Laune Rangers – 1993
Laune Rangers won the Co. Senior Football Championship for the eighth time.
Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the fourth year-in-a-row and the 17th time in total.
Laune Rangers regained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League, winning it for the thirteenth time.
Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship for the tenth time.
Laune Rangers won the Urban Minor Football League in its inaugural year.
Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship for the twenty-sixth time.
Laune Rangers won the Co. U-16 Football Championship (7th) and Mid-Kerry Championship (22nd).
Laune Rangers took part for the first time in Tralee District Board football competitions at juvenile level and won the U-16 Championship.
Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship for the twenty-third time.
Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the 17th time.
South-Kerry, captained by Brian Gannon, won the inaugural Munster U-16 Football Championship.
St. Mary’s won the Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship for the first time.
Kerry won the Munster U-21 Football Championship. Mike Hassett played at right fullback and Billy O Shea played at centre half-forward.
Mike Hassett made his senior inter-county debut against Kildare in the NFL on Sun. 10th Oct. at Tralee.
James Coffey was re-elected as Joint-Treasurer of the Kerry Co. Board for the twenty-first successive year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin, on Tues. 29th Dec. 1992. Sixty-two people attended. The Chairman welcomed everyone and proposed the adoption of the minutes of the previous year’s AGM. That was seconded by Tommy Woods (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1992). The Chairman, in his address, thanked all the selectors and teams for their efforts during the year and congratulated them all on their successes. He thanked all those who had organised any fund-raising activities during the year, especially John Evans and James Ferris, and all those who had bought Co. Board tickets. He thanked John Griffin for the excellent work done on the new dressing-rooms and said that they were a credit to the club. He thanked the referees for their unselfish work during the year, especially John Evans and Patrick O Shea. He thanked the sponsors for their help, both financially and otherwise. He thanked the Secretary, Donal Pigott, for his tremendous work over the previous four years and said he had been a very good secretary. He also thanked Pat Pigott for his work over the previous five years and he wished Andy Pigott a speedy recovery back to full health. He then thanked the officers, whom he served with for the previous three years. He said that he had enjoyed his term as Chairman and wished the club every success for the coming years and hoped that they would win the Co. Championship again.
The following officers were then elected:
Life-President – Paddy Crowley.
Chairman – Jerome Conway (Liam Shannon had also been nominated but withdrew). Aidan Gannon did not seek re-election. The incoming Chairman thanked all for attending and expressed the hope that there would be good attendances at club meetings during the year. “I suspect that I have been manoeuvred into this position,” he said. “However, I accept this position willingly, because, for me, it is a labour of love. It is a most humble feeling to know that the club still feels that I have something to offer after all these years. These are affluent times, in football terms, for this club. Over the past ten years, we have won 1 Co. Senior Championship, 4 Co. Senior Leagues Division 1, 1 Co. League Division 4, 2 Co. Club ‘B’ Championships, 1 Co. U-21 Championship (beaten in 2 Co. Finals), 3 Co. Minor Championships (beaten in 2 Co. Finals), 3 Co. Minor Leagues Division 1, 3 Co. U-16 Championships, 1 Co. U-15 Championship, 4 Co. U-14 Championships, 3 Co. U-12 Championships, 9 Mid-Kerry Senior Championships, 9 Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championships, 6 Mid-Kerry Leagues, 9 Mid-Kerry Minor Championships, 8 U-16 Mid-Kerry Championships, 10 U-14 Mid-Kerry Championships and 8 U-12 Mid-Kerry Championships. The players of today are lucky to be part of such a great club. One could equally argue that the club is lucky to have such gifted players at all levels. I think Tom Johnston put it in perspective in an interview after we had won the Co. Senior Championship in 1989, when he stated that the players were lucky to be there on that day – that many great players had gone before without anything like that success. This is quite correct. It is difficult to realise it now but we went ten years – 1973 to 1983 without so much as a Mid-Kerry Senior Championship. The players of that era appreciate what it is like to strain, train and lose. Nowadays we have players on all the county teams and others who possibly should. We have been brought up on success and this is most pleasing and satisfactory. However, it provides two pit-falls:
- We would not want to get the idea that the club owes us anything. It does not. We are the club. We are proud of our achievements. We serve in the club. We are here in a caretaking capacity, charged with carrying on the great traditions of the club. Nobody is greater than the club. We are, each person, a cog in the great machine that is the club, each with a duty to perform. Our first duty is to become a member and thereafter to uphold the good name of the club.
- We would not want to become consumed with past victories and throw in the towel. You must continue to win while you can. Success breeds success, just as losing can equally become repetitive. It is easy to slip back to the bad old days. When you are at the top, everybody wants to beat you. You counteract that by being prepared for all comers all the time. We must continue to progress – towards another county senior title. A club is judged really in the heat of championship. The year gone by was disappointing. However, it should serve as a spur for us to make amends in 1993. We must not be looking for excuses for failure. Everybody must have a positive attitude and be single-minded.”
He hoped that there would not be any bickering between teams or players and if they had a problem that it would be discussed at a club meeting. He looked forward to working with the new committee and players and he hoped for a successful year and that the players would have pride in the blue jersey. He paid tribute to Joe Shannon, Pierce Prendiville, Paudie Sheahan and Peter Lyons on having won nine Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship medals. He paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman, Aidan Gannon, for his unselfish work over the previous three years. He said that the new dressing-rooms had been a monument to his leadership and that the club was indebted to him for his efforts. He also thanked outgoing Secretary, Donal Pigott, and said that he had been looking forward to working with him but, unfortunately, it had not worked out that way. However, he thanked him for his efforts over the previous three years as Secretary.
Vice-Chairman – Jim Galvin.
Secretary – Dermot O Shea (Robbie Evans had also been nominated but withdrew). Donal Pigott did not seek re-election.
Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and Michael Foley (Joe Shannon and Donal Pigott had also been nominated but had withdrawn). Pat Pigott did not seek re-election.
Registrar – Liam Shannon.
PRO – Bernadette Corkery (Christy O Riordan had also been nominated but he had withdrawn).
Youth Officer – Pat Pigott.
Delegate to Co. Board – John Clifford (Jerome Conway had also been nominated but he had withdrawn).
Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – John Clifford and Donal Pigott (Robbie Evans and Jerome Conway had also been nominated but they had withdrawn).
Senior Football Selection Committee – John Evans, John Clifford and Patsy Joy.
Senior ‘B’ Team Football Selection Committee – John Griffin (trainer) Ger Counihan, and Maurice Corkery (Liam Foley and Pat Pigott had also been nominated but they had withdrawn). James McInery did not seek re-election.
Senior ‘C’ Team Football Selection Committee – Michael O Shea and John Purcell (Tom Johnston and John O Dwyer had also been nominated but they had withdrawn). James Coffey and Dominic Crowley did not seek re-election.
The following motion was discussed:
‘That the club does more to encourage young lads to take up refereeing from U-12 upwards.’ (Bart Moriarty). He said that an effort should be made at school-level to get young lads interested in refereeing. Jerome Conway said that the GAA could take an example from Basketball, where U-16 players referee U-14 games. He said that the club could start such a practice in the juvenile parish leagues.
A.O.B.
1. Eamonn Crowley said that as the everyday cost of running the club was losing money that a new way of generating funds would have to be found. He suggested using the old dressing-rooms as a museum with GAA memorabilia. He said that grants could be sourced and it could be advertised in Cork/Kerry Tourism. He said that if the incoming committee was interested, he would get involved in the venture. The Chairman thanked him for his suggestion and said that it was worth considering.
2. Michael O Shea suggested that the club should start a weekly lotto. He said that other clubs had tried it and it had been very successful. Aidan Gannon said that the reason it had not been tried previously was that the club had felt that it would be hitting the same people as it had hit for the auction and Co. Board draw. Jerome Conway said that it was definitely something to begin in the near future.
3. A discussion took place concerning a match to officially open the dressing-rooms. James Coffey said that the club would not get a National Football League game because of the lack of access to trains. He also said that if the club was to arrange a tournament game, the club would have the expense of hosting the two teams. He suggested a match between Laune Rangers and Mid-Kerry.
4. A discussion then took place regarding player-injuries. The Chairman said that, for the coming year, each player would be issued with a set of instructions regarding injuries and the steps to follow in the event of being injured. He said that if those steps were not followed, players would not be reimbursed. The Secretary informed the meeting that Dr. Billy Prendiville was willing to co-operate with the club in that matter. James Sheehan said that as there was a physiotherapist in Killorglin, the club should nominate that person as the club physiotherapist and any player, who would attend another physiotherapist, would not have his bills paid for by the club.
The AGM then concluded.
Co. Senior Football Championship
Nineteen teams entered for the Co. Senior Football Championship, Beale, Gneeveguilla, Dr. Crokes, Desmonds, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, Annascaul, Mid-Kerry, Laune Rangers, St. Kieran’s, West-Kerry, South-Kerry, East-Kerry, Kenmare, Austin Stacks, Shannon Rangers, Feale Rangers, St. Brendan’s and Killarney.
Rd. 2 on Sun. 27th June at Cordal: St. Kieran’s 0-9; Laune Rangers 2-15.
Laune Rangers were in no way flattered by their twelve points’ winning margin in that most disappointing second round Co. Championship game. Rangers excelled in the blistering heat, with a power-packed team display. The Killorglin side dominated in all departments from the very start, when Billy O Sullivan had their first points from play within a minute. St. Kieran’s had just one wide and one point to show after twenty-five minutes. They made numerous changes to counter the dominance of Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville at midfield. However, Sean McElligott was their only player that played up to scratch, kicking four excellent points before the break and repeated the feat in the second half. But Laune Rangers were never threatened and won as they pleased in the end.
After Billy O Sullivan’s first point, Timmy Fleming had two more from frees. The half-forwards, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea and Joe Shannon, set up numerous scoring chances but they tended to overplay the ball at times. St. Kieran’s goalkeeper, Brendan Lane, made an excellent save from Billy O Shea only for Timmy Fleming to kick a point from the resulting forty-five. Billy O Shea and Pierce Prendiville added two more points, with Rangers kicking seven wides in as many minutes. Sean McElligott got St. Kieran’s first score but, almost immediately, Rangers had a goal at the other end. James O Shea made a strong run through the middle and his shot at goal was well saved by goalkeeper Lane but the ball deflected off fullback M. Moriarty into the net. Rangers relaxed a little then and Sean McElligott kicked three points to leave the score at the break 1-6 to 0-4.
On the restart, Timmy Fleming soloed through to kick another point. McElligott replied with two pointed frees before Timmy Fleming (2) and Timmy Corkery again extended Rangers’ lead. Jimmy Keane had a Kieran’s point before Rangers hit a purple patch to score 1-5 without reply. Laune Rangers played some delightful football as they constantly found the loose man and the goal by Paul Griffin was a real team effort. Many of the crowd of 700 had left before McElligott kicked two late points for St. Kieran’s.
Laune Rangers looked a team of many talents in that game with Pa Murphy, Adrian Hassett, Mike Hassett and Tommy Byrne most impressive in the backline along with a dominant midfield and half-forward line.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-7, 6 frees), Timmy Corkery (0-2), James O Shea (capt.) 1-1, Joe Shannon (0-1), Paul Griffin (1-0), Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1). Sub: Mark O Sullivan for M. Hassett, John Doona, Pat McKenna, Gerard Murphy, Mikey Griffin, Eoin Corkery, Derry O Sullivan.
St. Kieran’s: Brendan Lane (Brosna), Tim Geaney (do.), Michael Moriarty (do.), Jack O Connell (Knocknagoshel), Tommy O Connor (Cordal) capt., Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Sean Lambe (Ballymac), D.D. Rahilly (do), Pa Dennehy (Currow), Kieran Scanlon (do.), Timmy Brosnan (do.), Jimmy Keane (Brosna) 0-1, Sean McElligott (Knocknagoshel) 0-8, 3 frees, Denis Dennehy (Currow), Freddie Casey (Scartaglin). Subs: Sean O Connor (Currow) for D.D. Rahilly (inj.), Padraig O Connor (Brosna) for E. Walsh (inj.), Ruaidhrí Rahilly (Ballymac) for S. Lambe.
Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).
Quarter-final on Sun. 8th Aug. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 1-9; Austin Stacks 0-9.
A huge crowd gathered to witness that anxiously awaited duel between two club sides with famous and glorious histories in Kerry footballing circles. The game was a very close affair with the lead changing hands on numerous occasions but, apart from the occasional bout of fielding and the odd good passing movement, that was all that made for excitement. Laune Rangers ultimately pulled away towards the end of the game and were forced to defend desperately from a Stack’s side that just did not want to lose.
The stiff breeze favoured Rangers in the opening half and although Stacks were playing with a good degree of composure and confidence, they did not translate that into scores. Laune Rangers came close to scoring a goal in the fifth minute when Billy O Sullivan broke inside the Stack’s defence but his blistering shot went narrowly wide of the upright. James O Shea, Timmy Corkery and Joe Shannon were also guilty of missing scores in the opening minutes but they eventually opened their account in the ninth minute when midfielder Pierce Prendiville gathered a clever knock-down by Billy O Sullivan and fired the ball over the bar. Stacks did not take long to respond and Darren Ahern pointed his own free in the eleventh minute. Pa Laide shot the Tralee side ahead four minutes later with a fine point. Both sides then kicked a number of bad wides before Rangers eventually drew level in the twenty-second minute with a very dubious point. Pierce Prendiville burst through the Stacks’ defence, was fouled and the referee blew for a free. The Stacks’ players, having heard the whistle, stopped playing but the ball at that stage had been dispatched to the inrunning Timmy Corkery and the referee amazingly waved play on. Timmy Corkery continued on his way and kicked a point. Then came the big turning point of the game. A great jinking run by Joe Shannon led to Billy O Shea receiving the ball at speed and he clinically finished it to the net from ten metres out. However, that score seemed to spur Stacks to even greater heights and they kicked three good points to pull themselves level at the break on the score of 1-2 to 0-5. One entertaining factor of that first half was the great duel at midfield between Cormac Kennedy and Timmy Fleming. Both players made some outstanding clean fetches and thus created offensive moves for their respective forward colleagues.
The second half looked like Stacks would dominate as expected with wind advantage when they took the lead with a great point from Pa Laide in the second minute. However, Rangers lifted their game and gradually their power began to tell as they recorded a point from Billy O Sullivan. Donal McEvoy kicked Stacks back in front but Rangers had the upper-hand and were playing with more direction. Joe Shannon and Billy O Shea (2) kicked good points as they took a firm grip on proceedings. Stacks missed a couple of opportunities before Owen Moynihan, with a free from the hand, cut the lead to just one point. Rangers, however, kept up their momentum and Timmy Fleming was successful with two frees to put three points between the sides. Moynihan kicked another point for Stacks as they piled on the pressure but Rangers broke out from defence and killed off the game with a good point by captain, James O Shea. Stacks heroically kept up the assault on the Rangers’ goal in the dying seconds of injury time but the ball was cleared on three occasions and the final whistle sounded giving Rangers a place in the county semi-finals.
It was a deserving win for Rangers in a mediocre game. They had some excellent performances from Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy and Shane O Sullivan in defence. Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville played well at midfield, while Billy O Shea, Joe Shannon and James O Shea were best in attack.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-3, 2 frees), Pierce Prendiville (0-2), Timmy Corkery (0-1), James O Shea (0-1), Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, Billy O Shea (1-1). Subs: Gerard Murphy (0-1) for T. Corkery, Pat McKenna, John Doona, Mikey Griffin, Eoin Joy, Jason Griffin, Liam Foley, Derry O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery.
Austin Stacks: Michael Hussey, Malachy Nagle, Liam Liddy, Pat Slattery, John Galvin, Kieran Browne, John Barry, John Walsh, Cormac Kennedy, Pa Laide (0-2), Darren Ahern (0-3, 2 frees), Liam Kerins, Owen Moynihan (0-2, 1 free), Martin McKivergan (0-1), Donal McEvoy (0-1).
Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).
Semi-final on Sun. 5th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 3-13; Dr. Crokes 1-11.
Timmy Sheehan reported in the Kerryman as follows, “A third quarter of sheer splendour, which yielded a succession of superb scores, formed the basis of a quite outstanding performance by Laune Rangers in that Co. Semi-final. It took a long time for the Killorglin side to develop into full flow but, once they did so, there was simply no stopping them. Pat McKenna was hugely resourceful in attack for them and they reaped rich dividends from their more direct style of play against a side, which tended at times to over-elaborate, especially late in the game when the issue was delicately poised. Laune Rangers, who had a lot more aces scoring-wise, played with more purpose throughout the second half and fully deserved a victory, which will install them as odds-on favourites to recapture the championship crown, which they last held in 1989.
Crokes, with wind assistance, wasted a number of early scoring chances and were rocked back on their heels in the fourth minute when a lofted centre by Timmy Fleming was fisted firmly to the roof of the net by the extremely hard-working Pierce Prendiville. This gave Rangers a tremendous early boost that helped greatly to settle them. After this they were a lot more determined and supportive of each other against a Crokes side, which was finding it increasingly difficult to get into its stride. However, with Roland Neher catching the eye on the forty, Crokes gradually began to make an impression and two pointed frees by Pat O Shea and another point from play by Neher tied up the scores in the twelfth minute. A well-worked movement, involving Billy O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy and Joe Shannon finished with the latter putting Rangers back in front, but this score was negatived almost immediately by a long-range point by Connie Murphy. With both defences organised and disciplined, scores were very much at a premium even if Rangers were terribly unlucky not to have scored a second goal in the eighteenth minute when James O Shea’s goal-bound shot came back off the post and into the hands of a relieved Peter O Brien. It was certainly a let-off for the Crokes, who weren’t moving with their normal fluency.
Croke’s midfielder, Noel O Leary, was rather uncharacteristically out of sorts but his partner, Connie Murphy, was very much a leading light and a point by him in the 21st minute put the Killarney side back in front. Timmy Fleming, from a free, levelled matters once again but Crokes, courtesy of a Ger O Shea pointed free, recaptured the lead. It was significant that Pat O Shea was making little impression for Crokes in attack, but too often the deliveries to the inside line were high and hopeful and Crokes were depending quite a lot on Connie Murphy’s driving runs to produce scoring opportunities. However, Noel O Leary came more into the picture and Crokes retained a grip territorially but they wasted a number of chances to go further ahead. A fisted Connie Murphy point, his third of the game, put his side two clear and Connie Doherty followed with another point. Crokes carried their three points’ lead to the dressing-rooms for the interval
However, it was a lead, which didn’t last too long in the second half as Rangers restarted with a flourish with points from Pat McKenna and Gerard Murphy to narrow the gap to the bare minimum. Pushing forward in waves of attacks, a pointed free by Timmy Fleming levelled matters in the 37th minute. However, Connie Murphy’s enthusiasm created an over-lap for Colm O Shea and he put Crokes back in front with a point in the 39th minute. Play was now swinging furiously from end to end and Rangers’ levelled once more through Pat McKenna. Indecision in the Killarney defence gifted Timmy Fleming the lead point for Rangers from a placed ball on the 13m line. An excellent score from a most impressive Joe Shannon a minute later was added to by another from arch opportunist Pat McKenna and, with Rangers rampant and deservedly leading by three points, Crokes were very definitely in need of a lift in all sectors, especially midfield, where Connie Murphy faded for a period.
Pat McKenna, with his fourth point, put the Killorglin side in a most commanding position and then, in the 46th minute, there was further trouble for Crokes, when Brendan Keogh, who had already been booked, was dismissed for a tackle on Billy O Shea. A further brace of points from Joe Shannon and Billy O Sullivan left Rangers six points clear and the Killorglin side were looking very genuine title contenders. A point from Connie Murphy in a sporadic raid temporarily raised the fading hopes of the Crokes’ contingent present and, for a period, the Killarney side began to make more of an impact, reflected in a splendid Ger O Shea goal seven minutes from time. However, Crokes paid dearly for over-elaboration after this and Laune Rangers struck for the killer blow five minutes from time in the shape of a Billy O Sullivan goal. He finished off a defence-splitting three-man movement, which predictably had McKenna as its control figure. Crokes almost snatched a late lifeline at the other end with both Pat O Shea and Connie Doherty going close with goaling opportunities, but James O Shea then put over Laune Rangers’ 13th point, to put the issue beyond doubt and the final seal of victory was applied by the outstanding Billy O Shea, who seized on a half-chance to squeeze the ball home for goal No. 3. The only reply by Crokes was a token Pat O Shea point in the dying moments.
Laune Rangers were by far the more polished outfit on the night and, once they got their noses in front, they were always looking like the side most likely to succeed. They benefited greatly from a direct and simple method of play and nobody did this better than man-of-the-match, Pat McKenna.”
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea (1-0), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), Pierce Prendiville (1-0), Paul Griffin, James O Shea (capt.) 0-1, Gerard Murphy (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-4), Joe Shannon (0-3), Billy O Sullivan (1-1). Subs: Derry O Sullivan for P. Griffin (inj.), John Doona, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Liam Foley, Pa Murphy (inj.).
Dr. Crokes: Peter O Brien, John Foley, Liam Hartnett, Brendan Keogh, Mark Cooper, John Galvin, Colm O Shea (0-1), Noel O Leary, Connie Murphy (0-4), Connie Doherty (0-1), Roland Neher (0-1), Ger O Shea (capt.) 1-1, 1 free, Pat O Shea (0-3, 2 frees), Danny Cooper, Brian Clarke. Sub: John Clifford for M. Cooper.
Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).
Co. Senior Football Championship Final
Noel Twomey visited the J.P. O Sullivan Park on the week prior to the game and reported for the Kerryman as follows: “The shuffling figures in the darkness were the Laune Rangers senior footballers. It was approaching 9pm in Killorglin and the players were barely shadows in the distance as they trained in preparation for Sunday’s county football final. Even the act of seeing each other at that late hour must have been hard for the players, but still they struggled on. It’s called dedication.
That session, guided by bellowing trainer John Evans, had begun an hour and a half earlier in the evening sunshine, but it was cold and dewy as the players were finally led off the field in an end-to-end sprint by ace forward, Billy O Sullivan. Tired and sweating after a long series of sprints, exercises and a practice match, the players were in no mood to talk but officials were in buoyant form. The club’s minor footballers had just defeated Milltown/Castlemaine in the Mid-Kerry Championship Final and many of them had just returned from that game, significantly arriving late to catch the end of the training session.
Success breeds success and this Laune Rangers senior side is founded on what is a diligent youth policy. Club Chairman, Jerome Conway, says that to have good players coming through, good players in charge were needed all the way down to U-12 level. ‘Once you can produce a couple of top class seniors every year,’ he says, ‘you are always in a position to win championships.’ That’s the Laune Rangers philosophy: Get them young, treat them well and they’ll be winners!
Most members of this year’s team have already savoured county final success in 1989 and team selector John Clifford, who was also a selector that year, reckons that the 1993 team is more experienced. ‘This team would be as good as the 1989 team and maybe even better’, he said. ‘The younger lads on that team are more mature now. We are hoping again this year, but it all depends on the day. Annascaul showed plenty of heart and commitment in their games and their defence is very good.’ John says that Pa Murphy, who missed the semi-final win over Crokes with a fractured cheekbone and forced the selectors to make hasty changes to their line-up that night, will be available for selection.
Indeed there are no injury worries and trainer John Evans is satisfied with his team’s preparations. ‘We have worked very hard and are treating Annascaul with the utmost respect,’ he said. ‘The favourite’s tag is often a handicap if you don’t read it properly, but I am hopeful that the experience of the team will stand to the lads.’ While John is keen to emphasise the volatile and once-off nature of county finals, he has firm faith in his men. ‘I believe in the brand of football that we are playing. When it goes well, it is very spectacular, but it requires a high work-rate and I think this team is willing to put in that work-rate.’
What Jerome Conway fears most is Annascaul’s will-to-win. ‘Annascaul will be difficult to crack. They play with a fierce determination and fervour and this is very hard to combat. This is their first county final and they will have the whole community behind them and will be hyped up from the word go.’ Club secretary, Dermot O Shea, says that Rangers are well motivated, but he is loathe to give an opinion as to how the game will go. ‘Annascaul will be very tough to beat,’ he said. ‘But we are playing well at the moment, especially in the last few games. The team seems to have hit form’.
‘The atmosphere around the town is one of excitement,’ added Dermot. ‘There is a great effort being made in the schools with the children making flags and everybody is talking about the game. There is great interest in football in Killorglin and people are throwing in their support in every way. We’d like another title to add to ’89.’
Monaghan-born club registrar Liam Shannon, father of veteran forward Joe, has a lot of respect for Annascaul. ‘They are a good side and, with players like Genie Farrell and Weeshie Lynch and Pat McKenna as well as the Doyles around, it won’t be easy,’ he said. ‘But if we get the breaks on the day, we can win it.’
As the players hit the showers, you leave with the impression that it will take a good side to beat Laune Rangers. The spectre of players practicing their shooting in the darkness is uncanny. Is it confidence? It’s hardly blind faith.”
James Coffey gave the following interview to the Kerryman in the week prior to the Co. Final: ‘Laune Rangers are back in the county final after four years. Their win in 1989 bridged a 78-year gap and, in fairness, many football judges were predicting senior championship success for the club much earlier than 1989.
The club developed a most successful underage programme in the early ‘70’s and dominated county and divisional competitions for over twenty years. They won numerous tournaments at all ages, including Féile na nÓg in 1991 and the All-Ireland Minor in 1978. With this impressive record, senior success had to come, but it took a long time. The men who pioneered these successes were Jerome Conway and Pat O Shea. They were joined by Liam Shannon, patsy Joy and Noel O Mahony and many more followed. It was Noel who took charge of the minor side in 1974 and it was Noel who took over as trainer and manager of the senior squad in 1983. His charges won six Mid-Kerry Senior Championship titles on the trot to create a new record. Four county league Div. 1 titles were also won and, of course, the big one came when Laune Rangers beat John Mitchels in Killarney on a glorious September day in 1989.
Many have asked the question: What had happened since? Well, injuries wrecked the chances of the side for two years and, last year, over-confidence in Moyvane, plus a poor showing by some of our top players, put paid to our chances. Since that display in Moyvane, a new spirit has been seen in the team. Remember, they won the 1992 Co. League without losing a game and they went on to win the Mid-Kerry Championship. John Evans was quick to get the Moyvane result out of the players’ minds and John, who took over from Noel O Mahony in 1991, has instilled great spirit into the present squad. The players have responded to him and, hopefully, that response will be crowned with success on Sunday. Gone from the 1989 team are Anthony Shannon, James Sheehan, Tom Johnston, Mark O Connor, Danny Cahill and Patie Casey. The last three names are out because of injuries, so only Paudie Sheahan and Shane O Sullivan remain of the defence, along with goalie Peter Lyons. The return of Gerard Murphy and Pat McKenna has added great punch to the attack and, if this sector clicks, Laune Rangers will win.
After seeing the early rounds of the championship and some terrible displays by the different county teams, I felt depressed. But when I watched Laune Rangers play Austin Stacks in the Co. U-16 final in the curtain-raiser to the senior game between Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes, I saw new hope for Kerry football. All the great skills, such as high-fielding, long and accurate kicking and point-scoring from all angles, brought back memories of Tadhgie Lyne, Paudie Sheehy (RIP), Mikey Sheehy, Ger Power, Brendan Lynch, Pat Spillane and John Egan. In the second half of the senior game that followed, the Laune Rangers’ forwards cut out the messing and took a leaf from the copybook of the U-16’s to produce all the greatness of Kerry football, which I was so fortunate to see and remember.
I am looking forward to a great and sporting county final on Sunday. No doubt, it will be a great family outing for both parishes. It is a mighty achievement for Annascaul to reach the final at their first attempt. They will have the support of 70% of the county in their effort to achieve victory. It will be interesting to see how Laune Rangers react.”
The following article was written about James O Shea, captain of Laune Rangers, in the week preceding the Co. Final: “It is every player’s dream to proudly wear his club colours in a county final, but to captain your side is an extra special honour. James O Shea, captain of Laune Rangers is proud to lead out his side next Sunday but the captaincy doesn’t hold any extra pressure for this cool-headed young man. James, more likely than not, will be allocated a position on the half-forward line for the game. He stresses that it’s not just a team effort but a whole panel effort that has got them this far and he expresses great hope of victory next Sunday. ‘It’s a great honour to captain a club like Laune Rangers because it is one of the best clubs in the county and always had great support in Killorglin and the locality,’ he said.
James, a survivor of the ’89 team that lifted the cup, is taking the Annascaul threat very seriously and regards them highly. ‘The Annascaul midfield is very strong, so is their halfback line and all of their forwards are excellent. Any one of them can win the game.’ The pressure that is supposed to lie on the shoulders of a captain, is resting easily on the shoulders of James O Shea because, he feels the team effort and the presence of John Evans has diffused the ‘so-called’ pressure that goes with the job.
With the panel sporting no injuries going into the game for the first time in years, Laune Rangers can boast full strength and full fitness among its ranks. James O Shea can look forward to a great occasion, where he has the proud distinction of leading the famous blues onto Austin Stack Park and, hopefully, onward to victory.”
John O Mahony of the Kingdom visited the Laune Rangers training camp ten days before the Co. Final and reported as follows: “Killorglin. Thursday night shortly after seven, Joe Shannon pulls up in his black Mitsubishi Lancer outside the gates of the J.P. O Sullivan Park. He is first to arrive, ten minutes before training is scheduled to commence. Others quickly follow, in cars, on bicycles, on legs.
The warm-up kick-about commences. The atmosphere is relaxed. If the players are nervous, they mask it well. Training is demanding, but great fun. The wit of Peter Lyons, team goalkeeper/comedian draws belly-laughs from some team-mates, hands on hips, bent in two. ‘Yes, yes, I beat the f……,’ he roared jubilantly, when he had zipped past the lot towards the close of the first sprint of the evening. But he was pipped at the post – joke backfired.
The tag of favourites rests easily on the shoulders of the Laune Rangers’ lads. Public opinion doesn’t matter a damn. They know exactly what they have to do. The hills have been negotiated successfully. Now there was a mountain to be scaled. There were still ten days before the journey to Tralee for the date with destiny and fired-up Annascaul. Two more training sessions to go and that’s it. Roll on Co. Final day. The Rangers are ready and excited.
John Evans is a cautious man – no bold predictions, no score-lines forecast, no chances taken. The players just had to ignore the tag of favourites. But surely, after the semi-final demolition of Dr. Crokes, that was an impossible expectation. ‘We know we’re being billed as favourites but we’re taking that with a pinch of salt,’ said Evans, who has been guiding the fortunes of Laune Rangers senior team for the past three years. ‘Public opinion doesn’t matter one bit when it comes to a Co. Final – there’s a bigger task ahead of us than the public seems to think,’ he mused. ‘The eight points winning margin against Crokes flattered Laune Rangers,’ Evans is quick to stress. ‘There were just two points in it with four minutes to go. Then we got the two goals. We had to work very, very hard for that victory.’
The good news for John Evans and his selectors, Patsy Joy and John Clifford, is that they have no injury worries going into the final. Their only concern now is picking the right players to do the job. And following the super semi-final display, it would be difficult to comprehend any alterations to the starting line-up.
Much has been said and written about the lethal Laune Rangers’ strike-force. Pat McKenna, back after injury, is in devastating form. Billy O Sullivan, the nearly man of Kerry football, is proving razor-sharp in front of the posts and the net. Throw in the wholehearted Joe Shannon, Gerard Murphy, skipper James O Shea and Paul Griffin and it is enough to cause sleepless nights in Annascaul. But Rangers’ real strength is not based on a talented, imaginative and cohesive forward division. It’s their sheer strength in depth right throughout the field that makes them such a potent force. One would be hard-pressed to locate a more effective midfield partnership in the county than Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville. Fleming’s tenacious, beaver-like enthusiasm coupled with Prendiville’s sky-leaps and sheer strength should cause a real headache for Annascaul’s engine-room pairing, McKenna and Moynihan. But Evans and his mentors are equally enthusiastic about the rearguard, led by inspirational veteran fullback, Paudie Sheahan. Sheahan, and the towering Tommy Byrne, provide the defensive grit required and are more than ably assisted by the young Hassett brothers, Adrian and Mike, and the all-action Shane O Sullivan. And then there’s Billy O Shea. His versatility is invaluable to Rangers and, while he may be better known throughout the county for his performances in the Kerry forward line, there can be no disputing the fact that his best position is in defence. And that’s where Rangers utilise his talents to the full. He lined out at right halfback in the semi-final and, as well as curbing the considerable threat posed by Croke’s Connie Doherty, he also managed to race upfield to notch a crucial goal, beautifully executed, to seal the match in his side’s favour. There is no doubt but that O Shea’s performance will have a crucial bearing on the outcome of Sunday’s championship decider.
Of the threat posed by Annascaul, John Evans is under no illusions. ‘They are a very potent force. They have done every thing that’s been asked of them this season and their record speaks for itself,’ he said. They have been a major force for a number of years now and, although David Farrell will be a huge loss to them, if he doesn’t play, they still have a number of great players capable of producing it on the day.’
Rangers will be bidding for their second championship success in four years, having last captured the crown in 1989 with a final victory over John Mitchels. But Evans can no longer call on the services of star players from that day like James Sheehan, Anthony Shannon, Tom Johnston, Danny Cahill and Mark O Connor. They’re gone off the scene. Rangers’ hopes now rest with the young guns. And they certainly won’t be caught firing blanks at the Annascaul target. Peter Lyons may well have the last laugh on Sunday night.”
Final on Sun. 26th Sept. in Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 1-15; Annascaul 1-8.
John Barry reported on the final for the Kerryman as follows: ‘The fairytale was alive for just 22 minutes. Then Laune Rangers hammered home a goal and it was all so predictable after that. The power and the class of the Killorglin side swept aside the challenge of Annascaul and, while it could hardly be said that spectators got decent value for money, Laune Rangers have the Bishop Moynihan Cup in their possession and everything is secondary to that.
Rangers didn’t exactly open well and there wasn’t much in the opening quarter to suggest that they would wind up running away with the game. Annascaul were in there battling for everything and forcing Laune Rangers into errors. They scored first, went back in front after Rangers had levelled, and they were ahead by 0-3 to 0-2 seventeen minutes into the game. Laune Rangers did manage to take the lead for the first time in the 21st minute, through Gerard Murphy, but Annascaul had missed a couple of very good chances and their backs were generally coping with what was being thrown at them – until the 22nd minute, that is.
Fullback Pat Flahive did a most untypical thing by delivering a hand-pass and in the play, which immediately followed, Laune Rangers were awarded a free. There was a bit of arguing going on, in which Tommy Doyle was involved, and, if there was, Shane O Sullivan spotted James O Shea loose inside, sent a quick free to him and, in an instant, the ball was rattling the net. It was a great piece of quick-thinking and opportunism by Rangers and it turned the course of the game decisively in their favour. It is true that they were beginning to motor better at this stage anyway and, without doubt, they would have won without the goal, but it certainly speeded them on their way and it had the opposite effect on Annascaul. Right through the field, Rangers began to gain the upper-hand and there was a vibrancy and confidence about their play that boded ill for Annascaul. By halftime, Rangers had increased their lead to six points (1-8 to 0-5) and against the breeze at that. All they had to do was keep the momentum going in the second half and the title was theirs. They succeeded in doing that admirably.
Rangers proceeded to cruise into an eleven-points’ lead (1-13 to 0-5) inside the opening ten minutes of the second half and, although Annascaul hit back for a marvellous goal by Bingo O Driscoll in the 42 minute, following a quick free by Weeshie Lynch, there was never any chance of a successful comeback. Annascaul didn’t give up the fight or anything like that, but they just didn’t have the spread of quality players, which Laune Rangers possessed and, really, that was the essential difference between the two sides. Long before referee Dan O Sullivan blew the final whistle, people were departing from the ground and the overall impression was of a pretty lop-sided contest.
It was a pity that it had to end that way for Annascaul. Their aim on entering the championship for the very first time was to win one match and justify their existence but they became the talk of the county when they beat Co. Champions, Mid-Kerry, and it really was an incredible achievement for them to go all the way to the county final. The trouble was that they were relying on a very restricted panel and the loss of David Farrell, Kevin O Shea and Tom McCarthy through injury, together with the unavailability of Vincent Knightley, was just too much for them to bear. It was always going to be an uphill battle for them in the circumstances and, because of the emigration factor in particular, a better chance of football immortality may not come Annascaul’s way for a while.
Laune Rangers took over in too many positions and so many players excelled for them that those who were picking the man-of-the-match afterwards had no easy job. They sided with Timmy Fleming in the end and, in fairness, he was a very influential figure. Together with Pierce Prendiville, who had a great game, he stymied Annascaul in an area where they were hoping to do really well and there was no mistaking the class of the man.
The Killorglin side were too well-equipped in all sectors and behind midfield, for instance, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne and Shane O Sullivan formed an extremely solid halfback line. O Shea was the most effective of the lot, driving forward frequently to great effect, especially in the second half, but O Sullivan also had a ‘stormer’ and Byrne was the essence of soundness in the pivotal position. In the fullback line, Mike Hassett and Paudie Sheahan did their jobs extremely well and, while Adrian Hassett was the one coping with the problem of Geni Farrell, he did win some very fine possession. Behind this trio, the experience Peter Lyons, who was captain when Laune Rangers last won the title in 1989, manned the goal well and had absolutely no chance with Bingo O Driscoll’s shot, which beat him.
In attack, Rangers were certainly firing on all cylinders after a tentative start and nobody impressed more then Paul Griffin in the No. 10 jersey. He seemed to be here, there and everywhere and was a real torment to Annascaul. James O Shea led by example from the 40 yards position and nothing demonstrated that better than the way he put away his goal. Gerard Murphy was also very effective on the left wing, while Joe Shannon and Pat McKenna were very sharp inside, with Billy O Sullivan also a big danger whenever he was on the ball, even if he didn’t, like Shannon, get among the scorers.
Laune Rangers now go forward as very live contenders for the Munster (and All-Ireland) club championship and, with the talent at their disposal, they could well garner further glory. They are extremely worthy county champions and their trainer, John Evans, selectors Patsy Joy and John Clifford, and everybody in the club, from Chairman Jerome Conway down, are entitled to be very proud men indeed. It may have turned out to be a disappointing and rather one-sided county final, but there was no mistaking the superior brand of football played by Laune Rangers and, without doubt, they will not be easily relieved of their title. Make no mistake about it, it pays at the end of the day to cultivate underage football. Therein lay the secret of Laune Rangers’ success on Sunday, and also in 1989.
Blow by blow of the scoring: Annascaul opened the scoring after exactly 90 seconds with a lovely point from play by Geni Farrell and an equaliser for Laune Rangers came in the sixth minute when Billy O Sullivan belted a very clever free off his hands across the field and Gerard Murphy was there to shove the all between the posts. Weeshie Lynch put Annascaul back in front in the 7th minute following a foul on Bingo O Driscoll and again Laune Rangers levelled, this time through a free by Timmy Fleming after Billy O Shea had been fouled. Geni Farrell made it 0-3 to 0-2 for Annascaul with another super point from play after being put in possession by Tim Falvey, but Laune Rangers again levelled through Paul Griffin, and they took the lead for the first time in the 21st minute when Gerard Murphy pointed after receiving a lovely pass from Billy O Shea. Then, in the 22nd minute, came a goal for Laune Rangers. Shane O Sullivan sent a quick free to the unmarked James O Shea and the Killorglin captain found the net in very accomplished fashion. It was all Laune Rangers after this, despite the fact that they were playing against the breeze and points flowed from Pierce Prendiville, Tommy Byrne, Pat McKenna and Timmy Fleming (free) to leave an eight-points’ gap between the sides after 28 minutes. Annascaul were now in very deep trouble but they did manage to hit back for points before halftime by Weeshie Lynch (free) and Geni Farrell, who took a pass from a Tommy Doyle free. Halftime score – Laune Rangers 1-8, Annascaul 0-5.
On the restart, Pat McKenna missed a great chance for Laune Rangers but the Killorglin side soon tightened their grip on the game with points by Timmy Fleming (free), Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pat McKenna and Billy O Shea again, to give them an unassailable eleven-points lead (1-13 to 0-5) with just 10 minutes of the second half gone. Most of these points were brilliantly taken and slowed the undoubted class of the Killorglin side. The high point for Annascaul in the second half was a goal in the 42nd minute by Bingo O Driscoll. After Tommy Doyle had been fouled, Weeshie Lynch sent a quick free to O Driscoll and the team captain fired an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net – pure magic. It wasn’t near enough to trouble Rangers, however, and the Killorglin side responded with points by Shane O Sullivan (44th minute) and Paul Griffin (49th minute), both splendidly taken. That made it 1-15 to 1-5 and although Laune Rangers didn’t score again, their name was already on the Bishop Moynihan Cup. To the credit of Annascaul, they kept trying for their lives to the very end and they were rewarded with points by Geni Farrell and Weeshie Lynch (two from frees). Weeshie Lynch tried another quick free with Bingo O Driscoll, but, this time, the effort of the great-hearted Annascaul man was blocked down. Referee Dan O Sullivan, of Currow, allowed two minutes of extra time in the second half, plus three minutes in the first half, and he was well entitled to do this because of stoppages.”
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea (0-2), Tommy Byrne (0-1), Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-3, frees), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-3), James O Shea (capt.) 1-0, Gerard Murphy (0-2), Pat McKenna (0-2), Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Timmy Corkery for P. McKenna (inj.), Pa Murphy for G. Murphy (inj.), John Doona, Derry O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Liam Foley, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Eoin Corkery, Eoin Joy, Mark O Sullivan, Mark O Connor.
Annascaul: Thomas Ashe, Brian Farrell, Pat Flahive, Jerry Lyne, Johnny Doyle, Tommy Doyle, John O Driscoll, Pat McKenna, Mark Moynihan, Gene ‘Bingo’ O Driscoll (capt.) 1-0, Sean O Driscoll, Tim Falvey, Sean Farrell, Geni Farrell (0-4), Dermot ‘Weeshie’ Lynch (0-4, frees). Subs: Brendan Falvey for J. Doyle, John Ashe for S. Driscoll, Kieran O Driscoll, Kenny Driscoll, Paul Driscoll, Conor Slattery, Raymond O Connor.
Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow) – he handled the game competently. His job, of course, was made easier by the general high standard of sportsmanship of the game.
The official attendance according to John McMahon, Joint-Treasurer of the Co. Board, was 10,000.
Mark O Connor had been sick all the year and could neither train nor play. Mark O Sullivan had originally been further up the substitutes’ list but had taken an evening job and he had been unable to train regularly. Eoin Joy had also been up the list of substitutes but had received six stitches in his hand due to a chain-saw accident.
Rangers began the game tentatively, playing against the breeze and gave away some very bad passes. However, once James O Shea scored the goal, they played superb football. They made Annascaul look poor, with outstanding bouts of play and breath-taking inter-passing, not to mention great scores. They led by 1-8 to 0-5 at halftime. The bombardment continued in the second half, until they had opened an eleven points’ lead. Thereafter, they relaxed and played out the game.
Peter Lyons was soundness personified. Mike Hassett kept Weeshie Lynch scoreless from play. Paudie Sheahan was great, using his experience to great effect. Adrian Hassett, although conceding possession, never allowed Geni Farrell to penetrate – it was the opinion of most that he had a bright future, with a little more application. Billy O Shea was mighty and vied for man-of-the-match. Tommy Byrne had his best game that year. Shane O Sullivan did a great job on Bingo O Driscoll. He was one of the Rangers’ most consistent players. Timmy Fleming was superb, easily the best midfielder in Kerry and it was difficult to understand why he had not been played there by the county selectors over the past few years. Pierce Prendiville was equally superb, a tireless worker, fielder and distributor. How he had been overlooked by the county selectors was hard to understand as he had been consistency personified for the Rangers over the years. Paul Griffin had a blinder and must have been in the running for man-of-the-match. James O Shea led by example, no player had tried as hard and worked as hard in that championship – a worthy captain. Gerard Murphy played with great maturity and class and he was a huge advantage to the forward line. Pat McKenna, though suffering from the effects of the flu, had a very good game and he was also a huge asset. Joe Shannon had settled well at full-forward. He was very strong and resourceful. The fullback in that game did not touch the ball more than twice. Billy O Sullivan’s play had also matured and, though he did not score, his contribution to the team had improved immensely. John Evans, trainer, had worked wonders with that team. Patsy Joy and John Clifford had been very successful selectors – two Co. Senior Championships in four years.
Afterwards, Rangers were elated at being again at the top of Kerry football. They dined at the Grand Hotel, courtesy of the Fishery (Eamonn Crowley), the club’s sponsors. They were welcomed home by bonfires and the team was paraded through the town in one of John Quirke’s lorries. A tremendous crowd assembled in the square, as the players and selectors were introduced by Jerome Conway. A hoarse John Evans addressed the huge crowd, “Three years ago we came together. Things didn’t go right for the first year or the second year but we showed a great belief and, though they kept knocking us, like the symbol on our shirt of the salmon rising up, we came again,” he said. He thanked his wife Bridie for her support and he also paid tribute to Chairman, Jerome Conway, and ex-chairman, Aidan Gannon, for the endless work they had done over the course of those three years. James O Shea was elated with the reception and he told the crowd, “It’s a great honour for me as captain to bring the cup home to Killorglin. Every man, woman and child in the parish seem to have turned out to meet us. 1989 was the first win for the club in over 70 years but this equals it. Our supporters are great, they’ve always been great. For every Mid-Kerry Championship they come out in force to support us and they’ve done it again today and here tonight.” He thanked all those who turned up and thanked two men who played a big part in making the year so successful. “At the start of the year, we sat down and said we had to win it. We trained very hard but it has been worth it. I’d like to thank Jerome and John for everything they did for me this year and for giving me the chance to captain this great team,’ he said. They then retired to Coffey’s Bar and then to the Fishery.
On Monday, the team was guest of the AIB in the Park Hotel, Killarney, and Timmy Fleming was justifiably given the man-of-the-match award. The entourage visited Tatler Jack’s and returned home to the Fishery to view a video of the game. The Bianconi Inn hosted the team to a meal on Wednesday and it was back to training on Thursday evening.
Eamonn Horan reported from Laune Rangers’ dressing-room as follows: “The blue and white flag carried by the exuberant Laune Rangers’ supporters said it all –‘Rangers have the bottle for Annascaul’s Geni.’ The genie in question was, of course, will-o’-the-wisp full-forward, Geni Farrell, and even though the pint-sized attacker did have one whale of a game, his best efforts were not enough to save his side from a humiliating defeat at the hands of a dashing Laune Rangers side.
Even though it was only four years since they last lifted the title, the men from the Laune and their excited supporters revelled in victory as if it had been decades since they last won the championship. Even after the presentation of the cup to winning captain, James O Shea, had been completed by Co. Board Chairman, Sean Kelly, the winners didn’t make their way to their dressing-room for a good 20 minutes or more afterwards.
Rangers were justifiably basking in their hour of glorious triumph. And who could blame them in the circumstances? Chairman Sean sparked off even more cheers when he declared, ‘Up the Puck with his head held high.’ It was a heady success sure enough!
James O Shea was at pains to thank trainer John Evans, who ‘gave his heart and soul to the team for the past three years.’ The 25-years-old captain admitted to being ‘a bit nervous’ before the game but this was only to be expected, he added. ‘The atmosphere out there today was brilliant,’ he said. ‘This is a dream come true and is every bit as exciting as when we won the title four years ago. The celebrations will start tonight. We’ll be travelling around, starting in Bunker’s.’
Utility player, Billy O Shea, said it was the best victory he had ever experienced. ‘Annascaul started very well and Geni Farrell got a couple of nice scores,’ said the stylish right halfback. ‘We were very nervous at the start but when James O Shea’s goal went in, that was the turning point in the game. The wind was very strong when we were playing against it in the first half. This had been a very disappointing year up to this with Kerry losing the U-21 Championship. But today’s win will help make up for it.’
Goalkeeper Peter Lyons, the man who led Rangers to victory in the ’89 campaign, said it had been a great team effort. ‘We played well as a unit,’ said the 32-year-old custodian. ‘John Evans moulded the team together over the past three years. He was tough and tireless and one hell of a trainer. I now have two senior county championship medals and if John Evans feels that he wants me next year, I’ll be there.’
Corner-forward Billy O Sullivan, even though he did pick up a championship medal with Rangers in ’89, said he was ‘too young to appreciate it.’ ‘The last three years have been a bit disappointing for us,’ said the former Kerry U-21 star. ‘We showed today that we play as a team. James O Shea’s goal was a decisive factor and it was a great bit of quick thinking by Shane O Sullivan with the free. I reckon we can win it again next year if we can keep together.’
Trainer John Evans described it as a terrific victory and said they felt both proud and elated. ‘We are delighted to have put it behind us,’ said the smiling member of the Garda Síochána. Club Chairman, Jerome Conway, felt Laune Rangers played some fantastic football, particularly in the first half. ‘I would like to pay tribute to John Evans and his selectors, to the finance committee of the club and to the whole community of Killorglin,’ said Mr. Conway. ‘The place was dotted with blue flags all week. We are now looking forward to representing Kerry in the Munster Club Championship and we are hoping to do well in it.’
Club Secretary, Dermot O Shea, was equally delighted. ‘The lads gave a fantastic performance, particularly in the second half when they kicked terrific points,’ he said. ‘Today’s victory is a credit to John Evans and his two selectors, Patsy Joy and John Clifford. I thought our goal was decisive and it came at the right time. It was a quick piece of thinking by Shane O Sullivan and James O Shea was running into just the right position and took the goal very well. I think we’ll celebrate for a couple of nights and, after that, we’ll get down to do some serious thinking about the club championship.’
County Board Chairman, Sean Kelly, paid tribute to both teams for the game of football they had served up. Annascaul had set the championship alight in their first year ever in the competition and everybody was proud of them. ‘Laune Rangers have proven what a truly great club they are,’ said Mr. Kelly. ‘They played some excellent football. There were some great scores and two very good goals as well.’ He said that Laune Rangers were that little bit better on the day but consideration had to be given to the fact that Annascaul were missing two of their senior players. ‘I hope Laune Rangers go on to win the Munster and All-Ireland Club titles,’ he said.”
John Barry reported in the Kerryman from the man-of-the-match function on Monday 27th September as follows: “Tribute to the manner in which underage football was promoted in the Laune Rangers Club was paid by John Collins, AIB Branch Manager, Main Street, Killarney, at the AIB man-of-the-match function for the county football and hurling finals in Killarney Park Hotel on Monday. The football award went to Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers) and the hurling award to Liam Ross (Ballyduff). Mr. Collins, who was the main speaker at the function, said that Laune Rangers were a club with a great tradition and had won four of the first five county championships. They had also contested the 1892 All-Ireland final under the Kerry banner. ‘They had a long wait from 1911 to 1989 for a championship victory, but the way in which they promote underage football ensures that it is most unlikely that they will have to wait that long again,’ he said. ‘No one has done more in the promotion of this underage policy than the Laune Rangers club chairman, Jerome Conway, and I congratulate him and all those within the club on the success of their policy as exemplified yesterday. I also congratulate team trainer, John Evans, on doing such a marvellous job. Laune Rangers were certainly a credit to him yesterday. It was a great day for Killorglin people and I wish the club every success in their bid to win the All-Ireland club title.’
Football man-of-the-match, Timmy Fleming, said that he was greatly honoured to accept the beautiful award and he did so, on behalf of the entire Laune Rangers panel and on behalf of the officers of the club. ‘It was a victory for all of us and a good one,’ he said.
Jerome Conway, club chairman, spoke on behalf of Laune Rangers and said it was nice to see the champions of both codes and those from the defeated teams at the function. He said that Laune Rangers had proven beyond doubt that a youth policy was what was necessary in every club. ‘If you persevere with your juveniles, you will eventually come out on top,’ he said. He said that Laune Rangers had a great team off the field as well as on it and he made special mention of the club’s finance committee, which had raised the necessary finance to get the team through. He praised the selectors, Patsy Joy and John Clifford, and he said he was delighted that trainer, John Evans, who had put so much into the team, had got the victory he deserved.”
About a month after the final, Annascaul trainer, Johnny O Donnell, told the Laune Rangers Club Chairman that Seamus O Shea, Rangue, had visited the final training session in the J.P. O Sullivan Park (he had been seen there and supporters wondered about the reason for the visit) and he had observed the final backs-and-forwards session. Immediately, he conveyed Laune Rangers likely line-up to Annascaul. Sad!
Watch the video of the 1993 Final (c) Padraig Herlihy
Edso Crowley penned the words of the following song in memory of the occasion (The air of the Boys of Kilmichael):
“On the 26th day of September,
the boys left the town of Puck Fair,
Heading on out for stardom and glory.
Their belief in themselves was not rare.
You’ve heard of the Boys of Kilmichael
And you’ve heard of the Caseys of Sneem.
But the Boys that are Champions of Kerry,
Their likes for some time won’t be seen.
Led out by that great man Jack Evans,
with John Block and Patsy to advise,
Sure these great men that come from Killorglin
They sorted the men from the boys.
In goal Peter Lyons stands net-guarding,
Outside him Paud Sheahan stands stout,
On the left, great young Adrian is storming,
On the right, brother Mike drives them out.
Tommy Byrne, like a fire sure is flaming,
With Shane Sullivan fearless to the core,
Billy Shea, like a Trojan is playing,
All recalling great days way back yore.
In the centre, the cauldron is burning,
Pierce is climbing the skies like a lord.
Tim Fleming is fielding and spraying
The ball, like O Connell of old.
Ger Murphy is driving them forward,
Captain James leading on the great force,
And that great ball of steel called Paul Griffin.
Sure supporters are all going home hoarse.
Well, the front line is bursting with power,
Young Billy, a deer on two feet,
Joseph Shannon, a man to be sainted,
And McKenna, a class-act to beat.
For these are the gallant Laune Rangers
That brought back the cup and the crown
To the dear little town of Killorglin,
By the sweet River Banks of the Laune.
You’ve hear of the Boys of Kilmichael,
And you’ve heard of the Caseys of Sneem,
And these Boys that are Champions of Kerry,
Sure to the top of the ilk comes the cream.”
Munster Club Football Championship
Rd. 1 on Sun. 17th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Claughaun 1-6.
Eamonn Horan’s account in the Kerryman: “In a game that never shimmered with anything approaching championship sparkle, Laune Rangers failed to give a repeat performance of their fine display in the recent county final, when they trundled to a four points’ victory over a pedestrian Claughaun side in the opening round of the Munster Club Championship in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin.
In the end, there could be no disputing Rangers’ right to a place in the semi-final against the Cork Champions. But the simple fact of the matter is that the Killorglin side struggled for long spells in a game that failed to live up to expectations. The Limerick champions were a tough, competitive side but they lacked real forward finish and this was particularly evident in the opening half, when they launched several threatening attacks. However, they were unable to apply the necessary finish and Laune Rangers, having been led by 0-3 to 0-1 after ten minutes, came back strongly in the second quarter and a series of points from Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and Billy O Shea saw them retire to the dressing-room at halftime leading by 0-5 to 0-3.
The game was played in dry, brisk conditions and, in the first half, the winners’ backs had a very strong sun in their eyes. However, supporters in the crowd of about 1,000, who had come in the hope of seeing a star-studded display from their champions, were bitterly disappointed. Rangers looked like ring-rusty men, who had not seen the inside of a gym for some time, and, in the light of recent achievements, this was understandable.
We saw very little of the fluent, fast-flowing football, which enabled them take the biggest prize in Kerry football a few weeks ago. As the game wore on, Rangers began to settle more to their task, but that deadly finish was sadly missing. They had numerous wides in the first half, after some fine approach work. And, in addition, the hard-tackling Claughaun backs weren’t exactly standing on ceremony as they harried and harassed their opponents all the way. Rangers were finding it extremely difficult, all through the first thirty minutes, to find their old rhythm. I recall an occasion, ten minutes into the game, when a bad ball out of defence by Tommy Byrne landed right in the hands of Claughaun’s midfielder, Frank Glynn, and he laid on a lovely pass for Leo O Connor to knock over his side’s third point of the game.
Rangers pressed forward on a number of occasions in the second quarter, but the movements lacked their usual co-ordination and the final eight minutes of the half went by without a score. Paul Griffin presented Billy O Sullivan with a gift-chance of a score, but he missed from a scoreable position. Then O Sullivan put Pat McKenna through but he likewise shot wide. In another foray, Timmy Corkery – he had replaced the injured Gerard Murphy at left half-forward on the selected side – was laid low but no free ensued to the home side. Soon after, referee Niall Barrett of Cork, booked Paul Griffin for a foul on Claughaun’s left halfback, Matt Graham. Indeed, referee Barrett had a busy afternoon. In the second half, he booked right corner-back, Michael Ryan, for a foul on Rangers’ James O Shea and when Ryan again transgressed, this time against Griffin, the Claughaun man was sent packing midway through the half. Later in the half, midfielder Glynn was booked for drawing a kick at James O Shea. It was a deliberate act, which provoked the hostility of the home fans and when Glynn drew a blow at Billy O Shea, in injury time, he was sent off. In the fiftieth minute, Rangers’ trainer, John Evans, was booked for coming onto the pitch.
The winners settled better after the interval and, with Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville beginning to exert their influence at midfield, the home side took control of matters in the third quarter. In the first minute after the resumption, Fleming pointed a free and then, a minute later, McKenna plied Billy O Sullivan with a perfect pass but the left corner-forward blazed the ball over the bar, when he should have rattled the net. Claughaun replied with a point by Leo O Connor after Mike Hassett misjudged the hop of the ball. By the 36th minute, Corkery and Glynn had exchanged points but there wasn’t another score until the 45th minute, when Fleming pointed a free. Billy O Sullivan tagged on a lovely point for Rangers a minute later and Fleming stretched their lead to six points, when he quickly added another point from a close-in free. At that stage, it looked as if the home side were going to win as they liked.
However, Pat Gallagher pointed a free for Claughaun in the 48th minute and then, a minute later, when substitute Pa Murphy was whistled for snapping the ball off the ground, Leo O Connor took the 13m free from his hands and blasted the ball to the net, leaving the backs and goalkeeper stuck to the ground. Suddenly, events had taken a dramatic turn and there were only two points separating the teams – 0-11 to 1-6. Were Laune Rangers about to lose their way?
However, try as hard as Claughaun did, they failed subsequently to breach their opponents’ lines and Rangers regained the initiative in the closing ten minutes or so of the game to stamp their authority on the exchanges. The game became very ragged in the closing stages and some unnecessary rancour crept into the exchanges. Points by Billy O Sullivan and Timmy Fleming saw off the challenge of the Limerick men.
Without being brilliant, Fleming was a real driving-force for Rangers and got fine support from Pierce Prendiville in the second half. Best in defence for them were Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett and Billy O Shea, while up front Billy O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Timmy Corkery and James O Shea were most prominent. Joe Shannon went into the game with a hamstring injury and retired after 23 minutes, to be replaced by Pa Murphy.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-5, frees), Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin (0-1), James O Shea (capt.), Timmy Corkery (0-2), Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan (0-4). Subs: Pa Murphy for J. Shannon (inj.), John Doona for T. Corkery, Derry O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Liam Foley, Eoin Joy, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Eoin Corkery, Mark O Sullivan, Mark O Connor..
Claughaun: Philip Shire, Michael Ryan, Padraig Clarke (capt.), Aidan Moloney, Finbarr Hogan, Ger Manning, Matt Graham, Tom McGarry, Frank Glynn (0-1), Michael Galligan, Pat Galligan (0-2, frees), Alan Browne, Leo O Connor (1-2), Danny Fitzgerald, Billy Tynan (0-1). Subs: Patsy Bennett for B. Tynan, Michael Molyneaux for D. Fitzgerald.
Ref: Niall Barrett (Cork).
Semi-final on Sun. 28th Nov. in Ballinlough: Nemo Rangers 0-6; Laune Rangers 0-6.
Weather conditions were terrible for that game – driving rain throughout. Laune Rangers elected to play against the gale-force wind in the first half and only trailed by 0-3 to 0-1 at the break. They should have won the game but, in the end, were lucky to survive, against a very experienced outfit. There was no shelter at all for the Rangers’ huge following and everybody was drenched wet consequently. The team travelled by bus, courtesy of the sponsors, Eamonn Crowley of the Fishery. There was a skirmish on the side line, involving Patsy Joy and a mentor from the other side, which was blown out of all proportions by the media. The team ate in the Imperial Hotel, Cork.
Damien Lynch, under the heading ‘Laune Rangers cover themselves in glory in thrilling battle with Nemo Rangers’, reported as follows in the Kerryman: “A dramatic equalising point, three and a half minutes into injury time by Paul Griffin, ensured that Laune Rangers lived to fight another day in this exciting Munster Senior Football Championship semi-final against Nemo Rangers at rain-swept Ballinlough, Cork, on Sunday.
When Cork senior football star, Joe Kavanagh, kicked a good point to edge the Capwell side ahead a minute into extra time, it looked as if a heroic challenge by the Kerry champions would fail. But they showed their never-say-die spirit by taking the game to their opponents from the kick-out and they were rewarded for their bravery and endeavour when Griffin picked up a poor clearance from Nemo goalkeeper, Don Bevan, and tapped the ball over the bar, much to the delight of all those who were there to cheer for the Killorglin club. It must be said that a draw was a fair result and full credit to both sides for producing the liveliest and most sporting of games in appalling conditions.
The general consensus before the game was that Laune Rangers would find it very difficult to cope with their much-vaunted opponents. But the Killorglin side had prepared well under the tutelage of coach, John Evans, and, as it turned out, they covered themselves in glory all through.
The Kerry representatives got off to a perfect start, when full-forward, Joe Shannon, opened the scoring after only a minute, finishing a good attacking move, which had been started by centre halfback, Tommy Byrne, and which had also involved forwards Pat McKenna and Gerard Murphy. With the Killorglin halfback line of Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne and Shane O Sullivan settling almost immediately, the Nemo Rangers’ forwards found it very difficult to make any progress over the opening quarter of an hour, despite the fact that the Cork side was playing with a strong wind to its back. The tactic of allowing current Kerry player, Pat McKenna, to roam freely from his right corner-forward position, also reaped rich benefits for Rangers in the early stages, as he picked up a great deal of loose ball and succeeded in setting up a number of promising attacks, which kept the Nemo defenders on the rack. Nemo Rangers have long centred their game upon a strong, attacking halfback line, but Nation, Cowhie and Griffin made little headway into enemy territory until the closing minutes of the game.
Billy O Sullivan should have increased the Laune Rangers’ lead after seven minutes, when he won possession in the left corner, cut inside Jimmy Kerrigan and advanced to the edge of the large ‘square’. However, he shot narrowly wide. Colin Corkery finally opened Nemo’s account after fifteen minutes, when he pointed a free, which had been rather harshly given against Shane O Sullivan for over-carrying the ball. Within a minute, Corkery had the Cork side ahead, when he kicked a most delightful point from over 30 yards out, near the left touch-line, following good approach work by former Cork All-Star, Tony Nation.
Corkery may well have added another score on 19 minutes, but his sideline kick from the left dropped just short and Peter Lyons, in the Laune Rangers goal, was quick off his line to fist the ball to safety. Centre-back, Tommy Byrne, set up another Killorglin attack straight from the kick-out, when he won possession in the middle of the field and sent a clever pass to Paul Griffin, who released Pat McKenna in space on the edge of the small ‘square’. But McKenna had the misfortune to see his shot hitting the right-hand upright and the ball was subsequently cleared by Paudie Dorgan. Two minutes later, Corkery put the Cork champions two points ahead with a well-taken score after he had been set up by Timmy Dalton and then came another great goaling chance for Laune Rangers six minutes before the break. Timmy Fleming, who more than held his own in the company of Stephen O Brien and Shay Fahy throughout, burst through the Nemo defence and advanced to the edge of the large parallelogram. Having drawn right corner-back, Jimmy Kerrigan, out of position, Fleming then attempted to find the unmarked Pat McKenna inside him, but he overplayed the pass and Don Bevan, in the Nemo goal, had time to come off his line and save with his feet.
Laune Rangers made a number of changes to their attack at the interval, with team captain, James O Shea, moving from centre half-forward to the left wing, Billy O Sullivan moving out to the ‘40’ and Gerard Murphy switching inside to the left-corner. Nonetheless, it was Nemo that piled on the pressure immediately after the re-start and Corkery was unlucky with two long-range efforts inside the first three minutes. Fleming helped his team-mates to settle again, when he pointed a free from out near the left touchline to leave the bare minimum between the sides. This score was followed by a sideline scuffle involving a mentor from both sides, which had the effect of holding up the game for over four minutes. Fortunately, good sense prevailed and the players themselves did not get involved.
Then followed ten minutes of good, competitive, end-to-end football. Granted, neither side succeeded in scoring during this period, with Laune Rangers enjoying the better of the exchanges, but there was plenty of goal-mouth action. It was that man again, Colin Corkery, who finally succeeded in breaking the deadlock, when he kicked a terrific point, his fourth, from out on the right wing after 15 minutes. To their credit, the response from Laune Rangers was both immediate and effective. Within four minutes, they were level following points from the impressive Griffin, who proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Nemo defence, and from substitute, Timmy Corkery, who had come on five minutes earlier as a replacement for Gerard Murphy. Spurred on by these scores, the Kerry champions began to step up the pace of the game, with their halfbacks, in particular, driving forward at every opportunity. They were rewarded six minutes from time, when Paul Griffin did well to intercept a quick kick-out taken by Jimmy Kerrigan and shoot Laune Rangers into the lead for the first time.
Nemo enjoyed the better of the exchanges thereafter, but with Corkery (twice), Nation, Kavanagh and Dalton all kicking wides from good positions, it looked as though the Kerry side might just hold out for a famous victory. Fleming could have made the game safe two minutes from time, but he shot against the upright after being put through by a clever pass from the industrious Joe Shannon. The game was just into injury time when Corkery levelled the scores from a 30 yards free, after he had been needlessly fouled.
It was fairly dramatic stuff at this stage and one could be forgiven for thinking that Kavanagh had won the day for the Corkmen, when he put over a lead point, but Laune Rangers are not Kerry champions for nothing and they simply refused to die. The game was three and a half minutes into overtime, when Paul Griffin emerged as the real Killorglin hero with his equalling point, to set up the exciting prospect of a replay in Killorglin on Sunday.
After the game, team captain James O Shea told me that he thought the fate of his team was sealed when Joe Kavanagh put over his point in overtime. ‘We have played with great spirit and determination throughout this campaign and never give up, but I could not see us scoring an equaliser,’ he said. ‘I am confident now that we can go and finish the job the next day. We did not fear having to play them in their own back-yard today, in spite of their tremendous record in this competition, and we will not fear them the next day either. They might be fearing us now,’ he added with a smile.
Team trainer, John Evans, refuted any suggestion that his team was lucky to survive, pointing out that they had hit the upright twice, had the better of the goal opportunities and had held Nemo’s highly-rated forward division to just six points. ‘I honestly believe that both sides gave a great exhibition of football out there today and I am thrilled we more than held our own,’ he said. ‘The game was hard but fair and there were some fine passages of football over the hour. I think both sides will be able to line out at full-strength again on Sunday, which is good because someone could have done himself a serious injury out there in those conditions.’ Evans is expecting another great game next Sunday. ‘Our pitch is in terrific shape at present and the wide, open spaces will suit the type of game both sides like to play,’ he said. ‘I just hope the weather improves, so that both teams can really show what they are capable of producing,’
‘I think we represented Kerry well!’ Laune Rangers’ Chairman, Jerome Conway, made the comment after the exciting finish to the game to Jim O Sullivan of the Cork Examiner. He did so with obvious pride and with strength of conviction. Like Denis Allen, he would have been happier to go home with a win but the Nemo coach was more than pleased with the outcome. ‘If someone said to me with a quarter of an hour to go that we would get a draw, I would have been delighted,’ said Allen in the dressing-room afterwards. Acknowledging that his team did not play as well as it was capable of, he was asked if he would excuse them because of the conditions. ‘I would, totally,’ he answered. ‘It was very difficult to play football in these conditions.’ For his part, Jerome Conway felt that having the game in Killorglin should benefit them. ‘But, then, it’s a big pitch and that will suit Nemo, also. At the end of the day, a lot will depend on the weather. Hopefully, it will not be as inclement as it was today. I think we played as well as we could have expected in the conditions,’ he said. ‘Kerry football is far from dead yet,’ he added.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-1, free), Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, James O Shea (capt.), Paul Griffin (0-3), Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan. Sub: Timmy Corkery (0-1) for G. Murphy.
Nemo Rangers: Don Bevan, Jimmy Kerrigan, Niall Creedon, Paudie Dorgan, Tony Nation, Tony Griffin, Kevin Cowhie, Stephen O Brien (capt.), Shay Fahy, Stephen Calnan, Timmy Dalton, Peter Lambert, Joe Kavanagh (0-1), Ephie Fitzgerald, Colin Corkery (0-5, 2 frees). Sub: Paul O Donovan for P. Lambert.
Ref: Paddy Russell (Tipperary).
In the psychological battle in the newspapers in the week after the game, John Evans did not mince his words when he said he was disappointed that the game had finished in a draw. ‘I was disappointed that we did not win it,’ said John. ‘It was a good, tough game in the circumstances. There was great football in absolutely terrible conditions. We missed a few easy chances that we should have put away. Nemo got an amount of frees and we got a few by comparison. It was a day when defences were on top. Adrian Hassett had a real stormer at right corner-back for us against Colin Corkery. His brother, Mike, also did a fine job against Joe Kavanagh and I thought both of them enhanced their chances in relation to the Kerry panel. In the last few minutes, when they seemed to have lost the game, Nemo fought back and got a fortuitous free, which put them level and then Kavanagh scored a point in injury time to put them ahead. But our lads showed great heart and fought back downfield for Paul Griffin to snatch the equaliser. Paul’s point was a lifeline for us and he was our hero when fulltime was blown. He got three of our points from play. He gave us the chance to go and do the job properly the next time.’
The Killorglin manager was tickled pink by remarks made by his Nemo counterpart, Denny Allen, after the previous Sunday’s shenanigans. The former Cork star dismissed suggestions that Laune Rangers would beat them in the replay down in the J.P. O Sullivan Park. ‘Of course, this is going to be a searching test for our character,’ said Allen after the Ballinlough endurance test. ‘It is certainly a case of going into the lion’s den, but I can guarantee everyone Nemo will not be found wanting. Of course it is going to be a tough test for us, but if we are to go down, it will not be without one heck of a fight. I hope they have a high fence in Killorglin and that there will be a referee on the sideline as well as on the field of play.’ A reference, no doubt, to the altercations, which broke out among rival mentors on the sideline, which caused proceedings to be help up for some minutes.
‘Denny Allen talked about coming down to the lion’s den,’ said John Evans. ‘The last day we were supposed to be the lambs to the slaughter. We are now being seen as lions. It is quite a change of heart he has had in a few days. There was no stand in Ballinlough, but our supporters didn’t care if they got wet. I feel that the strength of our team is that we play as a team. There are no individuals at all.’
Evans is very proud of the fact that Laune Rangers were the first Kerry club side not to lose to Nemo on Cork ground. ‘Desmonds, Stacks and Crokes have all bitten the dust down in Cork,’ he added. ‘We’re expecting a huge crowd on Sunday. It’s there to be won, They’re talking about coming down to the lion’s den. No matter what way they look at it, we’re no longer the lambs!’
Nemo Rangers contacted the Munster Council seeking protection for their players in Killorglin! Donie Nealon, Secretary of the Munster Council contacted Sergeant Michael O Leary about the matter and the local sergeant assured him that there had never been trouble previously in the J.P. O Sullivan Park and trouble would not occur on Sunday.
Semi-final replay on Sun. 5th Dec. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-7; Nemo Rangers 0-13.
Eamonn Horan reported for the Kerryman as follows: “The sun may have shone brilliantly during Sunday’s Munster Club Football Championship semi-final replay at Killorglin but it certainly didn’t bring any happiness as far as Laune Rangers were concerned. The Kerry title-holders were outplayed and outgunned from start to finish by a Nemo Rangers side, which played with superb conviction, magnificent teamwork and with a flair and panache to match.
Watched by a crowd of about 3,500, Nemo turned on the style from an early stage in the game and, even though their opponents did manage to draw level at 0-2 apiece after nine minutes, there was simply no stopping the silk-smooth Cork side. The amazing thing about it was that they didn’t win by an even greater margin.
Indeed, when Billy O Shea fastened onto a lovely pass from Gerard Murphy seven minutes from the end to score a brilliant point for the home side, there were only three points separating the teams (0-10 to 0-7)) and suddenly the home crowd began to sense that maybe all was not lost for their champions. Ironically, Nemo had gone a little off the boil for a spell in the final quarter and two points by Timmy Fleming, added to O Shea’s fine score, had the Killorglin men breathing down their opponents’ necks. Colin Corkery pointed a Nemo free in the 55th minute to put four points between the sides. Then, a few seconds later, midfielder Pierce Prendiville was put clean through but, with all the room in the world and the goal yawning in front of him, he blasted the ball hopelessly wide and the Kerrymen had lost a golden opportunity of battling their way back into serious contention.
Earlier in the half, with Nemo leading by 0-9 to 0-4, the home side surged forward in a blistering attack – Billy O Sullivan and Billy O Shea handled in turn – before the latter found Pat McKenna with a beautiful pass, but the right corner-forward failed to find the target and the shot was saved at the expense of a ‘45’. But, in truth, Laune Rangers didn’t create too many chances in the game. For one thing, they were invariably playing second fiddle in the centre of the field, where Shay Fahy and Stephen O Brien lorded it over Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming. The Cork pair were right at the top of their form – they fetched with an easy elegance and they kept the supply lines moving for the forwards throughout. Fleming did come into his own in spasmodic bursts in the second half but, overall, Nemo held sway in the middle of the field and that helped lay the foundations of victory. It was difficult at times to imagine how Nemo had been held to a draw and very nearly beaten by the same opposition a week previously. It was expected that playing in their own J.P. O Sullivan Park would be worth a few extra scores to the home side this time round. But that didn’t prove to be the case. Laune Rangers were lacking in poise and purpose throughout this game and it was only the stout-hearted efforts of a few individual players, which kept them in the hunt in the second half. The winners moved with authority and assurance in the first half and they were able to work the ball out of defence with effortless ease. Men like Jimmy Kerrigan, Niall Creedon, Kevin Cowhie and Tony Nation kept the shackles on the home forwards.
The losers had shuffled their attack around at the outset from the selected formation – Timmy Corkery came in for Gerard Murphy at right wing-forward, Paul Griffin moved from left wing-forward to the left corner with Billy O Sullivan moving from there to the ‘40’ in a switch with James O Shea (the team captain lined out on the left wing). But the Laune Rangers’ attack cut little or no ice against the teak-tough Nemo backs, who always had the measure of their opponents.
Just how shot-shy the home attack was is reflected in the fact that they only managed a solitary score from play in the first half – a ninth minute point by Paul Griffin from a pass by Joe Shannon, who had a real off-day at full-forward. Their other two first-half scores came from frees by Fleming in the 6th and 21st minutes. But in between times, Nemo were picking off some handsome scores from play. They notched five points in the second quarter and all but one of them came from play. Peter Lambert and Stephen Calnan were in devastating form on the wings and the full-forward line of Ephie Fitzgerald, Joe Kavanagh and Colin Corkery teased and tormented the losers’ defence at every hand’s turn.
Altogether, Nemo gave their rivals a lesson in ball control and inch-perfect passing. They invariably found their man with the pass, unlike their opponents who frequently spoiled some fine outfield work with some truly wretched attempts at passing. Of course, as well as that, a team needs a certain degree of good fortune in any game and it certainly didn’t visit Laune Rangers on this occasion. The bounce of the ball never went their way, when it might have given them a break.
Scores were slow in coming in the second half and, midway through it, the winners led by 0-9 to 0-4 – a Joe Kavanagh point from a free being replied to by a well-taken score by Paul Griffin. Corkery made it 0-10 to 0-4 after 46 minutes when he landed a free. But it was at this juncture that Nemo seemed to lose their way a little and Laune Rangers came storming back at them. Fleming was performing with great gusto in the middle of the field and he pointed from play in the 50th minute, following a nice movement involving Mike Hassett and Timmy Corkery. Soon afterwards he was on target from a free and, when Billy O Shea took a pass from Gerard Murphy to score a beautiful point, Nemo’s lead had been reduced to just three points (0-10 to 0-7). Murphy had come on as a sub 11 minutes into the second half. He replaced the out-of-form James O Shea, who never managed to get into his stride. Murphy made a big improvement up front and spearheaded a number of very promising attacks. But he lacked the necessary back-up and, in the closing minutes, Nemo again took over and Corkery assured the visitors of their place in the Munster final with three points – two from frees – inside the last five or six minutes.
Laune Rangers, for their part, lacked real inspiration on the day. The defence was given the run-around a few times too often and only Mike Hassett and Billy O Shea appeared equal to the task. Fleming and Prendiville tried hard at midfield in the second half and the best of the forwards were Paul Griffin, Timmy Corkery and Gerard Murphy, when he was introduced in the second half. Billy O Sullivan played a lot of the ball but never managed to get in any telling shots at goal.”
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-4, 3 frees), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan, James O Shea (capt.), Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin (0-2). Sub: Gerard Murphy for J. O Shea, Pa Murphy, John Doona, Mark O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Liam Foley, Mikey Griffin, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery and Eoin Joy.
Nemo Rangers: Don Bevan, Jimmy Kerrigan, Niall Creedon, Paudie Dorgan, Kevin Cowhie, Tony Griffin, Tony Nation, Shay Fahy, Stephen O Brien (capt.), Stephen Calnan (0-1), Timmy Dalton, Peter Lambert (0-2), Ephie Fitzgerald (0-2), Joe Kavanagh (0-1, free), Colin Corkery (0-7, 5 frees). Subs: Aodh Quinlivan for T. Nation, Niall Corkery for T. Dalton, Larry Kavanagh, Paul O Donovan, Liam O Sullivan, John Coogan, Peter Noonan, Paul Buckley, David Linehan, Conor Buckley, Jody Dillon, Denis Allen, Mick Dorgan, Paul Sheehan..
Ref: Paddy Russell (Tipperary).
After the game, Nemo ate in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney – not a very sociable lot!
Co. Senior Football League Div. 1
It was decided that there would be a final in Div. 1 of the Co. League in 1993.
Rd. 1 on Sun. 28th March at Glenflesk: Glenflesk 3-6; Laune Rangers 2-9.
That was a tough, uncompromising encounter, played with all the fervour of a championship game. Along with high-scoring, it provided plenty of excitement for the large attendance on a dry and sunny afternoon. The teams were on level terms on five occasions during the hour. It was newly promoted Glenflesk that notched the first score, a goal by Eamonn Bowler, inside two minutes play. Timmy Fleming responded with a pointed free but, then, the home side was awarded a penalty, which was taken by Seamus Moynihan but was saved by Peter Lyons. Points by Timmy Fleming and Billy O Shea equalised matters midway through the half. The tempo of the game continued to be fast, furious and hard and there were some crunching tackles. After a particularly high tackle on Shane O Sullivan, which necessitated surgery on his nose afterwards, the referee had no option but to send Dermot Kelly to the line. Paud O Donoghue, playing a roving full-forward role, scored four points for Glenflesk, while Timmy Fleming notched two for the Rangers to leave the halftime score at 1-4 to 0-5 in favour of the home side.
On the resumption of play, Timmy Fleming scored two points to level the scores once more. Then, Glenflesk was awarded another penalty and Seamus Moynihan made no mistake that time to put his side ahead by a goal. From the kick-out, Joe Shannon won possession at midfield and kicked forward to substitute Paul Griffin who found Billy O Shea, who rounded his marker to clinch a goal and level the scores once more. Then there was a rush of goals. Firstly, Billy O Sullivan scored to put his side a goal ahead but, almost immediately, Eamonn Bowler had a similar score for Glenflesk. It was all to play for then and the tension was rising, as the home side gained superiority at midfield and their backs repelled the Rangers’ attacks, which were led by Billy O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville and Michael O Reilly. Eventually, Billy O Shea broke the deadlock with a point in the twentieth minute. Paud O Donoghue neutralised that two minutes later. With five minutes remaining, Timmy Fleming pointed to give Rangers the lead once more. Into injury time and Pat O Donoghue was fouled about forty metres out and Paud O Donoghue, having scored all of Glenflesk’s points thus far, duly obliged and the teams finished level.
Best for Rangers were Peter Lyons, Paudie Sheahan, Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (he was fouled continuously) and Pierce Prendiville.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, James O Shea (capt.), Michael O Reilly, Billy O Sullivan (1-1), Pat McKenna, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-6), Billy O Shea (1-2). Subs: Paul Griffin for P. McKenna, Gerard Murphy for M. O Sullivan, Pa Murphy for S. O Sullivan (inj.).
Glenflesk: Tony Murphy, Seamus O Brien, Kieran O Sullivan (capt.), John O Sullivan, Brendan O Brien, Conor Daly, Tony McCarthy, Pat O Donoghue, Seamus Moynihan (1-0), Dermot Kelly, John Crowley, Eugene Bowler, Eamonn Bowler (2-0), Paud O Donoghue (0-6), John O Donoghue.
Ref: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks).
Rd. 2 on Sun. 4th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Dingle 0-9.
Despite the absence of many of their regulars, Laune Rangers beat a good Dingle team in that game. It was a very committed performance and augured well for the future. In the second half, the game was balanced on a knife-edge, when that prince of goal-scorers, Billy O Sullivan, struck for a memorable score. Receiving the ball on the 45m line, he rounded his man and, making tracks for goals, he unleashed an unstoppable shot from the 20m line. He had scored another goal in the first half and his performance overall was a joy to behold.
The Rangers’ defence was very sound throughout and gained in confidence from the cat-like performance by the evergreen Peter Lyons in goals. Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy and Mark O Sullivan were particularly to the fore. They rarely dominated midfield, though John Doona and James O Shea had their moments. In attack, in addition to Billy O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville and Gerard Murphy also played well. Michael O Reilly took his frees well, though he caused some home hearts to flutter when using the post twice to score.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, Joe Shannon, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, James O Shea, Mikey Griffin, Billy O Sullivan (2-1), Gerard Murphy, Pat McKenna (0-1), Michael O Reilly (0-4), Pierce Prendiville. Subs: Derry O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Jason Griffin, Frankie Brennan. Missing – Timmy Fleming and Billy O Shea (playing with Kerry), Shane O Sullivan, Mark O Connor and Tommy Byrne (all injured), Paul Griffin (dropped for indiscipline).
Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).
Rd. 3 on Sun. 25th April at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 1-12; Laune Rangers 2-8.
That was an enthralling game, played in ideal conditions. At the start of the game, Laune Rangers applied early pressure on the Crokes’ defence but it was Vince Casey that fired over the first point. Then Connie Murphy set up Pat O Shea to chip the ball over goalkeeper, Peter Lyons, for a beautifully executed goal. Rangers came storming back and, although Timmy Fleming and Joe Shannon kicked wides, Billy O Shea linked up with Joe Shannon in the eighth minute to crack home an equally impressive goal. The score then was 1-1 to 1-0 in favour of the Crokes and the game had all the ingredients of being a really epic encounter. Crokes responded with four unanswered points to lead by five points after twelve minutes. The introduction of Pa Murphy to the centre of the defence, with Tommy Byrne going to fullback, stopped a rampant Crokes’ attack. Timmy Fleming scored a point from a free, having been fouled himself. Billy O Sullivan reduced the deficit to three points with a great score in the seventeenth minute but the Killorglin side was also guilty of some glaring misses in realistic scoring situations that would have at least brought it level with their opponents. Joe Shannon kicked a point from an acute angle to cut the margin but points by Ger and Pat O Shea left the score at halftime 1-7 to 1-3 in favour of Crokes.
The second half failed to live up to the first and the game deteriorated into a scrappy affair. Laune Rangers applied early pressure but it took until the fifth minute for them to register their first score, a huge point by Paul Griffin. Roland Neher replied in kind for the home side. Rangers had a penalty claim turned down one minute later when Timmy Fleming was smothered by the Crokes’ defenders inside the large parallelogram but the referee waved the Rangers’ protests aside. James O Shea kept his side in touch with a good point in the eighth minute as they continually pressurised the Crokes’ backline. Paul Griffin kicked a mighty free from 45m out near the sideline but Crokes’ Pat O Shea pointed a free to restore his side’s three points’ advantage. As both teams fought hard to gain the upper hand, the game swung to and fro. Timmy Fleming chipped over from 25m and a move involving John Doona and Billy O Sullivan ended with Joe Shannon kicking a fine point. Crokes responded with three unanswered points but, when it looked as if they were safe, Rangers were awarded a penalty. Timmy Corkery had received from Billy O Sullivan and as he made to shoot he was crashed to the ground and a penalty was awarded. Billy O Sullivan drilled the shot into the top corner of the net to leave the minimum between the teams. However, try as they might, Rangers could not clinch that elusive point that would have drawn the game and gave away possession needlessly at times. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging performance and the team was blending well. Best for the Rangers were Billy O Shea and Tommy Byrne in defence, John Doona and Pierce Prendiville at midfield and Billy O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Timmy Fleming and Joe Shannon up front.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Sullivan, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea (1-0), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, John Doona, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan (1-1, 1 pen.), James O Shea (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-2, 1 free), Timmy Fleming (0-2, frees), Joe Shannon (0-2). Subs: Pa Murphy for M. O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy for J. Doona, Pat McKenna.
Dr. Crokes: Peter O Brien, Colm O Shea, Liam Hartnett, Sean Clarke, Mark Cooper, John Galvin, Connie Doherty, Noel O Leary, Danny Cooper, Ger O Shea (0-4, 3 frees), Roland Neher (0-2), Seanie O Shea, Pat O Shea (1-3, 2 free), Connie Murphy (0-1), Vince Casey (0-2).
Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).
Rd. 4 on Sat. 15th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-14; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-10.
Laune Rangers were always in control in that Mid-Kerry derby. Timmy Fleming was outstanding at midfield and his side led by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break. Second-half goals by Billy O Shea and Billy O Sullivan ensured an easy victory. Paudie Sheahan excelled at fullback.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Billy O Shea, Joe Shannon, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, Pat McKenna. Subs: Mike Hassett for T. Corkery (inj.), Derry O Sullivan for J. Doona, Mark O Sullivan for G. Murphy, Michael O Reilly, Jason Griffin, Eoin Corkery.
Rd. 5 on Sat. 5th June at Currow: Currow 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.
That was a very inept performance by Laune Rangers, who had to play without the services of their county senior players, who would have been better off with a game two weeks before the Munster Senior Football Semi-final. Only James O Shea, Mike Hassett, Pierce Prendiville and Joe Shannon played well. Arising out of the referee’s report on the game, Patsy Joy was severely warned as to his future behaviour at the subsequent Co. Board meeting.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, Paudie Sheahan, Eoin Corkery, Adrian Hassett, Mike Hassett, Shane O Sullivan (0-2), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), Mikey Griffin, James O Shea (0-1), Gerard Murphy (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-2), Tommy Byrne, Derry O Sullivan. Subs: John O Dwyer (0-2) for D. O Sullivan, Jason Griffin for G. Murphy (inj.).
Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).
Rd. 6 on Tues. 6th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; St. Mary’s 1-9.
Laune Rangers were well beaten at midfield and the selectors were slow to take remedial action. The backs played well generally, with the possible exception of Mark O Sullivan. Peter Lyons made a rare mistake, from which St. Mary’s goaled. Rangers were missing sparkle up front.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Pat McKenna, Billy O Sullivan, Eoin Joy. Subs: Derry O Sullivan for M. O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin for J. Doona.
Ref: Sean Kissane (Kerins O Rahillys).
Rd. 7 on Sun. 11th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-12; Gneeveguilla 0-4.
That was an adequate performance by the Rangers against a once proud team that had slipped of late. Joe Shannon was playing great football at that time – he went to full-forward early in the game. Timmy Corkery was sent off in the first half.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Eoin Joy. Subs: Liam Hassett for D. O Sullivan, John Doona. Missing were Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Billy O Sullivan and Pat McKenna.
Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).
Rd. 8 on Sat. 31st July at Annascaul: Annascaul 1-11; Laune Rangers 2-10.
Laune Rangers played well at times and controlled midfield after the first ten minutes. Tommy Byrne scored a penalty after Timmy Corkery had been grounded in the ‘square’. Rangers were missing Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea and Pat McKenna, while Annascaul were missing five of their championship team. That win gave Laune Rangers ten points in the league.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Eoin Joy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea (capt.), Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy. Subs: Eoin Corkery for P. Sheahan, Derry O Sullivan, Jason Griffin, John Doona.
Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).
Rd. 9 on Sat. 22nd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-16; Legion 1-8.
That was a super performance of defending and score-taking by the Rangers. Indeed, it was one of their best displays since winning the Co. Championship four years previously. The fine attendance saw some of the finest scores from play by Gerard Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Pat McKenna and Billy O Sullivan. The return of Pat McKenna and Gerard Murphy had given the attack a great boost and very little of the splendid supply of ball from the dominant Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming was wasted. With Shane O Sullivan back to his best and wonderful work by the other defenders, especially Pa Murphy and Adrian Hassett, the Legion forwards were unable to make much headway. Rangers led by 0-10 to 1-2 at the break. Billy O Sullivan’s goal, in the second half, was just another touch of magic, which he had produced so often previously.
Legion had been very confident before the game as they were on top of Div. 1. They turned out to be poor losers. Diarmuid O Donoghue punched Pa Murphy in the face in an off-the-ball incident and depressed his cheekbone three minutes from the end and, needless to say, he was sent off the field of play. Despite the injury, Pa Murphy insisted on playing on to the end. After the game, he was removed to hospital and, overnight, he was transferred from Tralee General to Cork Regional for surgery.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan. Pa Murphy, Eoin Joy, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, James O Shea, Gerard Murphy, Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: John Doona, Jason Griffin and Derry O Sullivan.
Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).
Rd. 10 on Sun. 3rd Oct. at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-7; Laune Rangers 3-12.
County Champions, Laune Rangers, showed no ill-effects from any celebrations when they kept alive their league title hopes with a comprehensive defeat of Desmonds, a team on the wane. They were missing Mike Hassett, Timmy Fleming and Gerard Murphy of their Co. Championship winning team but their places were adequately filled by Pa Murphy, John Doona and Timmy Corkery. Slippery and muddy conditions made good football difficult in that match, which was watched by a very small attendance.
Desmonds, with the aid of the breeze in the first half, opened the scoring with a point by Kieran O Sullivan after three minutes. However, Rangers replied with 1-1 from Timmy Corkery and a point from a free by Tommy Byrne. At the other end, John Lordan collected a rebound and goaled for the Desmonds. A point by Billy O Sullivan, followed by a well-taken goal by Paul Griffin, which was replied to by a point by Maurice Casey, left Laune Rangers leading at the interval by 2-3 to 1-2.
Upon the resumption, Rangers added three early points from Billy O Sullivan, Pat McKenna and Pierce Prendiville. In the sixth minute they were awarded a penalty when Billy O Shea was pulled down after a sweeping move involving Adrian Hassett, James O Shea and Pat McKenna. Billy O Sullivan converted the resultant spot-kick and points by Joe Shannon and Pat McKenna stretched the lead further. Dermot Hannafin and Maurice Casey scored two points for Desmonds before Tommy Roche and Shane O Sullivan exchanged two points each. Paul Griffin closed the scoring with a point.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne (0-1, free), Shane O Sullivan (0-2), John Doona, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Paul Griffin (1-1), James O Shea, Timmy Corkery (1-1), Pat McKenna (0-3), Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (1-2, 1 pen.). Subs: Eoin Joy for B. O Shea, Mikey Griffin for J. O Shea, Eoin Corkery for A. Hassett.
Desmonds: Mike Curtin, Wilsey King, Tommy Horan, Seamus Conway, Kieran O Sullivan (0-1), John Roche, Tommy O Sullivan, John Brennan, Tommy Roche (0-2), Tom Burke, Maurice Casey (0-2), Brian McMahon, John Lordan (1-0), Martin Downey, Denis Browne (0-1). Subs: Dermot Hannafin (0-1) for M. Downey, D.J. Roche for J. Lordan, Dan Lucey for J. Roche.
Rd. 11 on Mon. 25th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-15; Austin Stacks 0-7.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Sullivan, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, John Doona, Mikey Griffin, James O Shea (capt.), Liam Hassett, Derry O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Eoin Joy, Eoin Corkery, Billy O Shea (all played), Adrian Hassett, Jason Griffin.
Laune Rangers finished in third place in the league, one point behind Dr. Crokes.
Gleneagle Cup
That competition was inaugurated in order to help the District Boards and group teams to prepare for the Co. Senior Football Championship. However, the Co. Board detracted from the competition by not allowing the county senior players play. Laune Rangers took part for the experience. Teams were in groups of four, with the top team in each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Laune Rangers were grouped with East-Kerry, Killarney and Shannon Rangers.
Rd. 1 on Tues. 4th May at Rathmore: East-Kerry 1-9; Laune Rangers 1-12.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie Sheahan, Paudie Russell, Mark O Sullivan (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, James O Shea (capt.), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-2), Gerard Murphy (0-7), Jason Griffin (1-0), John Doona, Timmy Linehan. Sub: Liam Foley (played).
Ref: Kieran Corridon (Brosna).
Rd. 2 on Tues. 11th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Shannon Rangers scr.
Rd. 3 on Tues. 18th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Killarney scr.
Semi-final on Sun. 30th May at Milltown: Mid-Kerry 1-5; Laune Rangers 0-9.
Laune Rangers played with the aid of a gale-force wind in the first half and the forwards, despite being depleted, played well to lead by 0-7 to 0-1 at the break. The game started scrappily with both teams slow to settle. Points by Jason Griffin and Joe Shannon put Rangers into their stride. A free by Jake Doyle cut the deficit but that was to be Mid-Kerry’s only score of the half as Rangers tacked on points by James O Shea, Jason Griffin, Joe Shannon, Gerard Murphy and Mikey Griffin.
Mid-Kerry attacked relentlessly on the restart but the Rangers’ defence stood its ground well. Jason Griffin again pointed but a penalty miss in the 35th minute by Mikey Griffin, after a foul on Jason Griffin, did not help Killorglin’s cause. Then, when Gary McGrath scored from a penalty, which was awarded when Paudie Sheahan was adjudged to have fouled Tommy Evans, Rangers looked to be in trouble. However, a storming finish by Joe Shannon and Pierce Prendiville saw the Rangers survive, the former scoring the all important last point.
None contributed more than veterans Paudie Sheahan, Joe Shannon and Pierce Prendiville, all of whom played out of their skins. Outstanding also were Shane O Sullivan and James O Shea. Mike Hassett was superb at centre halfback, cool and confident on the ball, he was Laune Rangers man-of-the-match.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mark O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Shane O Sullivan, John Doona, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Mikey Griffin (0-1), James O Shea (capt.) 0-1, Gerard Murphy (0-1), Jason Griffin (0-2), Joe Shannon (0-3), Derry O Sullivan. Sub: Eoin Corkery for A. Hassett (inj.).
Mid-Kerry: Kieran Doyle (Beaufort), Patie Griffin (Glenbeigh), Gary McGrath (Beaufort) 1-0, Andrew Boyle (Milltown/Castlemaine), Pat Grady (Glenbeigh), Joe Daly (Milltown/Castlemaine), Jamie Courtney (do.), Kieran O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Linus Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Tommy Evans (Keel), Vincent O Donoghue (Beaufort), Liam Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Cormac O Shea (Beaufort) 0-1, Gerard Doyle (do.) 0-2, Sean Counihan (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-1. Subs: Fergal Spillane (Beaufort) for A. Boyle, Willie Maher (Milltown/Castlemaine) for V. O Donoghue, Brendan Breen (Beaufort) 0-1 for C. O Shea.
Final on Mon. 7th June at Kenmare: Kenmare v Laune Rangers.
Laune Rangers were forced to withdraw due to lack of numbers. The absence of seven members of the original panel, plus the fact that the three players on the county senior panel were not allowed to play, forced the team management to make the decision.
Final on Fri. 18th June at Kenmare: Kenmare 2-10; Laune Rangers 0-7.
Laune Rangers, without their inter-county players, Billy O Shea, Billy O Sullivan and Timmy Fleming, were always struggling to develop any worthwhile pattern to their play and, in the final analysis, they were over-run by a much more productive Kenmare squad.
Paul Griffin, the visitors most accomplished attacker, pointed his team into an early lead, overturned in the fifth minute by a splendid Tommy Spillane goal. A typical long range effort from Pat Spillane put Kenmare three points clear. Pierce Prendiville and Eugene McCarthy, from a free, exchanged points at opposite ends. At that stage, Joe Shannon had established himself as a most prominent individual around the middle of the field and Rangers, with a lot more possession, looked for a period to be much more menacing in attack. Joe Shannon, with a fine individual score, narrowed the gap to two points and just when it looked as if the Killorglin side was exerting a firm stranglehold in all sectors, Tommy Spillane struck for quite a clinical second goal. McCarthy with a brace of points, one from a free, extended Kenmare’s lead and Rangers only reply was a point from the fleet-footed Paul Griffin. Timmy Clifford closed the scoring for that half with a point to leave his side leading by 2-6 to 0-4.
Kenmare resumed with a point from a free by Eugene McCarthy. Rangers were untypically wayward in their approach, even if Eoin Joy did have a clear goaling chance in the seventh minute, only to see Tomás Carey expertly deny him in the Kenmare goal. Arch opportunist, Paul Griffin, had Rangers’ first score of the half and, with Shane O Sullivan and Joe Shannon well to the fore, the visitors laid siege to the Kenmare goal. However, despite that intense pressure, they could not translate their superiority into scores. Kenmare weathered the storm and Michael Price and Eugene McCarthy (2) ended the game as a contest. Eoin Joy and Timmy Corkery had consolation points for the Rangers in the dying minutes.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Paudie Sheahan, Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon (0-1), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Shane Gavin (Offaly), James O Shea (capt.), Mikey Griffin, Paul Griffin (0-3), Danny Cahill, Eoin Joy (0-1). Subs: Timmy Corkery (0-1) for D. Cahill, Mark O Connor for M. O Sullivan, Frankie Brennan for S. Gavin, Eoin Corkery.
Kenmare: Tomás Carey, Pat Twomey, Timmy Palmer, Danny Quille, John Daly, Donal McCarthy, John Rice, Danny O Sullivan, Michael Crowley, Seamus Moriarty, Tommy Spillane (2-1), Timmy Clifford (0-1), Eugene McCarthy (0-6, 4 frees), Pat Spillane (0-1), Cian Sugrue. Subs: Michael Price (0-1) for C. Sugrue, Conor McSweeney for T. Clifford.
Ref: Donie O Connor (Knocknagree).
Co. Club ‘B’ Football Championship (Molyneaux Cup)
Semi-final on Sat. 11th Sept. at Farranfore: Desmonds ‘B’ 0-14; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-7.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Eoin Corkery, Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, John Doona, Tom Johnston, Eoin O Sullivan, Eoin Joy, Robert Evans, John O Dwyer, Frankie Brennan, Kevin Jones.
Co. Senior Football League Div. 4
Laune Rangers had to name eighteen players who could not play in Division 4.
Rd. 1 on Sun. 28th March at Farranfore: Firies 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-9.
That was a game that Laune Rangers should have won but, considering the preparation that the players put in, they hardly deserved to win. Martin Clifford was the only player, other than the U-21 players and minor players, that had made an effort to train. Indeed, only for Maurice Corkery, there would not be any team, as the other selectors had done precious little up until then. Robbie Evans and Derry O Sullivan played well, while Paudie Russell was outstanding.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Brendan Corkery, Paudie Russell, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), James Hurley, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Martin Clifford (0-2), Anthony O Sullivan, Pat O Keeffe (0-1), Robbie Evans (capt.) 0-2, Mikey Griffin, John O Dwyer (0-1), Derry O Sullivan (0-3), Nigel Reidy. Subs: Jerry O Brien for P. O Shea, John Evans for M. Clifford.
Rd. 2 on Sun. 4th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-7; Ballydonoghue 0-8.
Played in windy conditions, that was a well-merited win over the North-Kerry Champions. It took Laune Rangers a long time to settle down, even when aided by the strong wind in the first half. The visitors were two points ahead, when Jason Griffin struck for the first goal. Gerard Costello added a point and then John O Dwyer fisted the ball to the net. Some poor decisions by the referee irritated the home side but it did not deter them from their purpose.
When facing the wind in the second half, the defence was great. John F. O Brien had the game of his life at centre halfback. He covered, fielded, cleared and continuously prompted his colleagues to greater heights. All the backs responded with great displays. Liam Foley made some excellent saves to keep the Rangers in the game. Tom Johnston, that great warrior of many a Laune Ranger battle, was untiring in the middle of the field. He ensured a good supply of the ball to the forwards and kicked two points to boot. Timmy Corkery made a welcome return to football after a long injury and looked in good shape and kicked a few great points. The introduction of Robbie Evans rejuvenated the forward line and Rangers ran out winners.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Eoin Corkery, Martin Clifford (0-1), John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Gerard Costello (0-1), Tom Johnston (0-2), Timmy Corkery (0-3), Derry O Sullivan, Jason Griffin (1-0), John O Dwyer (1-0), Frankie Brennan, Pat O Keeffe. Subs: Carl O Sullivan for P. O Keeffe, Robert Evans for G. Costello, Paudie O Shea.
Ref: Frank Wallace (Ardfert).
Rd. 3 on Sun. 25th April at Derrynane: Derrynane 1-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-6.
Laune Rangers played with the strong wind in the first half and led by only 0-4 to 0-3 at the break. They never got into the game in the second half and Derrynane ran out worthy winners of a sporting game, which was watched by a large crowd. Michael O Reilly was sent off by the referee and, at the subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for 2 weeks.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Brendan Corkery, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Tom Johnston, Michael O Reilly, Eoin Corkery, Derry O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, John O Dwyer, William Joy, Kevin Jones. Sub: John Sheehan (Tinnahalla).
Rd. 5 on Sun. 9th May at Killeen: Na Gaeil 1-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-7.
Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Eoin Corkery, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, John Doona, Mark O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Derry O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, John O Dwyer, Gerard Costello, Jason Griffin. Subs: Michael O Reilly (late arrival) for G. Costello, Anthony O Sullivan.
Rd. 4 on Sun. 16th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-7; Cromane 2-4.
Rangers opened the scoring and, indeed, were 1-4 ahead before Cromane score their first point. Then they came into the game and were on level terms with ten minutes to go but Rangers rallied and scored some fine points in the end. It was a good, sporting game, with both teams missing scoring chances.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Mark O Sullivan, Eoin Corkery, Karl Griffin, John F. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Michael O Reilly, Robbie Evans, Mikey Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Jerry O Brien. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for J. O Brien, Bertie O Riordan, William Joy and James Sheehan.
Rd. 6 on Sun. 23rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ v Scartaglin.
Robert Evans was sent off by the referee and, at a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for three months, as the referee reported him for kicking an opponent.
Rd. 7 on Sun. 11th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-10; Cordal 1-7.
That was a very gutsy performance by Laune Rangers against a cantankerous team that was great at dishing out punishment but could not take it. Jerry O Brien scored a great goal. Tom Johnston was sent off near the end for, what looked like, accidentally hitting one of their players in the face. At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for two weeks.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Danny Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Martin Clifford, Paudie Russell, William Joy, John F. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Kevin Jones, Mikey Griffin, Jason Griffin, Frankie Brennan, Tom Johnston, Karl Griffin. Sub: Jerry O Brien for K. Griffin.
Ref: John Hegarty (John Mitchels).
Rd. 8 on Sun. 8th Aug. at Ballymac: Ballymac 3-14; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7.
Rd. 9 on Sun. 5th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Keel.
Rd. 10 on Sun. 3rd Oct. at Renard: Renard w/o; Laune Rangers ‘B’ scr.
Rd. 11 on Sat. 17th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers scr; Churchill w/o.
Co. Club ‘C’ Football Championship (Barrett Cup)
Rd. 1 on Fri. 20th Aug. at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 1-7; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-11.
The Rangers played with great heart and were no doubt inspired by a great early goal by Eoin O Sullivan. They were at their best when they cut out the overplaying and let the ball to the work. Scorers were Eoin O Sullivan 1-2, John Sheehan 1-2, Robert Evans 0-3, John O Dwyer 0-2, Kevin Jones 0-1 and Dermot Griffin 0-1.
Rd. 2 on Fri. 27th Aug. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 1-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-12.
Having played with the aid of the wind in the first half, Laune Rangers led by 0-9 to 0-1 at halftime. Milltown/Castlemaine rallied after the resumption and came within three points of the winners. A great save by Adrian (Alfie) O Connor put new life into the Rangers and John Sheehan scored a great goal following a fine out-field movement. That was followed by points by Robert Evans and Tommy Byrne to clinch the game and a place in the county quarter-finals.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Adrian O Connor, Karl Griffin, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Stephen Gavan (0-2), Robert Evans (0-1), Michael Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne (0-6), Eamonn Foley, Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, John O Dwyer (0-1), Bernard O Sullivan, John Sheehan (1-2). Subs: James Hurley and Dermot Griffin.
Quarter-final on Thurs. 9th Sept. at Farranfore: Desmonds ‘C’ beat Laune Rangers ‘C’.
Adrian O Connor played in goals, John O Donnell at fullback, Eamonn Foley at right halfback, Dermot Griffin at left half-forward and the full-forward line consisted of John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty and John Sheehan (Tinnahalla).
Final on Sun. 14th Nov. at Scartaglin: Emmetts ‘B’ 2-4; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 1-5.
Co. Urban Football League Div. 6
Rd. 1 on Fri. 7th May at Currow: Currow ‘B’ 3-14; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-5.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Tony Foley, Buddy O Sullivan, Paudie Russell, Michael Cahillane, Anthony O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, Eoin O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Enda Foley, Michael Lynch, Brian O Shea, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: John Cronin for M. Cahillane, Turlough Byrnes for B. O Sullivan.
Rd. 2 on Fri. 14th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-12; Cordal ‘B’ 3-6.
That was a hard fought game, not made any easier by the fact that the appointed referee failed to show and the travelling team then had their own referee. The Rangers played with great heart from start to finish and lead by 0-7 to 0-3 at the break. A great second half was witnessed and the retiral through injury of Gerard Costello spurred the team on to even greater heights. Robert Evans, James Hurley, Kevin Jones, Turlough Byrnes and Bertie O Riordan were outstanding.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Tony Foley, James Hurley (0-1), Anthony O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan, Bertie O Riordan, John Cronin, Robert Evans (0-1), Pat O Keeffe, Gerard Costello, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Michael Moriarty (0-1), Enda Foley, Michael Lynch (0-1), Kevin Jones (1-1), Turlough Byrnes (1-5). Subs: Eoin O Sullivan (1-1) for E. Foley, Paudie O Shea for G. Costello (inj.), John O Donnell, Adrian O Connor, Timmy Moroney, James Sheehan.
Rd. 3 on Fri. 21st May at Firies: Firies ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.
Rd. 4 on Fri. 28th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ Charlie Kerins.
Rd. 5 on Fri. 4th June at Scartaglin: Scartaglin ‘B’ w/o; Laune Rangers ‘C’ scr.
Laune Rangers had to concede as there were not enough players to travel due to examinations.
Rd. 6 on Fri. 11th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 6-11; Austin Stacks ‘C’ 2-3.
The entire team played very well.
Rd. 7 on Fri. 18th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-10; Na Gaeil ‘B’ 0-10.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Adrian O Connor, Sean O Sullivan, John O Donnell, Timmy Moroney, Bertie O Riordan, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, Dermot Griffin, Eoin O Sullivan, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), Turlough Byrnes, Timmy Linehan, Carl O Sullivan.
Rd. 8 on Fri. 25th June at Castleisland: Desmonds ‘C’ w/o; Laune Rangers ‘C’ scr.
Laune Rangers had to concede as there were not enough players to travel. That team seemed to have players for home games but there were not enough players to travel.
Rd. 9 on Fri. 2nd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-12; Spa ‘B’ 2-6.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Adrian O Connor, Michael Cahillane, John O Donnell, Timmy Moroney, Paudie O Shea, Paudie Russell, Anthony O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, Bertie O Riordan, Dermot Griffin, Brendan Corkery, Carl O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley, John Sheehan.
Rd. 10 on Fri. 9th July at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ v Laune Rangers ‘C’.
The game was not played and was refixed.
Rd. 11 on Fri. 16th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-12; Ballymac ‘B’ 0-9.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Adrian O Connor, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, Richard O Connor, Karl Griffin, Anthony O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, Michael Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan, Dermot Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan, John Sheehan. Sub: Tony O Sullivan for M. Moriarty.
Rd. 12 on Fri. 23rd July at Kilcummin: Kilcummin ‘B’ 0-9; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-10.
Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Adrian O Connor, Paudie Russell, Sean O Sullivan, James |Hurley, Anthony O Sullivan, Buddy O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Paudie O Shea, Eoin O Sullivan, John Sheehan, Karl Griffin, Carl O Sullivan, Timmy Linehan, Michael Lynch.
Rd. 13 on Fri. 30th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ w/o; Dingle ‘B’ scr.
Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship
Semi-final on Sun. 31st Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-15; Beaufort 0-10.
Beaufort led at halftime by 0-6 to 0-5.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea (capt.), Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan.
Beaufort: Kieran Doyle, Mícheál Spillane, Danny Teahan, Eamonn Breen, Mícheál Kissane, Kieran O Shea, John B. O Brien, Cormac O Shea, Vincent O Donoghue, Fergal Spillane, Brendan Breen, Raymond Kelliher, Ian O Shea, Gerard (Jake) Doyle, Aidan Cremins. Subs: Anthony Breen, Michael Curran, Mícheál Foley, Kieran Tangney and Michael Falvey.
Final on Sun. 19th Dec. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-9; Laune Rangers 1-6.
John Barry reported as follows for the Kerryman: ‘Football in Mid-Kerry is very much alive and kicking, judging by the fare on offer in this drawn divisional football championship final at Milltown on Sunday. Reigning Co. Champions, Laune Rangers, who were seeking a four-in-a-row sequence in the Mid-Kerry Championship, had a very strong team on duty and it seemed that there could be only one result, when they pulled five points clear (1-6 to 0-4) nine minutes into the second half. The gap would surely have been widened to eight points but for a wonderful save in the 40th minute by Milltown/Castlemaine goalkeeper, Michael Murphy. Rangers’ Gerard Murphy had blocked down a ball in front of the posts and it seemed odds-on that he would stick it in the net, but keeper Murphy denied him from point-blank range and, as it turned out, Milltown/Castlemaine became something of a team inspired after that.
Nobody worked harder to bring them back into the game than corner-back, Jamie Courtnry, and his enthusiasm seemed to rub off on the entire team. It was a set-back to Milltown/Castlemaine when they were disallowed a goal after a long delivery by Linus Burke had gone all the way to the net but, in fairness, Laune Rangers also had a goal disallowed before halftime when Billy O Sullivan deflected home a cross by Billy O Shea. Those two disallowed goals were just two of many talking-points afterwards. There was the time in the first half, when Willie Maher punched the ball over the Laune Rangers’ goal-line, which, of course, isn’t allowed, and, then, midway through the second half, Laune Rangers defender Shane O Sullivan effected a superb goal-line save from Willie Maher. But this game will be remembered most of all for the spunk, which Milltown/Castlemaine showed in the last quarter of the game in particular.
Actually, 46 minutes had gone when Willie Maher pointed a free off the hands for Milltown/Castlemaine, to leave four points between the sides (1-6 to 0-5). At that stage it was difficult to see the challengers salvaging anything from the game, but it was noticeable that they were winning a lot more possession and, more importantly, they were chasing everything like demons.
Laune Rangers had shown their class in the second quarter after a sluggish enough start and I thought that this class would see them through even when the pressure came on, but Milltown/Castlemaine produced such a concerted effort all over the field that Laune Rangers had to fight a fierce rearguard action to hold out and a draw was the least Milltown/Castlemaine deserved.
After Willie Maher’s 46th minute point, substitute Joe McAuliffe fired over another point three minutes later and now just a goal separated the sides (1-6 to 0-6). Willie Maher had been involved in the passing movement, which led to McAuliffe’s point and he was to put over a splendid free himself in the 52nd minute. Yet another pointed free in the 54th minute left the minimum margin between the sides (1-6 to 0-8) and there was a lot of excitement between this and the final whistle.
Laune Rangers made a few sorties up-field but they were unproductive and Milltown/Castlemaine missed a few chances of the equaliser at the other end. Indeed, when Willie Maher drove a long-range free wide very late in the game, one wondered if it was going to be his team’s last chance. However, deep into injury time (2 minutes 24 seconds to be exact), Joe Daly found Willie Maher with a very good ball and, to the delight of the Milltown/Castlemaine fans, he drove it high between the posts. It was appropriate that Daly should be involved in delivering the ball that brought the equaliser because he made a big difference to Milltown/Castlemaine when he moved from fullback to attack in the second half, especially when he was operating on the forty and midfield in the last five minutes or so.
It meant an awful lot too to Milltown/Castlemaine that they were able to break the stranglehold, which Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming had exerted at midfield as the first half progressed. Prendiville was particularly impressive but it was Linus Burke, ably assisted by Sean Burke, who helped to turn the tide of battle in favour of Milltown/Castlemaine in the second half. But, of course, the efforts of everybody would have come to nought but for the contribution of Willie Maher. In the second half, he scored four of his team’s five points and was involved in the passing movement that led to the fifth point. As well, he scored three first-half points from frees.
As far as Laune Rangers are concerned, everything seemed to be going nicely to plan, but then it began to slip away from them and they just couldn’t regain the initiative. It speaks for itself that they couldn’t raise a single flag for the last 24 minutes of the game and they won’t be happy with that, to put it mildly. Remember, too, that the goal, which they got in the 28th minute, was more or less gifted to them, even if Billy O Sullivan applied a lethal finish. Substitute, Gerard Murphy drove in a left-footed kick, which broke to O Sullivan, off the hands of one of the Milltown/Castlemaine defenders, and the corner-forward showed real style in working himself into position to shoot to the corner of the net.
When O Sullivan and Billy O Shea, who was one of those who produced a fine first half performance for Rangers, scored points early in the second half to put their team five points clear, it was hard to visualise any other result other than a Rangers’ victory. The manner in which they lost control of the game and were actually made to look very ordinary indeed was quite an eye-opener. Perhaps they thought they had it wrapped up.
Altogether, it was a game of high entertainment value. Laune Rangers looked impressive when they were moving well but it was a terrific fight-back by Milltown/Castlemaine and one was left with the very definite conclusion that the heart of Mid-Kerry football is beating well.’
Laune Rangers, understandably, were very tired in the second half. They had a marvellously successful year and looked forward to a rest over the Christmas. They had outstanding performances from Adrian Hassett and Billy O Shea in defence, both players looked very sharp, and, in attack, Billy O Sullivan, Timmy Corkery, Paul Griffin and Gerard Murphy proved a constant danger.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea (0-2), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-1), James O Shea (capt.), Timmy Corkery (0-1), Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan (1-1). Sub: Gerard Murphy for P. McKenna.
Milltown/Castlemaine: Michael Murphy, Liam Cronin, Joe Daly, Jamie Courtney, John Giles, Liam Spring, David O Connor, Linus Burke, Sean Burke, Andrew Boyle, Mike Dennehy, Liam Kelliher, Alan Kerins, Willie Maher (0-7, 6 frees), Bertie Griffin (0-1). Subs: Joe McAuliffe (0-1) for B. Griffin, Seamus Burke for L. Cronin, Brian Kerins for D. O Connor.
Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).
Final replay on Sun. 15th Jan. 1994 at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-5.
John Barry reported for the Kerryman as follows: “There was no mistaking the superior firepower of Laune Rangers in this Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship final replay at J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin. That firepower could be said to have malfunctioned somewhat in the drawn game, influenced by the bravery of the men in the opposition ranks, but it was in very good working order on this occasion and, with wing-back, Billy O Shea, more or less assuming the role of director of operations, it turned out to be a fine conquering exercise by the men from the Laune.
They established themselves on the high ground at a very early stage, delivering a salvo of four points without reply inside the opening eight minutes, and they stayed on the high ground throughout. The men from Milltown/Castlemaine did their utmost to dislodge them, as they had done in Milltown a month previously before winding up in a parity situation, but this time the fortification held firm, so did the resolve of the warriors manning them and Laune Rangers continue to be monarchs of all they survey in Mid-Kerry.
On a day when the sun shone brilliantly before giving way to heavy rain in the last quarter, Laune Rangers showed that, when they really put their minds to it, they can be a pretty potent force. Evidence of this was there for all to see in the 1993 county senior championship campaign and, while there is little doubt that summer conditions suit them best, the class they possess shone through on Sunday. So did their battling qualities. And yet they had no easy task in seeing off the challenge of Milltown/Castlemaine. Twice in the second half, Rangers enjoyed a lead of six points (0-7 to 0-1 and 0-8 to 0-2), but that was down to three points (0-8 to 0-5) with ten minutes left and such was the zeal of the Milltown/Castlemaine men in pursuing a fight-back that a grandstand finish was very much in prospect.
However, a great piece of defensive work by Laune Rangers’ fullback, Paudie Sheahan, prevented Milltown/Castlemaine from breaking through on a dangerous move and, as it turned out, the ball went straight up the field and Billy O Sullivan set up Joe Shannon for a very precious point. Thereafter, Rangers put on something of a show. The woodwork foiled Billy O Sullivan of a punched goal, but nothing could get in O Sullivan’s way in the 58th minute, when he caught a centre by team-captain, James O Shea, and rifled the ball to the back of the Milltown/Castlemaine net. Points followed from Timmy Fleming and Billy O Shea, to extend the gap to nine points, and that’s how it finished.
Let me state straight away that Milltown/Castlemaine did not deserve to lose by nine points but, by the same token, there can be no arguing with the fact that Laune Rangers were definitely the better team. Rangers may have scored only a single point from the 8th to the 39th minute, but they had a far better idea where the posts were and, in Billy O Shea, they had an attacking wing-back who was simply magnificent on the day. From the start, O Shea caused problems for Milltown/Castlemaine with his incisive runs up-field. After just two and half minutes, he put the ball over the bar following a lovely movement. Further Laune Rangers’ points followed in the seventh and eighth minutes, because of fouls on him. Early in the second half, he landed two lovely points, one with each boot, to put his team six points ahead and he topped it all off by kicking the last point of the game in stoppage time. Truly, O Shea was a great source of inspiration to his team-mates, for his general work-rate as much as for the scores, which he got, and those which came off him, and he made the job of those charged with picking the man-of-the-match a very simple one.
Milltown/Castlemaine just could not contain him and that was one of the main reasons that they lost. Another was their inability to turn hard-won possession into scores, especially in the first half. They may have started very badly, but they won a fair bit of the ball after that and it was a very bad reflection on them that they could manage only a single point before halftime, that coming from Linus Burke after ten minutes. They got bogged down a lot in the area of the half-forward line in particular and they were made to pay for overdoing the passing. The inside line hardly got any good ball at all, though some chances were presented and the best of them fell to Willie Maher in the 23rd minute. Laune Rangers’ fullback, Paudie Sheahan, made a most untypical mistake when letting the ball slip through his hands and Maher was put in a great scoring position by Alan Kerins, but he blazed hopelessly wide.
Maher was the one man most likely to turn this game around for Milltown/Castlemaine and, in fairness to him, he made a brave bid to do so in the second half, but the Laune Rangers defence was well on top of its game, with Mark O Sullivan deputising really well for the injured Mike Hassett. Nobody typified the spirit of defiance in the Laune Rangers’ defence more than Paudie Sheahan. In my opinion, he had a wonderful game and the way he stopped Milltown/Castlemaine on that break mentioned earlier, and initiated the move that led to a crucial point, said it all for him – a wonderful bulwark for sure.
Timmy Fleming produced a marvellous performance, too, at midfield where he was very definitely the most influential figure, while his partner, Pierce Prendiville, grafted very hard and gave him excellent support. Up front, Laune Rangers got nothing soft from a Milltown/Castlemaine defence, in which John Giles was particularly impressive, but Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin, James O Shea and Timmy Corkery all made worthwhile contributions. Billy O Sullivan showed how lethal he can be when striking for his goal, while substitute, Gerard Murphy, who replaced the injured Pat McKenna, was no sooner on the field at the three-quarter stage, than he set up James O Shea for the points that extended his team’s lead to six points (0-8 to 0-2).
The scores came as follows: Billy O Shea opened the scoring for Laune Rangers with a point from play in the third minute, following a lovely movement and team captain, James O Shea, quickly followed with a smashing point after taking a pass from Billy O Sullivan. Timmy Fleming made it 0-3 to nil from a free in the seventh minute after Billy O Shea had been fouled and Fleming again showed his accuracy with the dead ball in the eighth minute after referee Denis Reidy had brought the ball forward following a foul on Billy O Shea.
Remarkably, there were to be only two more scores in the remaining 22 minutes of the first half. Linus Burke opened Milltown/Castlemaine’s account in the tenth minute with a fine point and Paul Griffin restored the four-point gap between the sides (0-5 to 0-1) with a splendid strike in the 25th minute. Milltown/Castlemaine enjoyed a good share of possession in the middle of the first half in particular, but Laune Rangers were the ones applying the pressure in the period before the break and should have gone further ahead.
At the start of the second half, there was a bit of aggro in the middle of the field and the referee had to intervene, taking the name of a player from each side to add to the two names already in the book. This was a very sporting game overall, however. There was no shortage of physical contact and everything was earned, but the emphasis was very much on playing the ball and, while Laune Rangers were always shaping up as the likely winners, the game never lost interest, particularly because of the commitment shown by all players.
Nine minutes into the second half, Billy O Shea put Laune Rangers five points ahead after yet another successful sally up-field and the same player floated over another point a minute later, to make it 0-7 to 0-1 in his team’s favour. Everything, including the breeze, was against Milltown/Castlemaine at this stage and it was difficult to see them fighting their way back into the game. Indeed, their goalkeeper, Mike Murphy, had to bring off a marvellous save from Billy O Sullivan in the 42nd minute, the ball going out for a ‘45’. Linus Burke did kick a fine point for Milltown/Castlemaine in the 14th minute, but James O Shea replied with a similar score for Laune Rangers in the 16th minute and the gap between the sides was again six points (0-8 to 0-2).
To the great credit of Milltown/Castlemaine, however, they kept trying for all they were worth and, finally, some rewards began to come. In the 48th minute, Willie Maher kicked over a free from his hands and then he followed with a point from play off his left leg. Maher was again on target from a difficult free in the 50th minute and, almost surreptitiously, Milltown/Castlemaine had crept back within three points of Rangers.
However, the Killorglin side were well able to handle anything Milltown/Castlemaine could throw at them this time and, following a fine piece of defensive work by Paudie Sheahan in the 52nd minute, they broke up-field for a point by Joe Shannon. That appeared to be the clincher as far as Milltown/Castlemaine were concerned. For the remainder of the game, Laune Rangers were most definitely in control and they finished with a flourish of 1-2. The goal came from Billy O Sullivan in the 58th minute and was a real beauty. He caught a centre by James O Shea and, in an instant, had turned and fired the ball past goalkeeper Murphy. It was what one could term a typical Billy O Sullivan strike and to really wrap it up, they finished with points from play by Timmy Fleming and Billy O Shea.”
That was Rangers tenth Mid-Kerry title in eleven years. Afterwards, the O Connor Cup was presented by Mike McCarthy, Chairman Mid-Kerry Board, to the Rangers’ captain, James O Shea. The man-of-the-match award, sponsored by Sheehy Construction, was presented to Billy O Shea by Andrew Sheehy.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, Billy O Shea (0-4), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-3, 2 frees), Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-1), James O Shea (capt.) 0-2, Timmy Corkery, Pat McKenna, Billy O Sullivan (1-0). Subs: Gerard Murphy for P. McKenna (inj.), Pa Murphy, Derry O Sullivan, John Doona, Liam Foley, Jason Griffin, Liam Hassett.
Milltown/Castlemaine: Mike Murphy, Liam Cronin, Liam Spring, Jamie Courtney, John Giles, Mike Dennehy, David O Connor, Linus Burke (0-2), Sean Burke, Andrew Boyle, Willie Maher (0-3, 2 frees), Liam Kelliher, Alan Kerins, Joe Daly, Joe McAuliffe. Subs: Seamus Burke for J. McAuliffe, Bertie Griffin for A. Kerins.
Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).
Mid-Kerry Senior Football League
Rd. 1 on Sun. 21st Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5.
Laune Rangers, though missing Pierce Prendiville, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Pat McKenna, Danny Cahill and Mike Hassett, once again proved too strong for their opponents. However, things might have been different, if the losers had taken their chances in the first half, when they had the assistance of a strong breeze. They got off to a flyer and were two points ahead after three minutes, courtesy for Willie Maher frees. Paul Griffin replied for Rangers before Maher again pointed a free. Timmy Fleming kicked a point for Rangers before Milltown/Castlemaine took control and stretched their lead with further points by Sean Counihan and Willie Maher. The visitors wasted some good scoring opportunities in that period. Killorglin soaked up the pressure and hit back just before halftime for points by Timmy Fleming and Billy O Sullivan to leave the teams level at the break on 0-5 each.
In the second half, Laune Rangers made good use of the breeze and scored six unanswered points. Milltown/Castlemaine refused to give up the fight, however, and when Joe Daly was fouled in the square, Willie Maher rifled the penalty-kick to the net. After that a fine movement put Liam Kelliher through but his shot was brilliantly saved by Peter Lyons. The losers had no more to offer and points by Joe Shannon and Timmy Fleming sealed the victory. Best for the Rangers were Joe Shannon, Timmy Fleming, Billy O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Paudie Sheahan, Michael O Reilly, Adrian Hassett and Pa Murphy.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Eoin Joy, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Sullivan, Joe Shannon (0-1), John Doona, Michael O Reilly (0-2), Billy O Sullivan (0-2), James O Shea, Paul Griffin (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-7), Frankie Brennan. Subs: Mikey Griffin for P. Griffin, Derry O Sullivan for M. O Reilly, Jason Griffin for F. Brennan.
Milltown/Castlemaine: Mike Murphy, Liam Kerins, Gene Daly, Andrew Boyle, John Giles, Brian Kerins, Paud Hogan, Mike Dennehy, Liam Kelliher, Alan Kerins, Jamie Courtney, Joe McAuliffe, Willie Maher, Joe Daly, Sean Counihan. Subs: Shay Riordan for L. Kerins, Michael Shanahan for P. Hogan.
Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).
Rd. 2 on Sun. 21st March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-14; Keel 1-5.
That was a very professional performance from a team that was getting fit and mature. The ball was moved quickly and with purpose.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mikey Griffin, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan (1-0), Billy O Shea (1-2), Tommy Byrne (1-0), Shane O Sullivan, Joe Shannon (0-3), James O Shea (capt.), Michael O Reilly (1-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Pat McKenna (1-4), Pierce Prendiville 90-1), Timmy Fleming (0-2), Frankie Brennan. Sub: Derry O Sullivan for B. O Shea
Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).
Rd. 3 on Sat. 17th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-11; Beaufort 1-8.
That was a most entertaining and sporting game against a youthful Beaufort team. Laune Rangers were missing quite a number of regulars and, as a result, blew hot and cold. Timmy Corkery played a great game, John Doona was a tower of strength at midfield, where James O Shea played a captain’s part, notching two good points. Adrian Hassett and Mark O Sullivan continued to improve in defence.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Russell, Eoin Corkery, Mikey Griffin, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, James O Shea (0-2), Timmy Corkery, Billy O Sullivan (0-2), Pat McKenna (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-3), Michael O Reilly (0-2), Joe Shannon (0-1). Subs: Jason Griffin for M. O Reilly, Derry O Sullivan. Shane O Sullivan was unable to play due to a broken nose. Others that were missing were, Billy O Shea and Timmy Fleming (playing with Kerry), Pierce Prendiville and Gerard Murphy (playing basketball in Galway), Paudie Sheahan (wedding up the country), Mike Hassett and Mark O Connor (both injured), Pa Murphy (examinations).
Beaufort: Kieran Doyle, Fergal Spillane, Danny Teahan, Kieran Coffey, Mícheál Spillane, Kieran O Shea, Eamonn Breen, Gary McGrath (0-1), Cormac O Shea (0-1), Aidan Cremins, Vincent O Donoghue (0-1), Mike Kissane, Ian O Shea, Michael Curran, Gerard ‘Jake’ Doyle (1-5).
Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).
Rd. 4 on Sat. 22nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-12; Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-3.
Despite being short many regulars, Laune Rangers defeated Glenbeigh to qualify for the league final. The home side was slow to settle and it was not until the visitors scored two goals that they began to play with intent. Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Joe Shannon and Shane O Sullivan were solid in defence. Pierce Prendiville lorded midfield, while up front the wiles of Pat McKenna, Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming and Derry O Sullivan were too much for the opposition.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Eoin Corkery, Mark O Sullivan, Joe Shannon, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), John Doona, Pierce Prendiville, Mikey Griffin (0-2), Pat McKenna (0-1, Derry O Sullivan (1-0), Billy O Shea, Michael O Reilly (0-2), Timmy Fleming (1-6). Subs: Mark O Connor, Karl Griffin.
Final on Sun. 12th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-16; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-4.
Laune Rangers regained the Mid-Kerry League title with that emphatic win. Milltown/Castlemaine, playing against a strong breeze, opened brightly and had several chances before Rangers took the lead in the third minute thanks to a Billy O Sullivan free. It was a lead they were never to lose. They dominated the first half and scored freely and with ease. Points by Billy O Sullivan (6), Paul Griffin (2), Joe Shannon (1) and Pat McKenna (1) gave them an interval lead of 0-11 to 0-1.
Rangers started the second half in typical fashion, playing the short game against the breeze and everyone working for each other. The lethal boot of Billy O Sullivan stretched their lead with two points in the 34th and 40th minutes. Milltown/Castlemaine seemed disinterested in proceedings and further points by Billy O Sullivan (2) and Timmy Corkery added to their misery. Best for Rangers were Paudie Sheahan and Mike Hassett in defence, midfielder James O Shea and Billy O Sullivan in attack.
Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea (capt.), Pat McKenna (0-1), Billy O Shea, Timmy Corkery (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-2), Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-11, 7 frees). Subs: Derry O Sullivan for B. O Shea, Liam Hassett for S. O Sullivan, John Doona for P. Prendiville, Jason Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Liam Foley and Eoin Corkery.
Milltown/Castlemaine: Mike Murphy, Jamie Courtney, Joe Daly, Andrew Boyle, John Giles, Liam Spring, David O Connor, Linus Burke, Sean Burke, Martin Burke, Liam Kelliher (0-1), Seamus Burke, Willie Maher (0-2), Bertie Griffin, Sean Counihan (0-1).
Ref: Richie Williams (Dingle).
There were muted celebrations afterwards as the team ate in the Fishery (Proprietor Eamonn Crowley) and then went on to the Co. Senior Football Championship Semi-final replay, which Annascaul won. The final was on two weeks later.
Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Championship
Any player who had played in the 1992 Mid-Kerry Senior Championship was ineligible for that competition. However, clubs were allowed to regrade three players. Laune Rangers regraded Danny Cahill, Mark O Sullivan and Jason Griffin.
Rd. 1 on Tues. 11th May at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-12.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Danny Cahill, Eoin Corkery, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Anthony O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Jason Griffin, Jerry O Brien, Michael O Reilly, Kevin Jones. Subs: John Sheehan (Tinnahalla) and John Griffin.
Rd. 2 on Tues. 18th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-9.
Milltown/Castlemaine led for most of that good, sporting game. Indeed, they were five points clear with eight minutes left to play. However, in true fashion, Laune Rangers fought back to gain a credible draw.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Danny Cahill, Mikey Griffin, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Jerry O Brien, Robert Evans, Mark O Sullivan, Jason Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Kevin Jones, John O Dwyer, James Sheehan, Timmy Linehan. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for J. Sheehan, Brendan Corkery for T. Linehan, Noel O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan.
Rd. 3 on Tues. 25th May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh ‘B’ lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.
Rd. 4 on Tues. 1st June at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 1-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6.
Rd. 5 on Tues. 8th June at Cromane: Cromane ‘B’ 0-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-12.
Final on Wed. 16th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8; Beaufort ‘B’ 0-6.
Laune Rangers retained the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship with a hard-earned two points’ victory. Indeed, Beaufort could and should have won if it were not for the atrociously bad shooting of their forwards. As the score-line showed, scores were hard to come by, mainly because of the good defence on both sides. Beaufort played with the aid of the strong breeze in the first half but it was Rangers who registered the first score of the game, a point by Kevin Jones. They then had to wait a further twenty minutes before their next score, a point by Steve Ronan. In the interim, Beaufort practically owned the ball but their only reward was a point in the tenth minute by Eamonn Breen and in the sixteenth minute by Michael O Sullivan. In the twenty-first minute Michael O Sullivan pointed to give Beaufort the lead for the first and only time in the game. Rangers equalised with a point by James Sheehan and, two minutes later, the same player collected a sideline ball from Mikey Griffin, found Tom Johnston and he pointed to give Rangers the lead again. Two minutes before halftime, Anthony Breen pointed to leave the interval scores at 0-4 each.
Two minutes into the second half, Rangers took the lead when Eoin O Sullivan pointed. They stretched their lead with two more points after fifteen minutes. However, Beaufort laid siege to the Rangers goal and were unlucky on a number of occasions. Firstly, Liam Foley brought off a wonderful reflex save with his legs to save from Vincent O Donoghue. Then they hit the upright on two occasions. Eventually they had points from Vincent O Donoghue and Raymond Kelliher. There was only one point between the sides and it could have gone either way. In the final minute, Rangers lifted the siege and moved the ball up the field for veteran Tom Johnston to score and give them a two points’ win.
One of the few Rangers to play very well on the night was Tom Johnston, who had an outstanding game at midfield. He hustled and harried all through and gave encouragement to the young players around him. He was somewhat unlucky not to have won the man-of-the-match award, which was won by Anthony Breen, Beaufort. Others to play well were Mark O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Eoin O Sullivan and James Sheehan (until he had to leave the field with an injury). After the game, the Vice-Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, John Dowling, presented the Shield to Laune Rangers’ captain, Martin Clifford.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, James Hurley, Danny Cahill, Paudie O Shea, Mikey Griffin, Paudie Russell, Martin Clifford (capt.), Tom Johnston (0-2), Mark O Sullivan (0-1), Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Michael Moriarty, Steve Ronan (0-1), John O Dwyer, James Sheehan (0-1), Kevin Jones (0-1). Sub: Anthony O Sullivan for J. Sheehan.
Beaufort ‘B’: Brian Murphy, Derry Coffey, Frank Coffey, Derry O Sullivan, Raymond Kelliher (0-1), Michael Kissane, Kieran Coffey, Jeremy Guerin, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Vincent O Donoghue ()-1), Anthony Breen (0-1), Mike Falvey, Mike ‘Dyke’ O Sullivan (0-2), Michael Curran, Michael O Brien.
Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).
Senior Football Parish League
1992 Semi-final on Sat. 1st May: Rangue 3-7; Douglas 0-6.
Rangue (Caragh Lake, Iveragh Park, Laharn, Tullig, Farrentoreen): Mike Hassett, Noel Doyle, Paudie Russell, Joe Doyle, Adrian Hassett, John F. O Brien, Michael Moriarty, Mark O Sullivan, Seán O Sullivan, Noel O Sullivan, Sean Whelan, Patrick Foley, Michael O Reilly, Brian O Shea, Timmy Linehan.
Douglas (Gurrane, Sunhill, Tullig) : Paul O Brien, Jerry O Brien, Jerry Foley, Ray Khan, Eoin Corkery, Brendan Corkery, Mikey Griffin, Gerard Costello, James Hurley, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Corkery, Donncha Curran, Donal Hurley, John Griffin. Ref: Jerome Conway.
The Chairman, Jerome Conway, ruled that Rory Corkery could not play with Douglas because of his actions with the minor team on the previous evening. John Griffin, Douglas mentor, accepted that decision with out question. After the game, an objection was lodged by Douglas to the playing of Michael Dicey O Reilly, who had been sent off in the ‘B’ game versus Derrynane on the previous Sunday. The Chairman, Jerome Conway, checked with the Rúnaí of the Co. Board, Tony O Keeffe, who pointed out that a parish league was not an official competition and was, in fact, similar to a training session. The Chairman then ruled that Michael O Reilly had been entitled to play.
1992 Final on Sun. 23rd May: Town 1-12; Rangue 0-1.
The Town caused a major upset in that final, as Rangue were the pre-match favourites, but they had to line out without the injured Mike Hassett and Paudie Russell. To add to their tale of woe, star midfielder, Michael O Reilly, had to retire injured halfway through the first half. Those misfortunes, however, should not take away from the three-star performance by the Town. The Cinderellas of the competition for some years, Ger Counihan and Peter Lyons certainly had them in the right frame of mind for that final. Of note was the performance of stalwarts of an even earlier vintage, Pa Foley, Mossy Joy and Declan Falvey. They showed the way to the younger lions, who responded splendidly. For a disappointing Rangue side, only Adrian Hassett, John F. O Brien, Mark O Sullivan and Michael Moriarty played near their best.
Town: Patrick Clifford (Jennings), John Cronin, John O Donnell, Eamonn Foley, Dodo Sheahan, James Sheehan, Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Pa Foley, John Doona, Turlough Byrnes, Nigel Reidy, Eoin O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Mossy Joy, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Timmy Moroney, Dominic Crowley, Declan Falvey (capt.), Tony O Sullivan (all played).
Rangue: Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Noel Doyle, John F. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Pat O Keeffe, Adrian Hassett, Nessan Diggin, Michael O Reilly, Mark O Sullivan, Noel O Sullivan, Michael Moriarty, Joe Doyle, Sean O Sullivan, Brian O Shea, Michael Fleming. Subs: Sean Whelan for M. O Reilly (inj.).
Ref: John Evans – good.
Co. U-21 Football Championship
Trainer/Selector – James Sheehan. Selectors – Noel O Mahony and Maurice Corkery.
Rd. 1 on Wed. 17th March at Direen, Killarney: Killarney 0-11; Laune Rangers 1-10.
The Laune Rangers’ backs played well generally and both midfielders played well at different times during the game. All the forwards played well but they were lacking physique. The preparations for the game were seriously curtailed by the trip to the Canaries.
Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Anthony O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Karl Griffin, John Doona, Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin (0-2), Derry O Sullivan (1-2), Billy O Shea (0-1), Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy (0-1), Kevin Jones (0-4). Subs: Eoin O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Noel Conroy, Paudie O Shea, Nigel Reidy, Michael Cahillane, Sean O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley, Ray Khan, Rory Corkery. Missing – Eoin Corkery (sick) and Liam Hassett (examinations).
Ref: John Griffin (Listry).
Quarter-final on Sat. 20th March at Direen: East-Kerry 2-4; Laune Rangers 0-8.
Played in very wet conditions, that game did not offer the spectators much in terms of free-flowing football but, what it lacked in style, it certainly made up for in enthusiasm. Both teams gave their very all and that just two points separated them at the final whistle was an indication of the closeness of the tie.
Jerry Murphy put East-Kerry in front in the very first minute with a point but they soon found themselves having to cope with considerable pressure from Laune Rangers and Kevin Jones tied the scores with a free two minutes later. Billy O Shea added another point for Rangers and Eoin Joy put them two points clear following a great move involving John Doona, Billy O Shea and Jason Griffin. East-Kerry needed an immediate response and Jerry O Sullivan obliged, pointing from long range one minute later. John Crowley converted his own free from his hands to equalise. Then John Doona gave the Rangers the lead, 0-4 to 0-3, at the interval.
East-Kerry began the second half in dramatic fashion and John Crowley had the ball in the back of the Rangers’ net inside twenty seconds of the restart. Rangers replied with a much-needed point by Kevin Jones from a free. However, East-Kerry then struck for their second goal, a strike that deeply wounded their opponents’ morale. A speculative free in the tenth minute dropped into the Rangers’ square but the slippery ball was fumbled by Mikey Griffin and Jerry Murphy was on hand to slam the ball home to give his side a comfortable lead of 2-3 to 0-5. Jerry Murphy stretched the lead with another point two minutes later. Then Rangers, as if realising that time was their biggest enemy, put in a tremendous effort to get back on terms. Their mini-revival was sparked off about four minutes from the end of play when Jason Griffin pointed. Kevin Jones cut the deficit to three points with just one minute to go. However, some superb defending denied them access to the East-Kerry goal. Jason Griffin and Derry O Sullivan dropped scoreable chances into the goalkeeper’s hands before John Doona kicked a further point four minutes into injury time. East-Kerry were relieved to hear the final whistle.
For Laune Rangers, Billy O Shea was a star, the county man being involved in all forward moves. Others to impress were Adrian Hassett, John Doona, Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin and Kevin Jones.
Laune Rangers: Andrew Doyle, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Anthony O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Karl Griffin, John Doona (0-2), Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1), Derry O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Eoin Joy (0-1), Kevin Jones (0-3). Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for M. Lynch, Eoin Corkery for E. O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Paudie O Shea, Noel Conroy, Michael Cahillane, Eamonn Foley, Rory Corkery, Ray Khan.
East-Kerry: Declan O Keeffe (Rathmore), Paudie Healy (Kilcummin), Tadhg Moynihan (do.), Vincent Horgan (Firies), Owen Doherty (Rathmore), Niall Mangan (Kilcummin), Padraig Teahan (Firies), John Crowley (Glenflesk) 1-1, Con O Connor (Firies), Paul Dermody (Listry), Dan Brosnan (Gneeveguilla), Jerry O Sullivan (Firies), Colman O Shea (Listry), Donal Daly (Firies), Jerry Murphy (Rathmore) 1-3. Sub: Seanie O Leary (Kilcummin) for C. O Connor.
Ref: Timmy Sheehan (Templenoe).
Co. Minor Football Championship
Trainers/Coaches – Patsy Joy and James McInery.
Rd. 1 on Tues. 20th July at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 1-9; Laune Rangers 2-5.
Laune Rangers started at a great pace and led by 1-2 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter. A penalty, scored by Eamonn Breen, helped the Mid-Kerry side to recover and Rangers led by 1-4 to 1-2 at the break. On the resumption, Mid-Kerry went in to the lead but Rangers scored another goal to tie the game. In a keenly contested last quarter, Austin Rooney scored the all-important point.
Laune Rangers could have won that game, but definitely deserved a draw. Rory Corkery and Ray Khan were the only backs to play well. Jerry O Brien was Rangers’ man-of-the-match and he got good support at midfield from Liam Hassett. Three of the forwards, at the end four, were U-16 and, though they played well, they were too light for championship football. Turlough Byrnes played well and scored a great goal. Brian Gannon scored the other goal.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne (capt.), Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Alan O Sullivan, Rory Corkery, Ray Khan, Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Donncha Curran, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Pa O Sullivan for D. Curran, Joe Hayes for M. Conway, Fiachra O Donoghue, Derry O Donoghue, Tony O Sullivan, Glenn Evans, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan.
Ref: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks).
Co. Minor Football League Div. 1
Rd. 1 on Sun. 21st March at Killeen: Na Gaeil 1-7; Laune Rangers 2-15.
The home side began the game with thirteen players and Rangers led by 1-10 to 1-3 at halftime. The winners played well without being great.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne (capt.), Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Brian O Neill, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Ray Khan, Jerry O Brien, Pat O Keeffe (0-3), Rory Corkery (1-3), Turlough Byrnes (1-1), Eamonn Foley (0-5), Glenn Evans (0-1), Fiachra O Donoghue (0-1), Donncha Curran (0-1), Tony O Sullivan. Subs: John O Sullivan for G. Evans, Glenn Evans for D. Curran, Paul O Brien for T. O Sullivan, Derry O Donoghue, Colm Conway.
Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).
Rd. 3 on Fri. 2nd April at Deerpark: Dr. Crokes 1-5; Laune Rangers 0-8.
Laune Rangers achieved a creditable draw in greasy conditions and indeed could have won the game as Liam Hassett was grounded as he raced goal-wards inside the big parallelogram near the end but, unbelievably, the referee waved play-on. The halfback line of Jerry O Brien, Ray Khan and Alan O Sullivan were seldom beaten, while inside them Mark Conway and Redmond Fitzgerald also played well. Rory Corkery and Liam Hassett were towers of strength at midfield. The forwards, however, did not really click as a unit but John O Sullivan and Eamonn Foley tried hard.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Brian O Neill, Jerry O Brien, Ray Khan, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Rory Corkery (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-3), Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley (0-2), John O Sullivan (0-1), Fiachra O Donoghue, Pat O Keeffe, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Paul O Brien (0-1) for T.O Sullivan, Derry O Donoghue for B. O Neill, Colm Conway for F. O Donoghue.
Ref: Pat O Donoghue (Fossa).
Rd. 4 on Fri. 9th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; John Mitchels 2-6.
That was the best performance from that team up to then. They showed great heart and determination and not a little skill. Again the halfback line of Jerry O Brien, Ray Khan and Alan O Sullivan was rock-solid. Redmond Fitzgerald and Mark Conway also played very well. The midfield pairing of Rory Corkery and Pat O Keeffe dominated, even if they faded in the final quarter. Turlough Byrnes scored a great goal. Eamonn Foley played great stuff and John O Sullivan proved to be a great grafter. Liam Hassett was unbeatable, particularly when moved to corner-forward.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Thomas Walsh, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Ray Khan, Alan O Sullivan, Rory Corkery (0-1), Pat O Keeffe (0-1), Turlough Byrnes (1-1), Eamonn Foley (0-1), John O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-5), Donncha Curran. Subs: Joe Hayes for T. Walsh, Derry O Donoghue, Colm Conway, Glenn Evans, Brian O Neill, Tony O Sullivan, Paul O Brien.
Ref: William O Shea (Keel).
Rd. 2 (postponed) on Mon. 12th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-8; Austin Stacks 1-6.
Laune Rangers had the lion’s share of possession but the forwards failed to capitalise on their chances. Having played against the wind in the first half, Rangers were level at halftime. However, with the lion’s share of possession in the second half, the forwards failed to capitalise on their chances.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald, Thomas Walsh, Jerry O Brien, Ray Khan, Alan O Sullivan, Rory Corkery, Pat O Keeffe, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, Glenn Evans, Fiachra O Donoghue, Liam Hassett, Donncha Curran. Subs: Derry O Donoghue for A. O Sullivan, Brian O Neill for F. O Donoghue, Tony O Sullivan, Colm Conway and John Purcell.
Ref: Pa Mannix (Listry).
Rd. 6 on Fri. 23rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Kerins O Rahillys 0-9.
For the second week in-a-row, Laune Rangers lost by a point to Tralee opposition. Despite the best efforts of Rory Corkery, Jerry O Brien, Mark Conway, Liam Hassett and Eamonn Foley, they again failed to capitalise on the amount of possession, which they enjoyed. A few players were missing through injury and that did not help the cause.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Joe Hayes, Glenn Evans, Jerry O Brien, Ray Khan, Rory Corkery, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, John O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Donncha Curran, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: Michael F. Russell for T. O Sullivan, John Purcell for G. Evans, Brian O Neill, Colm Conway, Brian Gannon, Paul O Brien. Missing – Redmond Fitzgerald (Dublin), Pat O Keeffe (inj.), Alan O Sullivan (inj.).
Ref: Con Carroll (Legion).
Rd. 7 on Fri. 30th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-10; An Ghaeltacht 1-7.
That was an extraordinary result. Added to the fact that Rangers had quite a number of injures, Rory Corkery walked off the pitch, having been chastised for not releasing the ball for the umpteenth time. At the time, the teams were on level terms, 0-4 each. The remainder of the Rangers’ team, spurred on by their colleague’s selfish action, rallied and led by 0-6 to 0-5 at the interval. On the resumption, every Killorglin player played above himself and the much-vaunted Gaeltacht side was put under severe pressure. Donncha Curran shouldered the fullback over the goal-line for the first goal. Michael F. Russell got his toe to the ball to deflect it over the line for the second and, when Michael F. Russell was fouled in the square, Turlough Byrnes slotted home the penalty. The visitors were shell-shocked and the winners finished the game still playing with passion.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne (capt.), Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Jerry O Brien, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Rory Corkery (0-1), Ray Khan, Turlough Byrnes (1-4), Eamonn Foley (0-2), John O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Donncha Curran (1-1), Glenn Evans. Subs: Michael F. Russell (1-0) for R. Corkery, Brian Gannon (0-2) for F. O Donoghue, Derry O Donoghue for G. Evans, Colm Conway, Brian O Neill, Paul O Brien. Missing – Pat O Keeffe, Alan O Sullivan and Liam Hassett (all injured).
Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).
Rd. 5 (postponed) on Sat. 8th May at Dingle: Dingle/Lispole 2-12; Laune Rangers 1-11.
Laune Rangers played well but, despite heroic efforts by Thomas Walsh, Redmond Fitzgerald, Jerry O Brien, Eamonn Foley and Turlough Byrnes, they were then out of the league, as they needed to win to get into the play-off stages. Pat O Keeffe was sent off by the referee and, at a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for two months as the referee reported him for verbal abuse.
Laune Rangers: Paul O Brien, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Jerry O Brien, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Pat O Keeffe, Ray Khan, Turlough Byrnes (0-5), Eamonn Foley (0-3), John O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Donncha Curran (0-3), Glenn Evans. Subs: Brian Gannon (1-0) for G. Evans, Brian O Neill, Colm Conway and Derry O Donoghue.
Ref: Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue).
Gaeltacht beat Dingle/Lispole in the final on the score 0-12 to 1-8.
Co. Urban Minor Football League
That was the inaugural year of that competition, which was used to prepare teams for the Co. Minor Championship.
Rd. 1 on Mon. 21st June at Boherbue: John Mitchels lost to Laune Rangers.
Rd. 2 on Mon. 28th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Kerins O Rahillys by one point.
Rd. 3 on Mon. 5th July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-11; Laune Rangers 3-9.
Laune Rangers scored two goals in the first eight minutes. Stacks battled back and were on level terms at halftime. Laune Rangers shot a succession of points in the third quarter to lead by seven with ten minutes left to play. A late rally by the home side almost won the day but Rangers held out to win by the minimum.
Rd. 4 on Mon. 12th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-17; Dr. Crokes 2-4.
The Laune Rangers’ backs played very well. The addition of some of the U-16 players had added a new dimension to the forwards.
Laune Rangers: Derry O Donoghue, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Rory Corkery, Ray Khan, Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Donncha Curran, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Pa O Sullivan, Glenn Evans, Tony O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Paul O Brien, Joe Hayes, John Sheehan (all played).
Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).
Final on Mon. 13th Sept. at Farranfore: Laune Rangers 2-8; Kerins O Rahillys 0-12.
That was a surprise victory. In fairness to the trainers, they had put everything into that team. At halftime, Laune Rangers were in arrears by 0-8 to 0-3, having played against the wind. However, in the second O Rahillys were all over Rangers but they could not translate their superiority into scores. Rangers scored a few points and then Michael F. Russell scored a goal to put his side on level terms. O Rahillys attacked again and were rewarded with two points. Michael F. Russell fielded well, transferred to Brian Gannon and he stuck the ball in the net. Rory Corkery closed the scoring with a great point.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne (capt.), Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Rory Corkery, Ray Khan, Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Donncha Curran, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Pat O Keeffe for R. Curtayne, Joe Hayes for J. Purcell, Fiachra O Donoghue, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Derry O Donoghue, Colm Conway, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan.
Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).
Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship
Rd. 1 on Fri. 23rd July at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-7; Laune Rangers 8-18.
Laune Rangers: Ronan Curtayne (capt.), John Purcell, Ray Khan, Derry O Donoghue, Mark Conway, Rory Corkery, Joe Hayes, Jerry O Brien, Pa O Sullivan, Eamonn Foley, Turlough Byrnes, Michael F. Russell, Fiachra O Donoghue, Donncha Curran, Tony O Sullivan. Subs: John O Sullivan, Paul O Brien and John Sheehan (all played).
Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).
Semi-final on Tues. 7th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-7; Beaufort 0-8.
Laune Rangers played very well for ten minutes and notched up two goals per Michael F. Russell and Donncha Curran but thereafter they were dire, with the exception of John Purcell, Thomas Walsh and Jerry O Brien. It was just as well that Beaufort did not believe that they could win!
Laune Rangers: Pat O Keeffe, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Rory Corkery, Ray Khan, Jerry O Brien, Liam Hassett, Turlough Byrnes, Eamonn Foley, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Donncha Curran, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Joe Hayes for D. Curran, Tony O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Colm Conway, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan, Derry O Donoghue. Missing – Ronan Curtayne (England) and Alan O Sullivan (Tullig).
Ref: Frank Walsh (Cromane).
Final on Thurs 16th Sept. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-6; Laune Rangers 2-14.
Milltown/Castlemaine began the game in great fashion and scored 0-3 within the first ten minutes without reply. Rangers then settled down and Brian Gannon scored from a penalty kick. Without ever extending themselves, they won easily. An altercation near the end of the game resulted in Rory Corkery and a Milltown player being ordered off.
Laune Rangers: Pat O Keeffe, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, John Purcell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Rory Corkery, Ray Khan, Jerry O Brien, Liam Hassett, Brian Gannon, Eamonn Foley (capt.), John O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Donncha Curran, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Joe Hayes for J. Purcell, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig) for M. Conway, Derry O Donoghue for R. Khan, Colm Conway, Ronan Curtayne, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan. Missing – Turlough Byrnes (suspended).
Co. U-17 Inter-District Board Football Championship
Rd. 1 on Sat. 9th Oct. at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 0-10; West-Kerry 1-8.
Mid-Kerry played well against a physically bigger West-Kerry team and should have won, as they kicked at least four scoreable frees wide.
Mid-Kerry: Brian Murphy (Beaufort), John Sheehan (Laune Rangers), Thomas Walsh (do.) capt., Joe Hayes (do.), Cormac O Malley (Beaufort), Raymond Clifford (Keel), Fergal O Brien (Laune Rangers), Rory Corkery (do.), Gary O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Brian Gannon (Laune Rangers), Michael F. Russell (do.), Fionán Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Alan Bailey (Keel). Subs: John A. Hilliard (Keel) for F. O Brien, John O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) for M.F. Russell, John A. O Sullivan (Beaufort) for J. Hayes, Alan O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Kevin Murphy (Glenbeigh), Mícheál Kelliher (Beaufort).
Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).
Rd. 2 on Sat. 16th Oct. at Waterville: South-Kerry 1-11; Mid-Kerry 3-9.
Mid-Kerry played against the wind in the first half and got off to a good start, when Fionán Kelliher scored a goal. South-Kerry led by 1-8 to 1-1 at halftime. Goals by Kieran Tangney and Pa O Sullivan brought Mid-Kerry back into the game and some good points by Pa O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell and Rory Corkery gave them the victory.
Mid-Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kevin Murphy, Thomas Walsh, Raymond Clifford, Cormac O Malley, Mícheál Foley, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Gary O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell, Fionán Kelliher, Pa O Sullivan, Alan Bailey, Kieran Tangney (Beaufort). Subs: John A. Hilliard for K. Tangney, Donncha Curran (Laune Rangers) for A. Bailey, Alan O Sullivan for J. O Sullivan, Paul O Brien (Laune Rangers), Mícheál Kelliher.
Ref: Michael Carey (Kenmare).
Rd. 3 on Mon. 25th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: East-Kerry 1-8; Mid-Kerry 0-7.
Mid-Kerry played very well for the first twenty minutes but then East-Kerry gained control at midfield and that put fierce pressure on the backs. Mid-Kerry only really came into the game again in the final ten minutes, during which time they hit the post or the crossbar on three or four occasions. East-Kerry were physically stronger.
Mid-Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kevin Murphy, Thomas Walsh (capt), Joe Hayes, Cormac O Malley, Raymond Clifford, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Mícheál Foley, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Fionán Kelliher, Pa O Sullivan, Rory McGrath, Kieran Tangney. Subs: Donncha Curran for R. Corkery (inj.), John O Sullivan for B. Gannon, Alan Bailey for K. Tangney, Alan O Sullivan and Paul O Brien.
Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).
Final on Sun. 20th Feb. 1994 at Austin Stack Park: Eoghan Ruadh 2-10; Castleisland District 1-9.
Co. U-16 Football Championship
Trainer/Coach – Jerome Conway. The panel commenced training on Sun. 28th February.
There were five teams in the division – Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes and Gaeltacht.
Rd. 2 on Wed. 14th July at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 2-6; Laune Rangers 7-11.
It was a terrible evening. Rangers were well beaten at midfield. Michael F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan did most of the scoring.
Laune Rangers: Dermot Murphy, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (capt.), Johnny Lynch, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Darragh O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Enda Clifford for J. Lynch (inj.), Michael Hurley for P. O Sullivan, Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Gerard Teahan.
Ref: Richie Williams (Dingle).
Rd. 3 on Wed. 21st July at Deerpark: Dr. Crokes 3-9; Laune Rangers 4-14.
That was a much improved performance from Fergal O Brien and, consequently, the Rangers’ forwards profited. The backs were a little porous. Three of the U-15 players, Gerard Purcell, Enda Clifford and Dermot Murphy, were on a 3-days Football Summer Camp in the Seminary Grounds and were very tired. The players that were playing with the minor team were also very tired.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Dermot Murphy, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Gerard Purcell, Michael F. Russell, Darragh O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Enda Clifford for G. Purcell, Anthony Reen for D. Murphy, Maurice Sheehan, Paul Russell, Gerard Teahan. Missing – Johnny Lynch (inj.) and Brian Gannon (Cork).
Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).
Rd. 4 on Wed. 28th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-13; Austin Stacks 1-13.
That was a super performance by Laune Rangers. David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan and John O Sullivan scored the goals.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Enda Clifford, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Dermot Murphy, Michael F. Russell, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Gerard Purcell, Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Paul Russell, Kevin O Connor, Michael Griffin, Gerard Teahan.
Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).
Rd. 1 (postponed) on Wed. 4th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 7-9; Kerins O Rahillys 0-5.
That win put Laune Rangers into the semi-final.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Enda Clifford, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Johnny Lynch, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Dermot Murphy, Michael F. Russell, Gerard Purcell, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Kevin O Connor, Anthony Reen, Michael Griffin, Maurice Sheehan, Paul Russell, Gerard Teahan and Billy O Mahony (all played). Missing – Brian Gannon (France), Darragh O Sullivan (Germany) and Owen O Connell (Gaeltacht).
Semi-final on Sun. 15th Aug. at Annascaul: Laune Rangers 9-14; An Ghaeltacht 1-5.
That was a very good performance by the Rangers, considering that they were missing Brian Gannon, Darragh O Sullivan and Johnny Lynch.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Enda Clifford, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Dermot Murphy, Michael F. Russell, Gerard Purcell, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Paul Russell, Kevin O Connor, Michael Griffin and Gerard Teahan.
Ref: Michael Divane (Annascaul).
Final on Sun. 5th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 3-15; Austin Stacks 0-7.
Noel Twomey reported for the Kerryman as follows: ‘A night of unbounded joy for Laune Rangers at Austin Stack Park on Sun. evening was initiated in spectacular fashion by the club’s U-16 footballers, who preceded the senior side’s win with a rout of Austin Stacks in the Div. 1 final of the Lee Strand Co. Championship. The game never lived up to expectations and was virtually over at halftime as Rangers swamped Stacks with waves of productive attacking to lead by 3-10 to 0-3.
It was an impressive first half performance by the Killorglin lads, who dominated in all sectors and, although this tour-de-force display came with the aid of a hefty breeze, they were rarely troubled in the second half as a shell-shocked Stacks, who were unable to muster a revival.
Particularly impressive in that opening period for Rangers was the midfield pairing of Fergal O Brien and John O Sullivan, half-forwards Michael F. Russell and Brian Gannon, full-forward Pa O Sullivan and wing-back Johnny Lynch. These players swept up most of the Stacks kick-outs and won a wealth of possession, which was put to good use. Gannon, Pa O Sullivan and Russell were lethal up front, scoring a total of 1-11 between them and setting up their corner-forwards, David Lynch and Alan O Sullivan, for crucial first-half goals.
Indeed, the superb inter-play, which was a feature of the Rangers’ senior victory over Dr. Crokes, was also evident in this game. Players supported each other extremely well and the passing movements and off-the-ball running, which bewildered Stacks at times, were of a standard rarely seen at this level. Rangers’ three goals were decisive. The first came in the fifth minute after Alan O Sullivan was set up by Mike F. Russell, who fielded a kick-out and ran through the defence. Ten minutes later, Russell did the same thing again, except this time he finished the movement himself with a low shot that gave Stacks’ goalie, Peter Williams, no chance. At this stage, Rangers led by 2-6 to 0-2, but worse was the follow for the Rock Street boys when, in the 19th minute, David Lynch goaled at the end of a classic movement involving Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon. Rangers led by 3-10 to 0-3 at halftime.
The second half, not surprisingly, was a non-event. The only serious talking-point was a flare-up involving players from both sides in the 40th minute, which resulted in the dismissal of Rangers full-forward, Pa O Sullivan, and Stacks’ fullback, Pat Costello. A few nasty tackles followed, but, generally, the football in that period was poor. Four points in the last five minutes by Rangers added a gloss to what was a most indifferent half. Clearly the damage done in the first half by Rangers had been sufficient and any Stacks revival was never on, as they simply couldn’t cope with Rangers, whose central players were impregnable.
For the winners, Pat Leahy, Johnny Lynch and Joe Hayes in defence, midfielders Fergal O Brien and John O Sullivan and attackers, Michael F. Russell, Brian Gannon and Pa O Sullivan were all outstanding.’
The team displayed all the great old skills of Kerry football. It was expected that the second half would be a nail-biting affair as the stronger-looking Stacks forwards would be seeing much more of the ball and would make things uncomfortable for their opposite numbers. However, Laune Rangers stuck to their task and conceded little to win easily.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (capt.), Johnny Lynch (0-1), Fergal O Brien (0-1), John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon (0-4), Michael F. Russell (1-3), Darragh O Sullivan, David Lynch (1-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-4), Alan O Sullivan (1-1). Subs: Dermot Murphy for D. O Sullivan, Gerard Purcell, Enda Clifford, Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Kevin O Connor, Michael Ahern, Paul Russell.
Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).
Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship
Semi-final on Fri. 17th Sept. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 7-16; Glenbeigh/Glencar 4-6.
Laune Rangers played very well in the first half but played very badly in the second half, allowing Glenbeigh back into the game. Johnny Lynch switched to midfield, Fergal O Brien going to wing forward, and that restored Rangers’ dominance there and they won comfortably enough. Some of the players, Michael F. Russell, Brian Gannon, John O Sullivan and Joe Hayes, had played with the minor team on Monday and Thursday evenings and were very tired.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Dermot Murphy, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. O Brien, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, Alan O Sullivan, Darragh O Sullivan. Subs: Gerard Purcell for D. O Sullivan, Enda Clifford for D. Murphy, Kevin O Connor for J. Hayes (inj.), Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Paul Russell, Michael Ahern, Gerard Teahan, Billy O Mahony. Missing – Pa O Sullivan (suspended).
Ref: Tomás Hayes (Cromane) – very good.
Final on Sun. 3rd Oct. at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-2; Laune Rangers 4-16.
Laune Rangers outclassed Beaufort in every sector of the field. The home did carried on with some unpunished pulling and dragging but really they had no answer to the winners’ overall power. That was a great finish to a great year for a great team.
Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (capt.), Johnny Lynch, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Darragh O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Dermot Murphy for D. O Sullivan, Gerard Purcell for D. Lynch, Enda Clifford for O. O Connell, Kevin O Connor, Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Michael Griffin, Paul Russell, Billy O Mahony, Gerard Teahan.
Ref: Johnny Sheehan (Keel).
Tralee District Board U-16 Football Championship
That was Laune Rangers first time playing in Tralee District Board.
Rd. 1 on Mon. 12th April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-6; Laune Rangers 11-14.
That was a superb performance by Laune Rangers, albeit against weak opposition. They played copybook football and their level of fitness left the opposition floundering. They scored eleven goals in the first half alone.
Laune Rangers: Podge Foley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (0-1), Dermot Murphy, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan (0-1), Brian Gannon (2-2), Michael F. Russell (2-2), Johnny Lynch, David Lynch (3-0), Pa O Sullivan (1-6), Alan O Sullivan (Shanara) 3-2. Subs: Kevin O Connor, Michael Griffin, Maurice Sheehan, Enda Clifford, Michael Ahern, Billy O Mahony and Anthony Reen.
Ref: Brendan Long (Na Gaeil).
Rd. 2 on Mon. 19th April at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-4; Laune Rangers 4-16.
Rangers did not play well in the first half against a stiff wind in terribly sticky underfoot conditions. Nevertheless, they led by 1-7 to 1-4 at the break. They played much better in the second half but lacked the zip of the previous game.
Laune Rangers: Podge Foley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (capt.), Dermot Murphy, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan. Subs: Kevin O Connor, Michael Griffin, Maurice Sheehan, Enda Clifford, Michael Ahern, Billy O Mahony and Anthony Reen (None of the substitutes were played as they had not attended for training on the previous Friday evening).
Ref: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks).
Final on Sun. 9th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 3-8; Laune Rangers 2-17.
That was an outstanding game of football, played by two teams, intent on playing the game as it should be played. Rangers’ forwards were superb. The battle for midfield supremacy was evenly shared, while the Rangers’ backs played very well. Podge Foley did not prove to be reliable and Dermot Murphy had to deputise. The result created its own little bit of history, as it was the first time that a Laune Rangers’ team had won a Tralee District Board competition.
Laune Rangers: Podge Foley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Owen o Connell, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes (capt.), Dermot Murphy, Fergal O Brien (0-1), John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon (0-4), Michael F. Russell (0-5), Johnny Lynch, David Lynch (2-2), Pa O Sullivan (0-4), Alan O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Darragh O Sullivan for P. Foley, Gerard Purcell, Anthony Reen, Maurice Sheehan, Michael Ahern, Michael Griffin, Enda Clifford and Kevin O Connor.
Ref: John Hegarty (John Mitchels) – excellent.
Co. U-15 Football Championship
Coach/Trainer – Jerome Conway.
Rd. 1 on Mon. 25th Oct. at Farranfore: Firies 0-0; Laune Rangers 8-19.
Considering that there was very little preparation for that game, the team played quite well, though the opposition was poor.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Kevin O Connor, Paul Russell, Enda Clifford, Maurice Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Billy O Mahony, Michael Griffin, Dermot Murphy, Darragh O Sullivan, Kevin Cahillane, Gerard Purcell, Pa Sheehan. Subs: Robert Moriarty, Garrath Sheehan, Eoin Ferris, Gerard Teahan, Morgan Foley, Jamie Cahillane, Brendan Fitzgerald, Denis O Connor (all played).
Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).
Quarter-final on Mon. 1st Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; Currow 1-5.
Johnny Lynch (inj.), Gerard Purcell (working) and Owen O Connell (Gaeltacht) were missing and the team struggled without them. Indeed, the Rangers were lucky to have drawn the game. Darragh O Sullivan scored the goal.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Enda Clifford, Fergus Clifford, Paul Russell, Billy O Mahony, Maurice Sheehan, Dermot Murphy, John Moriarty, Michael Griffin, Darragh O Sullivan, Morgan Foley, Kevin Cahillane, Kevin O Connor, Pa Sheehan. Subs: Garrath Sheehan for K. O Connor, Robert Moriarty for P. Russell, Jamie Cahillane, Eoin Ferris, Gerard Teahan, Denis O Connor.
Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).
Replay on Sun. 7th Nov. at Currow: Currow 0-0; Laune Rangers 5-10.
That was a more workmanlike performance. The Rangers’ minds were more concentrated, while the return of Owen O Connell and Gerard Purcell lent stability to the team.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Fergus Clifford, Billy O Mahony, Enda Clifford, Maurice Sheehan, Gerard Purcell, John Moriarty, Michael Griffin, Darragh O Sullivan, Pa Sheehan, Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy, Kevin O Connor. Subs: Morgan Foley for B. O Mahony, Robert Moriarty for M. Sheehan, Eoin Ferris for F. Clifford, Jamie Cahillane, Gerard Teahan, Garrath Sheehan, T.J. Cronin.
Ref: Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers), as the appointed referee failed to show.
Final on Sun. 5th Dec. at Austin Stack Park: Austin Stacks 2-12; Dr. Crokes 3-8.
Co. U-14 Football Championship
Coach/Trainer – Noel O Mahony. Selector – Pat Pigott. The panel commenced training on Sun. 28th February.
There were five teams in the division – Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes and Kilcummin.
Rd. 1 on Wed. 7th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-6; Dr. Crokes 3-8.
Both teams agreed to play the full length of the pitch in preparation for the forthcoming Féile Peile na nOg, which Kerry was hosting. Prior to that time, U-14 games in Kerry were played on the shortened and narrow pitch, using small goalposts. In that game, Laune Rangers had plenty of possession but did not capitalise on the number of scoring chances.
Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Morgan Foley, Ross Breen, Brendan Fitzgerald, Cathal Browne, Eoin Ferris, Robert Moriarty, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan (capt.), John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Trevor Gannon. Subs: Jonathan Griffin for K. Cahillane, Fergus Clifford for T. Houlihan, Paul Sheehan, Tom Crowley.
Ref: Dan Cronin (Milltown/Castlemaine).
Rd. 2 on Wed. 21st April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-6; Laune Rangers 1-8.
That was a much improved performance. Fergus Clifford, Eoin Ferris, Karl Falvey and Robert Moriarty were whole-hearted in defence, John Moriarty had a great game at midfield, while, up front, Pa Sheehan, Garrath Sheehan and John Ahern were best.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Morgan Foley, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Trevor Gannon, Pa Sheehan, John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Terence Houlihan. Subs: Jonathan Griffin for K. Cahillane, Cathal Browne, Paul Sheehan, Tom Crowley, Michael McGillycuddy and Brian Foley.
Rd. 3 on Wed. 28th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-10; Kilcummin 5-6.
That was an extraordinary game. Laune Rangers were in arrears at halftime by 3-6 to 0-3, even though there was no wind. Rangers restarted at a great pace and goals by Garrath Sheehan (2) and Kevin Cahillane put them firmly in the driving seat. Good points were also scored and they led by four points with five minutes left to play. Kilcummin then scored two goals to take the lead but Robert Foley scored a goal to seal the issue with the last kick of the game.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Morgan Foley, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan, Trevor Gannon, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, John Ahern. Subs: Cathal Browne for M. Foley, Paul Sheehan, Kieran Leahy, Jamie Cahillane, Brian Houlihan, Aidan O Connor, Tom Crowley, Michael McGillycuddy, Brian Foley.
Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Glenbeigh).
Rd. 4 on Wed. 5th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-10; Austin Stacks 0-7.
The Laune Rangers team showed in that game that, though they are not physically big, they had skill and know-how.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Morgan Foley, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan, John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Trevor Gannon. Subs: Jamie Cahillane, Jonathan Griffin, Michael McGillycuddy, Kevin Harmon, Cian Foley, Paul Sheehan, Brian Foley, Aidan O Connor.
Ref: Michael Curran (Beaufort).
Semi-final on Sun. 16th May at Castleisland: Austin Stacks 2-9; Laune Rangers 1-8.
It was quite obvious after that game that Austin Stacks had not played their best team in Killorglin in the preliminary round, which Laune Rangers had won too well.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Kevin Harmon, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, John Ahern, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan, Jonathan Griffin, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Trevor Gannon. Subs: Morgan Foley, Kieran Leahy, Paul Sheehan, Jamie Cahillane, Cathal Browne, Enda Grandfield.
Co. Final on Sun. 30th May at Castleisland: Kilcummin 4-9; Austin Stacks 3-5.
Co. U-14B Football Championship Div. 7
Rd. 1 on Sat. 1st May at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-3.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Michael McGillycuddy, Brian Houlihan, Cian Foley, Paul Sheehan, Kevin Harmon, Cathal Browne, Tom Crowley, Jamie Cahillane, Jerome O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Jonathan Griffin, Andrew O Reilly, Kevin Daly, Kieran Leahy, Patrick Galvin. Sub: Brian Foley for P. Galvin.
Rd. 2 on Mon. 3rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8; Kilcummin ‘B’ 0-7.
Laune Rangers ‘B’: Michael McGillycuddy, Brian Foley, Cian Foley, Paul Sheehan, Kevin Harmon, Cathal Browne, Tom Crowley, Morgan Foley, Jamie Cahillane, Andrew O Reilly, Jonathan Griffin, Jerome O Sullivan, Brian Houlihan, Kieran Leahy, Aidan O Connor. Subs: Kevin Daly, Kieran Woods, Evan Healy, Patrick Galvin, Eamonn O Connor.
Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship
Mon. 7th June: Glenbeigh 2-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5.
Mon. 28th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 2-12; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘A’ 2-6.
Semi-final on Mon. 19th July at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 6-12; Cromane 2-7.
Cromane were allowed to play players who were under fifteen years of age.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, Cathal Brown, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan (capt.), John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Jonathan Griffin.
Final on Mon. 26th July at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 4-5; Beaufort 1-3.
After the game, Jerome Conway, Chairman of Bord na nOg Chiarraí Láir, presented the trophy to Pa Sheehan, the captain of the winning team.
Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Fergus Clifford, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Cathal Browne, Robert Moriarty, Trevor Gannon, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan (capt.), John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Jonathan Griffin. Subs: Morgan Foley, Jamie Cahillane, Aidan O Connor.
Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).
Tralee District Board U-14 Championship
Tues. 8th June at Tralee: Laune Rangers beat John Mitchels.
Laune Rangers had much the better of the first half. The two teams matched each other score for score in the second half.
Semi-final on Sun. 11th July at Strand Road: Austin Stacks beat Laune Rangers.
Final: Austin Stacks 2-4; Kerins O Rahillys 1-5.
Féile Peile na nOg (U-14 Football)
Féile Peile na nOg was held in Kerry in 1993. Laune Rangers played in Division 1 and hosted Round Towers, Clondalkin, Dublin, from Thurs. 10th June until Sun. 13th June.
Rd. 1 on Fri. 11th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-1; Round Towers 3-7.
Rd. 2 on Sat. 12th June at Beaufort: Claregalway 2-7; Laune Rangers 2-2.
Rd. 3 on Sat. 12th June at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-4; Laune Rangers 3-8.
J. & M. Oils sponsored jerseys for the team (£360) and Fexco sponsored socks. A banner costing £60 was purchased by the club for the parade.
Laune Rangers Panel: Ross Breen, Morgan Foley, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Karl Falvey, Robert Moriarty, Brendan Fitzgerald, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Pa Sheehan, John Ahern, Kevin Cahillane, Garrath Sheehan, Trevor Gannon, Cathal Browne, Kevin Harmon, Enda Grandfield, Jonathan Griffin, Jamie Cahillane, Michael McGillycuddy, Kieran Leahy, Paul Sheehan, Aidan O Connor.
U-13 Football Blitz
Austin Stacks organised an invitation blitz for that age-group and it was played on Sun. 3rd Oct.
Rd. 1 on Sun. 3rd Oct. at Tralee: John Mitchels beat Laune Rangers.
Co. U-12 Football Championship
Trainers/Coaches – James Ferris and Patsy Joy. The panel commenced training on Sun. 7th March.
There were seven teams in the Division – Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Kerins O Rahillys, Kilcummin, Dr. Crokes, Legion and Gaeltacht.
Rd. 1 on Wed. 12th May at Direen: Legion 0-5; Laune Rangers 2-12.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan (twin), Pa Crowley, Cian Evans, Paul James Browne, Harry Bawden, Thomas McGillycuddy, Andrew O Regan, John E. Murphy, Darragh Burns, Seamus Galvin, Robert Coffey, Daniel Moriarty. Subs: Barry O Sullivan, Garrett O Reilly, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), James Galvin.
Rd. 2 on Wed. 19th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Kerins O Rahillys 0-4.
All the team played very well and John E. Murphy was outstanding.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan, Patrick Crowley, Cian Evans, Paul James Browne, Harry Bawden, Andrew O Regan, Thomas McGillycuddy, John E. Murphy, Darragh Burns, Daniel Moriarty, Robert Coffey, Barry O Sullivan. Subs: Gerard O Sullivan, James Galvin, Garrett O Reilly (all played).
Rd. 3 on Wed. 26th May at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 1-2; Laune Rangers 2-10.
Paul Costello, Cian Evans, John E. Murphy and Darragh Burns were impressive.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan, Patrick Crowley, Cian Evans, Paul J. Browne, Harry Bawden, Andrew O Regan, Barry O Sullivan, John E. Murphy, Gerard O Sullivan, Daniel Moriarty, Robert Coffey, Darragh Burns. Subs: James Galvin and Garrett O Reilly.
Rd. 4 on Wed. 2nd June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 1-9; Laune Rangers 2-5.
Of all the great games that were played between those two sides, that game was certainly one of the most exciting in a long time. Having played against a strong wind in the first half, Laune Rangers were four points in arrears at the break. On the restart, Stacks increased their lead but then Daniel Moriarty scored a good second goal that brought his team back into the game. Having plenty of possession, Rangers just could not get that vital point to force a draw. Best on the night were Cian Evans and Paul Costello. Patrick Crowley and Seamus Galvin were sorely missed. Geoffrey O Mahony made a return after six weeks absence through injury and he played a great game.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan, Geoffrey O Mahony, Cian Evans, Paul J. Browne, Thomas McGillycuddy, Harry Bawden, Barry O Sullivan, John E. Murphy, Andrew O Regan, Daniel Moriarty, Robert Coffey, Darragh Burns. Subs: Conor Falvey, Garrett O Reilly and Gerard O Sullivan.
Rd. 5 on Wed. 9th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Dr. Crokes.
Rd. 6 on Wed. 16th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Kilcummin.
Co. U-12 Champions – Austin Stacks. Runners-up – Laune Rangers (There was no final).
Co. U-12B Football Championship Div. 8
Rd. 1 on Sat. 12th June: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 4-15; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-3.
Rd. 2 on Sat. 3rd July: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.
Co. U-12B Champions – Austin Stacks ‘B’.
Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship
Rd. 1 on Mon. 9th Aug: Laune Rangers 1-13; Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-1.
Conditions were bad but Laune Rangers played well. Captain, John E. Murphy, had a great game at full-forward and scored 0-7. The midfield pairing of Cian Evans and Harry Bawden won most possession. Best of the forwards were John E. Murphy, Daniel Moriarty and Andrew O Regan. Best of the backs were Sean Evans, Patrick Crowley and Paul Costello.
Semi-final on Mon. 13th Sept. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 8-10; Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-0.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan, Patrick Crowley, Darragh Burns, Paul James Browne, Cian Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, Barry O Sullivan, Andrew O Regan, Mark Healy, Daniel Moriarty, John E. Murphy (capt.), Seamus Galvin. Subs: Gerard O Sullivan, Robert Coffey, Geoffrey O Mahony, Conor Falvey (all played).
Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).
Final on Wed. 15th Sept. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 3-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-9.
That was a fiercely contested game. Laune Rangers opened very strongly with a fisted goal by Seamus Galvin. Points came from John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin and Cian Evans. Corner-forward Daniel Moriarty and full-forward John E. Murphy notched two more goals to help the Rangers to lead at halftime by 3-4 to 1-0. Milltown/Castlemaine came back strong but Rangers replied with points from Daniel Moriarty, Harry Bawden, Seamus Galvin and John E. Murphy. Right half-forward, Barry O Sullivan, had an outstanding game with some fine fielding and great distribution of the ball, which created scoring opportunities for the full-forward line. Fullback Paul Costello, right halfback Patrick Crowley and centre halfback Darragh Burns played exceptionally well. Fergal O Donoghue had a great game in goals and was called upon more than once to effect good saves.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan (twin), Patrick Crowley, Darragh Burns, Paul J. Browne, Cian Evans, Harry Bawden, Barry O Sullivan, Andrew O Regan, Thomas McGillycuddy, Daniel Moriarty, John E. Murphy (capt.), Seamus Galvin. Subs: Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Geoffrey O Mahony, Mark Healy (all played), James Galvin, Robert Coffey, Conor Falvey.
Tralee District Board U-12 Championship
Final on Sun. 10th Oct. at Strand Road: Austin Stack’s beat Laune Rangers by one point.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan (twin), Pa Crowley, Darragh Burns, Paul James Browne, Cian Evans, Harry Bawden, Barry O Sullivan, Andrew O Regan, Thomas McGillycuddy, Daniel Moriarty, John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin. Subs: Mark Healy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), James Galvin.
Anthony Corkery Memorial Tournament (U-12)
That was played in blitz form, on Sat. 23rd Oct/Sun. 24th Oct, utilising two pitches – J.P. O Sullivan Park and the Vocational School grounds. Six teams were invited and they were broken into two groups of three.
Group A: Laune Rangers, Beaufort and Kilcummin.
Group B: Austin Stacks, Milltown/Castlemaine and Currow.
Semi-finals on Sun: Laune Rangers 3-12; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6.
That was a tough and well-contested game. Laune Rangers got the upper hand when Conor Falvey found the net twice. Best for Rangers were Paul Costello, Patrick Crowley and Geoffrey O Mahony in the backs, Harry Bawden controlled midfield, while up front Seamus Galvin, John E. Murphy and Conor Falvey were sharp.
Austin Stacks defeated Beaufort.
Final on Sun. at 3.30pm: Austin Stacks 4-5; Laune Rangers 1-6.
That was a disappointing result for Laune Rangers. After a good start, they had most of the possession but failed to score. Some errors by the backs saw Stacks score four goals in a short period of time to lead by 4-2 to 0-1 at halftime.
The second half saw Rangers come back into the game but the deficit was too great. Conor Falvey scored a good goal, which helped his team to out-score Stacks by 1-4 to 0-3 in that half but it was not enough. Paul Costello, at fullback, was always in control. John O Sullivan had a great game, while Patrick Crowley had his usual sound game. Harry Bawden, Seamus Galvin, John E. Murphy and Thomas McGillycuddy tried tirelessly. Conor Falvey and Noel Lynch, who were eligible again the following year, contributed greatly to Rangers’ score-line.
Laune Rangers: Fergal O Donoghue, Sean Evans, Paul Costello, John O Sullivan (twin), Patrick Crowley, Geoffrey O Mahony, Paul James Browne, Cian Evans, Harry Bawden, Daniel Moriarty, Barry O Sullivan, Thomas McGillycuddy, Conor Falvey, John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin. Subs: Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Noel Lynch and Robert Coffey. Darragh Burns had broken one of his hands and Andrew O Regan was sick – both were badly missed.
Referees for the weekend – Pat Pigott (Laune Rangers), Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine) and Brian Murphy (Beaufort).
At the end of the U-12 campaign, Joe O Sullivan (Castle) and Neilie Doona (Kingdom) sponsored a meal for the team – Patsy Joy procured that sponsorship.
Schools’/Colleges’ Football
Co. Cumann na mBunscol 7-a-side Competition (Mid-Kerry Section):
Panels were of 10 players and games were of 7 minutes per half. There was an age penalty, depending on the size of the school.
Thurs 8th April at Beaufort:
Rd. 1: Scoil Mhuire 4-7; Kilgobnet 0-0.
Scoil Mhuire 5-5; Castledrum 1-4.
Scoil Mhuire 5-6; Glounaguillagh 0-1.
Semi-finals: Scoil Mhuire 2-6; Cullina 1-1; Glenbeigh beat Glounaguillagh.
Both Scoil Mhuire and Glenbeigh qualified for the Co. Quarter-finals in Tralee.
Scoil Mhuire: Michael McGillycuddy, Patrick Galvin, Geoffrey O Mahony, Cian Evans, Harry Bawden, Seamus Galvin (capt.), Darragh Burns, Andrew O Regan, Daniel Moriarty, Robert Coffey.
Sun. 9th May at Connolly Park, Tralee – there were six teams and they were divided into two groups of three teams, with the top two teams in each qualifying for the semi-finals.
Scoil Mhuire 3-9; Ballinskelligs 0-1.
Listellick 3-6; Scoil Mhuire 0-3.
Semi-final: Scoil Mhuire 1-7; Scoil Mhic Easmuinn 1-5.
Final: Listellick 2-7; Scoil Mhuire 0-5.
Scoil Mhuire: Michael McGillycuddy, Patrick Galvin, Patrick Crowley, Cian Evans, Harry Bawden, Darragh Burns, Seamus Galvin, Andrew O Regan, Andrew O Reilly, Daniel Moriarty. Cian Evans had just had an operation on his knee and Geoffrey O Mahony had broken one of his hands.
Mid-Kerry Primary Schools Competition
4-Teachers Schools – 15-a-side:
Rd. 1 on Fri. 14th May at Beaufort: Cullina 2-7; Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 5-7.
Ref: Brendan Twiss.
At Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 1-11; Milltown 1-4. Ref: Raymond Kelliher.
Rd. 2 on Fri. 21st May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 3-8; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 2-11.
Scoil Mhuire ‘A’: Cian Foley (capt.), Fergal O Donoghue (goals), Sean Evans, Cian Evans, Patrick Murphy, Jamie Sheehan, Patrick Galvin, John O Sullivan, Harry Bawden, Jerome O Sullivan, Daniel Moriarty, Gerard O Sullivan, Andrew O Regan, Enda Grandfield, Kieran Woods, Garrett O Reilly, Tim Cronin, Paul O Connell.
Scoil Mhuire ‘B’: Robert Foley (capt.), Michael McGillycuddy, Andrew O Reilly, Tom Crowley, Robert Coffey, Kevin Harmon, Patrick Crowley, Brian Foley, Thomas McGillycuddy, Darragh Burns, Barry O Sullivan, William Byrne (goals), Seamus Galvin, Kevin Daly, Jamie O Sullivan, Sean Jones, Tadhg Cronin, Declan O Shea, Bernard Jones, Jason O Sullivan, Conor Falvey, Geoffrey O Mahony.
Rd. 3 on Fri. 28th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ v Milltown.
At Beaufort: Cullina v Scoil Mhuire ‘B’.
4-Teachers Schools – 11-a-side:
Rd. 1 on Fri. 7th May at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh v Glenbeigh.
Rd. 2 on Fri. 14th May at Castlemaine: Castlemaine v Glounaguillagh.
At Killorglin: Douglas v Cromane.
Rd. 3 on Fri. 28th May at Beaufort: Kilgobnet v Glounaguillagh.
At Keel: Fybagh v Douglas.
Rd. 4 on Fri. 4th June at Keel: Castledrum v Glounaguillagh.
Kerry V.E.C. U-16 Championship (Corn Uí Droma)
Final on Wed. 21st April at Cromane: Killorglin C.C. 4-7; Scoil Uí Chonaill 0-9.
Killorglin: R. Prendergast, John Joe Quirke (Glenbeigh), Anthony Evans (Keel), B. O Sullivan, John Hilliard (Keel), T.J. O Brien, S. O Shea, G. O Sullivan, Billy O Shea (Keel), C. Foley, Alan O Sullivan (capt.), P. Murphy, G. O Riordan, Paul O Brien, D. Murphy. Subs: C. Breen, T. O Flaherty, P. Hayes.
Kerry VEC Junior Football Championship (U-15)
Final: Rathmore defeated Killorglin.
Kerry Colleges Dunloe Cup (U-16.5 years)
Final at the end of May in Killarney: Intermediate School, Killorglin 3-12; Tralee CBS 1-7.
Intermediate School Panel: Brian Murphy (Beaufort), James Foley, Cormac O Malley (Beaufort), Kieran O Donoghue (Listry), Brian Gannon, Pat Leahy, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Mícheál Foley (Beaufort) capt., Fergal O Brien, Mike Frank Russell, Eanna O Malley (Beaufort), Eoin O Connell, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Donncha Curran, Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Tim Moriarty, Johnny Lynch.
Coaches – Brendan Twomey and Frank Walsh.
Kerry V.E.C. Senior Football Championship
In the Autumn: Scoil Uí Chonaill beat Killorglin C.C.
Munster Inter-firm Football Championship
Final on Sat. 20th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Lee Strand, Tralee 0-10; Cork Garda 1-8.
Shane O Sullivan had not been selected due to the Munster Club Championship game on the following day.
Lee Strand: Richard Linehan, Matty Leahy, Maurice O Connor, George Collins, Ken Savage, Seamus O Sullivan, Eamonn Ferris, Cormac Kennedy, Tommy Roche, Sean Lambe (0-1), Kieran Culhane (0-3), Liam Galvin, Tommy O Sullivan (0-2), Barry Murphy, Seamus Murphy (0-3). Subs: Kenneth Lenihan for K. Culhane (inj.), Shane O Sullivan for M. Leahy.
Munster U-16 Football Championship
That competition was organised by Bord na nOg Luimní. Kerry entered two teams – North-Kerry (West-Kerry, St. Brendan’s, Tralee, North Kerry and Castleisland) and South-Kerry (East-Kerry, Kenmare, Mid-Kerry and South-Kerry). Sponsorship for the event was provided by Irish Wire Products, Limerick, and the Woodlands Hotel, Adare.
South-Kerry Selection Committee: Junior Murphy (St. Mary’s) manager, Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers) coach, Michael Price (Kenmare), Donie Fleming (Legion) and Peadar O Shea (St. Michael’s).
South-Kerry Trial on Mon. 25th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers’ players in attendance were Paul O Brien, Joe Hayes, John Sheehan, John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, Pa O Sullivan and Alan O Sullivan.
Rd. 1 on Sat. 6th Nov. at Pallaskenry: South-Kerry 5-10; Waterford 2-5.
Pa O Sullivan scored two goals, Michael F. Russell one goal, Brian Gannon one gaol and Vince Cooper one goal.
South-Kerry: Austin Constable (St. Mary’s), Aeneas Looney (Gneeveguilla), Denis O Neill (Rathmore), Joe Hayes (Laune Rangers), John Sheehan (do.), Mícheál O Sullivan (Foilmore), Jerry O Sullivan (Kenmare), Mark O Sullivan (Foilmore), Kieran O Sullivan (Dromid), Brian Gannon (Laune Rangers) capt., Michael F. Russell, (do.), Liam O Sullivan (St. Michael’s), Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Vince Cooper (Dr. Croke’s). Subs: Pat Joe O Connor (St. Mary’s), John O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Kieran O Donoghue (Listry), Billy O Shea (Keel), Brendan Darcy (Spa), Damien O Sullivan (do.), all played.
Final on Sun. 12th Dec. at Fitzgerald Stadium: South-Kerry 3-10; North-Kerry 2-11.
Best for South-Kerry were Pa O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell, Rory McGrath, Vince Cooper, Michael and Mark O Sullivan and John Sheehan. After the game, the John O Donovan Cup was presented to the South-Kerry captain, Brian Gannon, by Munster Council Vice-Chairman, Noel Walsh. Afterwards, both teams and mentors were guests of the sponsors at a reception in the Park Place Hotel, Killarney, where the winning team was presented with their Munster medals.
South-Kerry: Austin Constable, Aeneus O Leary, Denis O Neill, Gerry O Sullivan, John Sheehan, Michael O Sullivan, Pat Joe O Connor, Mark O Sullivan, Kieran O Sullivan, Brian Gannon capt. (0-1), Michael F. Russell (1-3), Liam O Sullivan (1-0), Pa O Sullivan (0-4), Rory McGrath (1-1), Vince Cooper. Subs: Fergal O Brien for G. O Sullivan, John O Sullivan (0-1) for B. Gannon.
North-Kerry: D. O Neill (Gaeltacht), Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Finuge), David Heasman (Castlegregory), Mossy Lyons (Desmonds), T. Griffin (Austin Stacks), Breandán Ó Sé (Lispole), Cathal Naughton (Austin Stacks) 0-1, P. Somers (St. Senan’s), Alan Doran (St. Senan’s) 0-2, Riobard Mac Gearailt (Gaeltacht) 0-1, Liam Brosnan (Currow) 0-1, Eugene O Connell (Tarbert) 0-2, Gerry Lynch (Austin Stacks) 2-1, Ger Teahan (do.) 0-2, Brian Scanlon (Emmett’s) 0-1. Sub: Willie Joe Leen (Ballyheigue) for D. Heasman.
Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).
Munster Minor Football Championship
Semi-final on Fri. 9th July at Tralee: Kerry 1-9; Cork 2-7.
Kerry: Brian Murphy (Beaufort), Sean O Mahony (Castlegregory), Killian Burns (Sneem), John Cronin (Dr. Crokes), Chris Drummond (Sneem), Brian McCarthy (Dr. Crokes), Ted Bowler (Legion), John Brennan (Desmonds), Dara Ó Sé (Gaeltacht) 0-1, Denis O Dwyer (Waterville) 0-1, Dara Ó Cinnéide (Gaeltacht), Ruaidhrí Rahilly (Ballymac) 0-4, 3 frees, James O Shea (Foilmore) 1-1, Brian Clarke (Dr. Crokes) 0-1, Jerry Murphy (Rathmore) 0-1. Subs: Liam Hassett (Laune Rangers) for J. Cronin, William Kirby (Na Gaeil), Liam Brosnan (Currow), Padraig McElligott (Knocknagoshel), Padraig Burns (Sneem), Kevin O Donoghue (Legion), Jack Ferriter (Dingle), Stephen Wallace (Ardfert), John Enright (St. Pat’s, Blennerville), John Joe Murphy (Rathmore).
Munster/All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship
Semi-final on Thurs. 8th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 1-6; Kerry 2-8.
Billy O Shea played a starring role at centre half-forward. Mike Hassett was moved out from the corner to centre-halfback and he succeeded in putting the shackles of Cork senior player, Joe Kavanagh.
Kerry: Declan O Keeffe (Rathmore), Mike Hassett (Laune Rangers), Gary McGrath (Beaufort), Niall Mangan (Kilcummin), Shane Curtin (Desmonds), Fergus Stack (Beale), John O Connell (Tarbert), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk) 0-1, free, John Quirke (St. Michael’s/Foilmore), Cathal O Grady (Legion) 0-3, frees, Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers), Pat O Driscoll (Ardfert) 2-0, Eamonn Hennessy (Ballylongford 0-2, C. Burns, Eddie Bowler. Subs: Johnny O Driscoll (Annascaul) 0-2 for C. Burns, Sean Culloty (Legion) for E. Bowler, N. Moynihan for B. O Shea (inj.).
Final on Fri. 23rd July at Walsh Park, Waterford: Waterford 3-9; Kerry 1-21.
Billy O Shea was rampant at centre half-forward, distributing the ball effectively. Mike Hassett, though playing at right fullback, scored 0-1.
Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike Hassett (0-1), Gary McGrath, Niall Mangan, Shane Curtin, Fergus Stack (0-2), John O Connell, Seamus Moynihan (0-2), John Quirke (0-2), Cathal O Grady (0-7, 5 frees and 1 line ball), Billy O Shea, Pat O Driscoll (0-2), Eamonn Hennessy (1-2), Johnny O Driscoll, Eddie Bowler. Subs: Sean Culloty (0-3, 1 free) for E. Bowler, John O Shea for J. O Driscoll, Kieran Scanlon for F. Stack.
All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 1st Aug. at Ennis: Kerry 1-13; Galway 0-12.
Billy O Shea was magnificent at centre half-forward, scoring 0-2 to boot. Mike Hassett was man-of-the-match, starting at right fullback but he was switched to centre halfback. Mike Hassett and Billy O Shea were the main contributors in the build-up for the goal.
Final on Sun. 30th Aug. at Portlaoise: Meath 1-8; Kerry 0-10.
Billy O Shea had an excellent game on the ‘forty’, scoring 0-1. Mike Hassett was excellent at right fullback but he should have been moved out the field where his leadership qualities would have been seen to greater effect.
Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike Hassett, Gary McGrath, Niall Mangan, Shane Curtin, Fergus Stack, John O Connell, Seamus Moynihan, John Quirke (capt.), Cathal O Grady, Billy O Shea, Pat O Driscoll, Eamonn Hennessy, John O Shea (Waterville), Sean Culloty. Subs: Dara Ó Sé for J. Quirke, Kieran Scanlon for G. McGrath, Sean O Driscoll for J. O Shea, Timmy Foley (Ballylongford), Mark Moynihan (Annascaul), John Histon (Tarbert), Eddie Bowler (Duagh), Conor O Donnell (Dingle), J.J. Corduff (Gaeltacht).
Munster Senior Football Championship
Challenge (Ronan Travel Cup) on Sun. 2nd May at Ruislip: Kerry 2-12; Mayo 3-9
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Connie Murphy, Anthony Gleeson, Kieran Culhane, Stephen Stack, Bernard McElligott (0-2), Pat Slattery, Dermot Hanifin, Noel O Mahony, Billy O Shea (capt.) 0-1, Eamonn Breen (2-2), Conor Kearney (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-2, frees), Eoin Liston (0-4), David Farrell. Subs: Morgan Nix for P. Slattery, Sean Geaney for D. Farrell.
Trial on Sun. 16th May at Ballyheigue: Kerry ‘A’ 1-16; Kerry ‘B’ 1-10.
Kerry ‘’: Peter O Brien, Connie Murphy, John Walsh, Morgan Nix, Liam O Flaherty (0-1), Sean Burke, Brendan O Sullivan (Ballyheigue), Conor Kearney, Noel O Mahony (0-1), David Farrell, Eamonn Breen (0-2), Peadar Keane (1-2), Carl O Dwyer (0-4), Eoin Liston (0-2), Timmy Fleming (0-4).
Kerry ‘B’: Declan O Keeffe, Pat Slattery, Kieran Culhane, Pat Harrington (Ballyheigue), John Quirke, Mark Moynihan, Mark Cooper, Dermot Hanifin (0-1), Bernard McElligott (0-1), Pa Laide (0-2), John Kennedy (0-1), Sean Geaney (0-1), Pat O Shea (1-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-2), John Healy (Ballyheigue) 0-1.
Challenge on Sun. 23rd May at Cahersiveen: Kerry 1-8; Mayo 1-10.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Kieran Culhane, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Sean Burke, Bernard McElligott, Liam O Flaherty, Dermot Hanifin (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-4), Billy O Shea, Eamonn Breen, Timmy Fleming, Carl O Dwyer (1-2), Eoin Liston (0-1), Connie Murphy. Sub: Stephen Stack for K. Culhane (inj.).
Semi-final on Sun. 20th June at Killarney: Kerry 0-10; Cork 1-10.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Connie Murphy, Kieran Culhane, Morgan Nix, Seamus Moynihan, Sean Burke (capt.), Liam Flaherty, Dermot Hannafin (0-1), Bernard McElligott, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-7, 6 frees), Eamonn Breen (0-1), Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea, Eoin Liston, Carl O Dwyer (0-1). Subs: Noel O Mahony for B. McElligott, Conor Kearney for E. Liston, Pa Dennehy for C. Murphy, Stephen Stack, Pat Slattery, Peter O Brien, Sean Geaney, David Farrell and Billy O Sullivan.
NFL 1992/’93
Challenge on Sat. 30th Jan. at Athenry: Galway 1-6; Kerry 0-15.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Pat Slattery, Bernard McElligott, Morgan Nix, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Sean Burke, Liam Flaherty, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-6, 4 frees), Conor Kearney (0-1), Connie Murphy (0-1), Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1), Carl O Dwyer (0-3), Noel O Mahony (0-1), David Farrell. Subs: Eoin Liston for C. Kearney, Pa Dennehy for C. O Dwyer, Conor Kearney for D. Farrell.
Challenge on Sun. 31st Jan. at Mountbellew: Kerry 1-16; Longford 1-9.
Kerry: Peter O Brien, Pat Slattery, Sean Burke, Kieran Culhane, Stephen Stack, Anthony Gleeson, Liam Flaherty, Noel O Mahony, Conor Kearney (0-1), Connie Murphy (1-1), Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Billy O Shea (0-2), Carl O Dwyer (0-5), Eoin Liston (0-1), Pa Dennehy (0-3). Sub: Eamonn Breen (0-1) for S. Moynihan.
Challenge on Sun. 21st Feb. at Askeaton: Limerick 1-9; Kerry 0-15.
Kerry: Peter O Brien, Kieran Culhane, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Seamus Moynihan, Sean Burke, Stephen Stack, Conor Kearney, Bernard McElligott, John O Connell, David Farrell, Mark Moynihan, Billy O Shea, Eoin Liston, Pa Dennehy. Subs: Eamonn Breen for C. Kearney, Mike Hassett for S. Moynihan.
Sun. 14th Feb. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 1-11; Armagh 2-5.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Pat Slattery, Bernard McElligott, Morgan Nix, Eamonn Breen, Sean Burke (capt.), Liam Flaherty, Noel O Mahony, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-4, 3 frees), Carl O Dwyer (1-3, 1 pen.), Connie Murphy, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Pa Dennehy (0-1), Eoin Liston (0-2), Billy O Shea. Subs: Stephen Stack for B. McElligott, Conor Kearney for N. O Mahony, David Farrell for C. Murphy, Kieran Culhane, Peter O Brien.
Sun. 28th Feb. at Crosmolina: Mayo 1-9; Kerry 1-9.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Stephen Stack, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Eamonn Breen, Sean Burke, Liam Flaherty, Bernard McElligott (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5), Connie Murphy, David Farrell, Seamus Moynihan, Billy O Shea (0-1), Eoin Liston, Carl O Dwyer (1-2). Subs: Conor Kearney for C. Murphy, Pa Dennehy for B. O Shea.
Sun. 12th March at Enniskillen: Fermanagh 1-6; Kerry 2-14.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Kieran Culhane, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Stephen Stack (0-1), Sean Burke, Liam Flaherty (0-1), Bernard McElligott, Maurice Fitzgerald (1-3), Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1), Pa Dennehy (0-3), Eoin Liston (0-1), Carl O Dwyer (1-3, 1 pen.).
Quarter-final on Sun. 4th April at Croke Park: Kerry 0-16; Down 0-15 (AET).
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Liam Flaherty, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Stephen Stack, Sean Burke, Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 3 frees), Bernard McElligott, Billy O Shea, Eamonn Breen (0-2), Timmy Fleming (0-1), Pa Dennehy (0-1), Eoin Liston (0-1), Carl O Dwyer (0-3). Subs: Connie Murphy for B. O Shea, Dermot Hannafin (0-1) for P. Dennehy, Conor Kearney for C. Murphy, David Farrell for T. Fleming.
Semi-final on Sun. 18th April at Croke Park: Dublin 1-10; Kerry 0-11.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Liam Flaherty, Anthony Gleeson, Morgan Nix, Stephen Stack, Sean Burke (capt.), Seamus Moynihan, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-3, 2 frees), Dermot Hannafin, Bernard McElligott (0-1), Eamonn Breen (0-1), Timmy Fleming, Pa Dennehy (0-2), Eoin Liston (0-2), Carl O Dwyer (0-2). Subs: Pat Slattery for S. Burke, Billy O Shea for S. Moynihan, Conor Kearney for B. O Shea.
NFL 1993/’94
Rd. 1 on Sun. 10th Oct. at Tralee: Kerry 2-11; Kildare 0-10.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Anthony Gleeson, Adrian Hassett, Eamonn Breen, Bernard McElligott, Seamus Moynihan, Noel O Mahony, Conor Kearney, Pa Laide (1-2, goal from pen.), Billy O Shea (0-1), Eamonn Hennessy (0-1), Pat McKenna (1-2), Sean McElligott (0-1), Sean Geaney (0-4, frees). Sub: J. O Connell for E. Hennessy. Timmy Fleming, Gerard Murphy and Billy O Sullivan had been asked to join the panel, also. Timmy and Gerard were injured at the time and Billy did not seem interested. That game marked their debuts at inter-county senior football for both Mike and Adrian Hassett.
Rd. 2 on Sun. 24th Oct. at Croke Park: Dublin 2-12; Kerry 1-13.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Purtill (Beale), Anthony Gleeson, Adrian Hassett, Eamonn Breen, Bernard McElligott, Seamus Moynihan, Noel O Leary, Conor Kearney (0-1), Pa Laide (0-2), Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming (capt.), Pat McKenna (0-2), Sean McElligott (1-4), Sean Geaney (0-4). Sub: John Walsh for M. Purtill.
Rd. 3 on Sun. 7th Nov. at Killarney: Kerry 0-13; Derry 1-12.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke (0-1), Morgan Nix, Mike Purtill, Eamonn Breen, Bernard McElligott, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Noel O Mahony, Conor Kearney, Billy O Shea (0-3), Timmy Fleming (capt.) 0-1, Brian Clarke (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-1), Sean McElligott (0-3, frees), Sean Geaney (0-2, frees). Sub: John O Connell for M. Purtill.
Rd. 4 on Sun. 21st Nov. at Newcastle: Down 1-12; Kerry 0-10.
Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Eamonn Breen, John Walsh, Bernard McElligott, Seamus Moynihan, Timmy Fleming (capt) 0-1, Conor Kearney (0-1), Pa Laide, Pat McKenna, Billy O Shea (0-1), Sean McElligott (0-3, 1 free and a 45), Brian Clarke, Sean Geaney (0-4, 3 frees). Sub: Seanie Culloty for P. Laide.
Co. Senior Hurling Championship
St. Mary’s players played with St. Patrick’s in the Co. Senior Hurling Championship.
Rd. 1 on Sat. 10th July at Austin Stack Park: Austin Stack’s 3-11; St. Patrick’s 0-3.
Joe Kennedy played at midfield and scored 0-1. Robert Kennedy came on as a substitute.
Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship
Rd. 1 on Mon. 16th Aug. at Beaufort: St. Mary’s 1-12; Dr. Crokes 1-5.
Semi-final on Sat. 16th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: St. Mary’s 2-14; Kilgarvan 5-3.
St. Mary’s got off to a brilliant start and completely dominated the game in the first half, after which they led by 2-11 to 0-0. Kilgarvan scored a goal within seconds of the restart and added a point a couple of minutes later. Kilgarvan scored a second goal and with less than ten minutes remaining, St. Mary’s still led by eleven points. Kilgarvan got through for two further goals to leave just five points between the teams at the end of sixty minutes. With the last attack of the game, they scored another goal but the final whistle sounded with the puck-out.
St. Mary’s: Alan Quirke, Mike Broderick, Jerry Foley, Donal Quirke, Eoin O Sullivan, Jerome O Mahony, Jimmy Gleeson, Joe Kennedy (0-8), Jerry O Sullivan (0-1), Laurence Hogan (0-1), Richard O Connor (1-1), Kevin McNamara (0-1), Robert Kennedy (0-2), Val Broderick (1-0), John O Connell. Subs: Joe Purcell, Ciarán O Callaghan, Michael Fleming, Gerard Hearne and Joe Crowe.
Final on Sat. 20th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: St. Mary’s 1-7; Lady’s Walk 0-8.
A little bit of history was made when St. Mary’s won the Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship for the very first time. It was a brave display from the newly crowned champions, who had to overturn a two-points’ deficit in the second half to take the lead and, who then had to muster all their strengths to hold off a brave Lady’s Walk challenge in the closing minutes.
A lot of credit for the victory must go to midfielder Joe Kennedy, who scored all but two points of his side’s total. St. Mary’s went into the lead in the fourth minute, when Joe Kennedy pointed a free, following a foul on Donal Quirke. Lady’s Walk got on the score-sheet just two minutes later with a point from a Mossie O Sullivan free. In the ninth minute, St. Mary’s forged into the lead when Richard O Connor was fouled as he made his way to goal and Joe Kennedy stepped up to blast the semi-penalty shot to the back of the Lady’s Walk net and put his side into a 1-1 to 0-1 lead.
Lady’s Walk, however, began to find their range after that and they rattled off three good points without reply to pull themselves level. Ado O Sullivan converted a 65m free and Jimmy Barron and Mossie O Sullivan added the other two but they were also guilty of a number of bad wides and St. Mary’s punished them just before halftime with a good point from corner-forward Joe Purcell. St. Mary’s had battled hard in that first half with Jerome O Mahony playing well at centre halfback and Joe Kennedy and inter-county player Jerry O Sullivan playing well at midfield but they were creating less scoring opportunities than their opponents and looked to be fighting an uphill battle in the second half. The halftime score was 1-2 to 0-4 in favour of the Mid-Kerry boys.
Lady’s Walk began the second half with added enthusiasm and Mossie O Sullivan levelled the scores in the fourth minute with a 30m free. However, St. Mary’s kept up the challenge and Joe Kennedy was successful from long range to restore their one point advantage. The Ballyduff side then had a period of dominance in which they registered three points from substitute, John Kennelly, a free from Ado O Sullivan and a superb effort from John O Mahony to put them 0-8 to 1-3 ahead. That, however, proved to be their last score of the game and St. Mary’s introduced the experience Martin Driver into their forward line to add the bite that was so sorely missing and he immediately made his mark by shooting a good point from 40m.
St. Mary’s then began to hurl with great panache and pile forward in search of the scores that would get them back into contention. It was then that Joe Kennedy really began to shine and he fired over two frees in succession to put them a point ahead and, when Jerry O Sullivan’s shot was deflected out for a 65, Joe Kennedy stepped up to send a great shot over the bar and put a two-points cushion between the sides.
It was at that point that their character was really tested as Lady’s Walk went in search of a last minute goal. Substitute, Kevin Halloran, almost got in for that goal but he was thwarted by goalkeeper Alan Quirke and some sterling play from Jerry Foley. Aidan Spillane and Owen O Sullivan, in the fullback line, kept the Ballyduff men at bay. The final whistle was greeted with both relief and jubilation by the St. Mary’s players and mentors. Jerry O Sullivan received the Intermediate Cup from Teddy O Sullivan to cap a great year for him and his progressive club.
St. Mary’s were best served by Joe Kennedy and Jerry O Sullivan in midfield, Jerry Foley, Jerome O Mahony, Timmy Gleeson and Aidan Spillane in defence and John O Connell, Joe Purcell and Martin Driver in attack. Trainer – John Purcell (Killorglin).
St. Mary’s: Alan Quirke, Aidan Spillane, Jerry Foley, Owen O Sullivan, Jimmy Gleeson, Jerome O Mahony, Mike Broderick, Joe Kennedy (1-5, 1 pen, one 65 and 3 frees), Jerry O Sullivan, Laurence Hogan, John O Connell, Donal Quirke, Richard O Connor, Val Broderick, Joe Purcell (0-1). Subs: Robert Kennedy for D. Quirke, Martin Driver (0-1) for M. Broderick, Billy O Sullivan and Pat Courtney.
Lady’s Walk: Terry O Rahilly, Tom O Sullivan, John Carroll, Paddy O Sullivan, Mike Murphy, John O Sullivan, Ado O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free), William Houlihan, John Mike O Connor, Ger O Grady, John O Mahony (0-1), Pa Kennelly, Mossie O Sullivan (0-3, 2 frees), Jimmy Barron (0-1), D.J. O Neill. Subs: Mike Halloran, John Kennelly (0-1) and Kevin Halloran.
Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).
Co. Hurling League Div. 3
Rd. 1 on Wed. 16th June at Farranfore: St. Mary’s lost narrowly to Dr. Crokes ‘B’.
Rd. 2 on Wed. 23rd June at Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-5; St. Mary’s 0-8.
Rd. 4 on Sun. 4th July at Causeway: Causeway ‘C’ 0-10; St. Mary’s 1-5.
Rd. 5 on Wed. 7th July: St. Mary’s Lixnaw ‘C’.
Rd. 6 on Wed. 14th July at Kilmoyley: Kilmoyley ‘C’ St. Mary’s.
Rd. 7 on Wed. 21st July at Milltown: St. Mary’s lost to St. Brendan’s ‘C’.
Rd. 3 on Sun. 25th July at Farranfore: St. Mary’s drew with Abbeydorney ‘C’.
Rd. 8 on Wed. 28th July at Ballyduff: Ballyduff ‘C’ beat St. Mary’s.
Rd. 9 on Wed. 4th Aug. at Farranfore: St. Mary’s lost narrowly to Crotta ‘B’.
Rd. 10 on Sun. 8th Aug. at Tralee: Austin Stacks ‘B’ St. Mary’s.
Rd. 11 on Wed. 18th Aug: Kilgarvan ‘B’ St. Mary’s.
Rd. 12 on Wed. 25th Aug. at Kenmare: Kenmare ‘B’ St. Mary’s.
South-Kerry Senior Hurling Championship
The St. Mary’s players were allowed to play with St. Pat’s, East-Kerry, in that competition.
Final on Sun. 5th Sept. at Kilgarvan: Kenmare 0-9; St. Pat’s 1-5.
St. Pat’s: Denis McCarthy, Michael J. O Leary, Tom O Leary, Padraig O Sullivan, D. Coyne, Paul O Gorman, Timmy Hourigan, Joe Kennedy, Jerry O Sullivan (0-1), John Dunphy (0-1), Con Moynihan (0-1), Cathal Mannix (0-2), Kevin McNamara, Michael Leahy, Gary Landers (1-0). Subs: Eoin O Sullivan, J. Crowley, P. Clarke.
Ref: Christy Hussey (Kilgarvan).
South-Kerry Junior Hurling League
Rd. 1 on Thurs. 27th May at Tralee: Austin Stacks 2-5; St. Mary’s 3-8.
Rd. 2 on Thurs. 6th May at Milltown: St. Mary’s had a runaway win over Kerins O Rahillys.
Final at Beaufort: Dr. Crokes 2-11; St. Mary’s 2-9.
That was a very sporting and entertaining game between two very fit and well-prepared teams. Dr. Crokes led at halftime by 2-6 to 0-5 and looked to be coasting home. However, St. Mary’s introduced substitute Val Broderick and brought Kevin McNamara out to the ‘40’. Those moves worked wonders and St. Mary’s began to play their best hurling. A goal by Mike Broderick and another by McNamara brought them back into contention but superb hurling by Martin Byrnes swung the game for Crokes. St. Mary’s had fine hurlers in Mike Broderick, Timmy Gleeson, Joe Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Jerome O Mahony, Laurence Hogan, Donal Quirke and Kevin McNamara.
South-Kerry Junior Hurling Championship
Rd. 1 on Sat. 26th June at Killarney: St. Mary’s beat Kilgarvan.
Rd. 2 on Sat. 31st July at Beaufort: Dr. Crokes beat St. Mary’s.
Senior Hurling Challenge Games
11-a-side at Knockavota on Sun. 2nd May: Seniors 3-2; Juniors 1-7.
Seniors: Joe Crowe, Michael Sweeney, Ted Quirke, Karl Daly, Michael Cronin, P. O Sullivan, S. Flynn, Bill Hearne, Michael O Sullivan, Christy Kennedy, James Mangan. Subs: P. Cronin and T. Flynn.
Juniors: J. Hearne, Pat McKenna, Padraig Doyle, Gerard Hearne, Stephen Daly, Noel Spillane, M. Murphy, Liam Hearne, Karl John Daly, M. Foley and C. Wharton. Subs: Liam Mangan and Enda Clifford.
Ref: Sean Purcell (Killorglin) – capable.
The event was videoed by Michael O Shea, Michael Corcoran and Michael Hannon.
11-a-side game on Sun. 27th June at Milltown: Milltown 5-2; Killorglin 7-8.
Ref: Martin Driver (Firies).
11-a-side game on Sun. 31st July at Killorglin: Killorglin beat Milltown by four points.
Ref: Karl Daly.
Seven-a-side Hurling Parish League
There were four teams, Killorglin, Knockavota, Milltown and Tinnahalla/Dromin. All the games were played in Knockavota.
Rd. 1on Sun. 1st Aug: Knockavota 7-3; Tinnahalla/Dromin 4-4. Ref: M. McAuliffe.
Rd. 2: Killorglin beat Milltown. Ref: Brendan Hearne (Tinnahalla).
Rd. 3: Killorglin beat Tinnahalla/Dromin. Ref: Michael O Sullivan (Knockavota).
Rd. 4 on Sun. 15th Aug: Knockavota 5-14; Milltown 5-6. Ref: Joe Crowe (Killorglin).
Rd. 5 on Sun. 22nd Aug: Killorglin beat Knockavota. Ref: P. Murphy.
Rd. 6 on Sun. 29th Aug: Milltown beat Tinnahalla/Dromin. Ref: Nicholas Murphy (Killorglin).
Semi-final on Sun. 12th Sept: Milltown beat Knockavota.
Final on Sun. 2nd Oct: Killorglin beat Milltown. Ref: Brendan Hearne (Tinnahalla).
Killorglin panel: Joe Crowe (capt.), Michael Sweeney, Christy Kennedy, Gerard Clifford, James Clifford, Eamonn Clifford, Patrick O Shea, John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Nicholas Murphy, Michael Fleming and David Lynch.
Tinnahall/Dromin panel: Brendan Hearne (capt.), Gerard Hearne, Liam Hearne, J. Hearne, Bill Hearne, A. Stack, Pat Langford, Padraig Doyle, Enda Clifford, C. Wharton, N. Dolan, P. Flaherty and M. Fitzgerald.
Munster Junior Hurling Championship
Sun. 30th May at Lismore: Waterford 2-12; Kerry 2-10.
Joe Kennedy started at left half-forward but was replaced in the second half.
Administration/Miscellany
Peter Quinn, Fear Manach, was Uachtarán CLG.
The Annual Convention of the Munster Council was held in Hayes’ Hotel, Thurles on 27th Feb. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Tommy Boland (Luimneach), Secretary – Donie Nealon and Treasurer – Declan Moylan (Luimneach).
The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held on Sun. 17th Jan. in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee. The following officers were re-elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc, Chairman – Sean Kelly, Vice-Chairman – Liam Cotter, Secretary – Tony O Keeffe, Joint-Treasurers – John McMahon (226 votes), James Coffey (196), both elected, Dee Ferris (Listry) 52 votes, PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan, Development Officer – Sean Walsh, Youth Officer – Joe Langan (156 votes), elected, Derry Sheehan (81), Delegates to Munster Council – Dave Geaney and Teddy O Sullivan, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna.
Senior Football Selection Committee (appointed in September 1992) – Ogie Moran (manager), Johnny Mulvihill (Moyvane) and Pat O Shea (Cromane).
Minor Football Selection Committee: Charlie Nelligan (trainer),
U-21 Football Selection Committee: Paudie O Shea (trainer),
Pat Lynch was re-appointed as a member of the Co. GPC. Bart Moriarty was referees’ co-ordinator for the county.
The officers for Bord na nOg Chiarraí were: President – Sylvie Mason, Chairman – Dan Kelliher (Dr. Crokes), Vice-Chairman – Bro. John Guinane (Milltown/Castlemaine), Secretary/PRO – Willie O Connor (Kerins O Rahillys), Fixtures Secretaries – U-12 John Lenihan (Kilcummin), U-14 Christy Walsh (Emmett’s), U-16 Johnny Brosnan (Currow), Hurling Paudie County (Ballyduff). Registrar – Liam Ó Rocháin (An Ghaeltacht), Treasurers – Liam Moriarty (Kerins O Rahillys) and Con Griffin (Dr. Crokes), Hurling Officer – John Canty (Causeway).
Féile Peile na nOg was held in Kerry in 1993/1994. At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 13th July 1992, the following committee was appointed: Derry Sheehan (Chairman), Jerome Conway (Secretary), Eamonn O Sullivan (Desmonds), Willie O Connor (Kerins O Rahillys), Maurice O Sullivan (Ballyheigue), John Linehan (Kilcummin), Bro. John Guinane (Milltown/Castlemaine) and John McAuliffe (Lixnaw).
That was the 12th Féile. The parade, normally held on Sunday prior to the finals, was changed to Sat. evening at 7.30pm in Tralee. A Division 5 was introduced for the first time. The results were as follows:
Div. 1 – Round Towers, Dublin 2-9; Simmonstown, Meath 2-6 (AET).
Div. 2 – Sarsfield, Belfast 1-6; Killeavy, Armagh 0-6.
Div. 3 – Bray Emmetts, Wicklow 1-6; Edenderry, Offaly 2-2.
Div. 4 – Ardfinnan, Tipperary 4-3; St. Senan’s, Foynes, Limerick 2-7.
Div. 5 – Beale 3-1; Fossa 1-5.
Present in Kerry over the weekend were Peter Quinn, Uachtarán, Jack Boothman (Uachtaran Tofa), Liam Ó Maoilmhichíl (Ard-Stiúrthóir) and Seán Ó Laoire (Páirc an Chrócaigh).
The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Mike McCarthy (Milltown/Castlemaine), Vice-Chairman – John Dowling (Keel), Secretary – Michael Healy (Cromane), Joint-Treasurers – Edward Stack (Laune Rangers), George Evans (Keel) and Dan Carey (Cromane), PRO – Mike Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine) 16 votes, elected, Ian Foley (Keel) 14 votes (Christy O Riordan had withdrawn).
Laune Rangers organised Bord na nOg Chiarraí Láir in 1993. Jerome Conway was Chairman and James Ferris was Secretary.
The AGM of St. Mary’s Hurling Club took place on Thurs. 10th Dec. 1992 in Firies Well. The following officers were elected: President – Bill Hearne (Killorglin), Chairman – Karl Daly (Milltown), Vice-Chairman – Billy O Sullivan (Firies), Secretary – Mike Kennedy (Firies), Ass. Secretary – Michael O Sullivan (Milltown), Treasurer – Pat Lynch (Killorglin), PRO – Michael O Sullivan and Billy O Sullivan, Delegate to Co. Board – Pat Lynch, Delegates to South-Kerry Hurling Board – Mike Kennedy and Michael Broderick (Listry), Delegate to Bord na nOg – Bill Hearne.
The minutes of 21 Laune Rangers Club meetings are available. The following matters were transacted:
1st Feb – A discussion took place on means of keeping traffic off the pitch and it was decided to contact Austin O Reilly re the possibility of Laune Rangers training on the Vocational School field, erect lights at the lower end of the J.P. O Sullivan Park and to enquire re the possibility of purchasing Mick Ahern’s field off the roadway at the western side of the field. Mattie Cahill was given permission to dig soak-ways inside the main wall to take the water that flowed from the roadway through the gates into the field. The following volunteered to collect spot prizes for the pending Social from the businesses of the town: Liam Shannon, Mattie Cahill, Mike O Shea, Jim Galvin, Peter Lyons and Dermot O Shea. John Galvin suggested that the club should sell £1 lotto tickets. Favour was found with the idea and it was accepted that everyone, especially the players, would have to work hard at it in order for it to be successful. An incentive of 20p per ticket sold was offered to the players and members.
22nd Feb. – the offer of £17,000 for the field was not even entertained by the Ahern family. James Coffey informed the meeting that there were concrete seats available in the Fitzgerald Stadium. James Coffey, also, informed the meeting that the club had a debit balance of £3,500 in the bank.
9th March – the Chairman, Jerome Conway made a presentation, on behalf of the club, to the former Rúnaí, Donal Pigott, in appreciation of services rendered (He had been unable to attend the Social). Donal Pigott replied by saying that he had enjoyed his term of office and he hoped to play a part again, some time.
23rd March – The Chairman thanked James Ferris for the use of his truck for carrying the young Laune Rangers in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bernadette and Maurice Corkery agreed to attend as many games as possible, and in their absence, the team trainers would compile a report for the Laune Rangers’ column in the Kerryman. Canon Keane gave a donation of £150 to the club. James Coffey informed the meeting that the club had a debit balance of £3,641.
5th April – The lotto tickets were printed and the Chairman and Secretary agreed to distribute them to the players. It was emphasised that all sold tickets had to be returned to the CYMS Hall between 7.45pm and 8.00pm every Sunday night. James Ferris suggested that tickets for sale should be placed in some shops and pubs in the town – Pa Foley, Iveragh Road, Dermot Foley, the Bridge, Pa O Grady, Pat Foley, Langford Street, O Shea’s Pub, Langford Street, Falvey’s Pub, Lower Bridge Street, Sheahan’s Pub, the Square and The Castle Bar. The meeting decided to consider sponsorship opportunities for the senior team.
20th April – To further increase lotto sales it was decided to ask Donie Griffin to sell tickets in Liebherr, Batty Foley in Liebig, Mike Dowd in the Intermediate School, Mick O Connell in the Vocational School, James Sheehan/Buddy O Sullivan in the Forge, Jerry Horgan in Quirke’s. It was further decided to ask the following to sell tickets: John Griffin, Caragh Lake, John Griffin, Reen, Gerard Costello and Tom Johnston.
24th May – The club sought and was granted a low-interest loan of £20,000 from Croke Park.
15th June – The £20,000 loan arrived, the remaining debt on the dressing-rooms had been cleared and the balance of the grant was lodged to an account @ 7% for six months. Maurice Corkery had pebbled-dashed the outside of the main wall in preparation for Féile Peile na nOg. Nets had been purchased from Kerrypak Nets. The field was a credit to the work of Mattie Cahill and his band of helpers. The concrete seats had been transported from Killarney by Seamus Foley, Reen. The Department of Social Welfare had introduced a scheme whereby clubs could employ third level students for ten weeks during the summer (16 hours per week) @ £40 per week and the money could then be recouped from the Department. The club decided to employ three students – to work in the field and to operate the summer camps. The Chairman announced details of the sponsorship deal with the Fishery. Initially, there would be a set of jerseys and the remaining arrangement over a three years’ period would be worked out at the end of the year.
29th June – The lotto sales had been poor over the previous few weeks and it was decided to ask the minor players to sell tickets. Any senior player, who had not paid his membership, would have the amount deducted from his earnings from the sale of lotto tickets.
13th July – Liebig International had been asked to sponsor some activity in the club and a donation of £100 was received. It was decided to purchase an alternative set of jerseys – green and gold.
7th Sept. – Preparations were put in place for the Co. Senior Final. AIB, the competition sponsors, would provide the jerseys for the final. Flags, caps and neck-ties would be made – Scoil Mhuire N.S made the flags and neck-ties. It was decided to purchase jumpers and ties for the players and officials and the contingent would travel to the game by bus. John Evans suggested that a sub-committee would be set up to procure sponsorship That was done as follows: Chairman – Michael Foley, Secretary – Bernadette Corkery, Committee – Jimmy Hayes, John Galvin, Tom Johnston, James Sheehan, James Ferris, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Mike O Shea, Maurice Corkery, Dolores Johnston, Marie Cahillane, Siobhan Shanahan, John Evans, Pat O Pigott, John Griffin and James McInery. Two lists of possible sponsors were drawn up – a list of locals with 90 names approximately and a list of outside names with 60 names approximately. A letter would be drawn up and sent to those.
14th Sept. – The Chairman had met with Annascaul officials and it was agreed that Laune Rangers would wear white jerseys with blue collar and cuffs. Killorglin Credit Union agreed to sponsor jackets for the players and selectors. It was decided, on a request from John Evans, to keep the media away from the players, as much as possible.
21st Sept. – It was reported that the Fishery would provide the extra jerseys – the Championship sponsors supplied 24 jerseys. Various other preparations were delegated. It was decided to have the after-match dinner in the Grand Hotel, Tralee – the Fishery gave £500 towards the meal. The players, selectors, officers and finance-committee, together with their partners were invited to the meal. It was reported that all the local possible sponsors had been approached and the response had been very good. T-shirts had been procured and the sale of those went very well. The distribution of score-cards had gone very well. It was reported that some of the minor and U-16 players had arranged food for themselves without permission in Bunkers Bar and had charged the bill to the club. It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that the club would revert to the former policy of providing food only for teams that won Co. Championships.
5th Oct. – The Chairman congratulated everybody involved in the winning of the Co. Senior Championship – the players, selectors, trainer, officers, finance committee, sponsors and supporters. He particularly singled out selectors John Clifford and Patsy Joy and trainer John Evans for praise. He lauded the players for the manner in which they outplayed Annascaul, serving up some vintage football. He thanked the finance committee for its great work in collecting sponsorship and using its initiative to raise other funds. The meeting decided that, for the National Football League, Timmy Fleming would be captain of the Kerry team and, in his absence, Billy O Shea. Michael Foley brought a request from the finance committee that a good amount of the money collected would be put towards a players’ tour fund. The Chairman explained that the club had decided at the beginning of the year that players would be encouraged to save for a tour through the sale of lotto tickets. All players had been notified to that effect and they were also told that that was the only means by which a tour would be funded. Many players had taken up that option – they were individually given one third of every lotto ticket for their fund. The Chairman explained that the club could not then go back on that promise. He further explained that the club’s sole source of income was the lotto and it had to be supported in order to be successful. Further, he said that when the finance committee had been formed, its brief had been explicitly to collect funds to defray expenses incurred in playing in the Co. Championship, and thereafter, if the team progressed. He thanked the finance committee again for its work but, he said, the club could not accede to the request for the reasons given.
13th Oct. – Preparations were made to the forthcoming Munster Club Championship game versus Claughaun, Limerick. Parking – Liam Shannon, amplification – Mike O Shea, Score-board – Donie Griffin, Pitch – Mattie Cahill, Press – Dermot O Shea, Stewards – Jerome Conway. It was decided to sell lotto tickets at the game. Ticket sellers – Dermot O Shea. Tom Curtayne serviced the showers and replaced the control-box – free of charge as part of his contribution to the club.
26th Oct. – The Chairman noted that never in his lifetime associated with Laune Rangers had he seen the pitch and surrounds in such fine condition for the Claughaun game. He paid tribute to Mattie Cahill and his co-worker, Michael Sweeney. The Secretary was instructed to request the Co. Board not to include any Laune Rangers players for the NFL game versus Derry, in light of the game versus Nemo Rangers on the following Sunday (That request was ignored). Because of the CYMS committee’s co-operation in allowing the Lotto draws to take place during Bingo on Sunday nights, the club agreed to sponsor a quick-sheet on the following Sunday night.
9th Nov. – Arrangements were made for the game versus Nemo Rangers at Ballinlough.
23rd Nov. – A vote of sympathy was passé to the Gerard and Pa Murphy on the untimely and unexpected death of their father. Arrangements were made for the Co. Bord na nOg Church Gate collection on the following Saturday/Sunday, 27th/28th Nov. as follows: Vigil Mass on Sat. at 7.30pm – Michael Foley, Mike O Shea and Dermot O Shea, Sun. 28th at 8.00am – Liam Shannon, John Purcell and Pat Pigott, at 10.00am – James Coffey, Jerome Conway and Maurice Corkery, at 12.00noon – as many of the above mentioned as possible. Total collected – £200.
30th Nov. – Preparations were made for the forthcoming replay with Nemo Rangers: Amplification – Mike O Shea, Nemo Rangers’ flag – Dermot O Shea, Press – Bernadette to arrange refreshments, Gate to pitch – Jim Galvin, Parking – Liam Shannon, Stewards – Martin Clifford, Pat Clifford, John O Dwyer, John Sheehan, John Galvin, Jerry Coffey, Frankie Russell, John Purcell, Donal Pigott, Danny Cahill and Declan Falvey, Shop – Sean Murphy (Starlite), Civil Defence – Pat O Shea (Sunhill), Scoreboard – Donie Griffin, Referee – Bart Moriarty.
11th Jan. 1994 – The Chairman extended congratulations to all those involved with the preparations for the game versus Nemo Rangers. Preparations were made for the Mid-Kerry Senior Final replay on the following Sunday. Radio Kerry would broadcast the game. Civil Defence – Dermot O Shea, passes to the pitch – Jim Galvin, amplification – Mike O Shea, Press – Bernadette Corkery. The following motions were forwarded to the Annual Convention of Co. Bord na nOg, which was held on Tues. 1st Feb. 1994: 1) That finals be re-introduced at U-12 level (defeated), 2) That a greater profile be given to Bord na nOg finals at all levels, with a view to giving more exposure to the youngsters (passed), 3) That an Urban league be formed that would include competitions at U-12. U-13, U-14, U-15 and U-16 and that there would be a lower age limit as well as an upper age limit (withdrawn). The Chairman asked John Evans to give an update on the preparations for the forthcoming players’ trip. John Evans informed the meeting that the price would be £280 each and the preferred departure date was 26th Feb. Nothing had been done towards financing the trip. The Chairman stated that any finance that was raised would have to be divided equally amongst all who travel i.e. those who had sold lotto tickets were entitled to their equal share of any extra finance raised. It was agreed that a steering committee would be put in place as follows: Jerome Conway, Michael Foley, Mike O Shea, James O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Shane O Sullivan and Gerard Murphy.
The following were registered members of the club for 1993: Jerome Conway, Jim Galvin, Dermot O Shea, James Coffey, Michael Foley, Liam Shannon, John Clifford, Donal Pigott, Bernadette Corkery, Maurice Corkery, Ger Counihan, Michael O Shea (Laharn), John Evans, John Purcell, Paddy Crowley, Noel O Mahony, Matty Cahill, William Joy, Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Danny Cahill, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Joe Shannon, Timmy Fleming, James O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin, John Doona, Billy O Sullivan, Pat McKenna, Mark O Sullivan, Eoin Joy, Francis Brennan, Patie Casey, Timothy Corkery, Paudie Russell, Gerard Murphy, Billy O Shea, Mike Hassett, Jason Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Mikey Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Liam Foley, Noel Doyle, Eoin Corkery, John Francis O Brien, Martin Clifford, Tom Johnston, Dermot Griffin, John O Dwyer, Robert Evans, Mike Moriarty, Timothy Linehan, Gerard Costello, Joe Doyle, Patrick Costello, Pat Pigott, Michael Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan, Carl O Sullivan, Bernard O Sullivan, John Griffin, James Sheehan, Fergus O Meara, Anthony Shannon, Joe Kennedy, Brendan Corkery, Anthony O Sullivan (Iveragh Park), Donal Hurley, James Hurley, Noel Conroy, Brian O Shea, John Cronin (Upper Bridge St.), Eoin Mangan, Brian Mangan, Patrick O Shea, Paudie O Shea (Mountain View), Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Jerry Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Niall Moriarty, John O Donnell, Batty Foley, Nigel Reidy, Stephen O Sullivan, Rory O Connor, David O Reilly, Dominic Crowley, Declan Falvey, Finbarr Coffey, Tony Foley, Ian Wharton, Gene Evans, Roy Evans, Kevin Heffernan, Mícheál Johnston, Frank Russell, James Foley (Corraballa), Enda Foley, Noel O Sullivan, Nessan Diggin, John Griffin (Caragh Lake), Mike Murphy (Iveragh Park), John Whelan, James Naughton (Laune View), Jerry Houlihan, Pat Clifford (Jennings), Dodo Sheahan, Pa Foley (Iveragh Road), Adrian (Alfie) O Connor, Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Pat O Donnell, Mossy Joy, James Houlihan (Mill Road), Jack Reen, Pa Costello, Vincent Prendergast, Vincent O Shea (Shanara), Val Broderick, Laurence Hogan, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Pat Cahill, Maurice O Shea, Robert Murphy, John Foley (Caragh Lake), Seán O Sullivan (Tulligmore), Andrew Doyle, Karl Griffin, Kealon O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, Kevin Jones, Declan Byrne, James Murphy, Ronan Curtayne, Mark Conway, Derry O Donoghue, Redmond Fitzgerald, John Purcell (Gurrane), Ray Khan, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien, Eamonn Foley, Turlough Byrnes, Tony O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Alan O Sullivan (Tulligmore), Fiachra O Donoghue, Glenn Evans, Connor, Rory Corkery, Donncha Curran, Thomas Walsh, Colm Conway, Stephen Foley, Francis O Sullivan (Reen), James Ferris, Pat Pigott, Patsy Joy, James McInery, Bertie Houlihan.
The following members attended Laune Rangers Club meetings in 1993: Maurice Corkery (21), Michael O Shea (21), Jerome Conway (20), Liam Shannon (18), Mattie Cahill (18), Dermot O Shea (17), John Clifford (16), James Coffey (15), Michael Foley (14), Jim Galvin (13), James Ferris (12), Bernadette Corkery (12), John Evans (5), Bart Moriarty (5), John Galvin (3), Donal Pigott (3), Peter Lyons (1), Brian O Shea (1), James Sheehan (1) and John Purcell (1).
The Laune Rangers club organised a fund-raising dance in the Manor Inn in January for the trip to the Canaries. Raffle tickets were, also, sold and the winner of the free trip to the Canaries was Mary Sheehan, Caragh Lake. Ger Counihan, Bunkers Bar and Restaurant, ran a poker classic, also, to raise funds for that purpose.
The following Laune Rangers set off for Grand Canaria (Green Gardens Apartments) on Sat. 27th Feb. for two weeks: Joe and Mary Shannon, Adrian Hassett, John Doona, Paul Griffin, Jason Griffin, Bernard O Sullivan, Shane O Sullivan, Peter Lyons, Mark and Kerry O Connor.
For one week: Pierce and Eileen Prendiville, James and Gina Sheehan, Maurice and Bernadette Corkery, Séamus Murphy, Gerard Murphy, Pat McKenna, Anthony Shannon, Timmy and Mary Fleming.
At a meeting of Tralee District Board on Thurs. 11th March, Laune Rangers Club was accepted into its competitions from U-12 to minor levels. There were two conditions: 1) Laune Rangers would have to pay an affiliation fee of £80. 2) Laune Rangers would have to travel to the Tralee District Board area for all its games. That move had been forced upon Laune Rangers because Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg had decided to play all its ‘B’ competitions first (Those competitions excluded Laune Rangers). Consequently, Laune Rangers teams would not get competitive football until very late in the year and, even then, some teams would probably not field against them. The Laune Rangers delegate at that Tralee District Board meeting was Jerome Conway.
On Sat. 15th May, the 1992 U-14 and U-12 Mid-Kerry Championship medals were presented to the players in Scoil Mhuire. Refreshments were served.
At the Co. Board meeting on 25th Jan, Andrew Doona’s transfer from Laune Rangers to Cathair Dún Iascaigh (Cahir, Co. Tipperary) was sanctioned.
At the Co. Board meeting on 16th Feb. the transfer of Colm Joy from Laune Rangers to Cromane was sanctioned. Considering his father’s huge involvement with Laune Rangers Club, it was difficult to understand that request.
At the same meeting, Pat O Brien’s transfer from Laune Rangers back to Listry was sanctioned.
At the Co. Board meeting on 14th June, the transfer of Shane Gavin from Ferbane, Co. Offaly, to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.
At the Co. Board meeting on 12th July, the transfer of Gerard Flynn from Laune Rangers to Ballincollig was sanctioned.
At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 13th Sept., Mark O Connor and Pat McKenna were replaced on the first 15 of Laune Rangers’ team by Timmy Corkery and Pa Murphy.
At the AGM of the Kingdom Club, London, Christy Kissane stood down as Chairman, having served three years in that position. He was elected as Vice-President, together with Pat O Mahony, formerly of Templenoe and Laune Rangers.
Laune Rangers Club embarked on the sale of lotto tickets as a fund-raising project – it was announced by the Rúnaí, Dermot O Shea, at the club meeting on 23rd March that permission had been granted by the District Court. The first draw took place in the CYMS Hall on Sun. 11th April. The winning numbers were 6, 18 and 23 and an incredible four people shared the jackpot of £150 – Paudie O Shea, c/o Bianconi Inn, Con Griffin, Knocklyne, Saoirse O Riordan, Ceannovree, and Ann Marie Reynolds, Garrahadoo. A profit of £550 was made.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot of £150 on Sun. 18th April and £100 was shared among the following: Brendan Corkery, Upper Tullig (£50), Cormac Foley, Reen (£25) and Michael Moriarty, Garrynadur, Lispole (£25). A profit of £470 was made.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot of £200 on Sun. 25th April and £100 was shared among the following: Conor Murphy, Corabeg, Valentia (£50), Barry Harmon, Dunmaniheen (£25) and Kitty O Riordan, Upper Tullig (£25).
The jackpot of £250 was not won on Sun. 2nd May and £100 was shared among Kian Griffin, Station Road, Caragh Lake (£50), Mr. Hearns, Ferryhouse, Coolbane Heights (£25) and John Fogarty, Meanus (£25).
The jackpot of £300 was not won on Sun. 9th May and £100 was shared among the following: Mary O Connor, Coolbane (£100), Johnny O Shea, Gurrane (£25) and Michael O Connor, Ardraw, Beaufort (£25).
The jackpot of £350 was not won on Sun. 16th May and the following shared the consolation prize of £100: Patsy O Sullivan, Mountain View (£50), Sheila McKenna, Steelroe (£25) and Sean O Sullivan, Hilltop (£25).
The £400 jackpot was won on Sun. 23rd May by Tim O Shea, Groyne. The winning numbers were 9, 13 and 24.
The £150 jackpot was not won on Sun. 30th May and the following shared the consolation prizes: Noreen Hoare (£50), Christy O Riordan, Railway Terrace (£25) and Josie O Sullivan, Iveragh Park (£25).
The £200 jackpot was not won on Sun. 6th June and the following shared the consolation prizes: Mary Foley, Cooleanig (£50), K. Sheehan, c/o Klinge (£25) and Ger Counihan, Bunkers Bar (£25).
The £250 jackpot was not won on Sun. 13th June and the consolation prizes went to Dan Hurley, Douglas (£50), Caroline Murphy, The Starlite (£25) and Daniel Diggin, 25 Monalee, Tralee (£25).
The jackpot of £300 was not won on Sun. 20th June and the consolation prizes went to Russ Burton, c/o Bunkers (£50), Patsy O Sullivan, Mountain View (25) and Mary Harmon, St. Mary’s (£25).
The £400 jackpot was won on Sun. 4th July by John Bowler, c/o Fexco, Killorglin.
The £150 jackpot was not won on Sun. 11th July and the consolation prizes went to James Houlihan, Mill Road (£50), Nigel Foley, Langford Street (£25) and Ronnie Hannon, Iveragh Park (£25).
There was no winner of the £200 jackpot on Sun. 18th July and the consolation prizes went to James Cahillane, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£50), Maureen Linehan, Ardmoniel (£25) and Tom O Brien, St. James’ Gardens (£25).
The weekly lotto jackpot of £250 was won on Sun. 25th July by Noreen Hoare, Tullig.
There was no winner of the jackpot of £150 on Sun. 1st Aug. and the consolation prizes went to Jonathan O Shea, Keel (£50), Sheila Ahern, St. James’ Gardens (£25) and James Sheehan, Langford Street (£25).
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 8th Aug. due to the Co. Senior Football Championship quarter-final versus Austin Stacks. The club sellers sold tickets during Puck Fair and the jackpot was increased to reflect the sales.
There was no winner of the £500 jackpot on Sun. 15th Aug. and the consolation prizes went to Joe Cronin, Coolbane (£50), M. Moriarty, Caragh Lake (£25) and Rosa Capacchione, 10 St. James Gardens (£25).
Garda sergeant, Michael O Leary, was the winner of the £550 jackpot on Sun. 22nd Aug.
There was no winner of the £200 jackpot on Sun. 29th Aug. and the prize-winners were Maureen Coffey, Anglont (£50), Tom O Donnell, Inch (£25) and Shane O Sullivan, Hilltop (£25).
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 5th Sept. due to the Co. Semi-final.
There was no winner of the £300 jackpot on Sun. 12th Sept. and the prize-winners were Dermot O Sullivan, Glenbeigh (£50), Trevor Murphy, Keelohane, Beaufort (£25) and Scott Rea, Kilmorna, Listowel (£25).
The jackpot of £350, on Sun. 19th Sept. was won by Maureen Coffey, Anglont.
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 26th Sept. due to the Co. Final, Laune Rangers versus Annascaul.
There was no winner of the jackpot of £150 on Sun. 3rd Oct. and the consolation prizes went to Robert Burke, Garrahadoo (£50), Carmel Breen, Langford St. (£25) and Timmy O Sullivan, Glencuttane (£25).
There was no winner of the £200 jackpot on Sun. 10th Oct. and the consolation prizes went to Jonathan O Shea, Keel (£50), Pat McKenna, Steelroe (£25) and Liam Foley, Corbally (£25).
The £250 jackpot on Sun. 17th Oct. was not won and the prize-winners were Pat O Mahony, Anglont (£50), Nora Galvin, Keelcoulacht (£25) and Dermot O Sullivan, Glenbeigh (£25).
There was no winner of the £300 jackpot on Sun. 24th Oct. and the consolation prizes went to Martin Murray, c/o Sheahan’s Bar (£50), Noel Lucey, Shamrock Bar (£25) and Christy Burke, Garrahadoo (£25).
There was no winner of the £350 jackpot on Sun. 31st Oct and the consolation prizes were divided between Michael Curran, c/o Shamrock Bar (£50), Mary Cahill, Ardnaknockeen (£25) and Michael Lucey, Milltown (£25).
The jackpot of £400 on Sun. 7th Nov. was not won and the consolation prizes went to William Fitzgerald, Upper Tullig (£50), Jonathan O Shea, Keel (£25) and Peter Byrne, 9 Mountain View (£25).
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 14th Nov. at Laune Rangers were scheduled to meet Nemo Rangers in the Munster Club Championship but that had been postponed due to the untimely death of Seamus Murphy.
The jackpot of £450 was not won on Sun. 21st Nov. and the consolation prizes went to Seamus Griffin, Ballymalis (£50), Chris Foley, Dunmaniheen (£25) and Jo Murphy, c/o Bunkers Bar (£25).
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 28th Nov. due to the Munster Club Championship game, Laune Rangers versus Nemo Rangers in Ballinlough, Cork.
There was no winner of the £500 jackpot on Sun. 5th Dec. and the consolation winners were Maurice McCarthy, Reen (£50), Christy O Sullivan, Beaufort, c/o Castle Bar (£25) and Richard Boyd, c/o Klopman, Tralee (£25).
The jackpot of £550 was not won on Sun. 12th Dec. and the consolation prize winners were Tom O Shea, c/o O Shea’s Bar (£50), Margaret O Brien, Killorglin (£25) and Noreen O Sullivan, Castle Bar (£25).
There was no winner of the £600 jackpot on Sun. 19th Dec. and the consolation prizes went to John O Donoghue, Gortnagreenane, Kilgobnet (£50), Jerry Cronin, Kilgarvan (£25) and John O Connor, Laharn (£25).
There was no lotto draw on Sun. 26th Dec. due to Christmas.
Rd. 1 Mid-Kerry Senior Championship on Sat. 28th Aug. at Killorglin:
Milltown/Castlemaine 1-12; Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-7. Ref: John Evans (Laune Rangers).
Laune Rangers held a Co. Championship Victory Dance in the Manor Inn on Sat. 23rd Oct. Eddie Lee and his Band provided the music and tickets cost £2.50.
The unexpected death occurred on 4th Sept. of Jim Harris, Reen. Originally from Glenbeigh, he had been a Cromane and Laune Rangers’ player and was a Laune Rangers’ Club minor football selector in 1958. A minute’s silence was observed in his honour prior to the Co. Senior Football Semi-final, Laune Rangers versus Dr. Crokes, on Sun. 5th Sept. in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee.
Brian Casey, Cromane Lower, was drowned on 4th July. He was just 24 years of age. He had played juvenile football with Laune Rangers until the formation of Cromane Club.
The unexpected death of Seamus Murphy, Mountain View, on Sat. 13th Nov. shocked the whole community of Killorglin. He had taken over from his wife, Noreen, as the person in charge of the very young footballers of the Laune Rangers Club. Club Chairman, Jerome Conway, penned the following appreciation in the local newspapers: “A real damper was put on Laune Rangers’ magnificent achievements this year, when one of the pillars of the Club was taken to his eternal abode at the weekend. A gloom settled over the whole parish on Sunday morning as people shook their heads in disbelief and asked each other complainingly why a man so good should be cut off in the prime of life.
Seamus Murphy had three great loves in life – his family, Mountain View and Laune Rangers – and these are not necessarily in order of priority. Having been deprived some years ago of his marvellous wife and beautiful daughter, he strove masterfully and successfully to keep the family together. He was a most dutiful father and son-in-law. Mountain View Estate stands as a monument to his untiring efforts to make it a place of which its residents would be proud. Together with some of the other residents, he worked slavishly at manicuring the lawns and improving the landscape to such an extent that it is recognised as the most attractive and best-kept in the county.
It was in his activities for the Laune Rangers GAA Club that I knew him best. For well-nigh on ten years, he worked tirelessly with our U-10 footballers. Once April came, he was to be found in the field every Sunday morning until November without fail, surrounded by dozens of youngsters of all ages, some, as he would himself, ‘wearing nappies’. He used to say, in a half serious half jocose manner, that he would show them how to play Keel football – proper football. He was held in awe by the young players and he was always very gentle, though firm, with them. He would not tolerate cheeky youngsters and never flinched from saying so. His worth to the Laune Rangers Club was incalculable. Doubtlessly, the great success, which the club had enjoyed at juvenile level, is due in no small way to his tireless efforts. The interest and love of football, which his nursery engendered in the young players, is responsible for the inordinate following, which the game has in Killorglin presently. Coincidently, he had completed the U-10 Parish League on the previous Sunday morning.
The esteem, in which he was held, was demonstrated in the huge numbers of young players, and parents, who turned out for the removal and the burial. The guard-of-honour provided by the Laune Rangers, comprising of his players, past and present, was of a size no more than he deserved – a silent demonstration of respect for their Seamus.
We will miss him terribly. We are comforted, however, in the sure knowledge that he is reunited with Noreen and Margaret. They will guide the boys, Gerard and Pa, from above and, undoubtedly, will also have a big say in the future of Laune Rangers. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.”
Kerry U-16 football team went to UL on a coaching course from 9th – 11th Aug. Panel: Fergal O Brien (Laune Rangers), Eugene O Connell (Tarbert), Rory Sheehan (Desmonds), Derek Nolan (Churchill), Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Finuge), Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Eanna O Malley (Beaufort), Gerard Casey (Na Gaeil), Terence Crean (Churchill), Aeneas O Leary (Gneeveguilla), Austin Constable (St. Mary’s), Liam Brosnan (Currow), Mossy Lyons (Desmonds), Andrew O Reidy (Desmonds), John Walsh (Beale), Alan Doran (St. Senan’s), Ciarán O Sullivan (Dromid), Riobard Mac Gearailt (Gaeltacht), Cathal Naughton (Austin Stacks), Gerry Lynch (do.), David Heasman (Castlegregory). Coaches – Willie O Connor and Liam Ó Rocháin.
The Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg finals were held in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Fri. 19th Nov. Mary Clifford became Laune Rangers Scór organiser. Laune Rangers were represented by the following: Rince Foirne (8 hand reel) and Rince Seit – Jennifer Griffin, Caroline Griffin, Mary Bridget Horgan, Niamh Diggin, Fergus Clifford, Jamie Cahillane, Declan Murphy and Jonathan Griffin. Amhránaíocht Aonair – Catherine Teahan (A Song for Ireland). Ceol Uirlise – Hillary Cronin, Errol Flynn and Sharon Langston (Reel and Jig). Tráth na gCeist – Jamie Cahillane, Seamus Galvin and Fergus Clifford. Aithriseoireacht – Muireann Clifford (Och! I Don’t Know). Ceol Uirlise qualified for the Co. Semi-finals.
The death occurred at the end of Dec. in Dublin of Mick O Connor, formerly of Ardmoniel. Together with his brothers Teddy and Tom, he had been a Laune Rangers’ stalwart in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Co. Senior Football Final on Sun. 25th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 1-15; Annascaul 1-8.
Co. Minor football Final on Fri. 10th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: West-Kerry 2-17; St. Kieran’s 2-5.
Co. U-21 Football Final on Sat. 8th May at Tralee: South-Kerry 0-12; Shannon Rangers 0-7.
Co. Intermediate Final on Sun. 25th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Waterville 0-7; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-3.
Co. Junior Football Final on Sun. 10th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: An Ghaeltacht 2-14; Rathmore 0-7.
Co. Novice Football Final on Sun. 26th Sept. at Connolly Park: Ballymac 2-8; Finuge 0-6.
Co. Club Championship Final on Sun. 5th Dec. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 2-16; Legion 0-7.
Co. Club ‘B’ Final on Sun. 14th Nov. at Farranfore: Desmonds ‘B’ 2-10; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-2.
Co. League Div. 1 Final on Sun. 14th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Legion 2-12; Dr. Crokes 2-10.
Sun. 28th Nov. at Ruislip, Semi-final of the Conway Cup: Kingdom 2-5; St. Mary’s 0-6.
Stephen Russell scored 1-0 from full-forward.
In the Kerry’s Eye of 30th Sept. Mark Kilden printed his team of the Kerry Football Championship: Peter Lyons (Laune Rangers), Kevin Murphy (Killarney), Pat Flahive (Annascaul), Brian Farrell (do.), Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), Shane O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Timmy Fleming (do.), Maurice O Carroll (Kerins O Rahillys), Bingo Driscoll (Annascaul), Connie Murphy (Dr. Crokes), Tommy Kennedy (Kerins O Rahillys), Sean McElligott (St. Kieran’s), Geni Farrell (Annascaul), Billy O Sullivan (Laune Rangers).
Best Manager of the Championship – John Evans (Laune Rangers).
In the Kerry’s Eye of 6th Jan. 1994, Tommy Conroy selected his Mr. Consistency in Kerry Football for 1993 as follows: Peter O Leary (Legion), Kevin Murphy (do.), Pat Flahive (Annascaul), Brian Farrell (do.), Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul), Shane O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Maurice O Carroll (Kerins O Rahillys), Connie Murphy (Dr. Crokes), Cathal O Grady (Legion), Timmy Fleming (Laune Rangers), Pa Laide (Austin Stacks), Seanie Culloty (Legion), Sean McElligott (Knocknagoshel), Bingo Driscoll (Annascaul). It was amazing that the losing Co. Finalists, Annascaul, and the Co. League Div. 1 winners, Legion, should get greater representation than the Co. Champions, Laune Rangers.
Laune Rangers Annual Social was held in the Fishery on Fri. 4th Feb. 1994. It was a most enjoyable night. Among the speakers were Sean Kelly, Chairman Kerry Co. Board, Michael McCarthy, Chairman Mid-Kerry Board and Very Rev. Canon Keane P.P. Club Chairman, Jerome Conway, welcomed the guests and outlined the various activities and successes of the year. Among the guests was Jerry O Sullivan, captain of St. Mary’s Hurling team, winners of the Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship. The players of the winning teams were presented with their medals during the function and there was resounding applause for Paudie Sheahan, who was awarded the Senior Player of the Year trophy. Music was by Myles Coffey and Finbarr Coffey and by Donal Murphy and friends. Tickets cost £13. 116 people attended. The menu consisted of Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent (starter), Homemade Vegetable Soup, Roast Kerry Lamb (served with a selection of seasonal vegetables and potatoes), Homemade Apple Pie and Cream (dessert), Tea or Coffee.
In the Hogan Stand (a weekly GAA magazine) of Fri. 12th February the following article on Jimmy (James) Coffey appeared: “Across the counter of his licensed premises in Killorglin, Jimmy Coffey talks business … the business of Gaelic games. Publican, actor and GAA official extraordinaire, in taking a break from his appointed duties, Coffey is generous with his time. Like a Seanachaí with a real-life grip on current happenings, his musings are captivating, enlightening and never anything less than pertinent. A journalist’s delight, all told.
Save three occasions since 1973, Kerry’s Joint-Treasurer has glided his way back into the Co. Board hot-seat on auto-pilot. The Laune Rangers’ clubman has contested the banker’s job in 1973 (when he first entered the scene), 1984 and once more on Jan. 17th last. On the other 18 occasions, Coffey’s election to office was a fait-accompli, as predictable in fact, as the domination by the Kerry-Cork axis of the Munster Senior Football Championship of yesteryear. At the ’93 Co. Convention, however, Coffey’s vote of confidence was slow in coming but, when it did arrive, it was as all embracing as ever.
Riding on the back of a twin ticket, which in the past included himself and Murt Galvin but since 1984 has seen John McMahon in the co-pilot’s seat, Jimmy Coffey reflects back on the Mount Brandon affair with typical honesty. ‘I have to say that I was surprised that there was an election, that there was a challenge to myself and John as Joint-Treasurers but the delegates endorsed our nominations and, at the end of the day, an election for any position is a healthy state of affairs.’
There is little doubt that had Killorglin’s long-time fixed-asset been obliged to vacate his role of assisting in the collection and depositing of Co. Board’s monies, the world of theatre and amateur dramatics would have been enhanced greatly. Exit Coffey, the GAA guru, stage left and enter Coffey, the actor, stage right bang on cue, the local scribes would proclaim. Not quite. Though a keen participant in the business of threading the boards, Coffey could never bring himself to divorce himself completely from the spirit that carried him onwards in search of funds for twenty-one consecutive years. Shoulders to the wheel and nose to the grindstone and all that, life as an imitator of characters scripted by another comes a poor second to life in the mainstream of GAA affairs. Sure didn’t Laune Rangers decide to throw their weight behind a plan to refurbish the local parish hall. Life for an archetypal GAA being is a cradle to a grave love affair. Jimmy Coffey esquire is one such being.
Reunited in Nov. 1991 with the world of curtain-calls and grease paint after a twenty-year break (a reunion, which saw him tour with the local CYMS to the United States, thrilling audiences with their production of John B Keane’s ‘The Field’) the 1993 Laune Rangers Joint-Treasurer has toed the GAA line for some 41 years now as an administrator par excellence. Young blood rather than new blood is difficult to find, he maintains, and until vibrant corpuscles of the Gaelic kind emerge to take his place, he’ll remain on board just in case the local GAA scene threatens to become anaemic in the days ahead.
In truth, things Gaelic and cultural course through every vein in Jimmy Coffey’s body though he admits that as a practitioner of the country’s most favoured past-times, his abilities left something to be desired. His father Michael was likewise racy of the Killorglin terrain, a man imbued with a tremendous appreciation of Ireland’s native language and music. His son Jimmy is said to be a chip off the old block and, just like his father, would assume the job of Secretary of Laune Rangers as a matter of course, as a labour of love specifically. For ten years, 1953-1963, Jimmy made carelessness his enemy and meticulousness his bosom pal. Documenting and reading the minutes was quickly honed to a fine art. Coffey became a byword for amicability.
A born and bred Killorglin citizen, one year before assuming the position of Secretary of the Rangers, Jimmy found himself in the vanguard of a hurling renaissance in the locality. In 1952 he became one of the founding members of Killorglin Hurling Club in what was in essence simply the manifestation of his innate goodwill towards the world’s most skilful of games. Inspired by erstwhile Killorglin-based Corkman Jim Tobin and Kevin Cremins, the small ball game at first lifted off in the Kerry town and evening after evening the sound of the clash of the ash ricocheted off the Fair Green environs. A Minor Championship semi-final in 1953 and again the following year were fruitless affairs, but for young Coffey, ‘the honour of playing the game and representing my home club was all the honour I sought and, in the end, attained.’
Hurling, in fact, was always his first love and, as a high-profile figure at Co. Board level for the last twenty-one years, he is resolute in his defence of the Board’s record on the promotion of hurling in Kerry. The Kenmare and Kilgarvan influential strongholds are indicative of such commitment, he explains. Interestingly, Jimmy’s one and only alliance in a Kerry jersey arrived via the county hurling sphere. Involved with the Kerry Junior team as a selector in 1959, player numbers weren’t what they should have been against Limerick in Kilmallock on one occasion, so the Killorglin team-mate of Sean Gill and Pat O Shea gleefully ‘stood into goals to secure is precious cap.’
A man very much at home with the romance and idealism that is associated with Kerry’s Hurling
Tradition, a refereeing stint was given birth in 1956 and continued to mature right through to 1971. In between times, his days as a knight of the whistle were nothing if not challenging and adventurous. A debut in a Co. Senior Div. 1 match is recalled, not as a mirror image of his average innings in charge of match days, rather as an example of where things once went wrong for him as an eager arbiter. ‘The first senior match that I was in control of ended up being abandoned. It was in 1956 and involved Glenbeigh and Keel and I wasn’t the appointed referee in the first place. It was a fiery baptism though and I never forgot it.’
Laune Rangers and Jimmy Coffey have been inseparable at executive level since 1952 and, although varying levels of motivation, enthusiasm and commitment have enveloped the club in the intervening years, the town’s most affable of publicans still oozes a passion and eagerness for the club that makes him a man apart. Chairman of the Rangers from 1964-’66 and again from 1970-’84, cynicism is not a word in Coffey’s lexicon. His resolve to kick-start any movement upwards in Killorglin or Kerry GAA circles is an inspiration to the region’s grassroots Gaelic games fraternity and a benchmark for all others enrolling to serve the cause of Gaeldom in the future.
Thoroughly respected and trusted the county over, the Kingdom’s best known sports financial controller doesn’t mind admitting that the going is getting tougher at the coalface where all the most lucrative fundraisers are initiated. A recession has the ability to make paupers of all the best and most inventive brains in the money-collecting stakes. ‘When I came in as Treasurer, there was little or no money about. We bought our own sliothars, our own jerseys. Collecting money was a new thing that arrived later, and, up until a few years ago, it was an easy job to do. Since then and with the advent of the recession, it’s been a lot harder to raise funds and, on top of that, there are more organisations picking out of the same pocket.’
Times have changed. Gone are the days when 7/6 got you a prime stand at Austin Stack Park, and young fellas were self-motivated people, prepared to organise things for themselves. Jimmy Coffey’s strategy in response has been appropriately brave. Rolling up his sleeves and surrounding himself with doers, friends and loyal fellow Gaels. First to step forward to volunteer for Frank King’s (ex-Co. Chairman) army to tackle the job of refurbishing and developing Austin Stack Park, he was chosen to head the fundraising committee with colleague John McMahon as Secretary and metaphorical general of equal stature. King’s army made light work of the challenge and clubs throughout Kerry availed of the ‘kick-backs’ amounting to over £100,000 to boot. Hardly surprising then that the Coffey/McMahon alliance were given the green light to continue their frontline offensive for 1993 at least.
Joint-Treasurer of the famous Rangers since 1984, the development of the local JP O Sullivan Memorial Park is an important target ahead and will doubtless attract Coffey’s Midas touch. Constructing the best home possible to house the exquisite skills and developing talent of local grown players such as Timmy Fleming, Joe Shannon and Billy O Shea is a must, he reckons. JP O Sullivan would be most pleased, too, he adds. Leave it to Jimmy, the local populance insist!”
Intermediate School, Killorglin sprang a big surprise at Newcastlewest on Sat. 13th Feb. when they defeated the local side in the semi-final of the West Munster Rugby Cup. Having missed a penalty early in the game, the Killorglin boys settled down to play some great rugby and Ronan Curtayne, following his own chip ahead, scored under the posts. Mícheál Foley had no difficulty with the conversion. Though playing against a bigger pack, they managed to put the home side under fierce pressure and were rewarded when Rory McGrath blocked a clearance to score a second try. Mícheál Foley’s conversion attempt hit the post. The Killorglin backs were tackling magnificently and succeeded in scoring a third try when John McKenna chased a kick ahead to score at the corner flag. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. In the second half, Newcastlewest succeeded in scoring an unconverted try. Both sides continued to play very good rugby for the remainder of the game. The final whistle saw the Killorglin boys ahead by 17 points to 5.
History was made at the beginning of March in O Dowd Park, Tralee RFC, when Intermediate School, Killorglin, competing in the West-Munster Senior Schools competition for the first time, lifted the Giles Cup by defeating Tarbert Comprehensive School by 12 points to 5. After 20 minutes, Tarbert took the lead, when flying winger Liam Mulvihill crashed through two tackles 40m out to score a good try. The attempted conversion went wide. Mícheál Foley, after some excellent drives by the Killorglin pack, scored a try to level the scores. He was wide with his conversion attempt. A great second half followed and, finally, Brian Gannon, who had a good game throughout, joined the line and crashed over for the winning score. Mícheál Foley, from a difficult angle, converted to leave Killorglin deserving winners.
There were wild scenes of jubilation by the large Killorglin contingent following the presentation of the Giles Cup to the winning captain, Mark Conway, by the President of the Munster Branch, Cyril Downes.
Intermediate School: Brian Gannon, Fergal O Brien, Tony O Sullivan, Ronan Curtayne, Oliver O Sullivan, Mícheál Foley, Mark Conway (capt.), Derry O Donoghue, Donncha Curran, Raymond Tyther, John Foley, Liam Tyther, Mike O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Colm Conway. Replacements: Joe Joe O Dwyer, Mike Cunningham and Eoin O Connell.
Coach – John Healy (former Highfield player).
At the Co. Community Games Athletics Finals on Sun. 4th July, Enda Grandfield won the silver medal in the 800m at U-14 level and Shauna Breen won the silver medal in the 100m at U-10 level.
The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held on Fri. 28th Jan. 1994. The Secretary, Dermot O Shea, gave his report as follows: “The 1993 football year has finally come to a close. It began in March and came to a successful conclusion on Sunday last, 16th Jan. 1994. I am happy to report that 1993 was a year that will be written into the history books of Laune Rangers as a most successful one indeed. We will never forget that night in September when the people of Killorglin came out in large numbers to greet its heroes as the Bishop Moynihan Cup was brought across the river Laune for another time. With bonfires blazing, pipers playing and the sight of the Laune Rangers Senior squad aboard the lorry, making its way up the town, was indeed a very proud occasion for all Laune Rangers, young and old.
On and off the field, it was a very busy year for Cumann Fánuithe na Leamhna. There were 22 constructive club meetings held throughout the year, ensuring that full attention was given to the affairs of the club. The Laune Rangers calendar began with a Social in the Manor Inn on 6th Feb. Up to 120 people attended and the general consensus was that a most enjoyable night was had by all. Preparations are well underway for this year’s Social. It is on in the Fishery on Fri. 4th Feb. Tickets are now on sale and people are asked to book early. On 27th Feb. Laune Rangers travelled to the Canary Islands for two weeks. A combination of good weather and plenty of crack ensured that a great time was had by all who travelled.
At last year’s AGM a lot of discussion was devoted to the idea of running a Lotto, as a means of fund-raising for the club. The idea was acted upon quickly and on 11th April we held our first draw. On that night, four people shared the jackpot of £150. With the exception of just 4/5 Sunday nights, we have continued with the Lotto, holding the draw in the CYMS Hall. Over the three days of Puck Fair, a great effort was made and a most satisfactory number of tickets were sold. As I write this report, the jackpot is heading for £850. Thankfully, the trend, set on the first night, of four winners has not continued. The club would like to thank all those who, without fail, continue to sell tickets weekly. However, if the Lotto is to remain our single most effective fund-raiser, more people need to get involved in selling tickets. If everyone just sold 10 tickets weekly, it would provide a steady income and keep the club in a sound financial position. We would like to thank the CYMS for allowing us the use of its hall, plus the Bingo goers who continue to support us, and all those others who purchase our lotto tickets. It is our intention to continue with the lotto for at least another year.
Early in the year, a Table Quiz was organised and held in the Manor Inn. This was a very successful event, with over twenty teams taking part. We would like to thank all those who put forward a team, plus Vincent Moriarty for all his help in making this event possible.
A Finance Committee was formed to collect funds to defray expenses incurred in preparing for the Co. Championship final and thereafter, if the team progressed in the Club Championship. The committee members were Michael Foley (Chairman), Bernadette Corkery (Secretary), Dolores Johnston, Tom Johnston, Maurice Corkery, Michael O Shea, Jimmy Hayes, Danny Cahill, James Sheehan, John Griffin, John Galvin, Mark O Connor, John Evans, James Ferris, Pat Pigott and James McInery. The committee worked very hard and came up with some very innovative ideas, the result of which was the raising of a considerable amount of money. The club wishes to thank each and every one of them for their time and commitment.
Laune Rangers remains a sponsor of the Fás Scheme. One scheme finished in November and, thankfully, another started on 13th December. I think you will all agree that the J.P. O Sullivan Park is something we can all be proud of. The outside wall was given a face-lift, having been power-washed and pebble-dashed last June. At the beginning of the year, seating was secured from the Fitzgerald Stadium and its inclusion has made it a fine venue from a spectator point of view. The playing field has never been in such a fine condition despite all the bad weather we had during the year. On many occasions throughout the year, including Féile Peil na nOg and the Munster Club Championship, we were proud to open the gates of the J.P. O Sullivan Park and present our facilities. It is to this end that the club would like to sincerely thank Michael Sweeney and, especially, Mattie Cahill for their work, initiative and commitment during the year in presenting our grounds in such a high standard.
On the playing field, Laune Rangers were represented at all ages. Following my report, Pat Pigott will present a report in respect of our juvenile teams.
The Parish League final was contested by Rangue and the Town. After a well-contested game, the Town were the eventual winners.
The minor team this year was managed by James McInery and Patsy Joy. They played a total of sixteen games. Their involvement in the Co. Championship was short-lived, as they went down to Mid-Kerry by a single point. However, they succeeded in winning the Mid-Kerry Championship, defeating Milltown/Castlemaine on a score-line of 2-14 to 0-6. They enjoyed their greatest success of the year in winning the Urban Minor League, overcoming Kerins O Rahillys on a score-line of 2-6 to 0-10. Well done to James and Patsy and to the minor team panel.
The U-21 team this year was trained by James Sheehan with Maurice Corkery and Noel O Mahony, his fellow selectors. Their campaign started back on St. Patrick’s Day, when they defeated Killarney on a score-line of 1-10 to 0-11 in the first round of the Co. Championship. Three days later at the quarter-final stage, they were to leave the competition, going down to East-Kerry by 2-4 to 0-8.
The ‘C’ team this year was managed by Mike O Shea and John Purcell. In all, they played thirteen matches, taking part in the Co. League and the ‘C’ Championship. Having qualified from their group, the lads were defeated by Kerins O Rahillys in the quarter-finals of the ‘C’ Championship. They finished middle of the table in the Co. League.
The senior ‘B’ team was trained by John Griffin, along with his co-selectors Ger Counihan and Maurice Corkery. They played a total of fifteen games during the year. They once again retained the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ title, defeating Beaufort ‘B’ on a score-line of 0-8 to 0-6. They reached the semi-final stage of the Co. ‘B’ Championship but were defeated by Desmonds on a score-line of 0-14 to 0-7. They retained their position in Division 4 of the Co. League. Well done to all concerned.
Pride of place this year must go to the senior team. At the beginning of the year, a players’ meeting was held behind in the dressing-rooms. At that meeting, John Evans made it quite clear what his goal was for the year – that being, to win the ultimate prize in Kerry Football, the Co. Championship. However, along the way, the senior team was to achieve other honours. Some marvellous displays in the Co. League, and I mention especially the game against Legion, resulted in they finishing in third position behind Dr. Crokes and just a single point away from contesting the Co. League Final. In Mid-Kerry, they captured all honours. In the final of the Mid-Kerry League, they defeated Milltown/Castlemaine on a score-line of 0-16 to 0-4. The Mid-Kerry Championship was not played until 19th December. Our opponents, once again, were Milltown/Castlemaine and a determined second-half performance by them, resulted in a draw. Three weeks later, the sides met again in Killorglin. This time our lads did the business and retained the Mid-Kerry Championship title. The senior team, also, took part in the Gleneagle Shield and reached the final against Kenmare. On the evening, with a well below-strength side, we were beaten on a score-line of 2-10 to 0-7. Only nine days later, Laune Rangers were to face St. Kieran’s at Cordal in the Co. Championship. A marvellous team display saw them go on to win the game on a score-line of 2-15 to 0-9. Already, as the many Laune Rangers followers left Cordal that evening, they were speaking of 1989 and the disappointment of the previous years was forgotten. The next game was against Austin Stacks in Killarney. This proved to be the toughest game of the championship, but, at the end of the sixty minutes, Laune Rangers had two points to spare. One of the highly-fancied sides of the championship, Dr. Crokes, was our semi-final opponents. Going in at the interval, we were a few points adrift, but an outstanding performance, in the second half of vintage scoring, secured our place in the Co. Final. It was to be the most talked-about final in many a year. Two club teams contesting and Annascaul, in their first year in the championship, were our opponents. As the team prepared for the greatest prize in Kerry football, so too did the young and the old of Killorglin. With school kids making neck-ties and flags, the finance committee creating a mini Puck Fair atmosphere, as they set up stall, out of Maurice Corkery’s van, selling t-shirts and flags, and the people of Killorglin displaying flags and teddy-bears from every possible advantage point, the atmosphere was unsurpassed. On Sunday 26th September, the town was empty as all headed off to Tralee. On the day, the team again played the highest standard of football and went on to defeat Annascaul on a score-line of 1-15 to 1-8. Immediately afterwards, the celebrations started. Following a meal in the Grand, we made our way to Killorglin and, on the approach we were greeted by blazing bonfires. The bus unloaded and onto Quirke’s lorry for the proud trip up the town with the Bishop Moynihan Cup aloft. The crowds were out in their hundreds, all joining in the celebrations, which were to carry in into the early hours of Monday. On Monday, it was off to Killarney for a celebration-lunch sponsored by Allied Irish Bank. On that evening, Annascaul made their way to Killorglin to join in the celebrations with us. For this, I applaud their sportsmanship, for that’s what it is all about. Many more nights of celebrations were had, but it soon came to a halt, as the team prepared for the Club Championship. Our first game was with Claughaun of Limerick. On winning that game, it was on to Ballinlough to face Nemo Rangers. On a day of terrible wind and rain, the team served up a memorable performance, taking the game to a draw and probably unfortunate not to win. The replay in Killorglin was to be our final participation in the tournament. The team didn’t play to its full potential and Nemo went on to win. Nevertheless, the number one priority had been achieved – we were Co. Champions. To the panel of twenty-seven players, heartiest congratulations. You achieved your goal and deservedly so. Your achievements have brought honour to our club. To John Evans, Patsy Joy and John Clifford, again congratulations on a job very well done. The previous years had brought their fair share of disappointment, but one could sense at that players’ meeting back in March, that John Evans had a huge belief in his team. We are delighted that belief came to fruition. The honours achieved by the senior team were not done without a lot of hard work. In all walks of life, if you want to be the best, then you must work hard. On the Thursday night before the Mid-Kerry Final, the team had put in 100 training sessions during the year. What made this championship even more enjoyable was that the football they played was a joy to watch. Again, congratulations to all concerned.
Congratulations to our ‘sister club’, St. Mary’s, on winning the Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship, defeating Lady’s Walk. This was a mighty achievement. Well doe to John Purcell, who trained the side. Congratulations to Pat Lynch, whose name will always be synonymous with hurling in this area. We were delighted to be able to offer our facilities to St. Mary’s for training. We wish you continued success.
Laune Rangers were well represented at county level. Liam Hassett played with the Kerry minor team. Billy O Shea and Mike Hassett played with the county U-21 team, which was narrowly beaten by Meath in the All-Ireland Final. Five of our players wore the Breen and Gold for the senior team – Adrian Hassett, Mike Hassett, Pat McKenna, Billy O Shea and Timmy Fleming.
The club provided two referees to the county this year – Pat O Shea and John Evans. The club wishes to thank them both. James Coffey continues as joint-treasurer of the Co. Board, a position he has now held for twenty-two years.
On the 14th November, a gloom descended on the town of Killorglin, as news broke of the untimely death of one of its favourite characters, Seamus Murphy. For over ten years, Seamus worked tirelessly with our U-10 players. Every Sunday from April to November, Seamus would be found in the field, coaching our youngest aspiring footballers. Discipline was his number one priority and what better time to instil it than at that young age! He was dearly loved by the youngsters. As a conclusion to the coaching sessions each year, he ran a Parish League. He had completed it this year just a week before his death. A huge crowd of young and old came out to pay their respects to Seamus. He will be missed terribly by us. Guimíd suaimhneas síoraí dá anam dhílis. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.
The club would like to thank all its sponsors and especially our main sponsor, the Fishery, which contributed so generously over the year. We would also like to thank Bunkers Restaurant for giving our players food on many occasions after training. To the Manor Inn, thank you for allowing us hold our club meetings here throughout the year. To the people of Killorglin, a sincere thank-you for your continued support of the club, both on and off the field.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all my fellow officers. It being my first year as secretary, I needed to call on them many times for assistance and this I got in abundance. To you, the members, there were many occasions when I contacted you for help with stewarding, selling tickets, etc. I was never let down, rather people only too anxious to be of help. The level of co-operation in this club is unique and it is for this reason that Laune Rangers is one of the finest clubs in this country. I wish all our selectors and players continued success for the year ahead.
As 1994 begins, people are already saying, ‘wouldn’t it be great to win a Co. Championship back-to-back’. Expectations of this nature are good for our club and will continue to keep Laune Rangers at the top of Kerry Football. I hope that next year in my report, I will be referring positively to that wish of the people.
Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís. Go raibh maith agaibh.
Diarmuid Ó Sé.”