1994

Laune Rangers – 1994

Laune Rangers won the Co. Senior Football League Division 1 for the 5^th time.

Laune Rangers won the Co. Club ‘C’ Football Championship (Barrett Cup) for the first time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the 5^th successive year and the 18^th time in total.

Laune Rangers retained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League, winning it for the 8^th time in nine years and 14^th time overall.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship for the 4^th successive year and for the 11^th time in total.

Laune Rangers retained the Co. Urban Minor Football League.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship for the 8^th successive year and the 27^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship for the 6^th successive year and the 23^rd time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Championship for the 6^th successive year and the 24^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the 4^th successive year and the 18^th time in total.

Mid-Kerry, captained by John Sheehan, won the Co. U-17 Inter-Divisional Football Championship.

Kerry, captained by Timmy Fleming, lost the Munster Senior Football Championship semi-final to Cork. Conor Kearney played at midfield, Billy O Shea on the ‘40‘ and Timmy Fleming at left half-forward, from which he scored 0-2.

Kerry won the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship for the eleventh time. Pa O Sullivan played a full-forward and Michael F. Russell came on as a substitute.

Billy O Shea played on the ‘40’ for the Munster team that lost to Ulster in the Railway Cup Final – he was chosen as the man-of-the match for his performance.

The Intermediate School won the Munster U-16.5 Championship (Frewen Cup) for the first time.

Killorglin C.C. won the Kerry and Munster U-16 V.E.C. Football Championships. Kevin O Connor, Jonathan Griffin and Paul Russell were on the panel.

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

*    *           *          *        *        *            *              *              *                 *                 *

The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the Manor Inn on Fri. 28^th Jan. 1994. A total of 60 members were in attendance. The Chairman welcomed everyone and expressed his wish for a good and open AGM. He then asked for a proposal for the adoption of standing orders. Bart Moriarty proposed and Tommy Woods seconded. The Chairman asked for a proposal for the adoption of the minutes of the previous year’s AGM. Mike O Donnell proposed and Mike O Shea seconded (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1993). Dan Moriarty proposed its adoption and Donie Griffin seconded. James Coffey proposed that the Secretary’s Report be forwarded to Eamonn O Sullivan (Co. Board PRO) for consideration for the Secretary’s Report Award. Donie Griffin seconded. Pat Pigott presented a detailed account of the club’s activities at juvenile level both on and off the field. The adoption of the report was proposed by Batty Foley and seconded by John Griffin. The Joint-Treasurers, James Coffey and Michael Foley, presented a detailed account of the club’s financial affairs. The club was shown to be in a sound financial position, with a £5,025.03 excess of income over expenditure.

Income and Expenditure Account

Income                                                                         Expenditure

Social            1,257.60                        Players’ Travel Expenses           1,558.50

Munster Council  2,859.00                        Transport for Teams       1,865.00

Player Injury C520.00                        Social                                                1,368.85

Tour Refun1,305.00                        Medal Presentations                         396.60

Lotto                        24,152.11            Injury Claims                                       251.00

Student Summer Scheme  2,165.76   Lotto                                            9,601.30

Refund on Student Insurance  102.00  Bingo Prize CYMS               600.00

Church Gate Collection 492.82    Dept. of Social Welfare Scheme            2,165.76

Advertising signs  1,050.00                 Insurance                                       398.00

Football Draw  119.00                        Nemo Game                                       610.42

Co. Board D1,490.00                        Printing                                                 898.25

Co. Board Prize Win                           100.00                        John Cleary (Photos 1989)                           100.00

Munster/All-Ireland Tickets       825.00                        Subscriptions                                       110.00

Fás Refund 1993                                       476.70                        Playing Gear                                       206.00

Mid-Kerry Board                                         73.00                        Co. Board (Insurance, Tickets, etc)            3,552.00

Minor & Juvenile fares                             50.00                        Advertising                                       152.76

Co. League Gates                                       416.00                        Lawn Mower                                       700.00

Kingdom Club, London                           190.00                        Field/Dressing-rooms                        1,005.39

Total                       £37,643.99            Co. Bord na nOg                                       130.00

Tralee District Board                             80.00

Mid-Kerry Board (Referees)                 45.00

Race Night                                        220.61

Central Council Loan                        5,140.00

Bank Charges                                       304.17

Miscellaneous                                    1,159.35

Excess of Income over Exp            5,025.03

£37,643.99

 

Michael Foley also presented a statement from the Finance Committee, which had been set up for the Co. Final. Declan Falvey complimented both Treasurers o an excellent report. He also complimented the Finance Committee on a job well done. The Chairman said that the club’s financial affairs were in the hands of two very capable men. Michael Foley thanked all the sponsors. He thanked his fellow Finance Committee members, who had all worked very hard. He also thanked all those others who had helped in the selling of programmes, etc.

The Chairman expressed his great joy at being associated with the Laune Rangers Club. He said that the club’s juvenile policy had come to show all its advantages. He paid respect to Seamus Murphy, who had played a huge part in the training of the young players. He thanked Willie Fitzgerald and all the other juvenile coaches. He encouraged others to get involved and assured them that they would be very welcome. He thanked the Tralee District Board for allowing the club to take part in its competitions. He thanked the two local post-primary schools for their part. He thanked the U-21 selectors. He congratulated Mike O Shea for his hard work with the ‘C’ team. He said that Mike did not get the co-operation he deserved from the players, with Mike driving around the town and further to get players out for games. He thanked Peter Lyons for his help with the ‘C’ team. He paid tribute to the ‘B’ team and selectors. He commented on the poor effort shown by the ‘B’ team towards the end of the season. The Chairman paid tribute to the senior team selectors on what had been an excellent year for them. He also mentioned occurrences where the selectors had been abused highly for their efforts. He said that was totally unacceptable and if anyone out there felt they could do a better job, then they should put their name forward for same. He praised the team and said that the club was indeed very proud of them. He said that they then had a choice – go on and win more or rest on the laurels. He expressed the wish that the club would progress. He suggested weight-training, etc. during the winter months. The Chairman said that the lotto had been a great success and mentioned that it had been the brainchild of Johnny Galvin. He asked, however, for a greater effort in the selling of tickets. He praised the efforts of the Finance Committee for a job well done. He thanked all the members of the Finance Committee. He thanked all his fellow officers, Mattie Cahill, Pat Pigott, the Inter-County players, John Clifford and the club sponsors. He concluded with two wishes, 1) that more people would get involved with the juvenile players and 2) that the senior team would make the choice to go on.

The following officers were elected:

Life-President – Paddy Crowley.

Chairman – Jerome Conway.

Vice-Chairman – Jim Galvin.

Secretary – Dermot O Shea.

Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and Michael Foley.

PRO – Bernadette Corkery.

Youth Officer – Pat Pigott.

Registrars – Liam Shannon and Batty Foley.

Delegate to Co. Board – John Clifford.

Delegates to Mid-Kerry Board – John Clifford and Donal Pigott.

Senior Selection Committee – John Evans, Patsy Joy and John Clifford.

‘B’ Team Selection Committee – John Griffin (trainer), Ger Counihan, Maurice Corkery and Mike O Shea.

‘C’ Team Selection Committee – Mike O Shea (Laharn), Peter Lyons and John Griffin.

 

The following motions were discussed:

1. ‘That the Mid-Kerry Championship be played during the summer months.’ Proposed by Peter Lyons and seconded by James Coffey. Jerome Conway explained that it was Laune Rangers’ participation in the Co. Championship that had delayed the Mid-Kerry Final. John Clifford warned that it was a very dangerous motion because his brief at Mid-Kerry meetings had been to delay the competition whilst the club was in the Co. Championship. Pierce Prendiville said that the blame lay with the Co. Board due to the fact the the players were playing with the county. Ger Counihan expressed the view that the Mid-Kerry Championship should remain as it was. Shane O Sullivan proposed an amendment to the motion, ‘that the Mid-Kerry Championship be played as soon as possible after both teams were knocked out of the Co. Championship.’ Aidan Gannon proposed that the motion go back to the officers of the club and that they use their discretion. That was seconded by John Clifford.
2. ‘That home-based senior players, who do not turn out for training, should not be chosen on any team for the next match.’ Proposed by Peter Lyons and seconded by Shane O Sullivan. Declan Falvey said that that surely was a matter for the trainers/selectors. If players were motivated, they would train. Motion withdrawn.
3. ‘That, win, lose or draw in a season, the club should go on a trip once a year.’ Peter Lyons proposed the motion but then withdrew.
4. ‘That any team, from U-12 to senior, that reaches a final should receive togs and socks as a gesture of goodwill from the club.’ Peter Lyons proposed the motion but then withdrew when it was noted that the club should make a greater effort to obtain sponsorship.
5. ‘That when choosing the ‘C’ team panel, the club should make sure that that all the players are home-based.’ (Peter Lyons). He pointed out that the ‘C’ team games were always on Friday evenings and that it was very unfair on the selectors the previous year to have to go running around the town and area trying to find a team to go and play away-games. It was accepted that when choosing the ‘C’ team panel, home-based players should get priority. Ger Counihan observed that the playing population could be increased by the playing of a Parish League.
6. ‘That the basic skills of football should be re-taught to all players from minor level upwards by a coach from outside the club, if possible, like Pat O Shea (Co. Coach), Ogie Moran, Eoin Liston or someone within the club who is qualified to do so.’ That motion was not moved.
7. ‘That all Gaelic Games should be available to every section of Irish Life, North and South, with particular emphasis on the RUC in Northern Ireland. This motion will help to create goodwill and benefit the GAA in the long-term (i.e. rule 21 should be amended, which contradicts both rules 2 and 18).’ That motion was not moved. Bart Moriarty said that the motion was out of order. He said that if it was passed, it would have to go forward to Co. Convention, but as Co. Convention was over, the motion was out of order. The Chairman said that he understood that but he was willing to give the motion an airing if the proposer was present.
8. ‘That some attempt should be made to shorten the playing season at county level. The Co. Board should outlaw winter football (Nov. – Feb.). A season containing Co. League and Championship would be sufficient, as there is a plethora of competitions at present.’ That motion was initially not moved as the proposer was not present. However, it was decided that the motion justified some discussion and was then proposed by Noel O Mahony and seconded by Ger Counihan. John O Dwyer agreed that the season was too long, but since the club was successful, it should not seek to change the situation. The Chairman pointed out that the motion had said that there were too many competitions. Bart Moriarty said that Dec./Jan. were unofficially recognised as closed season but that the Co./District Boards needed to get their house in order. He admitted, however, that there was no easy solution to the problem. James Coffey said that, on speaking to Tony O Keeffe (Co. Secretary) the club would not be forced to play a championship game in the months of Dec.-Feb. The motion was carried on a vote and was forwarded to the Co. Board for consideration at the following year’s Co. Convention.
9. That, after the Parish League Final in 1994, there should be a function for the presentation of medals to the competing teams.’ The motion was proposed by Peter Lyons and seconded by Pierce Prendiville. It was pointed out that there had not been any Parish League in 1993 but that the 1992 semi-final and final had been played in 1993. Motion – passed.
10. ‘That all senior players should receive a fixtures-list for the year (League and Championship).’ (Peter Lyons). Withdrawn.

A. O. B.

(i) James Coffey expressed a desire that a report on all teams, especially juvenile teams, be put in the notes of the Kerryman. He praised James Ferris for his efforts. He suggested that the person in charge of each team, or a delegated person, should feed the information to the PRO or to himself. The Chairman agreed that a greater effort should be made.

(ii) Michael O Mahony, Killarney (a former Laune Rangers’ player of the 40’s) presented a scrap-book of the Laune Rangers to the club. The Chairman thanked him, on behalf of the club.

(iii) James Coffey suggested that a letter be sent to all players giving details of the new Players’ Injury Scheme. The Secretary agreed to comply.

(iv) Bart Moriarty thanked the officers of the club.

(v) Johnny Galvin requested that Laune Rangers’ tradesmen and helpers would help in the laying of paths in the graveyard (Dromavalla). That would happen once the weather improved. The Chairman assured Johnny Galvin that Laune Rangers would not be found wanting and the matter would be advertised in the notes in the Kerryman.

The AGM then concluded.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

Twenty teams played in the Co. Senior Football Championship, Desmonds, Spa, East-Kerry, Legion, John Mitchels, Shannon Rangers, South-Kerry, St. Brendan’s, Austin Stacks, Beale, West-Kerry, St. Kieran’s, Laune Rangers, Dr. Croke’s, Mid-Kerry, Gneeveguilla, Annascaul, Feale Rangers, Kenmare and Kerins O Rahillys.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 8^th July at Castleisland: Desmonds 1-3; Laune Rangers 1-17.

Timmy Sheehan reported for the Kerryman as follows: “The final score-line would seem to suggest that the reigning county senior football champions eased themselves effortlessly into the next stage of the year’s competition in Castleisland on Friday evening. But, though the Killorglin lads were deserving winners, it was only in the final quarter that they eventually put the issue beyond doubt – even if the writing was on the wall for a gallant Castleisland Desmonds very early in the second half.

Having weathered a solid, if generally unproductive opening quarter from Laune Rangers, the home side – inspired by a superb stop from goalkeeper Michael Courtney and a stunning goal from Tadhg Prendiville – countered, to level this tie at the halftime break. In the process, they asked a lot of questions about the character of a Laune Rangers side who were struggling to gain an advantage in the vital midfield area where the towering Garvey’s basketball centre, Maurice Casey, was causing endless problems for them. However, substitutions in the form of Joe Shannon and Mark O Connor helped greatly to re-launch the champion’s challenge and with Timmy Fleming a most resourceful midfielder and Gerard Murphy a quite accomplished and astute attacker, Rangers roared forward in waves of attacks, as Desmonds struggled to cope with what was ultimately an excellent team performance.

Desmonds, in fact, failed to raise a single flag in the second half and herein really lies the tale of their collapse. Just one score, Prendiville’s goal, came from play and really it was their deficiency in attack, which proved to be their undoing, as they possessed plenty of effort and application in all other sectors. By contrast, Rangers had a lot more aces in their pack and in Gerard Murphy they had the most outstanding player on view. Popping up all over the place, Murphy used his speed and guile to devastating effect and it was easy to see why Rangers missed his exceptional qualities for the past few years when he was out of the game through injury.

He was, in fact, especially prominent throughout all of the opening passages of play as Fleming, twice from frees, and team captain Paul Griffin kicked Rangers into a three point lead inside five minutes. With Tommy Byrne outstanding at the heart of their defence, Rangers enjoyed a monopoly of possession, a fact illustrated by the failure of Desmonds to launch any worthwhile attack throughout all of the opening quarter. Their first score in the 15^th minute, a pointed free from Kevin O Sullivan, was immediately negated by Pierce Prendiville and even if Downey, with another free in the 20^th minute, narrowed the gap once again, Billy O Sullivan and Timmy Fleming pushed Rangers four points clear with a point each.

It could have been even more as O Sullivan’s shot had goal written all over it but drew a save by goalkeeper Michael Courtney which gave the Desmonds’ players a much-needed lift, at a time when Billy O Shea’s surging forward runs were threatening to over-run a Desmonds side badly in need of a few scores. With Maurice Casey and, to a lesser extent, Tommy Roche upping their performance considerably, the home side struck for a splendid goal in the 23^rd minute as Prendiville left Lyons helpless with a pile-driver to the roof of the net. Downey, with another free, stroked over the equaliser two minutes later and, quite incredibly, from being a team struggling to stay in contention, Desmonds were all fired up by an enthusiastic home support and were really putting it up to the raging-hot favourites. (Halftime score – Laune Rangers 0-6, Desmonds 1-3).

The introduction of Shannon and O Connor for the second half, however, brought about a complete transformation in the application of the men from Mid-Kerry and, with Billy O Shea now relocated on the ‘40’ and Conor Kearney at full-forward, regained a scoring advantage inside six minutes with points from Murphy and O Sullivan. Desmonds, for a period, kept pace in terms of possession but with Mike Hassett, Shane O Sullivan and, most especially, Adrian Hassett rock solid, Rangers remained in control and further scores from Kearney and Griffin pushed them four points clear at the end of the third quarter. Murphy continued to be the most potent attacking threat, with some searing runs, while Shannon’s experience, Prendiville’s work-rate and O Shea’s clever distribution were also important features in a Rangers’ performance, which was gathering momentum with every passing minute.

Fleming, with two frees, O Sullivan with his third point, Kearney with his second, substitute Liam Hassett with his first and man-of-the-match Gerard Murphy with two beautiful points, set the seal on what was, in the end, quite a comprehensive and convincing victory. Laune Rangers, still very much the favourites in the betting stakes, will involve themselves in some soul-searching before naming their starting fifteen for the next game. On the basis of their performance in this game, they can hardly afford to leave such as Joe Shannon on the sideline next time around, as it was his introduction, which sparked off a most productive revival.”

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Conor Kearney (0-2), Paul Griffin (capt.) 0-2, James O Shea, Gerard Murphy (0-3), Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming (0-5, frees), Billy O Sullivan (0-3). Subs: Joe Shannon for P. McKenna, Mark O Connor for J. O Shea, Liam Hassett (0-1) for P. Griffin, Pa Murphy, Jerry O Brien, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, Derry O Sullivan and Jason Griffin.

Desmonds: Michael Courtney, Denny Kerins, Eugene Leonard, Patrick Walsh, Kieran O Sullivan, Tommy Horan (capt.), John Roche, Tommy Roche, Maurice Casey, Kevin O Sullivan (0-1, free), Tadhg Prendiville (1-0), Tommy O Sullivan, Mossy Lyons, Martin Downey (0-2, frees), Kevin McMahon. Subs: Willie Dom O Connor for K. McMahon, John Brennan for M. Lyons.

Ref: Donie O Connor (Rathmore).

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 21^st Aug. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 4-16; South-Kerry 1-10.

Eamonn Horan reported in the Kerryman as follows: “Defending champions, Laune Rangers, lived fully up to expectations at Austin Stack Park, Tralee, on Sunday evening when they gave a superb display of flowing football to completely outclass a South-Kerry side that never looked like even remotely matching their rivals in this one-sided AIB Co. SFC quarter-final.

From the moment that centre half-forward James O Shea planted the ball in the South-Kerry net after three minutes, the Mid-Kerry men were in total command. They were on top at midfield where Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville were always calling the shots against Maurice Fitzgerald and Robbie O Dwyer.

Laune Rangers once again demonstrated in this game that they are a football team in the strictest sense of the word. They are fine ball-players, each and everyone of them, but above all else, they play as a unit and they can build up movements out of defence and apply some excellent finish up front. South-Kerry were simply unable to counter their opponents’ speed and precision and, anytime the southerners looked like getting back into the game, Laune Rangers countered in lightning fashion and shut the door on them. The losers were sadly lacking in leadership and enterprise and, when they did come raiding, the Rangers’ backs shut them down with relative ease.

Corner-forward Karl O Dwyer opened the losers’ account after four minutes with a point. A minute later, the dashing Paul Griffin was taken down as he went through for Rangers and, from the ensuing penalty, Tommy Byrne’s blasting drive went over off the crossbar for a point. Kerry minor James O Shea promptly replied with a point for South-Kerry but the losers didn’t score again until the 21^st minute of the half. And by that time, Rangers had established their dominance on the proceedings and they widened the gap with points from Griffin (13 mins.), Murphy (14 mins.), Fleming (17 mins.), Liam Hassett (18 mins.) and Fleming (19 mins.) to lead by 1-6 to 0-2.

South-Kerry, toiling at midfield, were finding the going mighty tough and they didn’t appear to have anybody capable of lifting them from the level of mediocrity in which they found themselves at that stage in the game. Seamus Fitzgerald ended the drought for the challengers when he fisted a point in the 21^st minute. But Rangers continued to carry the game to their rivals and they added points from Murphy (24 and 27 mins.) and Billy O Shea (28 mins.) to a solitary reply from Karl O Dwyer (29 mins.), to leave the title-holders comfortably ahead at halftime by 1-9 to 0-4.

Maurice Fitzgerald pointed a free for South-Kerry within a minute of the restart, but the expected revival did not materialise. Laune Rangers maintained their momentum and they were always faster to the ball and used their team-work and speed to the utmost effect, as the game wore on. Billy O Shea, who lined out at left corner-forward, was ever a thorn in the side of the South-Kerry defence and, in the 33^rd minute, he combined with Timmy Fleming, in a quick break down the left flank, for the latter to shoot his side’s first score of the second half. Wing-forward Joe Shannon quickly added a point from a pass by Gerard Murphy, who once again showed that he has regained his old form and is a huge asset in the champions’ attack.

Six minutes into the half, Rangers were awarded a second penalty and again Tommy Byrne was entrusted with the kick. This time the red-haired centre halfback made amends for his earlier semi-miss, when he blazed the ball to the net, his shot going in off the left post. Thereafter, it became a case of what margin Rangers would actually win by, such was their control of the general play. They moved with poise and confidence, in contrast to their opponents’ inability to lift the overall level of their game. Granted, South-Kerry did come more onto the game as the second half wore on. But one felt that they were never going to pose a serious threat to Rangers, who played with tremendous spirit throughout and simply oozed confidence. Laune Rangers are a well-drilled, organised club team, which has been through the mill many a time and knows how to adapt its game when the necessity arises. That is not to say, however, that they are unbeatable. Indeed, they may have been made to look a lot better than they really are on the night. I feel that a team with the heart and commitment of Dr. Crokes could yet pose a major threat to them. They certainly can’t afford the luxury of missed penalties against a team like the Killarney side.

Murphy pointed for the winners after 37 minutes (2-12 to 0-5) before James O Shea and Karl O Dwyer replied with a brace of points for South-Kerry within ten minutes of the start of the half. But the bottom fell out of the game when substitute Conor Kearney banged in Rangers’ third goal to open up a 14-point gap between the teams (3-12 to 0-7). South-Kerry refused to throw in the towel, however, and, in the 46^th minute, the elusive James O Shea punished some slackness in the winners’ defence when he crashed the ball to the net, with goalkeeper Peter Lyons caught out of position. The same player added a point before Griffin and Michael Keating exchanged points.

But by now it was a mere formality as Rangers strode nonchalantly to victory. Substitute Pat McKenna (two) and Paul Griffin added points to extend the lead and Billy O Sullivan – he came on as a sub in the second half – copper-fastened victory when he hammered the ball to the net for his side’s fourth goal in the 54^th minute. Karl O Dwyer replied with a point a minute later, but it was purely academic. Laune Rangers were through to the semi-final and, on the evidence of this display, it will take an exceptionally talented team to dislodge then as kingpins of Kerry football.”

It was a truly marvellous performance. It was like poetry in motion. Peter Lyons was very sound in goals – he made one boob near the end, which resulted in a goal but otherwise he played well. Adrian Hassett played well, even though his direct opponent, Karl O Dwyer, kicked four points. Paudie Sheahan was great – he seemed to be going from strength to strength. Mark O Connor, who had got married on the previous Friday, never came to terms with James O Shea, the Kerry minor. Mike Hassett was very sound – he swapped positions with Mark O Connor in the second half. Tommy Byrne was like a rock at the heart of the Rangers’ defence – one great shoulder charge, in particular, blew the ball out of Maurice Fitzgerald’s hands. Shane O Sullivan had a great game. The midfield partnership was the easily the best pairing in the county at the time. Pierce Prendiville had the eternal-youth look about his work-rate – he was the heart and head of the team. Timmy Fleming had a ‘blinder’ – he was putting in a greater effort into training, that year, than ever before and his performance that evening reflected that. Gerard Murphy was class – he had the great knack of finding space and creating it for others. James O Shea worked like a trooper – he scored the first goal, a super effort. Joe Shannon was having a great season – he was very strong in that game and his fielding ability was a huge help. Paul Griffin was as busy as a beaver – he wasted some possession but, generally, played well. Liam Hassett, on his senior championship debut, played very well. He had very quick hands and a good head – a man for the future. Billy O Shea was super – he had great pace and his blocking-down was of the highest quality. He was fouled for the two penalties. He, also, gave the goalkeeper nightmares by blocking his clearances on numerous occasions. Conor Kearney tried hard, when he was introduced. He, also, blocked a clearance, which he deflected to the net. Pat McKenna played well and scored two good points. Billy O Sullivan showed temper when scoring his goal. All told, it was a great team performance – skill, teamwork and fitness of the highest degree. The trainer, John Evans, and selectors, Patsy Joy and John Clifford, had been very brave when making the original selection.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne (1-1, penalties), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming (0-3, 2 frees), Gerard Murphy (0-4), James O Shea (1-0), Joe Shannon (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-3), Liam Hassett (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1). Subs: Conor Kearney (1-0) for L. Hassett, Billy O Sullivan (1-0) for J. O Shea, Pat McKenna (0-2) for G. Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien, Derry O Sullivan and Jason Griffin. .

South-Kerry: Oran O Mahony (St. Mary’s), Chris Drummond (Sneem), Liam Burns (do.), Mike O Leary (St. Mary’s), Buddy O Shea (Waterville), Seamus O Connor (Valentia) capt., Brendan Kelly (Renard), Maurice Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-1, Robbie O Dwyer (Waterville), Paul Curran (Valentia), John D. O Shea (Waterville), Peadar Keane (St. Mary’s), James O Shea (Foilmore) 1-3, Seamus Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) 0-1, Karl O Dwyer (Waterville) 0-4. Subs: Michael Galvin (Sneem) for S. Fitzgerald, Fionán Murphy (Valentia) for C. Drummond, Michael Keating (Waterville) 0-1 for P. Curran, Richard Quigley (Valentia), Robbie Wharton (Renard), Mike Murt O Connell (St. Mary’s), Pa O Connell (do), John Quirke (do), Barry Clifford (Derrynane), Sean Hussey (Sneem), Declan Lynch (Valentia), Darby Clifford (Waterville).

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Having reached the Co. Semi-final, Rangers were installed as 1/3 favourites to reach the final and 11/10 to win it. Eamonn Horan previewed the semi-final in the Kerryman on Fri. 2^nd Sept. as follows: “It’s the game the whole county has been waiting for – the meeting of the two most potent forces in club football in the Kingdom. It promises to be an explosive affair and one which will bring the fans flocking from far and wide to Austin Stack Park, Tralee, on Sunday evening (6.30pm).

It is, of course, the eagerly-awaited clash of defending champions, Laune rangers, and Dr. Crokes in the first of the AIB Co. SFC Semi-finals. Rangers are still favourites with the bookies to hold onto the title they won with some devastating football last year and the general feeling among the football fraternity at large is that it will take am exceptionally superb side to knock them from their pedestal.

The popular belief, for many a day, is that the side most likely to dismantle the reigning champions is Dr. Crokes. Laune Rangers’ trainer, John Evans, said on Wednesday that their preparation was going well. Billy O Sullivan and Conor Kearney were recovering from recent injury but were back in training.

‘It’s going to be a very close game,’ said Garda John. ‘Both teams are unbeaten this year and they are both on top of the Division 1 of the Co. League. There are two things to be played for – the county championship and the county league.’

He sees it being a close, open game, with lots of scores. ‘I think both sets of forwards would be stronger than their respective backs, which should indicate that a lot will depend on what happens at midfield,’ said Evans. ‘Whichever team gets on top at midfield and gets the better supply should win the game,’

The Laune Rangers’ trainer reckons that the presence of Pierce Prendiville and Timmy Fleming at midfield should give his side a bit of an edge in this sector. That could swing the issue in Rangers’ favour but, at the same time, he feels that the Crokes’ forwards are able to win frees at will and any such indiscretions will be punished by Ger and Pat O Shea. ‘Both teams have been playing each other for the past five or six years and it has been nip and tuck the whole way,’ he continued. ‘Crokes have an exceptional set of forwards, but they seem to be able to win frees where no other forwards can win them. I suppose it will depend on the interpretation of the referee, but they are clever at winning frees.’

Evans is quite pleased with the way Billy O Sullivan is shaping up in training, now that he has recovered from injury. The battle for places on the team is ‘fierce’ at the moment. The Laune Rangers’ man finds it a hard game to call this time round. ‘We expect Crokes to come at us and a point will do us at the final whistle,’ he said. ‘The championship games so far have not been that mighty, but I am expecting this one to be a clinker. I think it will go down to the wire.’

When all is said and done, I think Laune Rangers will have that vital extra yard of speed on their opponents and they can produce an ace from the pack when the need is greatest. I can’t honestly see men like Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea, Billy O Sullivan, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Gerard Murphy and James O Shea being denied a place in the county final. Maybe Crokes will prove me wrong. But I doubt it, somehow.”

Donal O Grady interviewed John Evans in the week before the game and reported in the Kerry People on Wed. 31^st Aug. as follows: “Laune Rangers’ trainer, John Evans, believes that next Sunday’s showdown between his charges and Dr. Crokes of Killarney will be a real spectators’ game, full of scores, with the outcome being decided by whichever defensive line copes better with the opposing forwards. Delighted at having no injury problems going into this game, the biggest headache for him and fellow selectors, John Clifford and Patsy Joy, will be to select their first fifteen. ‘The selection of your first 15 at any given time,’ he said, ‘is to pick the 15 players on form, no matter who’s fit. All the players put in a big effort last week. They’ve being going well and they’re all showing.’

Evans admits that every clash between Rangers and Crokes is always very close and very interesting and that Sunday’s encounter will be no different. ‘Both teams are full of good all-round sportsmen, good athletes who know what’s required. Crokes have been team-building and they have a few new personnel. Their strength is their team-work and they play to a system, a system that I’ve admired for a long time. That’s their real strength,’ he said.

For his own side, he said that he’ll be ‘looking for a balance incorporating individual flair into the team-work.’ He recognises that the Co. League hasn’t been doing them much good but said that they have to take the easy games as well as the tough ones and that all opposition is there to be beaten.

John believes that midfield will have a big bearing on the outcome. ‘Both sets of forwards are strong and very cute, so it depends on how well both sets of backs cope with the opposing forwards. It’ll be tight, tense and close and I’d be happy with a one point win,’ he added.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 4^th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Dr. Crokes 2-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.

Eamonn Horan reported on the game for the Kerryman as follows: “Unreal! Unbelievable! Call it what you will but the simple fact of the matter is that this first of the AIB county SFC semi-finals at Austin Stack Park on Sunday evening was as bizarre as it was irrational in its outcome. The upshot of it all, of course, is that reigning champions, Laune Rangers, were sent crashing to defeat by a Dr. Crokes side, which took this game by the scruff of the neck inside the closing ten minutes. But once again, the games of the Gael were brought into disrepute by some vicious, ugly scenes, which broke out amongst rival players in the course of a bad-tempered second half. The first of these, within about eight minutes of the restart, was as ugly a brawl as it has been this writer’s displeasure to witness. And yet, over the hour, only two players were sent off by the referee, namely Seanie O Shea (Dr. Crokes) and Paul Griffin (Laune Rangers).

Playing with great confidence and self-assurance, Laune Rangers dictated matters all through the opening half and, with Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville lording affairs at midfield, they took the game to their rivals for long spells of the half. And yet, Rangers failed to translate their territorial dominance into match-winning scores during this half, at the end of which they led by 0-8 to 0-4.

In that first half, the Killorglin side was far more positive and better drilled than the opposition. They were faster to the ball and invariably found their man. Crokes were obviously intent on bringing full-forward Brian Clarke very much into the game and time and again they fed the ball towards him. But fullback Paudie Sheahan was there each time to thwart his opponent and drive the ball down-field. Adrian Hassett and Billy O Shea were also prominent in the Rangers’ defence in the opening half. Crokes, for their part, were lacklustre and never looked like upsetting the onward march of John Evans’ men.

Rangers led by 0-2 to nil inside three minutes. However, Crokes were level after four minutes. But then in the second quarter, Rangers began to put their game together in earnest and, having taken the lead with a pointed ‘45’ by Timmy Fleming in the 19^th minute, they stretched ahead with further points by Joe Shannon, Fleming and Paul Griffin to lead by 0-6 to 0-2 after 26 minutes. In actual fact, the defending champions should have been much further ahead such was their overall dominance of the exchanges.

Then, in the 28^th minute, came a dramatic incident when Roland Neher/Connie Murphy one-two ended with the Crokes’ centre halfback being brought down as he headed goal-ward and the referee awarded a penalty. It was a golden opportunity for the Killarney side to get back into the game, which, at that stage, was going very much against them. The crowd of about 5,000 held its collective breath as tall Vince Casey stepped up to take the kick but he mis-kicked it and skied the ball over the bar – a let-off for Rangers! Griffin and Shannon increased Rangers’ advantage with points before Brian Clarke sent a short free to Noel O Leary and the burly Crokes’ midfielder pointed to reduce the deficit to four points at the interval (0-8 to 0-4).

Looking back on it that was a very meagre lead for the title-holders, considering the amount of possession they enjoyed all through the half and even allowing for the fact that they had played against the breeze.

The men in blue jerseys started the second half in most positive fashion when Gerard Murphy landed a brilliant long-range point within a minute of the throw-in. But the amazing thing about it is that the champions didn’t score again for fully 28 minutes when Shane O Sullivan kicked an equalising point for them. That was after Crokes had turned the game on its head. The Killarney men found inspiration in adversity in the second half and, summoning hitherto untapped reserves of power and stamina, they battled their way back from the jaws of gaping defeat to overhaul their opponents.

Lots of reasons will be put forward for the extraordinary turn-about in a game, which was going only one way in the first half and for long periods of the second half. For one thing, Crokes kept switching players around with bewildering frequency and this ploy was obviously meant to upset their rivals’ rhythm, which it most certainly did. Men like Connie Murphy, Noel O Leary, Danny Cooper, Mike Cooper, Brian McCarthy, Brian Clarke, Pat O Shea and Roland Neher were now fired up as never before and they got stuck into the action in earnest as they tried to stem the raging tide.

As Fleming and Prendiville began to lose their grip on matters at midfield, likewise Rangers seemed to lose their earlier momentum. Connie Murphy burst through for a point after 33 minutes. Conor Kearney and Pat McKenna were introduced by Rangers. Kearney came at full-forward in place of Liam Hassett, while McKenna took over from Billy O Sullivan at top of the left. But neither Kearney nor McKenna brought the desired-for results up front for the losers.

Then, after about eight or nine minutes of the half, all hell broke loose on the far side of the pitch as a running battle broke out among rival players and mentors and, in a matter of seconds, it had fanned out along the sideline into a few different scuffles, in which fists flayed wildly, and blue and white and black and amber jerseyed players engaged in some deplorable bouts of fisticuffs. Referee Pat Sheehy didn’t seem to be able to impose his authority on maintaining law and order and soon after another scuffle erupted in front of the Laune Rangers’ goal.

Thereafter, the game threatened to boil over again at any moment and hard knocks were now very much the order of the day. But, if anything, it was Laune Rangers who appeared to lose their earlier balance and rhythm. It was as if Crokes had got inside the minds of their rivals and knew precisely what their strategy would be. The challengers began to carry the game to their opponents, urged on to the echo by their supporters.

Ger O Shea reduced the deficit to three points when he pointed a long-range free after 41 minutes (0-9 to 0-6). Just before O Shea scored, Adrian Hassett was booked and, soon afterwards, Gerard Murphy and Mike Cooper followed suit. Pat O Shea had a great chance of finding the net after 43 minute when he was put through by Connie Murphy, but the elusive corner-forward turned and drove wide with his left foot. That was a real let-off for Rangers.

Two minutes later, Pat O Shea was fouled and he pointed the following free to narrow the gap still further. It was all Crokes at this stage and they exerted fierce pressure on their opponents’ defence. Men such as Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Tommy Byrne and Billy O Shea, who had been such bastions in the Rangers’ rearguard up to this, were no longer playing with the same dash and confidence. The champions’ rhythm had been upset in a big way and Crokes sensed it. Murphy burst through again for Crokes, but Pat O Shea was penalised for a foul on goalkeeper Peter Lyons. Rangers raised the siege but, with good scoring chances, both Prendiville and McKenna were off target.

Then came the turning point – Crokes attacked down the right flank with Ger O Shea prominent. The ball came to Pat O Shea and, fast as lightning, the pint-sized attacker hammered an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Lyons and Austin Stacks erupted to a crescendo of Killarney cheers. Suddenly, 21 minutes into the second half, Crokes had done the seemingly impossible and grabbed the lead (1-7 to 0-9. Rangers were stunned and they tried to retaliate, but James O Shea was wide after soloing through. Tempers were still frayed and linesman Tommy Sugrue was to be seen helping the referee try to sort matters out in the centre of the field after further trouble.

Fleming took a long-range free but goal-man Peter O Brien averted the danger. O Leary of Crokes sent Pat O Shea through but he finished just wide of the target. The going was mighty tough. Clarke was injured and received attention for a few minutes before resuming. The game was a minute short of the completion of normal time when left wing-back Shane O Sullivan took a pass from Fleming to kick a tremendous long-range equalising point for Rangers and the cheers were long and loud (1-7 to 0-10).

But, with the match in injury time, it was Crokes who produced the real fireworks in the form of a memorable second goal, followed by a point to put the icing on the cake. Connie Murphy floated the ball to Pat O Shea and he, in turn, found Roland Neher on the right of goal. The sturdy attacker became the toast of the Killarney crowd as he unleashed a rocket-like shot, which thundered into the net past the mesmerised Rangers’ defence and goalkeeper. Then, to add to the title-holders’ tale of woe, a poor kick-out was pounced on by Pat O Shea, who drove the ball over the bar to seal the issue for Crokes. There was just no way back for Rangers and Crokes had accomplished the seemingly impossible. The champions were out of the title race.

Rangers must be wondering what went wrong and how they let it all slip away from them after such clear dominance in the opening half. Maybe they were that bit too sure of themselves and paid the penalty.”

Rangers were indeed coasting at halftime, having played against a slight breeze. As reported, they went even a further point ahead on the resumption. However, the Crokes started a fight (why should Rangers, leading as they were by five points), which led to a melee and thereafter, Rangers lost their composure both on and off the field. Conor Kearney should have been introduced at midfield, not at full-forward. Paudie Sheahan should have been left at fullback instead of marking the third midfielder. Mark O Sullivan, when he came on, did not seem to know where he was playing – fatal against Crokes. When Paul Griffin was sent off, Rangers really fell apart (At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, he was suspended for two weeks).

When interviewed afterwards, the Laune Rangers’ Chairman, Jerome Conway, described his team’s eclipse as ‘part of the learning process and said the trouble, which had erupted during the second half had upset Laune Rangers. ‘After that we lost our shape and we really didn’t play,’ he said. ‘We got the first score after halftime and that should have set us up. But it’s just part of the learning process and Crokes proved the more experienced side.’ The Chairman said that they had a Co. League game on the following Sunday and after that they would be back training for the Mid-Kerry Championship. ‘It will be a test of our character if we can come back,’ he said.

At a subsequent Co. Board, arising out of the referee’s report, both Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes clubs were fined £500 each for bringing the game into disrepute. Despite the protestations of John Clifford, Laune Rangers’ delegate, who maintained that the fines were ‘over the top’ and that they should be halved, the fines were imposed.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-3, 2 frees and one 45), Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy (0-1), James O Shea (0-1), Joe Shannon (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-2), Liam Hassett, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Conor Kearney for L. Hassett, Pat McKenna for B.O Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan for J. O Shea, Mark O Connor, Jerry O Brien, Pa Murphy, Derry O Sullivan, Jason Griffin and John Doona.

Dr. Crokes: Peter O Brien, John O Shea, Brian McCarthy, Connie Doherty, Mike Cooper, Connie Murphy (0-1), Ken Buckley, Noel O Leary (0-1), Vince Casey (0-1, pen.), Danny Cooper, Roland Neher (1-0), Seanie O Shea, Pat O Shea (1-2, 1 free), Brian Clarke (0-1), Ger O Shea (0-2, frees). Subs: John Galvin for K. Buckley, Billy Hennigan for V. Casey.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

Co. Final replay on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Killarney, Austin Stacks, captained by Pat Slattery and trained by Paul Lucey, beat Dr. Crokes by 0-12 to 1-5.

 

Co. Club Senior Football Championship

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 4^th Dec: Laune Rangers 0-19; Dr. Crokes 1-14.

The Co. League Final had doubled as the quarter-final of the Club Championship.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 10^th Dec. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-5; Waterville 3-8.

Laune Rangers had no interest in that competition as Austin Stacks, as Co. Senior Champions, were representing Kerry in the Munster Club Championship. Consequently, Laune Rangers had a very depleted side on show.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Eddie Birmingham, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Adrian Hassett, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, John Doona, Jason Griffin, James O Shea, Derry O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien.

 

Final on Sun. 19^th March 1995 in Austin Stack Park: Legion 0-8; Waterville 0-6.

 

Co. Senior Football League (Div. 1)

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-12; John Mitchels 1-1.

That was a super performance by the Rangers, albeit against young and weak opposition. Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin and Joe Shannon scored the first half goals to give the home side a massive twenty points interval lead. Billy O Sullivan scored the fourth goal in the second half. Conor Kearney, on his debut, fitted into the team quite well.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Conor Kearney, Paul Griffin (capt.), Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Mark O Sullivan for B. O Shea, Timmy Corkery for T. Fleming, Liam Hassett for J. O Shea (inj.), Gerard Murphy, Eoin Corkery, Derry O Sullivan, Jason Griffin.

Ref: Kieran Corridon (Brosna).

 

Rd.2 on Sun. 27^th March at Dingle: Dingle 1-5; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Laune Rangers requested that the game would be played on Saturday because of the important NFL game in Dublin but Dingle would not agree. Timmy Fleming had been dropped by the Kerry selectors and that suited Rangers. He teamed up to dominate midfield with Pierce Prendiville in the second half, when Rangers had the advantage of the breeze and he capped a fine performance by scoring three points. They led at halftime by 1-3 to 0-4, having played against the wind. All the team played well with Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy and James O Shea being particularly good.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-5), Pierce Prendiville, Timmy Corkery (0-2), James O Shea, Gerard Murphy (0-1), Paul Griffin (1-0), Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan. Subs: John Doona for J. Shannon, Jason Griffin (0-1) for B. O Sullivan.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 1^st May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-7; Laune Rangers 2-13.

Laune Rangers maintained their 100% record with a display of power-football. Just two points (1-6 to 1-4) separated the sides at halftime, the goals coming from Gerard Murphy (Laune Rangers) and Martin Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine). In that half, Laune Rangers had spurned two penalties that could have really killed off the game – Tommy Byrne and Billy O Sullivan drove their efforts over the bar. As it turned out, it mattered little as Gerard Murphy, back to his brilliant best, scored a second goal and James O Shea, who lorded matters a midfield, kicked four fine points. It was a good, hard, fair game of football. Pierce Prendiville worked tirelessly throughout, while Paudie Sheahan was like Stonewall Jackson. Paul Griffin played a captain’s part and there were few forwards better than him in the county at the time. Tommy Byrne, Billy O Shea, Peter Lyons, Conor Kearney and Billy O Sullivan were others to contribute much to that important win. That game also doubled, with the agreement of both clubs, as Rd. 1 of the Mid-Kerry Senior League, which had been postponed due to the weather.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne (0-1, pen.), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea (0-4), Gerard Murphy (2-1), Pat McKenna, Timmy Corkery, Paul Griffin (0-2), Conor Kearney (0-2), Billy O Sullivan (0-3, 1 pen.). Subs: Derry O Sullivan for T. Corkery, Mark O Sullivan for B. O Shea, Jason Griffin and Liam Hassett.

Milltown/Castlemaine: Mike Murphy, David O Connor, Liam Spring, Jamie Courtney, Noel Spillane, Andrew Boyle, John Giles, Mike Dennehy (0-1), Joe Daly (0-1), Alan O Connor (0-1), Willie Maher (0-1, free), Joe McAuliffe (0-1), Martin Burke (1-1), Liam Kelliher (0-1, free), Sean Counihan. Sub: Fionán Kelliher for J. Courtney (inj.).

Ref: Danny Enright (Tarbert).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 15^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-15; Currow 0-6.

That game was all over as a contest after twenty-two whirlwind minutes, in which Rangers kicked an incredible 3-9 in reply to Currow’s paltry 0-2. It was a dazzling display of football that totally mesmerised Currow and the urgency, skill and clinical finishing of the Rangers’ attack wrought havoc on a helpless Currow defence. Playing at almost full strength against a Currow side, missing several key players through injury, Rangers produced the goods in a blistering start to which Currow simply had no reply.

Currow opened the scoring with a point from full-forward Tommy Brosnan but Laune Rangers soon took over and began their rout with a great goal from Paul Griffin in the fourth minute. Further points were added by Gerard Murphy, Timmy Fleming, Paul Griffin and Pat McKenna, as Currow sought desperately to halt their opponents. Timmy Fleming was a revelation at full-forward and his shooting was exceptional. He kicked an impressive six points in the first half and was involved in almost all the Rangers’ attacks.

Currow’s world really came crashing down around them when Rangers pounced for two superbly fashioned goals in quick succession from Paul Griffin and James O Shea, while Gerard Murphy and Timmy Fleming added further points to leave the halftime score at 3-11 to 0-3, in favour of the home side. The game was over as a contest at that stage and Rangers made a double substitution at halftime, introducing Timmy Corkery for G. Murphy and Pa Murphy for S.O Sullivan.

Currow, to their credit, really got stuck in, in the second half, and, fighting for pride, they contested every ball as if their very lives depended upon it. Tommy Brosnan kicked an early point, Pat McKenna replied for Rangers but Currow struck again for a score, this time from substitute, Con Fleming. Timmy Corkery got his name on the score-sheet for Rangers in the 39^th minute but the Currow defence refused to be humiliated as they were in the first half. Hugh O Connor and James Flynn stood tall in their defence and closed down several attacks in the second half. However, Rangers hit the target twice more before the final whistle with points by Timmy Fleming and Adrian Hassett, who came forward to join the attack in the closing minutes.

It was a polished performance by Rangers, with every team member impressing. Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan and Adrian Hassett stood out in defence, the midfield pairing of Pierce Prendiville and Conor Kearney were on top for most of the game and all six forwards were in scintillating form, with Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea, James O Shea and Paul Griffin particularly impressive.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Conor Kearney, Paul Griffin (2-1), James O Shea (1-1), Billy O Shea, Pat McKenna (0-2), Timmy Fleming (0-7, 1 free), Gerard Murphy (0-2). Sub: Timmy Corkery (0-1) for G. Murphy, Pa Murphy for S. O Sullivan, Joe Shannon for B. O Shea.

Currow: Mike Dennehy, Mike Curtin, Hugh O Connor, Maurice Browne, Tom Fleming, James Flynn, David Galway, Noel O Connor, Sean O Connor, Shane Horan, Brendan Walsh (0-1), Sean Dennehy (0-1), Pius Fleming, Tommy Brosnan (0-3, 2 frees), John McGlynn. Subs: Tim Galway for D. Galway, Con Fleming (0-1) for M. Browne, Gerard Maguire for B. Walsh.

Ref: Kieran Corridon (Brosna).

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 29^th May at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 0-10; Laune Rangers 1-16.

In a game that was over-physical at times, Laune Rangers had nine points to spare at the end. To say that the contest was physical would be an understatement and the Co. Champions survived some rough treatment to continue their unbeaten league run. Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming and Paul Griffin found the mark for the Rangers in the opening quarter. The confrontation in the middle of the park between Dara Ó Sé and Conor Kearney was very interesting and on an afternoon when Rangers’ forward-line, lead by the impressive Timmy Fleming, was far sharper, midfield was perhaps the only area  where Gaeltacht held its own. Timmy Fleming got the Rangers’ goal. Adrian Hassett was magnificent at the back, while Conor Kearney had an outstanding second half against Dara Ó Sé at midfield. Pierce Prendiville, Joe Shannon, Billy O Shea, Gerard Murphy, Pat McKenna and Paul Griffin also played well.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 19^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 0-5; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Billy O Sullivan scored the two goals in that one-sided contest.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Liam Hassett, Paul Griffin (Capt.), James O Shea (0-1), Pat McKenna (0-2), Derry O Sullivan, Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (2-4). Subs: Jason Griffin (0-1) for D. O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan (0-1) for M. O Connor. Missing because of county duty – Timmy Fleming, Billy O Shea, Mike Hassett, Conor Kearney and Gerard Murphy.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-17; Annascaul 0-6.

Annascaul were very under-strength. Paul Griffin (2), Billy O Shea and Billy O Sullivan scored the goals for Laune Rangers. Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Shane O Sullivan and Tommy Byrne were well to the fore in defence. Timmy Fleming and Pierce Prendiville proved a most formidable midfield pairing.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (0-1), Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-4), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), James O Shea (0-2), Billy O Shea (1-0), Joe Shannon, Paul Griffin (capt.) 2-2, Conor Kearney (0-3), Billy O Sullivan (1-2). Subs: Pat McKenna for B. O Shea, Liam Hassett (0-1) for P. Prendiville, Mark O Sullivan for M. O Connor, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan and Jerry O Brien.

Ref: Richie Williams (Dingle).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 7^th Aug. at Direen: Legion 0-7; Laune Rangers 0-10.

Laune Rangers were not over-impressive. The teams were level at halftime at 0-4 each. Rangers had a lot of possession but had their fair share of wides. The scores were still level with four minutes to go, but, with Gerard Murphy showing deadly accuracy – he scored four of his side’s points – and substitute Liam Hassett also to the fore, Rangers pulled out that extra bit of class when the chips were down and were worthy winners at the finish. Others to impress for the Rangers were Adrian Hassett at corner-back, Pat McKenna who came on midway through the second half and kicked two very good points, wing-forward Joe Shannon and Timmy Fleming at midfield.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 11^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-15; Desmonds 0-4.

Rangers pulverised the opposition, which was quite weak. It was a back-lash from the defeat in the Co. Championship on the previous Sunday.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Billy O Shea (0-1), Mike Hassett, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Conor Kearney (0-2), Gerard Murphy (2-3), James O Shea (0-3), Joe Shannon (0-2), Pat McKenna (1-2), Liam Hassett (1-0), Billy O Sullivan (2-1). Subs: Mark O Sullivan for M. Hassett, Derry O Sullivan for B. O Shea, Pa Murphy for S. O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Final on Sun. 4^th Dec. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 0-19; Dr. Crokes 1-14 (AET).

Eamonn Horan reported on the game for the Kerryman as follows: “It may not have been a football classic by any means but, allowing for the rather hazardous underfoot conditions and that the game was finished in fast-fading light, this final produced an abundance of fast, exciting football, which saw Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes tied on the scoreboard at the end of 60 minutes play and then, in extra-time, Rangers pulled out for a deserving if hard-earned win.

So Crokes’ bid to emulate the feat of neighbours Legion, who won the league last year, came unstuck and, in the process, Laune Rangers also qualified for the semi-final of the Club Championship (the Michael O Connor Cup) in which they will meet Waterville.

The fact that the Co. Intermediate Football Final had been played as a curtain-raiser didn’t help the playing conditions for what was regarded as the show-piece of Kerry football. By the time the 60 minutes play had elapsed, the pitch was showing distinct signs of wear and tear and in the half an hour of extra-time it became a real ordeal for players on both sides to hold their feet on the slippery surface.

As in the championship semi-final meeting between the clubs, back in September, this game was fraught with temper and rancour and, far too often, the over-zealousness of rival players led to a number of flash-points and, as a result of one such flare-up, a player from each side was sent to the line by referee Tommy Sugrue.

That particular confrontation occurred in the 25^th minute of the game, at a stage when Crokes were leading by four points (1-4 to 0-3) and the Killarney defence was holding the opposing forwards on a very tight rein. Substitute Kenneth Buckley (Crokes) and Joe Shannon (Rangers) clashed as they played the ball in front of the stand and before one could say ‘jack-knife’ a number of rival players had become embroiled and both Shannon and Brian Clarke of Crokes were booked by the referee. Matters were not helped by shouts from rival supporters, but the upshot of it all was that both players were sent packing by referee Sugrue. It was unseemly and uncalled for, especially with the game at such a comparatively early stage. Quite obviously, old scores still needed to be settled, but this was neither the time nor the occasion.

When hostilities had broken out in the championship, the end result was that Rangers lost their grip on the game and Crokes’ performance improved and they went on to win by four points. But this time round, Rangers refused to be rattled and, in extra-time, they proved to be the stronger and more resilient side and left no doubt about their superiority at the call of time. In fact, if anything, Rangers should have won by a couple of more scores. That they didn’t was due to some inexplicable misses by them in the second period of extra-time, at which stage they were calling the shots against their flagging rivals.

Crokes had got off to a dream start when corner-forward Ger O Shea planted the ball in the net within a minute of the throw-in, following nice work by Pat O Shea. Clarke, Roland Neher, Pat O Shea and Connie Murphy were prominent for Crokes as they carried the game to the rivals and when a shot from Murphy went over the bar off the body of goalkeeper Peter Lyons, the Killarney side were in front by 1-2 to 0-1 after 11 minutes. Paul Griffin and Pierce Prendiville reduced the deficit with points before Pat O Shea and Murphy were on target for Crokes, to leave it 1-4 to 0-3 after 22 minutes.

Timmy Fleming ruled the midfield scene for Rangers in the first half, but anytime the winners’ forwards made tracks towards goal, they invariably found their pathway barred by an air-tight defence in which Colm O Shea, Connie Doherty and Liam Hartnett were particularly impressive and Crokes were full value for the interval lead (1-5 to 0-5).

On the restart, Connie Muphy had moved from full-forward to midfield in a swop with Vince Casey and in an obvious attempt to put a halt to Fleming’s gallop. But the further the game went, the harder the Crokes were finding it to contain the dashing Fleming and his partner, Prendiville.

The second half was a test of stamina and endurance as both sides battled for control. But it was Rangers who forced the pace and points by Fleming, Billy O Shea and substitute Liam Hassett saw the sides on level terms (1-5 to 0-8) six minutes into the half. In between times, Rangers’ James O Shea was foiled of a great goal-scoring chance by the alertness of goalkeeper, Peter O Brien.

The Mid-Kerry men gradually pulled clear in the third quarter, but the sticky Crokes men hit back to level the scores again with points by Pat O Shea and Buckley after 47 minutes (0-11 to 1-8). From there to the finish, it was anyone’s game, as rival supporters in the crowd of about 800 urged on their favourites.

Crokes’ cheers filled the air when Pat O Shea put his side in front with a pointed free in the 49^th minute and they maintained the advantage for eight minutes until substitute Michael (Dicey) O Reilly whipped over a levelling point with his first touch of the ball and Rangers were cock-a-hoop within a matter of seconds when team captain Paul Griffin soloed through before shooting a lovely point to give his side back the lead. Adrian Hassett repelled a Crokes’ onslaught, but they were not to be denied as Danny Cooper carved out an opening for Pat O Shea to tie the scores once more with a point (0-13 to 1-10).

And so, despite some confusion among the patrons, the game went to extra-time. The 15-a-side format was restored with the re-appearance of Billy O Sullivan for Laune Rangers and Billy Hennigan coming in for Crokes.

In the very first attack, O Sullivan, who had been replaced near the end of normal time, was unlucky to see his shot go wide off the upright. It was tit for tat all through the opening period of extra-time and, after seven minutes, they were still tied with James O Shea and Ger O Shea (free) exchanging scores. Again, Rangers edged in front when Mike Hassett, from a pass by brother, Adrian, spread-eagled the losers’ defence to boot over a brilliant point in the eighth minute. But the teams were locked together again three minutes later when, from a free by Ger O Shea, Murphy sent over a lovely point and the sides were all square for the sixth time in all.

Both teams were pretty exhausted at this stage as Crokes grabbed the initiative with a Ger O Shea point after 13 minutes and when Prendiville was wide for the opposition, Crokes held a one-point lead at halftime (1-13 to 0-15).

The issue was still delicately balanced between the teams. And, in the second period of extra-time, the scores were level twice more – Griffin had a great equaliser for Rangers after three minutes, but two minutes later the losers were back in front when Pat O Shea pointed after a fine run by Seanie O Shea. Then, in the 23^rd minute, there was deadlock once more when Fleming pointed a free after a foul on Billy O Shea (0-17 to 1-14.).

In the hectic closing minutes, it was Rangers who showed the greater staying power, but they failed to put away a few easy chances and there was always to prospect of a snap Crokes’ goal. Griffin had a great chance but blazed the ball wide of O Brien’s goal. Pat McKenna, who had come back on, was put through by ‘Dicey’ Reilly but shot wide and the malaise continued when Reilly himself shot a terrible wide.

However, Rangers were rewarded for their efforts in the 26^th minute when Tommy Byrne took a pass from Billy O Sullivan and drove the ball unerringly between the posts for the lead. Connie Murphy was wide at the other end and then Peter Lyons saved from another Crokes’ attack led by Hennigan. But Rangers regrouped their forces and, after Billy O Shea was wide of the mark and ‘Dicey’ Reilly had a shot saved by O Brien, Reilly sealed the issue when he took a pass from Billy O Sullivan and floated the ball over the bar.”

That was an epic. A gale-force wind blew into the Horan’s end of the ground and the cold conditions, allied to intermittent sleety showers, made the going extremely difficult for the players. Rangers faced that wind in the first half. Despite what the above report said about the game being ill-tempered, it was, in fact, a very sporting game, with the exception of the punch-up, which led to the dismissal of Joe Shannon and Brian Clarke.

Peter Lyons pulled off two top-class saves. Adrian Hassett had his best game of the year, while Paudie Sheahan and Mark O Connor covered well. Tommy Byrne had a fine game, using his strength to good effect and indeed he was unlucky that his free from over 60m dropped into the hands of O Brien towards the end of normal time. Mike Hassett gave a very polished performance, kicking a tremendous point against the breeze. Shane O Sullivan had difficulty with Seanie O Shea but made one vital interception when introduced in extra-time. Timmy Fleming was a strong contender for man-of-the-match in a game in which saw him score 0-7, three from play. His strong running both on and off the ball, allied to his natural footballing ability, certainly left Ogie Moran hoping that he would soon be back on te county panel. Pierce Prendiville worked hard, but a crowded midfield did not really suit him. Captain Paul Griffin was possibly the best forward on view, his ball control always excellent and four points from play is handsome return for a forward. James O Shea’s high work-rate eventually yielded him a point. Joe Shannon had been doing well until his dismissal. Billy O Shea got through an unbelievable amount of hard graft, collecting many breaks. Pat McKenna and Billy O Sullivan often struggled to make an impact. Liam Hassett and Michael O Reilly were very impressive, when introduced. That win restored confidence in the Laune Rangers band of supporters who had felt that the championship had been allowed to slip away and it certainly shortened what looked like being a long, dreary winter. After the game, Sean Kelly, Chairman of the Co. Board, presented the Shield to the Rangers’ captain, Paul Griffin. William Kennedy, Lee Strand MD (former Laune Rangers’ star) was also in attendance.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, Paudie Sheahan Adrian Hassett, Mike Hassett (0-1), Tommy Byrne (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming (0-7, 4 frees), Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1), James O Shea (0-1), Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin (capt.) 0-4, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Liam Hassett (0-1) for P. McKenna (27 mins.), Mark O Sullivan for S. O Sullivan (52 mins.), Michael O Reilly (0-2) for B. O Sullivan (56 mins.). In extra-time, Pat McKenna for J. O Shea, Shane O Sullivan for M. O Sullivan. Missing – Conor Kearney (suspended) and Gerard Murphy (inj.).

Dr. Crokes: Peter O Brien, Connie Doherty, Brian McCarthy, Liam Hartnett, Danny Cooper, John Galvin, Colm O Shea, Noel O Leary (capt.), Vince Casey, Roland Neher, Brian Clarke (0-1), Seanie O Shea, Pat O Shea (0-6, 4 frees), Connie Murphy (0-3), Ger O Shea (1-3, 2 frees). Subs: Kenneth Buckley (0-1) for C. Doherty (inj. on 17 mins.). In extra-time, Martin Byrnes for L. Hartnett, Paul O Sullivan for G. O Shea, Denis Corridan for D. Cooper.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s, Blennerville).

 

Co. Club ‘B’ Championship (Molyneaux Cup)

 

Semi-final on Sun. 11^th Sept: Kerins O Rahilly’s ‘B’ 1-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10.

Unfortunately, the senior trainer insisted on playing the Co. League Div. 1 game versus Desmonds, a game of no consequence, in direct opposition to the Molyneaux Cup semi-final and deprived the team of a few players.

 

Co. Junior Football League

At a Co. Board meeting in January, following a motion jointly sponsored by Castlegregory, Fossa, Keel and Cromane, the ‘B’ teams were put into a separate group for the Co. League – the Junior Football League. Laune Rangers were in Div. 1 of that league with eight other ‘B’ teams.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ v John Mitchels ‘B’.

That game was postponed due to the condition of the pitch.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 27^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Annascaul ‘B’ scr.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 30^th April at Castleisland: Desmonds ‘B’ 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-9.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley (capt.), John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Eddie Birmingham, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, Eoin O Sullivan, Mikey Griffin, Jerry O Brien, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones.

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 21^st May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-9.

Laune Rangers were by far the better team and led by 1-6 to 0-2 at halftime.

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 28^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Emmett’s ‘B’ 1-6.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 19^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-11.

Despite the absence of a few regulars, who had to play with the ‘A’ team in the second game, the team played well. They conceded a soft first-half goal and trailed by 2-3 to 1-4 at the break. In the second half, a great display of place-kicking as well as outfield play by Michael F. Russell and a magnificent display at wing-back by Joe Hayes inspired the Laune Rangers to win a fine game of football. Others to play well were Kevin Jones, Eddie Birmingham, Eoin O Sullivan, Martin Clifford and Tom Johnston.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Noel Conroy, Joe Hayes, Martin Clifford, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Evans, Kevin Jones, Michael F. Russell, Eoin O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor, John O Dwyer, Tom Johnston, John Sheehan.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 25^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Austin Stacks ‘B’.

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 17^th July at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 2-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-13.

Laune Rangers started well with two quick goals. Crokes fought back but Rangers dominated in the second half to win well.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, Mark O Sullivan, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Evans, Liam Hassett (0-7, 3 frees), Eoin O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Jason Griffin (1-1), Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Derry O Sullivan (1-1), Kevin Jones (1-2). Subs: Timmy Moroney (0-1) for A. O Connor.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 24^th July at Annascaul: Annascaul ‘B’ beat Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Laune Rangers were short ten regulars and still put up a good performance.

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 6^th Aug. at Boherbue: John Mitchels ‘B’ lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 11 on Sat. 27^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ drew with Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Eddie Birmingham, John Doona, Liam Hassett, Mikey Griffin, Robert Evans, Jason Griffin, Kevin Jones, Derry O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien.

 

Rd. 12 on Sat. 3^rd Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Desmonds ‘B’ 1-8.

 

Rd. 13 on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Dr. Crokes ‘B’.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 19^th Nov. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-11; Valentia ‘B’ 0-4.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Mark O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Jerry O Brien, John Doona, Pa Murphy, Mikey Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Robert Evans, Jason Griffin, Michael Moriarty, Derry O Sullivan.

 

Final on Sat. 3^rd Dec. at Milltown: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-5; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half and led at halftime by 0-9 to 0-1. Michael O Reilly had kicked six points from all angles, some from play and some from frees, Derry O Sullivan scored two points and Kevin Jones one point.

Signs of a revival by O Rahillys came four minutes after the resumption, when Eamonn Griffin, from a breaking ball, pulled first time and gave Liam Foley no chance in the Rangers’ goal. Two further points reduced the lead. Rangers pressed forward and with John F. O Brien, Mark O Sullivan and Danny Cahill setting up attacks from defence, they were close on a few occasions, especially when Jason Griffin hit the post. Mikey Griffin had their first and only score on the 51^st minute, when put through by his namesake, Jason Griffin. With a few minutes left to play, Rangers still led by four points. They were awarded a free in a good scoring position. However, Michael O Reilly took a short free and it was intercepted. O Rahilly’s came straight down the field and scored a goal. They added a point and, when it looked like being a draw, Gerard Moran was fouled and he coolly kicked the winner from 30m.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley (capt.), Mark O Sullivan, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Jerry O Brien, John Doona, Pa Murphy, Robert Evans, Michael O Reilly (0-6), Mikey Griffin (0-1), Kevin Jones (0-1), Tom Johnston, Derry O Sullivan (0-2). Subs: Liam Hassett for R. Evans, Jason Griffin for T. Johnston.

Ref: Michael Devane (Annascaul).

Co. Club ‘C’ Football Championship (Barrett Cup)

That competition was played in groups of four. Laune Rangers ‘C’ were grouped with St. Mary’s ‘B’, Valentia ‘B’ and Waterville ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 19^th Aug. in Waterville: Waterville ‘B’ 1-10; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-10.

Laune Rangers had to stage a great comeback after trailing by five points at one stage.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Noel Conroy, Timmy Moroney, Joe Hayes, Bernard O Sullivan, Alan Monaghan, Anthony O Sullivan, Pat O Keeffe, Adrian O Connor (Andy), Eoin O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Adrian O Connor (Alfie), Michael Moriarty, John Sheehan.

 

Rd. 2 in Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-12; Valentia ‘B’ 1-10.

Laune Rangers were slow to start but went three points clear before Valentia scored. Then the Islanders turned in a great second quarter and led at the break by 1-7 to 0-4. It looked like a Valentia win early in the second half but a goal by Andy O Connor gave Rangers a lease of life and they went on to win by two points.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Michael Hurley, Mark Conway, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, Noel Conroy, Eddie Birmingham, Alan Monaghan, Anthony O Sullivan, Pat O Keeffe, Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Eoin O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, John Sheehan, Paul O Brien, John O Dwyer.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 26^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-6; St. Mary’s ‘B’ 0-6.

That result helped Laune Rangers to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan (0-1), Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Noel Conroy, Bernard O Sullivan, John F. O Brien (0-1), Eddie Birmingham, Pat O Keeffe (0-1), Anthony O Sullivan, Paul O Brien, Eoin O Sullivan (0-1), Adrian O Connor, John O Dwyer (0-1), Michael Moriarty (0-1), John Sheehan. Subs: Donncha Curran for E. O Sullivan, Liam Foley for P. O Brien (Liam Foley went into goals, Bertie O Riordan to centre halfback, John F. O Brien to midfield and Pat O Keeffe to wing-forward), Alan Monaghan for A. O Connor, Michael Cahillane.

Ref: Seanie Foley (Annascaul).

 

Quarter-final on Fri. 2^nd Sept. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-15; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 1-8.

John O Dwyer, Noel Conroy and John O Sullivan scored the goals.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Timmy Moroney, Bernard O Sullivan, Bertie O Riordan, Eddie Birmingham, John F. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, John Sheehan (Tinnahalla), Pat O Keeffe, John O Sullivan, John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Noel Conroy. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for J. Sheehan, Adrian O Connor for E. Birmingham, Donncha Curran for N. Conroy, Michael Cahillane, Michael Hurley and Paul O Brien.

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 22^nd Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-7; Austin Stacks ‘C’ 2-4.

That was a very good result, considering that Rangers did not have a game for a number of weeks. Fergal O Brien, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Bertie O Riordan, Pat O Keeffe, Tom Johnston, John O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan played well. Pat O Keeffe scored the first goal from the penalty spot. Michael F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan scored the other goals.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Fergal O Brien, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Timmy Moroney, Noel Conroy, Bertie O Riordan, Bernard O Sullivan (capt.), Pat O Keeffe, Tom Johnston, John O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell, John Sheehan (Tinahalla), John O Dwyer, Pa O Sullivan, John Griffin. Subs: Joe Hayes for J. Sheehan (inj), Redmond Fitzgerald, Adrian (Alfie) O Connor, Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Donncha Curran, Maurice McKenna.

Ref: Chas Cronin (Duagh).

 

Final on Sat. 5^th Nov. at Dromid: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-9; Valentia ‘B’ 0-15.

There was no mistaking the superior firepower of the Laune Rangers in that game. On that occasion, the forwards did not malfunction. They were influenced by the bravery of veteran Tom Johnston at midfield, who assumed the role of operations controller.

Rangers established themselves on the heavy pitch very early on in the game, when Pa O Sullivan sent over a point. That was followed with a goal by John O Dwyer to give Rangers the start that mentors Mike O Shea and Peter Lyons had hoped for. John Shanahan opened the scoring for Valentia. They added two further points before that goal-getter supreme, John O Dwyer, put the ball in the net for his second goal. John Shanahan had another minor for Valentia. Michael F. Russell sent over a long range point and Tom Johnston followed immediately with a point from an acute angle. Pat O Connor and Danny Sheehan pointed for Valentia, while Pa O Sullivan (2) and Pat O Keeffe replied for the Rangers to leave them leading by 2-6 to 0-7 at the interval.

A point by John Shanahan, at the start of the second half, enabled Valentia to mount great pressure on the Rangers’ defence. Fergal O Brien, in goals, brought off some great saves. Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh and Timmy Moroney formed a sound fullback line. The halfback line of Noel Conroy, Bertie O Riordan, who had the difficult job of keeping Pat O Connor under wraps, and Bernard (Buddy) O Sullivan were in sparkling form. Pat O Keeffe and Tom Johnston had a great battle with Joe Lynch and Patrick O Connor for control of the midfield sector, while John O Sullivan, Michael F. Russell and Joe Hayes formed a sound half-line of attack. John O Dwyer, who scored 2-1, was helped in the full-forward line by Pa O Sullivan and John Griffin. Rangers played their last card of the game when they introduced Michael ‘Dicey’ O Reilly in place of John Griffin. He was awarded a free close to midfield and his mighty kick saw the ball drop in the goal-mouth and a fumble by the Valentia goalkeeper, Odhran O Connor, resulted with the ball ending up in the net. Point scorers for Rangers in the second half were Thomas Walsh, John O Dwyer and Michael F. Russell.

Sean Kelly, Chairman of the Co. Board, presented the Barrett Cup to Bernard (Buddy) O Sullivan, captain of a gallant Laune Rangers team, who called for three cheers for an equally gallant Valentia side. Mick O Connell chose Pat O Connor (Valentia) as man-of-the-match. Rangers retired to the Inny Tavern for beverages. They also called to the Manor Inn, Killorglin, before eating in Bunkers Bar and Restaurant. There were great celebrations in town that night.

Laune Rangers: Fergal O Brien, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh (0-1), Timmy Moroney, Noel Conroy, Bertie O Riordan, Bernard (Buddy) O Sullivan (capt.), Tom Johnston (0-1), Pat O Keeffe (0-1), Joe Hayes, Michael F. Russell (0-2), John O Sullivan, John O Dwyer (2-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), John Griffin. Subs: Michael ‘Dicey’ O Reilly (1-0) for J. Griffin, Redmond Fitzgerald, Adrian ‘Alfie’ O Connor, Donncha Curran, Adrian ‘Andy’ O Connor, Maurice McKenna, Paul O Brien and John Sheehan (Tinahalla).

Ref: Timmy Sheehan (Templenoe).

 

Co. Urban Football League (Div. 6)

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 13^th May at Cordal: Cordal ‘B’ 2-4; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-7.

Laune Rangers ‘C’, though short a few regulars, put up a good show and, despite trailing by 1-2 to 0-2 at halftime, they came back strongly and were a point ahead going into the last minute but Cordal finished stronger for a deserved win.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Bernard O Sullivan, Karl Griffin, Anthony O Sullivan, Gerard Costello, Eamonn Foley, Alan Monaghan, Adrian O Connor, John Sheehan, James Hurley, Pat O Keeffe, Donncha Curran.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 20^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-6; Firies ‘B’ 2-8.

Firies were easily the fitter side and, after leading by 1-2 to 0-2 at the break, they ran Rangers into the ground in the second half.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Karl Griffin, John O Donnell, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, John F. O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Liam Foley, Pat Costello, James Hurley, Michael Moriarty, Alan Monaghan, John O Dwyer, Pat O Keeffe, Jerry O Brien. Subs: Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Eoin O Sullivan, Bernard O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 27^th May at Moyvane: Moyvane ‘B’ w/o; Laune Rangers ‘C’ scr.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 3^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ w/o; Scartaglin ‘B’ scr.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 10^th June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘C’ 1-3; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-9.

The more regular panel had settled well and was gaining in confidence with every outing. Laune Rangers opened the scoring with an Eoin O Sullivan point but a Stack’s goal set the Rangers on fire and Eoin O Sullivan replied with a goal and two points by Adrian (Andy) O Connor. The Tralee boys had three points on the trot but points from Eoin O Sullivan and Martin Clifford and a goal by John F. O Brien left Rangers ahead by 2-5 to 1-3 at the break.

The opening minutes of the second half saw a good deal of messy play, with passes going astray and many missed scoring opportunities. However, after ten minutes the Rangers settled and had points from Eoin O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Donncha Curran and John Sheehan before Eoin O Sullivan had a goal just before fulltime.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, James Hurley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Martin Clifford (0-1), Bernard O Sullivan, John F. O Brien (1-1), Anthony O Sullivan, John Sheehan (0-1), Eoin O Sullivan (2-3), Adrian (Andy) O Connor (0-2), John O Dwyer, Michael Moriarty, Adrian (Alfie) O Connor. Sub: Donncha Curran (0-1) for Alfie O Connor.

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 17^th June at Killeen, Tralee: Na Gaeil ‘B’ 4-11; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-10.

At one stage in the first half, Rangers were in arrears by 1-6 to 0-0, but they fought back well to lead by 2-5 to 1-6 at the break. Na Gaeil played great football in the second half, scoring 3-5 to Rangers 0-5. The appointed referee failed to show and one of the Rangers’ mentors had to oblige.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, James Hurley, Anthony O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Bernard O Sullivan, John F. O Brien, Michael Moriarty, John Sheehan, Eoin O Sullivan, Eddie Birmingham, Donncha Curran, Adrian O Connor, John O Dwyer.

 

Fri. 15^th July at Ballymac: Ballymac ‘B’ 1-9; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-11.

Rangers had a comfortable win against a very under-strength Ballymac side. The game was played in very good spirits. Once again the appointed referee did not show and the visiting team provided the referee. The Ballymac mentors helped the game very well.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Noel Conroy, Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, Joe Hayes, Alan Monaghan, Bernard O Sullivan, Anthony O Sullivan, Pat O Keeffe, Paul O Brien, Adrian O Connor, John O Sullivan, Donncha Curran, Eoin O Sullivan, John Sheehan. Sub: Colm Conway for J. Sheehan.

 

Fri. 29^th July at Dingle: Dingle ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-12; Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-3.

Without ever reaching the high standard of football, with which they were normally associated, Laune Rangers advanced to yet another Mid-Kerry Senior Football final. The second half was mostly a one-sided affair with Rangers dealing with anything the losers had to offer. Indeed, the fact that Glenbeigh/Glencar managed only one point in that half, told its own story. Rangers went on to add five more points courtesy of Timmy Fleming (2), Gerard Murphy, Pierce Prendiville and James O Shea to put daylight between the sides.

Paudie Sheahan, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor and Shane O Sullivan were outstanding in defence. Pierce Prendiville played well at midfield. Timmy Fleming was superb on the forty, while Billy O Shea, Gerard Murphy and Liam Hassett also played well in attack. Many of the old bad habits returned for that game – backs behind the opposing forwards, individualism in the forward line, arguing on the field amongst each other, shouting from the sideline and dubious switches by the selectors. Conor Kearney was sent off rather harshly, for extracting retribution on Pat O Grady after a melee had occurred. The referee did not implement the personal-foul rule, allowing Billy O Shea to be pulled down in possession on at least ten occasions.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Conor Kearney, Gerard Murphy (0-3), Timmy Fleming (0-7, 5 frees), James O Shea (0-1), Pat McKenna, Liam Hassett, Billy O Shea. Subs: Mark O Sullivan for L. Hassett, John O Sullivan.

Glenbeigh/Glencar: John O Mahony, Morgan Sheahan, Patie Griffin, Mick Moriarty, Diarmuid O Sullivan, Patrick Moriarty, James Moriarty, Gerard O Connor (0-1), Aidan Roche, Gerard O Sullivan, Pa Clifford, Mike Mahony (0-1), Sean Barton (0-1), Ger Burke, Kevin Falvey (1-0). Sub: John Healy for M. Mahony.

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Final on Sun. 2^nd Nov. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-4.

A storming last ten minutes, which saw them score four points without reply, enabled Laune Rangers to retain their Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship crown in a tough and often tense final, played in the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. That game was in the balance for 50 minutes, mainly due to Laune Rangers’ poor shooting and the losers’ lack of luck on the day.

In the 50^th minute, Laune Rangers switched Timmy Fleming, who had been operating at full-forward, to midfield in an exchange with Conor Kearney and it was to play a significant part in their victory.

The first half saw both defences giving precious little away. The losers opened the scoring inside the first minute of play when full-forward Linus Burke pointed after being put through by midfielder Joe Daly. Wing-forward Liam Kelliher stretched the lead in the seventh minute before Tommy Byrne had Rangers first score, a point from a ‘45’. In the 13^th minute, Rangers had the opportunity to goal when Timmy Fleming found himself one on one with Milltown/Castlemaine goalkeeper Mike Murphy. With plenty of time and space, the Laune Rangers man hurried his shot and Murphy got down to his right to save.

Scores were hard to come by and Rangers were guilty of some poor shooting when they got into scoring positions. Timmy Fleming, from placed balls and Gerard Murphy were the main culprits. Milltown/Castlemaine stretched their lead in the 20^th minute when Fionán Kelliher lofted over a magnificent point from the 45m line. Rangers fought back and points by Conor Kearney and Timmy Fleming, in the 22^nd and 28^th minutes, left the halftime score at 0-3 each.

On the resumption, Timmy Fleming gave Rangers the lead for the first time with a long-range point. Willie Maher equalised in the 43^rd minute before Billy O Shea restored Rangers’ lead three minutes later, having got away from his marker for the first time in the game. At that stage, the losers mounted a strong challenge but to no avail. In the 49^th minute, Liam Kelliher hit a thunderous shot off the crossbar, with Peter Lyons beaten. The ball rebounded to his brother Fionán and his effort looked destined for the net but, with Peter Lyons beaten again, Tommy Byrne appeared from nowhere to scoop the ball off the line. The losers knew their luck was out when another effort by Fionán Kelliher trickled by the post. Then a Willie Maher effort grazed the bottom of the upright and a shot by substitute Joe McAuliffe was saved by Peter Lyons.

With ten minutes left, Rangers made the switch, which paid dividends. Conor Kearney, who had been having a tough time against the impressive Joe Daly, was visibly tiring and he switched with full-forward Timmy Fleming. He began to collect a lot of loose ball around the middle and fed the Abbeydorney man on the edge of the square. Rangers got three crucial scores in the 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd minutes courtesy of Tommy Byrne, Billy O Shea and Conor Kearney to put daylight between the sides. The losers’ goalkeeper was again called into action with two minutes remaining on the clock when he saved point-blank from substitute Liam Hassett. Conor Kearney had the final say, when he scored a point in injury time.

Over the hour, Rangers probably deserved their victory but they were made work very hard for it by a resolute Milltown/Castlemaine side, which lacked nothing in guts and determination. Overall, given the slippery underfoot conditions, it was a fine, sporting game and credit to both sides.

Rangers had been a little ring-rusty as they had only two games since 4^th September. The backs played very well, especially Paudie Sheahan Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor and Shane O Sullivan. Joe Shannon played very well, picking up many breaks and driving at the opposition. Paul Griffin and Billy O Shea played very well and Timmy Fleming had a good game, especially when he moved to midfield.

After the game, Mid-Kerry Board Chairman, Mike McCarthy, presented the O Connor Cup to Laune Rangers’ captain, Paul Griffin. Joe Daly, Milltown/Castlemaine, was awarded man-of-the-match, chosen by Tom Keane (Cahersiveen), Pat O Grady (Glenbeigh) and Pat O Shea (Cromane). Shane O Sullivan was Rangers’ man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne (0-2, frees), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Conor Kearney (0-3), Paul Griffin, Joe Shannon, Gerard Murphy, Pat McKenna, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Billy O Shea (0-2). Subs: Billy O Sullivan for G. Murphy, Liam Hassett for P. McKenna, Pa Murphy, Mark O Sullivan and John Doona. James O Shea was injured and unable to play.

Milltown/Castlemaine: Mike Murphy, Liam Cronin, Liam Spring, Jamie Courtney, John Giles, Andrew Boyle, Noel McKenna, Joe Daly, Mike Dennehy, Martin Burke, Willie Maher (0-1, free), Liam Kelliher (0-1), Alan O Connor, Linus Burke (0-1), Fionán Kelliher (0-1). Subs: Joe McAuliffe for L. Kelliher, Seamus Burke for M. Burke.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s, Blennerville).

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

The Mid-Kerry League was sponsored by Bunker’s Bar and Restaurant.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine v Laune Rangers.

The game was postponed at Laune Rangers request – the players on holidays in Tenneriffe.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 13^th March at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar v Laune Rangers.

The game was postponed due to the pitch being unplayable.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 2^nd April at Cromane: Cromane v Laune Rangers.

That game was postponed due to the inclement weather.

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 16^th April at Keel: Keel 2-5; Laune Rangers 4-10.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Conor Kearney, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, James O Shea, Jason Griffin, Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Mark O Sullivan for C. Kearney, Derry O Sullivan for T. Byrne, Liam Hassett for T. Corkery (all at halftime). Missing – Timmy Fleming, Gerard Murphy, Mike Hassett, Paul Griffin, Pierce Prendiville and Billy O Shea.

Ref: Richie Williams (Dingle).

 

Rd. 2 (postponed) on Thurs. 21^st April at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-3; Laune Rangers 1-14.

Derry O Sullivan played well, scoring 1-4.

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Danny Cahill, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Mark O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Timmy Corkery, Pat McKenna, Mikey Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Billy O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Eddie Birmingham and Anthony O Sullivan (both played), Peter Lyons.

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 23^rd April at Beaufort: Beaufort 2-8; Laune Rangers 4-11.

That was a hard game in difficult underfoot conditions. Some of the tackling, particularly by John B. O Brien, was dangerous and the referee should have been more firm with him. Laune Rangers led by 4-6 to 0-5 at halftime, having played against the breeze.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne (1-0, pen.), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Conor Kearney, Gerard Murphy (1-4), Timmy Fleming (0-2), James O Shea, Pat McKenna, Joe Shannon (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (2-3, 1 pen.). Subs: Derry O Sullivan (0-1) for T. Fleming, Jason Griffin for G. Murphy, Liam Hassett for C. Kearney, Danny Cahill, Liam Foley. Missing – Mike Hassett (Kerry U-21), Paul Griffin (working), Timmy Corkery (England), Pa Murphy (working), Mark O Connor (inj.).

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Rd. 1 (postponed) on Sun. 1^st May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-7; Laune Rangers 2-13.

With the agreement of both clubs, that game doubled as round 3 of the Co. League Division 1.

 

Rd. 3 (postponed) on Sat. 7^th May at Cromane: Cromane 2-6; Laune Rangers 4-9.

Laune Rangers senior team trained in Killorglin and the ‘B’ team, which had very few games thus far, was sent to Cromane. It was a good, hard, fair game except for the antics of Frank Walsh, who committed at least three sending-off offences but was not even booked. He took the legs from under Jason Griffin twice and he punched Liam Hassett viciously in the face – he always chose wisely the players to pick on but he never hit any of the seasoned players (he knew better than that).

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Danny Cahill, Anthony O Sullivan, Martin Clifford, John F. O Brien, Eddie Birmingham, Mark O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Liam Hassett, Mikey Griffin, Jerry O Brien, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan and Karl Griffin (both played), Michael Moriarty and James Hurley.

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Final on Sat. 4^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers 3-16; Beaufort 0-8.

A sparkling performance by full-forward Timmy Fleming, who contributed a tally of 1-5, paved the way for Laune Rangers to retain the Bunkers-sponsored Mid-Kerry Senior Football League title. Timmy Fleming pointed a free inside the first minute, Gerard Murphy added another in the third and Fleming had the first of Rangers’ three goals in the fourth, intercepting a pass and coolly tucking the ball past Brian Murphy. Beaufort registered their first score, a free by Jake Doyle, in the fifth minute. Timmy Fleming and Gary McGrath exchanged points before Pat McKenna (2) and Paul Griffin extended Rangers’ lead.

Beaufort had their best spell in the second quarter when two points by Jake Doyle and one each by Brendan Breen and Cormac O Shea brought them to within three points and a point by Gary McGrath in the 24^th minute left only two points between the sides. Then wing forward Paul Griffin struck, pointing first in the 28^th minute and then adding the second Rangers’ goal. A long ball by Gerard Murphy went straight through the hands of Michael Kissane to the waiting Paul Griffin and he pounced for a well-taken goal to leave Rangers with a halftime lead of 2-7 to 0-7.

In the second half, Rangers’ rampant forwards pounded Beaufort from all angles, as they grew in confidence. Timmy Fleming again pointed after a surging run by Mike Hassett, who had switched to centre halfback to curb Kieran O Shea. That move seemed to seal the defence and Beaufort were finding it hard to break it down. Timmy Fleming added two more points before Brian Murphy produced an excellent save to deny Pierce Prendiville of a certain goal. However, just a minute later, he was beaten for the third time. A superb flowing movement in the 40^th minute, involving seven Laune Rangers players, ended with Pat McKenna freeing Paul Griffin, who expertly struck a low shot to the corner of the net. That put the game out of Beaufort’s reach and they faded badly in the last quarter as Rangers added points from Gerard Murphy (2), Shane O Sullivan, Pat McKenna and substitutes, Derry O Sullivan and Liam Hassett. The only reply was a solitary point from Jake Doyle and Peter Lyons made an excellent save from the same player to deprive him of a goal Beaufort so badly needed.

Rangers played well throughout, with Timmy Fleming and Paul Griffin excellent. Also effective were Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Adrian Hassett, Shane O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy and Paudie Sheahan. Afterwards, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Mike McCarthy, presented the cup to Rangers’ captain, Paul Griffin.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Conor Kearney, Pierce Prendiville, Paul Griffin (capt.) 2-2, James O Shea, Gerard Murphy (0-3), Pat McKenna (0-3), Timmy Fleming (1-5), Joe Shannon. Subs: Mark O Sullivan for T. Byrne, Liam Hassett (0-1) for C. Kearney, Derry O Sullivan (0-1) for T. Fleming.

Beaufort: Brian Murphy, John B. O Brien, Randal Joy, Eamonn Breen, Mícheál Foley, Anthony Breen, Michael Kissane, Gary McGrath (0-2), Cormac O Shea (0-1), Vincent O Donoghue, Kieran O Shea, Brendan Breen (0-1), Aidan Cremin, Ian O Shea, Jake Doyle (0-4, 3 frees). Sub: Danny Teahan for M. Kissane.

Ref: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks).

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 17^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 1-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-12.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 24^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9; Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 0-5.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 31^st May – Laune Rangers a bye.

Rd. 4 on Tues. 7^th June at Keel: Keel ‘B’ lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 5 on Tues. 14^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ beat Beaufort ‘B’.

 

Final on Sun. 3^rd July at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-16; Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 2-5.

Rangers picked off early points and went into a commanding lead. Glenbeigh/Glencar were finding it difficult to cope with the fast-passing movements of the Rangers’ attack, in which Tom Johnston was an inspiration at full-forward. A goal midway through the half really put Rangers in the driving seat, but two minutes before halftime, Glenbeigh/Glencar goaled from a penalty to leave six points in it at halftime (1-8 to 1-2).

The home side started the second half well and narrowed the gap to four points inside the first ten minutes. Then in the 42^nd minute, a fine movement went for nothing following a bad miss in front of goals. They seemed to lose heart after that and Rangers got back on top. Liam Hassett asserted himself at midfield and points by him, Tom Johnston, Mikey Griffin and John Doona killed off the Glenbeigh/Glencar challenge.

Afterwards, the Vice-Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, John Dowling, presented the trophy to the Rangers’ captain, Liam Foley.

 

Senior Football Challenge Games

 

Tues. 2^nd May at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s lost to Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Sun. 12^th June at the J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers beat Skibbereen.

 

Sat. 2^nd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; St. Finbarr’s (Cork) 1-7.

That was a good work-out for Rangers. However, they were playing too individualistically. There was too much shouting from the sideline, also, and that was beginning to translate onto the field of play.

Laune Rangers: Liam Hassett, Adrian Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, mark O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Tommy Byrne, Billy O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Conor Kearney (0-1), Gerard Murphy (0-3), James O Shea, Joe Shannon, Pat McKenna (1-1), Timmy Fleming (0-4), Billy O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Derry O Sullivan and Jason Griffin.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

The U-21 team commenced training on Sat. 26^th Feb. under trainer/selector, James Sheehan. Selectors – Noel O Mahony and Maurice Corkery.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 17^th March at Finuge: Feale Rangers 0-9; Laune Rangers 0-5.

Mike Hassett, injured, was a huge loss to Laune Rangers. Pat O Keeffe played well in goals. Paudie Russell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Rory Corkery, Karl Griffin and Mikey Griffin defended well. Liam Hassett and Jerry O Brien held their own at midfield, but only Jason Griffin, of the forwards, performed any way well. The underfoot conditions were very bad and did not suit the lighter players of the Laune.

Laune Rangers: Pat O Keeffe, James Hurley, Paudie Russell, Redmond Fitzgerald, Rory Corkery, Karl Griffin, Mikey Griffin, Liam Hassett (0-3), Jerry O Brien (0-1), Turlough Byrnes (0-1), Eamonn Foley, Jason Griffin, John O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan, Kevin Jones. Subs: John Sheehan for J. O Sullivan, Michael Cahillane, Sean O Sullivan, Mark Conway, Thomas Walsh, Michael Hurley.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Trainer/Selector – Patsy Joy. Selector – Frank Russell. The minor team commenced training on Sun. 13^th Feb.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 30^th June at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 0-11; Laune Rangers 4-14.

It took Laune Rangers a while to settle but, once they did, they played very well. Michael F. Russell was excellent, scoring 0-4 from play. Fergal O Brien also played well. Indeed all of the team played well. Donncha Curran was sent off by the referee near the end for fighting (At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, his suspension for a period of two weeks was ratified).

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Owen O Connell, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery (capt.), Joe Hayes, Fergal O Brien, Alan O Sullivan (Castle), Johnny Lynch, Michael F. Russell (0-8, 4 frees), John O Sullivan, David Lynch (0-4), Pa O Sullivan (2-2), Donncha Curran (2-0). Subs; Pat Leahy for J. Hayes, Fiachra O Donoghue, Colm Conway, Michael Ahern and Alan O Sullivan (Tullig).

Ref: Denis Reidy (Ballymac).

 

Rd. 2 in Cordal: St. Kieran’s 1-13; Laune Rangers 3-5.

 

Co. Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 12^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Legion.

The game was postponed due to the pitch being unplayable.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 26^th March at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-11; Laune Rangers 4-12.

That was a great game of football. Rangers were six points in arrears with ten minutes left to play. Then there was a remarkable recovery with Pa O Sullivan playing great football when moved to the forty. Rory Corkery, John O Sullivan and Brian Gannon were outstanding. Fergal O Brien and Alan O Sullivan played well at midfield.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Nelius Lynch, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Fergal O Brien, Alan O Sullivan (Castle), Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, John O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Subs: Joe Hayes for N. Lynch, Tommy Murphy for D. Lynch, Nicky Foley and Fiachra O Donoghue.

Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Rd. 1 (postponed) on Wed. 30^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-7; Legion 1-3.

That was a workmanlike performance. Joe Hayes and John O Sullivan were very sound in defence. Alan O Sullivan was playing very well. Brian Gannon, Michael Francis Russell and Pa O Sullivan were the best of the forwards. Donncha Curran and Pa O Sullivan scored the goals.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Colm Conway, John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, John O Sullivan, Fergal O Brien, Alan O Sullivan (Castle), Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, David Lynch, Fiachra O Donoghue, Pa O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Subs: Tommy Murphy for D. Lynch, Nicky Foley for C. Conway. Missing – Alan O Sullivan (Tullig) and Rory Corkery.

Ref: John Griffin (Listry).

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 1^st April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Kilcummin.

That game was postponed due to the inclement weather.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 15^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-14; Dingle 1-7.

Laune Rangers led by 0-11 to 0-2 at halftime. Paul O Brien was best in defence, while Brian Gannon, David Lynch and Michael F. Russell were outstanding in attack.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Joe Hayes, Thomas Walsh, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Alan O Sullivan (Castle) 0-1, Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon (0-2), Michael F. Russell (0-4), David Lynch (0-2), Tommy Murphy (1-0), John O Sullivan (1-3), Donncha Curran (0-2). Subs: Nelius Lynch for T. Murphy, Colm Conway for J. O Sullivan, Nicky Foley for D. Lynch.

Ref: Mike O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Rd. 3 (postponed) on Mon. 18^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-13; Kilcummin 4-10.

That was a great game of football. Both sets of forwards were impressive. Rangers backs were slack, particularly the halfback line. The kick-out was poor.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Joe Hayes, Thomas Walsh, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Alan O Sullivan (castle), Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, John O Sullivan, David Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Subs: Fiachra O Donoghue for P. O Brien, Tommy Murphy for J. Hayes (inj.), Colm Conway, Nicky Foley.

Ref: Billy O Sullivan (Firies).

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 22^nd April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 0-9; Laune Rangers 0-6.

Near the end, Tommy Murphy was fouled in the big parallelogram but the referee awarded only a 14m free as, he said, he was not fouled in the small parallelogram!

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Joe Hayes, Thomas Walsh, Paul O Brien, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), Alan O Sullivan (Castle), Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, John O Sullivan, David Lynch, Fiachra O Donoghue, Pa O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Sub: Tommy Murphy for F. O Donoghue, Colm Conway.

Ref: Sean Foley (Annascaul).

 

Rd. 6 on Thurs. 28^th April at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-8.

Laune Rangers played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half and led at halftime by 0-8 to 0-1. The team did not play well in the second half. Michael Hurley conceded an easy goal near the end of the game. That result ended the Rangers’ hopes of making the play-off stages of the league.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Alan O Sullivan (Tullig), John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, John O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan (Castle), Fergal O Brien, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, David Lynch, Tommy Murphy, Pa O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Subs: Colm Conway, Nicky Foley, Nigel Corkery and Eamonn Clifford.

 

Rd. 7 on Mon. 2^nd May at Mitchel’s Pitch: John Mitchel’s 2-8; Laune Rangers 5-15.

Brian Gannon scored three goals. David Lynch and Michael F. Russell scored the other two. That was a much better performance from the Rangers’ team.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Colm Conway, Joe Hayes, Rory Corkery (capt.), John Sheehan. Alan O Sullivan (Castle), John O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell, David Lynch, Thomas Murphy, Donncha Curran, Fiachra O Donoghue. Subs: Eamonn Clifford for M. Hurley, Nicky Foley for F. O Donoghue, Nigel Corkery.

Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Final on Mon. 16^th May at Austin Stack Park: Austin Stacks 5-10; Kilcummin 3-7.

 

Co. Urban Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 23^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Austin Stacks.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 11^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-16; Desmonds 2-8.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Pat Leahy, Thomas Walsh, Colm Conway, John Sheehan, Rory Corkery, Joe Hayes, Fergal O Brien (1-1), Alan O Sullivan (Castle) 0-1, Fiachra O Donoghue (0-1), Paul O Brien (0-2), John O Sullivan (0-4), David Lynch (0-3), Johnny Lynch (1-2), Michael Ahern (0-2).

Ref: Connie Carroll (Legion).

 

Tues. 26^th July: John Mitchels w/o; Laune Rangers scr.

 

Final on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Currow: Laune Rangers 1-15; John Mitchels 2-8.

That was a good workmanlike performance for Laune Rangers, considering that they id not have a game for weeks nor had they trained for some time. The halfback line was impregnable. Pa O Sullivan had a great game at midfield, while Michael Francis Russell and John O Sullivan were best in the attack.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Joe Hayes, Thomas Walsh (capt.), Owen O Connell, Pat Leahy, John Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (0-2), Alan O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Brian Gannon (1-0), Michael F. Russell (0-8), David Lynch, Fiachra O Donoghue, John O Sullivan, Donncha Curran (0-2). Subs: Paul O Brien for D. Lynch, Colm Conway for A. O Sullivan, Michael Ahern.

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 19^th Nov. at Keel: Keel scr.; Laune Rangers w/o.

Keel had only twelve players.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 27^th Nov. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6; Laune Rangers 3-8.

Johnny Lynch was Rangers’ man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Thomas Walsh, Owen O Connell, Joe Hayes, John Sheehan, Pat Leahy, Fergal O Brien, Alan O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue, Michael F. Russell, Johnny Lynch, David Lynch, Donncha Curran, Michael Ahern. Sub: Colm Conway for M. Ahern. John O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon were sick and unable to play.

 

Final on Sat. 17^th Dec. at Beaufort: Beaufort 3-3; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Laune Rangers overcame a very determined Beaufort side that had been confident of victory, as they had three players on the Co. Minor panel – Brian Murphy, Mícheál Foley and Cormac O Malley. It was a very close encounter, played in a very sporting and competitive manner. It was Mid-Kerry football at its best, tough, hard but no real rancour evident. A strong wind, which blew cross-field, aided the team playing towards the road goals.

Rangers played with the aid of the elements in the first half and things looked bleak when they trailed by 2-1 to 0-4 at halftime. Michael F. Russell (2), Donncha Curran and Pa O Sullivan had scored for the Rangers, while Sean O Reilly and Mícheál Foley (penalty) had succeeded in finding the net and Eanna O Malley scored a point for the home side. Rangers were more determined in the second half with Fiachra O Donoghue leading the challenge with two very good points. Play and scores were even going into the last ten minutes and then Beaufort struck for a third goal through Diarmuid Falvey. With Alan O Sullivan doing Trojan work at midfield and John Sheehan defending like a demon, Rangers slowly clawed their way back from the brink. Brian Gannon got a peach of a point. Then Pa O Sullivan wormed his way along the end-line, punched the ball across the goal-mouth and Fergal O Brien hammered an unstoppable shot to the back of the net. Michael F. Russell kicked a mighty long-range winner with time almost up. In a tense five minutes of injury time Beaufort threw everything into attack but stout defending by Owen O Connell, goalkeeper Michael Hurley, John Sheehan, Thomas Walsh and John O Sullivan won the day. Fiachra O Donoghue was Rangers’ man-of-the-match. Brian Gannon, Michael F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan played well in attack, while Michael Ahern had a ‘stormer’ when he was introduced.

Laune Rangers: Michael Hurley, Joe Hayes, Thomas Walsh (capt.), Owen O Connell, John O Sullivan, John Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Fergal O Brien (1-0), Alan O Sullivan, Brian Gannon (0-1), Michael F. Russell (0-3), Paul O Brien, Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Donncha Curran (0-1), Fiachra O Donoghue (0-2). Subs: Michael Ahern for P. O Brien, Paul O Brien for D. Curran. Missing – Rory Corkery (working in Celbridge), Colm Conway (at school in Maynooth) and David Lynch (gone to Tralee!).

Beaufort: Brian Murphy, Diarmuid O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Ronan Spillane, Cormac O Malley, John A. O Sullivan, John O Connor, Mícheál Foley (1-0, pen.), Rory McGrath, Brendan Doyle, Mike Kelliher, Eanna O Malley (0-1), Diarmuid Falvey (1-0), Kieran Tangney (0-1), Sean O Reilly (1-0). Subs: Kevin O Sullivan, Donal Coffey, Adrian Doyle, Michael Moriarty and Timothy Moriarty.

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

Some weeks later, the team had a meal in the Fishery where the medals were presented and each player was presented with a Walk-Man – the prize for winning the Urban League. Thomas Walsh, captain, made a presentation to Patsy Joy on behalf of the players.

 

Co. U-17 Football Championship

Mid-Kerry was grouped with Eoghan Rua, South-Kerry and East-Kerry and the top two teams, after the preliminary rounds, qualified for the semi-finals.

Coach/Trainer/Selector – Jerome Conway. Selector – Tim Coffey (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 31^st Oct. at Kilcummin: Eoghan Rua 0-13; Mid-Kerry 2-10.

The conditions were dreadful – wind, rain and slippery underfoot conditions. Pat Healy played well in goals. The backs were good, particularly John Sheehan, Anthony Evans and Joe Hayes. Rory McGrath and Gary O Sullivan played well at midfield. Pa O Sullivan had a great game but only Michael F. Russell gave him any support. The others were very mediocre.

Mid-Kerry: Pat Healy (Glenbeigh), Joe Hayes (Laune Rangers), Anthony Evans (Keel), Ronan Spillane (Beaufort), John A. Hilliard (Keel), John Sheehan (Laune Rangers) capt., John O Sullivan (do.), Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Gary O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Mike Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Michael F. Russell (Laune Rangers) 0-7, Billy O Shea (Keel) 0-1, Brian Gannon (Laune Rangers), Pa O Sullivan (do.) 1-2, Mike Kelliher (Beaufort) 1-0. Subs: Ian Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine) for B. Gannon, Gene O Riordan (Glenbeigh) for B. O Shea, Pa Murphy (Glenbeigh) for M. Burke, Owen O Connell (Laune Rangers), John Joe Quirke (Glenbeigh) and William Harmon (Milltown/Castlemaine).

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 6^th Nov. at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 3-8; South-Kerry 3-6.

Mid-Kerry: Pat Healy, Joe Hayes, Anthony Evans, Ronan Spillane, John A. Hilliard, John Sheehan, Fergal O Brien, Rory McGrath, Mike Burke (1-0), Billy O Shea, Michael F. Russell (1-3), John O Sullivan, Eanna O Malley (Beaufort) 0-3, Pa O Sullivan (0-2), Mike Kelliher. Subs: John A. O Sullivan (Beaufort) for R. McGrath (inj.), Richard O Connor (Glenbeigh) for J. A. O Sullivan, William Harmon for B. O Shea, Pa Murphy, J.J. Quirke. South-Kerry scored an own-goal.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 12^th Nov. at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 1-7; East-Kerry 1-9.

Mid-Kerry were very lethargic. They should have won the game but missed too many chances, particularly from frees.

Mid-Kerry: Pat Healy, Joe Hayes, Anthony Evans, Ronan Spillane, John A. Hilliard, John Sheehan (capt.), Fergal O Brien (0-2), Rory McGrath (0-1), Gary O Sullivan, William Harmon (1-0), John O Sullivan (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-2), Eanna O Malley, Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Mike Kelliher. Subs: Gene O Riordan for W. Harmon, Owen O Connell for E. O Malley, John A. O Sullivan for M. Kelliher, John Joe Quirke and Richard O Connor. Mike Burke and Michael F. Russell were missing.

That result meant that there were three teams on equal points. Mid-Kerry was first to be drawn out of the hat and qualified for the semi-final. The other two had to play-off to decide which team would progress.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 26^th Nov. at Direen, Killarney: Mid-Kerry 5-13; St. Brendan’s 0-2.

St. Brendan’s were somewhat disorganised.

Mid-Kerry: Pat Healy, John A. Hilliard, Anthony Evans, Ronan Spillane, John Sheehan, Fergal O Brien, John A. O Sullivan, Rory McGrath, Gary O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Michael F. Russell, John O Sullivan, Eanna O Malley, Pa O Sullivan, Mike Kelliher. Subs: Owen O Connell, Mike Burke, William Harmon and Richard O Connor (all played).

Ref: Dan Kelliher (Dr. Crokes).

 

Final on Sat. 10^th Dec. at Strand Road: Mid-Kerry 3-4; North-Kerry 0-8.

The Kerry minor football selectors attended all the games in that competition and they proved very informative in assessing players for the following year’s Kerry minor team. First-half goals for Mid-Kerry came from Fergal O Brien and Michael F. Russell. O Brien made a brilliant catch at midfield and found an opening in the North-Kerry defence before sending a pile-driver to the net. Russell’s goal was also brilliantly finished. The result was that Mid-Kerry led by 2-1 to 0-4 at halftime, having played against a strong wind in the first half. North-Kerry took control of midfield for the first ten minutes of the second half and points by Brian Scanlon, Alan Doran and Eugene O Connell brought the sides level within five minutes. However, Mid-Kerry, as in the first half, regained the initiative and were denied by the upright on three occasions before getting the third goal. That came ten minutes from the end and was scored by Pa O Sullivan, who gained possession following a ‘45’ by Michael F. Russell and finished with clinical efficiency. That was the all-important score, albeit there followed points by Eanna O Malley, Michael F. Russell and Mike Kelliher to clinch the issue. Owen O Connell had a super game, John Sheehan was excellent, while John O Sullivan, Mike Kelliher and Mike Burke also played well.

Mid-Kerry: Pat Healy, Owen O Connell, Anthony Evans, Ronan Spillane, John A. O Sullivan, John Sheehan (capt.), John O Sullivan, Rory McGrath, Fergal O Brien (1-0), Billy O Shea, Michael F. Russell (1-1), Mike Kelliher (0-1), Eanna O Malley (0-2), Pa O Sullivan (1-0), Mike Burke. Subs: Pa Murphy for R. Spillane, William Harmon for B. O Shea, John Joe Quirke. Missing – John A. Hilliard (family bereavement) and Gary O Sullivan??

North-Kerry: John Somers (St. Senan’s), Jackie Mulvihill (Moyvane), James Joy (Finuge), Eoin O Connor (Ballyduff), Brendan Whelan (St. Senan’s), Steve Deenihan (Tarbert), Pa Guiney (Emmett’s), Padraig Somers (St. Senan’s) 0-1, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Finuge), Noel Kennelly (Emmett’s) 0-1, John Carroll (Ballyduff), Eugene O Connell (Tarbert) 0-1, Alan Doran (St. Senan’s) 0-4, Brian Scanlon (Emmett’s) 0-1, Enda Galvin (Finuge). Sub: Jimmy Canty (Emmett’s) for E. Galvin.

Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).

Co. U-16 Football Championship Div. 1

Division 1 consisted of Austin Stacks, An Ghaeltacht, Kilcummin, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes and Kerins O Rahillys. The U-16 team commenced training on Sun. 6^th March under coach, Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 6^th July at Caherina: Kerins O Rahillys 0-3; Laune Rangers 2-11.

Laune Rangers played well and everyone tried.

Laune Rangers: Kevin O Connor, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Eoin Ferris, Robert Moriarty, Enda Clifford (capt.), Maurice Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (0-2), John Moriarty, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Dermot Murphy (0-5), Morgan Foley (1-0), Kevin Cahillane (1-0), Shane Harmon, Garrath Sheehan (0-2). Subs: Michael Griffin (0-1) for P. Sheehan, Jamie Cahillane for K. Cahillane, Cathal Browne for J. Moriarty (inj.).

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 13^th July: Kilcummin 6-16; Laune Rangers 0-7.

The better team won. The only players to impress for Rangers were Johnny Lynch and Darragh O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers: Kevin O Connor, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Eoin Ferris, Robert Moriarty, Enda Clifford, Maurice Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (0-4), John Moriarty, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Morgan Foley (0-1), Darragh O Sullivan, Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy, Garrath Sheehan (0-1). Subs: Michael Griffin for P. Sheehan, Jamie Cahillane, Cathal Browne.

Ref: Billy O Sullivan (Firies).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 20^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-9; An Ghaeltacht 2-5.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Eoin Ferris, Owen O Connell (1-0), Maurice Sheehan, Robert Morisrty, Enda Clifford, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (4-2), John Moriarty, Darragh O Sullivan (0-3), Kevin O Connor, Morgan Foley, Kevin Cahillane (0-1), Dermot Murphy, Garrath Sheehan (1-3). Subs; Cathal Browne for E. Ferris, Michael Griffin (he had to play with An Ghaeltacht, as they had only fourteen players).

Ref: Dan O Sullivan (Currow).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 27^th July: Dr. Crokes 3-9; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 3^rd Aug. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 9-14; Laune Rangers 0-6.

 

Semi-final on Wed. 17^th Aug. at Beaufort: Dr. Crokes defeated Laune Rangers.

Final on Sat. 26^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Austin Stacks 2-7; Dr. Crokes 0-10.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 16^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 8-17; Cromane 1-1.

That game was terminated after thirty-five minutes at Cromane’s request.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Eoin Ferris, Owen O Connell, Maurice Sheehan, Robert Moriarty, John Moriarty, Enda Clifford, Johnny Lynch (0-3), Morgan Foley (0-1), Paul Russell, Gerard Purcell (0-3), Pa Sheehan (0-3), Kevin Cahillane (3-0), Dermot Murphy (2-2), Garrath Sheehan (2-2). Subs: Billy O Mahony (0-1), Terence Houlihan (1-0), Jamie Cahillane, Fergus Clifford (0-1), Cathal Browne (0-1), Karl Falvey (all played).

 

Semi-final on Fri. 23^rd Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 4-11; Keel 0-4.

That was a torrid game. Some Keel players indulged in unsporting behaviour during the game, especially John A. Hilliard. Laune Rangers led by 1-4 to 0-3 at halftime. Johnny Lynch was superb at midfield and Owen O Connell was likewise at fullback. Garrath Sheehan and Kevin Cahillane also played well.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Eoin Ferris, Owen O Connell, Robert Moriarty, Billy O Mahony, John Moriarty, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (1-1), Morgan Foley, Paul Russell, Gerard Purcell, Enda Clifford (capt.) 0-1, Kevin Cahillane (0-3), Dermot Murphy (0-2), Garrath Sheehan (1-4). Subs: Fergus Clifford for B. O Mahony, Cathal Browne for P. Sheehan, Terence Houlihan (2-0) for P. Russell, Jamie Cahillane, Karl Falvey, Brendan Fitzgerald and Noel Purcell. Maurice Sheehan was injured and Darragh O Sullivan’s grandmother had died.

Ref: Tim Coffey (Beaufort).

 

Final on Sat. 15^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 2-10; Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-9.

Laune Rangers had to pull out all the stops to win that game. They missed many scoring opportunities from frees – Johnny Lynch. They also missed two open chances of goals, one in each half – Dermot Murphy and Enda Clifford. They had some outstanding performances and some poor ones. Ross Breen had a good game. However, he could not kick out the ball as he had a knee injury. Noel Purcell was very sound – having had a shaky start – and he finished well. Owen O Connell was outstanding – he never put a foot wrong. Maurice Sheehan struggled throughout – he had missed quite a lot of training due to work commitments. Robert Moriarty played quite well. John Moriarty was soundness personified. He was wrongfully booked in the first half, on the advice of an umpire. He had fielded well but was brought to the ground and received both a clout in the face and a kick in the ribs. He lashed out and the umpire advised the referee to send him off – there was no word about the Glenbeigh offender! Luckily, the referee had sense enough to book him only and he went on to play very well. Pa Sheehan finished with a blinding performance – he had struggled for about twelve minutes of the second half.

Johnny Lynch had a very good game. He worked very hard and shipped some heavy treatment. The above umpire said afterwards that he would have pulled Johnny Lynch on a few occasions for charging – an unbiased opinion obviously! Morgan Foley played only in patches. Enda Clifford did not really play well at all. Perhaps he was played out of position – he was really a back. Gerard Purcell contributed very little to the game. He had missed much of the training since the semi-final due to work commitments. He was replaced in the second half by Owen Clifford who proceeded to play very well. Darragh O Sullivan worked tirelessly, foraging outfield for the ball. He rarely threatened the posts, however. Kevin Cahillane began very well but was injured in a clash with Johnny Lynch and had to be replaced by John Ahern, who played very, very well. Dermot Murphy did not play well – he seemed to be slow, getting to the ball, and even slower to get rid of it. Garrath Sheehan played well and got the scores that won the game. He had made a miraculous recovery from an injury in the U-15 game versus Emmett’s, two weeks previously that threatened to keep him out of the game for at least five weeks.

The cup was presented afterwards to Enda Clifford, captain of the Laune Rangers team, by Frank Walsh, Cromane, Chairman of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg, who was, he said, delighted with the fact that standards were evening up in Mid-Kerry. There was great relief afterwards within the Rangers players and they celebrated with burgers and chips in Bunkers.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Maurice Sheehan, Robert Moriarty, John Moriarty, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Morgan Foley, Enda Clifford (capt.), Gerard Purcell, Darragh O Sullivan, Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy, Garrath Sheehan. Subs: Owen Clifford for G. Purcell, John Ahern for K. Cahillane (inj.), Paul Russell, Jamie Cahillane, Fergus Clifford, Cathal Browne, Billy O Mahony, Jonathan Griffin. Eoin Ferris had a broken finger and was unable to play.

Podge Foley, then living in Rossbeigh, who had played with that Laune Rangers team at U-12 and U-14 levels, had opted for Glenbeigh that year and played at fullback.

Ref: Michael Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Tralee District Board U-16 Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 28^th March at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 0-7; Laune Rangers 4-6.

Laune Rangers faced the breeze in the first half and the backs played very well, particularly Owen O Connell, Billy O Mahony and Enda Clifford. Both midfielders, Johnny Lynch and John Moriarty, played well. However, there were problems in the forward line, with only Garrath Sheehan, Dermot Murphy and Shane Harmon playing well. Rangers were in arrears by 0-4 to 1-0 at halftime, Garrath Sheehan scoring the goal.

Rangers began the second half brightly but struggled towards the middle of the half. However, in the final ten minutes, they again assumed supremacy and had goals from Shane Harmon, Michael Griffin and Johnny Lynch. Thereafter they won easily.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell (0-2), Maurice Sheehan, Billy O Mahony, Enda Clifford, Robert Moriarty, Johnny Lynch (1-0), John Moriarty, Shane Harmon (1-0), Gerard Purcell (capt.), Morgan Foley, Michael Griffin (Ownagarry) 1-0, Dermot Murphy (0-1), Garrath Sheehan (1-3). Subs: Brendan Fitzgerald for R. Moriarty, Jamie Cahillane for M. Griffin, Karl Falvey for G. Sheehan, Cathal Browne. Pa Sheehan and Kevin Cahillane were injured and unable to play. Kevin O Connor was not considered as Killorglin C.C. U-16 team was playing in the All-Ireland Semi-final on the following Sunday.

Ref: John Hegarty (John Mitchels).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 3^rd April at Castleisland: Desmond’s v Laune Rangers.

That game was postponed due to the inclement weather.

 

Rd. 2 (postponed) on Wed. 20^th April at Castleisland: Desmond’s 2-3; Laune Rangers 4-3.

Laune Rangers played well in terrible underfoot conditions. Garrath Sheehan scored three goals and Kevin Cahillane scored the fourth. Johnny Lynch was superb at midfield and John Moriarty had a ‘stormer’ when he moved to centre halfback. Shane Harmon, Gerard Purcell and Morgan Foley also played well.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Maurice Sheehan, Billy O Mahony, Enda Clifford, Michael Griffin, Johnny Lynch, John Moriarty, Shane Harmon, Gerard Purcell, Morgan Foley, Garrath Sheehan, Dermot Murphy, Pa Sheehan. Subs: Kevin Cahillane for O. O Connell (injured in the first minute), Robert Moriarty for M. Griffin, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Cathal Browne, Karl Falvey.

Ref: Jerry Gleeson (John Mitchels).

 

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 28^th April at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 3-11; Laune Rangers 0-8.

Laune Rangers were well and truly beaten but the disappointing aspect of the game was that some of the Rangers did not really contest for the ball.

Laune Rangers: Billy O Mahony, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell (0-2), Maurice Sheehan, Michael Griffin, John Moriarty, Enda Clifford, Johnny Lynch (0-2), Shane Harmon, Kevin O Connor, Morgan Foley, Gerard Purcell (0-1), Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy (0-2), Garrath Sheehan (0-1). Subs: Robert Moriarty for M. Griffin, Eoin Ferris for K. Cahillane, Brendan Fitzgerald, Jamie Cahillane and Gavan O Reilly.

Ref: Albert O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 8^th May at Strand Road: Desmonds 3-5; Laune Rangers 1-5.

Most of the Rangers’ backs played very well and they held their own at midfield. The forwards lacked penetration, although Pa Sheehan played his heart out and Garrath Sheehan played well, also.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Noel Purcell, Owen O Connell, Maurice Sheehan, Billy O Mahony, Enda Clifford, Michael Griffin, Gerard Purcell (capt.), John Moriarty, Pa Sheehan, Morgan Foley, Kevin O Connor, Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy, Garrath Sheehan. Subs: Eoin Ferris for M. Griffin, Paul Russell for K. Cahillane, Jamie Cahillane for J. Moriarty (inj.), Brendan Fitzgerald, Cathal Browne, Gavan O Reilly and Robert Moriarty. Johnny Lynch had a sore finger (lúidín) and was unable to play. Shane Harmon failed to show for the game without explanation.

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

 

Final: Austin Stacks 4-10; Desmonds 4-5.

 

U-16 Football Challenge Game

 

Sun. 28^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Na Gaeil 0-6.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Eoin Ferris, John Moriarty, Cathal Browne, Robert Moriarty, Enda Clifford, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Morgan Foley, Paul Russell, Gerard Purcell, Darragh O Sullivan, Kevin Cahillane, Dermot Murphy, Kevin O Connor. Subs: Billy O Mahony for C. Browne, Terence Houlihan for R. Moriarty, Fergus Clifford for P. Russell, Jamie Cahillane for K. O Connor. Missing – Owen O Connell (Gaeltacht), Garrath Sheehan (Mayo), Maurice Sheehan (working), Noel Purcell (rowing in Cork).

 

Co. U-15 Football Championship

That was a knockout competition. Coach – Jerome Conway.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 25^th Sept. at Currow: Currow 0-4; Laune Rangers 2-10.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Karl Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Pa Sheehan, Robert Moriarty, Cathal Browne, John Moriarty, Morgan Foley, Brendan Fitzgerald, Jamie Cahillane, Terence Houlihan, Kevin Cahillane, John Ahern, Garrath Sheehan. Subs: Owen Clifford, Jonathan Griffin, David Marmion and Cian Foley (all played).

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 1^st Oct. at Listowel: Emmett’s 3-14; Laune Rangers 2-4.

Noel Kennelly was excellent for Emmett’s at midfield, against a Laune Rangers’ team that showed very little determination to win.

Laune Rangers: Ross Breen, Brendan Fitzgerald, Eoin Ferris, Fergus Clifford, Owen Clifford, Robert Moriarty, Pa Sheehan, John Moriarty, Morgan Foley, Cathal Browne (1-0), Jamie Cahillane, Jonathan Griffin (0-1), Kevin Cahillane, John Ahern (0-1), Garrath Sheehan (0-2). Subs: Robert Foley for K. Cahillane (inj.), Aidan O Connor for G. Sheehan (inj.), Paul Sheehan for P. Sheehan (inj.). Cian Foley had to attend a wedding. Terence Houlihan, David Marmion or Karl Falvey failed to show for the game.

Ref: John Looney (Knockanure).

 

Co. Final on Sat. 29^th Oct. at Ballymac: Dr. Crokes 2-8; Emmett’s 2-6.

 

Co.U-14 Football Championship (Div. 1)

The U-14 panel commenced training under coach/selector, Noel O Mahony, on Sat. 26^th March. Selector – Gerry Foley. There were six teams in the division – Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, Kilcummin, Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 4^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes v Laune Rangers.

That game was postponed due to the inclement weather.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 13^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; John Mitchels 2-7.

That was a cracking game of football that had the large crowd on its feet for the whole game. Mitchels led by 2-5 to 0-2 at halftime and they seemed to heading for an easy win. However, what a surprise they got, as Laune Rangers had no intention of just fulfilling the fixture. They took control at midfield and scored 1-4 without reply just to leave two points between the sides. Then another goal put Rangers in front and what a crazy goal it was. While Mitchels’ goalkeeper was admiring the Killorglin scenery, the ball sailed over his head to put the home side in front with only four minutes left in the game. However, Mitchels composed themselves and scored three points to win.

Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Noel Clifford, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Tom Crowley, Trevor Gannon, Brian Houlihan, Owen Clifford, John Ahern, Aidan O Connor, Jonathan Griffin, John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin, Robert Foley, Evan Healy. Sub: Brian Foley for N. Clifford.

 

Rd. 3 on Mon. 25^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 5-8; Kerins O Rahilly’s 2-3.

Rangers played quite well. Robert Foley had a good shot for goal but his vision was not good. John Ahern played very well – he had a good understanding of the game. Paul Costello was fearless.

Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Tom Crowley, Trevor Gannon, Brian Houlihan, Owen Clifford, John Ahern, Seamus Galvin, Jonathan Griffin, John E. Murphy, Aidan O Connor, Robert Foley, Brian Foley.

Ref: Gerard O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 4^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-8.

Laune Rangers, despite the absences of Owen Clifford and Trevor Gannon, played well and were ahead at halftime.

Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Tom Crowley, Cian Foley, Brian Houlihan, John Ahern, Robert Foley, John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin, Brian Foley, Aidan O Connor, Jonathan Griffin, David Marmion.

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 9^th May at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 0-1; Laune Rangers 6-10.

Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Tom Crowley, Cian Foley, Brian Houlihan, John Ahern, Owen Clifford, John E. Murphy, Trevor Gannon, Seamus Galvin, Aidan O Connor, Robert Foley, Jonathan Griffin. Subs; Paul Sheehan, Brian Foley, Darragh Burns (all played).

 

Rd. 1 (postponed) on Wed. 11^th May at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 1-4; Laune Rangers 4-15.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 29^th May at Castleisland: John Mitchels 3-9; Laune Rangers 1-10.

 

Final on Sun. 12^th June at Connolly Park: John Mitchels 3-12 ; Austin Stacks 2-5.

 

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

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 9^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Dr. Crokes ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

 

Final on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Cromane: Laune Rangers beat Milltown/Castlemaine.

Laune Rangers: Michael McGillycuddy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Cian Foley, Trevor Gannon, Brian Houlihan, John Ahern, Eoin Clifford, Brian Foley, John E. Murphy, Seamus Galvin, Aidan O Connor, Robert Foley, Jonathan Griffin.

 

Tralee District Board U-14 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 at the end of April at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks beat Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 at the beginning of July at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 26^th July at Mitchels Field: John Mitchels 5-10; Laune Rangers 1-6.

 

Final: Austin Stacks 1-10; John Mitchels 1-4.

 

Tralee District Board U-14B Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sat. 29^th Oct. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Féile Peile na nOg (U-14 Football)

Féile Peile na nOg was held again in Kerry in 1994. Laune Rangers played in Div. 1 and hosted Annaghdown, Galway from Thurs. 16^th June to Sun. 19^th June.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 17^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Annaghdown.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 18^th June at Killlorglin: Laune Rangers 1-1; Erin’s Isle, Dublin 3-8.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 18^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-11; Legion 1-0.

Laune Rangers Panel: Michael McGillycuddy, Cian Evans, Paul Costello, Geoffrey O Mahony, Tom Crowley, Cian Foley, Brian Houlihan, John Ahern, Owen Clifford, John E. Murphy, Trevor Gannon, Seamus Galvin, Aidan O Connor, Robert Foley, Jonathan Griffin, Paul Sheehan, David Marmion, Fergal O Donoghue, Brian Foley, Brian Curran, Patrick Galvin.

 

U-14 Football Challenge Game

 

At the beginning of July in Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ v Glenbeigh.

 

Austin Stacks U-13 Football Tournament

That tournament was played over the weekend 24^th/25^th September in Connolly Park. The teams taking part were Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, Kilcummin, An Ghaeltacht, Laune Rangers and Na Piarsaigh (Cork). After the preliminary rounds, Laune Rangers and Kilcummin qualified for the ‘B’ final.

 

‘B’ Final on Sun. 25^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Kilcummin beat Laune Rangers.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

As in recent years, there was no final – the team with the most points after the preliminary rounds was declared the winner. There were seven teams in the division – Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Legion, Kilcummin, Dr. Crokes and Kilcummin. Laune Rangers’ coach/trainer – James Ferris.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 18^th May: Laune Rangers 3-10; Kerins O Rahillys 3-7.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 25^th May: Laune Rangers beat Legion.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 1^st June: Laune Rangers beat Gaeltacht.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 8^th June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-13; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Rangers led by 1-1 before the Tralee side scored and the sides were level at 1-4 each at halftime. After the resumption, the Rangers went three points clear but Stacks fought back to level the scores. Again, Rangers edged ahead and were two points to the good with eight minutes remaining but Stacks, helped by a soft goal, finished stronger.

Laune Rangers: Jason McCormack, Sean Evans, William Byrne, Ross Sheehan, Patrick Purcell, Michael McCaffrey, Andrew O Regan, Tom McGillycuddy, Damien Harmon, Barry O Sullivan, Conor Falvey, Paul McKenna, Noel Lynch, Denis Russell, Gerald O Sullivan. Subs: Eoin Joy and Darren O Riordan.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 22^nd June: Laune Rangers beat Dr. Crokes.

Rd. 6 on Wed. 29^th June: Laune Rangers beat Kilcummin.

 

Co. U-12 Champions – Austin Stacks (11 pts.). Runners-up – Laune Rangers (10 pts.).

 

Co. U-12B Football Championship

 

Sat. 11^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 2-3.

Sat. 18^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 1-13.

Co. U-12B Champions – Austin Stacks ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 18^th July

Rd. 2 on Mon. 25^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 2^nd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-9; Cromane 2-6.

Semi-final on Mon. 15^th Aug: Laune Rangers beat Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Final on Mon. 22^nd Aug. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 1-5; Beaufort 0-7.

Laune Rangers: Darren O Riordan, Sean Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, William Byrne, Alan Murphy, Patrick Crowley, Michael McCaffrey, Andrew O Regan, Barry O Sullivan, Mark Healy, Conor Falvey, Damien Harmon, Paul McKenna, Noel Lynch, Dermot Houlihan. Subs: Ross Sheehan, Seamus Foley, Denis Russell, Timmy Houlihan, Jason McCormack and Patrick Purcell.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12B Football Championship

 

Quarter-final on Mon. 13^th June at Cromane: Cromane 4-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-5.

Laune Rangers led by five points at halftime, but Cromane’s physical strength told in the second half.

 

Tralee District Board U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 5-7; Laune Rangers 1-4.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 3-7; Laune Rangers 3-7.

That was a great game of football, which ended in a draw but Laune Rangers could have won it. They opened in style with points from Paul McKenna, Conor Falvey, Andrew O Regan and a great goal by Paul McKenna before O Rahillys scored. Laune Rangers showed great determination throughout that first half, at the end of which they led by 2-5 to 0-3, Conor Falvey scoring the second goal.

However, Rangers, being a bit over-confident, thought the game was over and allowed O Rahillys back into the game in the second half. The Tralee side scored 2-2 before Rangers scored their first point of the half. Then, O Rahillys went two points ahead before Rangers got a third goal through Andrew O Regan. Another goal by O Rahillys followed but Rangers came back with points from Damien Harmon and Thomas McGillycuddy, who played a captain’s role all through the game.

Laune Rangers: Darren O Riordan, Alan Murphy, William Byrne, Ross Sheehan, Sean Evans, Pa Crowley, Michael McCaffrey, Thomas McGillycuddy (capt.), Andrew O Regan, Dermot Houlihan, Barry O Sullivan, Damien Harmon, Paul McKenna, Conor Falvey, Denis Russell. Subs: Timmy Houlihan and Seamus Foley (both played).

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Killeen: Na Gaeil Laune Rangers

 

Semi-final on Sun. 16^th Oct. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 4-9; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Final on Sat. 12^th Nov. at Mitchels Field: Austin Stacks 1-11; Kerins O Rahillys 1-9.

 

Anthony Corkery Memorial Tournament (U-12)

That was an invitation tournament and the six teams were put into two groups.

Group A: Laune Rangers, Kerins O Rahillys and Macroom.

Group B: Beaufort, Gneeveguilla and Austin Stacks.

 

Sat. 10^th Dec. Group A: Laune Rangers beat Macroom.

Kerins O Rahillys beat Laune Rangers by one point.

Kerins O Rahillys beat Macroom.

Group B: Beaufort beat Austin Stacks

Gneeveguilla beat Austin Stacks.

Beaufort beat Gneeveguilla.

Sun. 11^th Dec. Semi-final: Laune Rangers beat Beaufort by three points.

Laune Rangers played with the wind and were five points ahead at the interval. However, Beaufort fought back and came within three points but Laune Rangers held out to the end.

Kerins O Rahillys beat Gneeveguilla.

Final: Kerins O Rahillys beat Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers played against the wind in the first half and trailed by 2-2 at halftime, having missed many scoring chances. In the second half, Rangers came within three points of O Rahillys but that was short-lived as the Tralee side scored a great goal and a point to put them well ahead. Rangers were best served by William Byrne at fullback, Pa Crowley, Mark Healy, Noel Lynch and some impressive young players such as James Hayes, Adrian Lynch and Dermot Houlihan.

Laune Rangers: Noel Joy, Sean Evans, William Byrne, James Hayes, Aidan Lynch, Pa Crowley, Michael McCaffrey, Thomas McGillycuddy, Andrew O Regan, Mark Healy, Barry O Sullivan, Damien Harmon, Paul McKenna, Conor Falvey, Noel Lynch. Subs: Denis Russell, Dermot Houlihan, Seamus Foley and Tim O Regan.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Co. Urban Cumann na mBunscol Div. 1 Football League 1994/’95

That was the first year of the competition and it was a huge success.

Wed. 12^th Oct: Monastery, Killarney 0-8; Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin 1-18.

Wed. 26^th Oct. at Killeen: Scoil Mhic Easmuinn, Tralee lost to Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin.

 

Final on Sun. 27^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Holy Family, Tralee 5-8; Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin 2-9.

Scoil Mhuire were a little overawed by the occasion – the game was played as a curtain-raiser to the NFL game, Kerry v Down. Against very good opposition, Scoil Mhuire’s weaknesses were exposed. Furthermore, Holy Family won the toss and elected to play with the aid of a strong wind, and that helped them to have a substantial lead at halftime. The Killorglin boys’ case was not helped by the concession of two own goals in that first half. The losers really only played in the second half and they never clicked into top gear. Michael McCaffrey, Barry O Sullivan, Thomas McGillycuddy, Conor Falvey and Gerard O Sullivan were their best players. Best for the winners were Brian Dennehy, Billy Curtin, Declan Quill, P.J. Hogan, Gerard Molloy and Liam O Dowd.

Scoil Mhuire: Noel Joy, Caoilte Gallagher, William Byrne, Ross Sheehan, Vincent O Connor, Sean Evans, Michael McCaffrey, Thomas McGillycuddy, Barry O Sullivan (capt.), Mark Healy, Seamus Foley, Damien Harmon, Gerard O Sullivan (Glenashe), Conor Falvey, Denis Russell. Subs: Michael O Sullivan (Iveragh Park) for D. Russell, Brendan Daly (Reen) for C. Gallagher, Eoin Joy (Bansha), James Clifford (Laharn), James Hayes (St. James’ Gardens), Darren O Riordan (Langford St.), Nicholas O Brien (Upper Bridge St.), Tim O Regan (Bansha), Daniel O Connor (Coolbane) and Peter Slattery (Lower Bridge St.).

Ref: Sean Kissane (Kerins O Rahillys).

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools’ Football Competition 1993/’94

 

3-Teachers (9-a-side):

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th May at Cromane: Cromane beat Douglas.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 20^th May at Killorglin: Douglas beat Fybough.

Final on Sun. 12th June at Cromane: Cromane 9-10; Douglas 3-5.

Douglas: Liam Fitzgerald, Jason McCormack, Pat Murphy, Paul O Connor, Dermot Houlihan, Paul Costello, Timmy Houlihan, John O Sullivan, John Houlihan, Jerome Griffin, Ciarán Corkery, Trevor Dunlea, Jonathan Dunlea.

4-Teachers (11-a-side):

Rd. 1 on Fri. 29^th April at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh beat Glounaguillagh.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 13^th May at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh beat Castledrum.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 20^th May at Castlemaine: Castlemaine 2-15; Glounaguillagh 3-9.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 27^th May at Killorglin: Glounaguillagh lost to Kilgobnet.

 

4-Teachers (15-a-side):

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Scoil Mhuire ‘B’

Rd. 2 on Fri. 13^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ beat Cullina.

At Milltown: Milltown 3-4; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 1-8.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 20^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ beat Cullina by one point. Ref: Bertie Houlihan.

At Milltown: Milltown lost to Scoil Mhuire ‘A’.

Semi-final on Fri. 3^rd June at Cromane: Milltown Monastery beat Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ by three points.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ panel: Geoffrey O Mahony (capt.), Pa Crowley, Conor Falvey, Andrew O Regan, Barry O Sullivan, Ross Sheehan, William Byrne, Sean Jones, Declan O Shea, Michael McCaffrey, Colin Mangan, Noel Joy, Vincent O Connor, Patrick Murphy, Jamie O Sullivan, Brendan Daly, Connor Browne, Paul Lynch, Cathal Foley, James Clifford, Jamie Sheehan, Ivan Moriarty, Brian O Donoghue.

 

Final on Sun. 12^th June at Cromane: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ 3-6; Milltown 2-6.

At halftime, Scoil Mhuire was eight points in arrears but fought back brilliantly.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’: Darren O Riordan, Gerard O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Jason O Sullivan, Paul O Connell, Sean Evans, Caoilte Gallagher, Cian Evans (capt.), Thomas McGillycuddy, Garrett O Reilly, Bernard Jones, Denis Russell, Damien Harmon, Tim O Regan and Eoin Joy. Subs: Neil Browne, Daniel O Connor, Tim Cronin, Seamus Curran, Ray Crowley, Robert O Reilly, Patrick Kelliher.

Paul McKenna, Steelroe, played at left full-forward for Milltown, as he attended that school.

 

Kerry V.E.C. U-16 Football Championship

Final on Sun. 12^th Feb. at Glenflesk: Killorglin C.C. 1-8; Rathmore C.C. 0-6.

Killorglin: Shane Daly (Milltown/Castlemaine), Niall Corbett (Firies), John Joe Quirke (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Derek O Connor (Keel), Denis Sheahan (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Pa Murphy (do.), Jason Giles (Milltown/Castlemaine), Billy O Shea (Keel) capt. 0-4, 2 frees, John Hilliard (do.) 0-1, Gene O Riordan (Glenbeigh/Glencar) 1-1, Michael Quirke (Listry), Kevin O Connor (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Maurice O Flaherty (Keel), Tommy O Flaherty (do.), Kieran Foley (do.) 0-1. Subs: Paul Russell (Laune Rangers), Thomas Long, Diarmuid Falvey (Beaufort), Jonathan Griffin (Laune Rangers), John O Sullivan, Ciarán Burke.

 

Munster V.E.C. U-16 Football Championship

Semi-final at Athea: Killorglin C.C. 2-7; Kilmihill 0-3.

Killorglin C.C: Shane Daly, Niall Corbett, John Joe Quirke, Derek O Connor, Denis Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Jason Giles, Billy O Shea (capt.), John Hilliard (0-4), Gene O Riordan (0-1), Michael Quirke, Kevin O Connor, Maurice O Flaherty (0-1), Tommy O Flaherty (1-0), Kieran Foley (1-1). Subs: Thomas Long for D. O Connor, Jonathan Griffin for M. Flaherty, Paul Russell for K. O Connor.

 

Final on Sun. 20^th March at Millstreet: Killorglin C.C 1-8; Coachford C.C. 1-6.

Killorglon C.C: Shane Daly, Niall Corbett, John Joe Quirke, Derek O Connor, Denis Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Jason Giles, Billy O Shea (0-5, 3 frees), Thomas Long, Gene O Riordan, Michael Quirke (1-1), Kevin O Connor, Maurice O Flaherty (0-1), Tommy O Flaherty, Kieran Foley (0-1). Sub: Jonathan Griffin for T. Long.

 

All-Ireland V.E.C. U-16 Football Championship

Semi-final on Sat. 16^th April at Borrisokane: St. Oliver’s, Drogheda 1-11; Killorglin C.C. 2-5.

Killorglin: Shane Daly, Niall Corbett, John Joe Quirke, Derek O Connor, Denis Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Jason Giles, Billy O Shea (0-4, frees), Thomas Long, Gene O Riordan, Michael Quirke, Kevin O Connor, Maurice Flaherty (1-0), Tommy Flaherty, Kieran Foley (1-0). Subs: John Hilliard (0-1) for T. Long, Jonathan Griffin for K. O Connor.

 

Munster Colleges Senior Football Championship 1993/’94

Semi-final on Sun. 6^th March at Ballyagran: Intermediate School 0-7; St. Flannan’s 0-7.

A missed penalty in the closing minutes denied Intermediate School, Killorglin victory over the holders, St. Flannan’s. Killorglin looked like toppling the champions as they led by 0-7 to 0-4 with just over fifteen minutes remaining but a dramatic comeback from St. Flannan’s in that final quarter brought the sides back on level terms.

Playing with the wind advantage in the first half, Killorglin got off to a poor start, when St. Flannan’s went into a two points’ lead but the Kerry lads quickly struck back with points from Pa O Sullivan and Rory Corkery to draw level. Pa O Sullivan put Killorglin ahead after 14 minutes but Flannan’s replied with a like score and it was touch and go, with both sides adding a point each, from Michael F. Russell and Kevin Hickey., before Russell fired over another point to give Killorglin a slender lead at halftime, 0-5 to 0-4.

With Flannan’s then holding wind-advantage, it looked ominous for Killorglin but they raced into a three points’ lead with points from Pa O Sullivan and Michael F. Russell. It was only then that Flannan’s awoke and they eventually drew level with three points from Cathal Shannon, the last of those coming five minutes from the finish. Two minutes from full-time, Killorglin was given the opportunity to win the game, when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Donncha Curran. Michael F. Russell opted for a goal but his namesake, David, made a dramatic save to deny him.

Intermediate School (all Laune Rangers except where stated): Ronan Curtayne, Joe Hayes, John Sheehan, Kevin O Donoghue (Listry), Cormac O Malley (Beaufort), Mícheál Foley (do.), John O Sullivan, Thomas Walsh, Rory Corkery (0-1), Johnny Lynch, Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Michael F. Russell (0-3), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Fergal O Brien, Donncha Curran. Sub: Fionán Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine) for F. O Brien, Brian Gannon for T. Walsh.

 

Semi-final replay on Wed. 9^th March at Ballyagran: St. Flannan’s 1-13; Intermediate School 1-10 (AET).

The Killorglin boys trailed St. Flannan’s by 1-8 to 0-2 at halftime, having played against the breeze, but they staged a marvellous second half rally to take the game into extra time at 1-8 each, the goal coming from Brian Gannon. In the first period of extra time, Killorglin had the aid of the breeze but could only manage one point, the same as St. Flannan’s. In a dramatic second period, the game had to be held up for six minutes, while Killorglin’s Rory Corkery was treated for an injury (a St. Flannan’s player was sent off following the incident, which led to the injury). When play resumed, St. Flannan’s got the winning points. Scorers for the Intermediate School were Brian Gannon (1-1), Michael F. Russell (0-3), Rory Corkery (0-2), Donncha Curran (0-2), Rory McGrath (0-1) and Pa O Sullivan (0-1).

 

Munster Colleges U-16.5 (Frewen Cup) Championship

Final on Tues. 10^th May at Carrigadrohid: Intermediate School 3-7; St. Colman’s, Fermoy 1-10.

A dramatic injury-time goal earned the Intermediate School a place in the history books when they scored a thrilling victory over St. Colman’s. Wing-forward Michael F. Russell was the hero of the hour for Killorglin as his determination led to the sensational overtime winner. The sides were level when Michael Francis Russell won possession and made a beeline for the Fermoy goal, his shot careered across the goal-mouth and deflected onto the net off the legs of a St. Colman’s defender.

Killorglin got off to a dreadful start, when they conceded a goal in the very first minute and Fermoy dominated the opening exchanges. Full-forward, Pa O Sullivan, kept the Intermediate School in touch with three pointed frees and the same player fired home a great shot to the net to give his side a tonic boost midway through the half. Killorglin led by 1-5 to 1-4 at the break.

Fermoy gained the upper-hand soon after the resumption and they rattled over points to build up a 1-10 to 1-6 advantage after 45 minutes. But then Killorglin got to grips with the game and after Michael Russell had pointed, midfielder Johnny Lynch struck for a goal, when he squeezed the ball into the corner of the net. That set the stage for a grand-stand finish and it was Michael F. Russell who clinched the historic win after good approach work by John Sheehan.

Intermediate School (all Laune Rangers, except where stated): Timothy Scannell (Listry), S. Dermody (do.), John Sheehan, Pat Healy (Glenbeigh), Eoin O Connell (0-1), Paudie Finnegan, Mike Kelliher (Beaufort), Fergal O Brien, Johnny Lynch (1-0), Shane Harmon, Pat Leahy, Michael F. Russell (1-0), M. Boyle, Pa O Sullivan (1-6, 2 frees), B. Doyle. Subs: J. Doyle for P. Healy, Pat Healy for S. Dermody (inj.), Martin Sweeney (Cromane), James Foley (do.).

Co. Vocational Schools Senior Football Championship 1994/’95

Quarter-final on Thurs. 20^th Oct. at Castleisland: Castleisland C.C 1-2; Killorglin C.C. 1-12.

Killorglin C.C: Shane Daly (Milltown/Castlemaine), Niall Corbett (Firies), John Joe Quirke (Glenbeigh), Derek O Connor (Keel), Pa Murphy (Glenbeigh), John Hilliard (Keel), Jason Giles (Milltown/Castlemaine), Gary O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Alan O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 0-2, Gene O Riordan (Glenbeigh) 0-1, Billy O Shea (Keel) 0-3, 2 frees, Cormac Foley (Firies) 0-3, 2 frees, Michael Quirke (Listry), Denis Sheahan (Glenbeigh) 0-2, Jonathan Griffin (Laune Rangers) 1-1. Subs: Kieran Foley (Keel) for M. Quirke, Seamus Costello (Laune Rangers), Thomas Long, Kevin O Connor (Laune Rangers), Maurice Flaherty (Keel), Gavin O Reilly (Laune Rangers), Patrick Hayes, Rory Prendergast, Brendan O Shea, Florry Brosnan.

Ref: Mike Hassett (Laune Rangers).

 

Semi-final on Tues. 22^nd Nov. in Blennerville: Killorglin C.C. 1-17; Causeway Comprehensive 0-4.

Killorglin C.C: Shane Daly, Niall Corbett, John Joe Quirke, Derek O Connor, Pa Murphy (0-1), John A. Hilliard, Jason Giles, Gary O Sullivan (capt) 0-3, Alan O Sullivan (0-1), Gene O Riordan (0-2), Billy O Shea (0-3), Cormac Foley (0-3), Michael Quirke (0-1), Denis Sheahan (0-1), Jonathan Griffin. Sub: Kieran Foley (1-2) for J. Griffin.

 

Munster Colleges Senior Football Championship 1994/’95

Rd. 1 in Nov. in Killarney: Intermediate School, Killorglin 3-8; CBS, Tralee 1-9.

That was an ill-tempered affair, particularly in the opening quarter.

Intermediate School (Laune Rangers except where stated): Pat Healy (Glenbeigh), Ronan Spillane (Beaufort), John Sheehan, Joe Hayes, Owen O Connell, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan, Rory McGrath (Beaufort), Johnny Lynch, Eanna O Malley (Beaufort) 1-2, Pat Leahy (1-1), Michael F. Russell (0-3, frees), Brian Gannon (0-2, 1 free), Mike Kelliher (Beaufort) 1-0, Pa O Sullivan.

 

Third Level Football

Sat. 26^th Feb. Sigerson Cup Semi-final in Belfield: UL lost to Queens (Belfast).

Mike Hassett played on the UL team but, unfortunately, picked up an injury that kept him out of football for a while.

In April at Belfield (Representative Football): Combined Universities 2-14; Garda 2-5.

Mike Hassett scored a point from left halfback.

 

Munster U-16 Football Championship

That competition was played in a blitz form on Sat. 5^th November in Limerick. Kerry entered two teams. Selectors – Junior Murphy (St. Mary’s), Tim Coffey (Beaufort), Peadar O Shea (St. Michael’s), Denny Doolin (Spa) and Michael Price (Kenmare).

 

Rd. 1: Kerry South 3-16; Tipperary 0-6.

Rd. 2: Clare 3-12; Kerry South 2-14 (AET).

The defence, particularly Pa Murphy (Glenbeigh) and Owen O Connell (Laune Rangers), was excellent. Up front, Liam Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Sean Casey (Spa), Adrian McCarthy (Kilcummin) and Colm McGill (Renard) gave a brilliant display. Johnny Lynch played at midfield.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Minor Football Championship

Trainer – Charlie Nelligan, Selectors – Mikey Sheehy, Sean Walsh (Moyvane), Junior Murphy and Derry Crowley.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th May at Askeaton: Limerick 1-6; Kerry 1-24.

Kerry: Brian Murphy (Beaufort), Barry O Shea (Kerins O Rahillys), Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Finuge), Mícheál Foley (Beaufort), Charlie McCarthy (Gneeveguilla), Sean O Mahony (Castlegregory), Timmy Joe Fleming (Kilcummin), Denis O Dwyer (Waterville) 0-3, Mossy Mulvihill (Moyvane) 0-1, Leonard Burns (Sneem) 0-6, 5 frees, James O Shea (Foilmore) 1-0, Jack Ferriter (Dingle) capt. 0-2, Liam Brosnan (Currow) 0-4, Declan O Carroll (Kerins O Rahillys) 0-2, Jerry Murphy (Rathmore) 0-6. Subs: Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) for J. O Shea, Kieran O Driscoll (Annascaul) for B. O Shea, Maurice Kelliher (St. Senan’s) for M. Mulvihill, Kieran Guerin (Fossa), Gene O Keeffe (Ballymac), Ger Cremins (Gneeveguilla), Kieran O Sullivan (Dromid), William Fitzgerald (Moyvane) and Alan Doran (St. Senan’s).

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 14^th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 2-7; Kerry 3-14.

Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kieran O Driscoll, Barry O Shea, Sean O Mahony, Charlie McCarthy, Mícheál Foley, Fergus O Connor (John Mitchels), Denis O Dwyer, Gene O Keeffe (0-2, frees), Jack Ferriter (2-3, 2 frees), Liam Brosnan (0-4), Jerry Lynch (0-1), James O Shea (1-2), Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Jerry Murphy (0-1). Subs: T.J. Fleming for F. O Connor, Michael F. Russell for P. O Sullivan, Leonard Burns (Sneem), Declan O Carroll, Mossy Mulvihill, Ger Cremins, Marcus Kelliher, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Mossy Lyons (Desmonds).

 

Final on Sun. 24^th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Kerry 2-11; Clare 3-5.

Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kieran O Driscoll, Barry O Shea, Sean O Mahony, Charlie McCarthy, Mícheál Foley, Fergus O Connor, Denis O Dwyer, Gene O Keeffe, Jack Ferriter (capt.) 0-4, frees, Liam Brosnan (0-2), Jerry Lynch (0-1), James O Shea (1-1), Pa O Sullivan, Jerry Murphy (1-1). Subs: Michael F. Russell (0-2, frees) for P. O Sullivan, T.J. Fleming for M. Foley, Leonard Burns (Sneem), Kieran O Sullivan, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Ger Cremin, Mossy Mulvihill, Maurice Kelliher, Declan O Carroll.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 14^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-10; Armagh 0-9.

Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kieran O Driscoll, Barry O Shea, Sean O Mahony, Charlie McCarthy, Mícheál Foley, Fergus O Connor, Denis O Dwyer, Gene O Keeffe, Michael F. Russell (1-0), Liam Brosnan (0-1), Jerry Lynch (0-1), James O Shea (0-1), Jack Ferriter (0-4, 3 frees), Jerry Murphy (1-2). Subs: Leonard Burns (0-1) for M. Russell, Kieran O Sullivan for J. Ferriter, Pa O Sullivan, T.J. Fleming, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Ger Cremin, Mossy Mulvihill, Maurice Kelliher and Cormac O Malley.

 

Final on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 0-16; Galway 1-7.

Kerry: Brian Murphy, Kieran O Driscoll, Barry O Shea, Sean O Mahony, Timmy Joe Fleming, Charlie McCarthy, Fergus O Connor (0-1), Denis O Dwyer (0-2), Gene O Keeffe (0-2), Jack Ferriter (0-6, 4 frees), Liam Brosnan (0-1), Jerry Lynch (0-1), James O Shea (0-2), Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Jerry Murphy. Subs: Michael F. Russell for J. Murphy (51^st min.), Mícheál Foley, Leonard Burns, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Mossy Mulvihill, Ger Cremin, Maurice Kelliher, Kieran O Sullivan, Cormac O Malley.

On Fri. 23^rd Sept., bonfires blazed at the entrance to the Laune Bridge as the lorry carrying the successful Minor All-Ireland Champions formed up at the Fishery for the parade through the town by the Laune. The entourage, headed by Michael ‘Sparks’ O Shea and Mr. GAA himself, James Coffey, requested a special cheer over the car amplification for the victors. Later in the town square, Jerome Conway, Chairman, introduced the players to the crowd. No need to say that the two Laune Rangers boys, Michael F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan, got an extra cheer. Jerome Conway stated that it was not the first time the cup had paraded through the streets. He recalled that Danny Cahill had been captain in 1988 and the coming year, Laune Rangers club hoped to increase the number of local players to five or six members of the Co. Minor panel.

Sean Kelly, Chairman Kerry Co. Board, stated that the minors had brought a tremendous feeling of pride and a marvellous sense of achievement to all followers of the Gaelic code in their native county. He further praised the Laune Rangers club for the great work they had done over the years for underage football in Killorglin. That brought warm applause from the appreciative audience. Selectors, Junior Murphy, Cahersiveen, and Derry Crowley, Glenflesk, together with the famous minors on the lorry surprised Michael Francis Russell by getting the crowd to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. Michael Francis was 17 years of age and, as his friend Pa O Sullivan stated, ‘What a present to receive – an All-Ireland Minor Medal.’

 

Munster U-21 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer/Selector – Paudie O Shea. Selectors – Seamus Mac Gearailt, Bernie O Callaghan, Jack O Connor and Johnny Culloty.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 27^th April at Tralee: Kerry 1-10; Cork 2-12.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy (Dingle), Killian Burns (Sneem), Gary McGrath (Beaufort), Chris Drummond (Sneem), Eamonn Ferris (Ardfert), Mike Hassett (Laune Rangers), Johnny O Connell (Tarbert), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk), Brendan O Brien (Duagh), Cathal O Grady (Legion) 0-4, 3 frees, Dara Ó Cinnéide (Gaeltacht) 0-1, John Crowley (Glenflesk) 0-1, Conor O Donnell (Dingle) 1-2, Brian Clarke (Dr. Crokes) 0-1, Seanie Culloty (Legion) 0-1. Subs; Fergal Ó Sé (Gaeltacht) for G. McGrath, Dara Ó Sé (Gaeltacht) for J. Crowley, Denis Dennehy (Currow) for D. Ó Cinnéide, Kieran Burns (Sneem), Buddy O Shea (Waterville), Liam Weir (Ballylongford), Tommy Stack (St. Senan’s), Mark Moynihan (Annascaul) and Kieran O Shea (Na Gaeil).

 

Munster Senior Football Championship

Manager – Ogie Moran (Beale). Selectors – Pat O Shea (Cromane) and Johnny Mulvihill (Moyvane).

Challenge on Sun. 17^th April at Ballybunion: Kerry 4-14; Galway 1-14.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Stephen Stack, Morgan Nix, Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen, Sean Burke, Timmy Fleming, Noel O Mahony (0-1), Conor Kearney (0-1), Sean McElligott (0-2), Billy O Shea (1-2), Bingo Driscoll, John Cronin (1-0), Maurice Fitzgerald (2-5, 4 frees, 1 pen), Gerard Murphy (0-2). Subs: Pa Laide for E. Breen, Sean Geaney (0-1) for S. McElligott, Brendan Lane for P. O Leary.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 22^nd May at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 2-19; Limerick 0-8.

Kerry: Brendan Lane, Mike Hassett, Anthony Gleeson, Sean Burke, Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Noel O Mahony (0-2), Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Bingo Driscoll (0-2), Timmy Fleming (capt.) 0-1, Billy O Shea (0-1), Pa Laide (1-2), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 1 free, one 45), Sean Geaney (1-2). Subs: Conor Kearney (Laune Rangers), Liam Flaherty, Dara Ó Cinnéide, John Cronin (Waterville), Morgan Nix, Karl O Dwyer, Gerard Murphy (Laune Rangers), Stephen Stack.

 

Challenge on Sun. 5^th June at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 2-13; Dublin 2-12.

Kerry: Brendan Lane, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Mike Hassett, Seamus Moynihan, Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen, Noel O Mahony, Liam Flaherty, Bingo Driscoll (0-1), Timmy Fleming (0-2), Dara Ó Cinnéide, Pa Laide (1-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-9, 6 frees, one 45), Sean Geaney (1-0). Subs: Dara Ó Sé for D. O Cinnéide, Conor Kearney for N. O Mahony, Billy O Shea for B. O Driscol.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 26^th June at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 1-13; Kerry 2-8.

It was generally agreed afterwards that Cork only came into the game when Conor Kearney was taken off. At the time, with twelve minutes left to play, Kerry led by five points.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Mike Hassett, Seamus Moynihan, Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen, Conor Kearney, Liam Flaherty (0-1), Bingo Driscoll (0-2), Billy O Shea, Timmy Fleming (capt.) 0-2, Pa Laide, Maurice Fitzgerald (1-3, pen. and  1free), Sean Geaney (1-0). Subs: Sean McElligott for C. Kearney.

 

NFL 1993/’94

 

Challenge games on Sat. 22^nd Jan. at UL Grounds: Kerry ‘B’ 1-5; Galway ‘B’ 1-11.

Kerry ‘B’: Brendan Lane (Brosna), Stephen Stack (Emmetts), Niall Mangan (Kilcummin), Adrian Hassett (Laune Rangers), John Walsh (Austin Stacks), Bernard McElligott (Brick Rangers), John O Connell (Tarbert), Dara Ó Sé (Gaeltacht), John Walsh (St. Senan’s), Cathal O Grady (Legion), Michael Keating (Waterville), Denis Dennehy (Currow), Sean Culloty (Legion), Karl O Dwyer (Waterville), Geni Farrell (Annascaul). Subs: Robbie O Dwyer (Waterville) for N. Mangan, Seamus Murphy (St. Pat’s, Blennerville) for D. Dennehy.

Kerry ‘A’ 2-13; Galway ‘A’ 1-11.

Kerry ‘A’: Peter O Leary (Legion), Liam Flaherty (Ballydonoghue), Anthony Gleeson (John Mitchels), Sean Burke (Milltown/Castlemaine), Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk), Eamonn Breen (Finuge), Noel O Leary (Dr. Crokes), Conor Kearney (Brick Rangers), Pa Laide (Austin Stacks), Connie Murphy (Dr. Crokes), Bingo Driscoll (Annascaul), Sean McElligott (Knocknagoshel), Brian Clarke (Dr. Crokes), Sean Geaney (Dingle). Subs: Seamus Murphy for S. Geaney, Mike Purtill (Beale) for B. O Shea.

 

Hayes Hotel Historic Challenge on Sun. 29^th Jan. at Thurles: Tipperary 0-8; Kerry 3-12.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Anthony Gleeson, Liam O Flaherty, Billy O Shea (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Noel O Leary, Timmy Fleming, Pa Laide (0-1), Connie Murphy, Bingo Driscoll (0-3), Sean McElligott (0-3), Maurice Fitzgerald (1-2), Sean Geaney (2-1). Subs: John O Connell for A. Gleeson, Geni Farrell (0-1) for S. Geaney and Conor Kearney for N. O Leary.

 

Sun. 6^th Feb. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 2-8; Clare 0-3.

The halfback line of Billy O Shea, Seamus Moynihan and Mike Hassett was magnificent, prompting selector, Pat O Shea, to remark afterwards, ‘We have the best halfback line in the country.’ Timmy Fleming played well, but only in spurts.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Liam O Flaherty, Billy O Shea, Seamus Moynihan, Mike Hassett, Noel O Mahony, Conor Kearney, Pa Laide (1-0, pen.), Timmy Fleming (0-1), Bingo Driscoll, Sean McElligott (0-3, 1 free), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-3, 1 free), Sean Geaney (1-1). Subs: Bernard McElligott for A. Gleeson, Noel O Leary for C. Kearney.

 

Sun. 20^th Feb. at Ballina: Mayo 1-5; Kerry 1-9.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Liam Flaherty, Billy O Shea, Connie Murphy, Mike Hassett, Noel O Mahony, Timmy Fleming (0-2), Pa Laide, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Bingo Driscoll, Sean McElligott (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (1-5, 4 frees), Sean Geaney. Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide for E. Breen, Conor Kearney for S. McElligott, Noel O Leary for S. Geaney, Bernard McElligott, Geni Farrell, Brendan Lane, Adrian Hassett, Brian Clarke and Dara Ó Sé.

 

Sun. 13^th March at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-11; Donegal 0-9.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Sean Burke, Anthony Gleeson, Liam Flaherty, Billy O Shea, Connie Murphy, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Noel O Mahony (0-1), Dara Ó Sé, Sean McElligott (0-2, 1 fee), Timmy Fleming, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1), Brian Clarke, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-6, 4 frees), Sean Geaney. Subs: Pa Laide for B. Clarke, Conor Kearney for T. Fleming, Bingo Driscoll, Noel O Leary, Bernard McElligott, Brendan Lane, Adrian Hassett, Geni Farrell and Pat McKenna. Mike Hassett and Seamus Moynihan were injured.

 

Play-off on Sun. 27^th March at Croke Park: Down 2-12; Kerry 0-11.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Anthony Gleeson, Niall Mangan, Sean Burke, Billy O Shea (capt), Connie Murphy (0-1), Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé, Noel O Mahony (0-1), Pa Laide (0-1), Sean McElligott, Dara Ó Cinnéide, Brian Clarke, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-7, frees), Sean Geaney (0-1). Subs: John Cronin for B. Clarke, Bernard McElligott for N. Mangan, Conor Kearney for J. Cronin, Bingo Driscoll, Noel O Leary, Brendan Lane, Stephen Stack. Pat McKenna, though selected amongst the substitutes, was sick and did not travel. Adrian Hassett was in London in connection with his work and Mike Hassett was still injured.

 

Railway Cup (Inter-Provincial Football)

 

Final on Sun. 6^th March at Cusack Park, Ennis: Munster 1-4; Ulster 1-6.

Billy O Shea played on the ‘forty’ and was awarded man-of-the-match for his display. Time and again he knifed through the Ulster defence only to ‘collared’ in a most unsporting manner by a defence that was determined not to let him play football. Indeed, if the Laune Rangers’ man had been allowed to play football on the day, Ulster would hardly have achieved a record five-in-a-row of Railway Cup successes.

 

NFL 1994/’95

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 16^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 2-12; Kildare 0-8.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Liam Flaherty, Morgan Nix, Billy O Shea (capt.), Sean Burke, Dara Ó Cinnéide, Dara Ó Sé, Eamonn Breen (0-1), John Crowley (0-2), Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Roland Neher, Conor O Donnell (1-0), Geni Farrell (1-1), Sean Geaney (0-6, 1 free). Subs: Gerard Murphy for C. O Donnell, Conor Kearney, Chris Drummond, Brendan Lane, Ken savage, Killian Burns.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 1-12; Dublin 1-11.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Liam Flaherty, Morgan Nix, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1), Sean Burke, Pa Laide, Dara Ó Sé, Eamonn Breen, John Crowley (0-3), Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Donal McEvoy (0-1), Conor O Donnell (1-4, 2 frees), Geni Farrell (0-1), Sean Geaney. Subs: Conor Kearney for D. Ó Sé (27^th mins.), Billy O Shea for G. Farrell (36^th mins.), Gerard Murphy, Roland Neher, Noel O Leary, Brendan Lane, Chris Drummond, Ken Savage, Killian Burns.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 13^th Nov. at Ballinascreen: Derry 1-11; Kerry 2-6.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Liam Flaherty, Morgan Nix, Billy O Shea (0-1), Sean Burke, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé (1-2), Conor Kearney, John Crowley (0-1), Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Donal McEvoy (capt.), Conor O Donnell (0-1, free), Geni Farrell (1-0), Sean Geaney. Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide for D. McEvoy, Cormac Kennedy for S. Geaney, Gerard Murphy, Roland Neher, Noel O Leary, Brendan Lane, Chris Drummond, Ken Savage, Killian Burns..

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 27^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-17; Down 1-8.

Kerry: Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Liam Flaherty, Morgan Nix, Billy O Shea (0-1), Sean Burke, Eamonn Breen, Conor Kearney, Cormac Kennedy, John Crowley (0-2), Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Pa Laide (capt.) 0-3, frees, Conor O Donnell (0-2), Geni Farrell (0-3), Sean Geaney (0-5, 3 frees). Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide for J. Crowley, Gerard Murphy, Donal McEvoy, Ken Savage, Brendan Lane, Anthony Gleeson, Chris Drummond, Killian Burns.

 

Co. Senior Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 29^th June at Austin Stack Park: St. Pat’s, East-Kerry 3-11; Abbeydorney 1-6.

St. Pat’s: Dave McNamara, Padraig O Sullivan, Aidan Bergin, Gene Doherty, John McCarthy, Seanie O Shea, Paul O Gorman, Joe Kennedy (0-2), Pat O Shea (0-4, 2 frees), Jerry O Sullivan, Kevin McNamara (2-1), John Dunphy (0-1), Cathal Mannix (1-3), Kieran Madden, Denis McCarthy. Subs: Richard O Connor for D. McCarthy, Robert Kennedy for A. Bergin.

Conor Kearney, Laune Rangers, played at left full-forward for Abbeydorney and scored 1-1.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 24^th July at Austin Stack Park: Ballyduff 2-8; St. Pat’s 1-6.

St. Pat’s: Dave McNamara, Paul O Gorman, Aidan Bergin, Gene Doherty, John McCarthy, Sean O Shea, Timmy Hourigan, Joe Kennedy, Pat O Shea (0-4, frees), John Dunphy, Jerry O Sullivan (0-1), Cathal Mannix, Denis McCarthy, Kevin McNamara (1-0), Kieran Madden. Subs: Robert Kennedy (0-1) for D. McCarthy, Joe Purcell for K. Madden.

 

Co. Intermediate Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 6^th Sept. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 3-15; St. Mary’s 1-6.

 

Co. Senior Hurling League Div. 2

The St. Mary’s players were allowed to play with St. Pat’s in the Co. League Div. 2.

 

Fri. 6^th May at Ardfert: St. Brendan’s ‘B’ beat St. Pat’s by two points.

St. Pat’s: Denis McCarthy, Aidan Bergin, Billy Landers, John McCarthy, Paul O Gorman, Timmy Hourigan, Joe Kennedy, Con Moynihan, John Dunphy, Jerry O Sullivan, Liam Diggins, Joe Purcell, Richard O Connor, Kevin Mcnamara, Cathal Mannix.

 

Fri. 13^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 0-11; St. Pat’s, East-Kerry 1-6.

Joe Kennedy and John Dunphy played well at midfield, while Richard O Connor tried hard up front.

St. Pat’s: Dave McNamara, Owen O Sullivan, Aidan Bergin, Padraig O Sullivan, Gary Landers, Paul O Gorman, Timmy Hourigan, Joe Kennedy, John Dunphy, Richard O Connor, Jerry O Sullivan, Cathal Mannix, Denis McCarthy, Kevin McNamara, Joe Purcell.

 

Fri. 20^th May: St. Pat’s scr; Causeway ‘B’ w/o.

St. Pat’s had only 13 players.

 

Fri. 27^th May at Deerpark: Ballyheigue 5-9; St. Pat’s, East-Kerry 2-7.

St. Pat’s had only 14 players.

St. Pat’s: Dave McNamara, Padraig O Sullivan, Aidan Bergin, Aidan Spillane, Timmy Hourigan, Paul O Gorman, Brendan Hearne, Joe Kennedy, John Dunphy, Cathal Mannix, Jerry O Sullivan, Con Moynihan, Joe Purcell and Denis McCarthy.

 

Co. Senior Hurling League Div. 3

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 15^th June: St. Mary’s beat Crotta ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 27^th June at Killorglin: St. Mary’s 1-4; Ballyduff ‘C’ 0-8.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 29^th June at Abbeydorney: Abbeydorney ‘B’ beat St. Mary’s.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 7^th July at Killorglin: St. Mary’s 1-10; Kilgarvan ‘B’ 1-12.

 

Mon. 19^th July at Kenmare: Kenmare ‘B’ beat St. Mary’s.

 

Co. U-14 Hurling League Div. 2

 

Sun. 15^th May at Fitzgerald Stadium (outside pitch): Kenmare beat St. Pat’s, East-Kerry.

Trevor Gannon played at right halfback.

 

South-Kerry Junior ‘B’ Hurling League

 

Semi-Final on Tues. 17^th May at Deerpark, Killarney: Kilgarvan ‘B’ 0-12; St. Mary’s 0-3.

Kilgarvan led by 0-5 to 0-3 at halftime.

 

Milltown 7-a-side Hurling Competition

There were four teams, Knockavota/Tinnahalla (Brendan Hearne), Macra na Feirme (Maurice Foley), Milltown and Killorglin (Christy Kennedy).

 

Sun. 14^th Aug. at Knockavota: Macra na Feirme 2-12; Milltown 3-9. Ref: Bill Hearne.

Sun. 21^st Aug. at Knockavota: Milltown 6-15; Knockavota/Tinnahalla 4-7.

Sun. 28^th Aug. at Knockavota: Macra na Feirme 5-14; Killorglin 3-6. Ref: Karl Daly.

Sun. 11^th Sept. at Knockavota: Macra na Feirme beat Knockavota/Tinnahalla.

Killorglin 6-13; Milltown 6-6.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 25^th Sept. at Knockavota: Macra na Feirme beat Milltown.

Macra na Ferime: Maurice Foley (capt.), Ted Quirke, C. Murphy, N. Murphy, J. O Brien, C. Wharton, Pat Langford, James Mangan, Liam Mangan, M. Murphy, A. O Connor, E. Foley and A. Kelliher.

 

Final on Sun. 13^th Nov. at Knockavota: Killorglin 1-10; Macra na Feirme 3-2. Ref: Bill Hearne, Tinnahalla.

That hard-fought final was played in adverse conditions but both teams served up some exciting hurling.

 

NHL Div. 2

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 9^th Oct. at New Ross: Wexford 6-14; Kerry 2-10.

Joe Kennedy came on for Dinny McCarthy at centre half-forward.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 1-10; Dublin 1-8.

Joe Kennedy was a substitute.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 6^th Nov. at Trim: Meath 0-7; Kerry 2-13.

Joe Kennedy was a substitute.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 20^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 1-6; Offaly 1-13.

Joe Kennedy was a substitute.

 

Oireachtas Cup (Senior Hurling)

Kerry took part for the first time.

Sun. 16^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-3; Clare 3-15.

Joe Kennedy started at left half-forward but was replaced in the second half.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Jack Boothman, Cill Manntáin, was elected Uachtarán CLG.

 

Tom Boland, Luimneach, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Donie Nealon, Tiobrad Árainn, was Secretary and Declan Moylan, Luimneach, was Treasurer. Annual Convention was held in Dungarvan.

 

The Kerry Co. Convention was held on Sat. 18^th Dec. 1993 at the Castle Heights, Killarney. The following officers were elected: President – Mícheál Ó Ruairc, Chairman – Sean Kelly (beat Gerald Whyte), Vice-Chairman – Liam Cotter (beat Jerome Conway), Secretary – Tony O Keeffe, Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and John McMahon, Central Council Delegate – Gerald McKenna, Munster Council Delegates – Dave Geaney and Teddy O Sullivan, PRO – Eamonn O Sullivan, Youth Officer – Joe Langan, Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Diarmuid Ó Murchú, Development Officer – Sean Walsh.

In his Secretary’s Report, Tony O Keeffe said, ‘Laune Rangers are a club that prepares well and has strong structures right down to U-10 level. The involvement of former players in the coaching of their teams at underage level is a feature of the club. Their success at senior level is welcome and we congratulate them. Even though they failed to Nemo Rangers in the Munster Club Championship, the experience of the two games should stand to them.’

Senior Football Selection Committee (It had been appointed for two years): Ogie Moran, Pat O Shea and Johnny Mulvihill.

Minor Football Selection Committee – Charlie Nelligan, Junior Murphy, Derry Crowley, Sean Walsh (Moyvane) and Mikey Sheehy.

 

Pat Lynch was re-appointed on to the General Purposes Committee (GPC), which dealt mainly with issues of indiscipline.

 

The Annual Convention of Bord na nOg Chiarraí was held on Tues. 1^st Feb. in the Grand Hotel, Tralee. The following officers were elected: President – Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels), Chairman – Dan Kelliher (Dr. Crokes), Vice-Chairman – Bro. John Guinane (Milltown/Castlemaine), Secretary/PRO – Willie O Connor (Kerins O Rahillys), Treasurers – Liam Moriarty (Kerins O Rahillys) and Con Griffin (Dr. Crokes), Registrar – Liam Ó Rocháin (Gaeltacht), Hurling Officer – John Canty (Causeway), Fixtures Secretaries – U-12 (John Linehan, Kilcummin), U-14 (Christy Walsh, Emmett’s), U-16 (Johnny Brosnan, Currow), Hurling (Paudie County, Ballyduff).

 

On Tues. 14^th June, Cumann na mBunscol was re-established in Kerry with the following officers: Chairman – Maurice O Mahony (Ballydonoghue), Vice-Chairman – Bráthar Mícheál Ó Catháin (An Daingean), Secretary – Patrick Keane (Duagh), Treasurers – Sean Sheehy (Keel) and John Clifford (Waterville), PRO – Jerome Conway (Laune Rangers). Each District Board was required to have an organising committee, also. Mid-Kerry: Chairman – Jerome Conway, Secretary – Seán Mac Síthigh (Keel).

 

Féile Peile na nOg was again held in Kerry in 1994 from Thurs. 16^th June until Sun. 19^th June. The organising committee consisted of Derry Sheehan (Chairman), Jerome Conway (Secretary), Willie O Connor, John Lenihan, Brother John Guinane, Maurice O Sullivan and Eamonn O Sullivan. The parade was changed to Thursday evening in Tralee. Again there were five divisions of boys’ football. Girls’ Football was introduced for the first time to Féile Peile na nOg (1 division). The six finals were played in the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. The results were as follows:

Boys: Div. 1 – Clane (Kildare) 1-5; Erin’s Isle (Dublin) 1-3, Div. 2 – Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) 5-3; Ballyduff (Kerry) 0-2, Div. 3 – Kingscourt Stars (Cavan) 0-5; Fethard (Tipperary) 0-5, Div. 4 – Enniskillen Gaels (Fermanagh) 4-6; Dungarvan (Waterford) 1-2, Div. 5 – Dicksboro (Kilkenny) 2-3; Fossa (Kerry) 1-5.

Girls: Shelmalier (Wexford) 1-8; Beaufort (Kerry) 0-3.

 

The Mid-Kerry Convention was held on Mon. 7^th Feb. at Cromane. The following officers were elected: President – Murt Kelly, Chairman – Mike McCarthy, Vice-Chairman – John Dowling, Secretary – Michael Healy, Treasurers – Edward Stack, George Evans and Dan Carey, PRO – Mike Carroll. A Laune Rangers motion, ‘That, in a year, when Laune Rangers and Mid-Kerry are defeated in the Co. Championship, the Mid-Kerry Championship be played as soon as possible,’ was passed. A motion from Glenbeigh/Glencar, ‘That all the six clubs in the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship be included in an open draw for the first round,’ was also passed. The Laune Rangers’ delegates were Jerome Conway, Dermot O Shea and John Clifford.

 

The Mid-Kerry Board, in conjunction with the Kerry Co. Board and Fás, put in place a coaching scheme for the first time. Peter Lyons, Laune Rangers, was appointed as coach in the Killorglin area. Michael O Reilly commenced in Kilgobnet School on Wed. 27^th July.

 

Cumann Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, organised Bord na nOg Chiarraí Láir. Frank Walsh was Chairman and Pat O Shea was Secretary.

 

The following officers were elected at the AGM of St. Mary’s Hurling Club in Firies Well at the beginning of Feb: President – Bill Hearne, Chairman – Carl Daly, Vice-Chairman – John O Connell, Secretary – Aidan Spillane, Treasurers – Pat Lynch and Martin Driver, Delegate to Co. Board – Pat Lynch, Delegates to South-Kerry Hurling Board – Mike Kennedy and Jackie Quirke, PRO’s – Michael O Sullivan and Mike Kennedy, Registrar – Joe Kennedy. Team trainer – John Purcell.

 

Laune Rangers held 15 club meetings during 1994. The following matters were transacted:

Wed. Jan. 11^th – Preparations were made for the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Final replay in the JP O Sullivan Park (Civil Defence & Gardaí – Dermot O Shea, passes into the pitch – Jim Galvin, Amplification – Michael O Shea, Press – Bernadette Corkery). The following motions were passed and sent forward to Co. Bord na nOg Convention: 1) That finals be re-introduced at U-12 level. 2) That a greater profile be given to finals at all levels with a view to giving more exposure to the young players. 3) That an Urban League be formed that would include competitions at U-12, 13,14,15,16 and that there be a lower age limit as well as an upper age limit. The Chairman revealed that he had been approached by Edso Crowley (The Fishery) who had offered a 5-course meal for the Club Social for £8, with the band and exemption, also, free. It was decided to have the Annual Social in the Fishery. Details of the Club trip to Teneriffe were revealed and a sub-committee was set up to organise same. It was decided to continue with the Club Lotto and more sellers had to be identified. On the suggestion of John Galvin, it was decided to include a snowball in the Lotto.

Wed. Feb. 8^th – Motion No. 1 was defeated at the Bord na nOg Convention, motion No. 2 passed and motion No. 3 withdrawn. The Tour Sub-committee reported that the players’ representatives had requested that some of the money, which had been raised by the Finance Committee, would be put towards the tour and the balance would be paid for by those travelling. That was accepted. Arrangements were made for the hosting of Mid-Kerry Scór Sinnsear in the CYMS on Sat. 11^th Feb. Consideration was given to the restoration of the old dressing-rooms and advice on the matter was sought.

Wed. 22^nd Feb. – It was decided to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Killorglin – the juvenile players would travel in James Ferris’ truck. Arrangements were made for the Laune Rangers’ help with the work in Dromavalla Cemetery. Details of the Co. Board Draw were released.

Tues. 15^th March – The corners of the dug-outs were a source of danger and James Ferris volunteered to ‘round’ them. Michael Foley reported on the very successful trip to Tenerife. It was reported that the Mid-Kerry Board had applied for a coach for football and hurling under the Fás Scheme.

Tues. 29^th March – Reports were given on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the work in the cemetery. The Co. Board tickets were almost all sold.

Tues. 12^th April – It was decided to sell advertisement space in the JP O Sullivan Park in the form of uniform boards. Pa Murphy advised knocking the old dressing-rooms. It was decided to regrade Mark O Sullivan and Derry O Sullivan from senior status. The Chairman agreed to ask Mary Clifford to be the club’s Scór Officer. It was agreed to accede to James Ferris’ request to plaster the inside the boundary wall at the lower end of the field so as to facilitate target practice for the young players of the club.

Tues. 17^th May – It was reported that Edso Crowley had agreed to buy a set of jerseys for the club minor team, and alternative set for the senior team and provide a bus for the transport of the U-12 team to away games. The price of advertising in the field was £300 per sign and the club would provide the sign.

Tues. 7^th June – Gene Ahern had been employed to repair the showers, which had been giving trouble. The club received £476 from Fás towards the purchase of materials during the employment of the Fás workers in the field. James Ferris complained that photographs in the pavilion had been damaged by Milltown/Castlemaine U-14 players after a game in the field.

Tues. 28^th June – Peter Lyons was employed by the club as a coach. He coached young players during the holidays and he visited the primary schools (Scoil Mhuire, Douglas and Glounaguillagh) when they opened. The advertisement signs were again discussed – the price of making a sign per Donie Griffin was £120, so it was decided to charge a client £300 for 2 years, the club providing the sign and maintaining it. The meeting readily accepted James Ferris’ suggestion that the club should hold a separate Bord na nOg AGM to elect a separate committee to look after the juveniles in the club. It was reported that Mikey Kennedy had offered a Cup for the U-10 football parish league in memory of Seamus Murphy R.I.P. Mikey Kennedy wished to remain anonymous.

Tues. 12^th July – Advertisement boards had been ordered by Killorglin Credit Union, The Fishery, Bunkers Bar & Restaurant and The Starlite Laundrette. A rota system was set up for the Lotto on Sunday nights in the CYMS. Jim Galvin and Matty Cahill volunteered to be present on all nights. Jerome Conway, Dermot O Shea, James Coffey and Michael Foley agreed to take turns on Sunday nights to oversee the running of the Lotto.

Mon. 22^nd Aug. – Mike Foley agreed to act as Chairman of a newly formed Finance Committee in the event of Laune Rangers reaching the Co. Final. No decision was yet made with regard to the old dressing rooms despite efforts to get various engineers to examine them.

Tues. 27^th Sept. – The Co. League game versus Dr. Crokes was not played as both teams had reached the final but the Rangers would demand that the Killarney side would have to visit Killorglin on the following year as it was a home-game for them. James Ferris raised the question of amplification in the JP O Sullivan Park and, on his suggestion, it was decided to ask Danno Woods if he had any for sale or for donation.

Tues. 25^th Oct. – £900 had been received for advertisements in the field (AIB, Eddie O Donoghue Insurance and Kingprint). It was decided to provide socks and togs for the ‘C’ team that was in the Co. ‘C’ Championship Final, through the main sponsor – The Fishery. James Coffey reported that the Traders Committee was anxious to combine with the club in running a race-night on a 50/50 basis – accepted.

Tues. 8^th Nov. – The Chairman congratulated the ‘C’ team on winning the Barrett Cup and pointed out the great benefit of having such a team as it provided a pathway for young players on their way to making the senior team. He particularly congratulated Mike O Shea for his efforts during the year as team manager, and his selectors Peter Lyons and John Griffin. He also thanked Bunkers for providing food after training and a lovely meal after the final. The Chairman rejected rumours that he had passed a degrading comment about the ‘C’ team at a previous meeting and warned that such rumours would have a detrimental effect on club morale. John Evans updated the meeting on the progress of the proposed Race-night with the Traders Committee. A sub-committee had been formed to work on the event – John Evans, Michael Foley, Maurice Corkery, Bernadette Corkery, John Griffin and James McInery.

Tues. 22^nd Nov. – It was decided to provide socks and togs for the ‘B’ team that was in the Molyneaux Cup final. Congratulations were extended to the senior team on winning its second 5-in-a-row of Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championships. Congratulations were especially extended to the trainer, John Evans, and selectors Patsy Joy and John Clifford. A word of thanks was recorded to Mikey Kennedy for providing the Seamus Murphy Cup for the U-10 parish league.

The following were registered members of the club for 1994: 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, 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, Donal Hurley, James Hurley, Noel Conroy, Brian O Shea, John Cronin, Eoin Mangan, Patrick O Shea, Paudie O Shea (Glencar), Jerry Foley, Bertie O Riordan, Niall Moriarty, John O Donnell, Batty Foley, Nigel Reidy, Stephen O Sullivan, Rory O Connor, Dominic Crowley, Declan Falvey, Finbarr Coffey, Tony Foley, Gene Evans, Kevin Heffernan, Mícheál Johnston, Frank Russell, Enda Foley, Noel O Sullivan, Nessan Diggin, John Griffin (Caragh Lake), John Whelan, Pat Clifford (Jennings), Dodo Sheahan, Pa Foley (Iveragh Road), James Foley (Ardmoniel), Richard O Connor, Adrian (Alfie) O Connor, Adrian (Andy) O Connor, Pat O Donnell, Michael 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, 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, Brian O Neill, Tony O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Alan O Sullivan (Tulligmore), Fiachra O Donoghue, Glenn Evans, Connor Kearney, Rory Corkery, Donncha Curran, Thomas Walsh, Colm Conway, Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Paudie Finnegan, John Sheehan (Laune View), Joe Hayes, Fergal O Brien, John O Sullivan (Mountain View), Pa O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell, David Lynch, Alan O Sullivan, Nelius Lynch, Nigel Corkery, James Ferris, Pat Pigott, Patsy Joy, James McInery, Stephen Foley (Caragh Lake).

 

The following attended the Laune Rangers’ club meetings, all of which were held in the Manor Inn: Jerome Conway (14), Michael O Shea (14), John Clifford (13), Liam Shannon (12), Matty Cahill (12), Michael Foley (12), Dermot O Shea (11), James Coffey (10), Jim Galvin (8), Maurice Corkery (8), James Ferris (8), Bernadette Corkery (5), John Galvin (2), John Evans (2), John Griffin (2), John Purcell (1).

 

Laune Rangers submitted to the Mid-Kerry Board initially, and thereafter to the Co. Board, the following list of 15 players who could not play with either the ‘B’ or ‘C’ teams during the year: Peter Lyons, Mike Hassett, Paudie Sheahan, Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, Gerard Murphy, Connor Kearney, Pat McKenna, Paul Griffin, Joe Shannon, James O Shea. The following 15 players could not play with the ‘C’ team during the year: Eoin Corkery, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Eoin Joy, Mikey Griffin, Liam Hassett, Mark O Sullivan, John Doona, Michael O Reilly, Gerard Costello, Billy O Sullivan, Timothy Corkery, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan and Francis Brennan.

 

The Annual Social was held in the Manor Inn on Fri. 24^th Feb. 2005. Tickets cost £10. Michael O Shea, Matty Cahill, Liam Shannon and Dermot O Shea collected spot-prizes throughout the town. 135 people attended, which was the biggest attendance for some time. Complimentary tickets were given to Sean Kelly (Chairman Kerry Co. Board), Mike McCarthy (Chairman Mid-Kerry Board), Michael O Leary (sergeant), Canon Keane, Paddy Crowley (President), Mary Clifford (Scór), Maura Tuohy and Sean Murphy (Starlite Laundrette).

 

A team holiday was planned and a sub-committee was formed to make arrangements – Jerome Conway (Chairman), Michael Foley, Michael O Shea, James O Shea, Pierce Prendiville, Shane O Sullivan and Gerard Murphy. The cost of the trip was £280 for two weeks. The following Laune Rangers went on a holiday to Tenerife on Sat. 27^th Feb, for one week: Peter Lyons, Paudie and Kathy Sheahan, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrnes, Shane O Sullivan and Siobhan Gallagher, Timmy and Mary Fleming, Paul Griffin, James O Shea, Joe and Mary Shannon, Michael and Kathleen Foley, Maurice and Bernadette Corkery, Michael O Shea, Jason Griffin, Derry O Sullivan, John and Mary Griffin, Gerard Murphy, Danny Cahill, Carmel Hayes, Anthony O Sullivan, Pat Costello, Mark O Sullivan and John F. O Brien.

For two weeks: Billy O Sullivan and Nuala Johnston, John Doona, Timmy Corkery, John O Donnell, Adrian O Connor, Kevin Jones and Tricia Lynch, Liam Foley and Gina, Anthony Shannon.

 

The Laune Rangers lotto draws resulted as follows during the year:

The jackpot of £650 was not won on Sun. 2^nd Jan. The consolation prizes went to John Whelan, c/o Manor Inn (£50), Jerome Conway, Bansha (£25) and Derry O Sullivan, Mountain View (£25).

The jackpot of £700 on Sun. 9^th Jan. was not won and the consolation prizes went to Aidan Cahillane, Rangue (£50), Mick O Neill, c/o Manor Inn (£25) and Gene O Connor, c/o Sheahan’s Bar (£25).

There was no winner of the jackpot of £750 on Sun. 16^th Jan. The prize-winners were Eddie Birmingham, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£50), Tom Johnston, Dungeel (£25) and Brendan O Neill, Langford Street (£25).

There was no winner of the £800 jackpot on Sun. 23^rd Jan. The prize-winners were Jerry Fleming, c/o Klopman, Tralee (£50), Jane Kissane, Cappaganeen, Beaufort (£25) and Martin O Riordan, Tullig (£25).

The jackpot of £850 was not won on Sun. 30^th Jan. the consolation prizes went to Teresa Purcell, c/o Bunkers Take-Away (£50), Margaret Foley, reen (£25) and Kevin Morrissey, Abbeyfeale (£25).

There was no winner of the £900 jackpot on Sun. 6^th Feb. and the prize-winners were Peter O Connor, Tinahalla (£50), Maura Hayes, 34 St. James’ Gardens (£25) and Nora Barrett, 3 Mangan House, The Square (£25).

There was no winner of the £950 jackpot on Sun. 13^th Feb. and the consolation prizes went to Johnny Fogarty, Tubrid, Beaufort (£50), Denis Doyle, Shanara Lower (£25) and Sheila Gorman, Groyne (£25).

There were two winners of the £1000 jackpot on Sun. 20^th Feb. – Eileen O Connor, Glencuttane Cross and John O Connor, Glencuttane.

There was no winner of the jackpot of £200 on Sun. 27^th Feb. and the prize-winners were Francis McMahon, Langford St. (£50), Agnes Foley, Anglont (£25) and Frank McGillycuddy, Groyne (£25).

There was no winner of the jackpot of £250 on Sun. 6^th March and the prize-winners were Jer Kelliher, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£50), Eric Champ, Main Street (£25) and Dan Doona, c/o Liebherr’s (£25). A Snowball of £50 was also introduced and it was not won.

The jackpot of £300 and snowball of £75 were not won on Sun. 13^th March. The prize-winners were Patie Healy, c/o Klinge (£50), Rhetta Howard, Langford St. (£25) and M. Lenihan, Annascaul (£25).

There was no winner of the £350 jackpot or the snowball of £75 on Sun. 20^th March. The consolation prizes went to Dan Griffin, Ownagarry (£50), Ina Cotter, Nauntenaune (£25) and Ronnie Hannon, Iveragh Park (£25).

The jackpot of £400 or the snowball of £100 were not won on Sun. 27^th March and the prize-winners were Siobhán Shanahan, Milltown (£50), Rachel Tuohy, c/o Bunkers Bar (£25) and Brendan Kenny, c/o Klopman (£25).

Neither the jackpot of £450 nor the snowball of £150 was won on Sun. 3^rd April. The prize-winners were Ian Rogers, c/o Shamrock Bar (£50), Kathryn O Donoghue, Rockfield (£25) and Phil Courtney, Inch (£25).

Neither the jackpot of £500 nor the snowball of £175 was won on Sun. 10^th April. The consolation prizes went to Bertie O Riordan, Upper Tullig (£50), Noreen Ashe, Aughills, Castlemaine (£25) and Christina Byrne, Lake Road, Cromane (£25).

There was no winner of the jackpot of £550 or the snowball of £200 on Sun. 17^th April. The prize-winners were Mary Breen, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£50), Mrs. Hogan, Listry (£25) and Donie Griffin, Meanus (£25).

The jackpot of £600 was won on Sun. 24^th April by Francis McMahon, Langford Street. The snowball of £225 was not won.

There was no winner of the £150 jackpot or the £250 snowball on Sun. 1^st May. The prize-winners were Esther Corkery, Laune View (£50), Ina Cotter, Nauntenaune (£25) and Brian Donnelly Nauntenaune (£25).

The jackpot of £200 or the snowball of £275 was not won on Sun. 8^th May. The prize-winners were Jason Griffin, Meanus (£50), John Nagle, Corbally (£25) and Valerie O Sullivan, Hilltop (£25).

There was no winner of the £250 jackpot or the snowball of £300 on Sun. 15^th May and the prize-winners were John O Sullivan, the Forge (£50), Gemma Ashe (£25) and Kathleen Finnegan, Iveragh Park (£25).

There was no winner of the jackpot of £300 on Sun. 22^nd May and the consolation prize-winners were Alan O Sullivan, Hillcrest, Upper Tullig (£50), Margaret Byrne, 9 Mountain View (£25) and Paddy O Donoghue (Fishman), Cahersiveen (£25). The snowball was £350 – not won.

There was no winner of the £350 jackpot on Sun. 29^th May and the prize-winners were Stephen Casey, Cromane Lower (£50), Bridie McKenna, Steelroe (£25) and Johnny Ashe, Aughills, Castlemaine (£25). The Snowball was £375 – not won.

There was no winner of the £400 jackpot or £400 snowball on Sun. 5^th June. The prize-winners were Pat Clifford (Jennings), c/o Sheahan’s Bar (£50), Paddy O Donoghue (Fishman), Cahersiveen (£25), Pat Kelliher, c/o Klinge (£25).

The jackpot of £450 or the snowball of £425 was not won on Sun. 12^th June and the prize-winners were Nora Clifford, Inch (£50), James Cronin, Garrahadoo, c/o Coffey’s Bar (£25) and Cormac Foley, Reen (£25).

There was no winner of the £500 jackpot on Sun. 19^th June and the prize-winners were Paddy O Donoghue (Fishman), Cahersiveen (£50), Pat Healy, c/o Klinge (£25) and Rachel Tuohy, c/o Peter Lyons (£25). The Snowball was £450 – not won.

The jackpot of £550 or the snowball of £475 was not won on Sun. 26^th June. The consolation prizes went to Sheila Corkery, Tullig (£50), J. McCarthy, Muckross (£25) and Ann Maria Reynolds, Garrahadoo (£25).

The jackpot of £600 or the snowball of £500 was not won on Sun. 3^rd July. The prize-winners were Catherine Galvin, Keelcoulacht (£50), Peggy Leane, Milltown (£25) and Maria Hayes, St. James’ Gardens (£25).

There was no winner of the £650 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 10^th July. The prize-winners were Paul Murray, c/o Goat Inn (£50), Sheila Moroney, Killorglin (£25) and Mrs. Dennehy, Tulligmore (£25).

The jackpot of £700 on Sun. 17^th July was won by Eugene Lynch, c/o Liebherr.

There was no winner of the £200 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 24^th July. The consolation prizes went to Kathleen Russell, Anglont (£50), Jimmy Hayes, St. James’ Gardens (£25) and Josie O Sullivan, c/o Coffey’s Bar (£25).

The jackpot of £250 and the snowball of £500 were not won on Sun. 31^st July. The prize-winners were Mary O Connor, Dooks Strand (£50), Jim Foley, Farnes, Castlemaine (£25) and James Cahillane, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£25).

The jackpot of £300 and the snowball of £500 were not won on Sun. 7^th Aug. and the consolation prizes went to Valerie O Sullivan, Hilltop (£50), Anthony Shannon, 1 Mountain View (£25) and Aileen Hannon, Iveragh Park (£25).

There was no winner of the £350 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 14^th Aug. The prize-winners were P.J. Galvin, Beaufort (£50), Olive Diggin, Laharn (£25) and Jer Clancy, 50 Mayorstone Park, Limerick (£25).

There was no lotto draw on Sun. 21^st Aug. due to the Co. Championship game versus South-Kerry.

There was no winner of the £550 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 28^th Aug. and the consolation prizes went to Brendie McCarthy, Rangue (£50), Theresa O Riordan (£25) and Frank Burke (£25).

There was no lotto draw on Sun. 4^th Sept. due to the Co. Championship game versus Dr. Crokes.

There was no winner of the £700 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 25^th Sept. The prize-winners were M. O Sullivan, Bridge St., Milltown (£50), Helen O Connor, Rangue (£25) and Steve McMahon, Langford St. (£25).

The £750 jackpot or the £500 snowball were not won on Sun. 2^nd Oct. The consolation prizes went to Michael Hourigan, Mountain View (£50), Tadhg O Sullivan, Rossbeigh (£25) and Tony Costello, Gurrane West (£25).

There was no winner of the £800 jackpot

There was no winner of the £850 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 16^th Oct. The prize-winners were Carmel O Sullivan, 25 Mountain View (£50), Kathleen Murphy, Knockreigh, Milltown (£25) and Christina King, Cromane (£25).

The jackpot of £900 was won on Sun. 23^rd Oct. by Dan Griffin, Ownagarry.

There was no winner of the £200 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 30^th Oct. The prize-winners were Anne Sweeney, Droum West, Glenbeigh (£50), Joe Curran, c/o Klinge (£25), Aidan O Shea, c/o Falvey’s Bar (£25).

The jackpot of £250 or the snowball of £500 was not won Sun. 6^th Nov. and the prize-winners were Niamh O Neill, c/o Mary Lyons, Iveragh Rd. (£50), Alan O Sullivan, Castle Bar (£25) and Margaret Galvin, Garrahadoo (£25).

There was no winner of the £300 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 13^th Nov. The prize-winners were the Galvin Family, Keelcoulacht (£50), Tony Costello, Gurrane East (£25) and Shivaun Shanahan, Milltown (£25).

The jackpot of £350 or the snowball of £500 was not won on Sun. 20^th Nov. The consolation prizes went to Noel Lucey, Shamrock Bar (£50).

There was no winner of the £400 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 27^th Nov. The consolation prizes went to Jerry Cremin, Kilgarvan (£50), Pierce Prendiville, c/o Klinge (£25) and Darren Whyte, c/o Klinge (£25).

The jackpot of £450 was won on Sun. 4^th Dec.

There was no winner of the £200 jackpot or the £500 snowball on Sun. 11^th Dec. The prize-winners were John Curran, c/o Falveys Bar (£50), Gary McKenna, c/o Pat McKenna (£25), Billy O Mahony, Tulligmore, c/o Margaret Browne (£25), Tim Horgan, Keelcoulacht, c/o Paudie Sheahan (Turkey), John Sweeney, 10 Iveragh Park (Whiskey), James Beasley, Ballyeigh, Ballybunion, c/o John Galvin (Biscuits).

There was no winner of the last jackpot (£250) of the year or the snowball (£500) on Sun. 18^th Dec. The prize-winners were Eileen O Sullivan, Glenashe (£50), Kathleen Sugrue, c/o Klinge (£25), Gerard O Connor, Glencar (£25), Michael T. O Sullivan, Sunhill (turkey), Jerry O Dwyer, Knocknanine, Kilcummin (whiskey), Vera O Connor, Reen (biscuits).

 

John Griffin attended a referee’s course for six nights, commencing on 11^th Feb. The fee was £30 but the Mid-Kerry Board subsidised that with £15. He refereed quite a number of games in the county.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 24^th Jan., Conor Kearney’s transfer to Laune Rangers from Brick Rangers was sanctioned, as he was then teaching in Scoil Mhuire.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 14^th March, Kevin Donovan’s (Tullig) request to transfer from Laune Rangers to Cork was sanctioned. At the same meeting, Patie Casey sought and was granted a transfer back to Cromane – Rangers were sorry to see him go but would not stand in his way, as he had been a good servant to the club.

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 5^th April, Eddie Birmingham’s transfer from Glenbeigh to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

Owen Clifford (U-14) transferred from Beaufort to Laune Rangers – he should never have played with Beaufort, as he lived in Killorglin parish but, while he was at primary school in Kilgobnet, Rangers had not objected.

 

On Sat. March 19^th and 26^th Laune Rangers and Cromane teamed up, when volunteers from both clubs commenced path-laying in Dromavalla Cemetery. Laune Rangers volunteers included James Ferris, Mattie Cahill, Mike O Shea and Jerome Conway.

 

Sun. 10^th April at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, Limerick District beat Drogheda District by 1-11 to 1-7 in the football final of the Telecom Éireann National Inter-District Championship. The Limerick team was managed by Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh) and his selectors were Michael Foley (Laune Rangers), Tommy Foley (Kerins O Rahillys), Mossy Spillane (Castlegregory) and Dermot O Sullivan (Beaufort).

 

At the beginning of May, the death occurred in New York of John Kerry O Donnell. He had been very good to Laune Rangers during their trips to the USA in 1970 and 1972, making Gaelic Park available for their games in New York.

 

Conor Kearney refereed the Mid-Kerry Primary Schools’ Final, Kilgobnet 3-9; Castlemaine 0-11, at Cromane on Sun. 12^th June.

 

Mid-Kerry Scór Sinnsear was held in the CYMS on Sat. 11^th Feb. There was very little competition and the attendance was very small. Laune Rangers competed in the Quiz and the Recitation. The members of the club who carried out the stewarding were Jerome Conway, Dermot O Shea, Jim Galvin, Matty Cahill, Michael Foley, Maurice Corkery and Michael O Shea.

 

Mid-Kerry Scor na nOg finals were held in Cromane Community Hall on Fri. 25^th Nov. The following people represented Laune Rangers Club: Rince Foirne – Siobhán Joy, Ciara O Grady, Sarah Crowley, Sarah Jane Joy, Áine Knightley and Catríona O Connor. Amhránaíocht Aonair – Muireann Clifford. Ceol Uirlise – Errol Flynn, Fergus Clifford and Muireann Clifford. Tráth na gCeist – Jamie Cahillane, Owen Clifford and Seamus Galvin (sub – Darragh Burns). Aithriseoireacht – Edel O Shea. Bailéad Grúpa – Emma Woods, Kerry Lyons, Lisa Cahillane, Roisin Breen and Sinead Breen. Rince Seit – Caroline Griffin, Caitriona Teahan, Niamh Diggin, Sandra Russell, Declan Murphy, Martin Sweeney, Jonathan Griffin and Fergus Clifford. All of the above had been selected at the Laune Rangers Scór a nOg finals in Scoil Mhuire on Fri. 19^th November, which had been organised by Mary Clifford, Muingaphouca. The following qualified for the Co. Semi-finals in Waterville on Fri. 3^rd Dec: Rince Foirne, Amhránaíocht Aonair, Ceol Uirlise, Tráth na gCeist and Rince Seit. Laune Rangers were awarded the Shield for the most successful club at the Mid-Kerry finals. Afterwards, Milltown/Castlemaine objected to the composition of the Laune Rangers’ set, stating that it had been pointed out to them in Cromane that Martin Sweeney, Lonart, should have danced with Cromane and not with Laune Rangers Club. At the hearing in the Manor Inn on Wed. 28^th Nov. Laune Rangers made the point that their set was a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann set and that Martin Sweeney had danced with the set for some years. He had been asked if he wished to dance with Cromane but he had said that the Cromane set was composed of primary school children. He wanted to dance with the set with which he had been dancing for some years and Laune Rangers had acceded to that request. The Mid-Kerry Board ruled that both Laune Rangers and Milltown/Castlemaine sets should qualify for the county semi-finals

At the Co. Semi-finals in Waterville, the following Laune Rangers’ items qualified for the Co. Finals in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on Sun. 11^th Dec: Amhránaíocht Aonair, Ceol Uirlise and Tráth na gCeist. Tráth na gCeist finished second to Churchill in the final. The Rinnce Seit did not travel to Waterville because there was the possibility of some other club objecting to the composition of the set.

Mary Clifford and Helen Horgan had adjudicated at the Glenbeigh/Glencar Scór na nOg finals in the Glencar Community Centre on Fri. 18^th November.

 

A race night was jointly held by the Laune Rangers Club and the Killorglin Town-Traders Association in the Fishery on Sun. 27^th Nov at 4.30pm. There were ten sponsored races. John Evans was the M.C.

 

Co. Senior Football Final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Austin Stacks 0-12; Dr. Crokes 1-5.

Co. Minor Football Final on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: St. Kieran’s 0-14; East-Kerry 1-7.

Co. Intermediate Final on Sun. 4^th Dec. at Austin Stack Park: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10; Gaeltacht 0-7.

Co. League Div. 1 on Sun. 4^th Dec. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 0-19; Dr. Crokes 1-14 (AET).

Co. Club Championship Final on Sun. 19^th March 1995 in Austin Stack Park: Legion 0-8; Waterville 0-6.

Co. Junior Football Final (replay) on Sun. 11^th Dec. at Austin Stack Park: St. Pat’s 2-10; St. Senan’s 3-5.

Co. Novice Football Final on Sun. 11^th Dec. at Currow: Na Gaeil 1-12; Ballydonoghue 1-10.

Co. Club ‘B’ Final on Sun. 11^th Dec. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 0-7; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 0-4.

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1 Final: Austin Stacks defeated Kilcummin.

 

At the end of the year, Tommy Conroy, in Kerry’s Eye, chose his team of players ‘who made sport so memorable in 1994’ as follows: Peter O Brien (Dr. Crokes), Pat Slattery (Austin Stacks), Paudie Sheahan (Laune Rangers), Colm Murphy (Lispole), Tim Falvey (Annascaul), Pa Laide (Austin Stacks), Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers), Noel O Leary (Dr. Crokes), Ger O Brien (Kerins O Rahilly’s), Paul Griffin (Laune Rangers), Darren Ahern (Austin Stacks), Bingo Driscoll (Annascaul), John Hegarty (John Mitchels, Geni Farrell (Annascaul), Donal McEvoy (Austin Stacks). Subs: Pat O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Seamus O Sullivan (St. Pat’s, Blennerville), Brian Clarke (Dr. Crokes), Diarmuid Murphy (Dingle) goals, Seamus Murphy (St. Pat’s), Sean Culloty (Legion), John Crowley (Glenflesk) and John Higgins (John Mitchels).

 

The Kerry Lee Strand Community Games athletic finals were held in Listowel on Sat. 2^nd July. The Killorglin athletes fared as follows:

Girls: 60m U-8 – 1^st Michelle Courtney, 3^rd Susan O Reilly. U-17 Marathon – 4^th Elaine Grandfield.

Boys: 200m U-10 – 3^rd Paul O Connor. 1,500m U-16 – 1^st Enda Grandfield.

 

At the end of August, the death occurred suddenly of Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin, Bishop of Kerry.

 

On the weekend 27th/28^th September Killorglin Rowing Club scored a memorable triumph in the All-Ireland Senior Fours Championship at Baltimore, Co. Cork. A big Kerry contingent cheered the Killorglin team to victory in a competition, which attracted 26 of the best teams in the country. ‘We are a relatively new rowing club, though the tradition is there, and we are absolutely thrilled to have won this major title,’ said joint-trainer of the team, Michael Fleming. ‘It’s a huge achievement and a great boost for our club. Rowing is very strong in South-Kerry and Mid-Kerry at the moment and we had seven crews competing in Baltimore.’ The men who formed the winning team were brothers Pat and Gerard Costello (Gurrane), Pat O Sullivan (Sunhill) and Timmy Moynihan. The cox was Michael Burns, who is joint-trainer with Michael Fleming and Michael G. Fleming.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in 1995. Michael Healy, Secretary, delivered the following report: “I have pleasure in presenting my report of Cumann Luthchleas Gael in Mid-Kerry during 1994. The year under review saw the main prize of a county senior championship elude the Board teams but the individual clubs within the Board had some notable successes. The Mid-Kerry senior team also won the Gleneagle Shield. However, our successes must be measured against a continuing drop in the standard of football being played in the county at present.

Senior County Championship

Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers took part in the Senior County Championship. The draw was not very kind to Mid-Kerry, pairing us against Dr. Crokes, Killarney, one of the better club teams of the last few years. We hoped that the experience gained in the previous few years would stand to us against such opposition. We held our own in the first half but the superior fitness and team-work of the opposition saw them run out easy winners in the end on the score-line of Dr. Crokes 2-12; Mid-Kerry 0-9.

In analysing the defeat, a number of thoughts have come to mind, which might help the situation in the future. Firstly, all players selected on the panel must be willing to show total commitment to the task. I was very disheartened to see some players training with their clubs in the week prior to the game against Dr. Crokes. Secondly, as soon as the selectors and trainer are known, they should meet at least fortnightly to plan their selection strategy. The trainer must be in a position to send selectors to view games and players, not involving their own clubs, so that a more balanced and thought-out selection can be made. In this regard, selectors should be free from team responsibility within their own clubs. I have no doubt that, if the commitment is forthcoming and some new talent is injected into the panel, we will still be a match for the best. The commitment shown by John P O Sullivan over the last few years must be reciprocated by the players and clubs. Laune Rangers entered the championship as holders and favourites and, from the earlier rounds against Castleisland Desmonds and South-Kerry, they looked like justifying the tag. For forty-five minutes of the Co. Semi-final they were in control but they showed a surprising immaturity in the last quarter of an hour when they allowed a battled-hardened Crokes upset them and grasp victory from defeat. I have no doubt but that they will always regret it as the one that got away.

Gleneagle Shield

Mid-Kerry won this competition after defeating South-Kerry in the semi-final and Kenmare in the final. We had earlier got walkovers from two teams. This is a competition that could be forgotten about if teams are not willing to give a commitment to participate and take it seriously.

Minors

Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers had teams in the Minor Co. Championship. Mid-Kerry had the nucleus of the previous year’s team and we hoped that, with a little luck, success might come our way but minors are notorious for their unpredictability. The team played a number of challenge games and had a few good training sessions with Tim Coffey before the campaign began. We played Castleisland Desmonds in the first round and, after a nervous start, the team settled down to play good constructive football and, despite having a man sent off, we won easily enough on the score-line of Mid-Kerry 3-8; Castleisland Desmonds 0-6. Our quarter-final opponents were West-Kerry. The first game was abandoned after one of our players got injured and the replay took place in Tralee. This was one of the best displays from a Mid-Kerry minor team ever, against a star-studded West-Kerry brigade, and we had a great victory on the score-line Mid-Kerry 0-9; West-Kerry 0-7. We looked forward to the semi-final with St. Kieran’s in great anticipation but once again our jinx at this stage of the competition struck and, with chances going abegging, we left St. Kieran’s off the hook and they grasped victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a heart-breaking defeat, considering all the work the lads and the totally committed trainer Tim Coffey had put in but such is sport. I hope that the effort, which has been made with the minors over the last few years, will be reflected in their form and commitment to their clubs and Mid-Kerry in the years ahead. At least then it will not have been in vain. Laune Rangers were defeated narrowly by St. Kieran’s in the first round.

U-21

This competition got the championship season off the ground in Kerry, even though it isn’t yet completed. Mid-Kerry played Kenmare in Milltown on St. Patrick’s Day and won handily enough even though their lack of match-practice was very evident. We then had to wait until Halloween weekend to play our quarter-final against Shannon Rangers and we were well beaten, which isn’t surprising considering that most of the players had returned to college and had had a surfeit of football all the Summer. It is impossible to get this particular level organised and the competition is serving no useful purpose really as the people playing football at this level are well catered for already on club senior teams, ‘B’ teams or college teams. Laune Rangers were defeated in the first round by Killarney.

Clubs

The clubs within the Board area had some notable county successes during the year with some winning championships, others leagues and some getting promoted. Laune Rangers had some consolation for their championship defeat when they defeated Dr. Crokes in the Div. 1 Co. League Final. Milltown/Castlemaine had a good county league campaign but their year was highlighted by success in the Co. Intermediate Championship, their second success in this competition in three years. Beaufort finally made it to Div. 1 of the Co. League after a number of near misses. Cromane had their first note-worthy success since their reformation when they claimed the Novice ‘B’ Co. Championship after some heart-breaking failures in previous years. Keel won promotion to Div. 4 of the Co. League with a very young team and can look forward to future successes. Glenbeigh/Glencar had a quiet year but maintained their divisional status. Some of the clubs also had success at minor and juvenile level and this augurs well for the clubs in the years ahead.

 

The AGM of Laune Rangers Club was held in the Manor Inn on 30^th Jan. 1995. The Secretary, Dermot O Shea, reported on the previous year’s activities as follows: “Another year had passed in the history of Cumann Fánaithe na Leamhna. I concluded my report last year with the wish that Laune Rangers would retain the Co. Championship title. It was not to be. However, Laune Rangers were to enjoy many other successes during the year and continue to be one of the giants of Kerry Football at all levels.

On and off the field, 1994 was a very busy year. There were 15 constructive club meetings held during the year, thus ensuring that full attention was given to the affairs of the club. The year began with a Social in the Fishery on Fri. 4^th February. It was very well attended. Following a fine meal, people adjourned upstairs or downstairs, depending on their music preference. The general consensus was that a most enjoyable night was had by all, with some people especially enjoying the idea of dancing on tables! Following the AGM, we will be fixing a date for this year’s Social. It is expected to be held before the end of February and the exact date will be advertised.

On 26^th Feb. Laune Rangers travelled to Teneriffe, some going for one week and others for two weeks. For those who had made the effort to sell lotto tickets, the rewards were reaped when some had enough money earned to pay for their trip. Very few stories were disclosed on their return but the general opinion was that a wonderful time was had by all who travelled.

The lotto continues to be our main means of fund-raising. As the accounts will indicate, it proved to be a very successful fund-raiser. However, there is plenty of room for improvement and, again this year, I ask you, especially the players, to get more involved in selling tickets. Outside of the normal weekly selling, a great effort was again made this year over the three days of Puck with people selling tickets on the street from 3pm until 9pm. This proved very successful and a very satisfactory number of tickets were sold. We continue to hold the draw every Sunday night in the CYMS Hall, where our own Ronan Collins (Mike O Shea) reveals the winning numbers. I would like to thank all those who, without fail, turn up to help at the CYMS Hall. I would like to thank the CYMS for allowing us use the hall, plus the bingo-goers, who religiously call to us in the snooker hall to purchase tickets and to all you others who purchase and sell tickets weekly. We will shortly be applying for the licence to continue with the lotto for another year.

The venue for the ‘Grand National’ was changed to the Fishery this year. On 27^th November, horses and punters, with lots of money to spend, arrived in the Fishery. The race-night was an event, which was jointly organised by Laune Rangers and the Traders of Killorglin, with profits from the event being split 50/50. A committee from Laune Rangers was formed and it set immediately to work. We would like to thank each one of that committee, plus the many more who helped with the tote, etc. on the day. We would like to especially thank John Evans, who did an enormous amount of work in getting the event off the ground and who astounded us with his knowledge and appreciation of Ladies’ Fashion! I would like to thank all our sponsors on the night and all those who attended. We would like, also, to acknowledge the work of the Traders Committee and would hope that it would become an annual event with both organisations working together. The race-night proved to be a very profitable night, plus it provided a great night’s entertainment for all who attended.

Again this year, Laune Rangers were accepted as sponsors in the Students’ Summer Scheme. This is a scheme run by the Department of Social Welfare, which allows full-time third-level students undertake employment useful to the community, with sponsors such as voluntary organisations. We applied for and employed four students (Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Noel Conroy and Jason Griffin). The former three ran training camps for our juvenile players. At that time we, also, decided to erect advertising boards in the field and used the talents of Jason Griffin to write same. The advertising boards plus the writing is available to anyone who may be interested at a cost of £300 for a period of two years. We have a number of signs to be completed and will erect them this year. I would like to thank all those who supported this project.

Laune Rangers Club remains as a sponsor of the Fás Scheme. I would like to compliment Fás on this scheme. The scheme runs without a hitch and, as one term finishes, the next term begins immediately. It has proved a major contributor to the J.P. O Sullivan Park being a ground we can all be proud of. I would like to thank Jerry O Sullivan and James Clifford, who worked under the Fás scheme last year. This year, Mattie Cahill and Jerry O Sullivan are employed, so we need have no fear for the maintenance of the Park for the coming year.

In February, Laune Rangers hosted Mid-Kerry Senior Scór in the CYMS Hall. The event proved to be a disaster, with very few competitors and virtually no audience. Senior Scór is being hosted by Cromane this year on 10^th Feb. At last year’s Mid-Kerry AGM Scór na nOg generated a lot of discussion because of the decline of the event over the past number of years. Each club, in an effort to revive it, was requested to nominate a Scór officer. Mary Clifford was appointed by the club and an extremely good choice she was. I would like to thank Mary most sincerely for the huge amount of effort she put into Scór this year. Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg was held in Cromane and Laune Rangers were represented in seven events. Prior to the night in Cromane, Mary organised a preliminary competition at Scoil Mhuire, such was her interest and enthusiasm. At the Mid-Kerry finals, Laune Rangers won five of the events. Following the competition, I received a letter from the Mid-Kerry Board requesting that Laune Rangers attend a meeting as an objection had been received from Milltown/Castlemaine with regard to the fact that a boy from Cromane had danced with our set. The youngster had danced all his time with Killorglin Comhaltas. Prior to the competition, the youngster was approached by Cromane and told not to dance with Laune Rangers. However, he made his own choice to dance with Laune Rangers. The Chairman and I attended the meeting and, on a number of technicalities, got the objection ruled out of order. The ruling followed that both sets were allowed to progress to the semi-finals. Our set did not go to the semi-finals as there was no guarantee that the same objection would not be raised again following our participation. This is hardly the kind of carry-on, which will revive Scór in Mid-Kerry. Laune Rangers won three out of its four entries in the semi-finals. I would once again like to thank Mary Clifford for a job very well done.

At last year’s AGM, Johnny Galvin made a request to Laune Rangers that we would help in the laying of paths in the graveyard. This request was taken up and on two Saturdays a large number from Laune Rangers turned up to help. I would like to compliment Johnny Galvin and all others concerned for the very fine job done in the graveyard and express that Laune Rangers were only too happy to be of assistance.

On the playing fields, Laune Rangers were represented at all ages. The minor team was managed this year by Patsy Joy and Frank Russell. In the first round of the Co. Championship, played in Killarney, Laune Rangers scored a fine win over our arch-rivals, Dr. Crokes. Round 2 was a meeting with St. Kieran’s at Cordal. A spirited performance in the second half saw Laune Rangers take the lead in the last five minutes of play. However, a goal by St. Kieran’s in the dying minutes put Laune Rangers out of the competition. The eventual score-line was 1-13 to 3-5. St. Kieran’s went on to defeat Mid-Kerry and East-Kerry to win the Co. Minor Championship. The minors put in a good performance in the Co. League and narrowly failed to make the play-off stages. However, they succeeded in retaining the Mid-Kerry Championship, defeating Beaufort in an exciting final on the score-line of 1-10 to 3-3. The minors once again retained the Urban League. This competition was introduced in 1993 and Laune Rangers have won it on both occasions. They defeated John Mitchels on the score-line of 1-15 to 2-8. Congratulations to the minor team and to Patsy and Frankie for a job very well done.

The U-21 team was this year trained by James Sheehan, with Maurice Corkery and Noel O Mahony as his selectors. At the beginning of the year, it was decided to introduce an U-21 league. Only one game was fixed and, on the occasion, the referee called off the game because the field was too wet. No other game was played in this competition. The U-21 Championship began on 17^th March in Finuge. Laune Rangers were forced to play Feale Rangers without the injured Mike Hassett. In a water-soaked pitch and following a throw-in delay of thirty minutes (because the referee had been told that the game was on somewhere else) we were beaten on a score-line of 0-9 to 0-5. The final of this competition has still not been played. The U-21 competition should be very important within the county, allowing an opportunity to see the up and coming stars of the county senior team. Instead, it is run in a manner just mentioned, which, I feel, is disgraceful.

The ‘C’ team was managed this year by Mike O Shea, John Griffin and Peter Lyons. I am glad to report that the team enjoyed great success, being the only team to win a Co. Championship. The team participated in Division 6 (Urban League). They enjoyed some success in this competition but still had the problem of trying to get a team out, especially for away matches. However, they set their minds firmly on the championship. A great effort was made by all and their first encounter was against Waterville ‘B’ away. They drew this game and their next opponents were Valentia ‘B’ in Killorglin. This was to be a most entertaining game and Laune Rangers won an a score-line of 1-12 to 1-10. Their next opponents were St. Mary’s ‘B’ at home and the teams shared the spoils and this secured their progression to the semi-final stage. Our semi-final opposition was to be none other than another of our arch-rivals, Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’. The game was played in Beaufort and Laune Rangers won comfortably. The final was fixed for Sat. 5^th Nov. in Dromid. A great crowd from Killorglin travelled to support the team. A well-selected team included some of the old stalwarts of Laune Rangers combined with the young talented minors. This was to be a most memorable and action-packed game. The underfoot conditions could not have been much worse but both teams served up a marvellous game of football. Valentia ‘B’ made a strong comeback but a late goal by Laune Rangers sealed the game and the eventual score was 3-9 to 0-15. Following the game, we adjourned to the Inny Tavern, from there on to the Manor and then for a fine meal in Bunkers. The entire squad, and some supporters, then paraded the town with the Barrett Cup held aloft. I would like to congratulate the entire panel. I would, also, like to pay tribute to John Griffin and Peter Lyons and, especially, to Mike O Shea, whose hard work and perseverance over the years helped so much to ensure that Laune Rangers had a ‘C’ team. The combination of youth and the older experienced players was to prove the all-important factor. The ‘C’ team is very important to our club and it should provide the stepping-stone for our young players to eventually making their way to the senior team.

The ‘B’ team this year was trained by John Griffin, along with his co-selectors Ger Counihan, Maurice Corkery and Mike O Shea. 1994 was to see the first year of the Co. Junior Football League. For reasons of bad weather and other teams not being able to field teams, the campaign did not begin until the last day of April when they defeated Desmonds ‘B’ away on a score-line of 4-11 to 0-6. They went on to beat Austin Stacks ‘B’, Emmett’s ‘B’, O Rahillys ‘B’, Mitchels ‘B’ and Dr. Crokes ‘B’. Laune Rangers progressed to the semi-final, where the opposition was provided by Valentia ‘B’. The game was played in Glenbeigh and Rangers ran out comfortable winners on the score-line of 3-13 to 0-3. O Rahillys ‘B’ beat Legion ‘B’ in the other semi-final and the final was fixed for Milltown on 3^rd December. It was a very windy day, combined with showers of hailstone. Laune Rangers, playing with the wind in the first half, were always ahead. When it seemed as though they had weathered the comeback by O Rahillys in the second half, the game turned when O Rahillys took advantage of a mistake by Laune Rangers and scored to goal in the dying minutes of the game. The final score was 2-5 to 0-10. The ‘B’ team left the Championship at the semi-final stage, again at the hands of O Rahillys. They once again retained the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship, beating Glenbeigh/Glencar on a score-line of 1-16 to 2-5. I would like to congratulate the ‘B’ team panel. I would, also, like to pay tribute to John, Ger, Maurice and Mike for a job well done.

The senior team was trained by John Evans along with fellow-selectors John Clifford and Patsy Joy. After last year’s Co. Championship final, the lads set their goal – to retain the Co. Championship. They worked very hard at training and left no stone unturned. There first opponents were Desmonds in Castleisland on Fri. 8^th July. At halftime, both teams were level. However, a few tactical switches at halftime paid dividends and we went on to win on a score-line of 0-17 to 1-3. We played South-Kerry in Tralee in the next round and, on a day when we played some great football, we ran out convincing winners on a score-line of 4-16 to 1-10. The draw for the semi-finals was made and our opponents were to be our championship and league arch-rivals, Dr. Crokes. The game was fixed for Tralee and the game generated huge media attention, as the two fancied teams were to meet in the Co. Championship semi-final. Laune Rangers began very well and went in at halftime in front. In the second half, a nasty incident broke out, the eventual effects of which were to favour Dr. Crokes. After that incident, we lost our way and Dr. Crokes went on to win the game and progress to the county final. For the selectors, the team and all Laune Rangers’ supporters, it was one of the most disappointing defeats in a long time. However, the important thing now is to learn a lesson from that defeat and use it as a motivating factor to winning the Co. Championship this year. This, I believe, is not an unfair request as, I firmly believe, we are still the best team in Kerry, capable of playing great football.

The senior team retained the Mid-Kerry League. They defeated Beaufort in Milltown on 5^th June on a score-line of 3-16 to 0-8. In the Mid-Kerry Championship final, Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine on a score-line of 0-9 to 0-4. This secured our second five-in-a-row, which is a mighty achievement. The Co. League was to be the competition where the senior team enjoyed its sweetest success. Their campaign began on 20^th March, when they recorded a victory of 4-12 to 1-11 over Mitchels. The following Sunday, they were forced to play Dingle without their county players. This game, however, was won by 1-10 to 1-5. The next game was against Dr. Crokes, but it was not played because of the bad weather. The team went on to win all their remaining Co. League games and qualify for the league final, where their opponents were once again Dr. Crokes. The pressure was on and, on Sun. 4^th December, both teams, highly motivated, contested the League Final. After a thrilling first hour, both teams were locked and the game went into extra-time. In the virtual darkness, both teams worked harder than they ever had. An inspiring point by centre halfback, Tommy Byrne, was all important and Laune Rangers won the Co. League Final on a score-line of 0-19 to 1-14. It was a very sweet victory and gave Laune Rangers their fifth Division 1 Co. League title. The league final had doubled up as the first round of the Club Championship but the team, well below full strength, was beaten in the next round by Waterville. To the senior panel and the selectors, congratulations on your fine achievements in 1994. I know that you all, more than anyone, were disappointed with the Co. Championship but, as I said earlier, we should learn from it and it should be more reason to go on and bring the Bishop Moynihan Cup over the Laune, where it belongs, next September.

Laune Rangers continue their association with Firies in forming the St. Mary’s Hurling Club, which takes part in the South-Kerry and County Leagues and Championships. We wish St. Mary’s many years of continued success.

Laune Rangers were well represented at county level in 1994. Our new man, Conor Kearney, Timmy Fleming, Mike Hassett, Gerard Murphy and Billy O Shea wore the green and gold of Kerry. Both Timmy Fleming and Billy O Shea were selected for Munster in the Railway Cup. Timmy was unable to play because of sickness and, in the final against Ulster, Billy was awarded man-of-the-match. Mike Hassett also played with the Kerry U-21 team, which was beaten in the Munster Championship by Cork. Mike F. Russell and Pa O Sullivan played on the Kerry Minor team, which went on to win the ultimate prize in Gaelic Football, the All-Ireland. On behalf of the club, I wish to congratulate you both. The lads, along with other members of the Kerry Minor team, deservedly received a great welcome in Killorglin as they paraded the town with the All-Ireland trophy.

Laune Rangers provided two referees to the county this year. Pat O Shea and John Griffin officiated at games around the county. It was John’s first year taking up the task of refereeing. He also attended a course for referees, run by the Co. Board over six weeks, at the beginning of the year. The club wishes to thank both John and Pat.

James Coffey continues as Joint-Treasurer of the Co. Board, a position he has now held for twenty three years.

The club would like to thank our main sponsor, The Fishery. There has never been a problem, when approaching the Fishery during the year for anything. The club would also like to thank Bunkers Restaurant for providing food for our players on many occasions. 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 both on and off the field throughout the year.

I would like to give a special mention to Michael Kennedy (Laharn) who very kindly donated a cup in memory of the late Séamus Murphy to be used for the U-10 Parish League.

I would like to apologise to Batty Foley for my error in omitting his name from the Convention Form. I can assure you that your work with Liam, as assistant registrar, has not gone unnoticed.

On a personal note, I would like to thank my fellow officers for all their help and co-operation during the year. I have very much enjoyed my second term as Secretary of this fine Club.

Finally, I would like to wish the selectors and panels of all our teams every success in 1985.

Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís.

Go raibh maith agaibh,

Diarmuid Ó Sé.”