1991

Laune Rangers – 1991

 

Laune Rangers had three teams in the Co. Football League – in Divisions 1, 4 and 6.

Laune Rangers won the Co. Club ‘B’ Football Championship (Molyneaux Cup) for the second time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the fifteenth time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League for the sixth year-in-a-row and the twelfth time overall.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship for the eighth time, beating Laune Rangers ‘C’ in the final.

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

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

Laune Rangers won the inaugural Co. U-15 Football Championship.

Laune Rangers won the Co. U-14 Football Championship for the eighth time and the Mid-Kerry Championship for the twenty-first time.

Laune Rangers represented Kerry at Féile Peile na nÓg in Navan and won the Division 1 competition, the first Kerry team to achieve that.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the 15^th time.

St. Mary’s won the Co. Féile nanGael Div. 2 (U-14) for the first time.

Kerry South beat Kerry North in the final of the Munster Minor Football League. Jason Griffin captained the side from right full-forward and Mike Hassett played at right halfback.

Kerry lost to Cork in the Munster Minor Football Final – Mike Hassett played at centre halfback.

Kerry beat Cork in the Munster U-21 Football Final (Billy O Shea broke a leg) but the team lost to Tyrone in the All-Ireland Final. Billy O Sullivan played at left full-forward. Danny Cahill and Tommy Byrne were substitutes.

Kerry beat Cork in the Munster Senior Football Final but lost to Down in the All-Ireland semi-final – Timmy Fleming played at left full-forward.

St. Mary’s won the Co. Junior Hurling Championship and the South-Kerry Div. 2 League. The Killorglin representatives on the team were Gerry Foley, Robert Kennedy, Joe Kennedy and Val Broderick. Gerard Hearne was a substitute.

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

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

Pat Pigott was elected onto the GPC of Bord na nOg Chiarraí for the third successive year.

Edward Stack was re-elected as Joint-treasurer of the Mid-Kerry Board and Christy O Riordan was elected as PRO.

*       *      *      *      *          *         *        *           *             *                *                *

The AGM of the club was held in The Manor Inn at 8.00pm on 11^th Dec. 1990. 102 members attended. The Chairman welcomed all present and asked that the minutes of the previous AGM be taken as read. That was proposed by James Sheehan and seconded by John Clifford. The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1990.

Joint Treasurers, James Coffey and Pat Pigott, had prepared an income and expenditure account for the year, which showed an excess of expenditure over income of £9,949.41.

In the Chairman’s address he thanked all those involved with teams during the year for their time and dedication. He thanked the players for their efforts and their time. He hoped that in the coming year we would improve the facilities at the J.P. O Sullivan Park and thanked all those who supported our draw and all those who sold tickets.

The Chairman paid a special tribute to Senior Trainer, Noel O Mahony, who was stepping down that year. He said that Noel’s record was second to none and that, in his year as Chairman, he had always found Noel most courteous and helpful and he said he was glad that Noel had received words of praise and thanks from County Board Chairman, Sean Kelly. Other words of praise and thanks came from Jerome Conway, Bart Moriarty and James Coffey and each expressed their pleasure at having worked with Noel.

The Joint-Treasurers, James Coffey and Pat Pigott, reported that expenditure for the year was a massive £22,056, which was over £10,000 more than income. They sought a big increase in membership fees. They pointed out that the development in the J.P. O Sullivan Park would place an enormous burden on the club and several fund-raising activities would have to be held.

 

Election of Officers:

Life President:            Paddy Crowley.

Chairman:            Aidan Gannon.

V/Chairman:            Jim Galvin.

Secretary:            Donal Pigott.

J/Treasurers:            James Coffey & Pat Pigott.

Registrar:            Liam Shannon.

P.R.O:              There were two nominations – Bernadette Corkery and Christy O Riordan. In the ensuing vote, the former was elected and so became to first lady-officer in the club’s history.

Youth Officer              Patrick Pigott.

Delegate to Co. Board: There were two nominations – Jerome Conway and John Clifford. The former withdrew and John Clifford was elected.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board: There were three nominations – Jerome Conway, John Clifford and Donal Pigott. The former withdrew. John Clifford and Donal Pigott were elected.

Senior Selectors: There were nine nominations – James Sheehan, Anthony Shannon, Maurice Corkery, Pa O Grady, Declan Falvey, Batty Foley (all of whom withdrew), John Evans, John Clifford and Patsy Joy were deemed elected (Following a meeting of the selectors and senior players, at the          beginning of January, John Evans was appointed trainer in succession to Noel O Mahony, who had been in charge for the previous eight years.)

‘B’ Team Selectors: There were five nominations – James McInery, John Purcell, John Griffin, Ger Counihan and Brian O Shea. All five were deemed to be elected. However, Brian O Shea said that he would withdraw his name if there was not a vote. He was asked to reconsider and he said that he would think about it.

 

Motions:

1. That a survey be carried out by the club to find out how many players in our parish between the ages 17-21 who are not playing football. (Bart Moriarty) – Passed.
2. That players, who played in the 50’s and 60’s and who are still members, should be made honorary vice-presidents of the club. (Christy O Riordan). It was decided to defer this until next year’s AGM and, in the meantime, we will find out the exact number of vice-presidents, which the club presently has.
3. That John Evans be appointed trainer of the Senior Team. (Jim Casey). It was pointed out that it would be the incoming selectors, the club officers and the senior players that would appoint the trainer.
4. That the Annual Membership fee be raised. (James Coffey). After much discussion this was agreed. James Ferris proposed subscriptions of £5, £15 and £20 be introduced. That was seconded and carried by a large majority.

 

Before the meeting concluded, John Purcell spoke on the indiscipline of some players and he said that the club would have to be stricter with those players who brought the club into disrepute. The Chairman then thanked all those who attended and he then closed the meeting.

 

The AGM of St. Mary’s Hurling Club took place in Firies Well, Firies, on Mon. 28^th January.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

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

 

Preliminary Rd. on Sun. 30^th June at Gneeveguilla: Gneeveguilla 1-6; Laune Rangers 1-12.

Eamonn O Sullivan described the action in the Kerryman as follows: ‘A goal eight minutes from full-time by Timmy Fleming eased ’89 county champions, Laune Rangers, into round two of this year’s campaign at wind-swept Gneeveguilla on Sunday. It was far from an impressive display by the Killorglin side. Indeed, Gneeveguilla dominated the first half and started well after the interval. But, just as in last year’s game against West Kerry, they failed to maintain the pressure and allowed Laune Rangers to regain the initiative at a vital stage.

Neither Timmy Fleming nor Ambrose O Donovan left any great impression on this game and both seem to be suffering the effects of Kerry’s heavy training. Gneeveguilla’s Sean Og O Leary was the most impressive player on view and had he received better support the home side might have caused a surprise.

Laune Rangers can thank captain, Shane O Sullivan, and wing-forward, Timmy Corkery, for this victory. Both played very well all through. The game provided good entertainment and some nice scores, but it lacked the fire of the traditional championship fire.

The game started in lively fashion, with Sean Og O Leary kicking a fine point for Gneeveguilla. Laune Rangers hit the post on two occasions before Timmy Corkery equalised. The home side, inspired by O Leary, dominated but they had four wides in succession before O Leary himself edged them in front with a point after fifteen minutes. Gneeveguilla paid the price for overplaying the ball in attack when more direct play would have produced better results.

Two points from frees by Joe Shannon had Rangers in front before Finnegan and Ambrose O Donovan set up Dan Brosnan for a deserved Gneeveguilla goal after twenty minutes. A good interchange of passes between Patie Casey and Timmy Corkery saw the latter kick another fine point for Rangers. Corkery was by far the most industrious of the Killorglin forwards, although James O Shea also impressed. But Rangers were losing out at midfield, where Prendiville and Fleming were struggling.

O Leary stretched Gneeveguilla’s lead with a long-range free and halfback, John O Donovan, added another point with the interval approaching. Gneeveguilla missed more scoring chances by overplaying the ball and just on the break Joe Shannon reduced the leeway from a free (1-4 to 0-5).

The O Donovan brothers, Ambrose and substitute, Neily, added two quick points for Gneeveguilla on the restart and a surprise result looked likely. James O Shea moved to midfield for Rangers and this helped to turn the tide as O Leary began to tire. It was also noticeable that centre-back, Tommy Byrne, was playing a major role for Rangers. Paul Griffin and Joe Shannon (free) reduced Gneeveguilla’s lead to two points. Rangers then introduced Owen Joy for Danny Cahill and almost immediately Joe Shannon kicked a magnificent point from play. Gneeveguilla launched a number of attacks but the Rangers backs were now well on top.

Paul Griffin equalised with a point from play and Corkery edged Rangers into the lead with another point. Rangers were well on their way at this stage and Tommy Byrne extended the lead with a massive point from a 65-metre free. Gneeveguilla had a chance of a goal, but, once again, the Rangers backs proved equal to the task. Timmy Fleming then scored his all-important goal to seal the issue for Rangers. They will be glad to have won, but a big improvement is needed if they are to overcome St. Kieran’s on Sunday next.

The Rangers halfback line played well and James O Shea and Pierce Prendiville (in the second half) also excelled. Up front, Joe Shannon, Paul Grffin and Timmy Corkery played well.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, William Joy, Tommy Byrne (0-1, free), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (1-0), Timmy Corkery (0-3), Joe Shannon (0-6, 4 frees), James O Shea, Paul Griffin (0-2), Danny Cahill, Patie Casey. Subs: Eoin Joy for D. Cahill; Michael Moriarty, Noel Doyle, John Doona, Adrian Hassett, Michael Lynch, Eoin Corkery. Missing: Michael O Reilly (inj.), Billy O Shea (inj.), Pat McKenna (inj.), Billy O Sullivan.

Gneeveguilla: M. J. Moynihan, N. Cronin, Pat Sullivan, J. Cronin, Mick Brosnan, John O Donovan (0-1), P. O Callaghan, Sean Og O Leary (0-3, 1 free), Pat Cremins, Dan Brosnan (1-0), Aenus Looney, J. O Keeffe, J. Looney, Ambrose O Donovan (0-1), Mike Finnegan. Sub: Neily O Donovan (0-1) for J. Donovan.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 7^th July at Scartaglin: St. Kieran’s 1-7; Laune Rangers 0-6.

Laune Rangers began well against the strong wind and their short game served them well with points from Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery and Timmy Fleming. They created other good chances but fluffed them – Michael Moriarty a goaling chance and Patie Casey another. In that half the backs were great, Pierce Prendiville played well but only Timmy Corkery, Joe Shannon and James O Shea, of the forwards, looked dangerous. Rangers were 0-4 to 0-5 in arrears at halftime.

On the resumption, Laune Rangers changed their pattern of play and drove the ball long with the wind. That tactic suited the opposition backs but not our forwards, who were, on the main, too small for that. They missed a good chance of equalising through Frankie Brennan, who had replaced the injured James O Shea, and the opposition came right down the field to go two points up. The backs continued to play well, Pierce Prendiville struggled manfully at midfield but the forwards made no progress. Billy O Sullivan came on for Frankie Brennan to no avail. Danny Cahill made his only mistake of the day and his man scored a goal. Rangers fought back well but could not get the necessary amount of scores.

Gaelic Mike in Kerry’s Eye described the game as follows: ‘The clash of the 1988 and 1989 champions at Scartaglin on Sunday turned out to be a most disappointing game. The deciding score of a low-scoring match was a goal by St. Kieran’s sub, James O Regan, fifteen minutes from the end. Young O Regan took his chance with the coolness of a veteran, rounding Rangers’ keeper, Peter Lyons, before crashing the ball to the empty net. This most important score set the ’88 champions up for a place in this years quarter finals and it sent depleted Rangers out of the title race. The game was played in very blustery conditions before a small crowd.

The attendance was affected by the live TV coverage of the men’s Wimbledon tennis final between Boris Becker and Michael Stich. St. Kieran’s lined out with hero of Cork’s defeat, Pa Dennehy, at midfield in a surprise choice. Otherwise the team was along the expected lines. Michael Galwey has turned his allegiance to international rugby and was absent. On the other hand, Laune Rangers were very much under-strength with many casualties on the injured list, including Michael O Reilly, Pat McKenna, Billy O Shea and Billy O Sullivan. Still, John Evans could call up some promising former minors.

The first half gave St. Kieran’s the wind advantage and they were one point in front after fifty seconds, when Pa Dennehy scored from outfield. Sean McElligott increased the winners’ lead with a pointed free from the hands after five minutes. Laune Rangers took up the running after this early Saints’ burst to score three points on the trot. Pierce Prendiville was doing well at midfield. Timmy Corkery, in the number ten shirt, was leading many attacks. Prendiville opened the losers’ account. Corkery got their second score, linking up with Owen Joy. Rangers were playing the better, combined football, but apart from Corkery and Joe Shannon in attack, they lacked penetration in the full-forward line, where many good gaoling chances were left slip. At this stage, Timmy Fleming, who had a quiet outing, picked up a point after Mike Moriarty’s shot for a goal broke loose. This was Rangers last score of the half. Patie Casey missed a sitter. St. Kieran’s, struggling at midfield, move Timmy Brosnan out from the attack. Kieran Scanlon and McElligott pointed and Peter Lyons handled confidently from dangerous raids on the Killorglin goal. As the halftime whistle blew, St. Kieran’s led four points to three.

St. Kieran’s came out for the second half with many positional changes. Brendan Walsh increased their lead with a fine point. Rangers chalked up some more wides before Timmy Corkery pointed to leave just the minimum dividing them, 0-5 to 0-4. At this stage, St. Kieran’s defence was growing in stature. Jack O Connell, Tim Geaney, Paudie O Connor and Tony Brosnan were keeping the Rangers’ attack well in control, while, up front, the winners’ attack looked more dangerous in creating openings. But their finishing also left them down. Sean Lambe was guilty of an open goal miss in the thirteenth minute. Two minutes later, James O Regan didn’t let his chance slip. When Rangers’ backs were caught out too far, he gratefully took the gift. The same player tapped over a point and, by then with twelve minutes left to play, it was going to be St. Kieran’s day as they led 1-6 to 0-4. Billy O Sulivan came into the Rangers’ attack. Points by Joe Shannon and Corkery left only the goal dividing the teams as the minutes ticked over. The second St. Kieran’s substitute, Thadie O Donoghue, sealed the victory with a great point – 1-7 to 0-6.

On the second half display, the winners deserved their victory and they can be expected to improve on this display for the next round. Laune Rangers were best served by Peter Lyons, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon and Timmy Corkery.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, Paudie Sheahan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-1), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Timmy Corkery (0-3), Joe Shannon (0-1, free), James O Shea, Eoin Joy, Michael Moriarty, Patie Casey. Subs: Frankie Brennan for J. O Shea (inj.); Billy O Sullivan for F. Brennan; William Joy, John Doona, Michael Lynch, Eoin Corkery, Noel Doyle, Fergus O Meara, Billy O Shea (on his way back from a serious injury).

St. Kieran’s: Brendan Lane (Brosna), Tim Geaney (Brosna), Jack O Connell (Knocknagoshel), Tony Brosnan (Currow), Padraig O Connor (Brosna), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Tommy O Connor (Cordal), Pa Dennehy (Currow) 0-1, Sean O Connor (do.), Sean McElligott (Knocknagoshel) 0-2, frees, Kieran Scanlon (Currow) 0-1, Sean Lambe (Ballymac), Timmy Brosnan (Currow), Brendan Walsh (Currow) 0-1, Freddie Casey (Scartaglin). Subs: James O Regan (Ballymac) 1-1 for S. O Connor; Thadie O Donoghue (Cordal) 0-1 for F. Casey.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry) – good.

 

Dr. Crokes, captained by Seanie O Shea, beat Desmonds in the Final by 2-10 to 1-10.

 

Co. Club Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 2^nd Nov. at 3.00pm in Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers v Valentia.

We had only ten players at the assembly point in the square and consequently we did not travel. The 10 were: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon, William Joy, Patie Casey, James O Shea, Timmy Corkery and Michael O Reilly. Pierce Prendiville was still suspended. Tommy Byrne and Eoin Joy were playing with UCD. Pa Murphy was playing with UCC. Paul Griffin was injured. The others???

There was no interest in this competition as Dr. Crokes were representing Kerry in the Club Championship, as Co. Champions. However, that was hardly a credible excuse for not fulfilling the fixture.

 

Co. Football League Div. 1

 

Rd.1 on Sun. 17^th March at 3.30pm at Annascaul: Annascaul 0-7; Laune Rangers 0-5.

That was a poor performance, particularly by the Rangers’ forwards. Annascaul had a man sent off in the first half but the visitors made very little use of the extra man until the final ten minutes, when Joe Shannon was released. Peter Lyons was very good in goals. The fullback line played very well. Billy O Shea was great. Joe Shannon settled after a very shaky first ten minutes. Mark O Connor was terrible throughout – lack of match practice. It took Timmy Fleming a while to settle but then he played well. Pierce Prendiville struggled throughout. Pat McKenna was very poor – unbelievably he was not replaced when Patie Casey came on. Michael O Reilly tried hard and he took his two points very well. Paul Griffin ran hither and thither but achieved very little and was replaced eventually by Timmy Corkery who fared little better. (Admittedly he was on the pitch for only ten minutes – Paul Griffin should really have been replaced at halftime). Tommy Byrne was too slow in the full-forward line but improved when he exchanged places with M. O Reilly, who also benefited from the move. Billy O Sullivan tried hard but achieved little – he took his point well. James O Shea, playing as a third midfielder, worked hard and picked up a lot of loose ball. Rangers were 0-5 to 0-4 in arrears at halftime, having had the benefit of the breeze. The forwards lacked penetration and, whereas Joe Shannon had plugged the No. 6 spot, he was missed out the field.

Gaelic Mike in Kerry’s Eye wrote as follows: ‘Annascaul made a winning start to their Div. 1 League programme, with a well merited two points victory over Laune Rangers in Annascaul on Sunday last. The winners played throughout the second half with fourteen men after right fullback Johnny O Driscoll was sent off in the last minute of the first half for mouthing, having been booked in the early stages for punching his opponent. Conditions underfoot were on the heavy side. The exchanges were tough and often ill-tempered, with four players booked.

Laune Rangers had most of last year’s winning U-21 team in action, but lacked weight in attack. Both defences were on top and scores were hard to come by. Annascaul enjoyed total superiority in the opening quarter with Tom McCarthy and Pat McKenna on top at midfield. Early points by David Farrell, Tommy Doyle (45) and Tom McCarthy put them three points to the good, before Timmy Fleming opened the losers’ account with a pointed 20m free. Farrell knocked over another fine Annascaul point. Switches by Rangers saw Mike O Reilly move to the edge of the small square with Billy O Sullivan going into the right corner. Timmy Fleming stormed into the game at midfield and pressure mounted on Annascaul. Three successive points by Fleming (free), Billy O Sullivan and O Reilly had the teams level four points each, while only for good goalkeeping by Kevin O Shea and solid defensive play, Rangers would have netted two goals. Weeshie Lynch, substitute for Annascaul, pointed a good free, after the dismissal of O Driscoll, to give the locals a one point lead, 0-5 to 0-4, at the break.

Annascaul pulled Bingo Driscoll out of the half-forwards to defence in the second half, and he took the game by the scruff of the neck, mopping up everything. Bingo moved forward to bring out the best in Peter Lyons. The outstanding Killorglin custodian finger-tipped the ball over the bar. Rangers’ only second half point came in the fifteenth minute from a dead ball by Fleming. Pat McKenna, promising Annascaul midfielder, made it 0-7 to 0-5 with twelve minutes left. No further score came, as confident-looking Anascaul gave nothing soft. Peter Lyons, Mark O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Billy O Shea and Timmy Fleming were best for Rangers.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan (capt.), Mark O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Joe Shannon, Mark O Connor, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Pierce Prendiville, Pat McKenna, Michael O Reilly (0-2), Paul Griffin, Tommy Byrne, Billy O Sullivan (0-1), James O Shea. Subs: Timmy Corkery for P. Griffin; Patie Casey for P. Murphy. Missing: Shane O Sullivan (holidays).

Annascaul: Kevin O Shea, Johnny O Driscoll, Pat Flahive, Brian Farrell, Tommy Doyle (0-1, 45), Vincent Knightley, Dan Sheehy, Tom McCarthy (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-1), Bingo O Driscoll (0-1), David Farrell (0-2), Niall O Donnell, Tom Sayers, Sean O Driscoll, Paddy Kennedy. Sub: Weeshie Lynch (0-1) for P. Kennedy.

Ref: Tom Golden (Desmonds) – good.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 31^st March in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; St. Mary’s 0-3.

The game was marred by a serious injury to Pat McKenna in the first half. He had to be removed to hospital. The injury, the second inside five months, kept him out of the game for the remainder of the year.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendivile, Billy O Sullivan, Pat McKenna, Patie Casey, James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin. Sub: Shane O Sullivan for P. McKenna.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 7^th April in Dingle: Dingle 0-8; Laune Rangers 0-5.

Rangers played without heart. They failed to score from play. The backs played well, with the possible exception of Mark O Sullivan. Midfield played well. They should have abandoned the third midfielder tactic as they were winning midfield anyhow. Pierce Prendiville was sent off with ten minutes to go. (At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for two weeks). Kerry’s Eye reported as follows: ‘ Dingle, unlucky losers to Austin Stacks the previous Sunday, got back to winning ways in their home pitch, Páirc an Ághasaigh, Dingle, on Sunday last when they defeated Laune Rangers in a most disappointing game. Only one player in both teams over the sixty minutes scored from play. Tom Óg O Brien, Dingle’s top of the right, had that distinction with three well-taken points. The other ten points came from frees.

The game was a poor advertisement for club football in Kerry and it also showed, once again, how inept the refereeing situation is. The referee on Sunday was downright poor and sent two players to the line amid confusion. He also left unpunished an attack on a Laune Rangers’ linesman by a Dingle player. Make no mistake about the result, victory rests with the better team and from this display, Laune Rangers are certainly gone back quite a lot. The Dingle team is no great shakes. The team is very young, but they were far superior in craft and commitment to the Killorglin team. Admittedly both teams were severely hit by defections due to injuries and Kerry U-21 members.

Only one score came from play in the first half in which Dingle, after playing into a stiffish breeze, led by 3 points to Rangers’ 2 points. Timmy Fleming opened the scoring from a free and Tom Óg O Brien levelled for Dingle from play. A spate of poor shooting on both sides set in before Sean Geaney registered two points from frees for Dingle by the 25^th minute. Timmy Fleming, from a similar situation, left the halftime score 0-3 to 0-2.

Dingle had the strong breeze at their backs on the changeover. Sean Geaney, along with brother Paul, got the better of midfield. By the 10^th minute the sides were level, 0-4 each, Sean Geaney and Dicey O Reilly (2 frees), the marksmen. Dingle, always shaping up like winners, tacked up another four deserved points. Tom Óg O Brien, the best forward on view, gave them the lead. Further points by Colm Geaney, Sean Geaney and from play by O Brien left it 0-8 to 0-4 with eight minutes to play. Rangers tried desperately to get scores but Dingle’s defence was brilliant. The only reward for Killorglin was a late point from a free by O Reilly as Pierce Prendiville and John Fitzmaurice were made spectators in a very harsh decision by the referee (Both received a 2 weeks’ suspension at a subsequent Co. Board meeting).

At the final whistle Dingle had three points to spare and well worth their victory, which keeps them within striking distance of leaders, Milltown. Best for a poor Rangers team, James Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, Dicey O Reilly and Joe Shannon tried hardest.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, James Sheehan, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming (0-2, frees), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, Michael O Reilly (0-3, frees), Patie Casey, James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin. Subs: Mark O Connor for M. O Sullivan; Michael Moriarty for P. Casey; William Joy. Missing were Billy O Shea & Billy O Sullivan (Co. U-21’s), Pat McKenna & Danny Cahill (both injured).

Dingle: Tom Hand, Sean Griffin, Tom Ashe, John Fitzmaurice, Brendan Fitzgerald, John O Connor, Carl Scanlon, Sean Geaney (0-4, frees), Paul Geaney, Colm Geaney (0-1, free), Gearoid Fitzgerald, Conor O Donnell, Tom Og O Brien (0-3), Murt Moriarty, Colm Bambury.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 4^th May in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-8.

That game, by the agreement of both clubs, doubled as Round 5 of the Mid-Kerry League. It was a great game of football. Milltown had been on top of the league and had been unbeaten. Rangers had just two points. A great crowd attended. Milltown were awarded a penalty in the first minute, when Peter Lyons downed Seanie Burke. Willie Maher obliged and then followed with two further points. Rangers showed well when driving forward and they were rewarded when Michael O Reilly kicked some great points from frees against the gale. Paudie Sheahan drove forward from fullback and rose the team to greater heights. At halftime the home side were in arrears 1-7 to 0-5.

On the restart Joe Shannon pointed and Michael O Reilly narrowed the gap to 3 points. Rangers pressed relentlessly then but to no avail. They missed some frees and scores from play. Milltown broke the stranglehold and Maher pointed. Michael O Reilly took a line ball and lobbed it across the square. There was Billy O Sullivan to punch it home. Elation! More pressure. Milltown broke upfield and Maher missed two frees – one easy chance. Michael O Reilly got the equaliser with a minute left. Relief! More pressure from the backs and midfield. When a Milltown back attempted to clear his lines, Patie Casey blocked down brilliantly, got the breaking ball, parted to Pierce Prendiville who, in turn, fed Timmy Fleming who, despite three efforts to down him, bulldozed his way through and left-footed the ball to the net. Incredible elation! Rangers had won an outstanding game of football, to which Milltown had handsomely contributed. Heroes all, as they seemed to have left the bad patch behind.

Danny Cahill, Timmy Fleming, Billy O Sullivan and Tommy Byrne had played in a challenge game earlier in the day – Kerry U-21’s v Kerry Seniors. Mickey O Sullivan (Kerry Trainer) did not want them to play at all that night but they told him that they were playing regardless of the consequences. Kerry were in the All-Ireland U-21 final on Sun. May 12^th.

The Kerryman carried this report: ‘Milltown’s unbeaten run in the County League (Div. 1) came to an end at windswept J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin, on Saturday evening last, when, before a huge crowd, they went under to Laune Rangers by three points in a thrill-packed local derby.

The game produced some great passages of open football and the large attendance witnessed some great fielding, lengthy and accurate kicking and some fine scores. Laune Rangers won this game in the closing minutes when Timmy Fleming burst through for a great goal. But they should have had the game sewn up long before that. However, they failed from six kickable frees in a row and James O Shea went clean through the Milltown defence, midway through the second half, only to blast wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The build-up to this game was great and one could sense the tension long before the teams arrived on the field. The many neutrals in the attendance were as excited as the supporters of both sides. When it was all over, all agreed that they had seen the best game of the season so far and if the County Championship produces anything like it for skill and thrills then it will be a great championship. One thing is certain – the game is in a healthy state in Mid-Kerry.

Milltown had the advantage of the strong swirling wind in the first half and they got off to a dream start when full-forward Sean Burke was grounded in the Rangers’ square and Willie Maher made no mistake with the penalty kick. Linus Burke was playing extremely well at midfield and the Milltown forwards were getting a great supply of ball. Liam Kelliher and Burke, himself, with points, put Milltown five points clear inside four minutes. Michael O Reilly reduced the deficit from a free and Billy O Sullivan broke free to take a great pass from Pierce Prendiville and scored a fine point in the sixth minute and O Reilly was on the mark again from a placed ball four minutes later.

Maher and Linus Burke came back to hit two points for Milltown but with Prendiville and Fleming now taking over at midfield, Laune Rangers began to play steady football, forcing the Milltown defence to concede frees. Maher increased the Milltown lead when he converted a ‘45’ but O Reilly hit back with two points from frees and again Maher restored his side’s advantage with two points in the closing minutes of the half, one from a free. The halftime score was 1-7 to 0-5.

During the first half Sean Burke was injured and was later replaced, while James O Shea, who was also injured, moved to the attack from midfield where Timmy Fleming took over. Laune Rangers opened well after the resumption with Joe Shannon pointing inside a minute and a minute later O Reilly reduced the deficit with a point from a free. Seventeen minutes of hard play followed with Rangers missing many scores before Billy O Sullivan hit for a fine goal when he judged perfectly O Reilly’s fine sideline kick to punch home past goalkeeper Daly. The sides were level and the tension increased. Maher restored the lead with a point from a free – his side’s only score of the second half. But O Reilly had his side on level terms with a like score three minutes from time.

The Milltown defence was hard pressed to hold out but from nowhere Timmy Fleming burst on the scene, gaining possession ten yards in from the sideline. He cut through to the centre and beat off three tackles before firing a pile-driver past goalkeeper Daly to win the game for Laune Rangers.

Best for Laune Rangers were Paudie Sheahan who had a great game at fullback – his high fielding was a delight to watch; in front, Tommy Byrne, despite being confronted by Willie Maher, had a most satisfactory game at centre halfback. These players got good support from Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy and Danny Cahill. While Mark O Connor wasn’t in his usual form, he still managed to put in some useful work. Pierce Prendiville had a fine game at midfield as did his partner, Timmy Fleming. The Laune Rangers’ attack, despite some poor finishing, gave their opponents a very tough time. Veteran Joe Shannon foraged very hard, setting up some great moves in the process. Paul Griffin kept bobbing up in the most unexpected places and was always a thorn in the side of the Milltown defence. Billy O Sullivan, on the occasions when he did evade arrest, proved how dangerous he can be. Michael O Reilly, at full-forward, distributed well and his tally of 0-6 from frees contributed much to the victory. Patie Casey was another to work hard and he linked up well with midfield. James O Shea didn’t fully recover from his injury early in the first half but he still managed to do some useful things.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Timmy Fleming (1-0), Joe Shannon (0-1), Patie Casey, Billy O Sullivan (1-2), Michael O Reilly (0-5 frees), Paul Griffin. Subs: William Joy for M. O Connor; Eoin Joy, John Doona, Michael Lynch, Liam Foley, Eoin Corkery.

Milltown: Joe Daly, Liam Cronin, Liam Spring, Andrew Boyle, Sean Costello, Ger Teahan, Gene Daly, Linus Burke (0-2), Mike Dennehy, Joe McAuliffe, Willie Maher (1-4, 3 frees & 1 pen.), Liam Kelliher (0-2), Alan Kerins, Sean Burke, Sean Counihan. Sub: Bertie Griffin for Burke (inj.).

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 17^th May at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-10; Laune Rangers 0-13.

Rangers’ forwards were quite poor. The backs played well – Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan and Paudie Sheahan scored a point each. Rangers’ midfield dominated completely. A share of the points was not a bad result.

A newspaper account went as follows: ‘A draw was probably the fairest result to this keenly contested Lee Strand S.F. Co. League Div. 1 game at Castleisland on Friday evening. Desmonds played their best football at the end of the first half and directly after the interval. At different stages, both sides dominated, with Laune Rangers producing a powerful start and an equally powerful finish.

Killorglin can thank a strong halfback line of O Sullivan, Byrne and O Connor and an inspirational midfield display by Timmy Fleming, especially in the last ten minutes. Desmonds’ corner-forward, Tom Brosnan, kept his side in the game in the first half by kicking some excellent scores. Goalkeeper, Charlie Nelligan, also brought off two excellent saves in the first half. The Desmonds’ halfback line of Leonard, Lyne and Lyons was also very effective.

Laune Rangers started in whirlwind fashion and were five points ahead within ten minutes. Desmonds’ midfield and backs were outflanked and O Reilly and Shannon kicked excellent points. The Killorglin side had a chance of stretching the lead to eight points, but Patie Casey’s shot was excellently saved by Nelligan. Dermot Hannifin retired with a rib injury at the end of the first quarter. Domo Lyne, from centre-back, contributed two points and this, allied to Brosnan’s contribution from play and frees, saw Desmonds edge ahead by 0-7 to 0-6 at the interval.

Within a minute of the restart Shane Curtin had added to the home side’s lead and when Lordan scored a goal from a penalty, after Downey had been fouled, Desmonds looked set for victory. However, Laune Rangers rallied once more and with Shane O Sullivan and Mark O Connor scoring points from the halfback line the gap was narrowed. Michael O Reilly, usually very accurate, missed a number of chances from frees, but fullback, Paudie Sheahan, scored a glorious point when he moved up the field to level the match.

Desmonds edged a point in front from Leonard, but in a hectic finish it was all Laune Rangers and the equaliser came from Joe Shannon. O Reilly had a chance to win the game for Rangers from a ‘45’ in the last seconds and, much to the relief of the large Desmonds’ following present, the kick fell short. However, he looked impressive at times at full-forward and he was best assisted by Billy O Sullivan, Paul Griffin and Joe Shannon.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan (0-1), Pa Murphy, Mark O Connor (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Joe Shannon (0-4, 2 frees), Patie Casey, Paul Griffin, Michael O Reilly (0-6, frees), Billy O Sullivan. Sub: Timmy Corkery for J. O Shea.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 14^th July in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-8; Austin Stacks 1-9.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Danny Cahill, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, Timmy Corkery, Michael O Reilly, James O Shea, Eoin Joy, Billy O Sullivan, Patie Casey. Subs: Francis Brennan for B. O Sullivan (inj.); William Joy, John Doona, Michael Moriarty, Eoin Corkery, Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 20^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Kerins O Rahillys 0-7.

That result gave Rangers 7pts. in the Co. League. They needed the win as they were going through a very rough period with injuries to so many players – Mark O Connor, Michael O Reilly, Billy O Shea and Pat McKenna. Billy O Sullivan had gone to the U.S.A for a few weeks. Timmy Fleming was playing the following day in the Munster S.F. Final. Danny Cahill had a good game, as did Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, William Joy, Pierce Prendiville and Joe Shannon. They had problems in the forward area.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, William Joy, Danny Cahill, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, Timmy Corkery, Patie Casey, James O Shea, Owen O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Eoin Joy. Subs: John Doona for P. Casey; Michael Moriarty, Francis Brennan, Eoin Corkery, Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Jason Griffin, Carl O Sullivan.

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 3^rd Aug. at Boherbue: John Mitchels 1-11; Laune Rangers 1-8.

Despite the fact that the team was very depleted, it put up a good show before going under by three points. A poor kick-out left Mitchel’s through for the all-important goal.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Paudie Russell, Adrian Hassett, Owen Corkery, William Joy, Danny Cahill, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, John Doona, James O Shea, Owen O Sullivan, Michael O Reilly, Patie Casey. Subs: Billy O Shea for O. O Sullivan; Tom Johnston for P. Russell; Jason Griffin for M. O Reilly; Francis Brennan.

 

Rd. 9 on Sat. 31^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-12; Dr. Crokes 0-9.

That was an excellent team performance against the Co. Finalists. Peter Lyons was rock solid in goals. Adrian Hassett played well despite his inexperience. Paudie Sheahan was great. Danny Cahill played superbly on Pat O Shea – keeping him to just one point from play. Pa Murphy had his best game ever, scoring a great point and being unlucky not to score a goal in the first half. Tom Johnston showed signs of not having played nor trained lately. Shane O Sullivan was sluggish but effective. Timmy Fleming excelled throughout. Joe Shannon was sluggish and below par. James O Shea played well but, all too often, he took wrong options. Pierce Prendiville was Rangers’ man-of-the-match, working and creating tirelessly. Billy O Shea was electric – his speed and work-rate were great. Timmy Corkery, despite kicking two points, was below par – admittedly the supply to him was unfavourable. Michael O Reilly played very well. Billy O Sullivan, just back from Boston, was in good form – he scored four great points. Altogether, this was a morale-boosting performance with the Mid-Kerry Championship about to commence.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Danny Cahill, Pa Murphy (0-1), Tom Johnston, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Joe Shannon, James O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Billy O Shea, Timmy Corkery (0-2), Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan (0-4). Subs: John Doona, Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Jason Griffin.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 28^th Sept. at Valentia: Valentia 2-4; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Laune Rangers played copybook football, particularly in the first half. They elected to play against the gale but they were 1-4 to 0-0 ahead after ten minutes. Billy O Sullivan was in scintillating form and he received a great supply of ball from Paul Griffin and Patie Casey. All the backs, with the unusual exception of Paudie Sheahan, were great. Midfield was outstanding. All the forwards, with the equally unusual exception of Billy O Shea, were great.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Danny Cahill, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, James O Shea, Billy O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, Eoin Joy, Patie Casey, Billy O Sullivan (2-5, 3 frees). Subs: Frankie Brennan for E. Joy; Mark O Connor for J. O Shea (inj.); Jason Griffin.

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 13^th Oct. in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-9; Gneeveguilla 3-10.

As Laune Rangers had no chance of making the top spot in the league, the result of the game was known beforehand by agreement. Rangers had a very tough training session on the previous day for an hour and a half. Timmy Fleming looked in good form. Billy O Sullivan was in good form also. Midfield did not play well. They were looking forward anxiously to the following Sunday – not with total confidence.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Danny Cahill, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Joe Shannon, Eoin Joy, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Billy O Shea for D. Cahill (inj.); Patie Casey, John Doona, Eoin Corkery.

Ref: Michael Devane (Annascaul).

 

Co. Club ‘B’ Football Championship (Molyneaux Cup)

That competition was run on a knockout basis.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 26^th July at 7.30pm at Boherbue: John Mitchel’s ‘B’ 2-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-14.

Jason Griffin, Tom Johnston, John Doona and Adrian Hassett were the stars of the show.

Laune Rangers: Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Robert Evans, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Tom Johnston, Owen O Sullivan, James Sheehan, Jason Griffin, John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly, Michael Lynch. Subs: Pat O Brien for M. Lynch; Dermot Griffin for O. O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 18^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ v Annascaul ‘B’.

The referee failed to show and there was no game. The regulation, whereby, if the appointed referee failed to show, the travelling team had the option of nominating a referee, only applied to league games.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 15^th Sept. at 6.00pm at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-8; Annascaul ‘B’ 2-3.

John Doona lorded the play at midfield and, as a consequence, the Laune Rangers forwards saw plenty of the ball and, but for the brilliance of the Annascaul goalkeeper, the score would have been much higher.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Robert Evans, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Owen O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Michael Lynch, John O Dwyer, James Sheehan, Billy O Shea. Subs: John Griffin for O. O Sullivan; Pat Pigott for T. Johnston; Carl O Sullivan for J. O Dwyer; Michael Griffin.

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 27^th Oct. at Spa: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 6-9; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 1-6.

Laune Rangers began by playing with the aid of a strong wind. Owen O Sullivan opened the scoring and John O Dwyer scored a great goal. Gneeveguilla got two pointed frees and Rangers missed many scoreable chances. Michael O Reilly pointed and the captain followed suit. Then he broke the ball down brilliantly to Owen O Sullivan, who found the net. Michael O Reilly pointed a free to leave the score at 2-4 to 0-2 at halftime. The winners’ midfield had been great in the first half.

On the resumption, it was the turn of the backs to excel. The opposition repeatedly attacked and scored 3 points. Thereafter the backs put up the shutters with each man excelling in turn. Owen O Sullivan pointed and Jason Griffin goaled. Dermot Griffin scored 1-1. One of their players was sent off for an onslaught on Liam Foley. Indeed two or three others should have been dismissed as some of their tackles or attempted tackles were very dangerous. John O Dwyer and Dermot Griffin got further goals, while Michael O Reilly, Adrian Hassett and Dermot Griffin added points.

For the second year in a row Laune Rangers were in the Molyneaux Cup final – that year against Dingle ‘B’. They had last won this competition in 1982, the competition’s inaugural year.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett (0-1), Eoin Corkery, James Sheehan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Jason Griffin (1-0), Dermot Griffin (2-2), Owen O Sullivan (1-2), John O Dwyer (2-1) capt., Michael O Reilly (0-3), John Griffin. Subs: Buddy O Sullivan for O. O Sullivan; Carl O Sullivan for J. O Dwyer; Joe Doyle for J. Griffin; Pat Pigott.

Ref: John Kissane (K. O Rahilly’s) – he was fair but too lenient.

 

Final on Sun. 10^th Nov. at 12.30pm at Blennerville: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-9; Dingle ‘B’ 2-2.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Robert Evans, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Owen O Sullivan, John O Dwyer (capt.), Dermot Griffin, John Griffin, James Sheehan, Michael O Reilly.

 

Co. Football League Div. 4

The following players, being on the ‘A’ panel, could not play with the ‘B’ team, unless one was regraded during the year, in the Co. League Div. 4: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Pat McKenna, Michael O Reilly, Paul Griffin, James O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Billy O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th March at at Rathmore: Rathmore ‘B’ 3-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-6.

That was a great start to the year. John Francis O Brien played very well. James Sheehan’s experience was vital, especially near the end. The game was played in a quagmire. Frankie Brennan scored a penalty goal, John Griffin got another, while the third was an own-goal.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Noel Doyle, Martin Clifford, Adrian Hassett, John O Donnell, James Sheehan, William Joy, John Doona, John F. O Brien, Robert Evans, Timy Linehan, Francis Brennan, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, John Griffin. Subs: Eoin Corkery for J. O Donnell; Gene Evans, Gerard Costello, Vincent Prendergast.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 31^st March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-6; Scartaglin 1-10.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Mark O Connor, Willaim Joy, Martin Clifford, Eoin Corkery, John Doona, John F. O Brien, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriarty, Robert Evans, John O Dwyer, John Griffin, Timmy Linehan. Sub: Owen O Sullivan for R. Evans.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 7^th April at Brosna: Brosna 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 28^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-10; Finuge 0-8.

Rangers did not really play well, though they won well. John O Dwyer and Eoin Joy got the goals. The backs played well, though John F. O Brien was caught for speed. The forwards over-elaborated.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, William Joy, James Sheehan, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Martin Clifford, Francis Brennan, Tom Johnston, Patie Casey, John O Dwyer, Eoin Joy, Michael Lynch. Subs: Pat O Brien for M. Clifford; Joe Kennedy for J. F. O Brien; Gerard Costello for F. Brennan; Tony Foley, Niall Moriarty.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 18^th May at Cahersiveen: Renard 2-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-12.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, John F. O Brien, Robert Evans, Owen Mangan, Eoin Corkery, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriarty, Dermot Griffin, John O Dwyer, Timmy Linehan, Owen O Sullivan. Sub: Anthony O Sullivan for R. Evans.

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 8^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-9; Kerins O Rahillys 1-4.

Rangers played poorly.Ther fullback line was the best line of the field. John F. O Brien and Robert Evans also played well. The others were below par.

Laune Rangers: Pat Pigott, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, John F. O Brien, Martin Clifford, Robert Evans, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriary, Patie Casey, Michael Lynch, John O Dwyer, Mark O Connor. Sub: Timmy Linehan for M. Lynch.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 14^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-11; St. Patrick’s, Blennerville 0-9.

Laune Rangers: Pat Pigott, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Robert Evans, Martin Clifford, Bertie O Riordan, John Doona, Michael Moriarty, Owen O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Michael Lynch, John O Dwyer, Dermot Griffin, Carl O Sullivan. Sub: Fergus O Meara for P. Pigott.

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 1^st Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-10; Tarbert 0-11.

It took Rangers ages to get going. Indeed they were only 2 points up with 15 minutes to go. Then they opened up. Jason Griffin got 2 goals and Michael Lynch one, to run out easy winners.

Laune Rangers: Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, James Sheehan, Robert Evans, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Tom Johnston, Dermot Griffin, Billy O Shea, Owen O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Jason Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly for O. O Sulivan; Michael Lynch for J. O Dwyer; Pat Pigott for D. Griffin, Timmy Linehan, Liam Foley, Carl O Sullivan.

Ref: Ger Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 8^th Sept. at Cordal: Cordal 0-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-9.

That was a very poor game but, at least, Rangers won.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, James Sheehan, Dermot Griffin, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Tom Johnston, Owen O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Jason Griffin, John O Dwyer, Michael O Reilly, Michael Lynch. Subs: Pat Pigott for O. O Sullivan; Frankie Brennan for J. Griffin; John Griffin for D. Griffin.

Ref: Patrick O Shea (Laune Rangers).

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 29^th Sept. in Sneem: Derrynane lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-12; Cromane 1-9.

That was a clash with both sides in with a chance of promotion. As matters transpired, Brosna were beaten – Cromane would have been promoted if they had won. Rangers were then involved in a play-off with Brosna.

Rangers played against a stiff breeze. John O Dwyer opened the scoring for them with a point. Cromane equalised with a pointed free from Brian O Sullivan. Tim Carey got a goal for them. Liam Foley then saved a penalty from Brian O Sullivan. Rangers then attacked and had points from James Sheeahn and Robert Evans. Points for Cromane were followed by points for Rangers by Patie Casey and Robert Evans, who trailed at halftime 1-4 to 0-5.

In the second half the home side attacked relentlessly and had a goal from John O Dwyer followed by another from James Sheehan, who also had some lovely points. Though Cromane rallied for a few points by Brian O Sullivan, Rangers finished with a flourish with points from John Griffin, Jason Griffin and Billy O Shea. Tom Johnston was sent off with 2 minutes to go and, at a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for two weeks.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Mark O Connor, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Billy O Shea, Patie Casey, Dermot Griffin, John O Dwyer (capt.), James Sheehan, Robert Evans. Subs: Michael Moriarty (late arrival) for R. Evans, Jason Griffin for M. Clifford (inj.), John Griffin for D. Griffin, Buddy O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan.

Cromane: Terence McCarthy, Dominic Flaherty, Ciaran O Callaghan, Danny McKenna, Colin O Sullivan, Gerard Casey, Stephen Casey, Frank Walsh, Tomas Hayes, Tim Carey, Liam Hayes, Pat McCarthy, Brian O Sullivan, Padraig Teahan, Maurice O Shea. Subs: Gerard O Connor for P. McCarthy; P. O Mahony for D. Flaherty.

Dominic Flaherty or Maurice O Shea were illegal to play with Cromane as they did not live within the Cromane station areas.

Ref: Michael Divane (Annascaul).

 

Play-off on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Killeen: Brosna 0-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-9.

Tom Johnston, James Sheehan and John O Dwyer were great. It was just as well that Rangers were not promoted, as the older players were not getting any younger!

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, James Sheehan, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, Mark O Connor, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Jason Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Patie Casey, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Dermot Griffin. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for D. Griffin; John Griffin for M. Moriarty; Pat Pigott, Buddy O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan.

Ref: Albert O Sullivan (K. O Rahillys) – good.

 

Co. Club ‘C’ Championship.

That competition was for players who had not played in the Senior Club & County Championship or the Molyneaux Cup. It was played initially on a league basis – four groups of four teams, with two teams to qualify from each group. Laune Rangers ‘C’ were grouped with St. Mary’s ‘B’, Valentia ‘B’ and Milltown ‘B’.

Team manager – Michael O Shea.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 8^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-5; St. Mary’s ‘B’ 1-5.

Laune Rangers owned the ball in that game but they could not score. Paudie Russell and Liam Foley played well at midfield. The backs were good enough but only Michael Griffin and Derry O Sullivan impressed in the attack.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, James Hurley, Pat O Shea (Glencar), Jerry Foley (0-1), Paudie Russell (0-1), Liam Foley, Buddy O Sullivan, Michael Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Nigel Reidy, Pat Pigott (0-1), Carl O Sullivan (0-2). Subs: John Cronin for N. Reidy; John Griffin for B. O Sullivan; Gerard Costello for D. O Sullivan (inj.); Bertie O Riordan, Noel Conroy.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 16^th Aug. at Valentia: Valentia ‘B’ 4-14; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-8.

Paudie Russell was sent off after five minutes for fighting and that ended Laune Rangers’ hopes of winning (At the subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for 1 month). As Milltown had conceded a walkover to St. Mary’s, Laune Rangers were then out of the competition. Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, Jerry Foley, Paudie Russell, John Cronin, Liam Foley, James Hurley, Buddy O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Michael Griffin, Nigel Reidy, Pat Pigott, Enda Foley. Subs: Vincent O Shea for J. Cronin; John Griffin for E. Foley.

Ref: Brendan O Donoghue (Renard).

 

Co. Senior League Div. 6 (Urban Junior League)

That competition was in its inaugural year. There were five teams and each had to play the other twice, home and away. The top two teams after the league rounds would contest the final. The following players from the ‘B’ panel could not play with the ‘C’ team in the Co. League Div. 6, unless one was regraded during the year: Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy, William Joy, James Sheehan, Mark O Connor, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriarty, Francis Brennan, Eoin Joy, John Griffin, Patie Casey.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 6^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-10; Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ 0-1.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Pat Pigott, Niall Moriarty, Jerry Foley, Vincent Prendergast, Eoin Corkery, Martin Clifford, Gerard Costello, Michael Lynch, Owen O Sullivan, Vincent O Shea, Joe Doyle, Brian O Shea, Jack Reen. Subs: Buddy O Sullivan for V. O Shea; Noel O Sullivan for J. Reen; Tony Foley for M. Clifford.

Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 12^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘C’ 1-5; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-15.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Owen Mangan, Anthony O Sullivan, John Cronin, Eoin Corkery, Kevin Heffernan, Martin Clifford, Timmy Linehan, Michael Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Joe Doyle, Robert Evans, Donal Pigott. Subs: Paudie O Shea (Glencar) for J. Doyle; Jerry Houlihan for D. Pigott; Ger Counihan for R. Evans; Dominic Crowley.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 7^th June at Castleisland: Desmonds ‘C’ 0-9; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-11.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, Buddy O Sullivan, John Cronin, Robert Evans, Owen Mangan, Anthony O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan, Anthony Shannon, Michael Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Pat Pigott, Joe Doyle.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 28^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-9; Legion ‘B’ 1-6.

Laune Rangers: Pat Clifford, Niall Moriarty, Pat Pigott, Brendan Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Eoin Corkery, Jerry Foley, John Cronin, Dermot Griffin, Robert Evans, Eoin O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan, Joe Doyle, Gerard Costello, Anthony O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 12^th July at Strand Rd.: Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ 1-14; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-4.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, James Hurley, Jerry Foley, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, John Cronin, Dermot Griffin, Buddy O Sullivan (1-0), Eoin O Sullivan (1-0), Carl O Sullivan (0-1), Robert Evans, Pat Pigott (0-3), Joe Doyle. Subs: Michael Griffin for J. Cronin; Vincent Prendergast for A. O Sullivan; Nigel Reidy (2-0) for J. Doyle.

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 19^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-11; Desmonds ‘C’ 1-9.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, Jerry Foley, Vincent Prendergast, Buddy O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, Robert Evans (0-1), Eoin O Sullivan (3-1), Dermot Griffin (0-2), Michael Lynch (1-3), Nigel Reidy (0-2), Pat Pigott (0-1), Carl O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Joe Doyle for N. Reidy; James Hurley for C. O Sullivan; Tony Foley for J. Reen; John Cronin, Paudie Russell.

With two games to play, they had just one defeat to their credit. That was a very good competition as it gave regular games to players, who might otherwise be left as substitutes on the ‘B’ team. Eoin O Sullivan was progressing well.

 

Rd. 7 on Fri. 2^nd Aug. at Direen: Legion ‘B’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-6.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Paudie Russell, Niall Moriarty, James Hurley, Eoin Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan, Vincent Prendergast, Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Michael Lynch (1-0), Gerard Costello, Jason Griffin (0-1), Nigel Reidy, Pat Pigott (0-3), Buddy O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Dermot Griffin for G. Costello; Robert Evans (1-0) for V. Prendergast; Derry O Sullivan for N. Reidy; Enda Foley, Noel Conroy, Tony Foley.

 

Final on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Milltown: Legion ‘B’ 1-8; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-7.

Such blatant bias against Laune Rangers, by any other referee, was never previously witnessed. He unashamedly gave terrible decisions against them such as disallowing a point that went yards over the bar from a kick 30m out, for a square infringement. When the ball hit him (the referee) and rebounded to a Legion player, he allowed play to proceed instead of giving a hop ball. He gave Legion a penalty kick, which puzzled even the Legion mentors. Those were but some of the decisions, which he gave against the Rangers. It was so bad that the Legion captain, in the dressing-room afterwards, conceded that Rangers had to play “against sixteen men”. He admitted freely that the referee was totally biased in their favour.

Even with all this adversity, Rangers still could have won, as their goalie conceded a very silly soft goal. Nevertheless, that was a very good competition as it provided regular games for players who might not otherwise get games.

Laune Rangers: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Eoin Corkery, Robert Evans, Jerry Foley, Buddy O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, Liam Foley, Eoin O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Michael Griffin, Michael Lynch, Pat Pigott, Nigel Reidy. Subs: Jason Griffin for N. Reidy; Carl O Sullivan for E. O Sullivan; John Griffin for L. Foley; Pat O Shea (Glencar), Vincent O Shea, James Hurley, Noel Conroy, Gerard Costello, John Cronin, Niall Moriarty.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort). A neutral referee had warned the club prior to the game, that the referee had threatened to deal with Laune Rangers, “when he would catch them in a tight corner.” He certainly carried out his threat.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-12; Beaufort 1-6.

The Mid-Kerry Board wanted both semi-finals together. However, Keel would not play in Milltown. Laune Rangers tossed with Beaufort and won.

A gale force wind blew straight down the field from the road. Rangers elected to play against it. At halftime they were in arrears 1-6 to 0-2 – their points coming from Billy O Sullivan (free) and Paul Griffin. On the resumption, Rangers got straight into the action with points from Joe Shannon, James O Shea and Paul Griffin. A high lob by Paul Griffin deceived the goalie and dropped into the net. Then the floodgates opened. Michael O Reilly got the second goal. With five minutes remaining a flare-up erupted. The home side had shipped some heavy punishment in the first half, during which at least one player, John Brendan O Brien, should have been sent off for tackles on Billy O Sullivan and James O Shea. They started again near the end and all hell broke loose. James O Shea was being kicked on the ground and Pierce Prendiville dealt with the offender Garry McGrath. Immediately, the umpire, Peter Twiss, reported that to the referee. Pierce Prendiville was sent off and Rangers won easily.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown). He readily admitted afterwards to Jerome Conway that he had had a poor game. He regretted having sent Pierce Prendiville off and he would not have reported him for striking, as he had not seen the incident but the umpire had insisted that Pierce Prendiville should be reported for striking. That meant that he would get the mandatory one month’s suspension and consequently he would miss the final, against Milltown.

The Beaufort notes in The Kerryman, in the following edition, read as follows: ‘Beaufort seniors were defeated 2-12 to 1-6 by a stronger and fitter Laune Rangers side at Killorglin on Sunday. Beaufort was aided by a strong breeze in the first half and led 1-6 to 0-2 at the interval, having lost some great chances of goals. In the second half, Beaufort had some injuries and failed to get any worthwhile possession at centre-field, as their opponents picked off points. Then a high lobbing ball dipped into the Beaufort net and this was followed by three points. A further goal for Rangers made it impossible for the younger Beaufort side to come back. Entering the final five minutes of the game, which was always keenly contested with some hard knocks on both sides, it suddenly developed into a dogfight with the majority of players involved. When order finally was restored, Beaufort had two players on the ground, one of whom had to be taken off and the other required stitches after the game. Both sides finished with 14 men, Beaufort had exhausted their three subs and Rangers had a player sent off. This was a sad day for football and sportsmanship in Mid-Kerry and does little to promote the aims of the GAA. It is, also, time that players got a bit of common sense.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Danny Cahill, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Patie Casey, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Mark O Connor for T. Fleming (inj.); Michael O Reilly for P. Casey; Eoin Joy for J. O Shea (inj.); John Doona, Noel Doyle, Eoin Corkery.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sun. 20^th Oct. in Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-9.

Milltown/Castlemaine were the favourites as they had home venue, Rangers were without the services of Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston (both suspended) and Milltown/Castlemaine were going well – coached by Denny Long, they were in the Co. Intermediate Championship Final. It was expected that the loss of the two veterans and the loss of Pa Murphy at halftime would have been too much for the holders but John Evans had his charges in tip-top shape both mentally and physically and, spurred on by Joe Shannon, Paudie Sheahan and Michael O Reilly, the younger players gave their all to snatch a glorious victory.

Milltown drew first blood with a point from Sean Burke. Billy O Sullivan retaliated with three points (2 frees) to give Rangers a lead of 0-3 to 0-1 after twelve minutes, playing with the aid of a slight breeze. Then Milltown struck for a good goal and Michael O Reilly got a point for Rangers. A purple patch for the losers saw them score three points. The Killorglin men replied with points from Shane O Sullivan and Paul Griffin. Milltown closed the scoring for the half to lead by 1-4 to 0-6.

Patie Casey came on for Pa Murphy. Mark O Connor moved out to the wing, Danny Cahill to the corner, Tommy Byrne to centre halfback, Timmy Fleming to midfield and Patie Casey to the ‘40’. Billy O Sullivan hit the butt of the post with a rasper but the ball was cleared and eventually Willie Maher pointed. Three more points by the challengers gave them a five points’ lead with fourteen minutes to go. Things looked ominous. Paul Griffin switched to the forty. John Evans called for one all-out effort. The players responded splendidly. Tommy Byrne began to dominate and Mark O Connor swept up everything. Paul Griffin fought for everything. Billy O Sullivan scored a mighty ‘45’ against the breeze. Michael O Reilly pointed and Paul Griffin reduced the deficit to two points. Maher pointed well from a free but Michael O Reilly replied with an equally good score – 2 points in arrears and two minutes left!

Tommy Byrne fielded and drove upfield. He took the return from Joe Shannon and sent in a rasper. Jim O Connor parried the shot but the inrushing Spring swept the ball off the ground in the small parallelogram – a penalty! Tommy Byrne drove the ball hard and low to the net. Milltown/Castlemaine attacked but were repulsed.  Rangers counter-attacked and Billy O Shea gave them a two points’ lead. A final Milltown assault was repulsed and the final whistle blew. Agony for Milltown/Castlemaine! Elation for Laune Rangers! Some of the ‘lady’ followers of Milltown/Castlemaine disgraced themselves by abusing the referee and heckling their own clubman, Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Michael McCarthy, as he presented the cup to Shane O Sullivan.

Man-of-the-match, chosen by Eamonn Horan (The Kerryman) and John O Mahony (The Kingdom), was Tommy Byrne.

On Monday night there was a man-of-the-match reception for both teams in The Fishery, Killorglin. Most of the Laune Rangers’ players were there. Willie Maher, Seanie Costello and the two Daly’s were there from Milltown. Michael McCarthy was also there and Milltown Chairman, Frank Twiss. He congratulated everybody. The Killorglin boys celebrated as if they had won the Co. Championship again. That was their 15^th Mid-Kerry Senior Championship and their eighth success in nine years.

Eamonn Horan described the game as follows in The Kerryman, ‘A great goal from the penalty spot, just over two minutes from the end, by Tommy Byrne turned this thrilling Mid-Kerry SFC final dramatically on its head and enabled the title-holders, Laune Rangers, retain their title at the expense of luckless Milltown/Castlemaine at Milltown’s Paddy Burke Memorial Park on Sunday.

It may not have been a classic game of football but what it lacked in finesse it certainly made up for it in the intensity with which the exchanges were contested over the hour. At the end of it all, hapless Milltown/Castlemaine must have been bewildered at the manner in which the championship was snatched from their grasp at a time when they appeared to be coasting to certain victory. Having gone in at halftime leading by a point (1-4 to 0-6), Milltown/Castlemaine proceeded to stamp their authority on the game and when veteran forward ace Willie Maher pointed a free midway through the second half they led their struggling rivals by 1-8 to 0-6 and looked set to regain a title they last held two years ago.

At this stage Rangers were visibly struggling with its game and were being outwitted and outplayed in most sectors of the field. But, strange to relate, the challengers failed to score again until four minutes from the end when Maher pointed a great sideline free to put his side two points in front. But in the interim, Rangers gradually began to come back into the game and points by Billy O Sullivan (free), Paul Griffin, O Sullivan and Michael O Reilly cut the losers’ lead to the minimum. It was all to play for at this stage, with six minutes left in the game. A minute later, corner-forward, Alan Kerins, had a fine chance to increase Milltown/Castlemaine’s lead but he shot wide with his left foot. Then came Maher’s 56^th minute point, which was warmly applauded by supporters and it seemed then that the challengers might just prevail.

But, a minute later, the roof fell in on the men in the green jerseys. Rangers burst upfield and when Joe Shannon found Tommy Byrne, the red-haired midfielder fired in a stinging shot at goal. The shot was partially parried away by goalkeeper, Jim O Connor, but the breaking ball was accidentally handled on the ground by corner-back Liam Spring and referee Dan O Sullivan pointed straight away to the penalty spot. The good-sized crowd, who watched the game in dry conditions with intermittent sunshine, held their collective breath as Tommy Byrne stepped back to take the kick. The tall UCD veterinary student sent a rocket-like shot to the left-hand corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper O Connor helpless in its wake. It was a marvellous goal and one well worthy of clinching a championship final. It gave Rangers back the lead, which they had not held since they relinquished it in the 16^th minute of the game and, coming as it did with just over two minutes remaining, it dealt a body-blow to their opponents.

Milltown/Castlemaine were in disarray and Rangers were quick to follow up their advantage. In the 59^th minute, they launched a blistering attack. The ball was handled in turn by Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming, Joe Shannon and James O Shea before Billy O Shea’s parting shot went over the bar off the goalkeeper’s hands. That left the champions two points clear with time fast running out. Almost immediately, Billy O Sullivan had a chance to consolidate his side’s supremacy but he sent wide from a free out on the left wing. With the game ebbing to a close, Milltown/Castlemaine launched one last desperate bid to snatch the game out of the fire. Andrew Boyle, Sean Burke, Willie Maher and Joe McAuliffe laid siege to the Rangers’ goal only to see the ball go off for a 45m. Sean Burke took the kick but the danger was averted under hot pressure and the final whistle must have come as sweet music to the ears of the Killorglin side’s supporters.

Even though the losers took the lead with a Sean Burke point after only two minutes, it was Laune Rangers who cut out the early running and three well-struck points by Billy O Sullivan – the second from play – saw the winners lead by 0-3 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. At that stage, full-forward Sean Burke had moved to the ‘40’ in a switch with Willie Maher and both these players did much to lift their team in this half. Burke was strong and resourceful while Maher’s experience and judicious use of the ball were always causing problems for the Rangers’ defence.

A spectacular shot by midfielder Joe Shannon almost finished in the losers’ net but the ball eventually went wide. Then in the 16^th minute, Milltown/Castlemaine rocked their rivals back on their heels with a well-worked goal. The movement was begun by stylish centre halfback Andrew Boyle and carried on by Joe McAuliffe before the ball reached Maher. The former Kerry player soloed through on the left to carve out an opening for Liam Kelliher and the right wing forward outwitted the defence to plant the ball in the net. However, three minutes later, Rangers were back on level terms when O Reilly pointed a free (1-1 to 0-4).

But Milltown/Castlemaine got stuck into the game in earnest at this stage and they again took the lead with a great Linus Burke point in the 20^th minute following good work by Ger Teahan, Liam Kelliher and Sean Burke. Three minutes later, Linus Burke and Maher combined to put Sean Burke through for another point to increase their lead. However, the defending champions displayed plenty of grit as they retaliated with points in the 24^th minute by wing back and team captain Shane O Sullivan and corner forward Paul Griffin to tie the scores for the third time in the half. Indeed, Rangers should have gone ahead soon afterwards when O Reilly supplied Shannon with a lovely pass but the burly midfielder shot a terrible wide. The closing minutes of the half were dominated by Milltown/Castlemaine and they regained the lead in the 27^th minute when Joe McAuliffe, Sean Counihan and Willie Maher led the onslaught, which finished with McAuliffe taking a return pass and booting over a lovely point.

Having played against the breeze, Milltown/Castlemaine had every reason to feel happy with themselves as they retired to their dressing-room at halftime leading by a point (1-4 to 0-6). On the restart, Rangers brought on Patie Casey in place of Pa Murphy. The home side had a lucky let-off early in the second half when a shot from Billy O Sullivan came back off the upright. Then in the 33^rd minute, Maher made amends for an earlier lapse from a free when be burst through the defence and kicked a great left-footed point. McAuliffe missed a good scoring chance for the losers before O Reilly was wide at the other end. Points by Kerins and Linus Burke widened the gap between the sides before Maher’s 45^th minute point from a free left his side leading 1-8 to 0-6.

The exchanges became overheated at times in the second half and Willie Maher and Tommy Byrne were both booked following a scramble near the end of the third quarter. Milltown fullback Mike Colgan was also booked in this half. Even though their play was a bit patchy at times, the winners had every reason to be pleased with their overall performance, especially as they had to field without Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston. Outstanding for Rangers were defenders Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan and Shane O Sullivan, midfielders Tommy Byrne and Joe Shannon and the attack as a whole played very well, particularly Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, James O Shea and Billy O Shea.’

In the Killorglin notes in The Kerryman, James Coffey wrote: ‘Laune Rangers retained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship title at Milltown on Sunday when they came from behind in the last quarter to outplay the local Milltown/Castlemaine side in an exciting second half. This win gave Laune Rangers a clean sweep of all Mid-Kerry titles both at underage and adult league and championship. In the final quarter, Laune Rangers really came alive to give a polished display in a fine sporting contest. The loss of Pierce Prendiville and Tom Johnston was expected to be too much for Laune Rangers and when they faced the strong wind in the second half without defender Patrick Murphy, many supporters felt it was too much for the holders. But, spurred on by veterans Joe Shannon, Paudie Sheahan and Michael O Reilly, the younger players gave their all to snatch a glorious victory.’

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Danny Cahill, Shane O Sullivan (capt.) 0-1, Joe Shannon, Tommy Byrne (1-0, pen.), James O Shea, Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-2), Michael O Reilly (0-3, 1 free), Billy O Sullivan (0-4, 3 frees & a 45). Subs: Patie Casey for P. Murphy (He was sick and should not really have started at all); Eoin Joy, John Doona, Noel Doyle, Eoin Corkery, Liam Foley, Frankie Brennan.

Milltown/Castlemaine: Jim O Connor, Liam Cronin, Mike Colgan, Liam Spring, Seanie Costello (capt.), Andrew Boyle, Ger Teahan, Mike Dennehy, Linus Burke (0-2), Liam Kelliher (1-0), Willie Maher (0-3, 2 frees), Joe McAuliffe (0-1), Alan Kerins (0-1), Sean Burke (0-2), Sean Counihan. Subs: Liam Burke for M. Dennehy; Martin Burke for S. Counihan.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow) had all his own officials and kept a firm grip on the game throughout.

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-1.

The game was scheduled for Glenbeigh but the pitch was in bad condition. Rangers’ backs were very good throughout, defending well without fouling. Joe Shannon fitted in well at centre halfback. Midfield was great – each complimenting the other well. Timmy Fleming was in great shape. The forwards were terrible – amateurish in the extreme. In the first half they would not pass the ball to each other. In the second half they were passing for the sake of passing. The forwards lacked speed, penetration and cohesion.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, Paudie Sheahan, William Joy, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Joe Shannon (0-1), Patie Casey, Timmy Fleming (0-3), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin (1-0), James O Shea (0-1), Michael Moriarty, Michael O Reilly (0-2). Subs: John Doona for P. Casey; Fergus O Meara, Mark O Sullivan. Missing: Tommy Byrne, Billy O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Eoin Joy and Billy O Shea (all at Co. U-21 trial). Mark O Connor was sick.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 10^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Keel 2-1.

Rangers’ backs played quite well but their forwards were again incohesive but improving. Patie Casey played well in the second half when he exchanged places with Eoin Joy. Timmy Fleming was great again.

Laune Rangers: Fergus O Meara, Pa Murphy, Paudie Sheahan, Patie Casey, William Joy, Joe Shannon, Mark O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-4), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery (0-1), Michael O Reilly (0-3), Paul Griffin (0-2), James O Shea (0-1), Michael Moriarty (1-0), Eoin Joy. Subs: John Doona for M. Moriarty; Billy O Shea for W. Joy; Shane O Sullivan, Peter Lyons.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 24^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-10; Laune Rangers 2-12.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, James Sheehan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Pa Murphy, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriarty, Patie Casey, James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Billy O Shea.

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 7-9; Cromane 1-9.

That was a rout from the beginning. Michael O Reilly goaled in the first minute. He also pointed some great frees. Paul Griffin got two goals, Michael Moriarty two goals and Billy O Sullivan one goal.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, William Joy, Shane O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Patie Casey, Paul Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: James Sheehan for P. Murphy; John Doona for M. O Reilly. Missing: Pierce Prendiville (suspended), Joe Shannon (wedding), Pat McKenna (inj.), Danny Cahill (inj.), Timmy Corkery (inj.), Billy O Shea (broken leg).

Cromane: Terence McCarthy, Dominic Flaherty, Kieran O Callaghan, Michael Scannell, Stephen Casey, Gerard Casey, Donie McKenna, Tomas Hayes, Frank Walsh, Pat McCarthy, Brian O Sullivan, Colin O Sullivan, Maurice O Shea, Michael Teahan, Liam Hayes. Sub: John O Sullivan for M. Scannell (inj.).

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

Rd. 5 on Sat. 4^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-8.

That game doubled as Rd. 4 of the Co. League Div. 1 (reported in Co. Leagues).

 

Final on Sun. 19^th May at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 2-16; Keel 1-3.

Laune Rangers played very well when they had to. Their backs were great, especially Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne and Shane O Sullivan. Midfield was unbeatable. The forwards threw the ball around well and could have had two other goals. The Keel goalie saved well twice from Paul Griffin before Billy O Sullivan got the first goal. Rangers went on to dominate the half, but for a short spell when Keel got two points. The winners led by 1-5 to 0-2 at halftime. It was all one-way traffic in the second half. Keel got a goal from a quick free near the end. Joe Shannon got Rangers’ second goal.

There was no cup for the presentation – James Sheehan, last year’s captain, did not bring it to the game. That was six-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry League victories.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (capt.), Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Patie Casey, Joe Shannon, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Timmy Corkery for P. Griffin; John Doona for T. Fleming; Michael Moriarty for J. Shannon; Michael Lynch, Adrian Hassett, Liam Foley.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered two teams into that competition that year. Milltown/Castlemaine, Glenbeigh/Glencar, Keel and Cromane, also, entered teams. Rangers had to name 15 ‘A’ players who could not play at all in that competition. They, also, had to name 15 ‘B’ players who could only play with the ‘B’ team but who could not play with the ‘C’ team. The two teams were loosely based around the Co. League teams of Div. 4 and Div. 6. The top two teams after the league system would play in the final.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 14^th May at Milltown: Milltown ‘B’ 2-5; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Kevin Heffernan, John Cronin, Owen Mangan, Michael Griffin, Pa Foley, Dermot Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Tony Foley, Enda Foley, Mossy Joy, Noel O Sullivan. Subs: Con Lucey for E. Foley; Dominic Crowley for N. O Sullivan.

 

at Cromane: Cromane ‘B’ 1-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-21.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Pat O Brien, Pat Pigott, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Michael Lynch, Michael Moriarty, Timmy Linehan, Owen O Sullivan, Joe Kennedy, Robert Evans. Subs: Joe Doyle for O. O Sullivan; James McInery for R. Evans.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 28^th May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 1-11; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-10.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, James Hurley, Jerry Foley, John Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, Owen Mangan, Dermot Griffin, Michael Griffin, Anthony Shannon, Anthony O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Noel O Sullivan. Subs: Enda Foley, Batty Foley, Anthony Clifford.

That game should have been a home venue, but it was changed controversially to accommodate senior training.

 

at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, William Joy, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Corkery, John F. O Brien, Martin Clifford, Niall Moriarty, John Doona, Timmy Linehan, Michael Lynch, Owen O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor (Andy), Adrian O Connor (Alfie), John O Dwyer, Ger Counihan. Subs: PatPigott and Buddy O Sullivan (both played).

 

Rd. 3 on Tues. 4^th June at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-8.

Pat Pigott, John O Dwyer and Michael Lynch got the goals. That was a very good team performance, with good combination.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Niall Moriarty, William Joy, Martin Clifford, Owen Corkery, Tom Johnston, John F. O Brien, Robert Evans, Michael Moriarty, Joe Kennedy, John O Dwyer, Pat Pigott, Michael Lynch.

 

at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ w/o; Cromane ‘B’ scr.

Laune Rangers received a walkover from Cromane as they had only eleven players. Rangers played them in a game and, even though Cromane were allowed to play some ‘A’ players, Rangers still beat them well.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, James Hurley, Jerry Foley, John Cronin, Bertie O Riordan, Owen Mangan, Dermot Griffin, Michael Griffin, Anthony Shannon, Anthony O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Joe Doyle. Sub: Enda Foley.

 

Rd. 4 on Tues. 11^th June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ 1-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-7.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford (Jennings), Noel Doyle, Pat O Brien, Brendan Corkery, John F. O Brien, Adrian Hassett, Anthony O Sullivan, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Timmy Linehan, Michael Moriarty, John O Dwyer, Joe Doyle, Pat Pigott, Joe Kennedy. Subs: Adrian O Connor for T. Linehan; Enda Foley for J. Kennedy; Gerard Foley for J. Doyle; Batty Foley.

 

At Keel: Keel ‘B’ 2-8; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-10.

Laune Rangers were losing by two points when James Hurley came on and scored a great goal. As both the ‘B’ and the ‘C’ teams had finished on top of the league, they would then contest the final. Congratulations to the five selectors, James McInery, Ger Counihan, John Griffin, John Purcell and Michael O Shea, who seemed to have been co-opted instead of his brother, Brian.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, Buddy O Sullivan, Jerry Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Eoin Corkery, John Cronin, Anthony Shannon, Owen O Sullivan, Michael Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Dermot Griffin. Sub: James Hurley for A. Shannon (inj.).

 

Final on Tues. 18^th June in Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-4.

The ‘C’ team played excellent football in the first half, but conceded an own goal and a ‘soft’ penalty. Brian O Shea had a great game at fullback on the ‘C’ team and Tom Johnston at midfield on the ‘B’ team. Christy O Riordan, PRO of the Mid-Kerry Board, made the presentation of the shield to John O Dwyer, captain of the ‘B’ team, who stated that the game was most sporting and that the club had a wealth of talent. The man-of-the-match award went to Adrian Hassett.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Pat Clifford, Noel Doyle, Pat O Brien, Brendan Corkery, Martin Clifford, Adrian Hassett, John F. O Brien, Tom Johnston, John Doona, Michael Lynch, Michael Moriarty, Anthony O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Pat Pigott, Joe Doyle.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Jack Reen, Dan Hurley, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, Buddy O Sullivan, Jerry Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Eoin Corkery, Dermot Griffin, Anthony Shannon, Owen Joy, Michael Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, James Hurley.

 

Tournaments/Challenges

 

Challenge on Sat. 27^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-12; Castlehaven 0-6.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Francis Brennan, Joe Shannon, Patie Casey, Eoin Joy, Michael O Reilly, Paul Griffin. Subs: Danny Cahill and Shane O Sullivan (Both played).

That was a worthwhile exercise. Rangers played well for the first time that year. Joe Shannon, Patie Casey, Paul Griffin and Frankie Brennan were in good shape. Midfield and the backs were very good.

Ref: John Evans (Laune Rangers).

 

Tournament on May 11^th/12^th in Bantry: Laune Rangers lost to Nemo Rangers.

 

Joe Keohane Tournament on June 1^st/2^nd in John Mitchels: Laune Rangers defeated Kilmihill, Clare, on Sat. and lost to Kerins O Rahilly’s on Sun. by a point.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, James O Shea, Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Patie Casey, Timmy Corkery, Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Michael Lynch for A. Hassett (inj.); Liam Foley, Robert Evans.

 

Challenge on Sun. 23^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-21; West Kerry 0-5.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, William Joy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Timmy Corkery, Joe Shannon, Patie Casey, Paul Griffin, Danny Cahill, Eoin Joy. Subs: Michael Moriarty, Michael Lynch, Noel Doyle, Eoin Corkery, John Doona.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers).

 

Challenge on Sun. 21^st July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Father Casey’s, Abbeyfeale.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Peter Lyons, Noel Doyle, Pat O Brien, Bertie O Riordan, Martin Clifford, Adrian Hassett, Robert Evans, Michael Moriarty, Tom Johnston, Michael Lynch, Timmy Linehan, Eoin O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Dermot Griffin, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Nigel Reidy, Vincent Prendergast, Pat Pigott, Paudie Russell (all played).

 

Senior Parish League

The senior panel of players was not allowed to play in the parish league, as it was felt that it had enough of games. The parish league was played in order to unearth talent for the ‘C’ team, which the club was entering in the Co. League and Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship for the first time. There were five teams, Over Laune, The Town (which included St. Mary’s and St. James Gardens), Mountain View (which included all players south of the town), Rangue (which included Caragh Lake, Laharn, Iveragh Park and south-west the town on the left of the Glenbeigh Rd.) and Douglas (which included School Rd., Reen, Gurrane and south-west of the town on the right of the Glenbeigh Rd.). Players had to be eligible to play with Laune Rangers and teams could play a minimum of 13-a-side. The team with the bye provided the referee.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 14^th April in the Tech. Field: Over Laune 7-7; Town 4-4.

That game was played at 13-a-side, as The Town had only that number of players on the day.

Over Laune: Tony Foley (goals), Fergus O Meara, Owen Mangan, Ian Wharton, Gene Evans, Kevin Heffernan, Tom Johnston, Brian Mangan, Liam Foley, Robert Evans, Chris Foley, James Foley, Buddy O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, John Evans, Shaun Brennan.

Town: Ger Counihan (goals), Jerry Houlihan, John O Donnell, Pat Clifford (Jennings), Pat Pigott, Dodo Sheahan, Declan Falvey, Pa Foley (Ó Foghlú), Adrian O Connor, John O Dwyer, Pat O Dinnell, Dominic Crowley, Joe Kennedy.

at 3pm: Mountain View 3-8; Douglas 4-4.

That game was played at 13-a-side as Douglas had only that number of players on the day.

Mountain View: Jack Reen, William Joy, Karl Griffin, Pat Cahill, Martin Clifford, Patrick Costello, Pa Murphy, Pat O Brien, Michael Lynch, Vincent Prendergast, Derry O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Raymond O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Pat Hannon, Michael McSweeney, Timothy Jones.

Douglas: Stephen O Sullivan, Pat O Shea (Glencar), Eoin Corkery, Brendan Corkery, James Hurley, Dan Hurley, John Griffin, Dermot Griffin, Michael Griffin, Finbarr Coffey, Patsy Joy, Maurice Corkery, Gerard Costello.

Ref: Michael O Reilly (Rangue).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 21^st April at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Over Laune 6-9; Mountain View 2-7 (15-a-side).

A feature of the game was the display of Frankie Russell who scored 1-5 from full-forward.

Over Laune: Michael Cahillane, Fergus O Meara, Owen Mangan, Padraig Doyle, Kevin Heffernan, Gene Evans, Ian Wharton, Tom Johnston, James Foley, Robert Evans, Liam Foley, Buddy O Sullivan, John Evans, Frank Russell, Gerard Foley, Enda Foley, Cyril Wharton.

Mountain View: Andrew Doyle, Pat Cahill, Anthony Shannon, Raymond O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Pat O Brien, Patrick Costello, Pa Murphy, Martin Clifford, Michael Lynch, Vincent O Shea, Kevin Jones, Brian Kissane, Declan Byrne, Batty Foley (given by Over Laune only for the day). Sub: Val Broderick for D. Byrne (inj.)

at 3.00pm: Rangue 1-10; Town 2-5 (15-a-side).

Rangue: Niall Moriarty, John F. O Brien, Adrian Hassett, Anthony O Sullivan, James Naughton, Noel Doyle, Anthony O Sullivan (small), Kieran O Keeffe, Michael Moriarty, Noel O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Iraneus Looney, Joe Doyle, Brian O Shea, James McInery, Nessan Diggin, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Murphy, Sean Whelan.

Town: Pat Clifford, John O Donnell, Pat Pigott, Jerry Houlihan, Adrian O Connor, Mark O Connor, John Cronin, Declan Falvey, John Doona, Eoin O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Dodo Sheahan, Pat O Donnell, Mossy Joy, Cyril O Neill, Dominic Crowley, Ger Counihan.

Ref: John Griffin (Douglas).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 5^th May at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Douglas 1-6; Rangue 1-4 (15-a-side).

Douglas: Stephen O Sullivan, James Hurley, Jerry Foley, Pat O Shea, Jerry O Brien, Bertie O Riordan, Eoin Corkery, Dermot Griffin, Finbarr Coffey, Brendan Corkery, John Griffin, Michael Griffin, Gerard Costello, Paudie Foley (Reen), Dan Hurley, Noel Conroy.

Rangue: John Foley, Anthony O Sullivan, John Griffin (Caragh Lake), Noel Doyle, Nessan Diggin, Adrian Hassett, Noel O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Timmy Linehan, Michael Moriarty, Anthony O Sullivan, Niall Moriarty, Brian O Shea, Joe Doyle, Sean Whelan, James McInery, Michael Murphy, Iraneus Looney.

at 3.00pm: Town 3-8; Mountain View 3-5 (15-a-side).

Town: Patrick Clifford, Jerry Houlihan, Pat Pigott, John O Donnell, John Cronin, James Sheehan, Declan Falvey, John Doona, Patrick Foley, Eoin O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Carl O Sullivan, Dodo Sheahan, Mossy Joy, Pat O Donnell, Dominic Crowley, Adrian O Connor, James Houlihan, Cyril O Neill, Ger Counihan.

Mountain View: Karl Griffin, William Joy, Pat O Brien, Patrick Costello, Pat Cahill, Derry O Sullivan, Laurence Hogan, Martin Clifford, Pa Murphy, Michael Lynch, Vincent Prendergast, Kevin Jones, Raymond O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, Timothy Jones.

Ref: Jerome Conway (Over Laune )

Points table after 3 rounds: Over Laune 4, Mountain View 2, Town 2, Douglas 2, Rangue 2.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 26^th May at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Over Laune 3-5; Rangue 2-8

(13-a-side as Rangue had only that many players)

Over Laune: Michael Cahillane, Padraig Doyle, Owen Mangan, Fergus O Meara, Gene Evans, Kevin Heffernan, Tom Johnston, Liam Foley, Batty Foley, Robert Evans, Buddy O Sullivan, Frank Russell, John Evans, Barry Harmon, Timmy Moroney, Enda Foley.

Rangue: Mike O Shea (Laharn), Niall Moriarty, John Griffin, Adrian Hassett, Noel Doyle, Anthony O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Timmy Linehan, Noel O Sullivan, Joe Doyle, Robert Murphy, Mike Murphy, Nessan Diggin.

at 3.15pm: Douglas 4-12; Town 0-12 (15-a-side).

Douglas: Patrick Costello, Pat O Shea, Jerry Foley, Brendan Corkery, James Hurley, Eoin Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Gerard Costello, Dermot Griffin, Timmy Corkery, Finbarr Coffey, Patrick O Riordan, Michael Griffin, Patrick O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien, Maurice Corkery.

Town: Pat Clifford, Jerry Houlihan, Pat Pigott, Joe Kennedy, Declan Falvey, John Cronin, Adrian O Connor, John Doona, Eoin O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, James Houlihan, Dominic Crowley, Mossy Joy, Pat O Donnell, Ger Counihan.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 2^nd June in J.P. O Sullivan Park: Over Laune 2-9; Douglas 1-5 (15-a-side).

Over Laune: Michael Cahillane, Padraig Doyle, Owen Mangan, Ian Wharton, Fergus O Meara, Gene Evans, Kevin Heffernan, Tom Johnston, Liam Foley, Robert Evans, Brian Mangan, Buddy O Sullivan, Batty Foley, Frank Russell, James Foley, Enda Foley, Glenn Evans.

Douglas: Patrick Costello, Pat O Shea, Jerry Foley, James Hurley, Brendan Corkery, Eoin Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Gerard Costello, Anthony Clifford (on loan from Over Laune for the day), Stephen O Sullivan, Dan Hurley, Jerry O Brien, Michael Griffin, Patrick O Riordan, Donal Pigott (on loan from Over Laune for the day).

Ref: Patrick O Shea (Sunhill).

Mountain View had no team for the second game (they seemed under the impression that the game had been postponed). Rangue claimed the points and were awarded them. Over Laune were in the final, Douglas and Rangue in the semi-final.

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 9^th June at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Douglas 2-9; Rangue 2-8.

Douglas: Patrick Costello (goals), Pat O Shea, Bertie O Riordan, James Hurley, Brendan Corkery, Dan Hurley, Jerry O Brien, Gerard Costello, Eoin Corkery, Timmy Corkery, Patie Casey, Michael Griffin, Stephen O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Patrick O Riordan.

Rangue: John Foley, John F. O Brien, Brian O Shea, Niall Moriarty, Anthony O Sullivan, Adrian Hassett, Noel Doyle, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Moriarty, Joe Doyle, Timmy Linehan, Noel O Sullivan, Nessan Diggin, John Griffin, James McInery Michael Murphy.

Ref: Pat Pigott (Town).

 

Final on Sat. 15^th June at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Douglas 1-12; Over Laune 1-2.

Douglas: Stephen O Sullivan, Dan Hurley, Jerry Foley, Pat O Shea, Brendan Corkery, Eoin Corkery, Bertie O Riordan, Gerard Costello, Patie Casey, Jerry O Brien, Timmy Corkery, Michael Griffin, John Griffin, Dermot Griffin, James Hurley, Patrick O Riordan, Patrick Costello.

Over Laune: Tony Foley, Ian Wharton, Gene Evans, Padraig Doyle, Michael Cahillane, Fergus O Meara, Kevin Heffernan, Tom Johnston, Brian Mangan, Micheal Johnston, Robert Evans, Buddy O Sullivan, John Evans, Frank Russell, Donal Pigott, James Foley, Batty Foley, Enda Foley, Glenn Evans, Redmond Fitzgerald.

Ref: John Griffin (Caragh Lake).

Over Laune had sought a postponement because they had four injured players but it was decided at the club meeting on 11^th June to proceed with the final on the scheduled date. Eamonn Crowley (The Fishery) sponsored the winners’ medals and Patrick Foley (Ó Foghlú) sponsored the losers’ medals. The presentation of medals took place in The Fishery – finger food was served. The man-of-the-tournament, sponsored by The Castle, was presented to Tom Johnston. To celebrate the victory, Douglas went for a weekend to Carlow and played a local team in a challenge.

Co. U-21 Championship

Trainer/Selector – James Sheehan. Selector – Maurice Corkery.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 11^th Sept. at Killarney: Laune Rangers 2-14; Kenmare 1-8.

That was a very good performance, albeit against an ill-prepared Kenmare team. John O Donnell, Adrian Hassett and Pa Murphy were the best of the backs. John Doona and Billy O Shea were excellent at midfield. Billy O Sullivan and Mikey Griffin played very well. Eoin O Sullivan began well but faded. Frankie Brennan played well, also, but faded when moved to full-forward. Jason Griffin linked up well.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill (capt.), Brendan Corkery, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy, Eoin Corkery, John Doona (0-1), Billy O Shea (1-2), Eoin O Sullivan (0-2), Billy O Sullivan (1-5, pen.), Michael Griffin (0-1), Frankie Brennan (0-2), Timmy Linehan, Jason Griffin. Subs: Michael Lynch (0-1) for T. Linehan; Karl Griffin for B. Corkery; James Hurley for E. Corkery; Gerard Costello, Carl O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan, Vincent O Shea, Enda Foley.

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Quarter-Final on Tues. 17^th Sept. at Fitzgerald Stadium: East Kerry 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-5.

East-Kerry won the toss and elected to play with the aid of a strong wind. After their full-forward, Paud O Donoghue, scored 2 points, Laune Rangers settled well and scored points per Billy O Sullivan (2) and Michael Griffin. Jason Griffin was fouled in the square but Billy O Sullivan’s penalty shot was well saved by Tony Murphy. A great through-ball by Timmy Corkery put Billy O Sullivan in the clear but again the goalie saved well. Tommy Byrne was outstanding throughout. Rangers were in arrears 1-4 to 0-3 at halftime.

On the resumption, Billy O Shea got a point, Frankie Brennan got another but that ended their scoring. Billy O Sullivan missed two scoreable frees and that seemed to give the opposition heart. They drove forward and, despite good work by Pa Murphy, Adrian Hassett and Danny Cahill, they got the necessary scores. As stated, Tommy Byrne excelled but John Doona did not play well. In the forward line, Billy O Shea played well. Michael Griffin and Jason Griffin had a good first half. Frankie Brennan played well and was surprisingly substituted. Timmy Corkery was disappointing.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy, Eoin Joy, John Doona, Tommy Byrne, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Shea (0-1), Michael Griffin (0-1), Frankie Brennan (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-2), Jason Griffin. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for F. Brennan; Nigel Reidy for J. Griffin; Michael Lynch, James Hurley, Carl O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Buddy O Sullivan, Karl Griffin, Brendan Corkery, Derry O Sullivan, Vincent O Shea, Enda Foley.

Missing: Timmy Linehan (inj.) and Paudie Russell (suspended).

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Duhallow U-21 Tournament

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 31^st July at Boherbue (Co. Cork): Laune Rangers 1-13; Macroom 2-4.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, John O Donnell, Paudie Russell, Eoin Corkery, Jason Griffin, Danny Cahill, Karl Griffin, John Doona, Billy O Shea, Nigel Corkery, Timmy Corkery, Michael Griffin, Carl O Sulivan, Timmy Linehan, Frankie Brennan. Subs: Gerard Costello, John Cronin, Enda Foley, Kevin Jones (all played).

 

Semi-Final on Mon. 28^th Oct. at Boherbue: Duhallow 4-6; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Laune Rangers: Niall Moriarty, Eoi Corkery, Paudie Russell, James Hurley, Buddy O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Michael Griffin, John Doona, Billy O Shea, Timmy Corkery, Eoin Joy, Eoin O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Billy O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan.

Michael Lynch was Laune Rangers’ man-of-the-match.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Trainer/coach – Gerard Murphy. Selectors – Gerard Murphy, Pat Pigott and Danny Cahill.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 1^st July at 8.00pm at Cahersiveen: South Kerry 2-10; Laune Rangers 1-12.

Paudie Russell was superb. All the other backs played really well. Mike Hassett played well. The forwards, as a unit, disappointed. Derry O Sullivan played well in the first half. Mike Griffin tried hard. Jason Griffin would not release the ball quickly and Kevin Jones was also guilty of that. Carl O Sullivan got the goal. Rangers led by 3 points with a few minutes left.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Michael Cahillane, Paudie Russell, James Hurley, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Pat O Shea (Glencar), Mike Hassett, Michael Griffin, Carl O Sullivan (capt.), Jason Griffin, John Foley, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Pat O Keeffe for J. Foley; Declan Byrne for P. O Shea; Colm Joy, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Co. Minor Football League

There were eight teams in Division 1.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. March 18^th at Caherina: Kerins O Rahillys 0-3; Laune Rangers 2-6.

That was a very gutsy performance in very bad weather conditions – it rained heavily before and throughout the game. The backs were great and defended stoutly, particularly in the first half against the wind. Rangers led at halftime by 0-4 to 0-1. Midfield played well throughout. The half-forward line tried hard but only Kevin Jones, of the full-forward line, played well. He got one of the goals and Jason Griffin got the other. After a flare-up in the second half, Sean O Sullivan, and one of the opposition, was sent off.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Michael Hassett, Declan Byrne, Michael Griffin, Jason Griffin, John Foley, Carl O Sullivan (capt.), Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Eamonn Foley for D. O Sullivan; Nicholas Bainton, Adrian O Connor.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 29^th March at Mitchel’s Pitch: John Mitchels 3-12; Laune Rangers 3-10.

The better team won but Laune Rangers never capitulated, even when Mitchels got some soft scores. Pat O Keeffe was excellent, saving a penalty to boot. The full-forward line, with the exception of Eamonn Foley, was in trouble throughout. Karl Griffin picked up an injury but soldiered on out on the wing. Mike Hassett had his moments but was not dominating. Eamonn Foley got two great points and his work-rate was very good. Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan and Kevin Jones got the goals. Rangers had some way to go but the return of the missing players would strengthen them.

Laune Rangers: Pat O Keeffe, James Hurley, Michael Cahillane, Raymond O Sullivan, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Michael Hassett, Declan Byrne, Michael Griffin, Jason Griffin, Kevin Jones, Carl O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley. Subs: Liam Hassett for D. Byrne; Adrian O Connor, Nicholas Bainton.

Missing: Sean O Sullivan (suspended); John Foley (Dublin); Andrew Doyle (London); Paudie Russell (inj.).

Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 5^th April at Killeen: Na Gaeil 3-3; Laune Rangers 2-7.

That was a very poor performance. The better team lost. In point of fact, Rangers thought that the game was a draw, but the referee was adamant that they had won. Needless to say, Rangers didn’t argue! Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin and James Hurley were the pick of the backs. The midfield was adequate if not great. Adrian Hassett played quite well. Derry O Sullivan tried hard. All the others had their moments but did not really play well.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley (capt.), Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Michael Hassett, Colm Joy, Michael Griffin, Jason Griffin, Eamonn Foley, Adrian O Connor, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Sub: Nicholas Bainton.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 19^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-5; Austin Stacks 0-6.

Laune Rangers had asked Stacks to postpone the game for a day or two due to the fact that Michael Hassett was playing in Killarney with the Munster U-17’s against Australia in a compromise rules game. They refused. Rangers played poorly in the forward line – too much individualism. The backs played well – Karl Griffin was outstanding. Eamonn Foley scored 2-2 out of the total.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Declan Byrne, Michael Griffin, Jason Griffin, John Foley, Eamonn Foley, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Pat O Keeffe for C. Joy; Carl O Sulivan for J. Foley; Nicholas Bainton, Adrian O Connor.

Ref: Jerry O Riordan (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 5 on Tues. 23^rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-8; Legion 3-14.

Laune Rangers began well and raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead. The forwards played great football. The teams were level at halftime, 2-5 each, Rangers having played against the breeze. They were outplayed in the third quarter but came back well in the final ten minutes and could have stolen the game.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, James Hurley, Michael Cahillane, Sean O Sullivan, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Michael Griffin, Kevin Jones, Eamonn Foley, Pat O Keeffe, John Foley, Carl O Sullivan (capt.). Subs: Liam Hassett for J. Hurley; Raymond O Sullivan. Missing: Mike Hassett (Ireland U-17’s v Australia), Jason Griffin, Declan Byrne and Paudie Russell (all injured).

Ref: Ger Driscoll (Valentia).

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 26^th April at Dingle: Dingle 1-13; Laune Rangers 2-5.

Laune Rangers began well and Mike Hassett goaled. However, they were in arrears 1-5 to 1-2 at halftime, having played against the wind. Rangers played poorly in the second half. The forwards were terrible with the exception of Liam Hassett and Carl O Sullivan and, to a lesser degree, Kevin Jones. Best of the backs were James Hurley, Kealon O Sullivan and Pat O Keeffe. As a result of that game, Rangers were out of the league, as only the top two teams qualified for the final.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Kealon O Sullivan, Karl Griffin, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Hassett, Colm Joy, John Foley, Kevin Jones, Eamonn Foley, Liam Hassett, Derry O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: None. Missing: Pat Cahill, Declan Byrne, Jason Griffin, Paudie Russell (all injured) and Michael Griffin.

 

Rd. 7 on Fri. 3^rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-10; Annascaul/Castlegregory 3-5.

Rangers were ahead 2-8 to 0-1 at halftime, having played very well. They took Mike Hassett off at halftime to rest him but thereafter the team played very poorly – that team had a habit of doing that. It was a typical end of season game – little interest as both teams were out of contention. Rangers could have been in the shake-up. They were plagued by injuries all through the competition.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Pat O Keeffe, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Colm Joy, Mike Griffin, Kevin Jones, Eamonn Foley, Carl O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, John Foley. Subs: Derry O Sullivan for C. O Sullivan; Liam Hassett for M. Hassett; Adrian O Connor. Missing: Jason Griffin, Paudie Russell and Pat Cahill (all injured).

Ref: Tom Ferriter (Castlegregory).

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Semi-Final on Wed. 14^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-4.

Laune Rangers struggled for three quarters of that game – after the effects of Puck. They got a lucky goal after ten minutes, when the Milltown goalie dropped the ball and Carl O Sullivan goaled. Kevin Jones pointed a free. Further points from Kevin Jones, Jason Griffin and Colm Joy gave Rangers a 1-4 to 1-2 interval lead.

Milltown levelled on the resumption and, when Mikey Griffin’s penalty shot was saved, things looked bleak. Mike Hassett pointed the resultant ‘45’. In the final fifteen minutes, the Killorglin boys began to play well. Goals from Mikey Griffin and Declan Byrne sealed the issue. That team had potential but it was difficult to get them to combine. All the backs played well, with Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, Pat Cahill and Karl Griffin best. Midfield was adequate if a little tired. Mikey Griffin worked hard. Derry O Sullivanm had got physically strong, fielded well but must be coached to let the ball off earlier. Jason Griffin and Kevin Jones had the same problem. Carl O Sullivan played well but must get more involved. Colm Joy lacked practice. Declan Byrne hit the bar and the post before he eventually scored a goal. He needed more football practice.

Laune Rangers: Pat O Keeffe, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley, Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Pat O Shea, Mike Hassett, Paudie Russell, Mike Griffin, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Colm Joy, Kevin Jones. Subs: Declan Byrne for C. Joy; Kealon O Sullivan for K. Jones (inj.).

John Foley was present but had a suspected broken nose. Andrew Doyle rang to say that he had a heavy flu.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Final on Wed. 21^st Aug. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 5-10; Keel 1-6.

Jason Griffin played a mickey-mouse soccer game before that game and did not arrive until halftime. With 15 minutes to go he was put on – really, he should have been made stay on the sideline.

Laune Rangers began slowly. Keel pointed two frees, while Rangers missed three frees. Then a high cross by Carl O Sullivan was dropped by their goalie over the goal-line. Carl O Sullivan pointed a free. Mike Hassett ran through their defence, linked up with Mikey Griffin for a goal to leave the halftime score 2-1 to 0-4 in the winners’ favour.

In the second half Rangers were more businesslike. Pat O Keeffe joined Mike Hassett at midfield and they took over completely. Pat O Keeffe kicked two frees over the bar. Sean O Sullivan made a great save and Derry O Sullivan ran the length of the field to score a great point. Goals from Derry O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan and Mike Hassett killed off the opposition. Points from Mike Hassett (2), Pat O Keeffe (2), Carl O Sullivan (1) and Mikey Griffin (1) gave Rangers a facile victory.

Andrew Doyle was very good in goals – his kick-outs were great. Sean O Sullivan and Michael Cahillane were very sound. James Hurley was a little anxious but played well. Pat Cahill was never beaten. Karl Griffin, after a slow start, played well. Kealon O Sullivan did all that was asked of him. Mike Hassett was great. Paudie O Shea tried hard – he was big and strong. Mikey Griffin was very good – when he moved to full-forward he set up many scores. Derry O Sullivan played very well, particularly when he was moved to left half-forward. Colm Joy had his best game ever – he worked hard and distributed well. Carl O Sullivan played well – he was always dangerous on the ball. Declan Byrne played best at corner-forward – he was physically unfit. John Foley tried hard until he was injured. Pat O Keeffe played great football at midfield and took his scores well. Jason Griffin made little or no impression when he was introduced. Liam Hassett looked busy when he came on.

Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, James Hurley (capt.), Pat Cahill, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Pauie O Shea, Colm Joy, Derry O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Declan Byrne, John Foley. Subs: Pat O Keeffe for J. Foley; Jason Griffin for D. Byrne; Liam Hassett for C. O Sullivan; Eamonn Foley. Missing: Paudie Russell (suspended), Kevin Jones (inj.).

Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane) – good.

Co. U-16 District Board Championship

That competition was run on a knockout basis. Trainer/Selector – Jerome Conway. Selectors – Tim Coffey (Beaufort) and Seán Foley (Keel).

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 28^th Sept. at Glenbeigh: Mid-Kerry 2-9; South Kerry 3-10.

The game was played in appalling weather conditions. South Kerry won the toss and opted to play with the aid of a gale. Within minute, a 20m shot went into the net by the post. South Kerry was stronger and faster to the ball. They continued to attack but Mid-Kerry settled a little, despite conceding a few more points. Mícheál Foley and Rory Corkery worked very hard. A long, high ball, that should have been easily dealt with, was allowed through his hands into the net by the Mid-Kerry goalie, Brian Murphy. Kieran Little came on and got a point. Mid-Kerry missed a 13m free. South-Kerry came downfield and scored another gaol. Jerry O Brien closed the scoring to leave Mid-Kerry 3-8 to 0-2 in arrears at the short whistle.

On the resumption, Mid-Kerry attacked relentlessly and had points from Rory Corkery and Liam Hassett. A long free from Kieran Tangney was deflected by a back into the net. South-Kerry raised the siege to score a point. Mid-Kerry attacked and had points from Kieran Little, Liam Hassett and Jerry O Brien and a great goal from the latter. South Kerry had another point and then the time ran out with the better team victorious, though Mid-Kerry could have stolen it.

Mid-Kerry: Brian Murphy (Beaufort), Raymond Clifford (Keel), Thomas Walsh (Laune Rangers), Michael Quirke (Milltown), Mícheál Foley (Beaufort), Redmond Fitzgerald (Laune Rangers), Raymond Kelliher (Beaufort), Pat O Keeffe (Laune Rangers) capt., Eamonn Breen (Beaufort), Liam Hassett (Laune Rangers), Kieran Flynn (Keel), Kieran Tangney (Beaufort), Noel McKenna (Milltown), Rory Corkery (Laune Rangers), Jerry O Brien (do.). Subs: Kieran Little (Cromane) for N. McKenna; Alan Bailey (Keel), Thadie Kavanagh (Keel), Cormac O Malley (Beaufort), Micheal Griffin (Keel), Mark Conway (Laune Rangers).

Ref: Richard Fitzgerald (Listry).

South-Kerry went on to win the competition by beating Tralee in the Co. Final.

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

Trainer/coach – Jerome Conway. The panel commenced training on Sat. 23^rd February.

That competition was run on a league basis. There were seven teams – Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Legion, Dr. Crokes, Laune Rangers, Kerins O Rahillys and Gaeltacht – and the top four played in the semi-finals. Preparations were greatly curtailed, as players were working during the summer holidays. Strangely, that was the first year that such a problem reared its head. It was obvious from the closeness of the games that, with a greater effort, the team would have done much better.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 26^th June at 7.30pm at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Kerins O Rahillys 2-9.

Rangers’ backs played quite well. However, they struggled at midfield. Only Eamonn Foley and, to a lesser degree, Rory Corkery played well in the forwards. Rangers were eight points in arrears when O Rahilly’s had a man sent off. Rangers then scored two goals but they could not get the winner.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Liam Hassett, Ronan Curtayne, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Rory Corkery, Glenn Evans, Brian O Neill, Eamonn Foley (capt.), Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Fiachra O Donoghue, Colm Conway.

Ref: Kieran Breen (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 3^rd July at Deerpark: Dr. Crokes 2-9; Laune Rangers 2-8.

Laune Rangers played better on that occasion. They led by four points with ten minutes left but then they conceded a soft goal. They still were not playing well at midfield. At least they had Thomas Walsh back after injury, which would release Liam Hassett to the forwards.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Liam Hassett, Ronan Curtayne, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Rory Corkery, Glenn Evans, Brian O Neill, Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Thomas Walsh for G. Evans; Glenn Evans for T. O Sullivan; Fiachra O Donoghue for B. O Neill, Colm Conway.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinfersy).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 10^th July at Gallerus: Gaeltacht 3-7; Laune Rangers 0-6.

The evening was terrible – wind and rain. Laune Rangers played with the strong wind in the first half and kicked some good points. They led at one stage by 0-5 to 0-0 and had the opposition rattled. Then Gaeltacht came forward – Rangers’ wing backs did not follow their men back. They scored a point and then a goal. Rangers rallied to score a point to lead at halftime by 0-6 to 1-1.

The visitors defended bravely in the second half but their goalie conceded two goals over his head. That gave the home side the confidence to play well. Rangers were too weak up front to trouble their backs. Some of the players had lost their fitness – Turlough Byrnes, Jerry O Brien, Glenn Evans and Liam Hassett. As those were working during the holidays, they had not shown up for training.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Ronan Curtayne, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Liam Hassett, Glenn Evans, Brian O Neill, Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sulivan. Subs: Fiachra O Donoghue for B. O Neill; Colm Conway for G. Evans, Brian O Neill for E. Foley. Rory Corkery did not travel – he gave no reason.

 

Rd. 4 a bye for Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 24^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-10; Legion 1-4.

The best thing that was done for that team was to bring along a few of the U-14 team. Now the coach could replace players who were not trying. Derry O Donoghue and Ronan Curtayne had great games. Joe Hayes did very well when he came on. The other backs were sluggish at times but they all had their moments. Rangers’ midfield played well. Turlough Byrnes had got very slow and weak. Fergal O Brien, when he came on, challenged for the ball at least. He scored a goal and rocked the crossbar with another shot. Rory Corkery played well – he won the ball well. John O Sullivan began slowly but he showed flashes of his true self. He would be good. Liam Hassett was a great worker, always foraging for the ball and using it well. Eamonn Foleyplayed quite well – he scored a good goal against the breeze. Glenn Evans played well when he came on.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald (0-1), Ronan Curtayne (0-1), Pat O Keeffe (0-1), Jerry O Brien (0-1), Turlough Byrnes, Rory Corkery, John O Sullivan (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-4), Eamonn Foley (1-1), Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Joe Hayes for J. Purcell; Glenn Evans for T. O Sullivan; Fergal O Brien (1-0) for T. Byrnes; Stephen Clifford, Brian O Neill, Fiachra O Donoghue, Colm Conway, Alan O Sullivan (The Castle), Paul O Brien, Michael Hurley.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinfersy).

 

Rd. 6 on Wed. 31^st July at Boherbue: John Mitchels 4-5; Laune Rangers 2-11.

That was a game that Laune Rangers should have won. They began well with points from Eamonn Foley and Rory Corkery. The Mitchels’ goalie made a point-blank save from Rory Corkery. Glenn Evans was fouled in the small parallelogram and Pat O Keeffe scored a great goal from the penalty kick. Mitchels came back for a goal from their full-forward. Rangers attacked relentlessly and scored some good points but missed some great chances – Fergal O Brien hit the butt of the post and the ball was cleared, Jerry O Brien cut through the defence but blazed wide and Glenn Evans won possession well but his shot was smothered. They raided down the left flank and when their left half-forward’s shot was blocked, the ball fell to No. 15 who goaled. Rangers were in arrears 2-3 to 1-5 at the interval.

On the resumption, the Launesiders again attacked and Rory’s Corkery’s point blank shot went straight at the goalie. However, Rangers settled and John O Sullivan scored a great goal. They then kicked some great points through Liam Hassett, Rory Corkery, Jerry O Brien, Eamonn Foley, Glenn Evans and John O Sullivan. With nine minutes left Rangers were six points ahead. Then they conceded a soft goal. That gave Mitchels heart. The referee, yielding to intimidation from the far touchline, gave Rangers nothing for the rest of the game. Pat O Keeffe was blatantly pushed in the back and lost possession and they went down the field to score another goal.

Ref: Sean Kissane (K. O Rahillys) – he refereed well for three quarters of the game but he gave Rangers nothing in the final quarter. He played for a draw. He booked about five Mitchel’s players – none of Rangers’ team was booked.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Derry O Donoghue, Ronan Curtayne, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, John O Sullivan, Rory Corkery, Fergal O Brien, Liam Hassett, Eamonn Foley, Glenn Evans. Subs: Tony O Sullivan, Brian O Neill, John Purcell, Colm Conway, Fiachra O Donoghue.

 

Rd. 7 on Wed. 7^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-13; Austin Stacks 3-8.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of a stiff breeze and missed some great chances of goals before Liam Hassett opened the scoring with two points. Stacks broke upfield and got a goal. Liam Hassett scored another point and Rory Corkery got a goal. Rangers missed another gaoling chance and then Stacks caught them for two goals to leave the halftime score 3-4 to 1-8 in Stacks’ favour. Stacks stretched their lead, on the resumption, with two points. Then the Rangers’ backs tightened – Redmond Fitzgerald and Thomas Walsh switched positions and Mark Conway had the game of his life. Midfield and Rory Corkery began to motor well while Liam Hassett, in the half-forward line, picked up every break. Rangers got a few more points. Glenn Evans got a goal to put his side level. Rangers finished with a flourish – two points from Jerry O Brien. Unfortunately, Laune Rangers had not qualified for the semi-finals.

Team: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Fergal O Brien, Rory Corkery, Tony O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Eamonn Foley (capt.), Glenn Evans. Subs: Paul O Brien for J. Purcell; Brian O Neill for T.O Sullivan; Colm Conway. Missing: John O Sullivan (Co. U-14 hurling training), Ronan Curtayne (bruised ribs).

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinfersy).

Laune Rangers did not progress beyond the preliminary rounds.

Final on Sat. 14^th Sept. at Connolly Park: John Mitchels 2-6; Kerins O Rahilly’s 0-8.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Championship

As a result of a motion, which was passed, from Cromane (Pat O Shea) to the Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg AGM, there were just three clubs in that competition – Laune Rangers, Beaufort and Milltown/Castlemaine. That meant that Laune Rangers would get three games in the Mid-Kerry competition and that they would be finished by the middle of May – so much for promoting Gaelic Games to a very important age-group. The competition was run on a league basis, with the top two teams contesting the final.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 15^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-1; Laune Rangers 5-13.

Laune Rangers were slow to settle but once they got their act together, they were able to score at will. Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sullivan, Rory Corkery, Jerry O Brien and Turlough Byrne scored the goals. It was difficult to guage the team on that performance, as Milltown was very weak and unprepared.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Ronan Curtayne, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), Eamonn Foley, Glenn Evans, Turlough Byrnes, Liam Hassett, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Rory Corkery, Brian O Neill, Fiachra O Donoghue, Stephen Clifford, Colm Conway (all played).

Ref: Michael Curran (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 29^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Beaufort 0-3.

The underfoot conditions were terrible, after days of constant rain. Rangers’ backs played well. Alan O Sullivan was outstanding. Midfield was adequate. The forwards’ play was very fragmented, particularly in the second half. Rangers had 80% of the play but they just could not translate it into scores.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Derry O Donoghue, John Purcell, Alan O Sullivan, Ronan Curtayne, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Rory Corkery, Francis O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Eamonn Foley, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Glenn Evans for F. O Sullivan; Brian O Neill for T. O Sullivan; Stephen Clifford, Colm Conway, Fiachra O Donoghue.

Ref: Dan Cronin (Milltown).

 

Final on Mon. 20^th May at Milltown: Laune Rangers 5-15; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-3.

Laune Rangers played very well in the second half to destroy the opposition. They were not as convincing in the first half. The centre of the defence was loose and it was only when Liam Hassett was moved to centre halfback that Rangers began to dominate. He was a most clever player. Rangers began with a penalty, expertly converted by Pat O Keeffe. They led at halftime by 1-7 to 1-2. The full-back line was rock solid but only Ronan Curtayne, of the halfback line, played well. The man-of-the-match was Jerry O Brien, who roamed tirelessly throughout the field. All the forwards played well. Pat O Keeffe was very good at midfield. Turlough Byrne was very good. Rory Corkery worked hard. Glenn Evans played quite well – he had improved. Eamonn Foley was very good at full-forward, while Tony O Sullivan tried hard. The substitutes played well when they came on. Donncha Curran was sound in goals. Rory Corkery, Tony O Sullivan, Turlough Byrnes and Eamonn Foley got the other goals.

Laune Rangers: Donncha Curran, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Derry O Donoghue, Ronan Curtayne, Alan O Sullivan, John Purcell, Pat O Keeffe (capt.), Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Rory Corkery, Glenn Evans, Tony O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley, Liam Hassett. Subs: Brian O Neill for G. Evans; Stephen Clifford for J. Purcell; Colm Conway for T. O Sullivan; Fiachra O Donoghue for A. O Sullivan.

Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane) – very good.

 

U-15 Co. Championship

That competition was in its inaugural year and was played on a knock-out basis.

Trainer/Selector – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Cordal: Cordal 2-3; Laune Rangers 5-14.

Laune Rangers were on top throughout. Strangely, when the backs were put under pressure, they yielded. Rory Corkery was outstanding but he continued to carry the ball too much. That was a pity as he was a great player but he was destroying the unity of the forward line. Donncha Curran, to a lesser degree, did likewise. The forwards indeed played well but they missed as much as they scored – lack of shooting practice.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Colm Conway, Thomas Walsh, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Pat Leahy, Rory Corkery, Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Alan O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell, Owen O Connell, Donncha Curran (capt.), John O Sullivan.

 

Quarter-Final on Sun. 10^th Nov. at Kenmare: Kenmare 2-4; Laune Rangers 4-12.

Rangers played much better than the previous outing. They combined better. However, they did not win much clean ball at midfield but they used the ball well in the forward line. Rory Corkery scored two goals, John O Sullivan and Alan O Sullivan one goal each.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Rory Corkery, Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Alan O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell, David Lynch, Donncha Curran, John O Sullivan. Subs: Owen O Connell for F. O Brien (inj.); Colm Conway for M.F. Russell; Brian O Neill for D. Lynch; Anthony Reen.

Semi-Final on Sun. 17^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 1-12; Kerins O Rahillys 1-8.

That was a great performance against the favourites – O Rahilly’s had won the Co. U-14 Co. Championship in 1990 and had reached the All-Ireland semi-finals of Feile Peile na nOg, only to be beaten by St. Finbarrs, Cork.

Laune Rangers played against a slight breeze and were 1-1 in arrears after 5 minutes. They recovered and the forwards played great intelligent football. Rory Corkery excelled at midfield. By halftime Rangers were only two points in arrears, 1-5 to 1-3 (Brian Gannon got the goal). For fifteen minutes after the resumption Rangers controlled the game, drawing level and going four points clear with points from Michael F. Russell, and Alan O Sullivan. O Rahilly’s came at them but Rangers would not concede ground to superior physique. The backs were superb. Having weathered the storm, Rangers again attacked and points by Owen O Connell, Brian Gannon and David Lynch saw them through.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Owen O Connell, David Lynch, Donncha Curran, John O Sullivan. Subs: Brian O Neill, Colm Conway, Nigel Corkery, Anthony Reen. Missing: Fergal O Brien (inj.) and Pa O Sullivan (England).

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinfersy).

 

Final on Sun. 24^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 4-5; John Mitchels 0-5.                   .

That game was played after the NFL game Kerry v Derry.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Owen O Connell, David Lynch, Donncha Curran (Capt.), John O Sullivan. Subs: Brian O Neill, Pa O Sullivan, Colm Conway, Nigel Corkery, Anthony Reen. Missing: Fergal O Brien (inj.)

Co. U-14 Div. 1 Football Championship

That was played on a league basis between six teams – Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Desmonds, John Mitchels, Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes – with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

Trainers/Coaches – Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan. The panel commenced training on Sun. 27^th January.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 3^rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 8-13; Dr. Crokes 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Nelius Lynch, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Michael F. Russell, Brian Gannon, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Dermot Murphy, Owen O Connell, Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons (all played).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 10^th April at Boherbue: John Mitchels v Laune Rangers.

The game commenced in atrocious weather conditions. After ten minutes Laune Rangers were 2-5 to 0-0 in the lead and the game was called off. Mitchels conceded the game.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 17^th April at Strand Rd: K. O Rahillys 1-8; Laune Rangers 7-14.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Nelius Lynch, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Michael F. Russell, Brian Gannon, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Owen O Connell, Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons, Paul Russell (all played).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 24^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 8-15; Desmonds 0-3.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Nelius Lynch, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Dermot Murphy, Owen O Connell, Anthony Reen, Podge Foley (all played).

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 1^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Austin Stacks 0-3.

Laune Rangers were then in the Co. Semi-Finals, having been undefeated. Stacks were physically strong and Rangers would need to be at their best if/when they would meet them again. Patsy Joy had the team in good shape.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Joe Hayes, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Fergal O Brien, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Owen O Connell, Michael F. Russell, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Dermot Murphy, Anthony Reen, Paul Russell.

Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Final on Sun. 19^th May at Castleisland: Laune Rangers 3-10; Austin Stacks 1-13.

As Laune Rangers had won all their games by big scores, nobody was anxious to play them in the semi-final and they went straight into the final. That was a great game of football, with play swinging from end to end. Rangers played with the aid of the breeze in the first half but the teams were only level at halftime, 1-6 each. In that half Rangers had some outstanding performances from John Sheehan and Paudie Finnegan in the backs, Fergal O Brien at midfield and Brian Gannon and Mike Frank Russell in attack. Alan O Sullivan was out of sorts due to flu. John O Sullivan came to midfield where he excelled.

On the resumption, Rangers had a goal (Michael F. Russell) and a point in quick succession. The next twenty-five minutes were ding-dong. Stacks actually drew level with ten minutes to go but the Killorglin boys fought back for a goal (Fergal O Brien). Stacks got a point but Rangers had a similar score to end the game victoriously. Mike Frank Russell got the first goal from thirty yards, when his shot deceived the goalie. He also got the second when he flicked the ball to the net. He had a great game, working tirelessly throughout. Fergal O Brien scored the third goal when he crashed an unstoppable shot to the net. He also had a great game. Michael Hurley was adequate in goals, saving a great shot on the stroke of time. Paul O Brien and Joe Hayes were very good. Pat Leahy switched, with good effect, with Nelius Lynch. Johnny Lynch made a big difference when he came on for the out-of-form Nigel Corkery. David Lynch and Pa O Sullivan, while not shining, got four points between them. Laune Rangers then represented Kerry at Féile Peile na nÓg in Meath. Congratulations to Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan, who was in Canada on holidays at the time.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Joe Hayes, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Nelius Lynch, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan (capt.), Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Johnny Lynch for N. Corkery; Owen O Connell, Dermot Murphy, Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons.

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds) – very good.

Féile Peile na nÓg in Meath June 28^th/30^th.

 

Fri. 28^th June, Laune Rangers travelled by bus (Brosnan’s Tours, with John O Keeffe, Cromane, as driver) from outside the church at 1pm. Players had brought their own lunch-pack. The host team, Kilcloon, Co. Meath, was coached by Gene Ferris (formerly Dungeel) and Jimmy Burke. The organisation that Gene Ferris brought to the occasion was most impressive as the players and mentors were whisked away by the host families. Kilcloon was a small country club with a burning ambition to be great.

 

Sat. 29^th June @ 10.30am at Kilcloon: Kilcloon 1-2; Laune Rangers 0-3.

Laune Rangers players seriously underestimated the opposition even though Kilcloon were Meath Féile Champions. Rangers played rubbish football.

@ 2.30pm at Dunboyne: Laune Rangers 3-11; Killeavy (Armagh) 0-1.

Rangers, remembering their roots and great tradition, began to play good football and brushed aside the opposition.

@ 3.30pm at Dunboyne: Dunboyne 0-1; Laune Rangers 5-12.

If Kilcloon beat Killeavy in the final game, Rangers would be out of the competition. Sensationally, and against all the odds, Killeavy beat Kilcloon by a point and that meant that two teams finished on four points, Kilcloon and Laune Rangers. Rangers qualified, having the better aggregate score, with fifty points scored in total.

@ 7.30pm at Dunshaughlin, Semi-Final: Laune Rangers 7-7; Corofin, Galway 1-2.

That was the real Laune Rangers in action – a great team effort.

 

Sun. 30^th June: Laune Rangers marched in the parade through Navan at 12.00noon. What a sight! 66 teams complete with bands and majorettes. As each team entered Páirc Tailtean, it was introduced to the huge crowd. The roar that greeted Ballinderry Shamrocks from Derry was deafening.

 

@ 1-30pm in Páirc Tailteann: All-Ireland Skills Competition:

Penalty Kick – Paudie Finnegan came second.

20m Free Kicks – Michael Francis Russell came second.

Long Kick – Fergal O Brien came fifth.

@ 3.00pm All-Ireland Final: Laune Rangers 2-6; Ballinderry Shamrocks (Derry) 0-2.

That was a super performance by a most talented team. Prior to the game, Laune Rangers had been warned by Navan O Mahony’s officials (they had hosted Ballinderry) that they had no hope of winning as Ballinderry were unbeatable. The mentors of Na Piarsaigh, Cork, felt that the most that Laune Rangers could expect was to give Ballinderry a good game. What more motivation did Laune Rangers need?

Ballinderry elected to play against the strong breeze. It took Laune Rangers a veritable age to get going and with five minutes left in the half they led only by 0-5. Then team captain, John O Sullivan, found the net and David Lynch popped over a point to give them and interval lead of 1-6 to 0-0. Would it be enough? Outstanding defence in the second half by all the backs and a goal by Alan O Sullivan gave the Kerry Champions the title. Rangers were the first Kerry club to win the Féile competition. Elation for Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan et all.

Four other players travelled for the weekend, though not on the official panel of 20 players – Kevin O Connor, Maurice Sheehan, Simon Ferris and Billy O Mahony. Bertie Houlihan and Jerome Conway travelled on the bus. Others who travelled were Myles O Brien, Mr. & Mrs. John Lynch, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Reen, Eileen O Riordan and Darren, Patie Corkery, Patsy O Sullivan, John Murphy and Frank Russell. Patsy Joy and Tony Lyons travelled by car and James Ferris travelled under his own steam.

On the way home, the party ate at the Country Club, Dunshaughlin. The bus arrived in Killorglin at 12.30am to a bonfire reception and the team paraded through the town in a lorry provided by Klinge. A good-sized crowd heard about the happenings of the weekend from Jerome Conway. The players were introduced and then all retired to The Castle for sandwiches and drinks. Killorglin Credit Union had sponsored beautiful track-suits for the team for the occasion.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Nigel Corkery, Michael F. Russell, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, John O Sullivan (capt.), Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Paul Russell for N. Corkery; Nelius Lynch, Dermot Murphy, Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons. Missing: Brian Gannon (in France).

The players were charged £15 each, which paid for the bus and the meal on the homeward journey. Parents were charged £20 for the bus-ride.

 

Co. U-14B Football Championship (Div. 7)

There were six teams in the Division – Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’, Austin Stacks ‘B’, Dr. Crokes ‘B’, Laune Rangers ‘B’, Legion ‘B’ and Desmonds ‘B’.

Trainer/Coach – Pierce Prendiville.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 6^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Austin Stacks ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 20^th April at Strand Rd.: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’1-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 24^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o Desmonds ‘B’ (scr).

Rd. 5 on Sat. 27th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Legion ‘B’.

 

Semi-Final on Tues. 4^th June at Direen: Legion ‘B’ 0-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-7.

Laune Rangers: Michael Ahern, Noel Purcell, Paul O Brien, Simon Ferris, Enda Clifford, Podge Foley, Maurice Sheehan, Owen O Connell, Dermot Murphy, Paul Russell, Seamus Costello, Tony Lyons, Michael Griffin (Ownagarry), Johnny Lynch, John Falvey. Subs: Kevin O Connor for M. Griffin; Billy O Mahony for P. Russell; John Paul Murphy for E. Clifford, Florence McCarthy for J. Falvey.

 

Final on Sat. 15^th June at Farranfore: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-11; Desmonds ‘B’ 1-7.

Both teams gave a marvellous display of all the best skills in Gaelic Football – high-fielding, excellent scoring and distribution. Laune Rangers laid the foundation for victory in the first half, after which, having played against the strong wind, they led by 1-3 to 0-3. In the second half, the physically stronger Killorglin boys, playing good football, piled on the pressure and finished deserving winners.

Laune Rangers: Michael Ahern, Enda Clifford, Podge Foley, Kevin Purcell, Simon Ferris, Paul O Brien (capt.), Maurice Sheehan, Owen O Connell, Dermot Murphy, Paul Russell, Seamus Costello, Kevin O Connor, Anthony Reen, Johnny Lynch, Tony Lyons. Subs: Darragh O Sullivan for T. Lyons; Noel Purcell, John P. Murphy, Billy O Mahony, Michael Griffin, Florence McCarthy.

Ref: Tony Falvey (Firies).

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

Just as in the U-16 Championship, there were just three teams in that competition, Milltown/Castlemaine, Beaufort and Laune Rangers, as a result of the Cromane motion to the Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg Annual Convention.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 16^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 11-18; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-1.

That Laune Rangers’ U-14 team was exceptionally good – the players had grown very strong and combined well.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Pat Leahy, Nelius Lynch, Dermot Murphy, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Owen O Connell, Michael F. Russell, Nigel Corkery, David Lynch, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons.

Ref: Michael Curran (Beaufort).

 

Final on Tues. 2^nd July at Milltown: Laune Rangers 6-7; Beaufort 0-5.

Laune Rangers were disappointed that they had to play so soon after the weekend in Navan – Beaufort would not agree to a postponement. The players were very tired but when they opened up, they played great football. John O’Sullivan was a super player of great skill and maturity. Fergal O’Brien played very well. All the backs were great. Michael Hurley had improved as a goalie.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Paudie Finnegan, Alan O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Nigel Corkery, Michael F. Russell, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, John O Sullivan (capt.), Pa O Sullivan. Subs: Nelius Lynch for P. O Brien; Paul Russell for N. Corkery. Dermot Murphy, Anthony Reen, Tony Lyons, Maurice Sheehan, Simon Ferris.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinafercy).

Co. U-12 Football Championship

Joint Trainers – James Ferris and Finbarr Coffey. The panel commenced training on Sun. 24^th February.

That competition was played on a league basis – 8 teams in Division 1, John Mitchels, Gaeltacht, Laune Rangers, Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Legion, Dr. Crokes and Kilcummin. There was no final – the top team after the league section was declared the winner. That certainly eliminated the tears of disappointment of former years and lifted the unwanted pressures from tender shoulders. The ideal, at that level of course, was to give players many games without the pressures of competition, but how practical was that?

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 8^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-3; Kerins O Rahillys 2-6.

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Fergus Clifford, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Moriarty, Ross Breen, Enda Grandfield, Morgan Foley, Kevin Cahillane, Pa Sheehan, Cathal Browne, Garrath Sheehan, Jonathan Griffin, Terence Houlihan, Karl Falvey. Subs: John Moriarty for F. Clifford, Kevin Harmon for R. Breen (inj.), Denis O’Connor for C. Browne.

Ref: Michael O’Sullivan (Glenbeigh).

 

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 16^th May at Direen: Legion 5-7; Laune Rangers 3-7.

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Kevin Harmon, Kevin Cahillane, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Moriarty, Robert Moriarty, Enda Grandfield, Eoin Ferris, Morgan Foley, Pa Sheehan, Cathal Browne, Garrath Sheehan, Jonathan Griffin, Terence Houlihan, Karl Falvey. Subs: Gerald Teahan for J. Moriarty; John Moriarty for K. Cahillane; Denis O’Connor for J. Griffin.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun 26^th May at Gallerus: Gaeltacht 1-3; Laune Rangers 5-15

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Kevin Harmon, Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, Robert Moriarty, John Moriarty, Enda Grandfield, Eoin Ferris, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Pat Sheehan, Karl Falvey, Morgan Foley, Cathal Browne. Subs: Jonathan Griffin, Terence Houlihan, Denis O’Connor (all played).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 2^nd June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 5-6; Laune Rangers 2-12.

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Kevin Harmon, Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, Robert Moriarty, Kevin Cahillane, Enda Grandfield, Eoin Ferris, Morgan Foley, Trevor Gannon, Brendan Fitzgerald, Garrath Sheehan, Pa Sheehan, Cathal Browne, Karl Falvey. Subs: John Moriarty for M. Foley; Jonathan Griffin; John Aherne; Gerald Teahan; Denis O’Connor.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 5^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-15; John Mitchels 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Kevin Harmon, Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, John Moriarty, Robert Moriarty, Enda Grandfield, Eoin Ferris, Kevin Cahillane, Trevor Gannon, Brendan Ftizgerald, Garrath Sheehan, Karl Falvey, Jonathan Griffin, Pa Sheehan. Subs: Cathal Browne, John Aherne, Morgan Foley, Gerald Teahan.

 

Rd. 6 on Wed. 12^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Dr. Crokes.

 

Rd. 7 on Wed. 19^th June at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 8-11; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Kilcummin were then County Champions, as they had finished top of the group and Austin Stacks were runners-up.

 

Co. U-12B Football Championship

There were 6 teams in the competition – Austin Stacks ‘B’, Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’, Kilcummin ‘B’, Legion ‘B’, Dr. Crokes ‘B’ and Laune Rangers ‘B’ – and the top team, after the league section, was declared the winner.

Coach/Trainer – Declan Falvey.

 

Rd. 1: Laune Rangers B 1-7; Kilcummin B 2-9.

Rd. 2: Laune Rangers B 4-9; Austin Stacks B 1-2.

Rd. 3: Laune Rangers B 4-15; Kerins O’Rahilly’s B 2-5.

Rd. 4: Laune Rangers B 3-2; Legion B 1-8.

Rd. 5: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Dr. Crokes ‘B’.

Austin Stacks won the competition and Laune Rangers finished as runners-up.

Laune Rangers Panel: Tom Crowley, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty (capt.), Kevin Harmon, Paul Sheehan, John Gorman, Paul Costello, Jamie Cahillane, Brian Curran, Bob Foley, Darragh Burns, Denis O’Connor, John Aherne, Michael McGillycuddy, Donal Lynch, Evan Healy, Colm Leahy, Robert Coffey, Jesse Griffin, Daniel Moriarty, Pat Kelliher.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

As a result of the Cromane motion to Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg AGM, there were just three teams in that competition – Laune Rangers, Beaufort and Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 12^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Beaufort 1-7.

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, Paul Sheehan, Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, John Moriarty, Robert Moriarty, Enda Grandfield, Cathal Browne, Kevin Cahillane, Pat Sheehan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Garrath Sheehan, Kevin Harmon, Terence Houlihan, Jonathan Griffin. Subs: Eoin Ferris (inj) for J. Griffin; Gerald Teahan; Morgan Foley.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 19^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine would not play as they had been well beaten by Beaufort.

 

Final on Tues. 30^th July at Milltown: Laune Rangers 3-10; Beaufort 1-4.

Kevin Harmon got two goals and Pa Sheehan got one. Rangers were on top throughout. They had recaptured that trophy after losing to Milltown the previous year. It was a useful team if a bit on the small side. In that competition Laune Rangers had but two games – both against Beaufort. Some competitions – 2 games!!

The Killorglin notes in The Kerryman reported as follows, ‘Laune Rangers opened well with a great goal and a point from K. Harmon but Beaufort were quick to reply with a goal from a quickly taken free.  Laune Rangers had a few misses in the first half and but for good defensive work the interval lead of 1-5 to 1-1 would have been much closer. Laune Rangers opened well in the second half with some good points. The woodwork saved Beaufort twice before the winner’s E. Ferris started a great move at midfield to combine with G. Sheehan who set up his cousin Pat for a great goal. Laune Rangers were on top at this stage but Beaufort fought back in great style. However, a K. Harmon goal sealed the game for Laune Rangers. Best for Laune Rangers were John Moriarty and Ross Breen in defence and Pat Sheehan, Garrath Sheehan, Kevin Harmon and the captain, Eoin Ferris.’

Laune Rangers: Kieran Leahy, John Moriarty, Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Moriarty, Enda Grandfield, Eoin Ferris (capt.), Kevin Cahillane, Cathal Browne, Trevor Gannon, Garrath Sheehan, Pa Sheehan, Terence Houlihan, Kevin Harmon. Subs: John Aherne for K. Harmon; Denis O’Connor for T. Houlihan; Gerard Teahan for F. Clifford; Morgan Foley; Jonathan Griffin, Paul Sheehan.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callanfercy).

U-10 Football

 

As was then well established, the U-10 players of the parish were put through their paces every Sunday morning, commencing in March under the watchful eyes of Seamus Murphy and Willie Fitzgerald. That had become the nursery for all the underage teams. The 1991 campaign culminated in two exciting finals in October in which Fergal O Donoghue’s team beat Paul Browne’s team in the ‘B’ final and Seamus Galvin’s team accounted for Cian Evans’ team in the ‘A’ final.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

Mid-Kerry N.S. competition, was run by Bord na nÓg Chiarraí Lár. There were three schools (4 teams) in the 4-teachers’ 15-a-side division, Milltown, Cullina and Scoil Mhuire (2 even teams).

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 3^rd May at Beaufort: Scoil Mhuire B 2-7; Cullina 5-11.

Scoil Mhuire boys were not physically strong enough but they played well at times. Tom Crowley was very good in goals. Noel Purcell was very good at full-back. Brian Curran was good. Paul Russell tried to do too much and was often caught out of position. They were beaten at mid-field. Billy O Mahony showed promise with more practice. Pa Sheehan did his best but he had little support up front. Garrath Sheehan was quite good but physically weak.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Tom Crowley, John Moriarty, Noel Purcell, Brian Curran, Kieran Woods, Paul Russell, Robert Moriarty, Morgan Foley, Billy O’Mahony, Enda Grandfield, Garrath Sheehan, Kevin Harmon, John Paul Murphy, Pa O’Sullivan (capt.), Chris McGillycuddy. Sub: Daniel Murphy – played.

Ref: Kieran O’Shea (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 17^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire B 2-5; Milltown 3-5.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Tom Crowley, John Moriarty, Noel Purcell, Brian Curran, Robert Moriarty, Podge Foley, Enda Grandfield, Pa O’Sullivan, Morgan Foley, Kevin Harmon, Billy O’Mahony, Garrath Sheehan, Chris McGillycuddy, Paul Russell, Kieran Woods.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 27^th May at Milltown: Scoil Mhuire B 2-11; Milltown N.S. 3-2.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Tom Crowley, John Moriarty, Noel Purcell, Brian Curran, John Paul Murphy, Podge Foley, Robert Moriarty, Pa O’Sullivan (capt.), Morgan Foley, Garrath Sheehan, Billy O’Mahony, T.J. Cronin, Kevin Harmon, Paul Russell, Enda Grandfield. Subs: Jamie Cahillane for T.J. Cronin; Pat Kelliher; Anthony O’Sullivan.

Ref: Michael Curran (Beaufort).

 

Final on Sun. 9^th June at Milltown: Cullina 2-8; Scoil Mhuire B 0-10.

The Beaufort notes in The Kerryman described the game as follows, ‘Congratulations to Cullina NS who regained the Mid-Kerry Schools title after a great win over Killorglin. Playing against a cold biting wind they were outplayed for long spells of the first half and were led 0-6 to 0-2 before Pádraig Cremin shot a great Cullina goal which was followed by two points to leave Cullina looking good, being only one point 0-7 to 1-3 down at the interval. However, again they failed to make use of the strong wind in the second half and were down 0-10 to 1-3 before a mistake in the Killorglin defence gave Cullina an easy goal which was followed by two points to give the lead. Pádraig Cremin and Denis Moriarty added further points to give a four point lead at the finish.  Séamus Clifford in goal was excellent as was Eugene Ferris, Anthony O’Shea, Donal Coffey, John O’Connor, Diarmuid Falvey and substitute Donal Hartnett. Afterwards Michael Moriarty, Chairman of Mid-Kerry Bord na nÓg, presented the fine shield to Cullina captain Donal Coffey.’

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Tom Crowley, John Moriarty, Noel Purcell, Brian Curran, Robert Moriarty, Podge Foley, John Paul Murphy, Pa O’Sullivan (capt.), Morgan Foley, Trevor Gannon, Billy O’Mahony, Garrath Sheehan, Kevin Harmon, Paul Russell, Enda Grandfield. Subs: T.J. Cronin for B. O’Mahony; B. O’Mahony for K. Harmon; Jamie Cahillane; Chris McGillycuddy; Daniel Murphy; Anthony O’Sullivan.

Cullina: Seamus Clifford, Donal O’Leary, Eugene Ferris, Niall O’Sullivan, Donal Coffey, Anthony O’Shea, Michael O’Sullivan, John O’Connor, Pádraig Cremin, Denis Pio Moriarty, Pádraig Lynch, Diarmuid Falvey, Pádraig Coffey, John Sugrue, Gerard Coffey. Subs: Seán Murphy, Ross O’Sullivan, Donal Hartnett, Darren Galett, Seán O’Rourke, Kevin O’Brien.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Callinafercy).

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ panel: Simon Ferris (capt.), Timmy O Connor, Cormac Foley, Kieran Leahy, Pa Sheehan, Paul Sheehan, Proinnsias Dermody, Donal Lynch, Kevin Cahillane, John Gorman, Ross Breen, Evan Healy, Humphrey Jones, Brendan Fitzgerald, Cian Foley, Gerard Teahan, Karl Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Florence McCarthy, Robert Foley.

 

Munster Vocational Schools Final at Cloughduv on Sat. 16^th March: Cork 1-9; Kerry 1-4.

Kerry: Mark Donegan (Causeway CS), John Quilter (do.), J. Sayers (Tralee CC), B. Falvey (do.), P. Kennedy (do.), Eamonn Ferris (do.), John McGillycuddy (Killarney CC) 0-1, Brendan O Brien (Listowel CC), Michael Hassett (Killorglin CC), J. O Driscoll (TraleeCC), Stephen Fallon (Castleisland CC), Thomas Corbett (Killorglin CC), Kenneth Boyle (Causeway CS), Pat O Connell (do.) 0-1, Denis Dennehy (Castleisland CC) 1-2. Subs: D. Cotter (TraleeCC) for T. Corbett; Denis O Connell (Tralee CC) for J. O Driscoll; M. O Leary (Killarney CC) for P. O Connell.

Cork: Brian McCarthy (St. Brogan’s, Bandon), M. O Sullivan (Beara CC), B. Murphy (Clonakilty CC), P. Cummins (Coláiste an Chraoibhinn), J. Tracy (St. Coleman’s CC, Midleton), Tadhg Óg Lynch (do.), D. Lehane (Coláiste Gobnatan, Ballyvourney), Sean Barrett (Millstreet CC), Mark O Sullivan (Boherbue CS) 1-2, S. McCarthy (Youghal VS), Eoin O Sullivan (Millstreet CS), Peadar Concannon (Ballingeary VS) 0-1, E. McCarthy (St. Brogan’s, Bandon), Kevin Harrington (St. Goban’s, Bantry) 0-5, Eoin O Mahony (St. Coleman’s CC, Midleton) 0-1.

 

Munster U-15 Colleges final at Knockaderry in the Spring: Intermediate School beat Hospital, Limerick.

Intermediate School Panel: Brian Murphy (goals) (Beaufort), Cormac O Malley (do.), Eanna O Malley (do.), Ronan Spillane (do.), Rory McGrath (do.), Mícheál Foley (do.), John O Sullivan (do.), Rory Corkery (Laune Rangers) capt., Mike F. Russell (do.), Fiachra O Donoghue (do.), Thomas Walsh (do.), Alan O Sullivan (do.), Colm Conway (do.), Donncha Curran (do.), Fionan Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Donal Cahill.

 

Kerry Colleges Senior Football ‘B’ Championship Final at Strand Rd. in mid-December:

Intermediate School 1-5; St. Patrick’s, Castleisland 0-4.

Intermedaite School: Declan O Toole (Glenbeigh/Glencar), John McKenna (Fossa), Mike Falvey (Beaufort), Karl Griffin (Laune Rangers), Mícheál Foley (Beaufort), Fergal Spillane (do.), Raymond Kelliher (do.), Colin O Sullivan (Cromane) 0-1, free, Pat O Keeffe (Laune Rangers), Fionán Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-1, Derry O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Rory Corkery (do.), Martin Galvin (Milltown/Castlemaine), Liam Barton (Keel) 1-1, Seamus Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine). Sub: Kevin Teahan (Cromane) 0-1.

Trainers – Frank Walsh and Brendan Twomey.

 

Munster Minor Football League

 

Final on Sun. 14^th April at Killarney: South Kerry 0-12; North Kerry 0-11.

South Kerry: Liam O Sullivan (Ballymac), Garrett Doolin (Spa), Niall Mangan (Kilcummin), Peter Riney (Sneem), Mike Hassett (Laune Rangers), Gary McGrath (Beaufort), Fergal Spillane (do.), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk) 0-1, Tadhg Prendiville (Desmonds), Cathal O Grady (Legion) 0-2, Kieran Burns (Sneem) 0-4, Seamus McEllistrim (Ballymac) 0-2, Jason Griffin (Laune Rangers) capt. 0-1, Seanie Culloty (Legion) 0-1, Denis Dennehy (Currow) 0-1. Subs: Tony Fagan (Legion), Kieran O Sullivan (Desmonds), Dan Dwyer (Kilcummin), R. Clifford (Derrynane), Rory Rahilly (Balymac).

North Kerry: Mark Donegan (Ballyduff), Noel Murphy (Dingle), Sean Quirke (K. O Rahilly’s), John Quinlan (do.), Shane Donovan (John Mitchel’s), Brian Finn (Castlegregory), Kieran O Shea (Na Gaeil), Eamonn Ferris (Ardfert), Paudie O Keeffe (Na Gaeil), Mark Moynihan (Annascaul), John O Connell (Tarbert) 0-4, Fergal O Shea (Gaeltacht), Eddie Bowler (Duagh) 0-3, Pat O Connell (Finuge), Liam Weir (Ballylongford) 0-2. Subs: Rory O Connor (Na Gaeil) 0-2, Alan O Grady (John Mitchel’s), Denis Sayers (Austin Stacks).

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 16^th May at Moyvane: Kerry 3-11; Clare 1-5.

Kerry: Liam O Sullivan (Ballymac), Noel Murphy (Dingle) capt., Niall Mangan (Kilcummin), Gary McGrath (Beaufort), Peter Riney (Sneem), Eamonn Ferris (Ardfert), Kieran O Shea (Na Gaeil), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk), Mike Hassett (Laune Rangers), Cathal O Grady (Legion) 0-5, 4 frees, Johnny O Connell (Tarbert) 0-1, Liam Weir (Ballylongford), Seamus McEllistrim (Ballymac) 2-1, Eddie Bowler (Duagh) 0-1, Kieran Burns (Sneem) 0-1. Subs: Seanie Culloty (Legion) 1-2 for L. Weir; Sean Quirke for G. McGrath; Pat O Connell for E. Bowler.

 

Semi-Final on Thurs. 11^th July in Clonmel: Tipperary 1-5; Kerry 1-10.

Kerry: Liam O Sullivan, Noel Murphy, Niall Mangan, Garrett Doolin (Spa), Eamonn Ferris, Fergal O Shea (An Ghaeltacht), Peter Riney, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Mike Hassett, Cathal O Grady (0-2), John O Connell (0-1), Sean Culloty (1-1), Seamus McEllistrim, Ciaran Burns (0-4), Eddie Bowler (0-1). Subs: Denis Dennehy (Currow) for S. McEllistrim.

Tipperary: Liam Walsh, Ciaran O Reilly, Denis Finn, Mark Leonard, Michael Quinlan, John Purcell, Michael O Mahony, Kevin Counan (0-2), Mark O Halloran, Joe English, Tony O Sullivan, David O Neill (0-2), James Finn (0-1), Gavin McGurk, Robbie Tomlinson. Subs: John Fitzpatrick for J. Purcell; David Lavin for T. O Sullivan; P.J. Lanigan for D. Finn.

Ref: J.J. Landers (Waterford).

 

Final on Sun. 21^st July at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 0-8; Cork 0-10.

Kerry: Mark Donegan (Ballyduff), Noel Murphy, Niall Mangan, Garrett Doolin, Peter Riney, Mike Hassett, Ciaran O Shea, Seamus Moynihan, John O Connell, Cathal O Grady, Fergal Ó Sé (capt.), Seanie Culloty, Denis Dennehy, Ciaran Burns, Eddie Bowler. Subs: Gary McGrath for E. Bowler; Eamonn Ferris for J. O Connell; Mark Moynihan (Annascaul) for C. O Shea, Seamus McEllistrim, Brendan O Brien (Duagh), Patrick Burns (Sneem), Mark Moynihan, Donal O Dwyer (Kilcummin).

Cork: Kevin O Dwyer (O Donovan Roaas), Donal O Callaghan (Douglas), Brian Corcoran (Erins Own), Brian Murphy (Clonakilty), Jeremiah McCullagh (Ballincollig), Tadhg Og Lynch (Glanmire), Alan McCarthy (Nemo Rangers) capt., Fachtna Collins (Glen Rovers), Pat Hegarty (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh), Sean Barrett (Millstreet), Joe Kavanagh (Nemo Rangers), Pat O Mahony (Ballincollig), Paul O Rourke (Clan na Gael), Kevin Harringtom (Bantry Blues), Donal Hegarty (Ballincollig). Subs: Jody Dillon (Nemo Rangers) for D. O Callaghan; Dave Linehan (Nemo Rangers) for D. Hegarty.

 

U-21 Munster/All-Ireland Football Championship

 

Challenge on Sat. 2^nd Feb. at Castleisland: Kerry 2-10; Offaly 1-12.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Danny Cahill, Colm Healy, Eamonn Kennedy, Sean Walsh, Vincent Knightley, Liam Lynch (0-1), Bernard McElligott (0-2), Cormac Kennedy, John Cronin (0-1), Bingo O Driscoll (0-2), B. Breen, Benny Clifford, Sean O Sullivan (Sneem) 2-3, Peadar Keane (0-1). Sub: Gerard Griffin for S. Walsh.

 

Munster Semi-Final on Sat. 30^th March Walsh Park, Waterford: Waterford 1-6; Kerry 1-11.

Kerry: Peter O Leary (Legion), John B. O Brien (Beaufort), Colm Healy (Spa), Niall Savage (Kerins O Rahillys), Sean Walsh (St. Senan’s), Liam Flaherty (Ballydonoghue), John Cronin (Waterville), Conor Kearney (Brick Rangers), Eamonn Stack (Moyvane), Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers) 0-2, David Farrell (Annascaul) 0-2, Bingo O Driscoll (do.) 0-4, Billy O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Jason Wiebolt (Castlegregory) 1-1, Sean O Sullivan (Sneem). Subs: Vincent Knightley (Annascaul) for S. O Sullivan, Danny Cahill (Laune Rangers) for C. Healy, Bernard McElligott (Brick Rangers), Tommy Byrne (Laune Rangers), Peadar Keane (St. Mary’s), Denis Moynihan (Rathmore), Colm Geaney (Dingle), Declan O Keeffe (Rathmore).

 

Final on Thurs. 11^th April at at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 0-10; Kerry 1-8.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, John B. O Brien, Niall Savage, John Cronin, Eamonn Stack, Vincent Knightley, Liam Flaherty, Fintan Ashe (Dingle) 1-1, Conor Kearney, Billy O Shea, Bingo O Driscoll (0-1), Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Pa Laide (Austin Stacks) 0-1, David Farrell (0-2), Billy O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free) capt. Subs: Sean Walsh for E. Stack (inj.), Bernard McElligott for C. Kearney; Jason Wieboldt for B. O Shea (inj.), Colm Healy, Tommy Byrne, Peadar Keane, Declan O Keeffe, Colm Geaney, Denis Moynihan.

Cork: Keith Horgan, Maurice Angland, Ken O Neill, John O Donovan, Ollie O Sullivan, Declan McIlhenney, Declan Creedon, Ciaran O Sullivan (0-4, frees), Liam Meaney, Coogan, Chris Collins, T. J. O Leary, Kieran Linehan (0-1, free), Joe Kavanagh (0-5, 3 frees), Barry Egan. Subs: John Cotter for O. O Sullivan; Donal Cronin for C. Collins; Andreas O Sullivan for Coogan.

The weather conditions were atrocious. Billy O Shea had his leg broken in a woeful sliding tackle out near the sideline and Kerry did not even receive a free-kick for it.

Ref: Pat Lane (Limerick).

 

All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sun. 28^th April at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick: Kerry 2-7; Meath 1-6.

When Tommy Byrne came on instead of Geni Farrell he brought urgency and momentum to the attack.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, John B. O Brien, Niall Savage, John Cronin, Liam Flaherty, Vincent Knightley, Sean Walsh, Fintan Ashe (0-2), Conor Kearney, Pa Laide (0-2), Bingo O Driscoll (0-1), Sean O Sullivan, Genie Farrell (Annascaul) 1-0, David Farrell, Billy O Sullivan (1-2, 1 penalty, one 45 and 1 free). Sub: Tommy Byrne (Laune Rangers) for G. Farrell, Eamonn Stack, Danny Cahill, Bernard McElligott, Jason Wieboldt, Colm Healy, Peadar Keane, Declan O Keeffe, Denis Moynihan, Colm Geaney.

Meath: John Brady, Cathal O Bril, Tom Halpin, Kevin Macken, Pat McCaffrey, Enda McManus, Noel Collier, Kevin Cahill, John McDermott, Tony Byrne (0-1), Billy Shaw (1-4, 3 frees), Terry O Connor, Brendan Kealy, Adrian O Halloran, Alan Gillic (0-1). Sub: Martin Kirk.

Ref: Joe Kearney (Roscommon).

 

Final on Sun. 12^th May at Newbridge: Tyrone 4-16; Kerry 1-5.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, John B. O Brien, Niall Savage, John Cronin, Liam Flaherty, Vincent Knightley, Sean Walsh, Conor Kearney, Fintan Ashe, Pa Laide (0-1), Bingo O Driscoll, Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Genie Farrell, David Farrell, Billy O Sullivan (0-3, frees). Subs: Eamonn Stack (1-0) for C. Kearney, Danny Cahill for S. Walsh; Tommy Byrne for P. Laide, Bernard McElligott, Jason wieboldt, Colm Healy, Peadar Keane, Declan O Keeffe, Denis Moynihan, Colm Geaney.

Tyrone: Cathal Blee (goals), Damien Hagan, Chris Lawn, Fay Devlin, Paul Donnelly, Barry McGinn, Terence O Neill, Adrian Kilpatrick, Danny Barr, Adrian Cush (0-5), Eamonn McCaffrey (2-2), Peter Canavan (2-5), Ciaran Loughran (0-1), Ciaran McBride (0-1), Brian Gormley (0-2). Subs: Stephen Lawn for P. Donnelly; Joe Cassidy for C. Blee.

Trainer – Mickey O Sullivan and senior selectors.

 

Munster Senior Football Championship

 

Preliminary Rd. on Sun. 26^th May at Ennis: Clare 2-12; Kerry 5-16.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Jack O Connell, Kieran Culhane, Niall Savage, Liam Flaherty, Connie Murphy (1-0), Sean Burke, Noel O Mahony, Timmy Fleming (0-1), Jack O Shea (0-4), Willie Maher (0-3), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-7, 6 frees), Pa Dennehy (1-0), David Farrell (2-1), Pat Spillane. Subs: Eamonn Breen for J. O Connell; Murt Moriarty (1-0) for N. O Mahony; Morgan Nix for N. Savage.

Clare: James Hanrahan, Seamus Clancy, Aidan Moloney, Michael Roune, Ciaran O Neill, Francis Griffin, Michael Roughan, Francis McInerney (0-3), Pat Blake, Pat Vaughan (0-1), Noel Roche, Gerry Killeen (1-1), Mark Burke, Martin Flynn (0-4, 2 frees), David Keane (1-1). Subs: Paul Hickey (0-2) for M. Roune; Colm Clancy for M. Burke; Downes for P. Blake.

 

Trial on Sun. 2^nd June at Templenoe: Kerry ‘A’ 4-17; Kerry ‘B’ 0-10.

Timmy Fleming played at midfield for Kerry ‘A’ and scored 1-0. In the first half, however, he received a nasty nose injury and had to leave the field for about ten minutes. Nevertheless, he gave a very workmanlike display and showed that he was back to something like his best form.

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 16^th June in Killarney: Kerry 1-10; Cork 0-11.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Liam Flaherty, Kieran Culhane, Stephen Stack, Sean Burke, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Ambrose O Donovan (0-1), Noel O Mahony, John Cronin (1-1), Pat Spillane, Jack O Shea (capt.) (0-1), Pa Dennehy (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, frees) Timmy Fleming (0-1). Subs: Murt Moriarty for J. Cronin; David Farrell for T. Fleming, Domo Lyne, Willie Maher, Sean McElligott, Peter O Leary, Eamonn Breen, Tommy Horan, Jack O Connell, Sean Geaney, Liam Hartnett.

Cork: John Kerins, Tony Nation, Niall Cahillane, Tony Davis, Michael Slocum (0-1), Conor Counihan, Barry Coffey, Shea Fahy (0-1, free), Danny Culloty (0-2), Dave Barry (0-1, free), Larry Thompkins (0-2), John O Driscoll (0-2), Paul McGrath (0-1), Colm O Neill, Mick McCarthy (0-1, free). Subs: Paddy Hayes for C. O Neill; Teddy McCarthy for M. McCarthy.

Ref: Paddy Russell (Tipperary).

 

Final on Sun. 21^st July at Killarney: Kery 0-23; Limerick 3-12.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, John B. O Brien, Kieran Culhane, Stephen Stack, Sean Burke, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Noel O Mahony (0-1), Ambrose O Donovan (0-1), John Cronin (0-3), Pat Spillane (0-2), Jack O Shea (capt.) 0-3, Pa Dennehy (0-2), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-11, 6 frees), Timmy Fleming. Subs: Sean Geaney for T. Fleming; Willie Maher for M. Nix; David Farrell for N. O Mahony, Jack O Connell, Domo Lyne, Peter O Leary, Murt Moriarty, Liam Hartnett, Tommy Horan, Eamonn Breen, Sean McElligott.

Limerick: R. Bowles, Eugene Leonard, P. Ivess, Joe Reddington, P. Barrett, Tom Brown (0-1), L. Barrett (capt.), John Quane (0-1), Donal Fitzgibbon, Sean Kelly (2-1), Phil Danaher, P.J. Garvey (0-1), T. Cummins, Danny Fitzgerald (0-4), James O Donovan (1-2). Subs: Fintan Ryan (0-2) for P.J. Garvey; E. Sheehan for P. Danaher; Noel Leonard for J. Quane.

Timmy Fleming was substituted in the second half despite the fact that the forwards were playing well and the backs were very poor and indeed midfield was also playing second fiddle to Limerick. Timmy Fleming had won the game for Kerry verus Clare, playing at midfield. Indeed the team management had begged him to come back for the championship. He was playing better for us when he was not training with the county. That was the fourth successive year that a Laune Rangers’ player has been taken off in a Munster Senior Final.

Ref: Paddy Russell (Tipperary).

 

All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sun. 11^th Aug. at Croke Park: Down 2-9; Kerry 0-8.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Stephen Stack, Tom Spillane, Kieran Culhane, Sean Burke, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Noel O Mahony, Ambrose O Donovan (0-1), John Cronin, Pat Spillane (0-2), Jack O Shea, Pa Dennehy, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 4 frees), Timmy Fleming. Subs: Domo Lyne for C. Murphy; David Farrell for J. Cronin, Sean Geaney, Liam Flaherty, Jack O Connell, Dermot Hannafin, Peter O Leary, Willie Maher and Liam Hartnett.

Down: Neil Collins, Brendan McKernan, Conor Deegan, P. Higgins, John Kelly, Paddy O Rourke, D.J. Kane, Barry Breen, Eamonn Burns, Ross Carr (0-4, 3 frees), Greg Blaney, Garry Mason (0-2, 1 free), Mickey Linden (0-2), Peter Whitnall (2-1), James McCartan. Subs: Liam Austin for E. Burns; Ambrose Rodgers for P. Whitnall.

Ref: Tommy Howard (Kildare).

 

NFL 1990/1991

 

Challenge on Sat. 19^th Jan. at Ballybunion: Kerry 1-13; Mayo 3-6.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Robbie O Dwyer, Kieran Culhane, Patrick O Grady, Anthony Gleeson, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Noel O Mahony, Ambrose O Donovan (0-1), Jack O Shea (0-4), Eamonn Breen (0-2), Pa Dennehy (0-1), Sean McElligott (0-2), David Farrell (1-1), Sean Geaney (0-2). Subs: Pat Slattery for P. O Grady, D. O Mahony for A. Gleeson, Pat McKenna.

 

Challenge on Sat. 2^nd Feb. at Beaufort: Kerry 1-14; Offaly 1-11.

Kerry: Peter O Brien, Robbie O Dwyer, Kieran Culhane, D. O Mahony, Connie Murphy, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Pat Slattery, Tim Dennehy (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-1), Eamonn Breen, Sean Geaney (0-2), Sean McElligott (0-7), Anthony Gleeson (0-1), Pa Dennehy (1-2). Subs: Noel O Leary for T. Dennehy, Tim Dennehy for D. O Mahony.

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 10^th Feb. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry Meath.

Kery: Peter O Leary, Connie Murphy, Ambrose O Donovan, Kieran Culhane, Robbie O Dwyer, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Noel O Mahony, Tim Dennehy, Jack O Shea, Eamonn Breen, Maurice Fitzgerald, Sean McElligott, David Farrell, Pa Dennehy. Subs: Pat Slattery, Pat McKenna, Anthony Gleeson, Sean Geaney, Vincent Knightley, Noel O Leary, Peter o Brien, Sean O Sullivan, Bingo Driscoll.

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 22^nd Feb. in Croke Park: Dublin 3-11; Kerry 0-7.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Connie Murphy, Ambrose O Donovan, Kieran Culhane, Robbie O Dwyer, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Noel O Mahony, Tim Dennehy, Jack O Shea (0-1), Eamonn Breen (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 3 frees), Sean McElligott, David Farrell, Pa Dennehy. Subs: Pat Slattery for R. O Dwyer; Anthony Gleeson for P. Dennehy; Pat McKenna for S. McElligott.

Dublin: John O Leary, Mick Deegan, K. Walsh, Mick Kennedy, Tommy Carr (0-1), Keith Barr, Eamonn Heary, Dave Foran, Paul Clarke, Paul Curran (0-2), Jack Sheedy (1-0), Niall Guidan (0-1), Charlie Redmond (0-1), Vinny Murphy (1-4), Donal McCarth (1-2). Subs: Dave Synott for M. Kennedy; P. Dwane for V. Murphy; Noel McCaffrey for J. Sheedy.

Ref: Damien Campbell (Fermanagh)

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 10^th March at Killarney: Kerry 2-10; Down 1-10.

Kerry: Charlie Nelligan, Connie Murphy, Ambrose O Donovan, Kieran Culhane, Jack O Connell, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Noel O Mahony, Pat Slattery, Jack O Shea (0-3), Eamonn Breen (0-2), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-3, 1 free), Pa Dennehy (2-0), David Farrell (0-1), Sean O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Sean McElligott for M. Fitzgerald (inj.), Anthony Gleeson for P. Slattery; Pat McKenna for D. Farrell.

Down: Neil Collins, Brendan McKernan, Conor Deegan, P. Higgins, M. Laverty (0-1), Barry Breen, John Kelly, Jarleth Austin (0-1), Gregory McCartan, D.J. Kane, Ambrose Rodgers (0-1), Brian Irwin, Peter Whitnall, Mickey Linden (0-7, 3 frees), James McCartan (1-0). Subs: Eamonn Blaney for P. Higgins; Mark McCartan for G. McCartan.

Ref: Tommy Howard (Kildare).

 

NFL 1991/1992

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 27^th Oct. at Newbridge: Kildare 1-14; Kerry 1-7.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Stephen Stack, Anthony Gleeson, Sean Burke, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Liam Flaherty, Noel O Mahony (0-1), Noel O Leary (0-1), John Cronin, Tommy Spillane, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-3), Pa Dennehy (1-0), Jack O Shea, Billy O Shea (0-1). Subs: Pa Laide for J. Cronin; Billy O Sullivan (0-1) for B. O Shea, David Farrell, Ken Savage, John O Connell, Peter O Brien, Teddy Harrington, Murt Moriarty.

 

Challenge on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Castletownbere: Cork 0-6; Kerry 0-1.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Ken Savage, Timmy Palmer, John Cronin, Jack O Connell, Sean Burke, Morgan Nix, Noel O Mahony, Teddy Harrington, Pa Laide, Tommy Spillane, Billy O Shea (0-1), Sean Og O Leary, Murt Moriarty, John Kennedy. Subs: Billy O Sullivan (late arrival) for S. O Leary, Sean P. O Sullibvan and Tom Walsh.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 10^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-5; Down 1-2.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Stephen Stack, Anthony Gleeson, John Cronin, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Liam Flaherty, Noel O Leary, Ambrose O Donovan, Pa Laide, Roland Neher, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-2, frees), Pa Dennehy, Murt Moriarty (capt.), Billy O Sullivan (0-2). Subs: Sean Burke (0-1) for M. Moriarty; Billy O Shea for P. Dennehy; Noel O Mahony for N. O Leary, Tommy Spilane, Ken Savage, Peter O Brien, Timmy Harrington, Jack O Connell and Tommy Roche.

Down: Pat Donnan, Mike Quinn, Conor Deegan, Brendan McKernan, John Kelly, Paddy o Rourke, D. J. Kane, Eamonn Burns, Gregory McCartan, Cathal Murray, Ambrose Rodgers, Garry Mason (0-1, free), Mickey Linden, Mark McCartan (1-1, 1 pen. + 1 free), James McCartan. Subs: Eamonn Blaney for C. Murray; Tony Fagan for M. McCartan; Brian Burns for B. McKernan.

Ref: Tommy Howard (Kildare).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 24^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 0-8; Derry 1-8.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Stephen Stack, Anthony Gleeson, John Cronin, Connie Murphy, Morgan Nix, Liam Flaherty, Noel O Leary, Ambrose O Donovan (capt.), Roland Neher, Sean Burke, Billy O Shea (0-1), Pa Laide, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 3 frees), Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Noel O Mahony (0-1) for N. O Leary (inj.); Teddy Harrington for B. O Sulivan; Tom Spillane (0-1) for R. Neher.

Derry: Damien McCuskar, Kieran McKeever, John McErlean, Tony Scullion (capt.), John Mulholland, Colm Rafferty, Ray Treacy, Tommy White, Dermot Heaney (0-1), Anthony Tohill (0-1, free), Eugene Heaney, Gary McGill, Joe Brolly (0-3), Fergal McCuskar, Declan Bateson (1-1). Subs: Enda Gormley (0-2, frees) for E. Heaney; Gary Coleman for R. Treacy.

Ref: Joe Kearney (Roscommon).

 

Féile na nGael (U-14 Hurling) Div. 2

There were five teams in Div. 2 of Féile na nGael. St. Mary’s consisted of players from Laune Rangers and Firies.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 31^st March at Strand Road: St. Mary’s beat Kerins O Rahillys.

 

Rd. 2 at the beginning of April at Killorglin: St. Mary’s 7-2; Lixnaw 1-0.

The pitch was in bad condition but St. Mary’s overcame it to win easily. The Killorglin players that played were John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Joe Hayes, David Lynch, Anthony Reen, Pat Leahy and Brian Gannon.

 

Rd. 3 in April: St. Mary’s 8-2; Abbeydorney 0-3.

The following Laune Rangers players played Brian Gannon, Joe Hayes, Pa O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pat Leahy, Anthony Reen and John Hearne.

 

Rd. 4 at the end of April at Dromakee: Crotta O Neill’s 2-0; St. Mary’s 9-14.

Brian Gannon and Pat Leahy had little to do in defence, nor did Joe Hayes until he moved out-field. Captain, John O Sullivan, and his brother, Pa, with full-forward, David Lynch, engineered a litany of excellent scores and the team was pulling up as the gutsy Crotta youngsters hit back with a few late goals.

 

Final on Sun. 9^th June at Lerrig, Kilmoyley: St. Mary’s 9-3; Lixnaw 1-0.

That was the first juvenile title to be won by the combination of Firies and Killorglin. The Killorglin players on the team were John O Sullivan (capt.), Pa O Sullivan, Joe Hayes, Pat Leahy, Brian Gannon, David Lynch, Anthony Reen and John Hearne.

 

Nine U-14 players from Laune Rangers were taken on a weekend outing in July to Waterford and Tipperary. In a series of games, they played a draw with Passage East in a seven-a-side game and beat them in a nine-a-side game. They also beat Cashel in a seven-a-side but lost the nine-a-side game. They also played Cashel in a nine-a-side football game, which they won by scoring 2-2 in the closing minutes. The outing was organised by Bill Hearne and the boys enjoyed a great weekend. The club was grateful to Bill’s sister, Teresa, who provided meals and accommodation for the entire party. The players were John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Joe Hayes, Brian Gannon, Pat Leahy, David Lynch, Anthony Reen, Eamonn Clifford and John Hearne.

 

John O Sullivan, Joe Hayes, Brian Gannon and David Lynch were picked on the Kerry U-14 panel to play in the Tony Forrestal Memorial Tournament in Waterford in August.

 

South-Kerry U-14 Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th Oct. at Farranfore: Kenmare 5-5; St. Mary’s 3-3.

John O Sullivan (inj.) was a big loss to the team.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 26^th Oct. at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan 4-2; St. Mary’s 2-8.

 

South-Kerry Senior Hurling League (Div. 2)

 

In May:  St. Mary’s 4-9; Dr. Crokes 3-0.

The Laune Rangers players were Joe and Robert Kennedy, Pa Costello, Jerry Foley, Joe Purcell and Adrian O Connor.

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 13^th Oct: St. Mary’s 1-10; Austin Stacks 1-5.

St. Mary’s: Alan Quirke, Pat O Shea, Jerry Foley, Stephen Daly, Ger Hearne, Martin Driver, Mike Broderick, Colm Lawlor, Jerry O Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, Jerome O Mahony, Joe Kennedy, John O Brien, Ted Quirke, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: John O Connell, Val Broderick, Joe Purcell (all played).

 

Final on Mon. 28^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: St. Mary’s 4-8; Spa 1-2.

Colm Lawlor was given the man-of-the-match award for a powerful display.

 

Co. Junior Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 at the beginning of Aug. at Farranfore: St. Mary’s 4-9; Austin Stacks 3-4.

A powerful display in the last ten minutes earned St. Mary’s that victory.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 21^st Aug. at Ardfert: St. Mary’s 3-7; Ballyheigue 2-7.

St. Mary’s were trailing by four points at halftime but in the second half they stepped up a gear to outrun and outscore their rivals.

 

Final on Sat. 5^th Oct. at Ardfert: St. Mary’s 4-11; Causeway 3-8.

History was made as it was the first time that a team from the Killorglin/Firies/Milltown/Listry area had won an adult county hurling title. On the surface, it would appear that St. Mary’s had a rather easy win. Nothing could be further from the truth as Causeway led by four points at halftime and it was only in the last ten minutes that St. Mary’s dominated the game. It was a great team effort.

St. Mary’s: Alan Quirke, Pat O Shea, Jerry Foley, Eoin O Sullivan, Jimmy Gleeson, Martin Driver (capt.), Mike Broderick, Jerry O Sulivan (1-0), Colm Lawlor (0-1), Joe Kennedy (0-3, frees), John O Connell, Jerome O Mahony (1-3), Robert Kennedy (0-2), Val Broderick (2-1), Donal Quirke (0-1). Sub: Ger Hearne for J. O Connell (inj.), Mike Kennedy, John O Brien, Billy O Sullivan, Stephen Daly, Pat O Donoghue, Joe Purcell, Michael McSweeney, Ted Quirke.

Causeway: Gerry Whelan, Mike Leen, Patrick Bunyan, Ger McCarthy, Mike Mulvihill, Brendan Harty, Giles Legge, Colm O Carroll, Liam O Connor (0-1), Maurice O Carroll (0-2), Maurice O Connor (0-2), J.J. Canty (1-3, 1 free), Martin Ashe (1-0), John Walsh, Ger Clifford. Sub: Pat Moriarty (1-0) for G. Clifford.

That was St. Mary’s first Co. Junior Championship title and it was suitably celebrated. The team was trained by John Purcell (Killorglin) and the selectors were Jackie Quirke (Firies) and Pat Lynch (Killorglin)

 

Co. Junior Hurling League

 

At the beginning of July: Lixnaw 3-6; St. Mary’s 1-6.

In Mid-July: St. Mary’s 3-11; Rathmore 1-2.

At the end of July at Farranfore: St. Mary’s w/o; Abbeydorney scr.

At the end of July: St. Mary’s 1-10; Austin Stacks 2-7.

At the beginning of Aug: Kilmoyley 4-14; St. Mary’s 2-7.

 

Eleven-a-side game at the beginning of July: Firies 8-7; Milltown 8-4.

Milltown: Pat Langford, Ted Quirke, T. Sheridan, L. Laffin, Gerard Hearne, Jerome O Mahony, Stephen Daly, C. Murphy, Thomas Doyle, James Mangan, Maurice Foley.

 

Senior Challenge games at the end of September at Abbeydoorney: Abbeydorney 2-8; St. Mary’s 0-11.

At Templeglantine: Templeglantine 2-10; St. Mary’s 1-6.

 

Sun. 27^th Oct. 7-a-side hurling tournament in Knockavota, organised by Michael O Sullivan (Knockavota):

Knockavota 5-6; The Rest 11-6.

The Rest:  Joe Crowe, Colm Lawlor, Michael Sweeney, Pat Langford, Thomas Doyle, Gerard Hearne, John Hearne, Paudie Murphy and Enda Clifford.

Knockavota: Pat Cronin, Ted Quirke, Michael Spillane, Noel Spillane, Stephen Daly, Karl Daly, Karl John Daly, James Mangan, Maurice Foley and Liam Mangan.

Mangan’s Garage sponsored a set of plaques for the tournament, Ted Quirke supplied the field, Milltown/Castlemaine supplied the jerseys and Jackie Quirke refereed the game. On Fri. 1^st Nov. the man-of-the-match function was held in Larkin’s Bar, Milltown, and the award, sponsored and presented by Martin Driver, went to Michael Sweeney, who, all agreed, had played a capital game.

 

A Co. Minor Hurling trial took place in Lerrig, Kilmoyley on Sun. 17^th Feb. between Causeway Comprehensive School and the Rest of Kerry. Robert Kennedy played with the Rest of Kerry.

A Co. Minor Hurling trial took place in Lixnaw on Sun. 24^th Feb. between a Kerry Selection and Kerry Vocational Schools. Robert Kennedy played with the Kerry Selection.

 

Co. Ladies Football Championship

Due to the fact that Laune Rangers did not have a Ladies Football team, some Killorglin girls continued to play with Beaufort.

 

Final on Sat. 31^st Aug. at Milltown: Beaufort 7-14; Austin Stacks 3-2.

Beaufort: Una Dennehy, Elaine McGillycuddy, Nora Hallissey, Christena Doyle, Siobhán Walsh, Nora Crowley, Phil Curran, Kathleen Curran (0-2), Mary Jo Curran (1-2), Sheila Looney (0-2), Siobhán O Sullivan (4-4), Mary Ann Leane, Michelle Walsh (1-0), Jacqueline McGillycuddy (0-2), Frances Walsh. Subs: Theresa Foley for M.A. Leane, Geraldine Cahillane for S. Looney, Celine O Sullivan (1-2) for F. Walsh, Tina Healy.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Peter Quinn, Fear Manach, was elected Uachtarán CLG at Annual Congress in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on 7^th April.

 

The Annual Convention of the Munster Council was held in the Limerick Inn Hotel on 22^nd Feb. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Michael Maher (Tiobrad Árainn), Secretary – Donie Nealon (Tiobrad Árainn) and Treasurer – Michael O Connor (Ciarraí). James Coffey, Laune Rangers, was on the Kerry delegation.

 

Co. Convention was held in Tralee on Sun. 13^th Jan. All the outgoing officers were re-elected unopposed: Chairman – Sean Kelly, Vice-Chairman – Liam Cotter, Secretary – Tony O Keeffe, Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and John McMahon, PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan, Development Officer – Sean Walsh, Youth Officer – Joe Langan, Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Diarmuid Ó Murchú, Delegates to Munster Council – Dave Geaney and Teddy O Sullivan, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna.

Co. Senior Football Selection Committee: Mickey O Sullivan, Kevin Griffin, Dave Geaney, Sean Walsh and Ger O Driscoll.

Co. Minor Football Selection Committee: Jackie Walsh (appointed), Dan O Sullivan (Currow) 133 votes, Jim Wrenn (Churchill) 133, Michael Price (Kenmare) 116, Sean Barry (Annascaul) 106 (all elected), Michael Moran (Dr. Crokes) 96.

The club delegates to the Co. Convention were Aidan Gannon, John Clifford, Jerome Conway and Liam Shannon.

 

At the Co. Board meeting at the beginning of February, a Cromane/Ballymacelligott sponsored motion requesting that the Co. Leagues would be run in such a way that all ‘B’ teams would be in a section of their own, separate from all senior ‘A’ teams, was defeated. The only ‘B’ teams in question at the time were Kerins O Rahillys’ B’, Austin Stacks ‘B’ and Laune Rangers ‘B’and they were playing in Division 4.

 

Co. Bord na nOg Convention was held in the John Mitchels Pavilion, Tralee, on Mon. 7^th Jan. The following officers were elected: President – Sylvie Mason, Chairman – Derry Sheehan, Vice-Chairman – John M. McCarthy, Secretary/PRO – Willie O Connor, Fixtures Secretary – Paudie County, Treasurers – Dan Kelliher and Liam Moriarty, Registrar – Con Griffin, Hurling Officer – Andy O Sullivan. GPC – Patsy Cremin, Liam Ó Rócháin, Pat Pigott, Donie Fleming and Michael O Callaghan.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in the Monastery, Milltown, on Tues. 18^th Jan. 1991. The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1990. The Treasurer, Edward Stack, then read his report, which showed a deficit on the year’s activities. However, there was still a credit balance in the bank. The following officers were elected: President – Murt Kelly (Beaufort), Chairman – Mike McCarthy (Milltown/Castlemaine), Vice-Chairman – Noel Spillane (Beaufort), Secretary – Michael Healy (Cromane), PRO – Christy O Riordan (Laune Rangers), Treasurers – Edward Stack (Laune Rangers), George Evans (Keel), Frank Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

The following motions were passed:

1. That the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship be run on a knock-out basis, with the previous year’s finalists being seeded to the semi-finals.
2. That the Mid-Kerry Senior League begins two Sundays before the Co. Leagues commence.
3. That the Mid-Kerry Minor Championship be completed on or before the first Sunday in October.
4. That the Mid-Kery Board be responsible for the appointment of umpires and linesmen for all Mid-Kerry Senior Championship games.
5. That the two teams gaining the highest number of points in the Mid-Kerry League contest the final.
6. That the Mid-Kerry Minor Championship be run on the same basis as the Senior Championship.

A motion ‘that all Mid-Kerry Championship games be refereed by Mid-Kerry referees’ was defeated.

The Laune Rangers club delegates to the Mid-Kerry Annual Convention were John Clifford, Donal Pigott, James Coffey and John Purcell.

 

The following officers were elected for the South-Kerry Hurling Board at its AGM, which was held in the Park Place Hotel, Killarney in February: President – Richie Purcell, Vice-President – Gary Scollard, Chairman – P.J. McIntyre, Vice-Chairman – Pa Doyle, Secretary – Jim O Malley (St. Mary’s), Treasurer – Michael Leahy, PRO – Pat Delaney.

 

Milltown/Castlemaine organised Bord na nOg Chiarraí Lár. Michael Murphy was Chairman and Brother John Guinane was Secretary.

 

The minutes of 22 Laune Rangers Club meetings are available. The following matters transpired:

Fri. 7^th January – John Evans reported great enthusiasm from the players’ meeting, which had been held on Sat. 5^th January. He hoped that people would be patient with him and the team. He, also, reported that it had been decided that before all games only the three selectors and the players would be in the dressingroom. He thanked the Chairman for his understanding in that matter. Liam Shannon welcomed the first lady officer, Bernadette Corkery. Various fund-raising ventures were set in motion – dance in The Manor Inn, 31 Card Drive (John Purcell) and Horse-Race Night (John Evans).

Tues. 5^th February, James Coffey proposed that the club would rent a field in order to take the pressure off the J.P. O Sullivan Park. That was accepted. Aidan Gannon had discussions with Austin O Reilly, principal of the Community College, and the club was given permission to use the facilities there for training. There had been no correspondence from the Co. Board re the result of a GPC meeting, which the club had attended prior to Christmas.

Mon. 25^th February – a lengthy discussion took place with the objective of entering a ‘C’ team in the County League. Jerome Conway and John Evans felt that, with the numbers of players available, they would not all be catered for if the club had only two senior teams. Some objections were raised, mainly that the previous year the ‘B’ team had struggled to field a team on a few occasions and that, with three teams, the club might run into difficulties. It was decided to begin a Senior Parish League on the 7^th April with five teams to try and get people, who had lost interest, back playing again. The proposed drawings of the new dressing-rooms were examined.

Mon. 25^th March – A victory dance had been held in The Manor Inn, on Sat. 16^th March at which the 1990 Co. Championship medals were presented to the victorious U-21 team. Myles Coffey and Finbarr Coffey provided the entertainment. The 31 Card Drive, which had been run in the Manor Inn on Sun. 24^th March, had been a great success and both John Purcell and James Coffey were thanked for their efforts. More than the required 64 tables were played. The results were: 1^st David and Sean O Sullivan, 2^nd James Cunningham and Billy O Mahony, 3^rd Patie O Connor and John Healy, 4^th Patie Galvin and Sean O Reilly. The table-quiz (£20 per table) had, also, been a great success and Vincent Moriarty was thanked for compiling the questions. James Coffey informed the meeting that the club’s account was still £3,800 on the debit side. The reply from the Co. Board re the GPC suggested that the Chairman and Secretary of the Co. Board would meet with the two clubs (Laune Rangers and Cromane) and officers of the Munster Council.

Wed. 10^th April – A letter from the Munster Council requested a meeting in Limerick on Fri. 19^th April. Aidan Gannon, Jerome Conway, Donal Pigott and James Coffey were appointed to attend.

Tues. 14^th May – The Munster Council had referred the Cromane matter back to the Co. Board – meeting scheduled for Thurs. 16^th May. £50 donation was sent to the committee organising the occasion to celebrate the fiftieth year of Canon Keane’s ordination.

Mon. 27^th May – Canon Keane’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated in the CYMS. The club operated the bar for the night. Declan Falvey organised the operation. Maurice Corkery, James Sheehan, Joe Crowley, Bernadette Corkery and Siobhan Shanahan worked tirelessly as bar-persons. Guinness supplied the coolers. The proceeds went to the club. The Co. Board GPC decided that Cromane had broken the agreement by playing Maurice O Shea. The Kissane Family, Laharn, complained vociferously that the indiscriminate parking of cars by players/patrons during training/games limited access to the road leading to their home. A sign was erected, deterring that practice. Planning permission was granted on 9^th May by Kerry Co. Council for the erection of the new dressing-rooms. The commercial value of Laune Rangers’ property at Laharn on 9^th April, as valued by Stephen Clifford, Auctioneer, was £150,000.

Tues. 11^th June – Cromane’s counter-objection against Laune Rangers was upheld on the basis that Laune Rangers did not comply with the correct way of giving the full name on the team-list in accordance with rule. Maurice O Shea applied for a transfer to Cromane, stating that he lived in Cromane, but the club refused to sign as it was convinced that he still lived in Caragh Lake.

Mon. 17^th June – The quotations for the erection of the dressing rooms ranged from £59,627, £64,030, £65,300 and £67,199. The meeting in June recommended that the lowest quotation from John Griffin, Gurrane, would be accepted. Some members thought that the figure was too dear and proposed doing the work piecemeal. Advertising in the field was proposed as a means of raising finance.

Mon. 24^th June – it was decided to price each element of the new building separately, with a view to lowering the contract price.

Mon. 15^th July – Mark O Sullivan transferred to London.

Mon. 2^nd Sept. – Jerome O Mahony transferred to Laune Rangers from Nemo Rangers.

Mon. 16^th Sept. – It was eventually decided at the meeting to proceed with the contract price for the dressing-rooms. The Church Gate collection for the club in September yielded £609.

Tues. 26^th Nov. – The Co. Board requested another meeting between Laune Rangers, Cromane and the Munster Council. The club had run a race night in the Fishery. John Evans, Willie Murphy and Frank Twiss were the masters of ceremony/commentators/auctioneers.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 11^th March, the transfer of Brian O Sullivan from Laune Rangers to Cromane was sanctioned, as was the transfer of Brian Mangan from Laune Rangers toLimerick.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 10^th June, the transfer of Paudie O Shea from Glenbeigh/Glencar to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 8^th July, the transfer of Richard O Connor from St. Mary’s Hurling Club to Kerins O Rahilly’s was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on 9^th Sept., the transfer of Jerome O Mahony (hurler) from Nemo Rangers to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 12^th Aug., Billy O Shea, Michael O Reilly and Mark O Sullivan were replaced on the Laune Rangers’ first 15 by Pa Murphy, Frankie Brennan and Eoin Joy. Laune Rangees’ list of first 15 of the ‘B’ team was: Fergus O Meara, Noel Doyle, Adrian Hassett, Tom Johnston, William Joy, John Sheehan, John O Dwyer, John F. O Brien, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Michael Moriarty, Billy O Shea, Michael O Reilly, Timmy Lenihan and Pat O Brien.

 

Michael Hassett was one of five Kerry representatives who played with the Munster U-17 Compromise Rules Schoolboys against Australia in Fitzgerald Stadium in April and lost on the scoreline of 72 to 35. He was, also, Kerry’s only representative on the Irish team to play Australia in Croke Park in the final match of the tour.

 

Billy O Sullivan travelled to play with The Kerry Club in Boston in the autumn but lost the final to Columcille’s by three points.

 

On Thurs. 29^th Aug. members of the Laune Rangers club were present to welcome Donncha O Dulaing and his co-walkers to Killorglin. They were completing their second last stage of the Kingdom Walk in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association. On Donncha’s team were former Laune Rangers and Mid-Kerry star Timmy Doyle and his wife, Agnes, and sons and former General Secretary of the GAA, Seán Ó Síothcháin. All were loud in their praise of the generosity of the people of the parish and of the county in general. James Coffey played host to the party on Thursday evening.

 

On Sat.28^th/Sun. 29^th Sept. Kilcloon GAA Club, Co. Meath visited Killorglin with an U-14 and U-16 team. The U-14 team was hosted by Laune Rangers U-14 players. The U-16 team stayed in Cosgrove’s, Milltown. Jerome Conway arranged a challenge game for their U-16 team against St. Kieran’s in the Fitzgerald Stadium on Sat. at 2.00pm. They lost by 9-9 to 1-5. Having arrived by train, Brosnan’s Tours, Castleisland provided the transport for the weekend. There was a get-together on Sat. night in Coffey’s Bar, where acquaintances were renewed with Gene Ferris, Patsy Burke, Jimmy Burke, Liam O Reilly (Chairman) and Ann Nestor.

 

On Sun. 1^st Dec. the Laune Rangers Club ran its first Race Night. There were nine races on the card. It was one the most enjoyable and sociable evenings held in the town for many a day. The race committee ensured that the event went off without a hitch and much needed funds were raised for the club. John Evans was the chief organiser and he did a fine job. His aid-de-compte was Willie Murphy (Milltown) and between them they made it a day to remember. Prize for the best dressed lady at the races, sponsored by McBees, Killarney, and Crowley’s, Killorglin, went to Gemma Freeman. There was smoked salmon and champagne during the event. The organising committee consisted of Shivaun Shanahan, Breda Falvey, Dolores Johnston, Maria Cahillane, Bernadette and Maurice Corkery, Pat Pigott, Michael O Shea, James Ferris, John B. O Shea, Ger Counihan, Anthony Shannon, James McInery and Eamonn Crowley.

 

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

U-14 Div. 5 final on Sat. 18^th May at Killorglin: Glenbeigh 3-9; Milltown 1-7.

 

Michael O Reilly refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

MFC on Wed. 31^st July at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine beat Glenbeigh.

MFC Semi-final on Wed. 7^th Aug. at Milltown: Keel beat Beaufort.

 

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

Novice ‘B’ Final on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Farranfore: Ballyheigue 2-9; St. Michael’s/Foilmore 1-12.

Novice ‘B’ Final replay on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Spa: Ballyheigue 2-12; St. Michael’s/Foilmore 1-12.

 

John Evans refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

SFC Semi-final on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine 3-9; Keel 1-6.

 

Pat Pigott refereed the following game, amongst others, for Co. Bord na nOg:

U-16 Div. 6 semi-final on Wed. 24^th July at Farranfore: Cordal 5-5; Fossa 3-9.

 

Scór na nOg Chiarraí Láir was hosted by Milltown/Castlemaine. Laune Rangers won the Ballad Group competition.

 

At the end of the year, Bart Moriarty retired as Secretary of the Kerry Referees’ Committee, a position, which he had held since 1979, as he was appointed Secretary of the Munster Referees’ Committee and Referees’ Co-Ordinator in Kerry. At the Referees’ Dinner in the Ballygarry Hotel, Tralee, on Thurs. 12^th Dec. he was guest of honour. Eamonn Horan conducted this interview with him on his retiral, “(In 1976) ‘I remember a club secretary handed me a list of players on the back of a cigarette box and I was appalled,’ he said. Bart rang the late Andy Molyneaux, then Co. Board Secretary, and told him that everything had gone fine but mentioned, in passing, about getting the list of players in such an unorthodox fashion. Back came the riposte, ‘You were lucky to get it at all!’

Andy had been instrumental in getting Bart involved in refereeing when he came back to Kerry from Dublin 15 years ago. And today Bart expresses his appreciation to men like Andy Molyneaux and his successors for the encouragement and the help they gave him in the task of formulating official Co. Board policy as regards refereeing in the county. ‘Certainly, today we have come a long way from those days and the officers of the Co. Board were instrumental in that,’ said Bart, who is a native of Cahersiveen. ‘Of course, there were not as many games being played in the county in the mid and late seventies. Today, there are about 1,100 games played each year from minor grade upwards, not including Bord na nOg. In those days there were about 300 or 400 games played. It was amazing that time, if a referee turned up for a game. Today, if the referee does not turn up, everybody is worried where he is and why he did not turn up. At last we have a panel of referees to cover all our games, but I would like to see a lot more referees involved. I would like to see every club in the county having at least one person interested in refereeing. If we can get people interested in refereeing, we will do everything possible to give them a good schooling in the game and in the applicationof the rules.’

As Bart Moriarty sees it in hindsight, he thinks the standard of refereeing in the county is very high today, and this despite the changes in the Rules over the past decade or two. He’ll frankly tell you that there are a lot of people out there today who don’t know the rules. The interpretation of the rules is very important. Another important area is the advantage rule and how it is applied. ‘I believe no referee should give the advantage,’ he continued. ‘In itself, it leads to fouling and it encourages a player to foul again. I genuinely believe there should be no advantage at all. At Munster level, I have been speaking with some of the experienced referees and one of the things I said is that there was no referee in the country who could apply the advantage rule properly. It is such a thin line. There is a big improvement in the standard of refereeing, but I would like to see the standard improved still further. As Co-Ordinator in the county, I will be doing everything possible to improve the standard.’

The Cahersiveen man is now the Secretary of the Munster Referees’ Committee and, in this capacity, he will be acting as Co-Ordinator of refereeing in the county. ‘It’s a county appointment and then, as a result, I am involved at Munster level,’ he said.

As a youngster, growing up in Cahersiveen, Bart spent anything up to six evenings a week in the summertime out playing in the local sports-field. However, emigration took its tool as ever and, like so many young Kerrymen of his day, Bart left home at the age of 19 and he spent the following six years in Australia. He worked in Brisbane from 1948 to 1954, when he returned home. He attended his first All-Ireland in 1954, when he saw Meath, led by the ‘man with the cap’, Peter McDermott, shock a John Dowling captained Kerry team. He hasn’t missed a final since.

In the meantime, he joined the ranks of Irish Life, as an insurance representative, and he has been with the company for the past 36 years. He took up refereeing in Dublin around 1958 and, in the years that followed, he was much in demand for games in the metropolis.

Looking back now on his 12 years as Secretary of the Kerry Referees’ Committee, he sees them as very rewarding and worthwhile years. But they were years that demanded much in the way of one’s time, energy and, above all, patience. Having done what he regards as a competent job, he now feels that the time has come for a change. ‘Times are changing and it is time for new thinking and new ideas,’ he continued. ‘I am also Secretary of the Munster Referees and Co. Ordinator in Kerry and I found this was cutting across the original job I was doing. These jobs should be spread out and there are plenty of people out there if only they could be contacted.’

But id Bart had his time all over again, he would do exactly the same thing. He enjoyed every minute of it, he made many friends and he is very proud of having been involved as such. ‘The standard of refereeing is very high in the county,’ said Bart, who was the recipient of much praise at the Referees’ Social. ‘It shouldn’t be forgotten that referees have good days and bad days and, the way the rules are today, it is not easy to implement them. Taking pitch conditions and weather into consideration, I think our referees are doing a marvellous job. I am very grateful to the late Frank King, who appointed me twelve years ago and to Sean Kelly, who re-appointed me when he took office as Chairman of the Co. Board and also to the other officers of the Co. Board. I am very grateful to them and it was a pleasure to work with them and with the referees. Of course, I was fortunate to have a very experienced person as our first Chairman (Referees’ Committee), Weeshie Fogarty, and his successors, James Broderick, Eamonn O Sullivan and, now, Joe Langan. I was very fortunate, indeed, to work with those people and there was nothing they didn’t know about refereeing. Their experience and their advice was a tremendous help to me.

When I came back to Kerry from Dublin in 1976, I was immediately roped in and I remember the late Andy Molyneaux saying what a great job it was that I was back in Kerry. Certainly, today we have come a long way and the officers of the Co. Board were instrumental in that.’

As Bart sees his latest role as Secretary of the Munster Referees’ Committee, it is a very demanding job but he finds it ‘very interesting and very enlightening’. ‘There is a lot of work to be done at provincial level as well,’ he sated. ‘The referee comes in for a lot of harsh criticism. If the people who criticise him understood the game and realised that the referee has only two seconds to make up his mind, it would be a different matter altogether. The people on the terraces have all the time in the world to make up their minds, whether the referee should be blamed or not. It would be great if the referee could pull back play after giving the advantage, but it would not work out.’

When Bart Moriarty took over in Kerry 12 years ago, there were 23 referees on the books of the Co. Board. Today, there are 84. There are 87 clubs in the county and Bart’s ambition is to get the clubs, with no present referee, involved. ‘Unfortunately, some people see nothing only their own team,’ he added. ‘Today, everybody wants to win and nobody wants to be a loser. That was never part of the spirit of the Association. I would encourage young people to take up refereeing today because the Co. Board is doing everything possible for them and looking after them in so many ways. There are referees’ meetings and courses and it is up to themselves to become good referees after that.’

Bart Moriarty’s recipe for success as a referee is simple. ‘Good refereeing comes with experience,’ he concluded. ‘The more games a referee handles, the better he will become as time goes on. Of course, fitness is vital for any referee.’

I suppose it is true to say that the referee will always come in for criticism – whether justified or not. And Kerry is certainly high on the league table when it comes to ‘knocking’ the man with the whistle. The county has come a long way since the days when the referee was handed a team-list on the back of a cigarette box. One man, who had perhaps done more than anybody else to earn a new-found status for referees in the county, is Bart Moriarty himself. He deserves all the praise he received at the referees’ social in Ballygarry House Hotel.”

As Secretary of The Kerry Referees Committee, his duties included the appointment and notification of referees for all Co. Board matches (average 900 per year), the organisation of referees’ seminars, representing Kerry referees at Munster and national levels and, above all, being available to fill the gap at very short notice when the appointed referee became unavailable. One could only imagine the time and effort involved for the man and his family in his 12 years involvement. All that was done in a voluntary capacity with no reward, other than the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Laune Rangers Annual Social was held on Sat. 14^th Dec. in the Manor Inn, Killorglin. Donal Pigott, Rúnaí, was solely in charge of tickets. Pierce Prendiville was presented with the Senior Player-of-the-Year award, Tom Johnston the ‘B’ team player-of-the-year, Eoin Corkery the ‘C’ team player-of-the-year and Mikey Griffin and minor player-of-the-year.

The Cromane Affair.

Cromane continued to flout the agreement between the two clubs and neither the Co. Board nor the Munster Council would make a decision on the matter – they passed the matter back and forth and Laune Rangers were frustrated in their efforts to uphold the agreement.

• The club wrote to the Co. Secretary in Feb. to inquire about the result of the objection to Cromane playing illegal players against Laune Rangers, which was heard on 22^nd Nov. 1990.
• Laune Rangers lodged an appeal to the Munster Council against the Kerry Co. Board on the grounds

a) That Coiste Chontae Chiarraí was in breach of Riail 147 T.O. which states that ‘a copy of an objection or counter-objection or appeal shall be sent bythe committee in charge to the defending party within four days.’

b) That Coiste Chontae Chiarraí was in breach of Riail 147 T.O. which states that ‘Each side shall be entitled to have two representatives present and to be heard.’

a) “Fánuithe na Leamhna lodged an objection with Coiste Chontae Chiarraí on 31^st Oct. 1990 against Cumann Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, on the grounds that they had played an illegal player against our club on 28^th Oct. 1990 in Sraith Peil Chontae Roinn 4. In accordance with procedure, we were invited and attended the meeting of the GPC of Coiste Chontae Chiarraí in Nov. 1990. At the December meeting of the Coiste Chontae there was no result of our objection given as, we were informed verbally, there was a counter-objection lodged against us. Despite many enquiries of the Co. Secretary, we failed to get any result of the objection or a copy of the counter-objection until 27^th Feb. 1991 (3 months later).”

b)“The meeting to discuss the counter-objection was scheduled for Thurs 28^th Feb. 1991 (We were notified on Wed. 27^th Feb.). Due to club fund-raising activities on that night, we were unable to attend and conveyed this message by phone to the Secretary of the GPC. He accepted our request for a later hearing. However, at the meeting of Coiste Chontae Chiarraí on Mon. 11^th March, we were informed that the matter had been referred to the officers of Comhairle na Mumhan.”

• At the meeting of 11^th March, the findings of the GPC were read. The Chairman and Secretary of the Co. Board and officers of the Munster Council would meet with officers of both clubs. Laune Rangers had requested the Munster Council to put the onus on the Co. Board to uphold the agreement between the two clubs. However, the club was requested by the Munster Council to attend a meeting in The Limerick Inn on Fri. 19^th April at 9.00pm. The club was represented by Aidan Gannon, Donal Pigott, James Coffey and Jerome Conway. It was a heated affair as the Laune Rangers delegation fought to retain the original agreement between the clubs. Matters involving less than the truth were entered by the opposition.
• In May the club were informed that the Munster Council had referred the matter back to the Co. Board to be reheard on Thurs. 16^th May. Arising out of that meeting, the GPC found that Cromane had broken the rules by playing Maurice O Shea from Caragh Lake. (At that stage he had been playing with Cromane for at least a year). Cromane’s counter-objection was defeated as Laune Rangers Club had not transgressed the agreement in any way. It is worth pointing out that Cromane was not punished in any way for breaking the agreement.
• In June, a transfer request was received from Maurice O Shea, stating that he was living in Lower Cromane. Laune Rangers refused to sign the transfer form, as it was well known that he was still living at his home in Caragh Lake. Aidan Gannon and Donal Pigott arranged to meet with Maurice O Shea in the Red Fox on Thurs. 20^th June at 10.30pm to discuss his transfer request. They asked him why he was seeking a transfer and he replied that he firstly wanted to make himself a legal player and secondly he wanted to play football. Donal Pigott pointed out that Laune Rangers had three senior teams but he said that he felt that he was better than a ‘C’ team footballer. Donal Pigott asked him to return to Laune Rangers but he refused. Aidan Gannon then pointed out that Laune Rangers club would not give him a transfer because it would immediately break the agreement between the two clubs and the Munster Council, and that if that happened, it would open the parish and he could not allow that to happen. Maurice O Shea insisted that he would still seek a transfer but he was again told that it would not be accepted by the Laune Rangers club.
• In August, a letter, signed by James O Connor, solicitor, was received stating that Maurice O Shea resided in Cromane Lower. Laune Rangers’ best efforts to verify that continued to confirm that he lived in Caragh Lake.
• On 14^th Aug. Laune Rangers wrote to the Co. Board objecting to the transfer of Ronan O Shea from Cork to Cromane, on the grounds that it was contrary to Rule 31 T.O, which stated that ‘Home Club shall mean a) the club in the player’s native parish, b) the club with which the player legally participated for the first time or c) the club of which he was a playing member immediately prior to leaving his home county.’ Cromane fulfilled none of the above criteria. The request for a transfer was also contrary to the agreement between Laune Rangers and Cromane. The transfer was refused.
• On 11^th Sept. Laune Rangers sent an objection against Cumann Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, to the Co. Board on the grounds that “Contrary to Riail 36 T.O. which states ‘A player, who wishes to leave one club to join another in the same county, must apply to the Co. Committee for a transfer.’ Cumann Réalt na Mara played Muiris Ó Sé in the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship on Sun. 8^th Sept. Muiris Ó Se d applied to Coiste Chontae Chiarraí for a transfer but was refused. This action is also contrary to paragraph 2 of thre Agreement, sanctioned by Comhairle na Mumhan, between Fánuithe na Leamhna and Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, which states ‘That Cromane GAA Club shall not be permitted to play any players from any part of Killorglin parish outside the stated station districts.’ Muiris Ó Sé is not living in those stated station districts. Contrary to Riail 36 T.O. (quoted above), Cumann Réalt na Mara played Seosamh Ó hÓra in the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship on Sun. 8^th Sept. Seosamh Ó hÓra did not seek a transfer from Fánuithe na Leamhna to Cromán. The playing of this player is also contrary to paragraph 2 of the above agreement, which was sanctioned by Comhairle na Mumhan, as Seosamh Ó hÓra is not living in those stated station districts.”
• In Nov. the Chairman of the Co. Board informed the Co. Board meeting that the officers of Laune Rangers and Cromane clubs would meet with the officers of the Munster Council (again!).

 

At the AGM of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg on 7^th February 1992, Brother John Guinane, Secretary, questioned the result of the Cromane motion, which had been passed the previous year. He said, ‘I would like to pose the following question: Has this worked for the betterment of football at underage level? My doubts are reflected in the outcome of some of these competitions. I am convinced that competitions alone will not improve the standard of play. Skills need to be taught and practised. Are clubs too pre-occupied with competitions?’

 

Co. Senior Football Championship Final on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Tralee: Dr. Crokes 2-10; Desmonds 1-10.

Co. Minor Football Final replay on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Tralee: Shannon Rangers 0-7; South-Kerry 0-4.

Co. Intermediate Final on Sun. 17^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Milltown/Castlemaine 5-7; Kenmare 2-5.

Co. Junior Final on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Farranfore: Kilcummin 1-11; Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-9.

Co. Novice Final on Sun. 1^st Dec. at Strand Road: Ballyduff 0-8; Firies 1-4.

Co. U-21 Final on Sun. 17^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: South-Kerry 0-17; West-Kerry 1-5.

Co. Club Championship Final obn Sun. 15^th Dec. at Strand Road: Desmonds 1-9; Annascaul 1-7.

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1 Champions – Annascaul.

 

At the end of the year, Mark Kilden, in Kerry’s Eye, produced his Kerry Football Team for 1991 as follows: Rory Kilgallon (John Mitchels), Junior Cronin (Kerins O Rahillys), Liam Hartnett (Dr. Crokes), Colm O Shea (do.), Liam Liddy (Austin Stacks), Domo Lyne (Desmonds), Morgan Nix (Kerins O Rahillys), Noel O Leary (Dr. Crokes), Connie Murphy (do.), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers), Christy Kearney (Desmonds), Bingo O Driscoll (Annascaul), Pat O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Willie Maher (Milltown/Castlemaine), John Hegarty (John Mitchels). Of Timmy Fleming he said, ‘This natural footballer returned to his best form. He played very well against Down, and not always selected in his best position. He never fails to turn in a good performance.’

 

According to the 1991 Census, the population of Killorglin Town had decreased from 1,348 in 1986 to 1,229 in 1991.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in 1992. The Secretary, Michael Healy, reported as follows: “The year under review was a satisfactory year for the Board and for the clubs within the Board area, despite the fact that expectations of that long awaited Co. Championship victory did not materialise.

Senior Championship

Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers took part in the Co. Championship. The Board decided early on to make the winning of this competition our primary objective for the year, as did all the clubs participating in the Mid-Kerry team. John P. O Sullivan was again appointed trainer and he and his selectors set about their task at an early stage. The Board ran its own blitz on Whit weekend, which was won by East-Kerry. Unfortunately, one of the teams, who committeed themselves to the competition, withdrew at a late stage and this certainly upset the value of the competition from Mid-Kerry’s point of view as Milltown/Castlemaine had to step in to make up the numbers.

The draw for the Co. Championship paired us with the team we had defeated at the start of our great run the previous year, Shannon Rangers. We expected Shannon Rangers to put up a better performance than the previous year but, once our team started to believe in themselves, they ran out comprehensive victors, with notable performances coming from Patrick O Grady, Thomas Evans, Willie Maher and Brian O Sullivan.

Our display that evening installed us as championship favourites in many peoples’ eyes and the spirit in the camp was never higher. The quarter-final draw paired us against St. Kieran’s, first round conquerors of Laune Rangers and another team we had defeated the previous year. A record crowd turned up in Milltown for this game and they certainly got value for money. This was Kerry Championship football at its very best, with very little separating the teams. At the end of the hour, we lost by two points, despite dominating the second half for long periods. Many post-mortems have taken place as to what went wrong that evening, with the selectors and some players coming in for much criticism. In hindsight, it is easy to be wise but such is championship football and, if you do not have a bit of luck, you will not be victorious. I would like to thank the players for their commitment and the commendable pride they showed in wearing the Mid-Kerry jersey during our short campaign. I would like to pay special tribute to our trainer John P O Sullivan, who once again gave it everything and who has certainly helped engerder a great unity and pride amongst the players. With a number of good young players coming through, I honestly believe that 1992 can be our year. I would also suggest that, while keeping a selector from each club, on the day of a game, only three selectors have a say when it comes to making changes during a game, with the other two being consulted at halftime.

Laune Rangers defeated Gneeveguilla in the preliminary round but were defeated by St. Kieran’s in the first round proper. A crippling injury crisis did not help their cause.

Minor

We entered the minor championship with more hope than confidence, as the team was not considered as strong as the previous three years. However, after playing a number of challenge games (which were to prove costly), the team started to blend together. Injuries sustained in challenge games to two of our key players, Colin O Sullivan and Noel Spillane, were to prove crucial. We played East-Kerry in Beaufort and the team played above itself to nearly cause a shock result against one of the championship favourites, but luck certainly was not on our side, a vital ingredient for any championship victory. The timing of this competition also causes problems, as many players have just finished vital exams and it is impossible to get all of them to train during exam weeks. I would like to thenk the trainer, Tim Coffey, and his assistant, William O Shea, for their work and commitment. Laune Rangers were defeated in the first round by South-Kerry.

U-21

The U-21’s got together for the first time in many years before the campaign began under trainer Jerry Kerins and, with many excellent players, a good run in the championship was anticipated. We played John Mitchels in the first round and won by the narrowest of margins, after playing well below our potential. We drew West-Kerry in the quarter-final and, only for a few lapses in concentration at vital times, we could and should have won this game. Laune Rangers defeated Kenmare in the first round but were defeated in the quarter-final by East-Kerry.

The clubs within the Board area had a satisfactory year also, even if the silverware was to elude them in most cases. Pride of place must go the Milltown/Castlemaine, who captured the Co. Intermediate Championship for the first time. They also consolidated their position in Division 1 of the Co. League. Glenbeigh/Glencar reached the final of the Co. Junior Championship and, from all accounts, should have won this game. They were also unlucky in not gaining promotion to Division 2 of the Co. League. Beaufort, with a very young team, was only denied promotion to Division 1 by a defeat in a play-off in Division 2. Keel and Cromane also maintained their divisional status.

Fixtures

Within the area, a total of 51 games were played in senior and minor competitions and Bord na nOg ran nine club competitions as well as the National Schools’ competitions. The Minor ‘B’ Championship was the last competition to finish. Laune Rangers dominated the competitions, winning all the competitions in which they participated. They have to be congratulated, and not begrudged, on this fine achievement. It is certaining putting it up to the other clubs in the year ahead.

The winners of all our competitions are as follows:

Senior Championship – Laune Rangers.

Senior League – Laune Rangers.

O Sullivan Cup – Beaufort.

Senior ‘B’ Championship – Laune Rangers.

Minor ‘A’ Championship – Laune Rangers.

Minor ‘B’ Championship – Beaufort.

Bord na nOg

U-12A – Laune Rangers

U-12B – Beaufort             U-12C – Glenbeigh/Glencar

U-14A – Laune Rangers

U-14B – Beaufort             U-14C – Glenbeigh/Glencar

U-16A – Laune Rangers

U-16B – Beaufort             U-16C – Keel

National Schools

4 Teachers-15-a-side – Cullina N.S.

4 Teachers-11-a-side – Glenbeigh N.S.

3 Teachers-9-a-side – Cromane N.S.

2 Teachers-7-a-side – Boheeshill N.S.

1 Teacher-7-a-side – Kiltallagh N.S.

Administration

The Board held 8 meetings during the year and these were well attended by most officers and delegates. For the Board to function properly, all officers will have to take a full and active part in the workings of the Board, a situation, which all too often, did not occur during 1991, with most of the work being left to the Chairman and Secretary. Any criticisms, which clubs might have concerning the functioning of the Board, should therefore take account of this situation.

Finance

Gate receipts and match programmes were our main source of revenue during the year. It is evident that gate receipts can no longer be relied on to generate enough finance to run the Board and its teams. During the year, the Chairman and I approached a number of businesses with a view to obtaining sponsorship, however, our efforts proved fruitless. It is hoped to run a golf classic in the coming year.

Referees

The key to the running of our competitions is the referees. The Board is indebted to all the referees who officiated at our games during the year. It is becoming a thankless job among an ever-decreasing number of referees and I can see a crisis developing in this area in the coming year. When clubs are critising referees, they should take a look within their own clubs to see what they are doing about the situation themselves. Nobody can disagree that problems can arise with different referees and, if criticism is merited, it should be addressed through the offices of the Board meetings and not through verbal abuse of referees during or after the game. The interpretation of many of our rules is open to widespread abuse and the advantage rule, in my opinion, is causing more problems than it is solving. This rule should be abolished and all indiscretions should be penalised. Gamesmanship, rarther than sportsmanship, among some players is also a major headache and the sooner we rid ourselves of the ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ brigade, the easier it will be to referee games.

Bord na nOg

Bord na nOg was run by the Milltown/Castlemaine Club during the year and I would like to thank the two people concerned, Michael Murphy and Brother John. The format of the competitions at club level may need to be re-adjusted in the coming year.

Scór

Scór Sinsear was run by Glenbeigh/Glencar Club but, unfortunately, there was poor participation by some clubs. Scór na nOg was run by Milltown/Castlemaine Club and there was a large participation from the clubs. One of the main problems with Scór na nOg is that the night can be very long and, in this regard, perhaps the powers that be might consider reducing some of the competitions involved.

Congratulations

I would like to congratulate the Kerry Senior Football team on regaining the Munster Championship after a lapse of four years. Great credit is due to the players and team management for this effort. I congratulate, in particular, the Mid-Kerry personnel involved, namely Timmy Fleming, Sean Burke, Willie Maher and John B. O Brien, who were playing, and Kevin Griffin in his capacity as a selector. I congratulate the Kerry U-21’s on retaining their Munster title and especially the Mid-Kerry personnel involved, John B. O Brien, Billy O Shea, Billy O Sullivan and Danny Cahill. Congratulations also to the Kerry Junior team on winning the Munster and All-Ireland titles and to the Mid-Kerrymen involved, John B. O Brien and Tom Evans. Congratualtions to the Laune Rangers U-14 team on winning the All-Ireland Féile competition. Congratulations to all the clubs who won or did well in competitions.

Buíochas

To all those people who support our games Sunday after Sunday and all those who work within our clubs.

To those who sponsored ‘man-of-the-match’ awards.

To the clubs for the use of their fields.

To the trainers and selectors of all our teams, including the U-16 team.

To Dan Carey, who was always willing and able to do gates during the year.

To the clubs for their co-operation.

To the media for the coverage of our games.

To my fellow officers, especially Michael McCarthy, our Chairman, for their help and advice. The Chairman has many opponents within Mid-Kerry but I can safely say that his heart and soul is totally dedicated to Mid-Kerry. If he has any fault, it is that he has been too polite on occasions.

For the New Year

That the clubs and players will continue their support for Mid-Kerry in as unselfish a manner as they displayed during 1991.

That the clubs will encourage more young people to became involved in administration, because they are the future of the GAA and we now need to play for the 21^st century.

That the hierarchy of the GAA will stop shooting itself in the foot with acts of stupidity and undue all the progress that the association has made in the course of the year.

That the National League format will be changed to give us a realistic league and not a semi-championship affair.

Finally

I hope I have not insulted anyone in the past year and, if I have, I am sorry. I will continue as Secretary for one more year and I hope the clubs will give consideration in the coming year to selecting a successor. I would also like to wish all the clubs every success in the year ahead and let their motto be ‘sportsmanship’ not ‘gamesmanship’.”

 

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held on 30^th Dec. 1991 in the Manor Inn, Killorglin. The Rúnaí, Donal Pigott, gave a detailed account of the year’s proceedings as follows: ‘Another twelve months have gone by and, as we look back, we can do so in the knowledge that it was another good year for the club. Many changes have taken place both on and off the field. Noel O Mahony stepped down as senior trainer and he was replaced by John Evans, who was hoping to bring the success he enjoyed at minor level to the senior ranks. Gerard Murphy took over the minor team. The long awaited start to the dressing-rooms took place in September and a huge sigh of relief was expressed by many, as now there was a sign of things to come. However, it was not all change, as many of the faces were the same. The membership was still in the capable hands of Liam Shannon and it was both a tribute to Liam’s hard work and to the generosity of our members that, in a year when family membership was raised to £20, it remained as high as ever. The club was also supported in many other ways during the year and this is greatly appreciated by the club.

Again this year, the club has been very lucky with the people who have agreed to handle our underage teams. Their dedication and enthusiasm is tremendous and ensures that the future of the club is in good hands. Our U-10 team was again handled by Seamus Murphy and Willie Fitzgerald and one has only to go to the field on Sunday mornings to see the enjoyment they get from it. The U-12A team was handled by James Ferris and Finbarr Coffey. In their division, the top team were crowned champions and our team failed to get the top spot. However, they defeated Beaufort in the Mid-Kerry Championship Final. The U-12B team, trained by Declan Falvey, failed also to achieve top spot but ended runners-up.

Pride of place this year must go to our U-14 team and its selectors, Patsy Joy and Bertie Houlihan. They began by winning the Co. Championship by defeating Austin Stacks. They followed this up, five weeks later, by capturing the All-Ireland U-14 title in Co. Meath. They topped their group and went forward to meet Galway Champions, Corofin, in the semi-final, going on to meet Derry Champions, Ballinderry Shamrocks, in the final and as we all know by now, they emerged victorious. They also participated in the skills competitions, finishing second in two and fifth in the third. This was a great achievement by all concerned but they were soon back down to earth as they had to play the Mid-Kerry final on the following Wednesday night. They kept up their winning ways and ran out easy winners. The U-14B team was coached by Pierce Prendiville. They progressed through the league to meet Desmonds B in the final, going on to win a tough game. This year saw the introduction of an U-15 Co. Championship. Our team consisted mainly of the U-14 team. We were not expecting to go all the way but in true fashion, they proved us all wrong by beating John Mitchels in the final to add another title to their already long list.

The U-16 team was again coached by Jerome Conway and they defeated Milltown/Castlemaine to win the Mid-Kerry title. However, as they attempted to capture the county title, luck deserted them as they lost out narrowly in their efforts to make the qualifying stages of the competition. Jerome then turned his attention to the Mid-Kerry U-16 team and attempted to win the District Board competition for the 4^th year. Alas, the lads fell at the first hurdle when they were beaten by the eventual winners South Kerry. The minor team this year was trained by Gerard Murphy and his charges soon tasted victory when they defeated Keel to win the Mid-Kerry title, making it a clean sweep so far for the club in Mid-Kerry.

The Senior B team was again trained by James McInery and after losing the Club B the previous year they were out to make amends. Their first trophy arrived via the Mid-Kerry B Championship, when they defeated the surprise team, Laune Rangers C. The C team emerged from a very successful parish league, where after all the games were played, Douglas met Over Laune in the final, with Douglas winning. The C team also entered Div. 6, where they lost the final to Legion B by 2 points. This team was handled by Mike O Shea, with help from the B team selectors. Getting back to the B team, it emerged from Div. 4 to force a playoff with Brosna. This game, played in Tralee in very windy conditions, resulted in a 3 points defeat for the lads but they learned from their mistakes, when a week later in the Club B final against Dingle, they played tremendous football in the first half against a gale to lead at halftime and to run out easy winners. Congratulations to James, Ger Counihan, John Purcell and John Griffin.

The senior team was without Noel O Mahony for the first time in nine years. John Evans had taken over and was attempting to build for the future. He soon tasted success when they won the Mid-Kerry league against Keel. Attentions were then turned to the Co. League and Championship. We were having difficulties in the league and then we lost Pat McKenna through injury and had to plan the rest of the year without him. The draw for the Co. Championship paired us away to Gneeveguilla. This proved to be a very tough game, until a late Timmy Fleming goal pulled us through. The next round saw us away, this time against St. Kieran’s. In the week prior to the game, we lost Paul Griffin, Michael O Reilly and Billy O Shea through injury. These were big losses and unfortunately, we were unable to overcome them and we were beaten. The lads then turned their attentions to the Mid-Kerry Championship, where they met Beaufort in the semi-final. This proved to be a very tough and hard-fought encounter and we had to pull back a seven points’ deficit before we eventually ran out easy winners and progressed to meet old rivals Milltown/Castlemaine in the final. The game was played in Milltown and proved to be heart-stopping. With a few minutes to go we were trailing by two points, when Tommy Byrne converted a penalty to give us victory. This was a great achievement, as we had to play without Pierce Prendiville who had been sent off in the semi-final. I think that, when all our injuries are cleared up, we can look to the future with a lot of optimism. I wish a speedy recovery to all our injured players.

The U-21 team was again handled by James Sheehan and even though they made a great effort, they lost out to a strong East Kerry team in the quarter-finals. They also entered a tournament run by Duhallow and made it to the semi-final, where they lost to eventual winners, Duhallow. The hurlers also had a great year. Trained by John Purcell, they won the Junior Co. Championship and the South Kerry Senior League. This team contained six players from Laune Rangers. The club also supplied four players to the Co. U-14 hurling team. This is due to the interest of John Purcell who had kept the interest in hurling alive in the club over the years.

The club provided players to the Kerry Minor, U-21 and Senior teams during the year. Mike Hassett played for the minors, who lost to Cork in the Munster Final. Billy O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Danny Cahill and Billy O Shea were involved with the U-21 team, which lost the All-Ireland Final to Tyrone. Timmy Fleming proved to be a versatile player when he played at corner-forward for the senior team that reached the All-Ireland semi-final but lost to Down. Towards the end of the year, both Billy O Sullivan and Billy O Shea lined out with Kerry in the National League. Mike Hassett lined out for the Irish team that played the Aussies in a Compromise Rules game. Also, the club had players on the Intermediate School’s team that won the County Cup.

The club social was held in December, where a small crowd saw trophies presented to the players of the year. Mikey Griffin got the minor award, Eoin Corkery got the C award, Tom Johnston got the B award and Pierce Prendiville got the senior award. The club made a presentation to Tim and Mary Fleming who had got married during the year. The senior players also made a presentation to the senior selectors.

Before I finish, I must mention two men who are stepping down. John Purcell has decided to not to seek re-election as B team selector. John has given great service to the B team and the club and we hope that he will stay involved in some other capacity. The second man is Bart Moriarty. After twelve years as Secretary of the Kerry Referees, Bart is stepping down. His job was often very thankless but he did it to perfection. I often had to ring Bart over the past two years to change the time and day of matches and I always found him helpful and obliging. On my own behalf and on behalf of the club I would like to thank him and to wish him well as Secretary of the Munster Referees.’