1999

  Laune Rangers – 1999

Laune Rangers retained the Co. Club Football Championship at the expense of An Ghaeltacht.

Laune Rangers, captained by Mike Hassett, won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the 22^nd time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Adrian Hassett, retained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League, winning it for the 18^th time.

Laune Rangers, after a lapse of four years, regained the Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship, winning it for the 28^th time in total.

Mid-Kerry retained the Co. U-14 Football District-Board Championship. Laune Rangers players on the team were Jerry Coffey, John Houlihan, Aidan O Sullivan and Maurice Foley.

Mid-Kerry, captained by Darren O Riordan, Laune Rangers, won the Co. U-16 Football District Board Championship.

The Intermediate School defeated Tralee CBS in the final of the Russell Cup (U-15).

Tralee IT retained the Sigerson Cup. Pa O Sullivan scored 0-2 from centre half-forward.

Munster won the Football Railway Cup for the first time since 1976. Liam Hassett played at left half-forward.

James Coffey was re-elected Joint-Treasurer of the Kerry Co. Board for the 27^th successive year.

Jerome Conway was re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the Kerry Co. Board.

 

Near misses:

Laune Rangers, representing Kerry for the 5^th successive year, lost to Doonbeg by 2-9 to 0-11 in the Munster Club Football Championship Semi-final.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost the Molyneaux Cup Final to Austin Stacks ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘C’ lost the Barrett Cup Final to Moyvane ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost the Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Champ to Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost the Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup Final to Cromane ‘B’.

Cork defeated Kerry in the Munster Minor Football Championship Final.

Cork defeated Kerry in the Munster Senior Football Championship Final.

*     *           *         *           *           *           *            *            *           *

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club took place on Mon. 7^th Dec. 1998. Sixty one members attended. (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 1998). The Chairman, in his address, described 1998 as a reasonably successful year at senior level but he said that, at Bord na nOg level, the club was not dominating as it had done in previous years. He spoke with great pride about the acquisition of Cloon as an extra pitch. He had special thanks for Killorglin Credit Union and all the other sponsors. He spoke of his disappointment at the drop in membership. In conclusion, he called for more people to get involved at both juvenile level and on the Finance Committee. He thanked his fellow officers, especially the Secretary who was stepping down from the position.

The Treasurers, James Coffey and Michael Foley, presented the accounts of the club in their usual professional manner. James Coffey spoke of the £7,000 deficit in running the club in 1998 but said that it was mainly due to the development at Cloon and the cost of renting that property.

Income and Expenditure Account

Income                                                                        Expenditure

Gate Receipts 707.50                        Co. Board Affiliation/insurance            2,157.00

Membership                                    3,275.00                        Teams’ expenses                                     15,517.09

Sponsorship                                    9,785.00                        Administration                                    1,801.06

Grants:                                                                         Capital expense on fields                        9,923.00

Co. Board           3,350                                          Fund-raising expenses                         14,431.07

Munster Council 1,187                                                Bank charges                                        393.25                           Kerry Lottery                   940                                                GAA loan                                    5,140.00

Fás                               963                        6,440.00                        Mid-Kerry Board Affiliation                125.00

Fund-raising                                                            Registration/insurance ladies’ team     297.00

Weekly Lotto              23,715.42                                    Scór na nOg                                        220.00

Co. Final Forecast       946.00                                    Social                                                    200.00

Church Gate                       860.00                                    Contra payments                                    8,759.00

Golf Classic                       400.00                                                                                      62,894.27

B. na nOg Draw       1,152.00

Social Raffle               126.80

27,200.22

Bank interest                   1,133.53

Credit Union interest     886.44

2,019.97

Contra Income (Match tickets)               6,475.00

Ladies’ team contribution                                98.00

Excess of exp. over income               6,893.08

62,894.27

 

The Bord na nOg Report, by Michael Ahern, was given at the end of 1998.

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley.

Chairman – John Clifford.

Vice-Chairmen – Jim Galvin and Ger Counihan.

Secretary – Mary Griffin (Tommy Woods did not seek re-election).

Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and Pierce Prendiville (Michael Foley did not seek re-election).

PRO – John Griffin (He resigned at the first meeting and was replaced by John O Donnell).

Assistant PRO – Michael O Shea.

Registrars – Liam Shannon and Maurice Corkery.

Development Officer – Jerry Coffey.

Scór Officer – Mary Clifford.

Co. Board Delegate – James Ferris.

Insurance Officer – Bart Moriarty.

Senior Trainer/Selector – John Griffin. Selectors – Patsy Joy and Ger Counihan.

‘B’ Team Selection Committee – Liam Foley, John F. O Brien, Michael O Shea (Maurice Corkery did not seek re-election).

‘C’ team trainer/selector – Danny Cahill

The following motions were discussed:

1)     That a recording officer, separate from the PRO, be appointed to keep results of all matches and a short report (Mícheál O Mahony). It was suggested that people in charge of teams should keep a record and the motion was referred to the first meeting of the club.

2)     That for all members of the club, a club flag should be draped over the coffin, when they die (Mícheál O Mahony). It was pointed out that such an honour was reserved for former players/officers.

3)     That the U-21 selectors be selected from the minor selectors and the senior selectors (James Ferris). James Sheehan defended his record as U-21 trainer, saying that in ten years he had reached five finals, winning two and being robbed in one. John Griffin said that players should not have an option as to which teams that did or did not play with. Ger Counihan opined that the club should keep the existing structure of selectors but that all selectors, from minor upwards, should meet three or four times a year to iron out problems before they arise. Michael Ahern pointed out that in the transition from U-21 to senior, a player could have the same trainer for five years. Jerry Coffey said that young people were hard to deal with. Ger Counihan said that the club was very good to its players and couldn’t do enough for them. James Ferris agreed to go along with Ger Counihan’s suggestion but threatened to re-submit the motion on the following year if there was a repetition of players refusing to play with one team over another.

4)     That, since the family membership had been abolished, a new rate for couples should be introduced at £25 (Joe Crowley). It was decided to accept the motion and to leave single membership at £15, with student membership at £5.

 

Munster Club Football League 1999/2000

Laune Rangers were grouped with St. Finbarr’s, Rathgormack, Kerins O Rahillys and Castlehaven.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 5^th Dec. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-13; St. Finbarr’s, Cork 0-10.

Despite trailing at halftime by 0-3 to 0-7, Laune Rangers rallied well in the second half and finished with a flurry to secure victory. They had five minors playing, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, Harry Bawden and Geoffrey O Mahony, while the experience was added by Peter Lyons, Pierce Prendiville, Shane O Sullivan and Mark O Connor. Mike Frank Russell waded in with an impressive total of 1-4. The main talking point, though, was the treasurer’s (Pierce Prendiville) long-distance second-half point.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark Conway, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, Shane O Sullivan, Terence Houlihan, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Harry Bawden (0-1), Mark O Connor (0-2), Mike Frank Russell (1-4), Geoffrey O Mahony (0-3), Joe Healy, Brian Gannon (0-1), Derry O Sullivan. Subs: John Edmond Murphy and Michael O Reilly (0-1) – both played.

 

The remainder of the competition was played in 2000.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

17 teams took part in the championship: Feale Rangers, Laune Rangers, St. Kieran’s, East-Kerry, Mid-Kerry, South-Kerry, Kenmare, Dr. Crokes, Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, Shannon Rangers, West-Kerry, St. Brendan’s, Legion, Kilcummin and Desmonds.

 

Rd. 1on Fri. 25^th June at Tarbert: Shannon Rangers 1-5; Laune Rangers 2-13.

Eamonn Horan reported on the game for the Kerryman: “Laune Rangers are back as a potent force in Kerry football, judging by the eye-catching performance they turned in when routing Shannon Rangers in this first-round game at sun-splashed Shannon Park, Tarbert. The winners led by seven points (0-8 to 0-1) after 21 minutes, but then Shannon Rangers took control and, aided by a 24^th minute goal, they trailed by just two points at the interval (0-8 to 1-3). At that stage, it looked like we were in for a real cliff-hanger in the second half, but the expectant attendance was to be bitterly disappointed as the anticipated Shannon Rangers’ resurrection failed to materialise. In fact, Shannon Rangers – outplayed and outflanked by their free-striding opponents in most sectors of the field – could only manage two points in the entire second half. The simple fact of the matter is that Laune Rangers were in total command all through the second half.

Midfielder, Pierce Prendiville, retired with a knee injury towards the end of the opening quarter. The versatile Tommy Byrne moved from centre halfback to midfield, with Mike Hassett transferring to No. 6 and substitute Shane O Sullivan coming in at right wing-back. Byrne and John Lynch were absolute masters in the centre of the field and the rival pairing of Sean McGinley and Stephen Dowling were unable to break their stranglehold. The dominance of Lynch and Byrne meant that the winners’ forwards enjoyed a steady supply of good ball and, as a result, the losers’ defence was under constant pressure, as the Killorglin forwards kept up a steady bombardment. The game marked the return to championship football by Mike Frank Russell and the dapper left corner-forward marked his return with a very workmanlike display, hall-marked by two brilliantly-taken opening points, which pushed the winners into an early lead after just two minutes of play.

The winners’ attack moved with menace and cohesion throughout, with Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Billy O Shea and Paul Griffin particularly effective. Hassett moved to the ‘40’ in the course of the second half and he added even greater penetration to the forward line as a whole. The losers could only manage to score two points in the opening 22 minutes, through Brendan Bambury and Eamonn Hennessy and left the North-Kerry side trailing by six points at this juncture (0-8 to 0-2). Up to then, Laune Rangers had been calling the shots, as they cut through the losers’ defence time and again, picking off additional points from Paul Griffin, Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Griffin again and two more from the boot of Pa O Sullivan. The winners were stopped in their tracks with a well-worked Shannon Rangers’ goal in the 24^th minute. Christopher Lyons and John Moroney opened the defence and, when the ball reached Brendan Bambury, the Ballylongford man whipped a low shot past goalkeeper, Peter Lyons, from close range. That timely goal galvanised the losers and, when Hennessy placed Lyons for a 26^th minute point, the home crowd had good cause to cheer as they saw their side get within two points of their rivals. Then, just before halftime, Pa O Sullivan and Liam Hassett combined to put Mike Frank Russell through, but goalkeeper Donncha Enright made a wonderful save at point-blank range when it looked as if Russell must score.

Russell opened the second-half scoring with a Laune Rangers’ point before goalkeeper, Enright, made another magnificent save, this time from a rasping shot from Liam Hassett in the 36^th minute. As the second half unfolded, it became abundantly clear that Laune Rangers were by far the superior combination. They had power and poise fore and aft and, equally importantly, they were vastly superior in the centre of the field where Lynch and Byrne were rampant. Eugene O Connell pulled back a point for the losers 13 minutes into the second half, but Shannon Rangers were rapidly running out of ideas and their only other score came from Eamonn Hennessy in the 48^th minute.

By then, the winners had extended their advantage with a point from Pa O Sullivan (free) and a great goal 17 minutes into the half. In a blistering movement, Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, John Lynch and Mike Frank Russell combined to unlock the losers’ defence and it was left to right corner-forward Paul Griffin to finish off the job with a blistering shot to the net. That great goal killed off whatever faint hopes Shannon Rangers may have been entertaining at that stage of the game. It was all Laune Rangers from there to the finish and they finished off their opponents with additional points from Paul Griffin, Pa O Sullivan and Mike Hassett and a second goal, two minutes from the final whistle. Billy O Shea put Liam Hassett through and the former Kerry captain slammed the ball past goalkeeper Enright to set the seal on a runaway Laune Rangers’ victory.

There were fine defensive displays for the winners from John Sheehan, Mike Hassett and substitute, Shane O Sullivan. There could be no disputing Laune Rangers’ all-round supremacy. They looked sharp and eager in everything they did and, on the strength of this performance, team trainer, John Griffin, and his fellow selectors have every reason to fancy their chances in this year’s championship.”

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Mike Hassett (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Brendan Fitzgerald, Johnny Lynch, Pierce Prendiville, Pa O Sullivan (0-5, frees), Billy O Shea, James O Shea, Paul Griffin (1-3), Liam Hassett (1-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-3). Subs: Shane O Sullivan for P. Prendiville (inj.), Mark O Connor for B. Fitzgerald, Billy O Sullivan for J. O Shea, Brian Gannon, Denis Cleary, Tony Lyons, Paul Costello, Derry O Sullivan, Terence Houlihan.

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 4^th Sept. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 2-16; St. Kieran’s 0-10.

John O Dowd enthused about the quality of Laune Rangers’ play in the Kerryman as follows: “The men from Killorglin are not dead and buried yet! Laune Rangers certainly laid down a marker to all teams left in the championship with a scintillating second-half display that destroyed St. Kieran’s in the quarter-final clash at Killarney.

After a very entertaining first 30 minutes that ended with the sides dead-locked at 0-8 each, the 1995 All-Ireland Club Champions just upped the tempo on the resumption and St. Kieran’s had no answer. Remember, it was the divisional side that knocked out Laune Rangers in last year’s semi-final and, after an impressive victory over Kerins O Rahillys in their opening match this season, St. Kieran’s obviously had high hopes of progressing to meet Feale Rangers in the next round. However, once Brian Gannon blasted home the first Rangers’ goal in the 32^nd minute, the writing was on the wall for the losers, who could only register two points in the entire second half. Laune Rangers were quite simply awesome in the second half, with their defence and midfield in control and their forwards scoring from all angles. It is difficult to see any team (except East-Kerry) living with them if they could produce that performance again. Yet, a 12-point victory for John Griffin’s charges looked a very remote possibility in a first half that saw St. Kieran’s dictate matters for long spells and it could be said that the winners were decidedly lucky to go in at the interval on level terms.

The game got off to an explosive start with Sean McElligott opening the scoring for St. Kieran’s with a fine point after only 17 seconds and, when John McGlynn and Paul Griffin exchanged pointed frees before the third minute, the scene was set for an invigorating first half. St. Kieran’s motored sweetly throughout the field in this opening period, with James Flynn putting the shackles on Laune Rangers’ full-forward, Liam Hassett, John McGlynn prominent at midfield and D.D. O Rahilly and Jack Dennehy looking dangerous in attack. Sadly for the losers, all these key players petered out of the game when Rangers upped a gear or two in the second half and St. Kieran’s hopes evaporated as a result. The sides were level at 0-4 each by the 12^th minute with the standard of football quite impressive, especially  the shooting from both sides, and it was pleasant to witness an absence of non-stop fouling that is all too prevalent in Gaelic football today.

Gene O Keeffe (‘45’) and Mike Frank Russell exchanges points before St. Kieran’s notched three points without reply from McGlynn, D.D. O Rahilly and Tom O Connor to lead 0-8 to 0-5 after 20 minutes. Things were looking good for St. Kieran’s at this juncture but, amazingly, in the remaining 40 minutes, they only scored two points and one of those was from a placed ball. That was never likely to be enough to beat a side of the calibre and experience of Laune Rangers. In fact, Rangers finished the half stronger with points from Paul Griffin (free), Brendan Fitzgerald and Liam Hassett, ensuring that the game was delicately poised at 0-8 each at halftime.

Yet the pattern of the game was transformed completely when Laune Rangers struck for their first goal just two minutes into the second half. A long free out of defence by John Sheehan was superbly gathered by Liam Hassett and the former Kerry captain showed great strength to burst past James Flynn and pass to the inrushing Brian Gannon, who took his time before blasting the ball to the roof of Brendan Moran’s net. The goal gave a tremendous confidence-boost to Laune Rangers and seemed to deflate the losers at the same time. It was hard to understand the stunning collapse of St. Kieran’s, who just gave up all too easily. Gene O Keeffe pointed a wonderful free from all of 50m just two minutes after Gannon’s goal and St. Kieran’s were still in with a great chance, only trailing by two points (1-8 to 0-9). However, Rangers then put the foot to the accelerator and, with Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell and Paul Griffin in splendid form in attack, the scores began to mount up for the winners. Pa O Sullivan (destroying his marker, John McGuire) and Paul Griffin scored two beautiful points each and Rangers were comfortably ahead by 1-12 to 0-9 with only 15 minutes to go. Rangers had increased their advantage to seven points when, in the 54^th minute, Billy O Shea, marauding upfield from wing-back, put the icing on the cake when he availed of good approach play by Liam Hassett and Brian Gannon to slide home the second Laune goal. The remaining few minutes were merely exhibition stuff for Laune Rangers and it was fitting that two of their best players on the night, Brendan Fitzgerald and Liam Hassett, got the final two points of the game.

The Killorglin side showed composure in the first half to weather the St. Kieran’s storm and were clinically efficient after the break. To score 2-14 from play is a magnificent return, by any standard. Best on the night for Laune Rangers were John Sheehan, Billy O Shea and Brendan Fitzgerald in defence, Pierce Prendiville at midfield and Mike Frank Russell, Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett and Paul Griffin in attack.”

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, John Sheehan Mark O Connor, Billy O Shea (1-0), Tommy Byrne (0-1), Brendan Fitzgerald (0-2), Mike Hassett (0-1) capt, Pierce Prendiville, Brian Gannon (1-1), Mike F. Russell (0-2), Johnny Lynch, Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Liam Hassett (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-4, 2 frees). Subs: Billy O Sullivan, Shane O Sullivan, Denis Cleary, Derry O Sullivan, Tony Lyons, Terence Houlihan, Joe Healy.

St. Kieran’s: Brendan Moran (Currow), Tim O Donoghue (Cordal), James Flynn (Currow), John McGuire (do.), Kieran Scanlon (do.), Tim Coakley (Scartaglin), Seamus Flynn (Currow), John McGlynn (do.) 0-2, Eamonn John O Donoghue (Cordal), Gene O Keeffe (Ballymac) 0-2, DD Rahilly (do.) 0-2, Tom O Connor (Cordal) 0-1, Sean McElligott (Knocknagoshel) 0-1, Denis Dennehy (Currow) 0-1, Jack Dennehy (do) 0-1. Subs: Tommy O Mahony (Cordal) for EJ O Donoghue, Jack O Connell (Knocknagoshel) for J. McGuire, Con Fleming (Currow) for T. O Connor.

Ref: Pat O Sullivan (Kenmare).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 19^th Sept. at Austin Stack Park: Feale Rangers 2-8; Laune Rangers 0-9.

John Barry reported in the Kerryman as follows: “Just when it appeared that they were on course for bigger and better things to come, Laune Rangers came crashing to ground, when they were brushed aside by a fighting fit Feale Rangers side who posted a decisive victory over their fancied rivals. Right from the very start, this game was all about Feale Rangers. They moved like a well-drilled army and there was poise and purpose about everything they essayed. And, just as importantly, they hit their rivals with their full artillery early on and, as a result, the men from the Laune were never allowed to settle to their normal, patterned type of game. Feale Rangers were needle sharp in all sectors. They controlled midfield and their forwards had the losers’ defence stretched to the very limit all through the game. But, perhaps most significantly of all, Feale Rangers plugged holes in the losers’ backline with alarming frequency. The half-forward line of Paul Galvin, Jack Corridan and Tadhg Kennelly teased and tormented their opponents from start to finish and, inside them, Noel Kennelly, Alan Doran and Brian Scanlon caused absolute havoc as they over-ran the opposing fullback-line with monotonous regularity.

The game was really decided in the opening half when Feale Rangers took control from the outset and two magnificently-engineered goals from inter-county star Noel Kennelly saw Feale Rangers go in at halftime with a commanding nine-point lead (2-4 to 0-1). To their credit, Laune Rangers made valiant efforts to get back in the game in the second half, but they never looked like over-hauling their supremely confident opponents. Laune Rangers badly needed a goal early in the second half if they were to get within striking range of their rivals but their forwards never looked like breaking down the resistance of a stubborn defence in which Jerome Stack, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Stephen Stack and Liam Keane stood out.

It was virtually all Feale Rangers in the first half as the North-Kerrymen ran their rivals ragged. On top at midfield, they opened briskly and took the lead with a Noel Kennelly point from a free after two minutes. Laune Rangers had a chance of equalising a minute later, but Mike Frank Russell was off target from a free after he was fouled himself. Then in the 5^th minute, we had a sample of what was to come when quick-silver left corner forward Brian Scanlon dummied his opponent before unleashing a blinding shot which seemed to have goal written all over it, but goalkeeper Peter Lyons made a magnificent save. Within a minute, Feale Rangers were back on the prowl. Left half-forward Tadhg Kennelly centred the ball and his brother, Noel, fetched it over the head of an opponent before letting fly with a low left-footed drive which saw the ball rattle the net, to the cheers of the North-Kerry supporters. It was a dream start for Feale Rangers and, not alone did it propel them into the four-point lead, it galvanised the team as a whole. If there had been any pre-match apprehension in their ranks, it was fast replaced by a firm conviction in their ability to outrun, outplay and outmanoeuvre their opponents. In contrast, Laune Rangers never reproduced the kind of football, which had seen them demolish St. Kieran’s in the quarter-finals. Their game lacked urgency and momentum and that opening goal by Kennelly seemed to sap their enthusiasm for the combat. An intended pass by Liam Hassett was intercepted for Brian Scanlon to shoot a point, but this score was quickly offset by Pa O Sullivan’s opening point for Laune Rangers in the 9^th minute. Both Noel Kennelly and Brian Scanlon were causing major problems for the losers’ backs and not even the switching of corner-backs Pa Murphy and Mark O Connor was able to curb the effectiveness of the duo.

The closest the losers came to finding the net was in the 11^th minute when a move initiated by Liam Hassett and Brian Gannon saw the ball reach Pa O Sullivan, but the big corner-forward’s blistering shot came back off the stanchion and a fine chance had been lost. The truth is, though, that the Laune Rangers’ forwards didn’t get too much space in which to manoeuvre, such was the close marking and the tigerish tackling of the winners’ defence as a whole. Feale Rangers kept up the intensive pressure. The hare-fast Scanlon was causing all sorts of problems and he struck again in the 19^th minute. He won possession and streaked down the left-wing, leaving defender Mark O Connor trailing in his wake, before popping over a beautiful point. Laune Rangers tried to retaliate but Mike F. Russell was wide from a kickable free. The Killorglin side switched Johnny Lynch from left wing-forward to midfield in a swap with Pierce Prendiville but to little or no avail. The Hassett brothers, Mike and Liam, MF Russell and Tommy Byrne tried to mount an offensive, but it came to nothing. Then in the 25^th minute, Feale Rangers struck for their second goal. Midfielder Brendan Whelan lobbed in a centre and the ever-alert Noel Kennelly got inside the fullback to fist the ball to the net to deliver another fell-blow to the hapless Mid-Kerry side. Three minutes later, Tadhg Kennelly and Brian Scanlon put Jack Corridan through for a point and it was practically all Feale Rangers at this stage. The losers tried to hit back before the interval. Tommy Byrne and Paul Griffin launched an attack and Mark O Connor was up in support, but Johnny Lynch’s parting shot was stifled. Laune Rangers’ wing-back, Billy O Shea, departed the scene with a shoulder injury shortly before halftime and was replaced by James O Shea. The latter was one of the few Laune Rangers’ players to enhance his reputation when he came on. He was always in the thick of the action and tried for all he was worth to get his side back in the contest in the second half.

It was difficult to see Laune Rangers overhauling their rampant rivals after the break and, even though they did manage to get within six points of them twice, they failed to get through for that elusive goal, which might have provided them with a lifeline. The losers had no truly inspirational figure to turn the game around for them, even though the likes of Pa O Sullivan, substitute James O Shea, Brian Gannon, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Fitzgerald and, to a lesser degree, Mike Hassett, battled on gallantly but unrewardingly in the second half.” Billy O Shea had his collar-bone broken in that game. Laune Rangers were accorded the use of Cromane Pitch for the preparation for the Co. Championship.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Pa Murphy, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Fitzgerald, Mike Hassett (capt.), Pierce Prendiville, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell, Johnny Lynch, Pa O Sullivan (0-6, 2 frees0, Liam Hassett (0-2), Paul Griffin. Subs: James O Shea (0-1) for B. O Shea (inj.), Shane O Sullivan for M. O Connor, Billy O Sullivan for B. Gannon, Denis Cleary, Terence Houlihan, Tony Lyons, Joe Healy, Paul Costello, Eoin Ferris.

Ref: Tom Lynch (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Co. Club Football Championship

That was a knock-out competition, the winners of which represented Kerry in the Munster Club Championship in the event of a group team winning the Co. Senior Football Championship.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 7^th Aug. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 2-8; Laune Rangers 1-15.

Laune Rangers, who adopted a more direct style of play, proved worthy winners over their arch rivals, Dr. Crokes, in a lively game. Rangers played some very attractive football, especially in attack where they kicked a total of 1-13 from play. Centre-field occupancy was fairly dense. Both Billy O Shea and Pat O Shea roamed out-field from their corner-forward berths. Of the two, Billy O Shea had more to show, scoring two good points and played well generally throughout. Pat O Shea spent far too much time in his own half of the field and, to make matters worse, his live-wire opponent, corner-back Mark O Connor, kicked two points.

Rangers had a fine target man in Liam Hassett. He was rarely beaten for possession and scored 1-2 from play. On the forty, Mike Frank Russell displayed his class on more than one occasion. He kicked three points in the first half. One of the lesser lights, Brian Gannon, played with great confidence, kicking three excellent points from play. John Sheehan was the winners’ star at fullback. He never allowed Brian Clarke to assert his authority on the game. In fact, Clarke was red-carded for a late tackle on Sheehan in the 37^th minute. One of the highlights of the game was a superb save by Peter Lyons from David Moloney at point-blank range in the 37^th minute.

The first goal of the game came from Tommy Brosnan, when he back-flicked a high delivery in the 10^th minute to the net. Three minutes later, Pa Murphy sent a long, low ball into the path of Liam Hassett and he gave Peter O Brien no chance. Mike Hassett and Pa Murphy had the facility to support the Rangers attack with a good supply of the ball. Rangers led at halftime by 1-7 to 1-4.

The Killorglin side led by 1-10 to 1-6 at the end of the third quarter. The deficit would have been wider if Billy O Sullivan had taken advantage of a goal-scoring opportunity in the 33^rd minute. In the 21^st minute, it was a case of both goalies coming face-to-face when a leg-block by one of the Rangers’ defenders resulted in a penalty award. Peter O Brien gave his opposing number absolutely no chance to leave the minimum between the sides. Rangers’ response unit went into immediate action and three consecutive points from Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free) restored their four-point lead. Tommy Brosnan and David Moloney got two back for Crokes but Rangers finished the stronger and a pointed free by Brian Gannon ensured a deserved victory.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Brendan Fitzgerald, Mike Hassett, pa Murphy, Brian Gannon, Mike F. Russell, Billy O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Billy O Shea.

Ref: Tommy Gilligan (Valentia).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 9^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 2-16; Kerins O Rahillys 1-10.

A third minute goal by Pa O Sullivan gave the Killorglin team an early boost. Despite Strand Road coming back, Laune Rangers controlled the game for long periods. The star of the show was Liam Hassett. Operating at full-forward, he comprehensibly beat his marker, Ken Savage, time after time, and was involved in most of the Rangers’ scores. Trailing by 1-7 to 1-2 at the interval, the Tralee team could never close the gap and ran out of steam as the game drew to a close.

Liam Hassett opened the scoring with a good individual point before Rangers scored their first goal. A long clearance from Mike Hassett was latched onto by Paul Griffin who passed to Liam Hassett. His shot hit the butt of the upright but Pa O Sullivan, following up, slammed the ball home. Strand Road made a good comeback with points from Declan Quill and Vinny Murphy (free), before Quill scored their only goal in the 10^th minute. O Rahillys then led by 1-2 to 1-1. Points from Pierce Prendiville, Mike Frank Russell (2 frees) and Brian Gannon put Rangers ahead by three. Pa O Sullivan and Russell added two more scores, with no reply from O Rahillys, to leave Rangers ahead by 1-7 to 1-2.

On the resumption, a quick Stephen Wallace point gave the Tralee side heart, but points from Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon stretched the Rangers’ lead. Two points from Vinny Murphy reduced the deficit to four points, 1-9 to 1-5. Stephen Wallace and Paul Griffin exchanged points before Mike Frank Russell, quiet throughout, added another. With 12 minutes to go, a Declan Quill point left four points between the sides again but Laune Rangers came up the field and were awarded a penalty. Liam Hassett passed to MF Russell who spotted James O Shea inside the defence. As O Shea was about to shoot he was swung around and the referee had no hesitation. Brian Gannon slotted the penalty home, 2-12 to 1-7, and the game was over as a contest. Further points from Pa O Sullivan (2) and MF Russell (‘45’) were responded to by Vinny Murphy and Stephen Wallace. In the dying moments, O Rahillys were awarded a dubious penalty but Peter Lyons did excellently to save well from Vinny Murphy and touch Cathal Sheehy’s rebound over the bar.

Best for the winners were John Sheehan, who played well on Vinny Murphy, Mark O Connor and Brendan Fitzgerald in the fullback line, Mike Hassett, stalwart Pierce Prendiville at midfield, Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, and Brian Gannon.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett (capt.), Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Pierce Prendiville (0-1), Brian Gannon (1-2), MF Russell (0-6, 1 free and 2 ‘45’), James O Shea, Pa O Sullivan (1-4), Liam Hassett (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-1). Subs: Denis Cleary for P. Murphy, Eoin Ferris for S. O Sullivan, Billy O Sullivan for J. O Shea, Terence Houlihan, Tony Lyons, Joe Healy, Paul Costello.

Ref: Mike O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Final on Sun. 24^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 2-12; An Ghaeltacht 1-7.

Dermot Crean reported on the game in the Kerryman: “A commanding second-half display from Laune Rangers ensured that they will go on to the first round of the Munster Club Championship. This club championship decider was the opener to the county final. Pa O Sullivan proved to be the hero for Rangers on the day, scoring 2-5 of their tally of 2-11. His first strike came as early as the third minute when Mike Frank Russell sent him through and he dispatched the ball past the diving Pól Ó Ruiséal for the opening score of the game. Later, in the 26^th minute, he sealed Rangers’ victory with a goal after Ó Ruiséal saved a great shot from Mike Frank Russell and O Sullivan was there to slot in the rebound. But this last goal was hardly needed as the Mid-Kerry side were dominant at that stage. Rangers should be worried about the number of scoring chances they wasted in the second half and their forwards will have to be sharper when they come up against stronger opposition in the Munster Championship.

After Pa O Sullivan’s early goal, An Ghaeltacht looked the sharper side. They registered their first score with a point from Fergal Ó Sé after five minutes. They then wasted a number of opportunities and Rangers scored another point after Liam Hassett weaved his way through the defence. Dara Ó Cinnéide pointed a free to narrow the gap but Rangers went into a four-point lead with two Pa O Sullivan points in the 11^th and 13^th minutes. An Ghaeltacht were still getting the greater share of the possession but couldn’t find the target. After another exchange of points between Aodán Mac Gearailt and Rangers’ Shane O Sullivan, An Ghaeltacht finally made a break-through. Another point by Mac Gearailt in the 23^rd minute was followed a minute later by a goal for the West-Kerry side. Dara Ó Cinnéide lofted a beautiful pass from 50 yards into the hands of Marc Ó Sé who shot low and hard past Peter Lyons from about 10 yards out. The sides were now level at 1-4 apiece. But it was Rangers who added the next score with another fine point from Liam Hassett. An Ghaeltacht finished the half strongly but could not put the ball over the bar.

After the break, it was Rangers who started well and they dominated play for the rest of the game but were not able to make their superiority show on the score-board until the last 12 minutes of the match. Billy O Sullivan increased their lead with a point after two minutes but a fine point from An Ghaeltacht’s Caoimhín Breathnach cancelled that out a minute later. Another point followed from Pa O Sullivan in the 4^th minute but they failed to score for the next 14 minutes, despite dominating the middle of the field. Their forwards were guilty of a number of wides during this period and An Ghaeltacht narrowed the gap to the minimum yet again in the 14^th minute with a point from Dara Ó Cinnéide.

Then Liam Hassett was switched to centre-forward, with Russell going into the fringe of the small square and suddenly the scores came for Rangers. After great passing from Rangers’ defenders, Hassett gained possession and laid on to Russell who passed to Gannon and he pointed in the 18^th minute. Pa O Sullivan added two more points to leave four points between the sides. Dara Ó Sé was introduced eight minutes from time but the Kerry midfielder, not fully fit, could not make a significant impact on the game. Two more points for Rangers by John Lynch and Paul Griffin put the issue beyond doubt before Pa O Sullivan’s goal, while Dara Ó Cinnéide’s last-minute point was a mere consolation-score for the losers.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Tommy Byrne, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Mike Hassett (capt.), Brendan Fitzgerald, John Lynch (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Brian Gannon (0-1), MF Russell, Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (2-5, 3 frees), Liam Hassett (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-1). Subs: Pa Murphy, Denis Cleary, Eoin Ferris, Derry O Sullivan, Paul Costello, Cian Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, Harry Bawden, Terence Houlihan, Geoffrey O Mahony, Barry O Sullivan. Adrian Hassett, who had been the captain, was injured and unable to play.

Gaeltacht: Pól Ó Ruiséal, Seán Mac an tSíthigh, Micí Ó Conchúir, Seán Ó Beaglaoi, Caoimhín Breathnach (0-1), Feargal Ó Sé (0-1), Seán Ó Conchubhair, Pól Ó Cuinn, Tomás Ó Sé, Marc Ó Sé (1-0), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3), Cathal Ó Dubhda, Tomás Ó Conchubhair, Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-2), Tomás Ó Muircheartaigh. Subs: Riobard Mac Gearailt for F. Ó Sé, Cathal Ó Cathasaigh for T. Ó Muircheartaigh, Dara Ó Sé for M. Ó Conchubhair.

Ref: Michael O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

Munster Senior Club Football Championship

Having won the Co. Club Football Championship, Laune Rangers represented Kerry in the Munster Club Football Championship for the 5^th successive year.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 6^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney: Doonbeg 2-9; Laune Rangers 0-11.

John Barry reported for the Kerryman as follows: “A very disappointing day for Laune Rangers but, all things considered, they could have no excuses. Doonbeg, of Clare, packed too much power for them before a paying attendance of 800, even if the two goals that decided it all were scored from positions that were borderline in relation to their legality. The first goal came in the 46^th minute from Doonbeg’s wing-forward Paul Hehir, who rose high to expertly flick a centre by his brother, Senan, to the net. Laune Rangers strongly claimed that Hehir was inside the ‘square’ but the umpire, with the green flag, emphatically raised it. That goal was a ferocious body-blow to the Killorglin side, who had staged a great second-half comeback to reduce an interval deficit of five points (0-8 to 0-3) to just one point (0-8 to 0-7).

However, they were still very much in contention and Liam Hassett, who was one of those who injected new life into Rangers’ performance after a very lack-lustre first-half display, immediately responded with a point. Then followed an exchange of points between Doonbeg substitute, Brian Shanahan, and Pa O Sullivan (free) before the Clare side completely broke Killorglin hearts with its second goal in the 54^th minute. Gerry Killeen was allowed to work his way in along the end-line far too easily and, at the appropriate time, he sent a pass across the goal-mouth to the unmarked Michael Conway, who palmed it in flight to the net. Again, Rangers protested vigorously about the validity of the goal, but the same goal umpire was just as adamant in raising the green flag and, with the other umpire in obvious agreement, there was no question of the goal being disallowed. In truth, Rangers set themselves up for that second body-blow with bad defensive play, though it was cruel enough that the two goals that brought about their downfall should have been so borderline in relation to the small square.

Yet, Doonbeg were unquestionably the better of the two teams overall. Indeed, they were streets ahead of Laune Rangers in the first half, when they could afford the luxury of kicking nine wides, six of them in the first nine minutes, and still lead by five points at halftime. O powerful team physically, they were very fit and very motivated. Confidence oozed out of them as well and, tactically, things worked very well for them, particularly in relation to the use of corner-forward Padraig Conway. They played him as an extra man in defence and he operated around the halfback line. Doonbeg were well equipped in every part of the field and they dominated the first half to an amazing extent. They won the midfield battle hands down, gave precious little away in defence and, once they steadied themselves in attack, they picked off their points well. They were, of course, facilitated greatly by the fact that Rangers just couldn’t seem to come to terms with the game in that first half, for most of it anyway. Not even one Killorglin player stood out and I can imagine the verbal lashing they got when they retired to their dressing-room for the break.

Whatever was said, and it had to be pretty severe, Rangers came out in the second half and played a brand of football much more appropriate to the jersey they were wearing. There was a lot more drive, a lot more enthusiasm, a lot more conviction, about their play and, even if they were largely dependent on Pa O Sullivan for scores from frees, the important thing was that they were the ones now calling the tune. Mike Hassett had moved to midfield in a switch with Tommy Byrne and this was to make a huge difference. As well, Byrne played much better at centre halfback. Up front, Liam Hassett thundered into the game at full-forward and, between the contributions of these three and improved performances from other players, the dominance and freedom enjoyed by Doonbeg was completely broken. Johnny Lynch, too, went up the field to directly oppose Doonbeg’s extra defender, Padraig Conway, and this was another help.

It all meant that Rangers came storming back into a game in which the tension had risen in a big way, with a quite a bit of niggling going on. Several names were, in fact, taken by referee, Niall Barrett, of Cork. Rangers opened their second-half account after three minutes with a point from a free by Pa O Sullivan and the same played shoved over another free in the 40^th minute. Then, a minute later, Liam Hassett put his name to a terrific point from play, following good work by Tommy Byrne and brother, Mike, and, straight from the kick-out, the ball went to Liam Hassett again, via Michael Frank Russell, Mike Hassett and Johnny Lynch, and when Hassett was fouled just outside the enlarged square, Pa O Sullivan popped over the free. Scarcely 12 minutes had gone and the gap was done to a single point (0-8 to 0-7). It was fighting stuff by Rangers and the initiative lay firmly with them at this stage. However, Doonbeg had clearly benefited from the experience of winning last year’s Munster title and, when the call was greatest, they responded well.

They began claiming more of the ball, denying Rangers the chance to draw level and then, as the game entered the last quarter, they got the boost of Paul Hehir’s goal. It was worth anything to them and all over the field you could see the way they were re-energised. That great battler, Francis McInerney, was switched from forty-yards to midfield and he was to accomplish valuable work there before the end. Rangers twice brought their arrears back to the bare goal and one’s mind returned to the first half and, in particular, the chance of a goal that was missed by them. That chance came in the 24^th minute after a ball had been driven forward by fullback John Sheehan. The ball fell very nicely for Liam Hassett inside the defensive cover on the right and he bore down on goal, with just the keeper to beat. In fairness to the keeper (Nigel Dillon), who has a mighty frame, he brought off a terrific save from Hassett. There wasn’t to be another chance like that for Rangers against a Doonbeg defence, which really closed up in the last ten minutes and it was all over for the Killorglin side when Michael Conway scored Doonbeg’s second goal in the 54^th minute.

Rangers made some desperate efforts for a goal in the time remaining but a packed Doonbeg defence had the answer to everything and two points by Pa O Sullivan (free) and Liam Hassett were of little value. As far as Laune Rangers are concerned, they will wonder how they could have been so bad in the first half but, to their credit, they produced a terrific fight-back in the third quarter and it all came down to the two goals, which were borderline in relation to the square. Doonbeg are not the kind of team to stand on ceremony and young Johnny Lynch, of Laune Rangers, was apparently subjected to some very unsporting treatment before having to leave the field before the end. He did react to this treatment and had his name taken for an off-the-ball incident, along with his opponent.

But the simple truth of the matter is that Laune Rangers were not the potent force they used to be and didn’t deserve to win this game. Club Chairman, John Clifford, conceded afterwards, “We have no excuses. Doonbeg are a good, experienced team and they will put it up to whoever they meet in the final. As to the two Doonbeg goals, I was in the dug-out and they did look dodgy. Our goalkeeper, Peter Lyons, said that Paul Hehir was definitely in the square for the first goal. I did think we would win when we got within a point of them, but it just wasn’t to be our day. We were, of course, missing Billy O Shea, Pa Murphy and Adrian Hassett and were definitely a big loss.”

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Mark O Connor, John Sheehan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Johnny Lynch, Mike Hassett (capt.), Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Tommy Byrne, Pierce Prendiville, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell (0-1, free), Paul Griffin, Pa O Sullivan (0-6, 5 frees), Liam Hassett (0-3), Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Denis Cleary for J. Lynch (inj.), Eoin Ferris, Derry O Sullivan, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Harry Bawden, Thomas McGillycuddy, Cian Evans, Billy O Shea, Joe Healy, Barry O Sullivan, Geoffrey O Mahony. .

Ref: Niall Barrett (Cork).

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 21^st March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-12; Dr. Crokes 0-3.

The visitors put up a spirited fight for the first 20 minutes and gave the Rangers some problems. Rangers’ defence was in great form throughout and they led by 0-5 to 0-2 at halftime. Adrian Hassett and Denis Cleary had a sound game in defence, as did Tommy Byrne. Liam Hassett performed well at midfield, contributing two points from play and he was ably assisted by his brother Mike. Billy O Shea’s ball-winning ability was very much to the fore in attack. An interesting factor was the positioning of Pierce Prendiville at full-forward.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Denis Cleary (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-1, ‘45’), Pa O Sullivan (0-3, frees), James O Shea (0-2), Paul Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Billy O Shea (0-2). Subs: Pa Murphy for M. O Connor, John O Sullivan for B. O Sullivan.

Ref: Joe Langan (Tarbert).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 3^rd April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 0-10; Laune Rangers 2-12.

Tommy Conroy reported in the Kerryman as follows: “Two goals at crucial stages in the second half gave champions Laune Rangers another brace of league points after that game. The locals enjoyed most of the first-half play and led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval, in a half marred by a serious facial injury to Rangers’ Kerry star, Mike Hassett. Conditions were ideal for the fair-sized attendance, but overall the football never reached any great heights. O Rahillys lined out at full strength, while Laune Rangers were short some regulars, including Tommy Byrne and Michael F. Russell.

The visitors opened the scoring in the first minute with a Liam Hassett after good work by Paul Griffin. O Rahillys took complete control of proceedings after this to launch many attacks. Vinny Murphy (Dublin) pointed a free in the seventh minute. The same Murphy did likewise two minutes later. Billy O Shea, down at the other end, saw his shot end up wide after the ball struck the upright. It was all O Rahillys, who were superbly fit and strong on the ball. Further points by CJ Sheehy, Vinnie Murphy (2) and Mush O Brien left the strand Road men deservedly in front, 0-6 to 0-1, after 23 minutes play. Rangers made some positional switches. Pa O Sullivan moved to full-forward and Pierce Prendiville to the ‘40’. Conor Sugrue (O Rahillys corner-back) made a timely block down to deflect the ball out for a ‘45’ from a Billy O Shea goal-bound effort. In the closing stages of the half, Mike Hassett was at the end of a Rangers’ defence-splitting movement, when he was heavily upended by a high tackle by Vinny Murphy (Tralee), which resulted in the Kerry star being removed to hospital with a suspected fractured jaw. Murphy received a booking and was mighty lucky not to have been given marching orders. From the resultant 20m free, Pa O Sullivan pointed to leave the halftime score, Kerins O Rahillys 0-6, Laune Rangers 0-2.

Johnny Lynch replaced the injured Mike Hassett at midfield at the restart. From the throw-in, Laune Rangers launched an attack in fluent passing  style, which saw Liam Hassett being hauled down in the small square, as he was about to shoot for a goal, a definitely penalty kick, which was well buried low and hard by Billy O Sullivan. From the kick-out, Shane O Sullivan delivered another probing ball to Billy O Shea, who popped it over the sticks. Rangers were back on level terms in the opening two-minute spell (1-3 to 0-6). Declan Quill (fisted points) and Pa O Sullivan (play) traded scores. Declan Sweeney saved well in the O Rahilly’s goal from Johnny Lynch, who was making his presence felt in a big way. Vinny Murphy (Dub) from a 20m free gave O Rahillys back the lead, 0-8 to 1-4, at the end of the third quarter. Rangers had some misses before Pa O Sullivan levelled once more with a fine point. The same player, who was now doing very well, cut in along the right end-line and sent the ball crashing into the O Rahillys’ net off the left angle post for a terrific goal. Paul Griffin put another over the bar to open up a four-point lead, 2-6 to 0-8, with six minutes to play. The game, which the O Rahillys looked like winning in the opening half, was now slipping away from them. The Tralee Blues didn’t go down without a fight. Stephen Wallace, with a goal at his mercy, blazed badly wide. He redeemed himself one minute later with a well-struck point. Vinny (Dub) Murphy tacked on another with time almost up. O Rahilly’s went in search of a late goal. Wallace had an effort smothered out for a ‘45’, which Mush O Brien floated in around the house, only for Billy O Shea, helping back, to collect and deliver to safety. The final whistle sounded and Laune Rangers were winners, but not without a price as they lost Mike Hassett in a game played tough and sometimes over-physical.” Mike Hassett was diagnosed with a broken jaw after that game.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Denis Cleary, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (1-0, pen.), Pa O Sullivan (1-3, 1 free), James O Shea, Paul Griffin (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Billy O Shea (0-1). Subs: Johnny Lynch for M. Hassett (inj.), Brendan Fitzgerald for B. O Sullivan.

Kerins O Rahillys: Declan Sweeney, Johnny Kelly, Ken Savage, Conor Sugrue, Simon McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Morgan Nix, Cathal Sheehy (0-1), Ger O Brien (0-1), Vinnie Murphy, Ollie Molloy, Stephen Wallace (0-1), Declan Quill (0-1), Vinny Murphy (0-6), John O Connor. Sub: Tommy Kennedy.

Ref: Dave Nelligan (Knocknagoshel).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 2^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Annascaul 2-10.

Laune Rangers went into that game full of confidence with a one hundred per cent record in the competition. Annascaul travelled more in hope than confidence after a period of erratic form, but it was the West-Kerry side that rose to the occasion with a somewhat surprising victory, following an outstanding game of football to which both sides contributed. The game was played in ideal conditions before a large, appreciative crowd.

Annascaul played with the aid of the light breeze in the first half and laid the foundations of victory with a half an hour’s brilliant all out attacking football. They produced what might have been the quickest goal ever in Co. League history in 20 seconds flat. A long ball into the Laune Rangers’ goalmouth was cleverly broken down to Genie Farrell who passed to the inrushing Emmett Kennedy and he finished the ball to the net. From the kick-out, Genie Farrell, receiving possession, pointed to leave Annascaul ahead by 1-1 after just one minute. Laune Rangers reacted well to that early onslaught and it took a brilliant save by Annascaul goalkeeper Martin Knightley to deny James O Shea a goal in the third minute. The home side, with James O Shea and Liam Hassett to the fore, had levelled the game by the 10^th minute through a point by James O Shea and three pointed frees from Pa O Sullivan. Then, however, Pat McKenna took over at midfield for the visitors and their forwards gave Laune Rangers’ backs a torrid time. Aidan O Connor converted two frees, both for fouls on Genie Farrell. James O Shea pulled one back for Rangers against the run of play. In the 15^th minute, Genie Farrell side-stepped two Rangers’ defenders and kicked a lovely point. Jamie O Driscoll soloed through the home defence to coolly slot the ball to the net. Aidan O Connor pointed a 50 yards’ free to stretch the Annascaul lead to 2-5 to 0-5 after 20 minutes. Brendan Fitzgerald eased the pressure on Laune Rangers momentarily with a well-taken point. However, Aidan O Connor pointed anther long-range free and it took a great save by Tony Lyons to deny Genie Farrell a goal. Tommy Farrell and Billy O Sullivan exchanged points in the closing minutes to leave Annascaul ahead by 2-7 to 0-7 at the interval.

It was inevitable that the play would slow down in the second half after such a blistering start and the heat of the day taking its toll on the players. Laune Rangers introduced Tommy Byrne in an attempt to turn the game around and started the half brightly. Pa O Sullivan pointed in the first minute and Martin Knightley had to be on his toes to prevent Billy O Shea from scoring a goal two minutes later. James O Shea reduced the deficit to four points in the fifth minute. Weeshie Lynch and Aidan O Connor restored Annascaul’s lead with two pointed frees by the three-quarters stage. The game was flowing from end to end with some outstanding defensive play from both teams. Aidan O Connor and Pa O Sullivan exchanges points once again to leave six points between the sides with ten minutes remaining. Laune Rangers poured forward in the final minutes. Points from Pa O Sullivan, Jason Griffin and Pa O Sullivan once again reduced the lead but they never came near scoring the goal, which they needed to get back into the game. For Laune Rangers, Eoin Ferris and Shane O Sullivan defended well, Liam Hassett had his moments at midfield, while James O Shea and Paul Griffin were the pick of the forwards.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Eoin Ferris, Johnny Lynch, Denis Cleary, Mark O Connor, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Shane O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Pa Murphy (0-1), Brendan Fitzgerald, (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-6), James O Shea (0-3), Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Billy O Shea. Subs: Tommy Byrne for M. O Connor, Jason Griffin (0-1) for S. O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 16^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-12; Rathmore 1-7.

Laune Rangers returned to winning ways thanks in chief to a fine first-half performance in which Billy O Shea and Paul Griffin were outstanding, contributing two and three points respectively. The move of the match came after 25 minutes of the first half when Billy O Shea picked out Billy O Sullivan, with a fine through ball, who finished well to the back of the net. Brian Gannon scored the other first-half point for the home side to help them lead at the break by 1-6 to 0-0.

Rathmore came out with all guns blazing for the second half and the change which saw Michael D. Cahill switched from wing-forward to full-forward proved to be significant, with Cahill scoring three second-half points and causing untold damage. The first two of those were in the first and second minutes after the restart. The Laune Rangers’ forward line was not seeing as much of the ball at that point and indeed failed to score in a 17 minute period in the second half between Brendan Fitzgerald’s fine 12^th minute effort and the same player’s second point to round off the scoring in the 29^th minute. Outstanding for Rangers were Paul Costello, Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin, Brendan Fitzgerald, Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan and John Sheehan.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Denis Cleary, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Pierce Prendiville, Brendan Fitzgerald, James O Shea, Billy O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Brian Gannon, Billy O Shea. Subs: Mark O Connor and Michael O Reilly (both played).

 

Rd. 6 at Currow: Currow 1-12; Laune Rangers 0-10.

In a keenly contested game, played before a large crowd in Currow, the home side was the better team. Kieran Scanlon dominated midfield throughout the game, despite the best efforts of Tommy Byrne. The match was not without its controversy. In the 21^st minute, a heavy tackle on Sean Dennehy saw the referee call Mike Hassett to one side and he was in the process of flashing a yellow card and taking his name, when Dennehy took a quick free. As the Rangers’ backline waited for the referee to call back play, Dennehy’s free found Scanlon at the edge of the square and he made no mistake in kicking past the helpless Tony Lyons for a goal. The Rangers’ supporters could not believe that the referee allowed the goal, as they had expected him to call back play. That goal came at a period when Rangers were within a point of Currow and, in the end, made a major difference to the outcome of the game. At the interval, the home side led by that gaol, 1-5 to 0-5, Rangers scores coming from Paul Griffin (3) and Pa O Sullivan (2).

Rangers introduced Pierce Prendiville in the second half and midway through the half, Mike Frank Russell made a welcome return to football. His leg heavily bandaged, he tried hard to lift his team though they trailed by 1-10 to 0-8. Rangers like the true champions that they were never gave up and had two well-struck frees by Paul Griffin and Pa O Sullivan and a ‘45’ by Tommy Byrne. They tried hard for a goal but were denied on a number of occasions and had to be content with a point by Johnny Lynch. They had another excellent point in the 28^th minute from MF Russell. However, Currow finished with a flourish and the better team won. Rangers’ best performers were Pa O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Mark O Connor and the tireless Billy O Shea.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Denis Cleary, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne (0-1, ‘45’), Johnny Lynch (0-1), Brendan Fitzgerald, James O Shea, Brian Gannon, Paul Griffin (0-4, 2 frees), Pa O Sullivan (0-3, frees), Billy O Shea. Subs: Pierce Prendiville for B. Gannon, Mike Frank Russell (0-1) for B. Fitzgerald, Shane O Sullivan for D. Cleary.

Ref: Pat O Sullivan (Kenmare).

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 10^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-13; Glenflesk 2-10.

The JP O Sullivan was no place for the faint-hearted on Saturday evening. That Round 7 tie saw a pulsating three minutes of injury time that culminated in Glenflesk scoring two goals and forcing a draw. A fitter and more focussed Killorglin side led by 5 points on the stroke of full-time and seemed set to secure maximum points in that poor contest that saw Mike Frank Russell play a leading role for the home side. The drama began in the first minute of injury time when the visitors were awarded a 14 yard free directly in front of goal. A quickly-taken and well-struck free by Paud O Donoghue as blasted hard and low. It deceived Shane O Sullivan and Peter Lyons and ended up in the net. From the kick-out, Dermot Kelly fielded and was fouled. He floated the free towards the Laune Rangers’ square and Davy O Donoghue rose highest to punch the bal to the net to the delight of the Glenflesk supporters, who had been silent up to then. Glenflesk led for the first time in the game and a shock win looked on the cards. Laune Rangers fought back and, within thirty seconds, had levelled matters, courtesy of a pointed free by Joe Healy, who had come on as a substitute four minutes earlier.

Apart from the action-packed final four minutes, the game itself was a poor affair with Glenflesk guilty of poor passing and reckless shooting over the hour. A feature of the game was the brilliant display from Mike Frank Russell, who had a splendid half, scoring four points to add to the two in the first half. Three of the points he scored in the second half were brilliant efforts, scored from long range, despite the attention of three markers on each occasion. He caused the Glenflesk backline all sorts of problems over the hour and was constantly slipping free of his marker. He was unlucky not to score a goal in the first half when his well-struck shot was brilliantly saved by Tony Murphy in the Glenflesk goal.

With Rangers on top at midfield, the home side had a good opening half, scoring 1-6 to the visitors’ 0-3. The home side had scores from 5 different players in that half. An excellent display from Brian Gannon saw him score 1-1, the goal coming from a penalty after MF Russell was fouled. Rangers’ other scorers were Russell (0-2), Derry O Sullivan (0-1), Johnny Lynch (0-1) and Paul Griffin (0-1). Johnny Lynch had an excellent game, covering a lot of ground and setting up a number of scoring opportunities.

Glenflesk seemed more determined on the resumption. Eugene Bowler kicked two points. Fullback Michael O Donoghue kept his side in the game with a brilliant goal-line save in the 12^th minute when a shot by Brian Gannon was destined for the back of the net. In an entertaining second half, Rangers scored six points in normal time with Russell on target for four and Paul Griffin (2) from frees. Glenflesk fought hard and had points from Paud O Donoghue (0-3, frees) and John B. O Donoghue (2). Then came the action-packed injury time, which resulted in a draw. Best for Rangers were Adrian Hassett, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Johnny Lynch, Tommy Byrne, Brian Gannon and the in-form MF Russell.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, John Sheehan, Adrian Hassett, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Brendan Fitzgerald, Tommy Byrne, Johnny Lynch (0-1), Billy O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan (0-1), James O Shea, Paul Griffin (0-3, 2 frees), Brian Gannon (1-1), MF Russell (0-6). Subs: Terence Houlihan for J. Lynch, Joe Healy (0-1, free) for D. O Sullivan.

Ref: Tommy Gilligan (Valentia).

 

Rd. 8 at Cloon: Laune Rangers 0-12; Sneem 0-12.

Sneem  started as if their lives depended on the result and put Laune Rangers under the cosh with excellent work from their entire full-forward line. Rangers struggled to provide possession to their forwards and trailed by 0-4 to 0-6 at halftime. Some of the Rangers’ county players looked sluggish after the previous Sunday’s defeat. Mike Frank Russell was in good form though, scoring three points from play.

It was fairly tit-for-tat in the second period until Billy O Sullivan scored a fine point in the latter stages to put the home side ahead. But, with time almost up, Sneem equalised. Tommy Byrne, Johnny Lynch and Brian Gannon were in fine form for Killorglin.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Shane O Sullivan, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Pa Murphy, John Sheehan, Mike Hassett, Brian Gannon, Johnny Lynch, Tommy Byrne, Billy O Shea, Pa O Sullivan, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Liam Hassett, Michael F. Russell. Subs: Billy O Sullivan and Denis Cleary (both played).

 

Rd. 9 on Sat. 14^th Aug. at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 1-11; Laune Rangers 1-8.

A well-contested game, spoiled by the wind in parts, saw An Ghaeltacht take full points in that fixture. Make no mistake about it though, that was a game Rangers could have and maybe should have won, on the basis that they dominated a lot of the play during the hour. Only for some wayward finishing , the Killorglin team might have come out with full points. That is not to say that An Ghaeltacht did not deserve their win. They played well and were able to contain the dangerous Rangers’ forwards, Pa O Sullivan, Brian Gannon and Mike Frank Russell. However, for long periods of the game they were unable to penetrate a Rangers’ defence in which John Sheehan was outstanding. The Killorglin fullback snuffed the threat of Aodán Mac Gearailt and forced the Gaeltacht selectors to move the Kerry players out the field.

Early in the game, Rangers were in control and Brian Gannon kicked the first point of the game. Dara Ó Cinnéide and Pa O Sullivan swapped points and the score, after six minutes, was 0-2 to 0-1. The wind was playing a major part in the game, as both sets of players struggled to pinpoint their passes. That also added to the number of wides kicked in the game. Rangers took control at midfield, where Tommy Byrne fetched a lot of ball. Uinsean Ó Ceallacháin pulled off a number of vital interceptions in the Gaeltacht goal, with a timely catch over his head, in particular, denying Mike Frank Russell a goal. With Rangers’ forwards moving in packs, Pa O Sullivan and Mike F. Russell won a lot of ball but they kicked a number of wides. An Ghaeltacht came back into the game, with Eoin Ó Cruadhlaoích and Tomás Ó Conchúir kicking over points, Brian Gannon responded for the Killorglin men, but late points in the half from the Mac Gearailts, Aodán and Riobard, left the West-Kerry team ahead at the break by 0-5 to 0-3.

The scene was set for a terrific struggle in the second half and so it proved, as both sides gave their all. Eoin Ó Cruadhlaoích opened the scoring but Mike F. Russell kicked over a good free to reduce the deficit again to two. Seven minutes into the half, Rangers scored the opening goal and it showed all that was good about football. MF Russell picked the ball up in the middle of the field and kicked it inside to Liam Hassett. Noticing Pa O Sullivan running on, Hassett flicked to ball to him and he ran on to chip the ball over the keeper’s head for a classic goal. Rangers were a point ahead and looked like they might have been able to pull away, but An Ghaeltacht came back. A Dara Ó Cinnéide free levelled matters, but Rangers again took the lead with points by MF Russell and Brian Gannon. Gannon had an excellent game throughout and it was a surprise to see him substituted late in the game. An Ghaeltacht, two points behind with 13 minutes gone in the half, were facing an uphill battle but they responded in style. Dara Ó Sé came on and he made a difference at midfield, helping to win ball for the forwards. Riobard Mac Gearailt drove the ball across the face of the goal and there was Aodán Mac Gearailt to boot it to the net.

One point behind, Rangers looked to be in trouble. Substitute Pierce Prendiville missed a glorious chance of a goal when he was found unmarked in front of the Gaeltacht goal but he drove wide. Two minutes later, a fumble by Prendiville in defence, saw Tomás Ó Conchúir drive over the bar. Gaeltacht were on top and they had points by Riobard and Aodan Mac Gearailt. Pa O Sullivan closed the scoring with a point but the laurels went to the home side. John Sheehan, Tommy Byrne, Mike Frank Russell, Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon impressed for Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, Tommy Byrne, Pa Murphy, Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan, Mike F. Russell, Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett, Billy O Sullivan. Subs: Paul Griffin for B. O Sullivan, James O Shea for B. Gannon, Pierce Prendiville for B. Fitzgerald.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 18^th Aug. at Castleisland: Desmonds 0-12; Laune Rangers 2-16.

The Laune Rangers’ forwards were in sparkling form throughout. Two first half goals from Billy O Shea and Pa O Sullivan saw them take a firm grip, one which they never relinquished. Brian gave the selectors an extra option with the championship coming up, with a fine display at full-forward. Indeed, he was the creator of both goals, cutting in along the end-line to supply Billy O Shea with his goal and providing a deft flick to set up Pa O Sullivan. Rangers led by 2-7 to 0-7 at halftime.

Despite some early pressure and some curious refereeing decisions, Laune Rangers maintained their grip. Liam and Mike Hassett had fine games, Mike having a marvellous second half. The forwards were always in deadly form with Pa O Sullivan and Paul Griffin’s switch in the second half a master stroke.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin. Pa O Sullivan, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell.

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 28^th Aug. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kilcummin 1-3; Laune Rangers 3-15.

That victory was earned at a cost with Adrian Hassett suffering a broken arm after an unfortunate clash in the first half. Again the Rangers’ forwards were in great form and ripped the opposition’s defence apart. Liam Hassett scored an early goal and from then it was evident that they were going to win. Brian Gannon gave his man an anxious time of it and continued his good form, also scoring a first-half goal. Rangers won a lot of possession in the midfield area and evergreen Pierce Prendiville proved that he still had a major part to play. He was ably assisted by Johnny Lynch, who supplied some good possession to the inside forwards. The halftime score was 2-9 to 1-2 in favour of the winners. The back-line played well. Denis Cleary, who had replaced Mark O Connor, who had a slight injury, showed his class.

The second half was one-way traffic, the highlight of which was Paul Griffin’s goal. The pass executed by Pa O Sullivan was top drawer, dropping the ball into Paul’s hands from fully 40 yards. Griffin finished with his usual coolness. Tommy Byrne and Pa Murphy did not start, resting niggling injuries for that weekend. Best for Rangers were John Sheehan, Mike Hassett, Liam Hassett, Billy O Shea, Pa O Sullivan and Paul Griffin.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett (capt.), John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, Pierce Prendiville, Johnny Lynch (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin (1-3), Pa O Sullivan (0-4), Liam Hassett (1-2), Brian Gannon (1-1). Subs: James O Shea (0-1) for A. Hassett (inj.), Tommy Byrne for B. Gannon, Denis Cleary for M. O Connor.

 

Rd. 11 on Sat. 2^nd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Waterville 1-7.

Played in less than clement conditions and missing many regulars, due to injury and Gerard Murphy’s wedding, Laune Rangers recorded a fine victory over Waterville. Due to injury and Gerard Murphy’s wedding in Dungarvan, Rangers were considerably weakened and used a largely inexperienced side, including three minors, Geoffrey O Mahony, Cian Evans and Darragh Burns, as second half substitutes. John Griffin also gave full Co. League debuts to Terence Houlihan and Joe Healy. The team showed great spirit and accuracy. The score-line at halftime was 0-5 each, but second half goals by Mike Frank Russell and Billy O Sullivan tipped the balance. It was by and large a good performance.

 

Laune Rangers finished in 4^th place in Div. 1 with 13 points.

 

Molyneaux Cup

Coach/Trainer – Liam Foley. Selectors – John F. O Brien and Michael O Shea

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th Aug. at Caherina: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-12.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 21^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Legion ‘B’ scr.

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 11^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-12; An Ghaeltacht ‘B’ 0-4.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 10^th Oct. at Killarney: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-3.

 

Final on Sat. 16^th Oct. at Lewis Road, Killarney: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 1-13; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9.

An 11^th hour match-winning point, scored by Austin Stacks’ corner-forward Eoin Moynihan, gave his team victory in that highly exciting final. The winners enjoyed a one-point lead with five minutes remaining in the first half before Jason Griffin put Rangers into the lead with a goal but two points scored by Stacks before the break saw the teams level, 0-7 to 1-4, at halftime.

Laune Rangers were first to score after the restart with a pint to put them ahead. In that very competitive half, points were exchanged by both teams, which resulted in level scores with the lead changing hands on four occasions. Just after Stack’s had gone into a 0-11 to 1-7 lead midway through the half, their corner-forward Roy Enright got through for a magnificent goal. As Stacks celebrated, Laune Rangers took a very quick kick-out and, seconds later, it was their turn to celebrate when Derry O Sullivan buried a shot in the Stack’s net to leave just a point separating the teams once more. A poor kick-out by Stacks saw Rangers level matters for the fourth time in the half and then go into a one-point lead. Stacks went level again and, in a highly charged closing few minutes, Eoin Moynihan became the hero.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Joe Hayes, Denis Cleary, Eoin Ferris, Karl Griffin, Mark Conway, Terence Houlihan (0-1). Liam Foley, John F. O Brien, Mikey Griffin (0-2), Michael O Reilly (0-2), Joe Healy (0-2), Jason Griffin (1-0), John Moriarty, Derry O Sullivan (1-2). Sub: John Ahern for J. Griffin.

 

Co. Football League Div. 5

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 21^st March at Tuosist: Tuosist Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 4^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; Derrynane 0-4.

The match was played in atrocious conditions in very wet J.P. O Sullivan Park. Jason Griffin was in sparkling form, while Joe Hayes, Eddie Birmingham, Karl Griffin and Jerry O Brien also played well. Timmy Moroney suffered a facial injury and had to be replaced.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Timmy Moroney, Eoin Ferris, Eddie Birmingham, Mark Conway, John F. O Brien, Joe Hayes, Karl Griffin, John Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, Jerry O Brien, John Ahern, Jason Griffin (1-3), Kevin Cahillane (0-2), Joe Healy (0-1). Subs: Robert Moriarty, Brian Curran (both played).

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 17^th April at Ballybunion: Asdee 1-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-9.

Despite losing John Ahern to a dubious sending-off decision (second bookable offence, for which he was subsequently suspended for two weeks), Laune Rangers proved to be much too strong for Asdee. The goal-scorers were Jason Griffin, Michael O Reilly, Terence Houlihan and Trevor Gannon, who was excellent on his return from injury. The top performers were Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Joe Healy, Trevor Gannon and Kevin Cahillane.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Timmy Moroney, Eoin Ferris, Eddie Birmingham, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Mark Conway, John Moriarty, Michael O Reilly, John Ahern, Mikey Griffin, Gerry O Brien, Joe Healy, Kevin Cahillane, Jason Griffin. Sub: Trevor Gannon for M. Griffin.

Ref: Paddy Collins.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 16^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-5; Fossa 2-8.

That was a disappointing display and the only players to play well were Paul Russell, Michael O Reilly and Gerry O Brien. Unfortunately, two players, John Moriarty and Karl Griffin, were shown the new controversial red card, having received two yellow cards for cautionable offences.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Harry Bawden, Terence Houlihan, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Paul Russell, John Moriarty, Michael O Reilly, John Ahern, Mikey Griffin, Trevor Gannon, Kevin Cahillane, Gerry O Brien, Jason Griffin.

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 29^th May at Cromane: Cromane 2-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8.

That game was played in great spirit on an evening that was perfect for football. Laune Rangers drew first blood with a point from John Ahern after 5 minutes. Cromane began to get a grip on the game and had three points from Sean O Sullivan, to which Trevor Gannon responded for the Rangers. The first goal of the game was scored by Cromane’s Paul O Sullivan to leave his team ahead by 1-3 to 0-2 halfway through the first half. Laune Rangers replied immediately with a goal of their own, a sweet strike by Jason Griffin. There appeared to have been little danger when he received the ball wide on the left, but he managed to wriggle his way along the end-line to slide the ball past Patie Casey in the Cromane goal. The home side finished the half the stronger with points by Tomás Hayes and Sean O Sullivan to lead at the break by 1-5 to 1-2.

The second half was a tense affair. Cromane opened up a four point lead with a point by William Joy, but Laune Rangers reduced it to two points, 1-7 to 1-5, with points from Trevor Gannon and Jerry O Brien. Then came the game’s clinching score. Cromane’s 16-year old substitute, who had been on the field just five minutes, unleashed a thunderbolt, giving Tony Lyons no chance. Martin Sweeney added a point straight after to leave Cromane ahead by 2-8 to 1-5. There were 15 minutes left to play and Laune Rangers were not about to give up. Points by John Moriarty, Michael O Reilly and Paul Russell narrowed the gap but they were unable to penetrate for the all-important goal.

Best for a determined Rangers side were Eddie Birmingham, Karl Griffin, John Ahern, Trevor Gannon and Jason Griffin.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Mark Conway, Eoin Ferris, Eddie Birmingham, Timmy Moroney, John F. O Brien, Karl Griffin, Michael O Reilly (0-1), John Moriarty (0-1), Jerry O Brien (0-1), Mikey Griffin (0-1), John Ahern (0-1), Jason Griffin (1-0), Pierce Prendiville, Trevor Gannon (0-2). Subs: Joe Healy for T. Moroney, Paul Russell (0-1) for J. Griffin (inj.), Terence Houlihan for J. O Brien.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 5^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10; Beale 0-10.

Rangers led at halftime by 0-6 to 0-4 against the Division’s leaders and gave a fine display throughout to earn a draw. The best performers were Jason Griffin, John Moriarty, John Ahern and Mark Conway.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Harry Bawden, Eddie Birmingham, Michael O Reilly, Timmy Moroney, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Mark Conway, John Moriarty, John Ahern, Joe Healy, Mikey Griffin, Paul Russell, Trevor Gannon, Jerry O Brien, Jason Griffin. Sub: Aidan O Connor for T. Gannon (inj.).

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 19^th June at Portmagee: Skellig Rangers 2-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-5.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 11^th July: Laune Rangers w/o; Kilgarvan scr.

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 24^th July: Listry 1-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9.

That was a hard-earned victory for Listry over a well-drilled and strong Laune Rangers team. It was 1-7 to 1-4 in Listry’s favour at halftime and, with five minutes remaining, it was level at 1-9 apiece. In a last attack, Listry snatched victory. Rangers had stars in John Moriarty, Michael O Reilly, John Ahern, Mikey Griffin and Joe Hayes, while Pat Leahy, who was making his debut, was outstanding. Rangers were without the services of Karl Griffin and Jerry O Brien.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Mark Conway, Michael O Reilly, Timmy Moroney, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Joe Hayes, Liam Foley, John Ahern, Pat Leahy, Mikey Griffin, Trevor Gannon, Joe Healy, John Moriarty, Jason Griffin.

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 15^th Aug. at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-11; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-9.

 

Rd. 12 on Sat. 28^th Aug. at Churchill: Churchill 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-15.

Karl Griffin, Pat O Keeffe and Pat Leahy were in fine form

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Joe Hayes, John F. O Brien, Mark Conway, Terence Houlihan, Karl Griffin, Paul Russell, Michael O Reilly, Pat O Keeffe, Pat Leahy, Mikey Griffin, Trevor Gannon, Joe Healy, John Moriarty, Jerry O Brien.

 

Rd. 13 on Sun. 26^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Scartaglin.

 

Barrett Cup

Coach/Trainer – Danny Cahill. Selectors – Peter Byrne, Dominic Crowley and Jamie Clifford.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 17^th Aug. at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-12; Currow ‘B’ 1-5.

Laune Rangers led by 0-6 to 0-3 at halftime despite squandering many first half chances by going for goals, instead of taking easy points. They learned from their mistakes in the second half and the floodgates opened. Best for the Rangers were the fullback line, especially, Eddie Birmingham and Timmy Moroney in the halfback line. The midfield pairing of Pat O Keeffe and Michael Cahillane lorded it, while Fiachra O Donoghue, Pat Leahy, Eoin O Sullivan and substitute Cian Evans were lively up front.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, John O Donnell, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Timmy Moroney, Brian Houlihan, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Cahillane, Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Fiachra O Donoghue, Pat Leahy, Donncha Curran. Subs: Cian Evans for D. Curran, Andrew O Reilly, Redmond Fitzgerald, Colm Conway, Billy O Mahony.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 20^th Aug. at Ballymac: Ballymac ‘B’ 0-12; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-14.

Vice-captain, Enda Clifford, kept another clean sheet and Pat Leahy was in magnificent form up front.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Brian Houlihan, Michael Cahillane, Pat O Keeffe, Aidan O Connor, Alan O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan, Cian Evans, Pat Leahy, Fiachra O Donoghue.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 27^th Aug. at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-9; Dr. Crokes ‘C’ 0-8.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Brian Houlihan, Michael Cahillane, Pat O Keeffe, Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Fiachra O Donoghue, Pat Leahy, John O Donnell. Subs: Bertie O Riordan for E. Clifford, Colm Conway for A. O Connor, Tom Crowley for J. O Donnell, Paul O Brien, Anthony Foley.

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 16^th Sept. at Farranfore: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-5; Austin Stacks ‘C’ 1-9.

The heart, which the team showed, was very encouraging. They trailed by two points at halftime and, despite some great Stacks’ pressure, they kept their cool to outplay the Tralee boys in the second half. There were outstanding performances all over the park. Bob Foley, Robert Moriarty and Andrew O Reilly were stout in defence, Pat O Keeffe and Michael Cahillane were powerful at midfield, while young guns Tom Crowley and Darragh Burns, who scored two goals, were in a class of their own.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, John O Donnell, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Timmy Moroney, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Cahillane, Tom Crowley, Alan O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan, Cian Evans, Pat Leahy, Darragh Burns. Subs: Aidan O Connor for C. Evans, Paul O Brien, Bertie O Riordan.

 

Final on Sun. 24^th Oct. at Blennerville: Moyvane ‘B’ 1-14; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-6.

An inspired Moyvane ‘B’ team was too strong for Laune Rangers ‘C’ in that final. In a high-scoring game, played in very wet conditions, the Killorglin side had to give second best. However, they opened the scoring with a point from Barry O Sullivan, but Liam O Connor levelled matters immediately. Rangers continued to dominate the opening quarter and they got a tonic goal, when Thomas McGillycuddy slammed the ball to the net to give them a three-point lead. That seemed to wake the North-Kerry side up and, from then to the end of the half, they notched up six points without reply. Rangers had no answer to that power-play from Moyvane. They found it hard to get the ball past midfield and, when they did, a combination of wasteful kicking, poor passing and good pressure from the winners’ defence saw them unable to put any more scores on the board. Halftime score – Moyvane ‘B’ 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-1.

Like the first half, Laune Rangers started the second half brighter and they had early scores from Barry O Sullivan. He was the most dangerous of the Rangers’ forwards and he kicked his, and Rangers’, third point after 5 minutes. They brought themselves back into the game when Fiachra O Donoghue pointed and then Barry O Sullivan scored an excellent goal to put them ahead by one point. The latter tacked on another point to leave Rangers two points to the good. Moyvane refused to panic and John Stack scored a great goal to regain the lead. Rangers had little left in the tank and the fitter Moyvane team notched up four points without reply to win deservedly. Laune Rangers’ best players were Barry O Sullivan, Eoin Clifford, Michael Cahillane and Thomas McGillycuddy.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, Brian Houlihan, Andrew O Reilly, Robert Moriarty, Thomas McGillycuddy, Michael Cahillane, Aidan O Connor, Alan O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan, Tom Crowley, Barry O Sullivan, Fiachra O Donoghue. Subs: Bertie O Riordan for E. Birmingham, Cian Evans for A. O Connor, Redmond Fitzgerald for T. Moroney, Pa Crowley.

 

Co. Urban Football League – Div. 2 South

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 14^th May in Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 7-12; Scartaglin ‘B’ 0-4.

Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly and all the forwards were in great form on the night.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Pat Leahy, John O Donnell, Fergus Clifford, Robert Moriarty, Eddie Birmingham, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Kevin Cahillane, Paul Russell, Michael Cahillane, Donncha Curran. Subs: David Marmion for J. Moriarty, Michael Lynch for D. Curran, Carl O Sullivan for M. Cahillane, Anthony Foley.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 21^st May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 0-12; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-10.

Michael Lynch and John Francis O Brien were the only players to do themselves justice on the night.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Pat Leahy, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Paul Russell, Alan O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Donncha Curran, Michael Cahillane, Michael Lynch. Subs: Eoin O Sullivan for D. Curran, Carl O Sullivan, David Marmion, Anthony Foley.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 28^th May at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 6-14; Cromane ‘B’ 2-12.

There were fine displays from Robert Moriarty, Mike Cahillane, Aidan O Connor, Donncha Curran, Andrew O Reilly and Shane Harmon. Bertie O Riordan made a welcome return to goals.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Pa Galvin, John O Donnell, Terence Houlihan, Paul Russell, Robert Moriarty, Brian Houlihan, Andrew O Reilly, Michael Cahillane, Kevin Cahillane, Derry O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Michael Lynch, Donncha Curran, Carl O Sullivan. Subs: Anthony O Sullivan for M. Lynch, Eoin O Sullivan for C. O Sullivan, Shane Harmon for P. Galvin, Colm Conway, Danny Cahill, Paul O Brien.

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 4^th June at Dromid: Dromid Pearses ‘B’ 3-15; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-3.

As the score-line suggested, the team was at the end of a hammering, with only Brian Houlihan acquitting himself well.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Brian Curran, John O Donnell, Terence Houlihan, Brian Houlihan, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Moriarty, Pat O Keeffe, Michael Cahillane, Aidan O Connor, Andrew O Reilly, Paul O Brien, Bertie O Riordan, Alan O Sullivan, Donncha Curran. Subs: Billy O Mahony for P. O Brien, Anthony Foley for B. O Mahony.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 11^th June at Cloon: Dr. Crokes ‘C’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Bertie O Riordan, Timmy Moroney, John O Donnell, Robert Moriarty, Brian Houlihan, Eddie Birmingham, Robert Foley, John Moriarty, Pat O Keeffe, John Ahern, Michael Cahillane, Alan O Sullivan, Donncha Curran, Danny Cahill, Michael Lynch. Subs: Paul O Brien, Dominic Crowley.

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 18^th June at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-13; Valentia ‘B’ 0-8.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bob Foley, John O Donnell, Bertie O Riordan, Robert Moriarty, John F. O Brien, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Pat O Keeffe, Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Donncha Curran, Michael Cahillane, Pat Leahy.

 

Rd. 7 on Fri. 25^th June at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 0-4; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-10.

After a terrible first-half display after which the teams were level at 0-4 each, a stern halftime talk saw Rangers play like men possessed and blew the opposition away. In the first half, Enda Clifford made a fine penalty save.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bertie O Riordan, John O Donnell, Paul Russell, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Pat O Keeffe, Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Donncha Curran, Michael Cahillane, Pat Leahy. Subs: Danny Cahill and Bob Foley (both played).

 

Rd. 8 on Fri. 2^nd July at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 3-5; Kenmare ‘B’ 1-9.

Two very late goals by Alan O Sullivan saw him complete his hat-trick and thus ensure victory for his team against the table-toppers. Also in good form were Bertie O Riordan, Bob Foley and Paul Russell.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bertie O Riordan, John O Donnell, Bob Foley, Paul Russell, Andrew O Reilly, Brian Houlihan, John Moriarty, Pat O Keeffe, John Ahern, Alan O Sullivan, Pat Leahy, Michael Lynch, Michael Cahillane, Donncha Curran. Subs: Robert Moriarty for B. Houlihan, Aidan O Connor for D. Curran, Eoin O Sullivan for M. Lynch, Cian Foley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Patrick Galvin.

 

Rd. 9 on Fri. 9^th July at Waterville: Waterville ‘B’ 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-12.

Despite the victory, the team finished joint fourth in the league with Glenbeigh ‘B’ and was omitted from the closing stages of the league because they had been beaten by Glenbeigh in the preliminary round. A long and eventful trip home from Waterville was enjoyed by all in Sean Houlihan’s Bus, which docked in Killorglin at 4.00am!

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Enda Clifford, Bertie O Riordan, John O Donnell, Bob Foley, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Brian Houlihan, Pa O Keeffe, Michael Cahillane, John Ahern, Alan O Sullivan, Eoin O Sullivan, Aidan O Connor, Pat Leahy, Donncha Curran. Subs: Redmond Fitzgerald for E. Clifford, Kevin Cahillane for A. O Connor.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 12^th Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 3-24; Keel 0-5.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 17^th Oct. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-9; Laune Rangers 1-14.

That was a tempestuous game, played in a sunny Paddy Burke Memorial Park. After a controversial opening point in the first minute from the boot of Pa O Sullivan, Laune Rangers settled into a familiar pattern and played well throughout the park. They added four points from Tommy Byrne, Brian Gannon and Liam Hassett (2). Liam Hassett and Pa O Sullivan added two more before the break. Having played with the aid of the breeze in the first half, Rangers led on a score-line of 0-7 to 0-3 at halftime.

Billy O Sullivan scored a point on the restart. Tommy Byrne and Billy O Sullivan extended Rangers’ lead with points. Halfway through the second half Laune Rangers produced a goal to grace any occasion, when a move started by John Sheehan and, which also involved Mike Hassett, Mike Frank Russell and Pa O Sullivan, was finished magnificently by the quicksilver Paul Griffin to the net. That really rattled the home side and the game got dirty, with a number of unsavoury incidents occurring. The outcome was never really in doubt in the second half and Laune Rangers ran out easy winners, Mike Frank Russell getting the final score.

Brendan Fitzgerald was outstanding in defence, putting the shackles on danger-man Ian Twiss. Pierce Prendiville dominated at midfield and once again Liam Hassett was the perfect target-man at full-forward. Evergreen Peter Lyons produced a top notch display with two magnificent saves.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Mike Hassett (capt.), Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Johnny Lynch, Brian Gannon, MF Russell, Joe Healy, Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Paul Griffin.

 

Final on Sun. 21^st Nov. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-9; Beaufort 1-7.

Con Dennehy reported for Kerry’s Eye as follows: “Age-old rivals, Beaufort and Laune Rangers served up an entertaining Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship final at the Paddy Burke Memorial Park, Milltown. Rangers had to fight all the way in this classic encounter to dispose of a dogged Beaufort side which played with passion and commitment. The large crowd was treated to an exciting contest that saw the sides level at the interval, with Rangers finally pulling away from their neighbours towards the end of the game thanks to points from Pa O Sullivan and Tommy Byrne.

From the throw-in, Rangers took control with the game played at a frantic pace. However, throughout the game the Beaufort defence held the speedy Killorglin forwards with inspirational play from Eamonn Breen, Kevin O Brien, Michael Kissane, Fergal Spillane and, man-of-the-match, John B. O Brien. Rangers were first to score with a point from Mike Frank Russell after Liam Hassett had taken on four defenders. Gary McGrath levelled the scores in the 5^th minute with a free. Rangers continued to press forward and, with Tommy Byrne collecting the breaking balls at midfield, the forwards had a good supply of possession. Beaufort went into the lead with a point from a free by Ian O Shea in the 10^th minute. However, the sides were level two minutes later when Liam Hassett took a quick free from Pierce Prendiville and pointed. A free from midfield by Gary McGrath in the 21^st minute saw the holders regain the lead but this was short-lived when Mike Frank Russell had a point from a free at the other end. Both sides exchanged points before the interval, with Rangers scoring courtesy of MF Russell and Beaufort’s coming from a punched effort by Rory McGrath. He had a disappointing afternoon, as he was well marshalled by the Killorglin fullback, John Sheehan.

The second half was an exciting affair and had the large crowd on its feet for most of the half. Beaufort moved John B. O Brien onto Mike Frank Russell and he proceeded to keep him scoreless. Rangers scored first with a good point from Pa O Sullivan, with the same player guilty of a missed effort in front of goal a minute later. The turning point in this local derby came in the 5^th minute when Mike Hassett fielded a high ball at midfield and delivered an inch-perfect pass to Billy O Sullivan. He slipped inside the defence to unleash a powerful shot to the Beaufort net. Hassett followed up with a well-delivered pass to Brian Gannon who made no mistake with a great point to leave his side five points clear. Killorglin were unlucky not to extend this lead when Mike Frank Russell embarked on an explosive solo along the wing and then blazed a powerful shot from the edge of the square, which was brilliantly saved by Sean Brosnan in the Beaufort goal at the expense of a ‘45’.

At the other end, Peter Lyons was called upon to bring off a spectacular save from Rory McGrath as Beaufort charged forward in search of a vital goal. Rangers extended their lead with a point from Pa O Sullivan. There were now six points between the sides and even the most loyal Beaufort supporters could see no comeback from this side. However, all changed in the 11^th minute when the holders were awarded a ‘45’, which was taken by Gary McGrath. The ‘45’ was hit hard and low with the ball dropping at the last minute and flashing past the defence into the net and Beaufort were back in the game. Rangers responded with a point from Tommy Byrne but it was Beaufort who were dominating. Points from frees by Ian O Shea and Gary McGrath left just two points between the sides and this was reduced to just a single point when Eanna O Malley latched onto a pass from Vincent O Donoghue. Both sides gave a pulsating display in the final 8 minutes. In the 24^th minute Paul Griffin set up Pa O Sullivan who produced a massive kick from midfield to score the final point of the afternoon.”

Rangers fought hard and, in the end, deserved their win. On the day they had stars in John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Mike Hassett, Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett and Paul Griffin. After the game, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, John Dowling, presented Rangers’ captain, Mike Hassett, with the O Connor Cup.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Mark O Connor, Johnny Lynch, Tommy Byrne (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Pierce Prendiville, Mike Hassett (capt.), Brian Gannon (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-3, 2 frees), Billy O Sullivan (1-0), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Liam Hassett (0-1), Paul Griffin. Sub: Billy O Shea for B. Gannon, Denis Cleary, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Derry O Sullivan, Harry Bawden, Paul Costello, Thomas McGillycuddy, Joe Healy, Cian Evans, Geoffrey O Mahony.

Beaufort: Sean Brosnan, John B. O Brien, Eamonn Breen, Kevin O Brien, Michael Kissane, Mícheál Foley, Fergal Spillane, Gary McGrath (1-3), Vincent O Donoghue, Eanna O Malley (0-1), Anthony Breen, Aidan Cremin, Donie Hartnett, Rory McGrath (0-1), Ian O Shea (0-2). Subs: Brendan Breen for I. O Shea.

Ref: Frank Walsh (Cromane).

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 28^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-6; Keel 0-7.

Both teams were under-strength but Laune Rangers made far better use of the scoring chances that came their way. Pa O Sullivan opened the scoring with a free after 2 minutes. Kieran Foley equalised for Keel in the 5^th minute. Pa O Sullivan put Rangers ahead again from a free but Keel responded again from the boot of Kieran Foley. Anthony Evans and John O Halloran were getting on top at midfield for Keel but their forwards were unable to convert their supremacy into scores. Keel led at halftime by 0-4 to 0-3, but Laune were lucky to be that close as K. Foley had a goal-bound shot go wide off the post with goalkeeper Tony Lyons well beaten.

Laune Rangers introduced John Sheehan and Pierce Prendiville to midfield for the second half and immediately after the restart they went ahead when Brian Gannon converted a penalty. However, Keel fought back and Michael O Connor reduced the lead with a great point from play. With the pitch cutting up badly, Rangers gradually got on top and two goals within two minutes from James O Shea and Pa O Sullivan put the game beyond Keel. Pa O Sullivan scored Rangers’ fourth goal after good work by Billy O Sullivan. Kieran Foley had the last say with a point in the final minute.

Killorglin were best served by Tony Lyons in goals, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Pa Murphy and Adrian Hassett in defence, John Sheehan and Pierce Prendiville, when introduced at halftime, Paul Griffin, Joe Healy, Pa O Sullivan, James O Shea and Brian Gannon in attack.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, John O Sullivan, Eoin Ferris, Denis Cleary, Pa Murphy, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Doona, James O Shea (1-0), Joe Healy, Pa O Sullivan (2-5, 4 frees), Brian Gannon (1-1), Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, Trevor Gannon. Subs: John Sheehan, Pierce Prendiville (both played).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 7^th March at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 0-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5.

A goal in the 20^th minute of the first half by wing-forward Martin Burke enabled Milltown/Castlemaine to open the season on a winning note over Laune Rangers after an intense battle. Underfoot conditions were terrible and both teams tried to overcome the slippery surface that made attractive football impossible. Both sides started well, exchanging points in the 4^th minute with Gavin Wrenn for the visitors and Brian Gannon for the Rangers. Early in the half, Tommy Byrne was clearly on top at midfield and set up numerous attacks that had Milltown in disarray for short periods of time. The Killorglin men had most of the possession but could not penetrate a rock-solid Milltown defence.

Milltown were unlucky not to score a goal in the 7^th minute when Martin Burke saw his goal-bound shot brilliantly saved by the impressive Tony Lyons. He was one of Killorglin’s best players on that Sunday, bringing off a series of great saves that denied the opposition at least four goals over the hour. Both sides exchanged points midway through the half with Mike Burke on target of the winners and Billy O Sullivan replying for the home side to level the scores. The turning point of the game came in the 20^th minute when Martin Burke sent a powerful left-legged shot low and hard past Tony Lyons for the only goal of that local derby. Milltown finished the half the stronger and a point by Gavin Wrenn gave them a 1-3 to 0-2 interval lead.

Milltown dominated the second half for long periods but could only manage two points – one in the 10^th minute from a free by Derek Twiss and the other from the boot of Gene Daly. The Killorglin defence played with passion in the second half and had some good performances from Denis Cleary, Adrian Hassett and Eoin Ferris. Rangers had the first score of the half when Shane O Sullivan pointed from long range in the 2^nd minute. Other Laune Rangers’ points came from Michael O Reilly in the 21^st minute, when he linked up with substitute Garrath Sheehan, and there were two late points from the impressive Billy O Sullivan. In the end, the better team won. Laune Rangers had lined out without the services of Billy O Shea, Mike and Liam Hassett, who were on Kerry team duty, and Pa O Sullivan, who was in Belfast helping Tralee IT to win a third Sigerson Cup.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Adrian Hassett (capt.), Denis Cleary, John O Sullivan, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Tommy Byrne, James O Shea, Jason Griffin, Brian Gannon (0-1), Trevor Gannon, Joe Healy, Michael O Reilly (0-1), Billy O Sullivan (0-3). Subs: Pierce Prendiville for T. Gannon, Garrath Sheehan for J. Healy, Paul Costello.

Ref: William O Shea (Keel).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 9^th May at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-13; Beaufort 3-5.

Con Dennehy reported on the game in Kerry’s Eye as follows: “The game failed to live up to its pre-match excitement due in part to a very poor display from the current Mid-Kerry Champions, Beaufort. Laune Rangers, minus the services of Peter Lyons, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Denis Cleary and Mark O Connor, dominated all sectors for 45 minutes of this mainly one-sided encounter. Beaufort could not match the fitness or skill of their opponents with the final score giving an inaccurate picture of the game. In fairness to Beaufort, they mounted a last quarter surge of energy and could easily have snatched the game when substitute Mike O Brien was free at the edge of the square, but his hastily taken shot was well saved by the consistent Killorglin goalkeeper, Tony Lyons.

Laune Rangers opted to play with the assistance of a very strong wind in the opening half but, despite this advantage, kicked a total of nine wides in this half. Rangers had a star player in full-forward Pa O Sullivan, who scored 1-6 over the hour and caused havoc in the Beaufort defence throughout the game. O Sullivan was outstanding, coming out-field to collect possession and laying off numerous passes to his forwards to help seal victory for his side. Killorglin began impressively with Pa O Sullivan scoring from a free inside 20 seconds. Beaufort responded with a point from a free by Gary McGrath in the 2^nd minute. Rangers settled quickly and, with Liam Hassett and Tommy Byrne on top at midfield, the Killorglin forward line was supplied with an ample supply of the ball. Poor shooting saw them account for five wides in a four minute period before Pa O Sullivan kicked a splendid point from midfield to edge his side ahead.

In a rare Beaufort attack after nine minutes, Gary McGrath set up wing-back Mícheál Kissane who cut through the defence but his shot came back off the upright to the waiting Aidan Cremin who was fouled as he attempted to kick the ball. Referee John Twiss had no hesitation in awarding a penalty to Beaufort, which was well converted by Gary McGrath for a splendid goal. Rangers continued to dictate and, by the 20^th minute, led by 0-7 to 1-1. The Killorglin scores during this period came from Pa O Sullivan (2), Billy O Sullivan, Paul Griffin and John Sheehan. Indeed the Killorglin side could have been further ahead but splendid goalkeeping by Sean Brosnan saved his side on a number of occasions in this half. In an effort to win vital possession at midfield, Beaufort brought out full-forward, Gary McGrath, to mark Tommy Byrne with Vincent O Donoghue moving to full-forward. This move would reap rewards towards the end of the opening half. Killorglin added another point before the interval when a six man passing move resulted in Paul Griffin scoring from an acute angle. Beaufort finished strongly with a point from a free by Gary McGrath and, in the final minute of the half, a goal. The goal was an excellent score, which began when Gary McGrath embarked on a long solo run down the wing leaving three players in his wake before passing to Vincent O Donoghue who made no mistake from close range. At the interval, the sides were level, 0-8 to 2-2, despite the dominance of Rangers in the half.

The second half began as the first half concluded, with Laune Rangers forcing the early pace, scoring from the throw-in with a Paul Griffin point and a similar score from Pa O Sullivan in the third minute. A brilliant save by Sean Brosnan in the Beaufort goal prevented a certain goal from Billy O Sullivan in the 5^th minute. At the other end of the field, Ian Joy had a pointed free for Beaufort, who had to wait until the 20^th minute for their next score. Rangers continued to press forward with Pa O Sullivan on hand to punch home a great goal from a pass by Brendan Fitzgerald to move into a four-point lead. O Sullivan, Tommy Byrne and Paul Griffin had further points as Rangers looked to record an emphatic win. In a rare Beaufort attack, Anthony Breen collected a good ball at midfield and passed to Mike Falvey who drew two defenders before setting up Cormac O Shea for a splendid goal that brought his side right back into the game with just 10 minutes remaining. This goal seemed to inspire Beaufort with O Shea adding a point in the 23^rd minute from out on the wing. In a pulsating last five minutes, Beaufort tried hard to snatch victory but time ran out for the Mid-Kerry Champions, as they made their exit from the league. In the end, Rangers deserved the victory. They were a faster and fitter side, who let the ball off fast and were capable of scoring long-range points.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Paul Costello, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Ferris, John Sheehan (0-1), Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Tommy Byrne (0-1), Brendan Fitzgerald, James O Shea, Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-4), Pa O Sullivan (1-6, 5 frees), Brian Gannon.

Ref: John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sat. 3^rd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-15; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-10.

A blistering opening quarter, during which they scored seven unanswered points, proved decisive as Laune Rangers held onto their Bunker’s Bar sponsored Mid-Kerry Senior Football League title after that entertaining final played before a large crowd in the JP O Sullivan Park. But they had to call on all their fighting qualities as Milltown/Castlemaine made a right fight for the laurels only to be denied by the superb accuracy of Pa O Sullivan, who kicked 10 points of his side’s total.

Both sides lined out without regulars, with Gavin Wrenn and Fionán Kelliher missing for the losers and Billy O Shea and Liam Hassett absentees from the Rangers’ starting line-up. However, O Shea and Hassett were introduced in the second half and were vital to their side’s victory. Rangers made a whirlwind start. Brian Gannon opened the scoring with a point and Pa O Sullivan and Paul Griffin followed with further points before O Sullivan shoved over four more points in the 7^th, 8^th, 10^th and 12^th minutes, the last three being frees. That left the Killorglin side 0-7 to 0-0 ahead. It looked pretty bad for Milltown/Castlemaine at that stage and it took them until the 15^th minute to register their first score, a point by Derek Twiss. However, it was noticeable that Joe and Gene Daly were getting on top in the midfield sector and the challengers followed with two pointed frees from Ian Twiss.

Milltown/Castlemaine continued to press and two more pointed frees from Ian and Derek Twiss made it 0-7 to 0-5 in the 29^th minute. At that stage, the Milltown/Castlemaine backs were well on top and, in fact, Rangers had to wait 21 minutes for their next score – a point by Billy O Sullivan three minutes into overtime. In fact, referee John Galvin played seven minutes of overtime and Rangers were to get another point before the break to stretch their lead to 0-9 to 0-5.

Milltown/Castlemaine had the breeze behind them in the second half and they closed the gap to two points with pointed frees from the boot of Ian Twiss. The next score fell to MF Russell (free) in the 42 minute but Milltown hit back for two more points by Sean Burke and Ian Twiss to leave the score at 0-10 to 0-9 with 16 minutes left to play. Rangers needed new vigour and their backroom team introduced two substitutes within minutes of each other. And what subs to have! Liam Hassett replaced B. Gannon in the 45^th minute and, five minutes later, Billy O Shea came on for Pa Murphy. It was indeed a luxury when you could spring two Kerry panellists from the bench when trouble brewed and it paid off for Rangers.

Billy O Shea, in particular, made a telling contribution – his freshness giving new life to the team effort. Rangers proceeded to put pressure on the Milltown/Castlemaine back-line, which resulted in Pa O Sullivan kicking over four unanswered points from frees to put his side firmly in the driving seat. In the 54^th minute, Milltown’s Mike Quirke and Rangers’ Paul Griffin were given their marching orders for what looked like an innocent enough squabble. Two minutes later, Billy O Sullivan had Rangers’ last score – a well taken point. A goal-bound shot by Jason Giles was deflected over the bar by Mike Hassett for the last score of a highly exciting encounter.

As with most games between those two sides, that contest was full of incident and passion and provided excellent viewing for the sizeable crowd. The commitment of both sides was full-blooded and both sides dearly wanted to win. In the end, it was the boot of Pa O Sullivan that was to prove decisive. His accuracy early in the game paved the way for Rangers and late in the game, when Rangers needed someone to steady the ship, he was on hand to kick four invaluable points. It was truly a man-of-the-match performance. John Sheehan was another Ranger to put in a worthwhile hour. He had the job of marking Ian Twiss, Milltown’s danger-man, and, over the course of the game, broke even with him, maybe even shading the confrontation. He limited Twiss to one point from play. Mike Hassett was rock-solid at centre halfback, collecting a lot of ball off midfield and his distribution was excellent. Mike Frank Russell made his first full appearance on the Mid-Kerry scene since his injury and he found the going tough against Alfie Giles. The introduction of Liam Hassett and Billy O Shea proved crucial to the final result. Hassett was always a danger at the edge of the ‘square’, while O Shea roamed the field to great effect and kicked a good point in the process.

Afterwards, the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, John Dowling, presented the cup to winning Laune Rangers’ captain, Adrian Hassett, while sponsor Pat O Brien, of Nick’s Bar, Milltown, presented the man-of-the-match award to top scorer, Pa O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers: Peter Lyons, John Sheehan, Adrian Hassett (capt.), Mark O Connor, Shane O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Pa Murphy, Tommy Byrne, Johnny Lynch, Billy O Sullivan (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-10), Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Griffin (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-1), MF Russell (0-1). Subs: Liam Hassett for B. Gannon, Billy O Shea for P. Murphy, Denis Cleary for A. Hassett, Derry O Sullivan, Geoffrey O Mahony, Jason Griffin, Terence Houlihan, Joe Healy.

Ref: John Galvin (Cromane).

Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Football Championship

Laune Rangers requested and were granted the regrading of Mikey Griffin, Trevor Gannon and Joe Hayes from senior status for the purposes of that competition.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 4^th May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-11.

Laune Rangers, who led by 1-6 to 0-6 at halftime, were best served by John Moriarty, John Ahern, Michael O Reilly and debutants Andrew O Reilly and Aidan O Connor.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, John O Donnell, Timmy Moroney, Eddie Birmingham, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Robert Moriarty, John Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Mikey Griffin, John Ahern, Aidan O Connor, Carl O Sullivan, Derry O Sullivan, Trevor Gannon.

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 11^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Keel ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 18^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort scr; Laune Rangers w/o.

 

Rd. 4 on Tues. 25^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-11; Cromane ‘B’ 0-10.

Brian Gannon was in inspired form for the Rangers.

 

Rd. 5 on Tues. 1^st June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-8; Laune Rangers 2-4.

Despite a dreadful start, Rangers trailed by 0-5 to 0-0 midway through the first half. However, they rallied with two goals from the ‘quick-silver’ Jerry O Brien. Some stout defending, in the second half, saw the team through and into the final. Best for the Rangers were Liam Foley, in goals, Robert Moriarty, Andrew O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville, Eddie Birmingham, Mikey Griffin and Jerry O Brien.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Liam Foley, Eddie Birmingham, Michael O Reilly, Robert Moriarty, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Andrew O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville, John Moriarty, Paul Russell, Mikey Griffin, Jerry O Brien, Joe Healy, Brian Gannon, Trevor Gannon.

 

Final on Tues. 15^th June at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 0-12; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8.

Glenbeigh/Glencar fielded a very strong soide, whereas Laune Rangers were handicapped by the loss through injury of the two Gannon’s, Brian and Trevor. Brendan Fitzgerald opened the scoring with a point and Glenbeigh immediately responded through Aidan Roche. Rangers again went ahead but then Glenbeigh had three points from Ken O Connor (2) and Gerard O Connor. Mikey Griffin and Ken O Connor exchanged points to leave the halftime score at 0-5 to 0-3 in favour of the winners.

The second half resumed in the same way, scores coming from both sides at different times. The Laune scores came from Mikey Griffin (1), John Ahern (1) and Brendan Fitzgerald (3).

Laune Rangers: Liam Foley, Denis Cleary, Michael O Reilly, Timmy Moroney, Terence Houlihan, John F. O Brien, Andrew O Reilly, Pierce Prendiville, John Moriarty, Jerry O Brien, John Ahern, Brendan Fitzgerald, Joe Healy, Mikey Griffin, Paul Russell. Sub: Joe Hayes.

Ref: John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine)

 

Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup

Sat. 22^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Milltown/Castlemaine scr.

 

Final on Sun. 5^th Sept. in Glenbeigh: Cromane ‘A’ 3-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9.

Cromane had to fight all the way in that local derby to overcome a stubborn challenge from Laune Rangers ‘B’, who had a dramatic last 10 minutes, coming to within a single point of victory. With just minutes remaining in the game Cromane led by 3-7 to 1-8 when Rangers struck for a brilliant goal by Mikey Griffin following a short free from Brian Gannon. From the kick-out, Gannon sent a high ball into the Cromane square and, in a goalmouth scramble, the ball was deflected for a ‘45’, which was converted by Brendan Fitzgerald in the 31^st minute. That was to be the final score of the game.

The sides were level on five occasions over the hour and, at the interval, the score was 1-6 each. Both sides were evenly matched in the opening half, with Rangers slightly on top at midfield where Pierce Prendiville was a commanding figure. Rangers opened the scoring with a point from a free by Mikey Griffin inside 30 seconds. Cromane added a point in the 4^th minute from Brian O Sullivan, before points were swapped by O Sullivan and Brian Gannon to tie the scores after 7 minutes. Rangers moved into a two-point lead with scores from Terence Houlihan and Jerry O Brien to lead after 10 minutes. Brian O Sullivan reduced the lead with a point for Cromane from an acute angle in the 10^th minute and, a minute later, the sides were level again when Sean O Sullivan had a pointed free for the winners. Laune Rangers enjoyed periods of dominance in that half thanks to hard work by Karl Griffin, Pat Leahy and Brian Gannon, but they met with an in-form Cromane backline that played superbly over the hour. A key element in the Cromane victory was the display of the backs and in particular centre halfback, Colm Joy, and corner-back, Patrick Conway.

Cromane’s first goal came in the 13^th minute when a long free by Sean O Sullivan drifted into the square, with team captain Tomás Hayes rising the highest to punch the ball past Rangers’ goalkeeper, Tony Lyons. The Killorglin side fought back with a point from Pat Leahy and were unlucky not to score a goal when Pierce Prendiville’s goal-bound effort was scooped off the goal-line by Michael Teahan. In the 19^th minute, Rangers scored a goal when John Moriarty set up Brian Gannon for a well-executed effort, after the Cromane backs were caught off-guard following a Rangers’ move along the wing. Throughout the game, Rangers used the wings to good effect with the winners failing to counteract those moves. As the opening half came to a close, both sides had points from Paudie McCarthy and Sean O Sullivan for Cromane and Pat Leahy for the Killorglin side to leave the score at 1-6 each at the short whistle.

In an exciting second half, Cromane were guilty of some poor passing in scoring positions and were over-dependent on the skills of Sean O Sullivan to secure a victory. Indeed, he scored two vital goals at key stages in that half to help his side lift the Diarmuid O Sullivan Memorial Cup for the first time. With Ciaran O Callaghan on top at midfield, Cromane began to pile on the pressure and had a string of scores from Sean O Sullivan, who kicked 2-1. Rangers had second-half scores from Mikey Griffin (1-2) and a point from Brendan Fitzgerald. Indeed, Rangers had to wait from the 3^rd to the 21^st minutes of the half to record scores.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Tony Lyons, Mark Conway, Denis Cleary, Brendan Fitzgerald (0-1), Terence Houlihan (0-1), Karl Griffin, Joe Hayes, Pierce Prendiville, Michael O Reilly, Pat Leahy (0-2), Mikey Griffin (1-3, 2 frees), Jason Griffin, Brian Gannon (1-1), John Moriarty, Jerry O Brien (0-1). Subs: Joe Healy for J. Griffin, John F. O Brien for M. O Reilly, Eddie Birmingham.

Cromane ‘A’: Patie Casey, Eamonn O Connor, James Foley, Patrick Conway, Michael Teahan, Colm Joy, William Joy, Tomás Hayes (1-0), Ciaran O Callaghan, Martin Sweeney, David Moroney, Paudie McCarthy (0-1), Brian O Sullivan (0-3, 1 free), Sean O Sullivan (2-3, 3 frees), Maurice O Shea. Subs: Donncha Walsh for M. Sweeney, Colin O Sullivan for M. O Shea.

Ref: John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Senior Football Challenge Game

 

Mon. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; London 1-12.

The game was played in poor weather conditions. Noel Conroy was a substitute with the London team which was on its annual visit.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

Coach – James Sheehan. Selectors – Denis Cleary, Jerry Coffey and Noel O Mahony.

 

Preliminary Round on Tues. 20^th July at Direen: Legion 1-8; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

Mid-Kerry U-21 Football Championship

Even though it had been passed at the AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board in 1998 that an U-21 Championship would be organised, 1999 was the inaugural year of the competition, which was played on a knock-out system. The Ferris family, Dungeel, presented a trophy in memory of their father, Eugie Ferris.

 

Wed. 30^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Milltown/Castlemaine went on to win the title – the first holders of the Eugie Ferris Trophy.

 

Duhallow U-21 Football Invitation Cup

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

Trainer/Coach – James Sheehan. Selectors – Noel O Mahony, Denis Cleary and Jerry Coffey.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 29^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-9; Feale Rangers 2-6.

A very entertaining evening started with Laune Rangers racing into a 1-2 to 0-0 lead with some incisive attacking play seeing Ross Sheehan and Barry O Sullivan pointing and Geoffrey O Mahony finishing off a great move with a splendid goal, which began with midfielder Cian Evans. He was ably assisted at midfield by Thomas McGillycuddy. Rangers still led at halftime by 1-3 to 1-1. The North-Kerry side improved in the second half with Tadhg Kennelly in good form, although he was generally well-marshalled by Paul Costello. It was a grandstand finish, however, with Barry O Sullivan pointing from an acute angle in the last minute of normal time to put Laune Rangers ahead but Kennelly equalised very late in injury time to level matters.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Darren O Riordan, Pa Crowley, Colm Leahy, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Conor Falvey, Cian Evans, Thomas McGillycuddy, Darragh Burns, John E. Murphy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Ross Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan, William Byrne. Subs: Jonathan McCarthy and Vincent Griffin (both played), Colin Mangan, Fergus O Riordan, Dermot Houlihan, Paul McKenna, Seamie Foley, Padraig Clifford, Gerard O Sullivan, Timothy Cronin, Eoin Joy, Andrew O Regan, Robert Coffey. .

 

Rd. 1 replay on 27^th July at Listowel: Feale Rangers 3-18; Laune Rangers 2-12 (AET).

At a subsequent GPC meeting Denis Cleary was warned as to his future conduct towards match officials. He had been reported by the referee, Aidan Mangan, for abusive language towards him.

 

Co. Minor Football League

Laune Rangers were grouped with Listowel Emmett’s, Austin Stacks, Kilcummin, Dr. Crokes, Milltown/Castlemaine, Kerins O Rahillys and An Ghaeltacht.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 17^th March at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-12; Kilcummin 0-6.

Although winning the lion’s share of possession, Laune Rangers failed to put any distance between themselves and the visitors until a fine goal by the impressive Darragh Burns, midway through the second half, sealed the victory. Others to play well were Pa Crowley, Geoffrey O Mahony and Ross Sheehan.

Laune Rangers: William Byrne, Conor Falvey, Pa Crowley, Fergus O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Seamus Galvin, Harry Bawden, Cian Evans, Darragh Burns, John Edmond Murphy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Ross Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan, Vincent Griffin. Subs: Padraig Clifford, Jonathan McCarthy, Darren O Riordan.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 20^th March at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 3-5; Laune Rangers 0-9.

Rangers played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half but two early goals from the home team meant that they trailed at halftime. An Ghaeltacht were better able for the conditions and were good value for the win. Conor Falvey was sent off by the referee for rough play and he received a 2-weeks suspension subsequently.

Laune Rangers: William Byrne, Conor Falvey, Pa Crowley, Fergus O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Seamus Galvin, Harry Bawden, Cian Evans, Darragh Burns, Geoffrey O Mahony, Vincent Griffin, Ross Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan, John E. Murphy. Subs: Thomas McGillycuddy, Padraig Clifford, Jonathan McCarthy (all played).

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 2^nd April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 0-6; Laune Rangers 4-12.

Conditions were ideal for fast-flowing football. Rangers’ teamwork and willingness to contest every ball was the cornerstone of that fine, comfortable victory.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Colm Leahy, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan (1-0), Noel Lynch, Paul Costello (capt.), Seamus Galvin, Geoffrey O Mahony, Tom McGillycuddy, Darragh Burns (0-5), William Byrne (1-2), Vincent Griffin, Ross Sheehan (0-1), Barry O Sullivan (1-4), John Edward Murphy. Subs: Jonathan McCarthy, Dermot Houlihan (1-0) and Fergus O Riordan (all played).

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 14^th April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-6: Laune Rangers 1-7.

Rangers were forced to concede home venue as the J.P. O Sullivan Park was unplayable. They played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half, after which they led by 1-7 to 0-1. Some excellent combination-play yielded the scores. The second half turned out to be a defensive battle as O Rahillys had the initiative for most of that period. Some fine defending and a little lady luck saw Rangers hold out for a one-point victory, without having scored in the second half.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Colm Leahy, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Jonathan McCarthy, Geoffrey O Mahony (0-1), Tom McGillycuddy (1-0), Darragh Burns (0-1), William Byrne (0-1), Padraig Clifford, Ross Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan (0-4), Vincent Griffin. Subs: Dermot Houlihan and Conor Falvey (both played).

 

Rd. 7 on Fri. 23^rd April at Ballybunion: Emmett’s 1-10; Laune Rangers 2-7.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Rangers struggled to come to terms with a more robust Emmett’s side and trailed by 1-5 to 0-3 at the break. Playing with more resolve and competing better in the second half, the Rangers kept at their task of reducing the Emmett’s advantage. With no little spirit and a little luck, Rangers were fortunate to register a draw.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Colm Leahy, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Jonathan McCarthy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Tom McGillycuddy, Darragh Burns (0-1), William Byrne, Vincent Griffin, Ross Sheehan (1-1), Barry O Sullivan (0-5), John Edward Murphy. Subs: Cian Evans (1-0) and Conor Falvey (both played).

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 30^th April at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-8.

That was a titanic to-and-fro struggle. Best for Laune Rangers were Pa Crowley, Paul Costello and Ross Sheehan.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Colm Leahy, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Conor Falvey, Tom McGillycuddy, Geoffrey O Mahony, Darragh Burns, Cian Evans, Vincent Griffin, Ross Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan, John Edmond Murphy.

 

Rd. 6 on Fri. 7^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Austin Stacks.

 

Semi-final on Tues. 7^th Sept. at Farranfore: Kerins O Rahillys 2-11; Laune Rangers 0-11.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Fri. 3^rd Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

 

Final on Sat. 9^th Oct. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 2-11; Beaufort 1-1.

Playing with the assistance of a stiff breeze, the fitter and more motivated Killorglin side opened an early lead with points from the highly impressive Barry O Sullivan (2), Darragh Burns and John Edmond Murphy to lead by four points after just eight minutes of play. A key player in that opening half was the Rangers’ halfback, Noel Lynch, who had an excellent game, gaining vital possession around the middle of the field and setting up the majority of the winners’ scoring chances. Beaufort were under pressure from the throw-in but good play by fullback, Robert Doyle, kept the Rangers’ score-line to the minimum. The losers had to wait until the 26^th minute to register their first point, from a free by Donal Hartnett. Their goal came on the stroke of halftime from a well-struck free by Gerry Kelliher, the ball dipping under the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Harry Bawden helpless.

Amazingly, that was to be Beaufort’s final score of the game and, despite the assistance of a strong breeze in the second half, the forwards failed to penetrate a rock-solid Rangers’ defence. The sharp-shooting of Laune Rangers’ free-taker, Barry O Sullivan, was a feature of the first half, with the stylish corner-forward adding three more points and a well-struck goal in the 16^th minute when he cut through the defence following excellent work by Vinny Griffin. The killer blow for Beaufort came in the 28^th minute when Rangers scored their second goal. Darren O Riordan cleared a long ball downfield to John Edmond Murphy who set up Ross Sheehan for a brilliant goal. Rangers led by 2-7 to 1-1 at the interval.

Beaufort were a major disappointment in the second half. The side had just two chances of a goal from Sean Murphy and Padraig O Sullivan but Rangers’ goalkeeper, Harry Bawden, brought off two excellent saves. Rangers dominated most sectors of the field and were rewarded with points from Barry O Sullivan (3) and Darragh Burns to run out convincing winners. Best for the Rangers were Barry O Sullivan, the impressive Noel Lynch, Cian Evans, Colm Leahy, Darragh Burns, Ross Sheehan and Paul Costello.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Colm Leahy, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello (capt.), Conor Falvey, Thomas McGillycuddy, Cian Evans, Darragh Burns (0-2), Geoffrey O Mahony, Vinnie Griffin, Ross Sheehan (1-0), John Edmond Murphy (0-1), Barry O Sullivan (1-8, 8 frees). Subs: Seamus Galvin for G. O Mahony, Fergus O Riordan for R. Sheehan, Dermot Houlihan for V. Griffin, Colin Mangan, Seamus Foley, Gerard (twin) O Sullivan.

Ref: Mike Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

Mid-Kerry Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 16^th Oct. at Killorglin: Cromane Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 23^rd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Glenbeigh/Glencar.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 30^th Oct. at Keel: Keel 2-3; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Rd. 4 on Sat. 6^th Nov. at Beaufort: Beaufort Laune Rangers

Rd. 5 on Sat. 20^th Nov. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 3-6.

 

Final on Sat. 4^th Dec. at Cromane: Beaufort 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.

Beaufort avenged their Mid-Kerry Championship defeat at the hands of Laune Rangers when they won the Mid-Kerry Minor League by a single point at a cold and windswept Cromane. A motivated and focussed Beaufort had to fight to the bitter end to shake off the determined challenge of a highly fancied Laune Rangers’ side. The victory was laid with a splendid goal towards the end of the first half and that score enabled them to stay in the lead for most of that close and competitive local derby. Dan Doona received the ball on the end-line and he was quickly challenged by the Killorglin goalkeeper, Harry Bawden. Doona fisted the ball across the goal, where the in-rushing Pa Doyle punched it to the net.

The game itself was delicately poised for long periods with some superb individual performances from both sides. The winners dominated the opening quarter, scoring three early points from frees by Donie Hartnett. Rangers scored a first-minute point from a free by Barry O Sullivan and then had to wait until the 10^th minute when the same player slipped past his marker, Joe Scully, to shoot a brilliant point. Beaufort extended their lead with a point from Dan Doona in the 12^th minute while, at the other end, the normally reliable Rangers’ free-taker, Barry O Sullivan, was off-target on two occasions. Rangers looked dangerous in attack with Ross Sheehan, Geoffrey O Mahony, Barry O Sullivan and Seamus Galvin all working well. The Killorglin side added another point before the interval when Barry O Sullivan converted a well-struck free. Rangers were unlucky not to score a goal towards the end of the half when a great move up-field saw Cian Evans pass to Seamus Galvin who cut through the defence but his well-struck effort was brilliantly saved by Mike Moriarty in the Beaufort goal. At the interval, Beaufort led by 1-4 to 0-3.

Beaufort opened the second half impressively with a point from Sean Murphy inside twenty seconds, with Donie Hartnett adding another after 10 minutes. In between, Rangers had two points from frees by the talented Barry O Sullivan. Between the 10^th and 18^th minutes, Rangers controlled the game and drew level, thanks to scores from Geoffrey O Mahony, Cian Evans, John Edmond Murphy and Barry O Sullivan. With the sides level and just 10 minutes remaining, both sides upped their performances. Two pointed frees from Donie Hartnett proved to be match-winners in the 21^st minute, with Rangers scoring just one more point by Barry O Sullivan. Rangers had outstanding players in Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Conor Falvey, Cian Evans, Geoffrey O Mahony, Ross Sheehan and Barry O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Dermot Houlihan, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Conor Falvey, Cian Evans (0-1), Thomas McGillycuddy, Darragh Burns, Seamus Galvin, Geoffrey O Mahony (0-1), Ross Sheehan, John Edmond Murphy (0-1), Barry O Sullivan (0-7, 6 frees). Sub: Vinnie Griffin for S. Galvin.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

At the subsequent Laune Rangers’ AGM, James Sheehan said that he had been very unhappy with the performance of the referee, particularly in view of the threats he had made to the Chairman of the club. The meeting agreed to write to the Co. Board, Mid-Kerry Board and Milltown/Castlemaine Club pointing out that Laune Rangers would not accept Brendan Twiss as referee in any circumstances.

 

Tralee District Board Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 21^st Feb. in Boherbue: John Mitchels 0-4; Laune Rangers 3-16.

That was Laune Rangers’ first time playing in the Tralee District Board Minor competition.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 28^th Feb. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 0-10; Ballymacelligott 0-9.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 14th March at Ardfert: Ardfert Laune Rangers.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 12^th Dec. at Caherina: Kerins O Rahillys 2-9; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Tommy Conroy reported on the game for Kerry’s Eye as follows: “Kerins O Rahillys held off a 13-man late Laune Rangers’ challenge to advance to the final of the James Hobbert Memorial Minor Trophy at wintry Caherina Grounds. The pitch was waterlogged around the goalmouths following the heavy rainfall in the days before the game and a torrential downpour of rain and sleet midway through the first half made the players and conditions miserable. Despite the lateness of the fixture in the calendar year and the testing underfoot weather, the game was played with plenty of commitment and vigour, which led to Laune Rangers having two players dismissed in the closing minutes for off-the-ball incidents, one of which led to an open free brawl.

Rangers, playing against the wind, started brightly with points from Darragh Burns and Barry O Sullivan. O Rahillys settled down with Declan Quill pointing a free in the 9^th minute, followed by a well-taken John Griffin goal. Further Blues’ points by Quill (free) and Eugene McGrath and John Edward Murphy for Rangers left the Tralee team 1-3 to 0-3 in front. In the 23^rd minute, with the rain lashing down and the players trying to brave the elements, John Griffin struck for his second goal. Quill (2) traded points with Ross Sheehan and Barry O Sullivan, before McGrath closed the first half scoring to leave the Tralee side leading by 2-6 to 0-5 at the break.

On resumption, Quill put O Rahillys eight points in front from a converted free. Rangers dominated after this with midfielders Cian Evans and Thomas McGillycuddy prominent. Points from Ross Sheehan and Barry O Sullivan and a delightful goal from Vinny Griffin left only a goal dividing the sides, 2-7 to 1-7, as the game entered the final quarter. Another Barry O Sullivan pointed free had the game wide open. Declan Quill raised the siege with a point and Eugene McGrath had O Rahillys’ final score, 2-9 to 1-8, with nine minutes to play. Barry O Sullivan frees left it all to play for with four minutes on the clock. Then it boiled over. Firstly, Ross Sheehan was dismissed for a second bookable offence and when an O Rahillys’ player was felled off-the-ball all hell broke loose in a free for all. When sanity was restored, Rangers’ Paul Costello was red carded. The Killorglin men tried to get the winning goal, but had to settle for a Tom McGillycuddy point as Kerins O Rahillys held on for the narrowest of wins.”

Laune Rangers: Harry Bawden, Dermot Houlihan, Pa Crowley, Darren O Riordan, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello (capt.), Conor Falvey, Cian Evans, Tom McGillycuddy (0-1), Darragh Burns (0-1), Geoffrey O Mahony, Vinny Griffin (1-0), Ross Sheehan (0-2), John E. Murphy (0-1), Barry O Sullivan (0-6, 5 frees).

Ref: John Hegarty (John Mitchels).

 

Co. U-16 Inter-Divisional Board Football Championship

Trainers/Coaches – Frank Walsh (Cromane) and Tim Coffey (Beaufort).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 16^th Oct. at Cromane: Mid-Kerry defeated South-Kerry

 

Final on Sun. 14^th Nov. at Connolly Park, Tralee: Mid-Kerry 5-18; Shannon Rangers 1-8.

Mid-Kerry: Shane Clifford (Laune Rangers), James O Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar), James O Sullivan (Beaufort), Mark Foley (Keel), Jonathan McCarthy (Laune Rangers), Darren O Riordan (do.) capt., Fergal Griffin (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Pa Doyle (Beaufort) 0-3, Donal Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine) 1-1, Colin O Connor (Laune Rangers) 2-1, Martin Breen (Beaufort), Kieran Teahan (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Liam O Shea (Keel) 0-2, Ross Sheehan (Laune Rangers) 2-6, Padraig O Sullivan (Beaufort) 0-3. Subs: Dan Doona (Beaufort) for L. O Shea, Dermot Houlihan (Laune Rangers) for J. O Sullivan, Mark Healy (do.) for K. Teahan, Seamus Foley (do.), Aidan Lynch (do.), Ruairí Spillane (Beaufort), Antoni Cenotta (do.), Donncha Walsh (Cromane), Peter Moriarty (Glenbeigh/Glencar).

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – Pat O Riordan. Selectors – Peter Lyons and Jerome O Regan. The team was sponsored by The Fishery. The team commenced training on Sat. 6^th Feb. Laune Rangers were grouped in Div. 1A with Austin Stacks, Beaufort, Gaeltacht, Tarbert and Dingle.

The panel consisted of Shane Clifford, Muiris Crowley, James Hayes, Alan Murphy, Dermot Houlihan, Ross Sheehan, Darren O Riordan, Seamie Foley, Michael Doyle, Mark Healy, Colin O Connor, David O Sullivan, Cathal Foley, Aidan Lynch, Jonathan McCarthy, Francis Russell, Peter Slattery, Caoilte Gallagher, David Coffey, Tim O Regan, Karl McCarthy, Denis Russell, Niall O Mahony, Sean Kirschoffer, Owen McMahon and Paul O Connor.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 23^rd June at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-10; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Rd. 2 on ^{Thurs. 1st July} in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-14; Beaufort 0-2.

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 22^nd July in Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht drew with Laune Rangers.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 12^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Tarbert.

That was a very one-sided game with Colin O Connor scoring four goals.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 19^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Dingle.

Quarter-final on Thurs. 19^th Aug: Ballyduff 6-12; Laune Rangers 4-7.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 31^st March at Cloon: Laune Rangers 2-16; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-5.

That was a very good team performance.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Alan Murphy, Aidan Lynch, Darren O Riordan, Sean Kirschoffer, Dermot Houlihan, Muiris Crowley, Mark Healy, Jonathan McCarthy, Colin O Connor, Seamus Foley, Michael Doyle, James Hayes, Tim O Regan, Ross Sheehan. Sub: Francis Russell for J. Hayes.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 10^th April at Cromane: Cromane lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 14^th April at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-4; Laune Rangers 2-10.

Rd. 5 on Wed. 28^th April at Keel: Keel lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 5^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-12; Beaufort 0-4

That was a comprehensive win, with John Houlihan outstanding at centre halfback and Jonathan McCarthy and Mark Healy dominating midfield.

 

Final on Sun. 23^rd May at Milltown: Beaufort 1-12; Laune Rangers 1-6.

 

‘B’ Semi-final in Sept. in Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-12; Glenbeigh/Glencar 3-7.

Glenbeigh/Glencar struggled to cope with the slick teamwork and off-the-ball running of the losers in the first half and were in arrears at halftime by 1-8 to 1-5. However, Glenbeigh assumed control at midfield in the second half and led by three points with ten minutes remaining. Laune Rangers, renowned for their battling qualities, fought back but could not break down a resolute defence.

 

Tralee District Board U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 19^th March at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-6; Laune Rangers 2-7.

After a lack-lustre first half, Rangers came to life with Colin O Connor finishing a good move and Tim O Regan, with a fine individual effort, to secure the two goals that edged out the Tralee side.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Muiris Crowley, Aidan Lynch, Sean Kirschoffer, Michael Doyle, Darren O Riordan, Dermot Houlihan, Mark Healy, Jonathan McCarthy, Seamus Foley, Ross Sheehan, Denis Russell, David Coffey, Tim O Regan, James Hayes. Subs: Colin O Connor and David O Sullivan (both played).

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 26^th March at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 11^th April at Cloon Pitch: Laune Rangers 4-11; Ardfert 1-2.

Having played with the aid of the strong wind in the first half, Laune Rangers led by 3-9 to 1-2 at the break.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Sean Kirschoffer, Aidan Lynch, Alan Murphy, Muiris Crowley, Dermot Houlihan, Darren O Riordan, Jonathan McCarthy, Mark Healy, Colin O Connor, Ross Sheehan, Seamus Foley, David Coffey, Tim O Regan, James Hayes. Sub: Francis Russell (played).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 18^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Na Gaeil.

 

Semi-final at Boherbue in July: Austin Stacks 3-15; Laune Rangers 4-9.

 

U-16 Football Challenge Game

 

Wed. 21^st July at Cloon; Laune Rangers 2-10; St. Joseph’s, New Jersey 2-10.

The parents of the Laune Rangers’ players hosted the players from the visiting New Jersey team.

 

Co. U-15 Football Championship

That was a knock-out competition.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 29^th Aug. at Waterville: Waterville/Dromid defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Co. Inter-Divisional U-14 Football Championship

Trainer/coach – John Cahillane (Keel). Selectors – Pat Pigott (Laune Rangers), Michael O Shea (Cromane).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 14^th Aug. at Castleisland: Mid-Kerry 3-11; South-Kerry 2-7.

Mid-Kerry: John Galbraith (Beaufort), William Blennerhassett (Milltown/Castlemaine), Thomas O Hagan (Beaufort), Mike O Reilly (Mill/Castlemaine), Paul Dowd (Keel), John Heffernan (Mill/Castlemaine), Danny O Connor (Cromane), Dan Doona (Beaufort) 1-5, Damien Breen (do.) 2-2, Danny Breen (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Aaron Cahillane (Keel), Adam O Shea (do.) 0-1, William Mangan (Mill/Castlemaine) 0-2, Alan Costello (Keel) 0-1, Michael O Sullivan (Beaufort). Subs: Jerry Coffey (Laune Rangers), Aidan O Sullivan (do.), John Houlihan (do.) all played, Maurice Foley.

 

Final on Sat. 21^st Aug. at Farranfore: Mid-Kerry 1-8; Tralee 1-7.

It was the introduction of Jerry Coffey, coupled with a man-of-the-match performance from fullback, Damien Breen that proved decisive as Mid-Kerry retained their U-14 title after a hard-fought final.

Mid-Kerry: John Galbraith, William Blennerhassett, Damien Breen, Thomas O Hagan, Paul Dowd, John Heffernan, Danny O Connor, Dan Doona, Aaron Cahillane, Adam O Shea, Joe McGillycuddy (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Danny Breen, William Mangan, Alan Costello, Michael O Sullivan. Sub: Jerry Coffey (1-0), Aidan O Sullivan, John Houlihan, Maurice Foley.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship

Trainer/coach – Pat Pigott. Selectors – Jerry Foley, Michael Foley and Finbarr Coffey. The team was sponsored by Champs Super Valu and commenced training on Sat. 13^th Feb.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 20^th March at Cloon: Laune Rangers 0-5; Austin Stacks 3-5.

After a competitive first half, Rangers trailed by 1-4 to 0-3 at halftime. Stacks gained the upper hand in the second half but the final score did not do justice to the home team, which battled hard against the elements and a more physical side.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Edward Looney, Jody O Riordan, Michael O Leary, Eoin O Mahony, Damien O Neill, Gearoid O Callaghan, Barry Woods, Jeremiah Coffey, Dáire Clifford, Michael Ledwith, John Houlihan, Darragh O Shea, Maurice Foley, Aidan O Sullivan. Subs: Stuart Delaney, Gary Cahillane, Brendan Ahern (all played).

 

Rd. 2 on 29^th March in Ballyduff: Ballyduff 6-19; Laune Rangers 1-2.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 12^th April in Deerpark: Kilcummin 1-7; Laune Rangers 0-6.

After playing quite well for 50 minutes, indeed having led by 0-5 to 0-0 at halftime, the team gave way to a stronger Kilcummin in the last 10 minutes.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 19^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Beaufort.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 26^th April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 3-23; Laune Rangers 0-2.

 

Co. Féile na nOg (U-14 Football)

There were four groups of four teams and the top team in each group qualified for the semi-finals. Laune Rangers were grouped with An Ghaeltacht, Gneeveguilla and Kerins O Rahillys.

 

Fri. 2^nd April: Rd. 1 at Abbeydorney: Laune Rangers 4-7; An Ghaeltacht 1-4.

Rd. 2 at Churchill: Laune Rangers w/o; Gneeveguilla scr.

Rd. 3 at Abbeydorney: Laune Rangers 1-9; Kerins O Rahillys 2-3.

Unfortunately, Kerins O Rahillys had scored more and went through to the semi-finals by the narrowest of margins at the expense of Laune Rangers.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

 

Fri. 28^thth May at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 5-8; Laune Rangers 1-6.

Tues. 15^th June: Laune Rangers 5-9; Keel 1-17.

Wed. 23^rd June: Beaufort 3-9; Laune Rangers 3-5.

Semi-final: Milltown/Castlemaine defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Fri. 17^th Sept. ‘B’ Final at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 3-11; Laune Rangers 0-8.

Laune Rangers opened the scoring and went 0-5 ahead before Milltown/Castlemaine replied. The visitors led by one point at halftime. However, playing with the advantage of the strong breeze in the second half, Milltown/Castlemaine dominated the final stages of the game to run out easy winners at the final whistle.

 

Tralee District Board U-14 Football Championship

 

Laune Rangers lost to Churchill.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship Group A

Coach/trainer – Patsy Joy. Selectors – John Quirke, James O Riordan (Gurrane) and Eamonn Carey. Laune Rangers were grouped with Austin Stacks, Dingle, Kilcummin and Kenmare in phase 1. The team was sponsored by Fexco and commenced training on Sun. 28^th Feb.

 

Phase 1 – Group A:

Rd. 1 on Sun. 25^th April at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 5-6; Laune Rangers 4-6.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 2^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Kilcummin 1-10.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 9th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Dingle 2-13.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 23^rd May at Kenmare: Kenmare defeated Laune Rangers

 

Phase 2 (Group C) – Laune Rangers were grouped with Currow, Spa, Gneeveguilla, Keel and Beale.

 

Sun. 13th June at Currow: Currow 1-11; Laune Rangers 0-12.

Mon. 21st June: Spa 0-16; Laune Rangers 2-5.

Sun. 27th June: Laune Rangers Keel.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 11^th July: Gneeveguilla 1-18; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship Group G

Coaches/Trainers – James O Riordan and Eamonn Carey. The team was sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire. Laune Rangers were grouped with Scartaglin, Firies and Tuosist. The competition was 13-a-side.

 

Phase 1

Rd. 2 on Sun. 2^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10; Firies 3-11.

Sun. 16^th May at Tuosist: Tuosist defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Sat. 22^nd May at Scartaglin: Scartaglin defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Phase 2

Laune Rangers were grouped with Knocknagoshel, Asdee and Tuosist.

Wed. 23rd June at Asdee: Asdee 3-6; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-10.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ drew with Knocknagoshel.

Tuosist defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th Aug. at Cloon: Laune Rangers beat Cromane.

Tues. 31^st Aug. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 3-8; Laune Rangers 3-17.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 5^th Sept. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 4-12; Beaufort 3-15.

That was the best game of the year for many observers and both teams finished level after a thrill-packed hour. Although having played against the breeze in the first half, Laune Rangers led by two points at the break, 3-5 to 0-12. In a thrilling second half, both teams served up fantastic football, neither hearing of defeat. Beaufort scored three goals and Laune Rangers also goaled.

 

Semi-final replay on Sun. 12^th Sept. in Cromane: Beaufort 3-8; Laune Rangers 1-12.

That was a brilliant game with great drama in the closing minutes. Beaufort were leading by a point with 2 minutes to play when they were rocked by a great Rangers’ goal. However, not willing to accept defeat, Beaufort launched a final onslaught, which saw Liam O Sullivan find the net before the final whistle sounded.

At a subsequent club meeting James Riordan expressed dissatisfaction that Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg (Laune Rangers) had accepted Beaufort’s request to play 14-a-side in the replay. Pat Pigott pointed out that a rule existed whereby teams could play 13-a-side but that rule applied to weaker teams such as Cromane and Glenbeigh. He felt that the spirit of the rule had been breached on the occasion of the replay.

 

‘B’ Semi-final on Fri. 24^th Sept. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 1-13; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10.

 

‘B’ final at Milltown: Laune Rangers 1-10; Keel 1-3.

Played in wet and cold conditions, Laune Rangers were slow to settle down and after 15 minutes found themselves in arrears by 1-3 to 0-0. However, things started to improve a little and by halftime the deficit had been reduced to just three points, 1-3 to 0-3. Rangers re-appeared a totally different team and, with the help of the strong wind, quickly drew level, thanks mainly to the accuracy of Sean O Riordan. As the game entered the final quarter, they were totally on top and kicked some lovely points. Best on the night were Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, John Sheehan, Sean O Riordan, Rodi Healy, Luke Dunlea, Michael Quirke, Colin O Dwyer, Simon Brosnan, Timmy Brosnan and Gary Flynn.

Laune Rangers’ Panel: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Simon Brosnan, Timmy Brosnan, John Sheehan (capt.), Sean O Riordan, R. O Connor, Rodi Healy, Luke Dunlea, J.J. Foley, Michael Quirke, Pascal O Brien, Colin O Dwyer, Liam Clifford, Gary Flynn, Emir Knightley, Sarah Jane Joy, Jamie Ashe, Kevin Flynn, David Pigott, Daniel Naughton, Mikey O Sullivan, Fergus O Riordan, John Foley and Brian Prendiville.

 

Tralee District Board U-12 Championship Div. 1

Rd. 1 on Sun. 12th Sept. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 19^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

Sun. 10^th Oct. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-16; John Mitchels 2-10.

Quarter-final on 13^th Nov. at Ardfert: Ardfert w/o; Laune Rangers scr.

The game clashed with a Mid-Kerry fixture and Laune Rangers had to concede.

 

Tralee District Board U-12C Football Championship

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 19^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

U-10 Football

Trainers – Iraneus Looney, Willie Fitzgerald, Donal Pigott, Pat O Brien, Francis Flynn, Joe Crowley and Brian O Shea.

Mid-Kerry blitz on Sat. 25^th Sept. at Cloon – Laune Rangers entered two teams, one at 15-a-side and one at 9-a-side. The 15-a-side team drew with Beaufort in the final game of the blitz and thus shared the joint-first place. The 9-a-side team finished joint-third.

 

Parish League – Shane McSweeney won the ‘A’ final, defeating Eamonn Looney, and Chris O Riordan won the ‘B’ final, defeating Kevin Flynn. Timmy Lynch was awarded player of the Parish League and Seamus Joy was the most improved player of the year.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Cumann na mBunscol Urban 2

Final on Sun. 14^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Scoil Mhuire 5-6; Monastery, Killarney 0-6.

That game was played as a curtain-raiser to the NFL game, Kerry v Tyrone. Killorglin got off to a great start when a speculative drive by Ricky O Connor found its way to the Killarney net. Further points by Colin O Dwyer, J.J. Foley and John Sheehan gave Killorglin a 1-3 to 0-4 halftime lead. The third quarter was very even for a while but, as the game progressed, the stronger Scoil Mhuire team applied extreme pressure and goals from John Sheehan and Colin O Dwyer (2) and J.J. Foley saw them build up a big lead.

Scoil Mhuire: Stephen O Donoghue, Sean Joy, Rodi Healy, Liam Clifford, Ricky O Connor, Cian Lanigan, Eamonn Looney, Sean O Riordan (capt.), John Sheehan, Sean T. O Connor, Colin O Dwyer, J.J. Foley, Jamie Ashe, Donal Naughton, Pascal O Brien. Subs: Fergus O Riordan, Michael O Grady, Luke O Shea, Michael Swords, Kieran Kelliher, Mikey O Sullivan. Coaches – Declan Falvey, Paul O Donoghue and Jerome Conway.

 

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ Football Team in May/June: Eoin O Mahony (capt.), Brian Prendiville, Luke O Shea, Shane Crowley, Brendan O Shea, Colin O Dwyer, Fergal Tyther, Pascal O Brien, Sean Joy, Shane Moriarty, Sean O Riordan, Frankie Griffin, Fergus O Riordan, Brendan O Sullivan (Knocknaboola), Ultan Foley, Danny Joy, John Foley, Eamonn Carey, Niall Dennehy, Liam Clifford. Coach – Declan Falvey.

Co. Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Div. 1 Football

Scoil Mhuire won the Div. 1 title for the 3^rd successive year.

Scoil Mhuire (panel): Taragh Evans (capt.), Megan O Sullivan, Carla Coffey, Shirley Poff, Muireann Clifford, Aine Coffey, Amanda Clifford, Amanda Kelliher, Sarah Jane Joy, Elaine O Connor (goals), Eimear Crowley, Orla Burns, Emir Knightley, Audree Poff, Helena McCarthy, Siobhan Joy, Cecelia Coffey, Martina O Connor, Sinead Pigott, Lynn Cahillane, Jennifer O Connor, Sarah Sheehan, Catherine O Reilly, Sinead Cahillane, Aileen Hannon. Coach – Tommy Woods.

Munster Colleges Frewen Cup

Semi-final on Thurs. 29^th April at Killarney: Tralee CBS 4-9; Intermediate School 2-10.

Intermediate School: Dan Doona (Beaufort), Fergal Griffin (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Robert Doyle (Beaufort), Aidan Lynch (Laune Rangers), Darren O Riordan (do.), Noel Lynch (do.), Pa Malone, Pa Doyle (Beaufort) 0-3, 2 frees, Donal Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine), Seamus Foley (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Paudie McCarthy (Cromane) 1-1, Donncha Walsh (do.), Colin O Connor (Laune Rangers) 0-3, James Hayes (do.) 1-1, Kenneth O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar). Subs: Ross Sheehan (Laune Rangers) 0-1 for D. Walsh, Padraig O Sullivan (Beaufort) for S. Foley.

 

Russell Cup (U-16)

Final on Thurs. 20^th May at Beaufort: Intermediate School 2-13; CBS, Tralee 2-10.

Intermediate School: Shane Clifford, Jerry Coffey, David O Sullivan, Ger Foley, Colin McKenna, Aidan Lynch, Niall O Mahony, Donncha Walsh (0-3), Stephen Brosnan, Liam Sheehan, Colin O Connor (1-5), PJ Foley, John Doona (1-1), Damien Breen (0-2), Martin Breen (0-1). Subs: Timothy O Shea for G. Foley, Dan Doona (0-1) for PJ Foley, Colm Conway, Daryl Corkery, Damien O Neill,

 

Kerry Moynihan Cup

Semi-final in Oct: Milltown Monastery 0-13; Holy Cross College, Kenmare 1-9.

The following Laune Rangers’ players were on the Milltown panel: Dermot Houlihan, Paul McKenna and Noel Joy.

 

Final in Fossa: Milltown Monastery 2-9; Moyderwell, Tralee 3-3.

Paul McKenna played at corner-forward, Dermot Houlihan came on as a substitute in the forwards and Noel Joy was a substitute.

 

Sigerson Cup

 

Quarter-final on Fri. 5^th March at Belfast: Tralee IT 0-13; UCC 0-7.

Tralee IT: Niall Hobbert (Kerins O Rahillys), Kenneth Leen (Austin Stacks), Eamonn Redden (Donegal), Damien Hendy (Kildare), Niall Sheehy (Annascaul), Noel Griffin (Clare), Colm Parkinson (Laois) 0-1, P. Quinn, Jim McGuinness (Donegal) capt. 0-2, Noel Garvan (Laois), Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 0-5, Sean Hegarty (Legion), Michael Liddane (Clare) 0-2, Noel Kennelly (Emmett’s), Jack Ferriter (Dingle) 0-2. Subs: Jack Dennehy (Currow) 0-1 for P. Quinn, William Harmon (Milltown/Castlemaine) for C. Parkinson.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 6^th March at Belfast: Tralee IT 0-14; Sligo IT 0-11.

Tralee IT: Niall Hobbert, Sean Hegarty, Eamonn Reddin, Damien Hendy, Niall Sheehy, Noel Griffin, M. McGauran (0-1), Noel Garvan, Jim McGuinness, William Harmon, Pa O Sullivan (0-5), Noel Kennelly, Michael Liddane (0-3), Jack Dennehy (0-1), Jack Ferriter (0-4). Sub: James Fleming (Dr. Crokes) for M. McGauran.

 

Final on Sun. 7^th March at Belfast: Tralee IT 1-8; Garda College 0-7.

Tralee IT: Niall Hobbert, Sean Hegarty, Eamonn Reddin, Damien Hendy, Noel Griffin, Niall Sheehy, William Harmon, Noel Garvan, Jim McGuinness, Noel Kennelly (1-0), Pa O Sullivan (0-2), James Fleming, Michael Liddane (0-2), Jack Dennehy (0-1), Jack Ferriter (0-3, frees).

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

Trainer/Coach – Charlie Nelligan (Desmonds). Selectors – Derry Crowley (Glenflesk), Junior Murphy (St. Mary’s), Mikey Sheehy (Austin Stacks), John Kennedy (Asdee).

 

Semi-final on 7^th July at Ennis: Clare 0-7; Kerry 0-15.

Kerry: Harry Bawden, Shane Cremin, Daithí Donegan, Garrett Walsh, Colm O Connor, Paul Costello, Gavin Wrenn, Mike Finn, Brendan Guiney, James O Neill (0-2), Tadhg Kennelly (0-4), John O Connor (0-1), Mícheál Ó Sé, Ronan O Connor (0-4), D.J. Fleming (0-3). Subs: David Hennebry, Stephen Curran, Declan Quill, Eugene McGrath, Seamus Scanlon, Richard Barrett, Darragh Long, Conall Ó Cruadhlaíoch, Brian Dennehy.

 

Final on Sun. 18^th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 2-16; Kerry 1-8.

Kerry: Harry Bawden (Laune Rangers), Shane Cremin (Templenoe), Daithí Donegan (Ballyduff), Garrett Walsh (Kerins O Rahillys), Brendan Guiney (Emmett’s), Paul Costello (Laune Rangers), Colm O Connor (Dromid), Mike Finn (Austin Stacks), Paul Galvin (Ballymacelligott), Gavin Wrenn (Milltown/Castlemaine) capt., Tadhg Kennelly (Emmett’s), John O Connor (Kerins O Rahillys), James O Neill (Tuosist), Ronan O Connor (St. Michael’s/Foilmore), D.J. Fleming (Kilcummin). Subs: David Hennebery (Austin Stacks) for H. Bawden (20 mins.), Mícheál Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Darragh Long (Austin Stacks) for G. Wrenn, Declan Quill (Kerins O Rahillys), Stephen Curran (St. Mary’s), Eugene McGrath (Kerins O Rahillys), Seamus Scanlon (Currow), Richard Barrett (Na Gaeil) for P. Costello (inj.), Conall Ó Cruadhlaíoch (An Ghaeltacht).

 

McGrath Cup (Senior Football)

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 31^st Jan. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 0-11; Cork 1-10.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Chris Drummond, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike Hassett, Dara Ó Sé, William Kirby, Aodán Mac Gearailt, Liam Hassett, Donal Daly, Jerry Murphy (0-2), John Crowley (0-3), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-4). Subs: John McGlynn for A. Mac Gearailt, Robbie Mac Gearailt for J. Murphy, Peter O Leary, Killian Burns, Jack Ferriter, James O Shea, Billy O Shea, Pa O Sullivan, Trevor McKenna.

 

NFL 1998/’99 Div. 2A

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 7^th Feb, at Ballyragget: Kilkenny 0-3; Kerry 3-16.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Killian Burns, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike Hassett, Dara Ó Sé, William Kirby, John McGlynn (1-2), Donal Daly (0-3), Liam Hassett (0-1), Jerry Murphy (1-3), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-5, 2 frees), John Crowley (1-1). Subs: Aodán Mac Gearailt for L. Hassett, Jack Ferriter (0-1) for D. O Sé, James O Shea for J. Crowley.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 28^th Feb. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 1-7; Limerick 0-9.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Mike Hassett, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé (0-2), William Kirby, John McGlynn (1-1), Donal Daly, Liam Hassett, Jerry Murphy (0-2), John Crowley, Jack Ferriter. Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2, frees) for J. Crowley, Noel Kennelly for L. Hassett, Riobard Mac Gearailt for W. Kirby, Peter O Leary, Killian Burns, Chris Drummond, Billy O Shea.

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 14^th March at Ruislip: London 0-4; Kerry 3-14.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Killian Burns, Barry O Shea, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé, Donal Daly, John McGlynn (0-3), Pa O Sullivan (0-5, 2 frees), Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Jerry Murphy (0-1), John Crowley (0-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide (2-3, 1 free,  1 pen.). Subs: Jack Ferriter for P. O Sullivan, Liam Hassett for J. Crowley, Maurice Fitzgerald (1-1) for D. Ó Cinnéide, Peter O Leary, Riobard Mac Gearailt.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 28^th March at Killarney: Kerry 0-15; Wicklow 1-8.

Liam Hassett had a masterly game on the ‘40’ and the Laune Rangers man showed that he is right back to his best form. He fetched, ran and passed with great assurance and, into the bargain, he scored two points from play.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Mike Hassett, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé, Donal Daly, Noel Kennelly, Liam Hassett (0-2), John McGlynn (0-3), Jerry Murphy, Maurice Fitzgerald (0-3, 1 free), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-7, frees). Subs: William Kirby for D. Daly, Billy O Shea for J. Murphy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice for D. Ó Sé, Peter O Leary, Killian Burns, Pa O Sullivan.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 11^th April at Limerick: Meath 0-14; Kerry 0-10.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Killian Burns, Barry O Shea, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Liam Flaherty, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé, Donal Daly, Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett, John McGlynn (0-2), Jerry Murphy (0-1), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-5, 3 frees). Subs: Tomás Ó Sé for Barry O Shea, Aodán Mac Gearailt for Billy O Shea, Pa O Sullivan for L. Hassett, Peter O Leary, William Kirby, Noel Kennelly, James O Shea, Riobard Mac Gearailt, Jack Ferriter. Mike Hassett was unable to play due to a broken jaw, received in the Co. SFL versus K. O Rahillys on the previous week-end.

 

Football Railway Cup

 

Semi-final on Sun. 4^th April at Killarney: Munster 1-20; Ulster 3-14 (AET).

Munster: Declan O Keeffe, Michael O Donovan, Seamus Moynihan, Alan Malone (Clare), Martin Cronin (0-1), Ciarán O Sullivan (0-1), Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé, John Quane, Martin Daly, Liam Hassett (0-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2), Peter Lambert (0-1), Joe Kavanagh (0-4), Declan Browne (1-5). Subs: Robbie O Mahony (Cork) 0-5 for P. Lambert, Ger Keane (Clare) for M. Daly, Nicholas Murphy (Cork) for J. Quane, Aidan Dorgan (Cork) for G. Keane. Mike Hassett was injured and unable to play.

 

Final on Sun. 2^nd May at Tuam: Connacht 0-7; Munster 0-10.

That was Munster’s first title since 1976.

Munster: Declan O Keeffe (Kerry), Michael Donovan (Cork), Ciarán O Sullivan (do.), Alan Malone (Clare), Seán Og Ó hAilpín (Cork), Seamus Moynihan (Kerry) capt., Eamonn Breen 9do.), Dara Ó Sé (do.), John Quane (Limerick), Pádraig Mahony (Cork), Joe Kavanagh (do.), Liam Hassett (Kerry), Peter Lambert (Tipperary), Mark O Sullivan (Cork), Aidan Dorgan (do). Subs: Anthony Lynch (Cork) for M. Donovan, Michael Liddane for M. O Sullivan.

 

Munster Senior Football Championship

Trainer: Páidí Ó Sé. Selectors – Paul Lucey (Austin Stacks), Sean Counihan (Legion), Frank O Leary (St. Mary’s), Eamonn Walsh (Knocknagoshel).

 

Rd. 1 on 23^rd May at Tralee: Kerry 1-11; Tipperary 0-8.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Michael McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Killian Burns, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, John McGlynn (0-1), Noel Kennelly (0-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide, Jerry Murphy (1-0), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-3), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-4, 2 frees 1 ‘45’). Subs: Billy O Shea (0-1) for J. McGlynn, Brian Clarke for J. Murphy, Peter O Leary, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, William Kirby, Liam Flaherty, Pa O Sullivan, John Crowley.

 

Semi-final on 20^th June at Killarney: Kerry 3-17; Clare 0-12.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Killian Burns, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen (0-1), Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, John McGlynn (0-3), Noel Kennelly (0-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide (1-1,  1 ‘45’), John Crowley (2-0), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-4), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-6, 4 frees, 1 ‘45’). Subs: Billy O Shea for M. Fitzgerald, William Kirby for D. Ó Sé, Mike Hassett for T. Ó Sé, Peter O Leary, Jerry Murphy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Brian Clarke, Pa O Sullivan, Riobard Mac Gearailt..

 

Final on Sun. 18^th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 2-10; Kerry 2-4.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Barry O Shea, Killian Burns, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Eamonn Breen, Darragh Ó Sé, Donal Daly, John McGlynn (0-1), Liam Hassett, Dara Ó Cinnéide, John Crowley (0-2), Aodán Mac Gearailt (2-0), Maurice Fitzgerald. Subs: William Kirby (0-1) for J. McGlynn, Billy O Shea for L. Hassett, Mike Frank Russell for A. Mac Gearailt, Peter O Leary, Mike Hassett, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Pa O Sullivan, Riobard Mac Gearailt, Brian Clarke.

 

NFL 1999/2000

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 30^th Oct. at Páirc Uí Rinn: Cork 0-7; Kerry 0-19.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Enda Galvin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, Seamus Moynihan (0-4), Denis O Dwyer (0-1), Noel Kennelly (0-3), John McGlynn, Mike Frank Russell (0-4), Liam Hassett (0-1), John Crowley (0-2) capt. Subs: Aodan Mac Gearailt for N. Kennelly, Pa O Sullivan (0-3) for D. O Dwyer, Stephen O Sullivan for E. Galvin, Sean O Sullivan for MF Russell, Kenneth Dillon for D. Daly.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 14^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 2-19; Tyrone 1-8.

Liam Hassett was simply magnificent at full-forward, prompting Páidí Ó Sé, Kerry trainer, to remark afterwards, “I think that, once and for all, Liam silenced his critics out there today. I have always regarded him as great player and I am delighted, in particular, for him.”

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Stephen O Sullivan, Tom O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Tomás Ó Sé, Mike McCarthy, Enda Galvin (0-1), Donal Daly (0-2), Noel Kennelly (1-2, 1 free), John McGlynn (0-1), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-2), Denis O Dwyer (0-3), Mike Frank Russell (0-2, 1 free), Liam Hassett (1-2), John Crowley (0-2). Subs: Pa O Sullivan for J. Crowley, Niall Sheehy for E. Galvin, Sean O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free) for J. McGlynn, Killian Burns for M. Hassett, Brian Scanlon for MF Russell, Peter O Leary, Tommy Griffin, Kenneth Dillon, David Moloney.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 28^th Nov. at Parnell Park: Dublin 1-8; Kerry 0-9.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Enda Galvin, Donal Daly (0-3), Noel Kennelly (0-1), John McGlynn (0-1), Denis O Dwyer, Aodán Mac Gearailt, Mike Frank Russell (0-2), Liam Hassett (0-1), John Crowley (0-1). Subs: Stephen O Sullivan for M. Hassett, Sean O Sullivan for D. O Dwyer, Tommy Griffin for J. McGlynn, Kenneth Dillon for E. Galvin, Peter O Leary, Pa O Sullivan, David Moloney, Neil Sheehy, Brian Scanlon.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Inter-firm Junior Football Championship

 

Munster Final at Ballincollig: Liebherr defeated Cork Co. Council.

 

Final on Sat. 13^th Nov. at Fenagh, Co. Carlow: Liebherr, Killarney 0-16; Burnside Hycdracyl 1-7.

Liebherr: Sean Brosnan, Tom Daly, Kieran Flynn, Padraig O Connor, Ivan Leane, Kieran Scanlon, Alan Brady, Sean Og O Leary, Tim Cronin, Ger Looney, Jerry O Sullivan, Anthony Breen, Padraig Cremin, Adrian McCarthy, John Fleming. Subs: Donal Herlihy, Robert Kennedy, Noel Coffey, Kieran Dennehy, Derek Sullivan, David Griffin, Mike Doyle, Shane O Leary, Adrian O Connor.

 

U-12 Hurling

U-12 Indoor Hurling:

Section 1: Kenmare were the winners and Killorglin were the runners-up.

Section 3: Killorglin ‘B’ were the winners and Firies were the runners-up.

Co. U-14 Hurling Championship Div. 3

 

Sun. 4^th April at Killorglin: Killorglin v Firies.

Sun. 18^th April at Dingle: Dingle 5-3; Killorglin 4-2.

Sun. 25^th April at Killorglin: Killorglin Milltown/Castlemaine.

Semi-final in May: Dingle defeated Killorglin.

Girls’ Co. U-16 Football League

 

Fri. 30^th April at Kenmare: Kenmare Laune Rangers.

In Aug: Laune Rangers 1-4; Legion 3-4.

 

Girls’ Co. U-12 Football League

Coaches/trainers – Kerry O Connor and Pa O Sullivan.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 15^th Aug: Laune Rangers 9-11; Austin Stacks 0-8.

The team also had victories over Firies, Beaufort, Rathmore and Milltown and lost by three points to a strong South-Kerry team.

Laune Rangers’ Panel: Ciara O Connor, Louise Ahern, Tina Walker, Sharon Healy, Laurie O Shea, Sarah Jane Joy, Hazel Poff, Caroline Healy, Michelle Courtney, Linda Courtney, Emir Knightley, Sarah Houlihan, Karina Corkery, Sheila O Shea, Niamh Pigott, Louise O Connor, Megan O Sullivan, Norma Tyther, Caragh Concannon, Sinead Concannon, Lisa Breen, Roisin Johnston, Grainne Quirke, Deirdre Quirke, Rochelle Lucey, Natalie Corcoran.

 

‘B’ Final on Sun. 22^nd Aug: Laune Rangers 6-10; Milltown 0-2.

Laune Rangers: Ciara O Connor, Hazel Poff, Louise Ahern, Tina Walker, Laurie O Shea, Sharon Healy, Niamh Pigott, Sarah Jane Joy, Michelle Courtney, Linda Courtney, Caroline Healy (capt.), Karina Corkery, Sarah Houlihan, Sheila O Shea, Emir Knightley. Subs: Grainne Quirke, Rochelle Lucey, Amanda Naughton, Megan O Sullivan, Louise O Connor, Caragh Concannon, Sinead Concannon, Natalie Corcoran, Amy Foley, Roisin Johnston, Norma Tyther.

 

Ladies’ Colleges O Connor Cup

 

Semi-final on Sat. 27^th March at Strand Road: ITT 2-11; WIT 1-6.

Final on Sun. 28^th March at Strand Road: ITT 0-17; UCD 2-8.

Kerry O Connor was the toast of the Tralee side, producing a sterling display at midfield with her long penetrating solo-runs causing major problems for the Dublin team. Midway through the second half, as Tralee struggled to find form, O Connor came to their aid, scoring two vital points.

ITT: Paula O Neill (Kildare), Grace O Shea (Blennerville), Maureen O Connor (Cork), Riona Kennedy (Blennerville), Aine Cullen (Dublin), Natalie O Connor (Ballyduff), Emma Slattery (Clare), Kerry O Connor (Beaufort) 0-3, Ruth Collins (Cork), Niamh Chambers (Clare) 0-1, Geraldine O Shea (Blennerville) 0-8, 5 frees, Nuala Farrell (Westmeath) 0-1, Nuala Carroll (Cork) 0-3, Eileen Sayers (Blennerville) 0-1, Shari Delaney (Ballyduff).

 

Ladies’ NFL 1999/2000

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 24^th Oct. at Ballybunion: Kerry drew with Clare.

Kerry: Martina Dowling, Caoimhe Galvin, Helena Falvey, Sarah O Connor, Patrice Dennehy, Fiona O Donoghue, Virginia Doona, Kerry O Connor, Catherine Kiely, Sinead Bunyan, Anne Marie O Shea, Fiona Fenton, Shari Delaney, Aoife O Neill, Mary Jo Bowler, Julie Moran, Denise Shanahan, Edel O Connor, Mary Kelly, Dara Sugrue, Eileen Sayers, Siobhan O Connor, Emily Turner, Noreen Walmsley, Jenny Johnston, Ann Marie O Donoghue.

 

Sun. 5^th Dec. at Tyrellspass: Westmeath 3-9; Kerry 3-11.

Kerry: Julie Moran (S/Kerry), Deirdre Dennehy (Beaufort), Dara Sugrue (Blennerville), Denise Shanahan (A/dorney), Edel O Connell (do.), Fiona O Donoghue (Beaufort), Jenny Johnston (do.), Kerry O Connor (do.) 0-1, Mary Kelly (S/Kerry), Sinead Bunyan (Ballyduff), Catherine Kiely (Beaufort) 0-1, Emily Turner (S/Kerry) 0-4, Sarah O Connor (do.) 2-1, Patrice Dennehy (Beaufort) 0-3, Shari Delaney (Ballyduff) 0-1. Subs: Ann Marie O Donoghue (Beaufort) 1-0, Aoife O Neill (S/Kerry), Michelle Cronin (S/Kerry), Ann Marie O Shea (do.), Katie Gleeson (Dr. Crokes), Susan Joy (Beaufort), Caoimhe Galvin (Dr. Crokes).

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Joe McDonagh, An Ghaillimh, was Uachtarán CLG. Annual Congress was held in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. Jerome Conway and James Coffey were on the Kerry delegation.

 

Jerome Conway was re-appointed as National Secretary of Féile Peil na nOg, which was held for a one-year period in Clare.

 

Munster Council Convention was held in Thurles on 26^th Feb. The following officers were re-elected: Chairman – Sean Kelly (Ciarraí), Secretary – Donie Nealon (Tiobrad Árainn), Treasurer – Declan Moylan (Luimneach).

Jerome Conway represented Ciarraí on Coiste Iomána na Mumhan, a sub-committee that was chaired by Christy Cooney (Corcaigh) and had Muiris Ó Súilleabháin (Ciarraí) as Rúnaí. Other members included Pat Fitzgerald (Luimneach), John Costigan (Tiobrad Árainn), Joey Carton (Port Láirge), Denis Burns (Corcaigh), Donie Shanahan (Tiobrad Árainn) and Dr. Podge Quinn (An Clár).

 

The Munster Club League was in its second year. The Committee was as follows: Joint-Chairmen – Jim Cronin (Cork) and Jerome Conway (Kerry), Secretary – Liam Hodnett (Cork), Treasurer – Pat Healy (Kerry), PRO – Finbarr McCarthy (Cork), Sean Kelly (Comhairle na Mumhan), Gerry Howe (Cork Rep.), John Kiely (Waterford Rep.), John Reddington (Limerick Rep.), PJ McGuane (Clare Rep.), Derek Williams (Tipperary Rep.).

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee on 15^th Dec. 1998. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Sean Walsh, Vice Chairman – Jerome Conway, Secretary/Registrar – Tony O Keeffe, Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and John McMahon, PRO – Willie O Connor, Youth Officer – Michael McCarthy, Development Officer – Patrick O Sullivan, Cultural Officer – Derry Murphy, Delegates to Munster Council – Teddy O Sullivan and Eamonn O Sullivan, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna.

 

Jerome Conway was re-appointed as Chairman of Coiste Iomána Chiarraí, with John White (Ballyduff) as Secretary. Other members of that committee were Dick McElligott (Lixnaw), Timmy Weir (Abbeydorney), Teddy O Sullivan (Ballyduff), Maurice Leahy (Co. Hurling Coach)), Tadhg O Donoghue (Kilgarvan) and Mike McCarthy (Youth Officer).

He was also appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Kerry GAC. He was the Liaison Officer for the Co. Senior and U-21 Hurling teams. Jerome Conway was Vice-Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol Chiarraí.

 

The AGM of Bord na nOg Chiarraí was held in Austin Stack Park Pavilion on Wed. 9^th Dec. 1998. The following officers were elected: Chairman – John Foley, Vice-Chairmen – Johnny Brosnan and Michael Ahern, Secretary – John Lenihan, Football Fixtures Secretary – Peggy Horan, PRO – Mike Carroll, Joint Treasurers – Billy Broderick and Der Flynn, Registrar – Liam Ó Rócháin, Hurling Officer – Timmy Weir,

Michael Ahern, Laune Rangers, as Vice-Chairman of Co. Bord na nOg, was Chairman of the Referees’ Appointment Committee.

 

Sean Treacy, Caragh Lake, was Chairman of St. Mary’s Hurling Club.

 

The Annual Convention of the Mid-Kerry Board was held on Mon. 15^th Feb. in the Pavilion, Glenbeigh. The following officers were elected: President – Fr. Brian Kelly, Chairman – John Dowling (Keel); Vice-Chairman – Mike Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine); Secretary – John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine), Treasurers – George Evans (Keel) and Dan Carey (Cromane); PRO – Mike O Shea (Laune Rangers).

Laune Rangers had a motion on the Clár as follows:

‘That Laune Rangers’ minors should not be excluded from any Mid-Kerry Minor competition, and should be allowed to take part in all Mid-Kerry Minor competitions on an equal footing with all others.’ Passed.

 

Laune Rangers had the responsibility of organising Bord na nOg in Mid-Kerry. Chairman/Secretary – Pat Pigott.

 

At the Laune Rangers’ Bord na nOg AGM on 20^th Jan. in the Fishery, Pat Pigott was re-elected as Chairman and Colm Conway was elected as Secretary, replacing Michael Ahern who had retired from the position for family reasons. There was an attendance of over 40 people. The Chairman and Secretary gave a detailed account of the year’s activities and said that it was satisfying to know that all of the teams competed with distinction and sportsmanship. The officers were very high in their praise for all the mentors that looked after the teams from U-8 upwards and for all the underage sponsors. The Chairman then thanked Michael Ahern, the out-going Secretary, for all his work and dedication over the previous number of years.

 

On Mon. 22^nd Feb. Laune Rangers’ officers and Killorglin Credit Union officials met and renewed the sponsorship deal for a further three years. The sponsorship deal between the club and the Credit Union had begun in 1996, for a three-year period.

 

On Tues. 23^rd March a seminar on Drugs, Health & Safety and Insurance was held in the ITT, Clash, Tralee. Laune Rangers were represented by John Clifford, Mary Griffin and Colm Conway.

 

Membership of Laune Rangers Club cost £15 (husband and wife – £25).

 

Kerry Co. Board organised a Challenge game between Kerry ‘A’ and Kerry ‘B’ in aid of the ‘Omagh Disaster Fund’ on Sun. 14^th Feb. at Tralee. Kerry ‘A’ 0-17; Kerry ‘B’ 0-9.

Mike Hassett played at left halfback on the ‘A’ team, Billy O Shea played at left halfback on the ‘B’ team, Liam Hassett at midfield and Pa O Sullivan scored 0-2 from centre half-forward. Peter Lyons was referee.

 

In accordance with Co. Board regulations, Laune Rangers submitted the following list of its first 18 players on 9^th March, who were not eligible to play with the ‘B’ team in the Co. League Div. 5:

Peter Lyons, John Sheehan, Adrian Hassett, Pa Murphy, Mike Hassett, Billy O Shea, Tommy Byrne, Johnny Lynch, Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Paul Griffin, Mike F. Russell, Conor Kearney, Mark O Connor, James O Shea, Shane O Sullivan, Brendan Fitzgerald. (In July, Brian Gannon was replaced by Shane O Sullivan.).

Together with the above 18, the following 12 players were, also, ineligible to play with the ‘C’ team in the Urban League: Gerard Murphy, Billy O Sullivan, Tony Lyons, Eoin Ferris, Trevor Gannon, Pierce Prendiville, Denis Cleary, Liam Foley, Jason Griffin, Joe Hayes, Mikey Griffin, Joe Healy.

 

Jonathan Griffin requested Laune Rangers Club to agree to grant him a transfer to Cromane in January. The club declined as he was ineligible to transfer and informed the Co. Secretary, Antoin Ó Caoimh, of its decision.

At the Co. Board GAC meeting on 8^th Feb. the transfer of Denis Cleary from Cork to Laune Rangers was sanctioned.

At the Co. GAC meeting on 14^th April, in relation to a number of transfers sought by players from Laune Rangers to Cromane, it was decided that, in accordance with the agreement between both clubs, the following players were refused transfers: Ross Breen, Sean Costello and Jonathan Griffin. The transfers of William Joy and Nigel Corkery from Laune Rangers to Cromane were sanctioned, as they complied with the agreement.

A letter from James Ferris re Jonathan Griffin having played with Cromane was read at the GPC meeting on 5^th May and the Secretary was instructed to call Jonathan Griffin before the next meeting.

At the meeting on 18^th May, Jonathan Griffin agreed that he had played with Cromane. He said that he had played as far as U-16 with Laune Rangers. Then, when he reached minor level, James Sheehan, Laune Rangers’ trainer, did not pick him on the team. He had complained to the club officials. In his second year as a minor, he trained hard to get on the Laune Rangers team. For the game versus Mid-Kerry in the Co. Minor Championship his name was not on the programme but he was played as a substitute at centre half-forward. Thereafter, he stopped playing. When he reached the age of 19 years, he had asked Cromane if he could transfer to that club. Stephen Scales (Cromane Secretary) stated that the agreement between Laune Rangers and Cromane was null and void. However, the GAC agreed to charge Jonathan Griffin with playing without a transfer and it was also agreed to charge Cromane with playing a player without a transfer.

At the Co. GAC meeting on Tues. 6^th July, it was decided that Jonathan Griffin could not legally play with Cromane and that he should be suspended for 3 months for having already done so. Paudie Foley (Reen) transferred to Australia from Laune Rangers and Raymond O Sullivan transferred from Laune Rangers to Waterford. Eoin O Connell transferred to Claughaun (Limerick) and Gerard Murphy to Kinsale (Cork). Podge Foley transferred to Australia, while Eoin Ferris received a 60 days permit to play with Kerry in New York.

 

The following were registered members of Laune Rangers Club for 1999: Peter Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Mark O Connor, Tommy Byrne, Shane O Sullivan, Mike Hassett, Timmy Fleming, Pierce Prendiville, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Billy O Sullivan, Gerard Murphy, Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett, Pa Murphy, Conor Kearney, John Sheehan, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell, Pa O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Denis Cleary, Tony Lyons, Thomas Walsh, Fergus O Meara, Eoin O Connell, Mikey Griffin, Trevor Gannon, Liam Foley, Danny Cahill, Karl Griffin, John Doona, Mark Conway, Derry O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Jason Griffin, Mike Moriarty, Eoin O Sullivan, Brian Curran, Michael O Reilly, Kevin Cahillane, Michael Cahillane, Enda Clifford, Joe Hayes, Joe Healy, Terence Houlihan, John Moriarty, Timmy Moroney, Carl O Sullivan, Garrath Sheehan, James Sheehan, Pa Sheehan, Eamonn Foley, Donncha Curran, Andrew O Reilly, Martin Clifford, Peter Byrne, Eddie Birmingham, Dominic Crowley, Brian Houlihan, Michael McGillycuddy, Tom Crowley, Kieran Woods, Cian Foley, John Ahern, Eoin Clifford, Vivian O Callaghan, Pat O Keeffe, Fiachra O Donoghue, Sean Moriarty, Michael Hurley, Paul O Brien, Pat Leahy, Noel Lynch, Sean Costello, Nigel Corkery, Fergal O Brien, Ross Breen, Morgan Foley, Jamie Cahillane, John Francis O Brien, Jerry O Brien, Anthony O Sullivan, Podge Foley, Billy O Mahony, Paul Russell, Joan Harmon, Jenny Pigott, Ann Lynch, Frances Flynn, Kerry O Connor, Geraldine O Shea, Frances O Neill, Maria Cleary, John Clifford, Jim Galvin, Ger Counihan, Mary Griffin, James Coffey, Mike O Shea, John O Donnell, Liam Shannon, Maurice Corkery, James Ferris, Bart Moriarty, Gerry Coffey, Paddy Crowley, Michael Foley, John Griffin, Tommy Woods, Michael Ahern, Brendan Breen, Timmy Brosnan (Dooks), John Brown, Liam Burke, James Cahillane, Joan Carolan, Ray Casey (Dooks), Christy Clifford, Jamie Clifford, Leonard Clifford, Liam Clifford, Pat Clifford, Teddy Clifford, Finbarr Coffey, Tom O Connor, Colm Conway, Jerome Conway, Patie Corkery (Cromane), Stephen Corkery, Michael Costello, Donal Cronin, Joe Cronin, Teddy Cronin, Declan Crowley, Eamonn Crowley, Joe Crowley, Teddy Curran, Tom Curran, Tom Curtayne, Johnny Doona (Dromin), Jimmy Doona (do.), Denis Doyle, Colm Dunlea, Vincent Evans, Gene Evans, Declan Falvey, Carl Falvey, Christy Fenton, Redmond Fitzgerald, Willie Fitzgerald, Pa Fleming, Gerard Flynn, Michael Flynn, Batty Foley, Jacko Foley, James Foley (Knockavota), James Foley (Ardmoniel), Jerry Foley, John Foley, Kevin Foley, Pa Foley, Patrick Foley (Laharn), James Galvin (Garrahadoo), Johnny Galvin, John Galvin (Keelcoulaght), Aidan Gannon, Maurice Geary, Con Griffin, Donie Griffin, John Griffin (Caragh Lake), Frank Griffin, Barry Harmon, Mike Hassett (Sn.), Jimmy Hayes, Danny Healy, John Healy (Farrentoreen), Stephen Henken, Jerry Houlihan (Douglas), Ted Houlihan, James Hurley, Bernard Jones, Ger Joy (Callanfersy), John Joy, Mossy Joy, Patsy Joy, Iraneus Looney, Con Lucey, Maurice Lynch (Mountain View), Pat Lynch, John Lynch (Tulligmore), Tony Lyons (Sn.), Bernadette O Mahony, Conor O Mahony, Brendan McCarthy, James McInery, Sean McKenna, Francis McMahon, Bill McSwiney, Dan Moriarty, Jack Moriarty, Robert Moriarty, Denis Moroney (Seven Oaks), Sean Murphy (The Square), James Murphy (Iveragh Park), Paudie Murphy, Myles O Brien, Patrick O Connor, Mick O Connell, Michael O Connor (Rangue), Cornelius O Connor, Laurence O Connor, Paudie O Connor, Pat O Connor (Douglas), John O Donnell (Sn.), Mícheál O Mahony (Killarney), Noel O Mahony, Denis O Neill, Pat O Riordan, Aidan O Shea, Brian O Shea, Davy O Shea, John B. O Shea, Patrick O Shea (Sunhill), Tim O Shea (Groyne), Ann O Sullivan (Mountain View), Gearoid O Sullivan, Joe O Sullivan (The Square), Sean O Sullivan (Hill View), Siobhán O Sullivan, Donal Pigott, Pat Pigott, Edmond Prendiville, John Purcell, John Quirke, Jerome O Regan, Sean O Reilly, James O Riordan (Gurrane), James O Riordan (School Rd.), Pat O Riordan, Denis Russell, Frankie Russell, Liam Russell, Joe Shannon, Tom O Shea, Frankie Sheahan, Paudie Sheahan, Dodo Sheahan, Pat Sheehan, Patrick O Sullivan (Sunhill), John Sheehan (Sn.), Jim Tobin, Maura Tuohy, Leslie West, Sean Whelan, John Woods, Mike O Donnell, Bernadette Corkery, Maureen Coffey (Anglont), Gina Sheehan, Gina Foley, Mary Lyons, Ann Gannon, Breda Falvey, Diane Hassett, Eileen Prendiville, Kathy Sheahan, Mary Quirke, Nuala O Sullivan (Dungeel), Joan O Shea (Sunhill), Kay Woods, Agnes Foley, Kathleen Flynn (Tullig), Eileen Clifford, John Evans, Tina Healy, Sheila Kennedy, Johnny O Donoghue, Liam Crowley, Donal Prendiville, Dermot O Shea, Rick Sheehy, Brendan Foley, Paudie Russell, Matty Cahill, William Joy, Batty O Riordan, Patrick Clifford (Dromin), Adrian O Connor (Iveragh Park), Richard O Connor, Aidan O Connor, Jonathan Griffin, Pa Galvin, Steve Joe Cahillane, Eoin Mangan, Jim Burns, Alan O Sullivan, Robert Evans, Ann Fenton (Muingaphouca).

 

12 Laune Rangers’ club meetings were held during the year. The following attended: John Clifford (12), Mary Griffin (12), James Ferris (11), Pierce Prendiville (11), John O Donnell (10), Michael O Shea (9), Maurice Corkery (9), John Griffin (9), Bart Moriarty (9), Jim Galvin (8), Jerry Coffey (8), Ger Counihan (8), Johnny Galvin (7), Pat Pigott (6), James Coffey (5), James Riordan (4), Michael Ahern (1), Michael Foley (1).

The following matters were discussed/decided:

Tues. 12^th Jan. in the JP O Sullivan Park – Jerry Coffey reported that he, the Chairman and Bart Moriarty had met with John O Donoghue, Minister for Justice, with a view to getting Lottery Funding for pitch development. John O Donnell was appointed as PRO, on the resignation of John Griffin. The Chairman proposed that the closing date for the acceptance of membership would be 1^st April. It was decided to demolish the old dressing-rooms.

Tues. 16^th Feb. at the JP O Sullivan Park – Pierce Prendiville reported that the Race-Night in the Fishery had been a success and that most of the proceeds had been collected. The club received £500 from the Munster Council towards the development in Cloon. Pat Pigott, who had indicated his intention of resigning as Chairman of Bord na nOg, had reconsidered his position (He had forwarded a letter to the club Secretary, Mary Griffin, stating that he had decided to resign his position because he had been wrongly accused by the Bord na nOg Secretary, Michael Ahern, of making a decision with the direct intention of causing him embarrassment within the club and beyond). James Coffey highlighted the number of physiotherapy bills that had been submitted and it was again agreed that only bills arising from treatment recommended by the club’s doctor, Vincent Evans, would be paid. The dockets would be issued by the team managers.

Tues. 2^nd March at the JP O Sullivan Park – The Chairman advised the meeting that Colm Conway had been appointed as Secretary of Bord na nOg. It was decided not to grant transfers to Cromane to William Joy and Jonathan Griffin until their cases had been examined by the club.

Tues. 6^th April in the JP O Sullivan Park – It was decided to donate £40 to Firies GAA night at the dogs. Nigel Corkery’s transfer to Cromane was signed but Sean Costello’s request was not granted. It was reported that Peter Lyons had resigned as trainer of the U-16 team – the Chairman agreed to speak to the players’ parents and Pat Pigott agreed to speak to Peter Lyons with a view to resolving the problem. James Ferris reported that 13 players from Killorglin parish had been playing juvenile football with Beaufort and approaches were planned to the parents.

Tues. 4^th May in the JP O Sullivan Park – The Chairman and Jim Galvin reported that they had met with the families whose children were playing illegally with Beaufort – some of them were willing to play with Laune Rangers (The Cronin’s and Doherty’s) but others were not (The O Shea’s and Doona’s). It was decided that the Secretary should write to Beaufort on the matter. Pat Pigott informed the meeting that Peter Lyons had returned as trainer of the U-16 team and that he and Colm Conway had spoken to the players about discipline, advising that future misconduct would be punishable with a two-match suspension. It was decided that Bart Moriarty, as Chairman of a small sub-committee, would mediate or investigate where disciplinary disputes arose. James Ferris praised the Chairman and Secretary for forcing Murt Murphy to retract an article, which accused the Laune Rangers’ ‘B’ team of being unsporting and in breach of rule.

Tues. 1^st June – Jerry O Sullivan, who had been employed by the club under the Fás Scheme, was very busy in Cloon pitch. Joe Foley, who had been employed under the same scheme, had taken a 12-weeks’ leave of absence and Angela Cahillane, also under the scheme, had been off on sick-leave. That left the club very short of workers at a potentially very busy time for the club. James Ferris said that he would raise the fact that Beaufort club was breaking the Parish Rule between itself and Laune Rangers at the following Co. Board meeting. St. Joseph’s MF Club, New Jersey had arranged to visit the Laune Rangers Club on 21^st July as part of a country-wide tour, and James Ferris took on the job of arranging accommodation for the players. The club had been given permission to take on 8 students under the Summer Job Scheme. They would coach underage teams of all age-groups and Pat Pigott agreed to supervise their work. A letter was read from Jerry Coffey, Chairman Field Development Committee, outlining that he together with John Clifford, Pa Murphy (Engineer), Frank Coffey (Engineer) and Michael O Shea (Pitch Consultant) had prepared a plan for the re-development of the pitch in the JP O Sullivan Park and he hoped that tenders would be invited immediately from suitable contractors. Michael Cahill MCC had donated €1,000 towards the cost of piping of the drain, which ran under the pitch. Pierce Prendiville expressed disappointment with the progress of the club’s Patron Scheme in some areas.

Tues. 1^st July at the JP O Sullivan Park – Jerry Coffey, Chairman Field Development Committee, circulated the tenders of the development of the pitch. He also produced a letter from Frank Coffey BE, EG Petit & Co., recommending that the club award the contract to Kelly Farm Modernisation, Ballydesmond (€40,655 incl. of VAT). That was proposed by Ger Counihan and seconded by Jim Galvin and adopted. It was further decided that MF Quirke would supply sand for the project for which the club would pay. The overall project was expected to cost €70,000 and work was expected to commence on 15^th July. It was further agreed that a meeting should be held with the mentors of all the teams so as to agree a roster for the use of Cloon pitch while the JP O Sullivan Park was closed.

Mon. 7^th July – Only two applications had been received from students for the Summer Job Scheme – Seamus Galvin and Brendan Fitzgerald. Jerry Coffey pointed out that a lot of work needed to be done prior to the commencement of the pitch re-development, removal of wire fencing, etc. and if there were not Fás workers, voluntary labour by the club members would have to be canvassed. There had been a very good response to the Patron Scheme in the areas that had been canvassed but more needed to be done. €100 was donated to the Damien Foley Fund via the Mid-Kerry Board. Pierce Prendiville requested that the position regarding the purchase of Cloon should be clarified as it would be helpful to plan for the  total spending and borrowing that would be required in the following few years. It was agreed that the Secretary should take up the offer of a Golf Classic in Dooks in 2000.

Mon. 3^rd Aug. – Pierce Prendiville advised the meeting that he had 188 people on Direct Debit for the Lotto. Efforts had been made to finalise the number of members in the club and in that regard the absence of Liam Shannon, Registrar, from meetings was mentioned. Work on the pitch was progressing in accordance with the contract. Mike Hassett agreed to act as Clerk of Work on the project. St. Joseph’s MF Club team had visited as arranged. The players had been mostly accommodated in the homes of players’ parents but six had to be accommodated in B&B’s. The visiting team had made a presentation to Pat Pigott and that had been reciprocated. James Ferris raised the issue of underage football in relation to the fact that the U-13 team had granted a walk-over to Dr. Crokes recently. Concern was expressed at the falling numbers and the poor performances of underage teams. Some problems highlighted were the coaching methods and the lack of input by former players. It was agreed to meet the club’s Bord na nOg officers, mentors and other interested parties.

Mon. 7^th Sept. – The Chairman informed the meeting that, since the previous meeting, Pat Pigott had commenced coaching sessions in Iveragh Park and 10/14 children had attended. He intended continuing for a few weeks. The U-12 team had reached the Mid-Kerry Championship semi-final. Pa O Sullivan had commenced coaching with the U-14 team. Nevertheless, the meeting with the club’s Bord na nOg officers must still be arranged. James Ferris reported from the Co. Board meeting that Cromane had sought an investigation into the agreement between Laune Rangers and Cromane. John Griffin informed the meeting that the Laune Rangers senior team was using Cromane pitch for training – Colm Joy and Patrick Casey had made it available.

Mon. 5^th Oct. – The poor response by members of the club towards the promotion of the lotto was again discussed (192 on Direct Debit). It was obvious that the public response in areas that had been canvassed had been very good. Ger Counihan undertook to approach Joe Crowley with a view to a renewed effort. Pat Pigott reported that progress on the updated history of the club by Jerome Conway had been slow due to many other commitments. Pat Pigott also informed the meeting that two new teachers, Paul O Donoghue and Tomás Hanafin, had begun coaching in Scoil Mhuire. There continued to be a problem in Glounaguillagh and Douglas National Schools, as both were unhappy with the Co. Board coach (Peter Lyons) and the Fás supervisor had not supervised the coaching there. It was agreed to ask Paudie Murphy, Danny Healy and Jerry Houlihan to coach the Douglas N.S. players and Pat Pigott volunteered to approach Noel O Mahony re Glounaguillagh N.S. He told the meeting that the problems being incurred in Laune Rangers mirrored the problems being experienced in all the large towns. A further meeting with the Bord na nOg officers was scheduled for the following Monday night in the Fishery. Pat Pigott reported that the investigation into the juvenile game, Laune Rangers v Ballyduff in Ballyduff, was ongoing and that he had already attended three meetings on the matter.

Mon. 2^nd Nov. – Pat Pigott reported that two Bord na nOg meetings had taken place since the previous club meeting. He was working on getting senior players involved with the various teams as well as the regular mentors. He suggested that the club might appoint a coach with overall responsibility for coaching policy in the club. Lotto sales had reached £1,000 per week, including 195 Direct Debit clients. A letter was received from Jack McGrath, Chairman Beaufort GAA Club, disassociating his club from an article, which had appeared in the Kingdom newspaper. The Chairman advised the meeting that he received a phone-call from Brendan Twiss on the evening of the Mid-Kerry Minor Championship Final questioning why Laune Rangers Club had objected to him refereeing the game (Laune Rangers had suggested any of three referees, of which he was not one). He had become quite abusive on the phone and threatened that he would get his own back some day. The meeting agreed that the threat was serious and should be reported to the Mid-Kerry Board and Co. Board (This was done by letter dated 14^th Nov. 1999). The Secretary reported that the club’s participation in the Fás Scheme would not be renewed – it was agreed to make whatever representations as were necessary. The date of the club’s AGM was Mon. 6^th Dec. It was decided that the club executive should put forward a motion that the U-21 team would be looked after by a selector each from the Senior A, B, C and minor teams under the guidance of the Club Chairman.

 

The Laune Rangers Club informed the GAC at its meeting on Wed. 28^th July that the J.P. O Sullivan Park was closed for at least twelve months for redevelopment. Home games would be played in Cloon. Tenders for the Field Development were received as follows: Kelly Plant – £34,000, Allman Plant – £29,670. However, as Kelly’s had the purpose-built machinery to carry out the work to specification, his quotation was accepted at the Field Sub-Committee meeting on 29^th June and Jerry Coffey, Chairman, forwarded that information to the club for ratification.

 

Murt Murphy, a sports journalist with The Kingdom newspaper, who originated from Dooks and who was mainly a soccer pundit, wrote the following in the edition of 27^th April: “The Lee Strand Co. Football Leagues have been very successful since their inception but each year controversy seems never too far away. A problem has raised its head in one of the lower divisions, where a ‘B’ side has been deemed by a number of the clubs in that league to have broken the spirit, if not the letter, of the law. The original agreement arrived at between the clubs, I am led to believe, was that senior clubs would submit a list of 18 players, and that anyone not on that list could play with the ‘B’ team. However, there has been an outcry at the strength of Laune Rangers’ ‘B’ team, which played down in Division 5 in Rd. 3 of the County League. They routed Asdee 5-9 to 1-8, and apparently were very strong.

This has come about because Laune Rangers have included players like Peter Lyons, Mike Frank Russell and Conor Kearney on their original list of 18 submitted. Then, because the Laune Rangers game was called off against Desmonds, it allowed players like Pierce Prendiville and Billy O Sullivan to play. The problem has arisen before, and the County Board must be faulted as well. It was understood that the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams would play at the same time and, if this was not possible, would play at least on the same day. This would prevent ‘B’ teams being over-strong and teams like Asdee, Cromane, Scartaglin and Kilgarvan would be saved having to play against players holding a string of medals across their chests.

Laune Rangers, to be fair, must find games for their players but, under the present system, it would be possible for their ‘B’ team to come all the way to the second division and possibly meet their first team on the way down. However, talking to Adrian Hassett, who is as fit as his greyhound, he tells me that there is little fear of this happening and once the bad weather clears up the ‘A’ and ‘B’ squads will be ploughing their own furrows. Meanwhile, is the problem with ‘B’ sides in Division 5 a myth or a reality? Observations from clubs in Division 5 would be interesting.”

Mary Griffin, Secretary of Laune Rangers Club, responded to the above allegations on 29^th April in a letter to the Management of the Kingdom Newspaper as follows: “Dear, Sir, the Laune Rangers GAA Club, and individual officers of the Club, have requested me to write to you, concerning an article, which was published on page 52 of the Kingdom, dated 27^th April last. This article appears under the page heading, ‘Murt Murphy’s World of Sport and under the article heading, ‘County League must sort out problems in lower divisions’.

Due to serious factual inaccuracies, innuendo, selectiveness and the general tone and tenor of the article itself, the Laune Rangers Club holds the view that the characters, reputation and good names of its officers and, in particular, those in charge of Senior ‘A’ and Senior ‘B’ teams are seriously maligned in public, particularly in the sporting world, in that the offending article creates a clear impression that as individuals they are not fair-minded people, that they are involved in unsportsmanlike conduct and indulge in cheating. The article is, of course, a serious reflection on the Laune Rangers Club itself, its players and all the decent people associated with the club.

The club and its individual officers, in the first instance, wish to give your paper the opportunity of redressing the wrongs done through the same columns of the next edition of your paper. The club requests you to state the true facts in a fair and accurate way and offer an apology to the club and its officers and those in charge of the Senior ‘A’ and Senior ‘B’ teams, whose reputations have suffered for any wrong impressions that the offending article may have created. If this is done by your paper in the spirit of fairness and generosity, then the club and its officers will regard the matter as closed. If for any reason, you cannot approach the matter in this way, then the individual officers involved will be advised and encouraged to consult their respective legal advisors and the club itself will pursue its own remedies.

If you are setting the facts straight in the next edition of ‘The Kingdom’, then the club would expect you to include the following points, which can be independently verified:

1. The composition of the Laune Rangers ‘B’ team, competing in Division 5 of the Co. League, is strictly in accordance with the rules of the Co. League.

2. The Laune Rangers’ list of its first 18 players, is in accordance with the rules of the Co. League, was examined and ratified by the Mid-Kerry District Board without objection, then forwarded to the Co. Board and accepted without objection.

3. That list was circulated to all Division 5 clubs, who would be competing against our ‘B’ team – again no objections.

4. The 18 players in that list are automatically excluded from playing with the Senior ‘B’ team.

5. The impression was created that Laune Rangers were wrong to include in their first 18, players of the calibre of Peter Lyons, our regular goalkeeper for many years, Michael F. Russell, National Young Player-of-the-year 1997, and Conor Kearney, the towering midfielder. If they were not included in the list, it would mean they could play with the Senior ‘B’ team on their return from injury.

6. Laune Rangers ‘B’ team earned the right to play in Division 5 by being promoted as winners last year. Laune Rangers ‘B’ team’s participation, and that of Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ team, in Division 5 is monitored by a special sub-committee of the Co. Board. No objection has been raised at any level. To suggest there is an outcry is a myth not borne out by the facts.

7. Laune Rangers ‘B’ team was heavily defeated by Tuosist in the first round, 2-13 to 0-8. They struggled to overcome Derrynane in the second round with a score of 1-6 to 0-4, before meeting Asdee in the 3^rd round. Neither Pierce Prendiville nor Billy O Sullivan, as has been  suggested, played against Asdee, nor have they played with the Laune Rangers ‘B’ team to date despite being eligible.

8. Laune Rangers club are, at all times, ready, willing and able to field both teams on dates set by the Co. Board.

Laune Rangers ‘B’ team takes its football very seriously and is a hard-working and ambitious outfit. The players are motivated by the ambition to be promoted to Division 4 but will have a tough fight on their hands. The club, its officers, mentors, players, supporters and all those associated with Laune Rangers ‘B’ team have no apologies to make for their ambition.

Yours Faithfully,

Mary Griffin,

Secretary,

Laune Rangers’ GAA Club.”

Murt Murphy offered the following apology in The Kingdom on Tues. 4^th May: “In the course of an article on this page last week headed ‘County Leagues must sort out problems in lower divisions’, I have incurred the wrath of the Laune Rangers club who have been good enough to point out inaccuracies. I have no problem admitting that I was wrong and apologise for any upset or damage to the reputation of one of Kerry’s most successful GAA clubs. I wrote the piece based on information I had received from a rival club in Division 5 and, with Laune Rangers ‘B’ hammering Asdee on Sunday week last, I felt that there was merit in my ramblings. However, I now accept that there were inaccuracies in the article that could reflect badly on Laune Rangers if they went unchallenged. I asked the question at the end of my piece last week, ‘was the problem with ‘B’ sides in Division 5 a myth or a reality?’ and only having heard from Laune Rangers, I have to assume that they are a myth.

Anyone who knows me will be aware of my affinity to Laune Rangers, as I hail from that neck of the woods and went to school in Killorglin with many a fine Laune Rangers footballer. Though not fitting into that category myself, I played with the club at U-12 and U-14 level before I was kidnapped by Glenbeigh , who to this very day regret this act.

The composition of the Laune Rangers ‘B’ team that competes in Division 5 has been drawn up strictly in accordance with the rules of the Co. League. Laune Rangers had to submit a list of its first 18 players in accordance with the rule and it was ratified by the Mid-Kerry District Board without objection and also accepted by the Co. Board. The list of players was then circulated to all Division 5 clubs and, at that stage, still no objections. So, if any team in the division felt that Laune Rangers ‘B’ were too strong, they had to write to say so but obviously they had no problems. The ‘B’ squad was promoted from Division 6 last season as Champions, with Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ joining them as runners-up. So, there is no doubt but that Laune Rangers ‘B’ are deserving of their place in the Co. League and, also, they are obviously very serious about their football.

I do hold an opinion, which I feel entitled to express, whether people agree or disagree, on the composition of the panel of 18 senior players submitted. I feel that including long-term injured players like Mike Frank Russell, Conor Kearney and present county league referee, Peter Lyons, on the original panel as being open to debate. Laune Rangers point out that the reason they were included was to cover the situation that when they would return from injury they could play with the ‘B’ team if they hadn’t been included. It is a fair point and genuinely held by the club, but I am entitled to hold a different view. I feel that injured players should be eased back into action by playing with the ‘B’ team, which after all is usually used by clubs to bring along young players who are not yet senior standard, provide games for those who have given their all for many years and also cater for injured players coming back.

Peter Lyons has developed into a top-class referee and he has left the goal-keeping duties at present in the capable hands of his young nephew, Tony. I think that is what is going to happen come Championship time. Mike Frank Russell will hopefully recover and be back playing for both club and county very soon. I cannot comment on Conor Kearney, as I do not know of his whereabouts at the moment or what his plans are. I accept that neither Pierce Prendiville nor Billy O Sullivan played against Asdee or have played with the ‘B’ team to date despite being eligible. I also accept that Laune Rangers are willing and able to field both teams on dates set out by the Co. Board. However, I never accused the club of not playing on dates that they were asked. Rather did I make the point that I felt the Co. Board were at fault in not fixing ‘A’ and ‘B’ games on the same day, which I believe was the original idea.

I have never considered Laune Rangers to be unsporting and, in fact, I got into trouble for defending one of their players whom I thought was the subject of unsporting behaviour in a game not long ago. So, there was no deliberate intent on my part to give the impression that Laune Rangers were involved in sharp practice with their ‘B’ team.

I have many friends in that region and in the club itself and I hope that it will long remain that way. I know the club will expect me to continue being objective about their club and that they will take criticism when it is due. However, next time I will make sure that the messenger who supplies me with the facts does so with the utmost good faith.”

 

A survey carried out by the Co. Administration and Development Committee, under the Chairmanship of Patrick O Sullivan, with Peter Twiss as Secretary, found that the club facilities at the JP O Sullivan Park consisted of the following: Dimensions of Pitch 146m x 81m, 4 dressing-rooms, players’ toilets, players’ showers, public gents’ toilets, public ladies’ toilets, separate referees’ dressing-room, separate referees’ toilets, separate referees’ shower, covered accommodation, score-board, wired-in pitch, separate juvenile pitch, second playing pitch (Cloon).

 

The Annual Church-gate Collection for the Kerry Co. Board (in aid of Coaching) was taken up in Sept. The Killorglin collection  yielded £541.84.

 

In Oct. to celebrate Laune Rangers appearing in three county finals, Senior team v Gaeltacht (Co. Club Championship Final), ‘B’ team v Austin Stacks ‘B’ (Molyneaux Cup Final) and ‘C’ team v Moyvane (Barrett Cup Final), Killorglin Credit Union (Club Sponsors) presented the Chairman, John Clifford, with football gear.

 

John Clifford, Chairman, and Mary Griffin, Secretary, represented Laune Rangers GAA Club at the Information Evening on Wed. 20^th Oct. in St. Michael’s Hall, Iveragh Road, in connection with the Killorglin Town Renewal Scheme.

 

In October, Laune Rangers Club was chosen by the Co. Coaching and Games Committee, under the chairmanship of Liam Sayers, with Maureen O Shea as Secretary, as a potential model for all clubs within the county and was required to fill in a questionnaire, detailing the structures of the club.

 

Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant, 18 College Street, Killarney gave a donation of £100 to the Laune Rangers Club towards training the senior team for the Co. Club Championship final.

On 16^th June, Laune Rangers made a donation of £50 towards the Killorglin Town Park Committee.

On 23^rd Feb. Laune Rangers Club made a donation of £1,000 to the Omagh Fund, which was organised by the Co. Boards throughout the country.

Laune Rangers made a donation of £700 to the CYMS Committee, Killorglin, in recognition of that fact that the Lotto draws were held there each Sunday night during Bingo.

Laune Rangers made a donation of €50 for the Tim McGillycuddy Benefit Fund via Spa Club.

 

Laune Rangers Club received a grant of £1,000 from Munster Council as a dressing-room grant.

The club received £10,000 under the Sports Capital Programme from the government.

 

The Laune Rangers’ ESB bill for the JP O Sullivan Park for the months of July and August was £14.96 (€19.00), which was paid by Direct Debit. The corresponding bill for Cloon was £99.00 (€125.70).

The ESB bill for the J.P. O Sullivan Park for the months of March/April was £165.51 (€210.15).

The ESB bill for Cloon for the months of April/May was £62.00 (€78.72).

 

The Kerry Primary Schools’ team, which took part in the Primary game versus Cork during the Munster Finals in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 18^th July was as follows: Paul O Connor (KenmareN.S.), Sean Moriarty (Feohanagh N.S.), Gary Flynn (Douglas N.S.), Michael O Neill (2 Mile N.S.), Padraig Reidy (Scartaglin N.S.), Kieran Brennan (G.S. Aogáin, Castleisland), Shane Malone (Fossa N.S.), Christopher O Sullivan (Foilmore N.S.), Anthony Maher (Duagh N.S.), Patrick O Sullivan (Kilgobnet N.S.), John Hussey (Slievaddra N.S.), Ben Clifford (Castledrum N.S.), Eoghan Liston (Holy Family N.S.), Jeremiah Hayes (Milltown N.S.), Mícheál Griffin (Glenbeigh N.S.), Martin O Mahony (Coolard N.S.), Mark Evans (Dingle N.S.), Andrew Kennelly (St. Oliver’s N.S.). Selectors – Jackie Walsh (Ballylongford N.S.), Maurice O Mahony (Coolard N.S.), Paddy Keane (Duagh N.S.), Mary Jo Coffey (Glenbeigh N.S.).

 

Amy Houlihan, Douglas N.S. played in the Primary Game for Kerry versus Tipperary in Austin Stack Park on Sun. 23^rd May.

 

On Mon. 27^th Dec. Laune Rangers organised a gala Race Night in the Fishery to raise funds. There were 13 races and the following companies sponsored a race: Fujisawa, Lee Strand, Klinge, Kelly Farm Mod. Ltd., The Fishery, AIB, Fexco, Bank of Ireland, Westwood Homes, Killorglin Credit Union, MF Quirke, Dawn Dairies, Guinness/Murphy’s/C & R Frozen Foods.

 

At the Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg Finals in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Fri. 19^th Nov. the following Laune Rangers’ items qualified for the Co. Semi-finals:

Instrumental Music – Sharon Langston, Edward Looney, Eve Griffin and Laura Cahillane.

Tráth na gCeist – Gearoid Clifford, Simon Brosnan, Caitriona Cronin.

Ballad Group – Karen McGillycuddy, Nicola O Connor, Jade O Connor, Grainne O Shea, Ciara O Grady.

The following were runners-up on the night:

Figure-Dancing – Siobhan Joy, Sarah Jane Joy, Laura Healy, Ciara Foley, Ciara O Grady, Caitriona O Connor.

Solo Singing – Karen McGillycuddy.

Set Dancing – Colin O Sullivan, Siobhan Joy, John McKenna, Sarah Jane Joy, Gary Flynn, Louise O Connor, J.J. Foley, Orla McSweeney.

Sarah Jane Joy represented the club in Recitation.

Laune Rangers won the Lee Strand Shield as the best club on the night.

The Co. Semi-final was held in Kenmare on Fri. 3^rd Dec. and the instrumental group qualified for the final.

Laune Rangers’ Instrumental Music group retained the county title at the finals of Scor na nOg in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on Sun. 12^th Dec.

The instrumental music qualified for the final of Munster at the semi-final on Sat. 9^th Jan. at Millstreet.

The Laune Rangers’ Instrumental Music Group took part in the Munster Final in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney.

 

At the beginning of March, John Clifford, Chairman of Laune Rangers Club, announced the club’s Millennium Fund-raising Project. He said that the innovative programme was intended to raise money to develop and upgrade the existing club facility at the JP. O Sullivan Park, to assist with the day-to-day club expenditure and to fund the acquisition of additional playing facilities. The club representatives would be approaching every wage earner and householder in the Killorglin community requesting donations by Direct Debit of £1 per week to fund the club’s projects. He thanked the Killorglin Credit Union, the club’s main sponsor, and the managers of the local branches of the Bank of Ireland and AIB for agreeing to handle without charge all Direct Debit contributions. He pointed out that up-to-date banking technology would be of great assistance to the club in its endeavours. He, also, stated that all subscribers would have the right to enter the club’s weekly Lotto Draw by indicating four numbers on the Direct Debit Form and those numbers would be entered each week for the draw.

 

Laune Rangers continued with the Club Lotto, as a fund-raising project. Each officer took it in his/her turn to officiate at the Lotto draw on Sun. nights in the CYMS, as follows: John Clifford (13^th Dec.1998, 28^th Feb., 16^th May, 1^st Aug., 17^th Oct.), Mary Griffin (20^th Dec. 1998, 7^th March, 23^rd May, 8^th Aug., 24^th Oct.), Pierce Prendiville (27^th Dec. 1998, 14^th March, 30^th May, 15^th Aug., 31^st Oct.), James Coffey (3^rd Jan., 21^st March, 6^th June, 22^nd Aug. 7^th Nov.), Bart Moriarty (10^th Jan., 28^th March, 13^th June, 29^th Aug., 14^th Nov.), Michael O Shea (17^th Jan., 4^th April, 20^th June, 5^th Sept. 21^st Nov.), John O Donnell (24^th Jan., 11^th April, 27^th June, 12^th Sept. 28^th Nov.), James Ferris (31^st Jan., 18^th April, 4^th July, 19^th Sept., 5^th Dec.), Johnny Galvin (7^th Feb., 25^th April, 11^th July, 26^th Sept., 12^th Dec.), Ger Counihan (14^th Feb., 2^nd May, 18^th July, 3^rd Oct., 19^th Dec.), Liam Shannon (21^st Feb., 9^th May, 25^th July, 10^th Oct.).

The lotto ticket sellers included Peter Lyons, Paul O Shea, Margaret Browne, Patrick Foley,

Sun. 3^rd Jan. (jackpot of £3,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Pat Dunne, Langford St. (£50), Michael O Shea, Laharn (£25), Ann O Shea, St. Brendan’s Park, Killarney (£25).

Sun. 14^th Feb. (jackpot of £900 not won) – Prize-winners: Shane Corkery, Upper Tullig (£50), Con Carey, Tullig (£25), Margaret McKenna, Steelroe (£25).

Sun. 14^th March (jackpot of £1,300 not won) – Prize-winners: Oonagh O Grady, Sunhill (£50), Dan Carey, Cromane (£25), Kitty O Riordan, Upper Tullig (£25).

Sun. 28^th March (jackpot of £1,500 not won) – Prize-winners: Breda O Shea, Glenbeigh (£50), Jackie O Sullivan, Cromane Upper (£25), Tommy O Riordan, 19 Langford St. (£25).

Sun. 4^th April (jackpot of £1,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Jack Moriarty, Laharn (£50), Joe O Shea, Lower Bridge St. (£25), Jason Browne, Glounaguillagh (£25).

Sun. 11^th April (jackpot of £1,700 not won) – Prize-winners: Bill McSwiney, c/o O Shea’s Bar, Langford St. (£50), Jerry Coffey, c/o Clifford’s tavern (£25), Geraldine Horgan, Laharn (£25).

Sun. 18^th April (jackpot of £1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Shivaun O Sullivan, Anglont (£50), Vincent Evans, Dunmaniheen (£25), Kay O Shea, Laharn (£25).

Sun. 2^nd May – Jackpot of £2,000 won by Hannah O Riordan, Reen.

Sun. 9^th May (jackpot of £500 not won) – Prize-winners: Ann Doyle, Glencuttane (£50), Liam Shannon, Mountain View (£25), Mary Sheehan, Tinnahalla (£25).

Sun. 16^th May (jackpot of £600 not won) – Prize-winners: Kathleen Cahillane, Glenbeigh (£50), Dan Moriarty, Lisbig (£25), May Kerrisk, Keel (£25).

Sun. 8^th Aug. (jackpot of £1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Karl Dillon, Woodford, Listowel (£50), M. Bowler, Dungeel (£25), Mike Clifford, Caragh Bridge (£25).

Sun. 15^th Aug. (jackpot of £1,900 not won) – Prize-winners: J. McSweeney, Currow (£50), Brendan O Reilly, Lower Bridge St. (£25), B. Naughton, Rangue (£25).

Sun. 22^nd Aug. (jackpot of £2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Helen O Sullivan, Keelcoulacht (£50), Frank Cronin, Garrahadoo (£25), Jimmy O Sullivan, Callinafercy (£25).

Sun. 29^th Aug. (jackpot of £2,100 not won) – Prize-winners: Pat O Mahony, Anglont (£50), Dec McGlynn, Knockmere West, Kilcummin (£25), Cathy Desmond, Meanus West (£25).

Sun. 12^th Sept. (jackpot of £2,300 not won) –Prize-winners: M. Linehan, Inch (£50), Francis Griffin, Tullig (£25), Pat Foley, Mountain Stage, Glenbeigh (£25).

Sun. 19^th Sept. (jackpot of £2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: E. Carey, Lonhart (£50), Bill McSwiney, c/o O Shea’s Bar, Langford St. (£25), Mary Jones, 16 Mountain View (£25).

Sun. 26^th Sept. (jackpot of £2,500 not won) – Prize-winners: Patrick Galvin, Ardmoniel (£50), Eileen O Riordan, Upper Tullig West (£25), Marion McCann, Glencar (£25).

Sun. 3^rd Oct. (jackpot of £2,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Lorna Galvin, Ardmoniel (£50), Mike Murphy, Iveragh Park (£25), Dermot O Connor, 163 Ballyspillane, Killarney (£25).

Sun. 10^th Oct. (jackpot of £2,700 not won) – Prize-winners: Donal Pigott, Dromin (£50), Maurice A. O Sullivan, Crinkill, Caragh Lake (£25), John Cronin, Rangue (£25).

Sun. 17^th Oct. (jackpot of £2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Teddy Curran, Groyne (£50), Susan O Connor, Clover Hill Close (£25), Tim and Sheila Gorman, Groyne (£25).

Sun. 24^th Oct. (jackpot of £2,900 not won) – Prize-winners: Frank Leahy, Dunmaniheen (£50), Brenda O Connor, 115 Iveragh Park (£25), Bernie O Sullivan, Cooleanig, Beaufort (£25).

Sun. 31^st Oct. – Jackpot of £3,000 won by Lisa Corkery, Clover Hill Close.

Sun. 7^th Nov. (jackpot of £500 not won) – Prize-winners: A. Keary, Glenbeigh (£50), Sean McCarthy, 71 Fairways, Limerick (£25), John Kissane, The Shop, Carnahone, Beaufort (£25).

Sun. 14^th Nov. (jackpot of £600 not won) – Prize-winners: Ann O Shea, Glenbeigh (£50), Frances O Connor, 6 Iveragh Park (£25), Pa Murphy, Laune Rangers (£25).

Sun. 21^st Nov. (jackpot of £700 not won) – Prize-winners: Mary Jones, 16 Mountain View (£50), Helen O Sullivan, 37 Iveragh Park (£25), D. Trant, Keel, Castlemaine (£25).

Sun. 5^th Dec. (jackpot of £900 not won) – Prize-winners: Caoimhe Hassett, Clifford’s Tavern (£50), Adrian Keary, Glenbeigh (£25), Joe Foley, Laharn (£25).

Sun. 12^th Dec. (jackpot of £1,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Deirdre Corkery (£50), Nellie O Shea, Sunhill (£25), Patsy Clifford, 21 Mountain View (£25).

Sun. 19^th Dec. (jackpot of £1,100 not won) – Prize-winners: K. O Connor, Sunhill (£50), Maura Mangan, Steelroe (£25), Gemma Ashe, Sunhill (£25), Jack Moriarty, Laharn (£25), Frank Griffin, Tullig (£25), Pa Galvin, Ardmoniel (£25), Michael Cronin, Rockery Road, Killarney (£25).

 

The Kerry Youth Games and Coaching Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mike McCarthy, Milltown, organised a Fás/GAA Coaching Scheme for the Primary Schools in the county for a 12 months period. Jerry Houlihan was taken on in Douglas and Peter Lyons in Scoil Mhuire.

 

It was decided to demolish the old dressing-rooms in the J.P. O Sullivan Park, which had been officially opened in 1969. The club applied for planning permission, in Kerry’s Eye on 11^th Feb., to construct a car-park in the Park,

 

Timmy Corkery, Eoin Corkery and Mark O Sullivan helped Neasden Gaels to win the London Co. Senior Football Championship.

 

Laune Rangers Golf Society Captain’s Prize was held on Sat. 11^th Sept. at Killorglin Golf Club. Finbarr Coffey’s prizes were most impressive. The main prize was won by Donal Pigott, who shot an impressive 39 points. Aidan O Shea was crowned society Golfer of the Year. He also won category A with 38 points. Category B was won by James McInery and Category ‘C’ was won by Joe Shannon who also shot 38 points. The novice prize was won by Paul McKenna. John Evans was announced as society captain for 2000.

 

Peter Lyons refereed the following game, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

SFC on Fri. 30^th July at Scartaglin: St. Kieran’s Kerins O Rahillys.

 

The death occurred in May of Jim Curtin, Tralee. He had opened a bookmaker’s shop in Market Street in the 1940’s and took a keen interest in the Laune Rangers Club in the 40’s and 50’s. Together with his brother-in-law, Eddie Clifford, the Square, he donated the Clifford/Curtin Trophy for football in the parish.

The death, also, occurred on 10^th May of Stephen ‘Doc’ Corkery. He had played in goals with Laune Rangers’ juvenile, minor and senior teams during the 1950’s/’60’s. The members of Laune Rangers’ Club provided a guard-of-honour to St. James’ Church and to Dromavalla Cemetery.

The death occurred, after a long illness, of Vincent Lucey, Caragh Lake and Limerick, on 26^th June. He was just 55 years of age. He had played minor football with Dublin while he had been at school in the Air-Corps in Baldonnell. He had won an All-Ireland U-21 Football medal with Kerry in 1964 and thereafter had played with the Kerry senior team during the barren years of the mid-sixties. He had, also, played with Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers. A guard of honour of his former team-mates and Laune Rangers players and officials provided a guard of honour at the funeral.

The death occurred in Dec. of Mick O Sullivan, Ballyledder. He had played with Laune Rangers before his departure to Dublin, where he had become involved in the Kickham’s Club.

 

On Sun. 14^th Feb. the Kerry Co. Board organised a fund-raising game for the victims of the Omagh bombing – in effect it was a senior ‘A’ v ‘B’ game. Mike Hassett played at left halfback on the ‘A’ team, while Billy O Shea played at left halfback on the ‘B’ team and Liam Hassett played at midfield. The game was refereed by Peter Lyons, Laune Rangers.

 

At the end of the year, Tommy Conroy selected his team of consistent Kerry club footballers for 1999 in Kerry’s Eye: Declan Sweeney (K.O Rahillys), Buddy O Shea (Waterville), Tom O Sullivan (Rathmore), Michael McCarthy (Kilcummin), Seamus Moyinhan (Glenflesk), Stephen Stack (Emmett’s), Johnny Kelly (K. O Rahillys), David Moloney (Dr. Crokes), Kenneth Dillon (Desmonds), Liam Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Michael D. Cahill (Rathmore), Tadhg Kennelly (Emmett’s), Pa O Sullivan (Laune Rangers), Aodán Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), Paud O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Laune Rangers Club decided against having a Social in 1999. Instead, a presentation-night was organised for Sat. 25^th March 2000 in the Fishery. The senior and minor medal presentations and the players-of-the-year awards were made. Senior player-of-the-year – Liam Hassett, ‘B’ team player-of-the-year – Karl Griffin, ‘C’ team – Alan O Sullivan, U-21 team – Brendan Fitzgerald, minor team – Thomas McGillycuddy. Tickets cost £5 and finger-food was available. There was live music and disco afterwards.

 

As Laune Rangers had neither a senior nor a minor ladies football team in 1999, some Killorglin girls played with Beaufort at those grades. Beaufort won the Ladies Co. Minor Football Championship by defeating South-Kerry in the final. Sandra and Susan Joy and Jenny Johnston played on that team.

 

Co. SFC Final: East-Kerry 0-10; Feale Rangers 1-6.

Co. MFC Final: South-Kerry 1-13; Austin Stacks 1-12.

Co. U-21 Football Championship Final: East-Kerry beat West-Kerry.

Co. SFL Div. 1 Final: Kerins O Rahillys 1-11; An Ghaeltacht 1-7.

Co. IFC Final: Rathmore 0-15; Glenflesk 0-9.

Co. JFC Final: Listowel Emmets 2-15; Beaufort 1-9.

Co. NFC Final: Dromid Pearses 3-13; Listry 1-4.

Co. Senior Football Club Championship Final: Laune Rangers 2-12; An Ghaeltacht 1-7.

Co. MFL Div. 1 Final: Kerins O Rahillys 1-11; Austin Stacks 0-8.

Co. U-13 Football Final Div. 1: Dingle 3-14; Ballymacelligott 5-7.

Co. U-14 Football Final Div. 1: Ballyduff 3-22; Kerins O Rahillys 1-10.

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Final: Beaufort beat Laune Rangers.

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Final: Beaufort 2-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6.

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Final on Mon. 20^th Sept. at Cromane: Beaufort 3-14; Keel 0-3.

Mid-Kerry MFC Final: Laune Rangers 2-11; Beaufort 1-1.

Mid-Kerry MFL Final: Beaufort 1-8; Laune Rangers 0-10.

 

On 29^th Sept., Laune Rangers’ Secretary, Mary Griffin, wrote to Stephen Scales, Secretary Cromane Club, as follows: “On behalf of the club, I wish to thank the Chairman, Officers and members of your club for your generosity in affording our senior team the use of your facilities for training for the Co. Championship. This was greatly appreciated by all concerned and the excellent facilities are a credit to all.”

 

The relationship between Laune Rangers and some Beaufort people was encapsulated in the following item in the Beaufort Notes in the Kingdom on Tues. 5^th October: ‘Our underage footballers have learned a valuable lesson in outlook this year. Who taught them the lesson? Yes, our friends Laune Rangers, whose emphasis on winning at all costs resulted in the first game between Beaufort and Laune Rangers (at U-12 level) being called off despite the fact that Beaufort turned up. The reasons and excuses varied but it is believed that the numbers were one of the reasons, but, of course, nobody believes that. The real reason is the fear of defeat, and they were defeated when they eventually had to face the music. The cracks are showing. They won’t be cock of the walk for much longer.’

However, Jack McGrath, Chairman of Beaufort Club, sent this letter to Laune Rangers following the appearance of the above: “With reference to Beaufort Notes under the heading of GAA in the Kingdom newspaper dated Tues. 5^th Oct. 1999, I wish to inform you that the Beaufort GAA Club or any members of the club had no hand, act or part in submitting those notes and wish to disassociate completely from the contents of same.”

 

At the AGM of Cromane GAA Club in December, the Secretary, Stephen Scales, complained as follows: “Unfortunately, problems arose this year regarding transfers from Laune Rangers and the validity of what remains of the original 1985 arrangement. The passage of time has proved that the existence of the club in Cromane has not weakened Laune Rangers – in other words the case against Cromane was based on false premises and at this stage we are fed up with being second class citizens, as far as the GAA is concerned, in our own parish. The fact is indisputable that because of Cromane more people than ever are playing Gaelic football in the parish. Our big problem was with the way the matter was dealt with in 1995 – we have asked questions and been given unsatisfactory answers, so we will pursue the matter as far as necessary. We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for equal treatment.”

 

Kerry defeated Roscommon in the All-Ireland U-21 Football Semi-final by 3-15 to 1-8. However, Westmeath proved to be better in the final. Kerry trainer was Jack O Connor, with Johnny Culloty was selector.

Kerry panel: Kieran Cremin (Dr. Crokes), Stephen O Sullivan (Skellig Rangers), Tom O Sullivan (Rathmore), Michael McCarthy (Kilcummin), Sean Hegarty (Legion), Tomás Ó Se (Gaeltacht), Enda Galvin (Finuge), Tommy Griffin (Dingle), John Sugrue (Renard), Noel Kennelly (Emmett’s), Aodán Mac Gearailt (Gaeltacht), Tadhg Kennelly (Emmett’s), Paul Galvin (Finuge), Liam Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Ian Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine). Subs: Dan Nelligan (Desmonds), Sean O Sullivan (Cromane), Michael D. Cahill (Rathmore), Bernard O Connor (St. Mary’s), Trevor McKenna (Finuge), Billy Sheehan (Austin Stacks), Mícheál O Shea (Castlegregory), Paul Kennedy (Fossa), William Harmon (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Luke Moriarty, formerly of Iveragh Road, Killorglin, was elected as Chairman of the Kerry Association in Dublin. His sister, Áine, was elected as Assistant Treasurer.

 

Laune Rangers AGM was held on Mon. 6^th Dec. 1999 in the Manor Inn, Killorglin and the Secretary, Mary Griffin, gave her report as follows: “Tonight, the last AGM of this millennium, we can look back on 1999 as a year of mixed fortunes, with many successes and disappointments. As we enter the new millennium, the club is well placed to take on the challenges ahead. To continue to prosper and attract young people, we must move with the times, developing better facilities and providing a safe environment for our youth.

Administration

During the year there were 11 club meetings. These meetings were well attended by officers but poorly supported by other club members.

Sponsorship

This year, Killorglin Credit Union renewed their sponsorship of the club for a further 3 years. The Credit Union has been very generous in its support of the club and we hope that both the club and the Credit Union continue to benefit from the sponsorship. Thanks particularly to James Murphy, Agnes Foley and Michael Murphy.

Thanks, also, to Sean Murphy, Starlite Cleaners, who continues to look after the cleaning of all the club jerseys, and to the many others who sponsor and support the club throughout the tear. We ask you all to support our sponsors.

Finance

The Finance Committee, under the chairmanship of Ger Counihan, ran a successful Race Night in January. Another Race Night is planned for Mon. 27^th Dec. in the Fishery.

At last year’s AGM, the Laune Rangers’ Patron Scheme was launched. It was decided to include an entry to the weekly Lotto as incentive to encourage people to join the scheme. The parish was divided into areas for canvas. The response in the areas canvassed was excellent. However, we are still awaiting results from a large number of areas. If your area has not been canvassed, please help out and canvas it now.

The weekly Lotto continues to be our biggest source of income. Great credit is due to our regular CYMS team of Jim Galvin, Johnny Galvin and Peter Lyons. The treasurers will give their report later.

Membership

There are 228 full members in the club this year. A large number of former members of the club are not renewing their membership each year. This problem needs to be tackled in the coming year. The date for renewal of membership is 1^st Jan. and the subscription should be paid no later than 28^th Feb. each year.

Field Development

The long awaited redevelopment of the pitch commenced in July. Unfortunately, weather conditions have hampered progress. However, we hope the drainage and reseeding will be finalised in early spring to complete Phase 1 of the development. Planning permission has now been obtained for Phase 2, the development of a car-park at the top of the field. We would hope that this work can be carried out next year. Work was, also, done on the Cloon pitch during the year to improve the playing surfaces. Many thanks to Jerry Coffey, Chairman of the Field Committee, who has put a huge amount of work into researching and bringing these projects to fruition. Thanks, also, to Pa Murphy and Frank Coffey for their help.

Bord na nOg

This year, Pat Pigott, Chairman, and Colm Conway, Secretary, did an excellent job running both Laune Rangers and Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg. The amount of work put in by Pat deserves special mention, as he was also involved in training the U-14 team and refereed many of the underage games. The club hosted the Mid-Kerry schools’ competition and Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg. Thanks to Mary Clifford, who continues to organise Scór for the club. Pat will give a report later.

Social

The club Social was held in the Fishery on 7^th Feb. Co. Board Chairman, Sean Walsh, attended. The Golf Society and captain, Finbarr Coffey, organised several enjoyable outings during the year and included beginners in an outing during the summer.

Discipline

A number of incidents arose during the year that reflected badly on the club. We cannot allow standards to drop. During the year, a Disciplinary Sub-Committee was set up, under the Chairmanship of Bart Moriarty, to address problems, which arise, and to provide a forum to ensure a fair hearing is given to all. It is important that every member, player, mentor and officer should represent the club in a positive way.

FÁS Scheme

We had 3 workers under the FÁS Scheme but this finished on 26^th Nov. and has not been renewed. We have been in contact with FÁS but, as yet, have got no firm commitment that we will be included in a new scheme. We are continuing to pursue this.

Teams

Our senior team, trained by John Griffin with selectors Patsy Joy and Ger Counihan, enjoyed a reasonably successful year. In the Co. Championship, they lost again at the semi-final stage. Having beaten Shannon Rangers in the first round, they then had an impressive win over St. Kieran’s in the quarter-final. In the semi-final, they lost to Feale Rangers in a disappointing performance. In the Co. League, points dropped at home cost us our title, eventually finishing third. We retained the Club Championship title with victories over Dr. Crokes, Kerins O Rahillys and Gaeltacht, in the final. Having qualified for the Munster Club Championship, we faced Doonbeg from Clare in the semi-final on 6^th Nov. The concession of two second-half goals ended our hopes for another year. In Mid-Kerry, we retained the League title, beating Milltown/Castlemaine in the final, and the highlight of the year was regaining the Mid-Kerry Championship title, defeating old rivals Beaufort in the final. Yesterday, we commenced the Munster League campaign with a win over St. Finbarr’s of Cork in Cloon.

Injuries to key players through the year had a major bearing on our performance. Mike Hassett suffered a broken jaw in the Co. League against Kerins O Rahillys, Billy O Shea suffered a broken collar-bone against Feale Rangers and Adrian Hassett is recovering from a broken arm, sustained against Kilcummin. We wish him well. Minor star, Paul Costello’s progress was hampered following a knee injury, suffered playing with the Kerry minors against Clare.

Our ‘B’ team, trained by Liam Foley with selectors John Francis O Brien and Mike O Shea, reached three finals this year. In the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ final, they met Glenbeigh, in the O Sullivan Cup final, they met Cromane and in the Molyneaux Cup final, they met Austin Stacks. They were beaten by one point in each final after closely fought contests. In the Co. League, they finished mid-table, having adjusted to playing in Div. 5 where they are meeting clubs’ first teams.

Our ‘C’ team, under Danny Cahill, Peter Byrne, Dominic Crowley and Jamie Clifford, qualified for the Barrett Cup final, where they lost to Moyvane ‘B’. In the Urban League, they were very unlucky to lose out on a place in the play-off stages to Glenbeigh who finished on the same points.

Our U-21’s went out of the Co. Championship in a close encounter against Legion in Killarney. In Mid-Kerry, they were beaten by Milltown/Castlemaine.

Our minors, trained by James Sheehan and Denis Cleary, with selectors Jerry Coffey and Noel O Mahony, regained the Mid-Kerry Championship with a resounding victory over Beaufort in Cromane. In the Co. Championship, after a draw at home to Feale Rangers, they travelled to Listowel and lost out in extra-time. In the Co. League, they reached the semi-final, losing out to the eventual winners, Kerins O Rahillys. They reached the Mid-Kerry League final, where they lost out to Beaufort.

Congratulations

To Liam Hassett who, this year, won a Railway Cup medal with Munster. At county level, Mike Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, Billy O Shea and Mike Frank Russell played with the senior team, Harry Bawden and Paul Costello played with the Kerry minors. Peter Lyons continues to progress as an inter-county referee.

To Mike O Shea, who has taken on the role of PRO of the Mid-Kerry Board.

Best wishes to Liam Shannon who has stepped down as Registrar. Liam has given the club great service in many different roles over the years. Thanks to Ger Counihan who has stepped down as Vice-Chairman. We hope he will continue to participate in the club’s activities and return as an officer in the future.

Soon after the last AGM, the club was stunned by the sudden passing of Pat McKenna at the age of 29. Pat was an exceptional footballer who won many honours with the club and county, but it was his laid-back, easy-going manner and his humour that ensured he had no enemies on or off the field. His popularity could be seen on St. Stephen’s Day, when people travelled from all over the county and beyond in dreadful weather to pay their last respects. As we near Christmas, our thoughts and prayers are with Sean, Bridget, his brothers and sisters. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

Finally, I would like to thank my fellow officers and the team mentors for their co-operation and assistance during the year.”

 

Pat Pigott, Chairman of Laune Rangers Bord na nOg, delivered the following report to the AGM of the club in the Manor Inn on Mon. 6^th Dec. 1999: “The year kicked off with our AGM in the Fishery on 20^th Jan. 1999, at which we had the largest attendance ever, when 42 people with underage football at heart attended. The meeting opened on a sad note when a minute’s silence was observed for the recent deaths of Dermot Murphy, Sean Evans and Pat McKenna RIP. The Chairman and Secretary, Michael C. Ahern, then proceeded with the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the Secretary, Mr. Ahern, indicated that, due to family illness, he would be unable to continue in his position as Secretary. I thank him for his contribution to Bord na nOg over the last number of years. At a later meeting Colm Conway was elected as Secretary and since then he has carried out his duties with dedication and efficiency. But it is not a healthy situation that a club, the size of Laune Rangers, is left with 2 people to organise and run effectively.

The year kicked off with a visit from an underage team from Longford for two challenge matches against our own U-16 and our minors. Two enjoyable games were played and mentors and players alike adjourned to the Fishery for a most pleasant evening.

Our U-8 and U-10 footballers commenced training on Sun. 15^th March. Our U-12’s commenced training on Sun. 28^th Feb. Our U-14’s commenced training on Sat. 13^th Feb and our U-16’s on Sat. 6^th Feb. I will deal with each team separately later in my report.

The Scór na nOg organisation was in full swing at Christmas but we were not as successful as last year. However, our organisers must be thanked, as no effort was spared at organising it. The club is forever grateful to Mary Clifford, Helen Horgan and all the members of Comhaltas who, each year, encourage our young people to take part in Scór. Last week, I personally saw at first hand the amount of work that goes into these competitions, when our own club hosted Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg, one of our most successful events held. Laune Rangers will represent Mid-Kerry in the county finals in Instrumental Music.

As Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg operates on a rota system, it was Laune Rangers’ turn to run the Board in 1999. The club was supposed to provide a chairman and secretary and, as Colm was our delegate on the floor, the onerous tasks of chairman and secretary fell on myself. This is not a job I would undertake again, as I was left with National Schools, U-12, U-14, U-16 and skill competitions to be organising along with Scór na nOg. It was indeed a long year.

At the AGM, the situation of our ‘B’ teams was discussed at length and it was decided that, due to lack of numbers and meaningful competitions, it would be best to disband our ‘B’ teams, with the exception of our U-12B’s. The Chairman mentioned at the meeting that he visited the 3 schools in the parish and the number of boys in 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes was far outnumbered by girls. One example is the Town school 4^th class – 16 boys and 42 girls. At this year’s AGM we will look at the situation again, as this year, I have no doubt, we lost a certain number of players as they were not getting regular football, a real chicken and egg situation.

Again, as usual, Joe Crowley, of Mulvihill’s Pharmacy, presented the team photographs to all the players from each team from U-8 to U-16, a most treasured photo to look back on in years to come. By March, all teams were training and to find a vacant spot on the J.P. O Sullivan Park, and later in Cloon, was indeed difficult. I suppose, in one sense, this is a good complaint. Again I want to draw your attention to the amount of football being played at this time of year with probably 3 or 4 teams out each week and, to some degree, the club being stretched for personnel, with nobody to go with them, and for financial resources.

As the year progressed, it became very obvious that we would not be anyway as successful as in other years. In fact, we did not win any ‘A’ competition all year and, only for the U-12B’s winning Mid-Kerry, we would have finished the year without any trophy. In my time in football, this had never before happened. Maybe the time has come to look and take stock of our position, our structures, our coaching, our mentors and our overall system. Our standards have definitely dropped. We no longer have first call on the players of the parish due to other sports and, also, the influence of computers and play-stations. From dealing with lads at first hand, I have noticed in the last couple of years that proper diet no longer plays a part in football e.g. you could arrive at a bus going to a match to find players eating crisps, sweets, liquorice and, of course, the inevitable bottle of Coke or other soft drinks. More education from home and from mentors is definitely needed in this regard for their own health, more than for football standards. If you attend any training session, you will find a large percentage of players unable to run for any distance or time.

I summarise the year’s performance of each team as follows:

U-16 – sponsored by the Fishery, the team is under the management of Pat O Riordan, Peter Lyons and Jerome O Regan. They contested the Mid-Kerry final and were beaten by Beaufort in Milltown. This entitled them to play in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ competition in which they were defeated by Glenbeigh in the semi-final. In the County, they reached the play-off stages in which they were beaten by Ballyduff in a dour encounter. Some incidents that took place after this game have only just been cleared up by the GPC of the Co. Board. In Tralee District, the team was beaten in the semi-final by Austin Stacks.

U-14A – sponsored by Champs Super Valu, the team is trained by Pat Pigott, Jerry Foley, Michael Foley and Finbarr Coffey. They competed in Féile na nOg and were beaten n the semi-final by Kerins O Rahillys. We had a very poor run in the county, only winning one game and were totally out of our depth. In the Mid-Kerry ‘A’ competition, we were beaten in the semi-final by Milltown. In the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ competition, we were beaten in the final by Milltown. The team welcomed Round Towers of Clondalkin, Dublin, for two matches during the year and hosted both teams and mentors in Bunkers Restaurant after the match on Sunday.

U-12A – sponsored by Fexco, the team is trained by Patsy Joy, John Quirke, James O Riordan and Eamonn Carey. They started slowly in the county but won a few matches later on and did better when the groups were redrawn later on, but did not finish in the shake-up in the end. After a titanic struggle with Beaufort in the semi-final of the Mid-Kerry competition, we were eventually beaten by one point, but the game could have gone anyway in the last 10 minutes. In the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ competition, we beat Keel in the final in Cromane. Due to a clash of fixtures, they had to forfeit the quarter-final match against Ardfert in the Tralee District, but had played very well during the competition.

U-12B – sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire, the team was trained by James O Riordan and Eamonn Carey. They took part in the Co. League Div. 7 and completed the entire programme and won a few games along the way. The lads in charge were very happy with their progress.

U-8/U-10 – Trained by Iraneus Looney, Brian O Shea, Donal Pigott, Pat O Brien, Francis Flynn and Joe Crowley, they played challenge games against Fossa and Kerins O Rahillys during the year. The U-10’s finished joint winners of Mid-Kerry. They also had a most enjoyable Parish League. Shane McSweeney won the ‘A’ League and Chris O Riordan won the ‘B’ League. Timmy Lynch won player of the Parish League and Seamus Joy was the most improved player of the year.

U-13/U-15 – these teams had just one competition each. A mix-up of fixtures deprived the U-13 team of a game. Our U-15’s travelled to Waterville and were beaten by Waterville/Dromid.

Our club contributed 4 players to the winning Mid-Kerry U-14 team – Jerry Coffey, John Houlihan, Aidan O Sullivan and Maurice Foley. This team was trained by John Cahillane and I was his selector.

We have 8 playing with the U-16 Mid-Kerry team. They played Shannon Rangers in the final and won on a score-line of 5-18 to 1-8. Two of our players, Colin O Connor and Ross Sheehan, contributed 4-8 between them. The Laune Rangers’ players are Shane Clifford (goal), Jonathan McCarthy (right halfback), Darren O Riordan (centre halfback) capt., Ross Sheehan (full-forward), Colin O Connor (right half-forward) and substitutes Dermot Houlihan, Mark Healy and Aidan Lynch.

We are very grateful to all our sponsors during the year. Without their help, our board would not survive. As well as the sponsors mentioned above, we also receive donations from Golden Hour Video and Starlight Laundrette which cleans our jerseys free of charge all year long. We are very grateful for this.

In summary then, we have now reached the stage where serious action is required in order to get the teams back to the top. So, tonight I appeal strongly to our senior players, past and present, to come to our rescue. We need you now, and not in 2 or 3 years time. Our problems are immediate. Our senior team is one of the most respected and feared in the county. So please lads, come forward, if you see a way to give even one hour a week to coaching. You need not necessarily be involved with teams. If you could do this, it would be a great help. The golden years at Bord na nOg appear to be over for the present but, with a lot of hard work, they can return. However, it won’t be easy.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Senior Board for helping us during the year, especially John Clifford and Mary Griffin. I, also, want to thank my own family, Jenny, Sinead and Niamh, for all the messages and phone-calls they received during the year. And, finally, to anyone who helped Bord na nOg, in any way, during the year. With a lot of hard work, we can face the new millennium with hope and with the expectation that we can return to the great heights that Bord na nOg has come to expect since the early 1970’s.”

 

The Mid-Kerry Board’s Convention was held in the Community Centre, Cromane on Wed. 19^th Jan. 2000. The Secretary, John Twiss, gave his report as follows: “I have pleasure in presenting my first ever Secretary’s Report of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael for Mid-Kerry for the final year of the century. The year under review saw the main prize of the Co. Senior, U-21 and Minor Championships elude the Board’s teams but was highlighted by our young players winning the Co. U-14 and U-16 Championships.

Firstly, I would like, on behalf of the Board, to congratulate the players who wore the county jersey with pride during the year. In the Minor team, there were two players from Laune Rangers, Harry Bawden and Paul Costello, and the team was captained by Gavin Wrenn of Milltown/Castlemaine. In the Co. U-21 team that retained the Munster Championship and were unlucky not to win the All-Ireland, were Sean O Sullivan from Cromane, William Harmon and Ian Twiss from Milltown/Castlemaine. In the Co. Senior team were Liam and Mike Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, Michael Francis Russell, who made a welcome return after injury, and Sean O Sullivan from Cromane, who came on as a sub in the last three National League games. I would like to congratulate William Harmon and Pa O Sullivan who won Sigerson Cup medals with Tralee IT and Ian Twiss and Fionán Kelliher who won Cork Co. Senior medals with UCC and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the team well in the All-Ireland semi-final against Crossmaglen Rangers. I also want to congratulate Donal Kelliher who has been selected to play with the Irish Youth Team against the Australian Youth team in Compromise Rules. I would also like to congratulate John Evans who has been appointed trainer of the Kerry U-21 team and, with the amount of young talent around this area, Mid-Kerry should be well represented on this team. Congratulations, also, to Jerome Conway, James Coffey and Michael McCarthy who have all been re-elected to their positions on the Co. Board and, also, Mike Carroll who has been re-elected to PRO of Bord na nOg.

Senior Championship

Mid-Kerry and Laune Rangers took part in the Senior Championship. Mid-Kerry were drawn in the preliminary round against John Mitchels and the winners took on East-Kerry in the first round. John P O Sullivan took over the training of the team from Jeremiah Kerins with the same selectors as the previous year. After beating John Mitchels rather easily, we were confident that the players would put in a big effort and put it up to the Co. Champions. The response from some of the players was poor and we entered the game more hopeful than confident with the selection of the team being made more difficult through the absence of influential players Sean O Sullivan, Kieran Foley and William Harmon through injury. Mid-Kerry played well in the first half but, in the second half, East-Kerry ran out easy winners on a score-line of 1-13 to 0-10. In future, the senior players should show more pride in wearing the Mid-Kerry jersey and, if they are unwilling to train, there is little anyone can do.

Laune Rangers, having beaten Shannon Rangers and St. Kieran’s, were fancied to reach the Co. Final but were beaten by Feale Rangers in the semi-final.

U-21

Our main hope of Championship glory rested with the U-21 team. These players had come through successful minor teams and college teams. We were again drawn against John Mitchels in the first round and beat them quite easily. In the second round, we were drawn away to An Ghaeltacht. The preparation for this game was poor to say the least and we were too confident taking on this team, especially as we were without Kerry star, Sean O Sullivan. But, on the night, Mid-Kerry played superb football in one of the best games of the year and a goal from Donal Hartnett sealed the game for Mid-Kerry. The final score was 1-13 to 1-7. Three players played particularly well on the night and they were Pa Murphy, Eugene Courtney and Kenneth O Connor, all from Glenbeigh/Glencar. In the semi-final, Mid-Kerry were drawn against the all conquering East-Kerry. The preparation of the team for the most important match of the year was worse than the preparation of the senior players. Challenge games were organised and the most we could muster at any one time was seven or eight players. Some players were so sure of their places that they were not bothered to turn up for training or playing in a challenge match. Some clubs did not encourage their players to train with Mid-Kerry. There was not one decent training session prior to this important match. After much deliberation with the Co. Board, the match was fixed for the John Mitchel’s field in Tralee on one of the worst days of the year. The field was not playable but East-Kerry wanted the game played at all costs and they got their way. Mid-Kerry had to play without Pa Murphy and, five minutes before the game was due to start, the selectors were not present to pick the team. In the meantime, East-Kerry had 28 players out on the field warming up and the Mid-Kerry lads did not even know who had made the team. The weather played an important role in the match. In the first half, East-Kerry played with a storm blowing behind them and so were completely on top. In the second half, the wind died down and East-Kerry won on a score-line of 1-13 to 0-9. I would like to thank the players, the trainer, John P O Sullivan, and his selectors, Jim ‘Fox’ Foley, Donie Hartnett, Mike Grady and Mike Healy for their efforts.

Minors

Mid-Kerry minors were bidding for three-in-a-row in the Co. Championship and hopes were high that they would go all the way. In the first round, Mid-Kerry had an easy victory over Dr. Crokes in Beaufort on a score-line of 1-14 to 0-4. In the next round, Mid-Kerry were drawn against East-Kerry and, after a terrific match, went down by a point in a game where a draw would have been a fair result. The final score was 1-15 to 3-8. I have no doubt that, had Mid-Kerry won that match, they definitely would have gone as far as the County Final. I would like to thank Tim Coffey for the amount of time and effort he put into training the Mid-Kerry Minors over the last three years and hope that he stays on as trainer for many years to come. Also, I wish to thank the selectors, Mick O Toole, Sean Foley, Frank Walsh and Jeremiah Kerins.

Laune Rangers, having drawn with Feale Rangers in the first round, were defeated, in extra-time, in the replay in what can only be described as an excellent match.

Clubs

The clubs within the Board also suffered mixed fortunes during the year in the county competitions. Laune Rangers won the Club Championship and this entitled them to represent Kerry in the Munster Club Championship. Laune Rangers also retained their position in Div. 1 of the Co. League. Milltown/Castlemaine returned to Div. 1 of the Co. League after one year. After good victories over Annascaul and Sneem, they were beaten by eventual winners, Rathmore, in the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship. Beaufort will remain in Div. 2 for another year at least. Having started badly, they improved as the year went on and will be disappointed that they were beaten by Listowel Emmett’s in the Co. Junior Final. Glenbeigh/Glencar gained promotion to Div. 3, after a play-off with Dromid Pearses. Cromane were beaten by Listry in the Novice Championship semi-final and were just pipped for promotion. Keel will be disappointed, having been relegated to Div. 4 after one year in Div. 3.

In Mid-Kerry competitions, there were a total of 49 games played in Senior, Minor and U-21 competitions. Bord na nOg ran 6 competitions. I would like to congratulate Laune Rangers on winning the Senior Championship after a great final against Beaufort, played in Milltown. I would like to thank the officers of the Milltown/Castlemaine club for having the field in excellent condition for the final and Kerry Radio for broadcasting the game live. Laune Rangers also won the Mid-Kerry League and Minor Championship with victories over Milltown/Castlemaine and Beaufort respectively. Beaufort retained the Mid-Kerry Minor League with a narrow victory over Laune Rangers. I would like to congratulate Cromane on their first Mid-Kerry Senior victory when they won the O Sullivan Cup after beating Laune Rangers ‘B’ in a great final. The jubilation in the players after the match had to have been seen to be believed.

The most successful competition run by the Board was the inaugural running of the U-21 Championship. The Chairman was instrumental in getting the competition off the ground and the trophy was generously sponsored by the Ferris family from Dungeel. In the first round, Cromane defeated Keel by one point in a terrific match. Milltown/Castlemaine defeated Laune Rangers and Glenbeigh/Glencar. In the final, Milltown/Castlemaine defeated Cromane after a great struggle. I have great pleasure in reporting that all Mid-Kerry competitions were played with great skill. The presentation of the games was excellent and clubs are to be congratulated for their efforts in ensuring that fields were properly marked and stewarded. Cromane are to be congratulated on the excellent condition of their pitch and recently forming their own web-page on the Internet. Beaufort are in the process of building a new stand and Laune Rangers are embarking on a major development on their pitch. Support for all our games was excellent and I would like to thank the secretaries of all the clubs for their co-operation and, as a result, all competitions were run on schedule for the first time in many years.

Bord na nOg

Bord na nOg was successfully run by Laune Rangers club and I would like to thank Pat Pigott for his efforts. The competitions ran very smoothly, apart from one U-12 game. It is also very encouraging to see different clubs figuring in the winners’ enclosures. The highlight of the year at this level was the winning of the U-14 and U-16 Divisional Championships when a united Mid-Kerry showed what can be achieved when there is unity of purpose. The U-14 team retained the trophy they won last year and I would like to congratulate their trainers, John Cahillane and Pat Pigott. The U-16 team, trained by Frank Walsh and Tim Coffey, put on great performances and won the Championship for the first time in many years. I would like to congratulate Glenbeigh/Glencar on winning Div. 3 of the Co. League and Beaufort on winning Div. 1 of the Co. U-16 League. The Mid-Kerry Board presented socks and togs to each player involved with Mid-Kerry U-14 and U-16 teams.

Winners                                                Runners-up

U-12A                        Beaufort                    Keel

U-12B                        Laune Rangers          Keel

U-14A                        Beaufort                     Milltown/Castlemaine

U-14B                        Milltown/Castlemaine     Laune Rangers

U-16A                        Beaufort                        Laune Rangers

U-16B                        Glenbeigh/Glencar                        Keel

Scór

Scór na nOg was again run by Laune Rangers and there was good participation by the clubs. The Mid-Kerry finals were an outstanding success and I would like to congratulate Pat Pigott for putting on a great show. Congratulations to Laune Rangers’ instrumental music group and Glenbeigh/Glencar’s drama group who went through to the Munster final. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Scór Sinsear for the Mid-Kerry area will be held in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Friday night February 4^th. I would urge all clubs to participate in this event.

Referees

I would like to thank all those who refereed for the Board last year. They provided a vital link in the playing of our games and deserve to be respected by officials, players and supporters. A difficult job is often made more difficult by unwanted abuse. By and large, the standard of refereeing in Mid-Kerry is as good, if not better, than other District Boards in the county and this is helped by the sporting manner in which the games are played. The Co. Board is starting a course for the referees under Tommy Sugrue and Maurice O Sullivan and I would advise all referees and anyone who intends to referee in the future to do the course.

Administration

The Board held 8 meetings during the year and all were well attended by officers and delegates. John Dowling proved to be an excellent Chairman and certainly gave every club a fair hearing. I would like to thank him for all the help he gave me during the year. Mike Carroll did great work promoting the games on Radio Kerry. George Evans managed the finances well. Dan Carey again proved himself ever willing and able to manage our gates and help keep the finances in a healthy position. After a bit of a struggle, we eventually got a PRO and I would like to thank Mike Shea for doing an excellent job. Mid-Kerry competitions got more publicity last year than they got for a long time and this was due in no small way to our PRO.

Finances

The finances are in a good position and this is due to prudent management by the Treasurer and there will be no expense spared by the Board to try and win a Co. Championship this year. Some of our sponsors decided to withdraw their support last year and these include FEXCO, who sponsored the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship, and Bunker’s Bar. We will have to try and encourage new sponsors this coming year. I would like to thank the following sponsors who supported us last year: J & M Oils, Killorglin Credit Union, Peadar O Sullivan, Glenbeigh. The following donated trophies last year: Pat O Brien, Kieran Callaghan, Ger Counihan and Peadar O Sullivan. One club did not pay its affiliation fee of €125 and, if this money is not paid as well as the money for the coming year, this club will not be allowed to participate in Mid-Kerry competitions. The Church Gate collection was a great success, except one club, not the same one may I add, did not bother to hold the collection. It is not possible anymore to get a permit for a second Sunday in the same year. This year, the collection will be held on the weekend of 18^th/19^th March and I hope that all clubs will hold the collection on this date.

Buíochas

I would like to thank the clubs for the use of their fields and facilities during the year and the trainers and selectors for all their hard work. I would like to thank the Media for their excellent coverage of our games –  Radio Kerry, the Kerryman and the Kingdom but one man, in particular, covered all the Mid-Kerry games and gave us good reports and that man is Con Dennehy of Kerry’s Eye.

Bereavements

During the year many Gaels from Mid-Kerry were called to their eternal reward, most notably our former secretary and player, Pat Clifford of Callinafercy, a man who dedicated so much of his time to promoting our association. The turnout at his funeral by former players and administrators showed the popularity of this man. We extend our sympathy to the families of all bereaved in the last 12 months.

For the New Year

Time and tide waits for no man and we are reminded of this as a new century and a new millennium dawns. Nobody knows what lies ahead but we can have a crack at predicting what might happen in the short-term in Mid-Kerry. Mid-Kerry will not win the Senior Championship this year or next year but, in the next 3 years, we should be one of the top four teams in the county. In the meantime, we are capable of winning at least one U-21 Championship and a Minor Championship. The standard of the game at present is only mediocre and it doesn’t take a great team to win a County Championship. I do believe that there is a rich pool of underage talent coming through and, by blending their skill with more experienced players, we are quite capable of winning a Senior Championship but we must start planning now for the next three years.

As regards fixtures, it is going to get more difficult to fulfil all the fixtures in the coming year with the introduction of the new Co. Millennium Competition and the Kerry teams’ progress in the All-Ireland series. There is no point making fixtures at a meeting if the team is unable to fulfil the fixture. I look forward to the same co-operation from the clubs for this coming year as I received last year. I’m sure that, with the help of all clubs and delegates, we can look forward to a successful year in Mid-Kerry

Mise le meas,

Seán Twiss.”