the purpose of fixture-making. The following matters were also discussed/decided:

29^th Jan. – it was decided, on the casting vote of the Chairman, Mike McCarthy, to accept the offer of a new cup for the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship to replace the Kennedy Cup, which had been in existence since the foundation of the Mid-Kerry Board. Moss O Connor, Keel, had offered the new cup, to be called the Michael O Connor Cup. It was decided that the Kennedy Cup would be presented to the Novice Champions. Pat O Shea, Cromane, was appointed trainer of the Mid-Kerry senior team.

Wed. 25^th April – a vote of sympathy was passed to Seamus Murphy on the death of his wife, Noreen.

Wed. 30^th July – a letter from Laune Rangers Club was read, stating that the club had written to the Co. Board informing it that Cromane Club had been in breach of the agreement between the two clubs by playing players from outside the stipulated station districts. The players in question were Michael O Shea, Rangue, Timmy and Dominic Flaherty, Upper Tullig (At the Co. Board meeting on 11^th August, the GPC recommendations on the matter were accepted as follows: 1. Both sides accept that Michael O Shea, Rangue, was born in Cromane and is eligible to play with Cromane. 2. Both sides accept that Timmy and Dominic Flaherty live in Upper Tullig and that they have played with Cromane this year. 3. Laune Rangers contend that Timmy Flaherty and Dominic Flaherty played underage football with their club up to U-14 age group and that neither player was subsequently transferred to Cromane Club. 4. Tullig is designated as a Station District in Laune Rangers catchment area. 5. Cromane contends that Timmy Flaherty and Dominic Flaherty are mussel fishing off Cromane pier and earn a living from Cromane Station District during the mussel season. 6. Section 4 of the Agreement stipulates that Laune Rangers’ players can transfer to Cromane Club if the case of a change of personal residence or personal employment arises).

29^th Sept. – Jerome Conway was appointed as trainer of the Mid-Kerry U-17 team, with John Burke, Milltown/Castlemaine, and Jack McGrath, Beaufort, as selectors.

 

Beaufort Club was in charge of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg affairs in 1986. Pat Lynch was Chairman and Noel Spillane was Secretary.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Scór was held in the Ross Inn, Glenbeigh on Sun. 26^th Jan. Laune Rangers were successful in Tráth na gCeist (Michael Costello, Noel O Mahony and Michael Cronin) and Rinnce Set (Rosemary Murphy, Marian Joy, Ann O Riordan, Jacqueline West, John O Riordan, Robert Evans, Gene Horgan and Michael Horgan). Those two items took part in the Co. Semi-final in Waterville on Fri. 21^st Feb. (Jerome Conway deputised for Michael Costello, who had been unable to attend due to a family bereavement). The Tráth na gCeist item came third with 30 points.

 

Laune Rangers held 17 club-meetings during the year. The following decisions were made:

7^th Jan – Eamonn O Sullivan was the preferred candidate for the position of PRO in the Co. Board. The Chairman secured indoor training facilities under Peter Gill for the senior panel. Liam Shannon approached Donie Griffin to make a stretcher for use in the JP O Sullivan Park. The Chairman was to make enquiries about the employment of a maintenance person under the Youth Employment Scheme.

20^th Jan – The first indoor training session for the senior squad took place in the CYMS on Wed. 22^nd January. Details of a 6-week Draw were accepted. The subscription was £2 per week or £10 in total, if paid at the beginning. The 1^st prize was £100, 2 X £25 and 5 X £10 per week. The club decided to oppose the replacement of the Kennedy Cup for the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship by the Mid-Kerry Board by the O Connor Cup.

3^rd Feb. – The timber goal-posts on the main pitch had been replaced with steel posts. The first Progressive 31 Card Drive was scheduled for Sun. 9^th February in Scoil Mhuire.

17^th Feb. – The decision taken at the meeting on Fri. 14^th Feb. between the Laune Rangers Club and the hurling fraternity was ratified. Bart Moriarty was Chairman of the Hurling Sub-committee and Pat Lynch was the Secretary. The Chairman of the club expressed disappointment at the non-attendance of some club officers at club meetings.

3^rd March – Jim Galvin reported on the re-sodding of the goal-mouth areas, stating that tremendous progress had been made. He praised all those who had helped to date and said that such voluntary man-power had not been seen for years. In view of their sponsorship of the club, Killorglin Credit Union was given permission to erect an advertisement hoarding in the JP O Sullivan Park.

24^th March – The re-sodding of the goal-mouths of the pitch had been completed. Further enquiries must be made with regard to the payment of PRSI if we were successful in employing a person under the Youth Employment Scheme.

7^th April – It was reported that Seamus Murphy had replaced all the broken glass in the windows of the dressing-rooms with unbreakable glass.

19^th May – It was decided to examine the possibility of purchasing a mower from Michael Hoare. Employers’ Liability Insurance would be taken out so that the club would be able to employ some person to work in the field. A list of players for the senior hurling panel was composed.

3^rd June – It was decided to notify the Co. Board that Cromane Club were not abiding by the terms of the agreement between the two clubs and were playing three illegal players – Michael O Shea (Rangue), Timmy Flaherty (Upper Tullig) and Dominic Flaherty (do.).

10^th June – It was reported that the club had sold 60 tickets for the Co. Board Draw. It was hoped to sell some more before the closing date.

24^th June – The club finances were in a very bad state – £700 in debt. However, the rebate from the Co. Board Draw was pending.

7^th July – Eamonn Crowley was thanked for his sponsorship of togs and socks for the U-14 footballers who had travelled for Féile Peile na nOg in Cork. Preparations were made for the forthcoming Co. Senior Football Championship match against Dr. Crokes in the JP O Sullivan Park.

20^th October – It was decided that, as there had been no progress in the Youth Employment Scheme, the club would have to terminate the employment of Michael Sweeney for the time being. The rebate from the Co. Board Draw was £2,500.

The following attended Laune Rangers’ Club meetings during the year: Jerome Conway (16), Joe Shannon (17), Maurice Corkery (13), James Coffey (12), Jim Galvin (11), Brian O Shea (10), Edward Stack (9), Liam Shannon (9), Bart Moriarty (9), Michael Foley (8), Pat Pigott (8), Pat Lynch (6), Stephen Russell (4), John Clifford (4), Noel O Mahony (3), John Purcell (2), James Sheehan (2), Maurice Geary (1), Tom Evans (1), Brendan Hearne (1), Frank Russell (1).

 

At the first meeting of the Kerry Co. Board, Mon. 20^th Jan. Liam Hayes’ transfer to Cromane was sanctioned. Laune Rangers did not object. The club was disappointed that he had not asked the Rúnaí to sign the transfer, as he certainly would.

At the Co. Board meeting on 10^th Feb. the transfer of John Hickey from Laune Rangers to Listowel Emmett’s was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 10^th March, the transfer of Tomás Hayes from Laune Rangers to Cromane was sanctioned, as was the transfer of Seán Corkery (Reen) from Laune Rangers to Kildare.

At the Co. Board meeting on 9^th June, the transfer of Donal Clifford (Annadale Road) from Laune Rangers to Limerick was sanctioned.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 20^th Jan, correspondence was received from Cumann Réalt na Mara, an Cromán, stating that it accepted the agreement as laid down by Munster Council and Kerry Co. Board between itself and Laune Rangers Club.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 10^th March, the following Laune Rangers’ players were regraded from senior status: Tommy Woods, Stephen Russell, Jerry Foley, Pat Pigott, Anthony Shannon, James O Shea and Michael O Reilly.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 9^th June, in answer to a written request by Cromane, it was clarified that Cromane players were entitled to play with Laune Rangers in the Co. Football Championship.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on 8^th Sept. the Chairman, answering a query by Pat O Shea, Cromane, at the previous meeting, stated that fishing did not constitute permanent employment.

 

In an effort to raise some funds, Laune Rangers’ Club decided to run Progressive 31 Card-Drives. Jerome Conway and Maurice Corkery attended Na Gaeil Progressive 31 Drive in Na Gaeil Pavilion on Sun. 19^th Jan. to learn how the venture was organised.

1^st night in Scoil Mhuire on Sun. 9^th Feb. There were 18 tables @ £32 per table. The prize money was 1^st – £200; 2^nd – £50. Aidan O Shea/James Cahillane and Vincent Tuohy/Jimmy Joy won eight games. It was decided to amalgamate 1^st and 2^nd prizes and they divided the £200 between them. They then played four single-hand for three games and James Cahillane won the £50. First jink – Patricia Clifford/ Eileen Murphy. Spot prizes on tickets – Dan O Sullivan (Tullig), John Moore, Paul Kingston, Maurice Joy, Jerry O Brien, John Purcell. Spot prize between winners of game 13 – Nora Evans and Mrs. Kissane. Spot prize between winners of game 14 – John Joe O Sullivan and Mrs. O Sullivan (Ballyheigue). Spot prize between winners of game 15 – Seamus Murphy and Tom Harris. The game started at 3.20pm and ended at 5.25pm. The helpers were Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, Brian O Shea, Stephen Russell, Maurice Corkery, Pat Pigott, Jerome Conway, Pat Lynch and Pat O Connor (Na Gaeil). The net profit from the venture was £250. Unfortunately, when the drive was finished, the carpet in the hall was badly marked with cigarette burns. Peter Lyons, Pierce Prendiville, Donie Griffin, Pat Sheehan and Jerome Conway spent a few hours trying to undo the damage.

2^nd night in CYMS Hall on Sat. 22^nd Feb. (Laune Rangers Hurling Sub-Committee). 108 card players attended. 1^st and 2^nd prizes were divided between Mikey Brosnan/James Murphy and Donal O Sullivan/Mary O Connor. Table prizes – John Cahillane and Jerry Sheehan, Ted Kissane and Pat Sheehan, Francie Sheahan and Michael Cahillane. First jink – Mike Murphy/Teddy Cronin. Door prizes – Mona Joy, Michael McKenna and Ted O Sullivan. Jerome Conway acted as M.C. and the stewards were Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott and Pat Lynch.

3^rd night in CYMS Hall on Sat. 1^st March. 1^st prize (£100) – Mrs. Mary Healy/Tina Healy, 2^nd prize (£40) – Mike Murphy and Teddy Cronin. First jink – Catherine Foley/Maurice Geary (£5 each) and Bill O Neill/Christy O Neill (£5 each). Door prize – Jerry Clifford/Michael Fleming (£5 each). Table prizes – Mrs. Mary Healy/Tina Healy (£5 each) and George Evans/John Doyle (£5 each). The hall cost £18, caretaker (Paul McMahon) £10. There was a net profit of £112.50. The helpers were Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott, Pat Lynch, James Sheehan and Jerome Conway.

4^th night in CYMS Hall on Sat. 8^th March. A total of 60 card-players attended (6 tables of 8, and 2 tables of 6). There were four partners on seven games. Therefore the first and second prizes were amalgamated and divided by eight, giving each player £15 each. First jink – Catherine Foley/Maurice Harmon. Door prize – James Clifford/Batty O Dwyer (£5 each). Table prizes – Joe O Sullivan/Jimmy Doyle (£5 each) and Mr. Griffin/Con O Sullivan (£5 each). The gross takings were £240 and the net profit was £60.

5^th, and final, night in CYMS Hall on Sat. 22^nd March. 1^st prize (£60) – Pat Sheehan/James Galvin. 2^nd prize (£30) – Frank O Shea/Tony Horgan. Door prize – Brendan Twiss/Jimmy Doyle. Helpers – Joe Shannon, Pat Pigott, Pat Lynch and Jerome Conway.

The Progressive 31 commenced again on 9^th Nov. but it was a disappointment as only 68 participants attended. A further effort was made on 16^th Nov. without very much success and thereafter they were discontinued. It was planned to hold a Monster 31 Card Drive during Christmas.

 

The club ran a 400 club Silver Circle Draw.

1^st Draw on Sat. 22^nd March – 1^st prize (£100) Brian O Sullivan, 2^nd prize (£25) Con Lynch, c/o Telecom, Killarney, 3^rd prize (£25) Sean O Sullivan, c/o Klinge, £10 each to Mattie Cronin, Michael Curran, c/o Klinge, John O Sullivan, c/o Manor Inn, Paul McKenna, Joe Crowley.

2^nd Draw on Sat. 29^th March – 1^st prize (£100) Eric Brick, 2^nd prize (£25) – Con Lynch, 3^rd prize (£25) Eileen Hannon, £10 each to Michael Moriarty, c/o Klinge, Maurice Corkery, Denis Russell, Noel Kelliher, Killarney, and Josie O Sullivan.

3^rd Draw on Mon. 7^th April – 1^st Prize (£100) Michael Healy; 2^nd Prize (£25) John V. O Sullivan; 3^rd Prize (£25) Sean McKenna; £10 each to Noel Shanahan, Mrs. O Riordan, Donal Clifford (Ardmoniel), Kathleen Sheehan (Groyne) and Eugene O Sullivan (Tooreenasligaun).

4^th Draw on Mon. 21^st April – 1^st Prize (£100) Brendan Twomey; 2^nd Prize (£25) Seamus Murphy; 3^rd prize (£25) Donie O Sullivan; £10 each to Liam Crowley, Florrie O Sullivan (Glencar), Anthony Shannon, John McKenna and Seamus Murphy.

5^th Draw on Mon. 21^st April – 1^st prize (£100) Gene Ahern; 2^nd Prize (£25) Ann O Leary; 3^rd prize (£25) Patrick O Connor; £10 each to Stephen Russell, Sean McKenna, Patrick O Grady, Michael Curran, Kathleen O Sullivan.

6^th, and final, Draw on Tues. 29^th April – 1^st prize (£100) Phil Browne, 2^nd prize (£25) Gearóid O Sullivan, 3^rd prize (£25) Eileen Hannon, £10 each to Noel Lucey, Mick Moriarty, c/o Klinge, Sheila O Connor N.T.

The gross takings for the Club Draw were £2,857. The net profit was £1,245

 

The Kerry Co. Board organised a six-monthly draw, commencing in June. Laune Rangers took part and the driving-force behind the club’s sales was James Coffey. There were some winners from Laune Rangers:

June – Seamus Murphy, Mountain View (£100).

July – John and Anne O Connor, Gurrane West (£100).

Aug. – Gerry and Joan Foley, Sunhill (£100).

 

Laune Rangers ran a Christmas Gala Dance on Sat. 20^th Dec. in the Manor Inn. Music was by Patrick Doyle, Myles Coffey and Christy O Riordan. Tickets cost £2.

 

The Laune Rangers Club set up a saving scheme for those who intended going on a trip with the club at the end of the year. Edward Stack and Joe Shannon were available in James Coffey’s Bar on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

 

Laune Rangers senior team commenced training on Wed. 22^nd Jan. in the CYMS Hall, under Peter Gill. There was an amount of hassle from the Basketball Club, per Paul McMahon, which did not want Laune Rangers to have the use of the hall on their nights, even if they were playing away from home. Players present were Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, Pat O Brien, John O Dwyer, Stephen Russell, John Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Gerard Murphy, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Gerry Foley, Tommy Woods, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, John Murphy and basketballers, James O Riordan, James Foley and John Whelan. Mentors, looking on, were Noel O Mahony, John Clifford, Maurice Corkery and Jerome Conway.

On Mon. 27^th Jan. Laune Rangers club received a letter from the CYMS Basketball Club, stating that it had the use of the CYMS Hall on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm until 11.00pm and no other club was allowed to use the hall at those times. Pierce Prendiville said that the letter did not receive permission from a meeting. James Riordan rang to say that most of the basketball players disassociated themselves from that letter.

Nevertheless, Jerome Conway negotiated the use of the new Sports Complex, which had not yet been completed, with Austin O Reilly, principal of Killorglin Vocational School. The senior team trained in the New Complex (the first group to do so) on Mon. 27^th Jan. under Peter Gill. The following were present, Joe Shannon, James Sheehan, Michael Moriarty, John Griffin, Bertie O Riordan, Paul Griffin, Brian O Shea, Declan Crowley, Michael O Reilly, Anthony Shannon, Edward Stack, Patrick McInery, Tom Johnston, Mícheál Johnston. Onlookers – Noel O Mahony, John Clifford, Frank Russell, Maurice Corkery and Jerome Conway (Peter Lyons arrived late).

Thurs. 30^th Jan. – training in the New Complex under Peter Gill. There was hassle with the Callanfercy Soccer Club officials, Johnny O Connor and John Joe O Sullivan, who claimed that it had been their night for training. Eventually, Laune Rangers agreed to train on Tues. and Thurs. nights in future. The players that trained on that night were Joe Shannon, Peter Lyons, Gene Evans, Brian O Shea, Teddy Clifford, James Sheehan, Anthony Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, Michael Fleming, Paul Griffin, Gerard Murphy, John O Dwyer, Pat O Brien, Michael Moriarty, Patrick McInery, Sean Whelan, Declan Crowley, Michael O Reilly, Shane O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Paudie Sheahan, Timmy Palmer (Kenmare). Onlookers – Noel O Mahony, John Clifford and Jerome Conway.

 

On Fri. 14^th Feb. a meeting took place in Bart Moriarty’s house, Dunmaniheen between officers of the Laune Rangers Club (Jerome Conway, Joe Shannon and Edward Stack) and Killorglin Hurling Club (Pat Lynch, John Purcell and Maurice Geary). It was decided that the hurling club would come under the umbrella of the Laune Rangers Club – it would be a sub-committee of the club, with the remit to look after hurling affairs. It would be financially independent. That decision was ratified at the Laune Rangers Club meeting on Mon. 17^th Feb.

 

Beaufort Ladies’ Football Club had been reformed at the beginning of the year and the girls from the parish of Tuogh, who had been playing with Laune Rangers, returned to play with their native parish. That signalled the end of Laune Rangers’ Ladies football team. Some girls from Killorglin played with Beaufort.

Co. Senior League on Sun. 6^th July: Austin Stacks 6-6; Beaufort 0-4. Jacqueline McGillycuddy scored 0-1.

Munster Junior Final on Sun. 27^th July: Waterford 4-2; Kerry 1-6. Jacqueline McGillycuddy played well at full-forward.

Co. Senior League on Mon. 29^th Sept. at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-2; Castleisland 0-3.

Beaufort (all Beaufort except where mentioned): Carmel Coffey, Christine Doyle, Nora Hallissey, Elaine McGillycuddy (Killorglin), Geraldine Cahillane (Keel), Phil Curran, Siobhán O Sullivan, Kathleen Curran, Mary Jo Curran, Fiona Mangan, Jacqueline McGillycuddy (Killorglin), Mary Buckley, Sheila O Shea, Mary Horgan (Killorglin), Eileen Scully. Subs: Sheila Morris, Kathryn Foley.

Co. Senior Semi-final at Keel: Beaufort 5-4; Austin Stacks 1-4. Elaine McGillycuddy played in goals, Jacqueline McGillycuddy scored 1-1 from centre half-forward and Mary Horgan played at full-forward.

Co. Senior Final: Castleisland 1-7; Beaufort 1-4. Elaine McGillycuddy was outstanding at left fullback, Mary Horgan played at right full-forward and Jacqueline McGillycuddy played at full-forward.

Co. Junior Final on Sun. 2^nd Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Abbeydorney 1-6; Beaufort 1-4.

Jacqueline McGillycuddy played at right fullback, Elaine McGillycuddy played at centre halfback and Mary Horgan at right half-forward.

Munster Senior Final on Sun. 10^th Aug. at Ballineen: Kerry 2-11; Cork 1-5.

Jacqueline McGillycuddy was a substitute.

All-Ireland Semi-final in Galway on Sun. 31^st Aug: Kerry 3-11; Galway 1-4. Jacqueline McGillycuddy came on as a substitute.

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 12^th Oct. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-11; Wexford 0-8.

Jacqueline McGillycuddy was a substitute. That win gave her the first All-Ireland Championship medal. She had previously won two Munster Championships and three National Leagues.

 

The sudden and unexpected death occurred on Fri. 18^th April of Noreen Murphy, Mountain View. She was 40 years of age. She had been a committed member of Laune Rangers Bord na nOg. She had coached the Community Games Football team in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985, winning the Kerry Co. Final on the latter three years. In 1985 she led her team to the All-Ireland semi-final, where they lost to Omagh.

She had been one of the founder members of the Laune Rangers Ladies’ Committee, which ran the shop in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, raising funds for the club and the Church. That committee also looked after the teams after the various inter-county games in the field. There was a massive attendance at both the removal of the remains to St. James’ Church on Sat. and to Dromavalla Cemetery on Sun. Members of Laune Rangers underage and senior players, as well as officials, formed a guard of honour on both days.

The death occurred in England of Eddie West, formerly of Lower Bridge Street on 19^th May. He had played with the Kerry Minor Footballers in 1939 and with Laune Rangers until he emigrated to England. There was a guard of honour of Laune Rangers’ members at his funeral to Dromavalla Cemetery.

The death occurred on Mon. 21^st July of Timothy ‘Chub’ O Connor, Seven Oaks. He had played with the Laune Rangers before he emigrated to England in the thirties. Members of the Laune Rangers Club formed a guard of honour at the removal of the remains to St. James’ Church on Wed. and to Dromavalla Cemetery on Thurs.

The death took place at the beginning of Oct. of Pat Joy, Ballykissane. He had played with the Laune Rangers in the 1920’s and 1930’s. His brother, Jim, won All-Irelands with Dublin in the 1930’s.

 

The Church Gate Collection in Killorglin in aid of the Kerry Co. Board’s preparations for the All-Ireland Senior Football Final yielded £458.

 

The Mid-Kerry Final of Scór na nOg was held in Beaufort on Sat. 30^th Nov. Colette Finnegan, Laune Rangers, won the Solo Singing competition. Laune Rangers came second in the Set Dancing.

Jerome Conway adjudicated Aithriseoireacht, Nuachleas and Tráth na gCeist at the Co. Semi-final of Scór na nOg in Brosna on Sat. 13^th Dec. Patrick Joy adjudicated the Rinnce Set and Rinnce Foirne.

Jerome Conway adjudicated the Nuachleas at the Munster Scór finals in the Savoy Theatre, Limerick, on Sun. 6^th April.

 

At the end of 1986, Tommy Conroy, of Kerry’s Eye, picked a panel of 94 for his Team of 1986. Brian O Shea was one of the six fullbacks, Anthony Shannon was one of the six left fullbacks, Pat O Brien was one of the six right halfbacks, Tom Johnston and Joe Shannon were two of the tem midfielders, Pierce Prendiville was one of the six centre half-forwards, Gerard Murphy was one of the six left full-forwards. He then selected the fifteen most consistent footballers in their positions for their clubs. Of Joe Shannon, who was at midfield, he said, ‘Joe was an inspiring captain during Laune Rangers’ win in Division 1 County League. He always works hard at his game. He is a very clean and sporting player. His control of midfield was instrumental in his club’s successful 1986.’

 

The AGM of the Kingdom Club, London, was held in the Spotted Dog, Willesden. Pat O Mahony, former Laune Rangers and Templenoe player, was elected as Chairman. Christy Kissane was elected onto the ‘B’ team selection committee.

 

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

Mon. 17^th March, MFL at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Valentia.

Mon. 7^th April, MFL at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh v Renard/Foilmore.

Sun. 13^th April, SFL Div. 5B at Ballymac: Ballymac ‘B’ drew with Desmonds ‘C’.

Sun. 27^th April, SFL League Div. 5A at Annascaul: Annascaul ‘B’ 1-8; Scartaglin ‘B’ 1-4.

Sun. 8^th June, SFL Div. 3A at Ballinskelligs: St. Michael’s 0-5; Kilcummin 0-9.

Sat. 28^th June, SFL Div. 4A at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan 1-3; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 1-6.

Sat. 5^th July, SFL Div. 4A at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ lost to Derrynane.

Sun. 17^th Aug, SFL Div. 4A at Dromid: Dromid v Gneeveguilla ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Championship

Rd. 3 on Tues. 3^rd June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ v Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’. Ref: Jerome Conway.

Rd. 4 on Tues. 10^th June at Milltown:  Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ v Cromane ‘B’. Ref: Pat O Shea.

Rd. 6 on Tues. 24^th June at Vocational School’s Pitch: Cromane ‘B’ v Glenbeigh ‘B’. Ref: Pat O Shea.

Mid-Kerry Minor Final on Sat. 4^th Oct. at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-7; Beaufort 0-4. Ref: Jerome Conway.

 

Co. Senior Football Final on Sun. 5^th Oct. at Tralee: Austin Stacks 1-11; Killarney 1-7.

Co. Minor Football Final on Sat. 30^th Aug. at Beaufort: Killarney 0-13; Laune Rangers 1-4.

Co. U-21 Football Final on Sun. 5^th Oct. at Tralee: Dr. Crokes 1-11; Castleisland Rangers 2-4.

Co. Intermediate Football Final on Sun. 19^th Oct. at Killorglin: Valentia 1-10; Annascaul 1-7.

Co. Junior Football Final on Sun. 14^th Sept. at Killorglin: Cordal 0-8; Rathmore 0-7.

Co. Novice Football Final on Sun. 12^th Oct. at Killorglin: Na Gaeil 2-10; Renard 2-7.

Co. Club Football Final on Sun. 21^st Dec. at Tralee: Valentia 0-8; Kenmare 0-7.

Co. Club ‘B’ Football Final on Sat. 11^th Oct. at Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-6; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 0-5.

 

On Sat. 25^th Jan. at Tralee, Kerry played a draw (3-8 to 0-17) with the Rest of Munster in a Munster Football Trial game. Peter Lyons played in goals for Kerry and Joe Shannon played at right half-forward.

Sun. 11^th May, challenge in Toormakeedy: Kerry 2-5; Mayo 1-8. Peter Lyons played in goals and Tom Johnston scored 0-1 from right full-forward. He was later moved to right half-forward.

Kerry beat Laois (3-11 to 1-3) in the opening of the Thomas Culhane Park, Glin on Sun. 1^st June. Joe Shannon scored 0-1 from right half-forward.

 

Munster Senior Football Championship Final on Sun. 6^th July at Killarney: Kerry 0-12; Cork 0-8.

All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-final on Sun. 24^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-13; Meath 0-12.

All-Ireland Final on Sun. 21^st Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-15; Tyrone 0-10.

That was Kerry’s 31^st All-Ireland title. Paudie O Shea, Ogie Moran, Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy and Ger Power had won a record eight All-Ireland medals each.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Paudie O Shea, Sean Walsh, Mick Spillane, Tommy Doyle (capt.), Tommy Spillane, Ger Lynch, Jack O Shea, Ambrose O Donovan, Willie Maher, Ogie Moran (0-2), Pat Spillane (1-4), Mikey Sheehy (1-4, 3 frees), Eoin Liston (0-2), Ger Power (0-1). Sub: Timmy Dowd (0-2) for A. O Donovan, John Kennedy, John Higgins, Michael Galway, Stephen Stack, Dermot Hannafin, John Walsh, Domo Lyne.

 

Laune Rangers’ Annual Social was held on 1^st Jan. 1987 in the Ross Inn, Glenbeigh. 212 members and supporters attended. The Music was provided by the Johnny Reidy Band and tickets cost £10. A bus from Killorglin was provided as a cost of £2 per person. A most enjoyable night was experienced by the fine attendance. The senior players were presented with their Co. League Div. 1 medals by Co. Board Chairman, Frank King, who, in his address, said he hoped to be back in twelve months to present the team with Senior Co. Championship medals. The Mid-Kerry Senior Championship and League medals were presented by Mike McCarthy, Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, who pleaded for a united team in Mid-Kerry, stating that, if Laune Rangers threw their lot in with Mid-Kerry, he would have no doubts but Mid-Kerry would win the Senior and Minor Co. Championships. Very Rev, Canon Keane, PP, spoke of the great work Laune Rangers were doing for the youth of the area, while the Chairman of the Club, Jerome Conway, appealed for more involvement by parents and past players. Team trainer, Noel O Mahony, announced that the ‘Player of the Year’ award was won by Pierce Prendiville. Noel thanked the players for their co-operation during the year and looked forward to another successful year. William Kennedy, Manager Lee Strand Co-op, and his wife were present, as was Pat O Mahony, Chairman of the Kingdom Club, London, and his wife. Both were former Laune Rangers’ players.

 

The AGM of Callanfercy Soccer Club was held on Wed. 14^th May. The following officers were elected: President – Cormac Johnston, Chairman – Johnny O Connor, Vice Chairman – John Joe O Sullivan, Hon. Sec. – Dolores Johnston, Joint Hon. Treasurer – Fiona Foley and Tom Johnston, PRO – Tina Healy. Committee – John P. O Sullivan, Tom Johnston, Joe Curran, Peter Lyons, Dolores Johnston, Michael Murphy. ‘A’ team trainer – John Joe O Sullivan, ‘B’ team trainer – Michael Murphy, Youth manager – Jimmy Doona, U-16 managers – Dolores Johnston and Mícheál Johnston.

 

Killorglin NACAI Sports meeting was held on Sun. 8^th June in the J.P. O Sullivan Park. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Boys: U-5 50m – 3^rd Kieran Woods. U-6 60m – 1^st Eoin Ferris. U-8 80m – 2^nd Ian Twiss.

U-16 100m – 2^nd Adrian O Connor. U-13 600m – 3^rd B. O Brien. U-14 800m – 3^rd Kevin Guilfoyle.

U-16 800m – 2^nd Adrian O Connor. U-16 Shot Putt – 3^rd Adrian O Connor.

Senior Men Shot Putt – 2^nd Jerome O Regan. Married Men 100m – 1^st Maurice Foley, 2^nd Jerome O Regan, 3^rd John A. O Brien.

Girls: U-6 60m – 3^rd L. Ahern. U-10 100 – 3^rd Geraldine O Brien. U-16 100m – 3^rd C. O Brien.

Married Ladies (confined) 100m – 1^st Theresa McGillycuddy, 2^nd Phil Anne Foley, 3^rd Maureen Gamble.

 

The Community Games Athletics Finals were held in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee on the weekend 28^th/29^th June. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Boys: U-8 60m – 2^nd T.J. Cronin. U-17 10K Marathon – 3^rd Gerard Clifford.

Girls: U-14 800m – 3^rd Loreto Lenihan. U-16 High Jump – 1^st Angela Brennan. U-14 Shot Putt – 3^rd Catherine Ahern.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Glenbeigh on Sun. 18^th Jan. 1987. The Secretary, Pat Clifford, reported as follows: “The year under review showed some improvements. The standard of football showed some improvement above that of the last few years, but it has a long way to come if we are to make it to the top of Kerry football. Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers took part in the Senior, U-21 and Minor Co. Championships. All teams gave a good account of themselves, except the Mid-Kerry Minors.

Mid-Kerry senior team got off to a great start by beating Shannon Rangers in the first round and then taking Feale Rangers in the quarter-final, but we were well beaten by Austin Stacks in the semi-final at Killarney. Looking back at it now, I think they did well with the limited amount of top-class footballers available. I would give no praise to the senior selectors, because it was back to the old story of every selector trying to get his own club players on, but the trainer, Pat O Shea, gave it all he could.

Mid-Kerry U-21’s were well beaten by South-Kerry. I think we were one of the weakest teams in the competition. The Mid-Kerry Minors were beaten in the first round by Dr. Croke’s. I think that this minor team could have gone a long way in taking the county title if proper care was taken of them. At the first meeting of the Board, the trainer and selectors were appointed and, at a later meeting, full control was handed over to the trainer and the selectors. After that, there was little or nothing done with them. I think the players were brought together once or twice at the most. There was no team selected when we arrived at Killarney. The best team was not selected, as was proved in the second half with the three subs that were introduced. There was one player in particular, who started the game and, from once the ball was thrown in, he never stopped fouling and giving out to the referee. This player was left on the field of play until nine minutes from the end of the game. We were beaten by the last kick of the game, a game that we should have won by halftime if the right players were selected.

Laune Rangers Club had a very good year in 1986. Their senior team got to the second round of the Co. Championship and their minor team was unlucky to be beaten in the final by Killarney. Their senior team and minor team won the Division 1 of the Co. League. This was a great achievement. Their U-21’s, like Mid-Kerry, were very weak but they reached the second round. I wonder if Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers were under the same flag, would we have cups on the table here today.

In the Co. District Board U-17 League, the Mid-Kerry team, trained and managed by Jerome Conway, John Burke and Jack McGrath, brought home the cup. Now that this team has won the U-16’s and U-17’s, I hope that the team and managers will stay together and bring home the Co. Minor Championship in 1987.

Within the area, all competitions were completed. The weather was very unkind to us in the early part of the year. Laune Rangers made it four-in-a-row by taking the Senior Championship and everybody seems to say that it was one of the best finals for some time. Rangers also took the Senior League, with Milltown/Castlemaine taking the O Sullivan Cup and Minor Championship. The winners of all our competitions are as follows:

Senior Championship – Laune Rangers.

Senior League – Laune Rangers.

Minor Championship – Milltown/Castlemaine.

‘B’ Championship – Milltown/Castlemaine.

Novice Championship – Milltown/Castlemaine.

O Sullivan Cup – Milltown/Castlemaine.

Bord na nOg:

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

U-14A – Beaufort. U-14B – Glenbeigh/Glencar.

U-12A – Laune Rangers. U-12B – Beaufort.

National Schools’ League:

4-Teachers’s School (11-a-side) – Glounaguillagh.

4-Teachers’ Schools (15-a-side) – Cullina.

3-Teachers’ schools – Fybough.

2-Teachers’ Schools – Black Valley.

There was a Co. Novice game played as a curtain-raiser to our Senior Final. This was a game that we could very well have done without. We took about £160 and it cost us £265. There were tickets printed and the referee for the Novice game and his officials were given a meal at the Mid-Kerry Board’s expense. I wish to assure you that I did not know this was happening until after.

Senior Scór 1986 was run by Glenbeigh Club and it was once again a big success.

Glenbeigh Club opened its new playing field and dressing-rooms during the year. I congratulate them. It was a pity that they did not get fine weather for the opening. Cromane’s new field has come on a lot in the last year. I hear that they will be opening it in the coming year.

For the New Year, I hope,

• That Laune Rangers will come and join up and play with Mid-Kerry in the coming year and bring home some badly needed county titles.
•  That no one officer of the Board will be allowed to make decisions for the Board without consulting the other officers.
• That all six clubs will be compelled to provide three referees.
• That the Board will appoint trainers for the three Mid-Kerry teams and let them pick two selectors, because that is the only way that we can get our best players on the field of play.
• That either the Novice or the ‘B’ Championship would go, because we do not need two competitions of the same class.

I wish to congratulate,

v  The Kerry team and Kevin Griffin and James Coffey on winning the All-Ireland again in 1986.

v  The Laune Rangers on winning the Senior County League and Minor League in Division 1 and Milltown/Castlemaine on winning Minor Division 2.

v  Jerome Conway, John Burke and Jack McGrath and the U-17 team on winning the Co. District Board League.

In conclusion, I would like to thank,

• All our referees for their kind services during the past year.
• Beaufort Club for running Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg.
• All that sponsored trophies for the man-of-the-match and Lee Strand for sponsoring our Senior Championship.
• All other Board officers.
• The clubs for the use of their playing fields.
• The trainers of our three teams, Pat O Shea, Jim Foley and George McAuliffe.
• Moss O Connor, Keel, for the new cup that he presented to the Board for our Senior Championship.
• The Kerryman and Kerry’s Eye for the coverage they gave to our games during the year.

Finally, as I am not seeking re-election for the coming year, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for the kindness you have shown to me over my years as Secretary, and I wish the clubs and the Board every success in the years ahead. Again many thanks to you all.”

 

The AGM of Laune Rangers’ Club took place on 19^th Jan. 1987. Secretary Joe Shannon gave the following report: “Last year’s convention saw many changes at administration level – our Treasurers, Edso Crowley and John Foley, resigned and James Coffey vacated the chair. Only by being involved in the administration of the club can one truly appreciate the tremendous work done by these people and, because of this work, they proved a hard act to follow. However, the running of the club must go on and we can now look back on 1986 as being one of, perhaps, our most successful years to date. This was quite evident from the array of trophies on display at the recent social. But more on the individual team successes later. For the meanwhile, I will deal with events, which took place other than on the field of play.

During 1985, the state of the JP O Sullivan Park was the topic of many a discussion. At various stages throughout the year the pitch was virtually unplayable, due primarily to too many games and adverse weather conditions. To prevent this problem from reoccurring, a committee was formed to investigate the possibility of purchasing an alternative, suitable playing area. Although some enquiries were made, it was quite evident that prices being sought were well outside the club’s financial capabilities, without proper fund-raising and willing workers to oversee same. On considering these points, it was decided to improve what we had and, in line with this decision, a major re-sodding programme was undertaken at the beginning of the year, which proved a success. It was most heartening to note during this re-sodding the number of club members willing to give of their free time. I think it was Jim Galvin that said at one of our club meetings that he had not witnessed such voluntary manpower for many years. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank all those who helped with the re-sodding and, in particular, Jim Galvin, Matty Cahill, Seamus Murphy and Michael McSweeney, who sustained their efforts not only for a few weeks but throughout the year and carried out tremendous improvements, which rejuvenated the pitch and surroundings beyond recognition. Perhaps we should reconsider purchasing an alternate venue and further improve our present facilities. As an example, we should take Kerins O Rahillys, who came from having a corrugated-iron shed as dressing-rooms to having the best club-complex in the county within two years. Perhaps we are too conservative in our attitude and somewhat old fashioned in our opinions with regards to going temporarily into debt to acquire the facilities the club deserves and the community needs.

February 1986 marked another milestone in the history of Laune Rangers GAA Club with Killorglin Hurling Club coming in under our umbrella. This amalgamation saw a strong bond being formed between the two codes. Throughout the year every assistance was given to the hurlers in promoting their game and they more than repaid us by the interest they showed in the running of the club and by the enthusiastic manner by which they participated in all our fund-raising efforts. In this respect, I would like to give a special mention to John Purcell, Bart Moriarty, Pat Lynch and Maurice Geary and thank them for their assistance throughout the year.

Although there was much controversy during the year regarding the area of sponsorship within the Association, the club took another step forward in March and entered this area by erecting various advertising signs at the JP O Sullivan Park. With proper marketing, this area can be expanded further, which, in turn, would help to alleviate some of the financial strain on the club. In April, the club made initial enquiries about, and strived to employ someone in a maintenance capacity under the Youth Employment Scheme. However, due to Department red-tape and numerous other hindrances outside our control, the scheme has just officially been initiated this week – so much for Government efficiency!

May saw the first of the many trophies won during the year come to Killorglin, when the U-14’s won the Co. Div. 1 title, despite not being given a chance at the start of the year.

June saw the Cromane affair once again rise its ugly head, as a result of it coming to our attention that Cromane were fielding illegal players, i.e. players outside their Station Districts. However, despite pointing out these incidents to the Co. Board, no disciplinary action was taken. By not enforcing the agreement between the two clubs, the Board has set a precedent for clubs with the misfortune of finding themselves in similar circumstances. Perhaps, now that we have changes at Co. Board level, we can look forward to the enforcement of adherence to rules and laws laid down. I would point out that the club, as a rule, does not convey these matters to Co. Board to purposely widen the rift, which already exists between the two clubs, but finds it necessary to do so in order to protect out present status.

After a lapse of some years, a Parish League was organised and initiated in July. Football boots that hadn’t seen daylight for many years were resurrected. Beer bellies were sucked in and strapped up and players set to their task enthusiastically. It was stated that Mike Murphy togged out for every match to the theme music of Rocky 111! Indeed some spectators who were lucky enough to witness these spectacles could not be blamed for thinking the games were being played under Australian Rules! The League is not yet finalised, dates for the remaining games will be set in due course.

August and September were relatively quiet months, with no major incidents to report.

In October, our finances got a boost with the introduction of proceeds from the Kerry Co. Board Draw to the club’s accounts. It is quite obvious from the Treasurers’ Report that only for these funds, the club would have been unable to run as effectively as it did. If we are to achieve greater things both on and off the field of play, we will have to generate a greater cash-flow. I would personally suggest we form a committee responsible for fund-raising and club development, thus alleviating some of the work-load presently being thrust upon the Chairman and Secretary, which, in turn, would allow more time to concentrate on other aspects, which might benefit the club.

Despite the set-backs at administrative level, these were completely counteracted by achievements on the field. The U-12’s, managed by Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan, once again attained those high standards, which we have come to expect of them, by winning the U-12 Mid-Kerry Championship and reaching the Co. Final, only to be beaten by Legion. A great deal of our success at this level must be attributed to Seamus Murphy who, through his management of our football Kintergarten, introduces the children to the basic skills. On reaching the age of 11 or 12 they are then educated on the finer points of football by Bertie. Patsy then introduces them to football techniques not yet contained in any coaching manual. When blended together, these skills produce a determined, skilful and gutsy team with tremendous respect for their mentors. I am sure everyone here will nod in agreement with me when I say on behalf of the club, ‘Lads, thank you for a job very well done yet once again.’

Next to make the honours’ list were our U-14 team, which did what was asked of it and silenced the critics by winning the Div. 1 Co. Championship. Although they were not a very skilful side, they proved that determination and pride in a jersey can also achieve results. The man responsible for instilling this pride was Patrick Pigott, to whom the club and Killorglin parents owe a great debt. As Secretary of the Club’s Bord na nOg last year, Pat performed his duties above and beyond the call of duty. It is no easy job organising and co-ordinating juvenile games but Pat performed the task as if it was second nature. Because of the time and effort Pat contributes to the whole juvenile scene, he is held in high regard by youngsters of all ages and his immense popularity among our young players can be witnessed when he walks the streets of Killorglin. Our U-14’s also reached the Mid-Kerry final but were beaten by Beaufort in a game played in atrocious weather conditions. However, it wasn’t the weather that led to our defeat but an unacceptable display of biased refereeing. Some of the decisions during that game highlighted, for me, the bitterness and jealousy prevailing amongst some of Mid-Kerry Club members towards Laune Rangers because of our success at juvenile level. I will long remember scenes with some of our players walking off the pitch in tears, not because of defeat, but because of a despicable display of refereeing.

Our U-16’s also acquitted themselves well in their respective competitions. They reached the Co. Championship semi-final only to be beaten by old rivals, Austin Stacks, by the narrowest of margins. However, they gained some consolation as a result of their hard work by winning the Mid-Kerry Championship. The man at the helm of this outfit was none other than our Chairman, Jerome Conway, whose achievements at all underage levels speak for themselves. Jerome must be congratulated for the amount of time and work he has put in over the years in promoting the game, which has helped to make this club the great club it is today.

Our minors also enjoyed tremendous success during the year by reaching 3 finals, only to be victorious in one, the Co. League final. They displayed great skill and tremendous character in all the games leading up to the Co. Championship final. However, perhaps because of over-confidence and a poor performance in the first half, they were beaten by Killarney. However, they did not succumb to defeat easily and, in the second half, they staged a great comeback, displaying tremendous heart. However, they had left themselves with too much to do and finally ran out of steam in the last ten minutes. Over-confidence, I would say, marked their downfall in the Mid-Kerry final versus Milltown also, but perhaps derogatory comments passed by a Milltown official after the match will spur our lads on to greater victories over any Mid-Kerry opposition in the future. There is little doubt in my mind that this side is one of the finest our juvenile ranks has produced and, by adopting a mature attitude and maintaining the dedication they have shown throughout the year, they will go on to better things. The men responsible for their success to date are James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville and Maurice Corkery. Although all three were heavily involved at senior level, they still took this extra task upon themselves. Without dedicated workers like these, the successes I have mentioned would not have been achieved. Therefore, I would appeal to all members and, in particular, the senior players to get involved and give of your experiences. Although it seems like hard work, it can be very rewarding. I would like to finish the report on the minor scene by congratulating Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and James O Shea on making the Kerry minor panel and Jerome Conway on being returned as a Kerry minor selector.

The U-21’s, though they did not win any trophies, achieved a little success in their own right, when they advanced to the second round of the Co. Championship by defeating West-Kerry in dramatic fashion despite being tagged no-hopers. Spirits were high going into the second round. However, Dr. Crokes proved too strong. However, it is only a matter of time before we make a break-through on this level when one considers our good juvenile record.

Although relatively young in terms of years of establishment, our hurling counterparts continue to go from strength to strength, showing improvement every year, particularly at juvenile level. The U-12 side were runners-up in Div. 3 while the senior squad had a good run also in their Division, defeating clubs with a long history of hurling. Indeed the trainers and administrators must be commended for, at times, it must seem like an uphill battle. However, it is obvious that at times like these their immense love of the game and loyalty to club and Association prevails.

The Senior ‘B’ team had a quiet year by their own standards, although they did reach the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Final to be comprehensively beaten by Milltown. They performed disappointingly enough in the latter part of the Co. League. Many excuses, I am sure, can be offered, be it poaching of players by the ‘A’ team or injuries, etc. However, few will disagree with me when I say that the ‘B’ team was getting results when the majority of the ‘B’ team players were training. As the year went on the numbers training dropped and eventually dwindled to hardly anyone at all, resulting in few victories. Perhaps we should now arrange a separate training programme for this side, appointing a trainer to exclusively train the ‘B’ team on at least one alternative night to the ‘A’ team. Those few that did see it out to the end must be congratulated along with their selectors, Mike Foley, Liam Shannon and Maurice Corkery, who always travelled regardless of venue, some thing which cannot be said of some players.

Pride of place once again to our senior team who, by winning the Mid-Kerry League, Mid-Kerry Championship and the Co. League Div. 1, have written themselves into the history books of the Laune Rangers Club. Last January, the squad commenced their preparations indoors for the year ahead under the guidance of Peter Gill and Noel O Mahony. The numbers participating were high and the sessions tough, factors which developed a good level of team spirit. Even so, early on in the year, one could sense that ’86 was going to be our year. The hard work put in at the start of the year paid handsome dividends with great victories over teams like Valentia and Austin Stacks and, because of these victories, we quickly realised that we were capable of winning something major. March saw a change in the training programme when we went outdoors. Under the watchful eye of Noel O Mahony, the team’s efforts were sustained, resulting in the first of our triumphs when we defeated Milltown in the Mid-Kerry League Final in May. No sooner was this competition complete when the preparations for the Mid-Kerry Championship initiated. As the competition progressed, some confusion arose as to the exact date of the final. Understandably enough, players’ enthusiasm waned somewhat. However, that eternal dynamo, Noel O Mahony, once again set the wheels of victory in motion and we went into the final supremely fit. Following the Mid-Kerry League final, we realised we would not get everything our own way. However, few would have thought the final would be so close. The team showed its true character when coming from behind after conceding goals at vital stages of the game to win with the last kick of the game. The year finally came to a finish in December on winning the Co. League Div. 1 by defeating Valentia in a thrilling game. Despite going 9 points down within 15 minutes, the team displayed those qualities, which had become hallmarks of the team’s play throughout the year, and eventually the side ran our comfortable winners, the final score being 1-17 to 1-6. Despite what the press stated, this game was won fairly and, no matter what they print, they cannot take away the immense pride and ecstasy felt by every Laune Rangers after the match. Even though we achieved so much in ’86 we should not dwell on it but should go forward from here and try to achieve even greater things. I would like to sincerely thank and congratulate our trainers, Noel O Mahony and Peter Gill, our selectors, John Clifford and Frank Russell, on a job very well done. Although they came in for severe criticism at various stages during the year, they stood by their decisions and reaped the rewards.

I would like to conclude my report by thanking everyone who helped the club in any small way during the year, in particular those people who brought their cars to matches and those who participated in Scór na nOg and Scór at senior level on behalf of the club. A most sincere thanks to all our sponsors, in particular Bunkers, Donalton and The Manor Inn who contributed most generously to the club during the year. I must congratulate James Coffey on being returned at Treasurer to the Co. Board and sincerely thank my fellow officers for the tremendous help they have given me during the year. Let me conclude by saying it was a great honour for me to have been both Secretary and Captain during a most successful year and my only wish is that we go forward from here and make 1987 an even more successful year and, hopefully, next year we will be sitting here as Co. Champions. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”