Laune Rangers – 2002

 Laune Rangers won Div. 2 of the Co. Senior Football League and gained promotion to Div. 1 for 2003.

Laune Rangers, captained by Redmond Fitzgerald, won the Molyneaux Cup for the 7^th time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Liam Hassett, regained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship title, winning it for the 24^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship for the 16^th time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Paul Costello, won the Mid-Kerry U-21 Football Championship for the first time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Peter Crowley, were joint-winners of the Co. U-12 Football Championship – the 7^th title at that grade for the club.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the 1^st time since 1995 and the 20^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Girls’ Football Championship in the inaugural year of the competition.

Kerry won the National Football League Final Div. 2 versus Laois by 1-9 to 1-5. John Sheehan played at right halfback, Liam Hassett at full-forward and Mike Frank Russell at left corner-forward.

Kerry defeated Clare in the Munster U-21 Football Final by 3-15 to 2-11. Paul Costello played at fullback.

Kerry defeated Tipperary in the Munster Minor Football Final by 3-16 to 2-6. However, they lost the All-Ireland semi-final to Meath. Colin O Connor played at corner-forward.

James Coffey was re-elected as Joint-Treasurer of the Kerry Co. Board for the 30^th successive year.

Jerome Conway was re-elected Vice-Chairman of the Kerry Co. Board for the fifth successive year.

 

The ones that got away:

Laune Rangers lost the Co. Club Football Championship final to An Ghaeltacht by 1-15 to 0-7.

Laune Rangers ‘C’ lost the Co. Junior League Final to Rathmore ‘B’ by 2-9 to 1-6.

Laune Rangers lost the Senior Mid-Kerry League to Milltown/Castlemaine by 2-7 to 1-9.

Laune Rangers lost the Mid-Kerry U-14 Final to Beaufort by 2-12 to 1-7.

Laune Rangers lost the Co. Girls’ Féile Peil na nOg Final to Southern Gaels by 2-5 to 1-4

Kerry lost the All-Ireland Senior Football Final to Armagh by 1-12 to 0-14. John Sheehan played at left halfback, Liam Hassett at left half-forward and Mike Frank Russell at right corner-forward.

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The Laune Rangers’ AGM was held on Sat. 15^th Dec. 2001 in Scoil Mhuire. There was an attendance in excess of 170. The outgoing Secretary presented a wide-ranging report on the years activities. He concluded by thanking all the officers for their help during his term as Secretary. Joint-Treasurer, James Riordan, presented an in-depth report on the club’s finances. This was followed by reports from Colm Conway (Bord na nOg), and Josh Whelan (Hurling Sub-Committee). The Chairman, John Clifford, thanked the outgoing officers, Michael Foley, Pat Pigott and Jim Galvin, for their work for the club and he offered best wishes for the year ahead to all involved with the club.

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley.

Chairman – John Clifford.

Vice-Chairmen – John Griffin and Ger Counihan (Jim Galvin and Pat Pigott did not seek re-election).

Secretary – John O Donnell (Michael Foley did not seek re-election).

Joint-Treasurer – James Riordan and Gerard O Connor.

PRO – Michael O Shea (John O Donnell did not seek re-election).

Registrars: Pat O Riordan, Pat O Shea (Sunhill), Johnny Galvin.

Development Officer – Jerry Coffey.

Insurance Officer – Bart Moriarty.

Delegate to Co. Board – James Ferris.

Senior team coach/trainer – there was a contest between John Evans and James Sheehan, which the former won by 106 votes to 65. James Sheehan wished John Evans well for the coming year and stated that he enjoyed his term as trainer of the team and he said that he was glad of the chance to do so. John Evans thanked James Sheehan for his best wishes and stated that there would be no quick fixes to get the team out of Div. 2 of the Co. League.

The following motions were discussed:

1. ‘That all or no Laune Rangers’ players should turn out for Mid-Kerry teams in future and avoid the farce that had happened during the year’s clash with East-Kerry at U-21 level.’ (Robert Murphy). John Griffin explained in detail what had transpired in 2001. Noel O Mahony opined that clubs should be treated equally with District Boards at that level. Tony Lyons, Declan Falvey, John O Dwyer, and Billy O Sullivan stated that playing with Mid-Kerry at that level was a big help to the club’s better U-21 players. Other members, including James Ferris and Johnny Galvin, spoke against the club’s participation with Mid-Kerry. Pierce Prendiville suggested that the club should organise an U-21 tournament. The motion was amended, proposed by Robert Murphy, seconded by Barry Harmon and passed, ‘That all Laune Rangers’ players should play with Mid-Kerry at U-21 level.’
2. That Laune Rangers club runs a 1^st Aid course before the playing season starts.’ (Donie Griffin seconded by Declan Falvey). The proposer said that it should be compulsory that at least one person involved with each team in the club at all levels should attend and all people who might be interested in getting involved with teams should be encouraged to attend.
3. ‘That the trainers of the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams, U-21 and minor teams, the Chairman of Bord na nOg and the trainer of the hurling team should attend monthly club meetings or report on progress or lack of progress and problems encountered, if any.’ (Bart Moriarty, seconded by Johnny Galvin).
4. ‘That the incoming secretary has the power to appoint a secretarial sub-committee, of not more than three members.’ (John O Donnell). The motion was amended, on the proposal of Jerome Conway, to read ‘that the club executive has the power to appoint a secretarial sub-committee, of not more than three members.’

 

Munster Club Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 13^th Jan. in Castlehaven: Castlehaven 2-9; Laune Rangers 1-9.

Rangers lost by a late goal.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Brian Curran, Paul Costello, Noel Lynch, Redmond Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Barry O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, John Ahern, Billy O Shea, John Edmond Murphy, Paul Griffin, Pa O Sullivan, Darragh Burns. Subs: Thomas McGillycuddy for JE Murphy, Pa Sheehan for R. Fitzgerald, Podge Foley for J. Ahern, Joe Healy for D. Burns, Terence Houlihan for N. Lynch.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 20^th Jan. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 0-8; Mallow 2-8.

Using the game as a method of blooding new players, the Killorglin side took on Mallow with a largely experimental side and, while the Cork side won by two clear goals, trainer John Evans and the sizeable attendance were well pleased with the standard of play by Laune Rangers who were missing the likes of Liam Hassett and Mike Frank Russell.  The physically stronger Mallow side was in control for much of the game and they opened the scoring after only 3 minutes when Pa Dineen scored from play. Laune Rangers came back strongly and the play was tit for tat for the rest of the half. Rangers had points from frees by Pa O Sullivan and two from Barry O Sullivan. Full-forward Podge Foley was causing trouble in attack for the Mallow defence and he was taken down for two of those frees. Mallow responded with points from John O Sullivan (0-2, frees) and Tadhg O Riordan, which saw them ahead at the break by 0-4 to 0-3.

Mallow began to dominate as soon as the second half started. Laune Rangers had made a number of substitutions, trying out new players and that unsettled the side somewhat, with a number of them struggling to get to grips with the pace of the game. The play also became quite physical at that stage, with players booked on both sides. The O Sullivan brothers, Pa and Barry, were Laune Rangers’ scorers-in-chief in the second half also, each scoring points from frees. Pa shot over one and Barry added three points from frees. Mallow opened up the Rangers’ defence more easily in that second half and had goals from Austin Ahern and John O Sullivan, who also had two pointed frees for the visitors. Terence Houlihan scored Rangers’ only point from play in the whole game.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, Brian Curran, Pa Sheehan, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Barry O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Thomas McGillycuddy, Billy O Shea, Noel Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Podge Foley, Geoffrey O Mahony. Subs: Conor Falvey, Terence Houlihan, John Ahern, Dermot Houlihan, Seamus Foley (all played).

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

20 teams played in the Co. Senior Football Championship: John Mitchels, Kilcummin, Legion, Laune Rangers, Rathmore, Glenflesk, Desmonds, Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Dr. Crokes, An Ghaeltacht, South-Kerry, Mid-Kerry, Kenmare, East-Kerry, St. Kieran’s, Feale Rangers, Shannon Rangers, St. Brendan’s, West-Kerry. A new system was introduced whereby the clubs and the group-teams were separated in the initial stages and a losers’ round was introduced in both sections.

Trainer – John Evans. Selectors – John Griffin and Tom Johnston.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 24^th May at Direen: Legion 0-6; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Weeshie Fogarty (Legion) reported in the Kerryman as follows: “A fancied Laune Rangers side advanced with a vastly improved second-half display in this AIB Co. Senior Football Championship. It was far from an impressive display from either side and conditions were extremely difficult due to the very heavy rain, which had fallen on the Legion venue during the preceding hours.

The winners led at halftime by 0-3 to 0-2, having failed to score from play, while Legions’ only point from play came from John Cronin. Rangers’ mentors John Evans and John Griffin, however, made some crucial switches at the interval. Liam Hassett, who had never got going at full-forward, was moved to midfield and he went on to dominate this area, fielding, breaking the ball and getting his forwards moving. He certainly looked far better out-field, working hard and running at the Legion goal. Colin O Connor, a very skilful forward and lightening fast, also came on at halftime to add to the winners’ attacking options and, to add to this, Mike Frank Russell, who had been held in his corner by Gene McCarthy, turned on the style as he operated now at full-forward. These changes, in particular, were vital because, within ten minutes of the restart, Rangers had added five excellent points to open up a 0-8 to 0-3 lead and, after this, the home side never looked like troubling Rangers. It was also crucial that the Legion defence in the first half had held the Rangers’ scoreless. However, they began to tire after the restart while, on the other hand, the winners’ backline was too good all through for the lightweight Legion forwards. Rangers’ goal was threatened only once in the hour and goalkeeper Tony Lyons was never troubled.

From the throw-in, Mike Frank Russell kicked wide from a scoreable free and, in the 9^th minute, John Cronin put his side ahead with a fine point. Pa O Sullivan, who had a good hour for Rangers, was fouled and, from the free, had the teams level. While both sides kicked six wides in this half, some from good positions, they failed to score again from play in a drab first half. Cathal O Grady pointed a free to put the losers back in front for the last time in the hour, as Mike Frank Russell, with two frees, saw the sides go to the dressing-rooms with Rangers ahead by 0-3 to 0-2.

On the resumption, we saw a vastly improved Rangers’ display, prompted by Liam Hassett. Mike McGillycuddy set up Colin O Connor for a point in the opening minute. Russell then, with a lovely pass, saw Hassett add another point and then Brian Gannon showed a clean pair of heels to tiring defenders to make it 0-6 to 0-2 with just three minutes gone. Legion, in a breakaway, had a point from a free. Centre halfback, John Sheehan, and wing-back, Terence Houlihan, were winning lots of ball for the winners, setting up most attacks. Mike McGillycuddy, the winners’ ever improving midfielder, soon pointed and then Liam Hassett put Mike Frank Russell through and the Kerry star raised another white flag (0-8 to 0-3), just ten minutes into the second half.

The home side kept battling, however. Sean Culloty and another Cathal O Grady free made it 0-8 to 0-5, but Laune Rangers could always lift their game that little bit. Russell was causing lots of trouble and, in the 21^st minute, following a great run, he saw Peter O Leary make a superb fingertip save in the losers’ goal to deny his former county team-mate. Pa O Sullivan, Billy O Shea and Russell again stretched the winners’ lead to 0-11 to 0-6 – John McGillycuddy had the Legion’s last point. Fittingly, it was Mike Frank Russell who had the final say of the hour as darkness began to descend and the rain lashed down. He latched on to a breaking ball outside the Legion ‘square’, connected on the half volley and, before the defender could blink, the ball was nestling in Peter O Leary’s net – beautiful skill! That was the first ever Co. SFC game played at Direen.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Paul Costello, Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, Terence Houlihan, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Mike McGillycuddy (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-2, frees), Billy O Shea (0-1), James O Shea, Brian Gannon (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), MF Russell (1-4, 2 frees). Subs: Colin O Connor (0-1) for J. Lynch (inj.), Trevor Gannon for J. O Shea.

Ref: Tommy Gilligan (Valentia).

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 7^th Aug. at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 0-21; St. Kieran’s 1-11.

Timmy Sheehan reported on that game in the Kerryman as follows: “Inspired by the creativity and resourcefulness of Mike Frank Russell and Colin O Connor in attack, Laune Rangers, with a most impressive display, advanced to the quarter-final stage of the AIB county senior football championship at the expense of divisional outfit, St. Kieran’s. Eight different players contributed to the 21-point tally and, overall, the locals were a much more cohesive unit and looking likely winners with 15 minutes remaining. Individually, St. Kieran’s had many aces in their pack, but they weren’t able to combine with the same efficiency as Rangers and, despite a spirited second quarter, they played indifferently for long periods of the encounter.

The selected sides as published on the match programme differed quite a lot from the line-ups on the pitch, with St. Kieran’s starting full-forward Denis Dennehy at wing-back in direct opposition to Liam Hassett, who had been selected to play alongside John Lynch in midfield. In fact, it was Dennehy, up in support of his attack, who opened the scoring for the visitors in the very first minute. However, Rangers responded immediately and three unanswered points from Pa O Sullivan (free), Liam Hassett and a fisted effort from Mike Frank Russell meant that they had established a two-point lead by the sixth minute. An excellent individual score from Colin O Connor extended their lead to three points and, certainly, Rangers were a much more productive outfit initially, in contrast to St. Kieran’s who kicked three successive wides in sporadic attacks.

Paul Griffin punished over-elaboration in the St. Kieran’s defence and landed Rangers’ fifth point in the 12^th minute. At this stage, St. Kieran’s were noticeably struggling to cope with the twin threat of Russell and O Connor in the inside line, both of whom benefited from Griffin’s support in a withdrawn role. Russell kicked a brace of points from play to extend Rangers’ advantage to six points by the end of the first quarter, but, with Seamus Scanlon exerting his influence in midfield, St. Kieran’s eventually got to grips with the situation. Points by Gene O Keeffe (free), Scanlon and O Keeffe reduced the lead to three points. Sean McElligott, from a free, Seamus Flynn, up in support of his attack, and a superb effort from Seamus Scanlon levelled matters for St. Kieran’s with four minutes remaining in the half. Liam Hassett, with some fine fetches at midfield, kept Rangers’ challenge intact, even if their victory returns had dried up momentarily. Tony Lyons, at full stretch, diverted a shot from Eamonn J. O Donoghue across the face of the goal to safety and, as the first half drew to a close, St. Kieran’s chances suffered a severe blow when an accidental collision between Gene O Keeffe and Liam Brosnan meant that O Keeffe was forced to depart with what looked like a serious facial injury. Brosnan continued in the game, but it took him quite a considerable amount of time to recover and it obviously affected his input thereafter. Play was held up for some minutes and, after Colin O Connor was narrowly wide with a gilt-edged goaling chance, Billy O Shea, with Rangers’ eighth point in the fifth minute of injury time, restored a one-point cushion in favour of the locals at halftime.

With Liam Hassett restarting at midfield, Rangers resumed with a lot of effort and urgency and, after they had kicked two early wides, Mike Frank Russell, from a free after he had been fouled himself, and Colin O Connor, from play after Russell had supplied the pass, extended Rangers’ lead to three after four minutes of play. With Lynch and Ferris effecting some sterling defensive blocks, the locals maintained their grip on proceedings and, after Pa O Sullivan, from play, and Sean McElligott, from a free, had swapped points at opposite ends, Mike Frank Russell, with another pointed free, extended Rangers’ lead to four points with just ten minutes of the second half having elapsed. Much more alert to the breaks around midfield, Rangers, with Billy O Shea a vital link between defence and attack, maintained their momentum and, after hard-working Paul Galvin had kept St. Kieran’s in touch with their ninth point, Rangers stepped up a gear and three unanswered points from substitute James O Shea, midfielder John Lynch and a second score of the game from Billy O Shea opened up a six-point gap between the sides entering the final quarter.

Firmly in control, the locals extended their lead even further with points from Pa O Sullivan (2) and Mike F. Russell (free) and, with ten minutes remaining, they were nine points to the good. St. Kieran’s, with Ruairi Rahilly continuing to provide the impetus with some surging runs from defence, kept their challenge intact, to their credit, and, after Sean McElligott, from a free, had kicked their tenth point, substitute Pa Rahilly found the net after Ruairi Rahilly’s defence-splitting run had provided the opportunity. St. Kieran’s battled bravely in their efforts to keep their fading hopes alive, but, after Russell (free) and McGlynn had swapped further points, Billy O Shea, with his third point, and Mike F. Russell, with his eighth score, ensured a comfortable and comprehensive victory for the Killorglin side.

Except for a sustained period throughout the second quarter, they (St. Kieran’s) struggled to contain a Rangers’ outfit, which displayed all the characteristics of a finely-tuned club combination. Rangers, in the persons of Russell and O Connor, had the trump cards, with O Connor, the Kerry minor, slightly edging Russell, the Kerry senior, for man-of-the-match.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Johnny Lynch (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-4, 2 frees), Liam Hassett (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-3), Gerry O Brien, Paul Griffin (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-8, 5 frees), Colin O Connor (0-2). Subs: James O Shea (0-1) for G. O Brien, Trevor Gannon for P. Griffin.

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

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 5^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Dr. Crokes 0-14; Laune Rangers 0-12.

John O Dowd reported on the game for the Kerryman as follows: “The ability to construct a score whenever they came under pressure was the key factor in Dr. Crokes’ two-point victory over Laune Rangers in the first of the AIB Co. Senior Football Championship quarter-finals. Although the Killorglin side gave it everything they had over the hour and enjoyed several periods of territorial dominance, they could never make the most of their possession and gain the ascendancy against a stylish Crokes who just had that little bit of extra class up front. In fact, Mike Frank Russell’s opening score after just 15 seconds was the only time in the contest that Dr. Crokes found themselves in arrears and, even when Laune Rangers brought the tie level in the early stages of the second half, Dr. Crokes never panicked and simply worked their way up the field for some fine scores.

That extra attacking momentum was the difference in the end and, once again, inter-county prodigy Colm Cooper was the star of the show, slotting over five beautiful points from play and generally proving to be the major thorn in the Rangers’ side. It wasn’t that his marker, Noel Lynch, played badly or anything. He did as well as could have been expected. It was simply that Cooper is unmarkable once he gets the right supply of ball and Lynch could do nothing once the gifted youngster was put in possession. Rangers had their own star corner-forward in Mike Frank Russell and, after contributing three excellent points in the first half, the Kerry attacker suffered from a poor quality service in the second half with young Colin O Connor the man taking the fight to Crokes on the resumption.

Of course, Rangers did only lose by two points and, apart from the influence of Colm Cooper, there were two other turning points in the game that certainly influenced the final result. The first was the switch of wing-forward Mike Cooper to a sweeper role in front of the Crokes’ fullback line about ten minutes into the second half. Struggling to deal with O Connor’s movement, the Killarney side’s defence was wobbling but the flame-haired Cooper managed to break up several attacks with his excellent anticipation. The second and most controversial turning point arrived in the 45^th minute with Laune Rangers trailing by 0-12 to 0-8. A brilliant fetch and quick release by Russell put Colin O Connor through on goal and he appeared to be blatantly pulled to the ground for a penalty kick. Amazingly, referee Tom Lynch only gave a 14m free and, while Pa O Sullivan duly tapped it over the bar, a goal at that stage for Rangers could have changed the whole complexion of the match.

Russell may have opened the scoring for Rangers but the first 20 minutes was totally dominated by Dr. Crokes. With David Moloney involved in every singe score, Crokes had moved 0-5 to 0-1 ahead by the tenth minute and, though Pa O Sullivan slotted over Rangers second point in the 14^th minute, Crokes immediately added two more through Roland Neher and Colm Cooper to lead by five points entering the last ten minutes of the half. However, the pendulum of the contest soon swung dramatically as Crokes seemed to relax, while Rangers upped the tempo considerably, with John Lynch an absolute Trojan at midfield. Having come to terms with the early impact of Moloney, Lynch was now everywhere, fielding high ball, winning the breaks and delivering great ball to his forwards.

Yet Lynch’s hard graft didn’t reap its due rewards as Rangers only converted three of seven very good chances in their period of control, with John Sheehan, in particular, missing s fine chance of a goal when he blazed a low drive past the post. A pointed free from Pa O Sullivan and two majestic efforts from play by Russell was a poor return from the Killorglin attackers and, when Colm Cooper notched the final score of the half, Dr. Crokes went in at the break with a three-point advantage (0-8 to 0-5) when they could even have found themselves trailing.

Rangers, obviously boosted by their late resurgence and with John Evans’ words of wisdom ringing in their ears, began the second half on top and two pointed frees from Pa O Sullivan and a lovely score by Colin O Connor had the protagonists deadlocked by the 38^th minute. Now questions were being asked of Dr. Crokes and they certainly answered them. Vince Casey was introduced around the middle of the field to try and subdue John Lynch. Mike Cooper went back to give protection to his defence and four unanswered points from Roland Neher (free), Mike Crowley (after a terrible kick-out by Tony Lyons), Colm Cooper and Neher from play had the winners four points clear (0-12 to 0-8) by the 44^th minute.

That was the scoring burst that settled the issue and, with O Connor not being awarded the penalty shortly afterwards the writing was on the wall for Laune Rangers. Even though Pa O Sullivan’s free (from the penalty that never was) and another beauty from Colin O Connor reduced the deficit to two once more, Dr. Crokes were always able to respond. Aidan O Shea (free) and that man Colm Cooper exchanged scores with Pa O Sullivan (two more frees) in the time that remained as Rangers just couldn’t breach the Crokes’ defence for the goal that might have stolen it for them. Pa O Sullivan kicked a couple of bad wides before the finish and substitute Terence Houlihan gave the ball away carelessly in their very last surge upfield and Dr. Crokes were through to the last four of the competition.

This was a disappointing result for Laune Rangers but John Evans and his selectors will realise that they never made the most of their periods of dominance and, while they will understandably bemoan the referee’s decision not to award them a penalty, they just didn’t do enough to earn the precious victory that they craved. Certainly, if every player had given it as much as John Lynch, then they would surely now be looking forward to the semi-finals. Lynch was everywhere and was one man who didn’t deserve to be on the losing team. However, big guns like John Sheehan, captain Liam Hassett and Billy O Shea (who did break his nose in the early stages) were never able to exert any kind of influence on proceedings and that was always going to hinder Rangers’ chances. Along with John Lynch, others to perform well for them were Mike Frank Russell, Colin O Connor, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris and Pa O Sullivan (in patches).

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, John Lynch, Liam Hassett (capt.), Brian Gannon, Billy O Shea, Gerry O Brien, Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Pa O Sullivan (0-7, 6 frees), Colin O Connor (0-2). Subs: Barry O Sullivan for B. Fitzgerald, Paul Griffin for S. O Sullivan, Terence Houlihan for G. O Brien, Shane Clifford, Paul Costello, James O Shea, Mark O Connor, Pa Murphy, Trevor Gannon, Brian Curran, John Ahern, Jerry Coffey, Seamus Foley, Mark Healy.

Ref: Tom Lynch (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Co. Club Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 20^th April at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 1-12; Dr. Crokes 0-10.

An inspired performance by Laune Rangers saw them into the quarter-final of the Club Championship, after a comprehensive victory over Dr. Crokes. With Mike Frank Russell and Billy O Shea in sparkling form for John Evans’ side, they possessed too much firepower for a disappointing Killarney outfit. Blending tough, uncompromising defence with flowing football up front, Rangers were too strong for the Crokes side.

The game itself was a disappointing affair, with the drizzle contributing to a slippery pitch and slippery ball. Both sides exchanged early scores, before Mike Frank Russell raced in to outpace the Crokes’ defence and smack the ball to the net. The Rangers’ side slowly began to take control at midfield, with Michael McGillycuddy and Johnny Lynch proving an effective partnership and, with Billy O Shea seeing a lot of the ball, they were quickly moving the leather into the danger area. O Shea was the link between the midfield and attack, picking up a lot of breaking ball around the centre of the field and either moving it quickly or taking on the Crokes’ defence. Liam Hassett, looking strong at full-forward, put three points between the sides with 23 minutes of play gone (1-4 to 0-4). James Jones responded a minute later for the Crokes, but they were finding it hard to make space for themselves in attack.

The Laune Rangers’ defence was in uncompromising mood with Paul Costello, Eoin Ferris and Noel Lynch, in particular, strong in the fullback line. They were busy suffocating the Crokes’ attackers, with Colm Cooper forced to move further out the field in the second half. Close to the end of the first half, Mike Frank Russell restored the Rangers’ three-point lead and, just before the end of the half, the home side had a chance to extend their lead when Brian Gannon was pulled down in the ‘box’, after good passing work by the Rangers’ attack. Brian Gannon stepped up to take the spot-kick but a terrific save by Crokes’ goalkeeper, Kieran Cremin, saw the ball deflected around the post for a ‘45’. Lifted by that let-off, Crokes had the last score of the half, a free by Colm Cooper, to leave them trailing by two points, 1-5 to 0-6, at the break.

The second half saw Kerry player, Eoin Brosnan, enter the fray for Crokes and they had the better of the early proceedings, Vince Casey and Karl McMahon levelling matters by the fifth minute. Rangers began to get in gear though and, crowding out midfield, they picked up most of the breaks, sending them long down the field. MF Russell pointed a ‘45’ with a beautiful kick, with Casey responding with a free in the 12^th minute. That proved to be Crokes’ last score until the 26^th minute, as Rangers shut them out and took over themselves. Brian Gannon, with a free midway through the half, gave Rangers a lead they were never to lose, with Rangers landing a huge free from midfield a minute later. Crokes were under the cosh then and any ball they were moving into attack was coming out again, Eoin Ferris, in particular, having a great battle with Karl McMahon. James O Shea and Russell landed further points before the 20^th minute to lead by 1-10 to 0-9.

Russell looked very lively and he pulled down a high ball to set up Jerry O Brien for another Rangers’ score, as the game moved into the final 10 minutes. Vince Casey pointed a 26^th minute free, responded to by substitute Pa O Sullivan, as Rangers ran out winners.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Paul Costello, Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Michael McGillycuddy, James O Shea (0-2), Billy O Shea, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-2) capt, Mike Frank Russell (1-5). Subs: Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Brian Curran and Trevor Gannon.

Ref: Tommy Sugrue (St. Pat’s).

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 18^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Glenflesk 0-14 (AET).

Weeshie Fogarty reported on that game for the Kerryman as follows: “As the watch ticked into the 31^st minute of the second half of this exciting senior club championship quarter-final at Killorglin, the sides were level at 0-8 each. Then Seamus Moynihan latched onto a pass outfield, knifed his way through a despairing Rangers’ defence and, while still going at full pace, split the posts for what appeared to be the winning score. From the kick-out, Rangers came forward in one last despairing attack and were rewarded with what appeared to be a very dubious close-in free. Mike Frank Russell tapped it over and the sides went into extra-time and the added period provided some great moments with the teams level at 0-9 each.

On the restart, Glenflesk’s excellent midfielder Dermot Kelly was fouled in the ‘square’. Penalty signalled the referee and up stepped the ever reliable Paud O Donoghue but, to the delight of the home supporters, the Glenflesk man blasted the kick high and wide. The same player then kicked wide again from a very scoreable position and then, in the seventh minute of extra-time, Billy O Shea raced through to put the home side in front. It was 0-10 to 0-9 at halftime. On the restart, sub Trevor Gannon stunned the visitors when he collected a rebound from a Billy O Shea shot to goal from close in – 1-10 to 0-9. The home side now had their tails up, driven on from the line by John Evans.

Glenflesk, however, are renowned championship battlers and Paud O Donoghue cut the gap with three superb frees. Four minutes later, the sides were level when Liam Hassett, in front of his own goal, saw his misplaced free go to Shane Dennehy and the visitors’ full-forward gratefully accepted the gift and popped the ball over the bar. It was now level again at 1-10 to 0-13. Two minutes to go and Mike Frank Russell, with a pin-point superb cross, found sub Colin O Connor, he was fouled and Pa O Sullivan raised the white flag – now it looked curtains for Glenflesk. But, once more, in stepped the incomparable Seamus Moynihan. Gaining possession from the kick-out, he was fouled near the halfway line and, amid a welter of excitement, Paud O Donoghue trotted out to take the free from his hands and, to the roars of delight from supporters and team-mates, O Donoghue drove a massive free high and true to tie the score again and the general consensus of opinion was that a draw was a very fair result and both sides deserved to fight another day.

During the preceding hour, we had seen little of the excitement yet to come as the play had been stopped due to the huge amount of frees awarded, 28 in the first half and 21 in the second. In many instances, referee Tommy Gilligan could have given the advantage. Billy O Shea and Mike Frank Russell had the home side two points up within 15 minutes. Shane Dennehy for Glenflesk and Pa O Sullivan swapped points as Laune Rangers’ full-forward, Liam Hassett, was playing as a third midfielder as his side was playing against the wind. Eric O Donoghue, with a great point from the wing, and long-serving Pat ‘Dunn’ O Donoghue notched scores for Glenflesk. Both sides had some poor wides before the visitors’ wing-back Timmy O Sullivan, put them ahead. Just before halftime, Liam Hassett, not yet back to his best form, just failed to goal following a good run – his close-in shot was easily saved by Eamonn Bowler in goal. Then a good move saw Mike McGillycuddy and Mike Frank Russell set up the all-action Billy O Shea, whose point saw the sides level at the short whistle, 0-4 each.

On the restart, following a foul on Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan regained the lead for Rangers. Seamus Moynihan set up Paud O Donoghue for the equaliser. From here until the 23^rd minute, both sides exchanged pointed frees and we also saw both umpires in disagreement, as Brian Gannon’s effort for Rangers was eventually deemed wide by the referee. Brendan Fitzgerald and Noel Lynch were defending well for the home side and, in particular, fullback Eoin Ferris effected some dashing clearances. However, as we moved into those exciting closing minutes and extra-time, it was, once again, the leadership of the exemplary Seamus Moynihan that thrilled followers most of all.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Brendan Fitzgerald, Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, John Sheehan, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Mike McGillycuddy, Pa O Sullivan (0-5, 4 frees), Billy O Shea (0-3), James O Shea, Brian Gannon, Liam Hassett (capt.), Mike Frank Russell (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: Brian Curran for J. O Shea, Colin O Connor for M. McGillycuddy, Trevor Gannon (1-0) for J. Lynch.

Ref: Tommy Gilligan (Valentia).

 

Quarter-final (replay) on Sat. 31^st Aug. at Glenflesk: Glenflesk 0-8; Laune Rangers 1-9.

A goal by substitute Barry O Sullivan four minutes into the second half proved to be the crucial score in that cracking Co. Club Championship replay. The home side did have lots of possession, but they always struggled to get scores.

The highlight of the evening was the clash of Kerry stars, Seamus Moynihan and Liam Hassett, who were in direct opposition to each other at midfield. Both men had superb games, fielding, defending, running and directing operations for their sides throughout the hour. Seamus Moynihan was his usual peerless self, the complete footballer, while Liam Hassett gave further proof that he was back to his best form – his work-rate was unbelievable and he took his two points with great confidence. John Sheehan was also in flying form for Laune Rangers and, while Mike Frank Russell had a quiet enough hour by his own standards, he was still able to give a demonstration of his unique skills, fielding, turning and pointing without even looking at the posts.

Glenflesk jumped into an early lead of 0-3 to 0-1. Shane Dennehy punched over, Paud O Donoghue pointed a free and John O Donoghue got another. Rangers replied through Pa O Sullivan following a foul on MF Russell and they began to settle better as play ebbed and flowed in near perfect conditions. Mike Frank Russell took a quick free and Colin O Connor pointed. Billy O Shea, as always busy as a bee, made a great interception and pointed. Three minutes later, he made another interception, passed to Liam Hassett who put the Killorglin side ahead by 0-4 to 0-3. In the 22^nd minute, MF Russell jinked his way into the ‘square’ but Glenflesk’s goalie, Eamonn Bowler, saved low down from the Kerry star. Paud O Donoghue lofted over a mighty point and he then swapped points with Pa O Sullivan to leave the sides deadlocked on 0-5 each at the break.

On the restart, the game was decided within minutes. First, Colin O Connor set up MF Russell, who pointed as only he can, and, three minutes later, came a goal, which highlighted the difference between the two forward divisions. Quick-silver corner-forward, Colin O Connor, latched onto the ball 45m out, knifed his way through on a thrilling solo-run before passing to MF Russell, who spotted substitute Barry O Sullivan on the verge of the small ‘square’. A perfect hand-pass was delivered and O Sullivan shoved the ball in the Glenflesk net. Pa O Sullivan followed up by pointing a free and, within seven minutes of the restart, Rangers had gone ahead by 1-7 to 0-5.

Glenflesk were still winning plenty of the ball but the scores just were not coming. A big contributory factor in all of that was the defensive football played by Paul Costello, Eoin Ferris and John Sheehan for Rangers. Those players cleared their lines time and again. Scores were swapped late in the hour, with Shane Dennehy getting two points for Glenflesk and Liam Hassett responding with one for Rangers but, really, the outcome was not in doubt. Eoin Ferris was man-of-the-match. The game showed that John Evans’ men had a nice balance all over the field, a good sub’s bench and three inter-county stars who lead by example.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Liam Hassett (0-2), Pa O Sullivan (0-3, frees), Billy O Shea (0-1), Gerry O Brien (0-1), Paul Griffin, Mike Frank Russell (0-1), Colin O Connor (0-1). Subs: Mark O Connor for G. O Brien, Barry O Sullivan (1-0) for S. O Sullivan, Trevor Gannon for P. Griffin.

Ref: Tom Lynch (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 28^th Sept. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Laune Rangers 2-10; Rathmore 1-11.

A goal in the final minute from Colin O Connor earned Laune Rangers a hard-earned victory over Rathmore in that entertaining Club Championship game. It was hard-luck on the Rathmore side that looked certain to advance to the final of the competition. Leading by a single point, they were defending strongly and limiting Laune Rangers’ options in attack. However, Kerry minor, Colin O Connor, had other ideas and, when he grabbed a long ball by Mike Frank Russell, he struck the ball low and hard past Declan O Keeffe in the Rathmore goal.

Laune Rangers had early chances but it was Rathmore that opened the scoring, Jerry Murphy kicking over a point and Michael O Riordan adding a point from a 40m free a minute later. Rangers rallied and Johnny Lynch set up Liam Hassett for an 8^th minute point and they were unlucky not to goal in the 10^th minute when a sideline ball from Hassett was collected by MF Russell whose shot came off the upright. The game was flowing well at that stage and, when Rathmore attacked, Jerry Murphy kicked a point from a free. Donal Casey added another to leave his side ahead by 0-4 to 0-1. Rangers struck back in style though and, in the 15^th minute, Colin O Connor found MF Russell, who got away from his opponent, drove forward and sent an unstoppable shot to the Rathmore net.

Russell was in excellent form in the first half, causing major problems along with Colin O Connor, who shot Rangers into the lead for the first time. Rathmore levelled in the 19^th minute when Damien Casey pointed. Then Brian Gannon shot to the net but the referee disallowed the ‘goal’ for a square infringement. Rangers raced into a two-point lead with points from Brian Gannon and Terence Houlihan, but Rathmore responded with points from Jerry Murphy and a 13m free by Michael O Riordan. Laune Rangers regained the lead in the 29^th minute with a well-taken point from Johnny Lynch but, on the stroke of halftime, Michael O Riordan kicked a long range point to leave the sides all square – Laune Rangers 1-5; Rathmore 0-8.

Laune Rangers took control of the early stages of the second half with points from John Sheehan and Jerry O Brien. Controversy followed in the 6^th minute when Pa O Sullivan sent a sideline ball over the bar, but the linesman claimed that he had moved too far out the field. After consultation, however, with the referee, the score stood. Rathmore fought back strongly and Michael O Riordan shot over two frees to leave a single point between the sides, 1-8 to 0-10. Substitute Paul Griffin increased Rangers’ lead in the 22^nd minute. The excitement was high in the 23^rd minute when John Buckley was fouled in the Rangers’ penalty area and Declan O Keeffe sent an unstoppable shot to the net. When Patrick McCarthy pointed, it looked like victory would go to the East-Kerry side. Pa O Sullivan kicked a long-range point in the 27^th minute to leave the minimum between the teams and the Killorglin side tried hard for the equaliser but Rathmore seemed in control. With time almost up, Laune Rangers went on one last attack and, when MF Russell sent the ball goalwards, Colin O Connor did the rest.

Best for the Rangers were Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell and Colin O Connor.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan (0-1), Terence Houlihan (0-1), Johnny Lynch (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1) capt., Pa O Sullivan (0-2), Billy O Shea, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (1-0), Colin O Connor (1-1). Subs: Paul Griffin (0-1) for J. O Brien, Barry O Sullivan for J. Lynch.

Ref: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks).

 

Final on Sat. 9^th Nov. at Austin Stack Park: An Ghaeltacht 1-15; Laune Rangers 0-7.

As the Co. Senior Football Championship had been won by a club, the only incentive in the club championship was the competition itself and, obviously, An Ghaeltacht wanted to win that more than Laune Rangers. Timmy Sheehan reported on the game for the Kerryman as follows: “In control in all sectors for long periods, An Ghaeltacht gained some compensation for the county championship exit, when they cruised to a quite comfortable and comprehensive victory over a disappointing Laune Rangers outfit. An Ghaeltacht were without Darragh Ó Sé and, having withstood a vibrant early start from Rangers, they subsequently monopolised matters throughout all of the pitch and really the outcome was a foregone conclusion long before the final whistle.

Rangers, without John Sheehan through suspension, were well equal to the challenge at the outset of proceedings, but struggled thereafter to maintain parity, with just one of their starting forwards, Pa O Sullivan, getting his name on the score-sheet. Rangers settled early and were rewarded with a brace of points, one from a free, by Pa O Sullivan inside five minutes. However, two minutes later, An Ghaeltacht struck for the game’s only goal when Dara Ó Cinnéide’s lofted delivery bounced in front of goalkeeper Tony Lyons and impressive Tomás Ó Conchúir seemed to get the slightest of touches before the ball ended up in the net. Aodán Mac Gearailt and Pa O Sullivan, with a superb effort off the outside of his left boot, swapped points at opposite ends, as indeed did Conall Ó Cruadhlaoich, from an acute angle, and Shane O Sullivan, after Colin O Connor had provided the assist. O Connor continued to win possession in favourable positions for Rangers, but he lacked support, and another point for An Ghaeltacht from Tomás Ó Conchúir pushed the West-Kerry outfit two points in front at the end of a lively opening quarter.

In what was an open free-flowing contest, chances continued to be created at both ends but, in this respect, An Ghaeltacht were a lot more productive. Laune Rangers failed to match some impressive approach and, after J.J. Corduff had stretched An Ghaeltacht’s lead with a fine score, Pa O Sullivan, with a goaling chance, was denied by a timely block from Marc Ó Sé. Rob Mac Gearailt, from play, and Dara Ó Cinnéide, from a free, completed the first-half scoring to leave An Ghaeltacht five points in front (1-6 to 0-4) at the halftime break. It was a comfortable rather than a sizeable lead but it was significant that Laune Rangers had failed to score since the 12^th minute of the match and their ineffectiveness in attacking situations ultimately cost them dearly.

Laune Rangers restarted with Mike Frank Russell on the ‘40’ but it was An Ghaeltacht who consolidated their situation with an excellent individual score by Dara Ó Cinnéide. A quick reply from the impressive Pa O Sullivan, who availed of Brian Gannon’s assist, kept Rangers in touch. However, An Ghaeltacht, with a hat-trick of quality scores by Marc Ó Sé, Rob Mac Gearailt and J.J. Corduff, increased their lead to eight points by the 40^th minute. Pa O Sullivan, with delightful skill, kicked Rangers’ sixth point and then added another pointed free, as the Mid-Kerry side briefly kept their fading hopes alive. However, for the remaining ten minutes of the encounter, it was quite simply one-way traffic as An Ghaeltacht added some excellent scores.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan (0-1), Johnny Lynch, Liam Hassett, Pa O Sullivan (0-6, 2 frees), Billy O Shea, Gerry O Brien, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell, Colin O Connor. Subs: Barry O Sullivan for B. Gannon, Trevor Gannon for G. O Brien, Pa Murphy for C. O Connor, Terence Houlihan for P. Costello.

Ref: Johnny Cahill (Rathmore).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 2

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-15; John Mitchels 0-5.

Laune Rangers got their quest for promotion off to a great start with a comprehensive victory over John Mitchels. The Killorglin side possessed too much firepower for the Tralee side. Even without the injured Mike Frank Russell, they were on fire up front and Mitchels failed to score from play in the first half. The Tralee side tried hard but a determined Laune Rangers’ side, under the stewardship of John Evans, were in superb shape.

They opened the scoring with points from Billy O Shea, Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon. Indeed, they could have been further ahead but for the heroics of John Fitzgerald in the Mitchels’ goals. He pulled off three terrific saves from Gannon, O Shea and O Sullivan, as they threatened to break through the Mitchels’ defence. The Tralee side got off the mark with a free from Fergal O Brien and he added another soon after, but, with the Rangers’ side rampant, they continued to push forward. They tacked on scores from Billy O Shea and Pa O Sullivan to lead by 0-5 to 0-2. Mitchels had a goal disallowed when it was pointed out that Ger Dan Dennehy had stepped over the end-line with the ball before he had laid it across to Locke, who had scored. There were no further scores until halftime.

The second half saw Mitchels immediately on the attack and, when Kenneth Keohane broke through the Rangers’ defence, he looked good for a goal. Unfortunately for him, his shot went just outside the upright. That seemed to awaken the Rangers, who took up the running and kicked over four unanswered points from Pa and Barry O Sullivan, Billy O Shea and Liam Hassett. Mitchels were still enjoying plenty of possession but were finding the Rangers’ defence in tough form. Despite that, they kicked points from Ger Dan Dennehy, Aidan Moynihan and Fergal O Brien but the home side finished with a flourish. John Sheehan came up from defence to point, with Pa O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Shane O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan and Barry O Sullivan putting a gloss on the score-board.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, Noel Lynch, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Barry O Sullivan, Morgan Foley, Pa O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Johnny Lynch, Brian Gannon, Liam Hassett, Trevor Gannon.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 7^th April at Annascaul: Annascaul 0-12; Laune Rangers 2-6.

With Mike Frank Russell back in the side after recovering from his ankle injury, the signs pointed towards a victory for the visiting side, but Annascaul upset the script with some terrific football in what proved to be an excellent game of football. However, they had to thank goalkeeper Gearóid O Shea for a great last-minute save from Liam Hassett, which secured the point for the West-Kerry side. The majority of eyes were following Russell to see if he would last the pace and would be able to take on Meath on the following Sunday and the Kerry attacker turned in a performance, which eased their worries. He played some excellent football and took his scores well.

Laune Rangers started the game at a blistering pace, with Barry O Sullivan pointing a free to open the scoring. Worse was to follow for the Annascaul side, when a clever pass into Mike Frank Russell saw him gain possession, round his man and place the ball just inside the right post for a great goal. Rangers were looking sharp, with Annascaul struggling to get into the game. Billy O Shea pointed another from play before the home side responded with three pointed frees, two from Sean Farrell and one from Genie Farrell. It failed to stop the Rangers’ gallop, however, and John Evans’ side got another point from Colin O Connor before fast thinking from Billy O Shea saw him send a ball over the Annascaul defence to MF Russell. That left Russell one-on-one with O Shea and the Ranger made no mistake, finishing to the net. Genie Farrell and Barry O Sullivan swapped points before Sean Farrell put over three frees in as many minutes, to leave Rangers ahead by 2-4 to 0-7 at the break.

Annascaul came out a different team after halftime and had Laune Rangers on the back foot for the first 10 minutes, but only managed one point from Genie Farrell. They missed a good number of chances, thanks to a tight Laune Rangers’ defence. Paul Griffin and Niall Sheehy exchanged frees before the turning point of the game came when the very influential Laune Rangers’ midfielder, Barry O Sullivan, received his second yellow card for persistent fouling. Mike Frank Russell scored a free on the 50^th minute, but that proved to be the final score of the game for the Killorglin side. Annascaul took over and two points by Sean Farrell and Niall Sheehy levelled matters. The home side kicked three bad wides after that and looked to have thrown it away when Liam Hassett got through on goal but Gearoid O Shea made a brilliant save to end the game on a draw. Best for Laune Rangers were Mike Frank Russell and Brian Gannon.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, Noel Lynch, Brendan Fitzgerald, John Sheehan, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Barry O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free), Brian Gannon, Billy O Shea (0-1), Colin O Connor (0-1), Paul Griffin (0-1, free), Liam Hassett, Mike Frank Russell (2-1, 1 free).

 

Rd.  3 on Sat. 4^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-14; Dromid 0-9.

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 8^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-15; Currow 1-10.

Powered by the accuracy of the O Sullivan brothers, Pa and Barry, Laune Rangers kept up their push for immediate return to Div. 1 with what was in the end an easy five-point victory. Between them the O Sullivans kicked 12 points, albeit 10 of them from placed balls, while Rangers’ goal came from the penalty spot. Currow did put up a battle in the first half when wind-assisted, but their challenge wilted once the home side slotted home the penalty 11 minutes into the second half.

Playing against the breeze, and with Liam Hassett operating at midfield, Laune Rangers were on the score-board inside 30 seconds when Pa O Sullivan pointed. Currow’s D.J. Cronin quickly equalised with a free and put his side ahead with another free after 8 minutes. Scores were hard to come by in the opening half and it stood at 0-4 to 0-3 to Currow after the first quarter. Billy O Shea, who played a deep defensive role against the wind, forced the best out of Currow goalkeeper Kevin Moran in the 17^th minute. Then Johnny McGlynn made it 0-5 to 0-3 in the 21^st minute. However, two superb frees from Pa O Sullivan levelled matters before Currow struck for the game’s only goal. Liam Brosnan kept the ball in play and moved it along the end-line to sneak it to the net. Trevor Gannon exchanged points with McGlynn to leave the score at the break, 1-6 to 0-6 in favour of the visitors.

With Pa O Sullivan replacing Mike McGillycuddy at midfield, Rangers introduced Colin O Connor on the resumption and his pace troubled the Currow backline. Gerry O Brien had the half’s opening score with a point for Rangers before O Sullivan and Cronin exchanged frees. It was still anybody’s game at that stage but slowly Rangers began to exert pressure. With Paul Costello solid at centre halfback and Billy O Shea getting the better of the exchanges with Kieran Scanlon, Rangers, with four unanswered points from Barry O Sullivan, regained the lead. Then 11 minutes into the half came the crucial score. Colin O Connor, having collected a long delivery from Paul Costello, was hauled down in the ‘square’ and Brian Gannon converted the resultant penalty. That made it 1-12 to 1-7 and really there was no way back for the visitors from there. With the Rangers’ backs well in control, Currow could only manage three further points, while Pa and Barry O Sullivan, plus Gerry O Brien, finished off the home side’s scoring to record a well earned and deserved two points. On the night, they were best served by Noel Lynch, Brendan Fitzgerald, Eoin Ferris and Paul Costello in defence, Liam Hassett at midfield and Barry and Pa O Sullivan and the  outstanding Billy O Shea in attack.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Mike McGillycuddy, Pa O Sullivan (0-6, 5 frees), Billy o Shea, Trevor Gannon (0-1), Brian Gannon (1-0, pen.), Barry o Sullivan (0-6, 4 frees), Gerry O Brien (0-2). Subs: Colin O Connor, Paul Griffin, John Ahern (all played).

Ref: Mike O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Rd.  5 on Sat. 29^th June at Castlegregory: Castlegregory 0-10; Laune Rangers 0-16.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 7^th July at Spa: Spa 0-6; Laune Rangers 2-14.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 20^th July at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-9; Laune Rangers 2-11.

The match started slowly with Laune Rangers slow to get going. However, a Colin O Connor goal halfway through the first half, along with pointed frees from Pa and Barry O Sullivan, saw them lead at the break by 1-5 to 0-4. Mark O Connor was introduced at halftime in place of Shane O Sullivan. Johnny Lynch played an influential part at midfield and Paul Griffin was in sparkling form at left half-forward. Rangers’ star defenders were Paul Costello, Noel Lynch and Eoin Ferris. Beaufort were making inroads into the Rangers’ lead in the opening stages of the second half but a Billy O Shea goal with 10 minutes remaining sealed the victory.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Barry O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, Pa O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin, Jerry O Brien, Brian Gannon, Colin O Connor. Subs: Mark O Connor and Brian Curran (both played).

 

Rd. 8 on Sun. 28^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Listowel Emmett’s 0-9.

Rd. 9 on Sat. 17^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-10; Glenflesk 0-9.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 8^th Sept: Laune Rangers 3-15; Firies 1-5.

That win ensured that Laune Rangers would be promoted as champions of Div. 2.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Adrian Hassett, Mark O Connor, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Murphy, Johnny Lynch, James O Shea, Pa O Sullivan, Paul Griffin, Brian Gannon, Gerry O Brien, Colin O Connor. Subs: Jerry Coffey for N. Lynch, Tom Crowley for P. Costello, Dermot Houlihan for J. Lynch, Trevor Gannon for P. Griffin, John Ahern for C. O Connor.

 

Rd. 11: Laune Rangers 1-14; Legion 1-14.

Laune Rangers had already won out Div. 2 of the Co. League and, after that game, Vice-Chairman of the Kerry Co. Board, Jerome Conway, presented the trophy to the Rangers’ captain, Liam Hassett.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Noel Lynch, Paul Costello, Mark O Connor, Terence Houlihan, Pa Murphy, Shane O Sullivan, Johnny Lynch, James O Shea, Paul Griffin, Pa O Sullivan, Trevor Gannon, Brian Gannon, Jerry O Brien, Colin O Connor. Subs: John Ahern for J. O Shea, Seamus Foley for J. Ahern.

 

Molyneaux Cup

Trainer – Timmy Moroney. Selectors – Kevin Cahillane and Mike O Shea.

Rd. 1: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Kilcummin ‘B’ scr.

Quarter-final on Fri. 23^rd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Dr. Crokes scr.

 

Semi-final in Oct: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-14; Glenflesk ‘B’ 2-6.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Shane Clifford, Karl Falvey, Conor Falvey, Aidan Lynch, Mark Healy, Pa Murphy, Mark Conway, Pierce Prendiville, Tim O Regan (0-3), Pa Sheehan (0-4), John Ahern, Jerry Coffey (0-3), Derry O Sullivan (0-1), Barry O Sullivan (1-2), Dermot Houlihan. Subs: Joe Healy (0-1) for D. O Sullivan, Eddie Birmingham for J. Coffey.

 

Final on Sat. 5^th July 2003 at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s ‘B’ 1-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-12.

That final had been deferred on numerous occasions at the request of St. Mary’s. Eventually, Laune Rangers agreed to travel to Cahersiveen to play the game.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Damien Harmon, Mark Conway, Redmond Fitzgerald (capt.), Karl Falvey, John F. O Brien, Aidan Lynch, Pierce Prendiville, Mark Healy, Paul O Connor, Pa Sheehan, Joe Healy, Ross Sheehan, Podge Foley, Derry O Sullivan. Subs: Gerard Purcell for R. Sheehan, Conor Falvey for D. Harmon, Morgan Foley for J. Healy, Tim O Regan for M. Healy, Paul McKenna for D. O Sullivan.

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 5

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 17^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-16; Asdee 1-4.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 7^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-15; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 4-3.

Rd. 3 on Sat. 4^th May at Killorglin: Tuosist 0-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-8.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 12^th May at Derrynane: Derrynane 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10.

Rd. 5 on Sat. 29^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-6; Listry 0-12.

Rd. 6 on Sun. 7^th July: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-11; Ardfert 0-7.

Rd. 7 on Sun. 14^th July: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 1-9.

Rd. 8 on Sat. 20^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B 2-19; Fossa 2-5.

Laune Rangers remained at the top of their division with that win. Billy and Derry O Sullivan were in sparkling form in the forward division.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 28^th July at Templenoe: Templenoe 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-9.

Conditions were damp and slippery at Dromore. The sides were level on eight occasions during the game and they were tied at 1-5 each at halftime. Shane Cremin got Templenoe’s goal from the penalty spot and Derry O Sullivan goaled straight afterwards for the visitors. In the second half, Templenoe went two points ahead inside the last ten minutes after Timmy Clifford found the net. With time almost up, Billy O Sullivan struck for Rangers’ second goal but Mike Crowley equalised for the home side.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 4^th Aug: Laune Rangers 2-10; Ballydonoghue 1-4.

Rd. 11 on Sat. 17^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-10; Na Gaeil 1-11.

 

Sat. 7^th Sept. at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan 0-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-12.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: William Byrne, Karl Falvey, Conor Falvey, Brian Curran, Mark Conway, Tom Crowley, Mark Healy, Morgan Foley, Pierce Prendiville, Pa Sheehan, Derry O Sullivan, Paul Russell, Billy O Sullivan, Seamus Foley, Joe Healy. Subs: Tim O Regan, Damien Harmon, Dermot Houlihan.

 

Sun. 15^th Sept: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 7-8; Scartaglin 0-4.

 

Final on Sat. 26^th Oct. at Glenflesk: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-2; Tuosist 1-10.

Laune Rangers, thanks to a glut of goals, overcame luckless Tuosist in that final. John Joe Brosnan put Tuosist into the lead in the 3^rd minute. Laune Rangers were awarded a penalty in the 7^th minute but Billy O Sullivan shot wide. Shortly afterwards, a good save by Shane Clifford prevented a Tuosist goal but Liam O Shea put them two points clear in the 15^th minute. In the 18^th minute, Billy O Sullivan put a 20m free wide but, seconds later, Pa Sheehan found the net. Mark Conway increased Rangers’ lead with a point but Flor O Sullivan replied for Tuosist with a point. They then conceded two goals in the final five minutes of the half and that really cost them. Firstly, Trevor Gannon found the net in the 25^th minute and, a minute later, full-forward Seamie Foley fisted a high ball to the net to give his side a 3-1 to 0-2 interval lead.

Tuosist upped the tempo on the resumption and James O Neill found the net to leave just two points between the sides. John Joe Browne and Marcus McNally scored points to equalise the game (3-1 to 1-7) at the end of the third quarter. Then McNally and Teddy Harrington scored points to put their side two points clear with just 10 minutes to go and it looked as if the trophy would be heading in the Kenmare direction. However, Jerry Coffey converted a ‘45’ to reduce the margin to the minimum. Then, Laune Rangers scored a very fortunate goal five minutes from time when a shot by Pa Sheehan looped over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net. Tuosist fought back and McNally pointed in injury time but Rangers held on to win. Man-of-the-match was Pa Sheehan, who rallied his team when the need was greatest. The captain of the team, Redmond Fitzgerald, was injured and unable to play in that game.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Shane Clifford, Karl Falvey, Conor Falvey, Damien Harmon, Mark Conway (0-1), Pa Murphy, Mark Healy, Pierce Prendiville, Tim O Regan, John Ahern, Derry O Sullivan, Pa Sheehan (2-0), Billy O Sullivan, Seamie Foley (1-0), Trevor Gannon (1-0). Subs: Aidan Lynch for C. Falvey, Morgan Foley for T. Gannon, Jerry Coffey (0-1, ‘45’) for D. O Sullivan, Joe Healy for T. O Regan, Mikey Griffin, Darragh Burns, Paul Russell, Ger Purcell, Darren O Riordan, David Coffey.

Ref: Johnny Cahill (Rathmore).

 

Barrett Cup

Laune Rangers ‘C’ were in Group 3 with Beaufort ‘B’, Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ and Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 16^th Aug. at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ 0-8; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-8.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 28^th Aug. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys ‘C’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-14.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Ross Breen, Ger O Sullivan (twin), Conor Falvey, Damien Harmon, Karl Falvey, Mark Healy, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Pierce Prendiville, Tim O Regan (0-1), Eoin O Sullivan (0-2), Liam Foley, David Coffey, Eddie Birmingham (0-3), Thomas McGillycuddy, Paul McKenna (0-7). Subs: Paudie O Shea (Glencar) for T. McGillycuddy, John F. O Brien for P. Prendiville, Dermot Houlihan for C. Falvey.

 

Semi-final: Austin Stacks ‘C’ 2-8; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-12.

Final on Sat. 27^th Oct. at J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin: Austin Stacks ‘C’ 4-8; Beaufort ‘B’ 1-7.

 

Co. Junior Football League (Div. 1 South)

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 10^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-3; Legion ‘B’ 0-3.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 17^th May at Rathmore: Rathmore ‘B’ 1-12; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-8.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 24^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ Sneem ‘B’.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 31^st May at Glenflesk: Glenflesk ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.

Rd. 5 on Fri. 7^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 4-10; Gneeveguilla ‘B’ 0-8.

Rd. 6 on Fri. 14^th June at Spa: Spa ‘B’ 0-10; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-7.

Rd. 7 on Fri. 21^st June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ St. Mary’s ‘B’.

Rd. 8 on Fri. 28^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ w/o; Kilcummin ‘B’ scr.

Rd. 9 on Fri. 5^th July at Killarney: Dr. Crokes ‘C’ 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-10.

Rd. 10 on Fri. 12^th July at Glenflesk: Glenflesk ‘B’ 0-13; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-9.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 26^th July. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-7; Spa ‘B’ 0-11.

Laune Rangers ‘C’: Ross Breen, Damien Harmon, Conor Falvey, Karl Falvey, Pa Sheehan, John F. O Brien, Mark Conway, Pierce Prendiville, Tim O Regan, Darren O Riordan, Liam Foley, Dermot Houlihan, Paul McKenna, Joe Healy, Eddie Birmingham. Subs: Ross Sheehan, Tom McGillycuddy.

 

Final on Fri. 2^nd Aug. at Direen: Rathmore ‘B’ 2-9; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-6.

By reason of the fact that they had the greater scoring power, Rathmore deservedly captured that title. Laune Rangers did have a huge amount of possession but never looked like getting the better of the winners’ defence. Rangers’ excellent Liam Foley and Donal Casey exchanged early points and, within minutes, the losers had goaled. Alan O Sullivan and John F. O Brien set up Liam Foley with 9 minutes gone and he found the corner of the net with a low drive. Dermie Fitzgerald pointed two frees for Rathmore. Then their goalie, Denis Reen, saved bravely from Paul McKenna when it looked like a second goal was certain. However, Rathmore began to lift their game and points from Michael O Leary, Padraig O Keeffe, Derek Moynihan and Donal O Leary saw them open up a gap and a goal by Dermie Fitzgerald gave them a halftime lead of 1-7 to 1-2.

Rangers opened the second half with a flourish, the excellent Paul McKenna pointing two frees. Then, in the 5^th minute came the second Rathmore gaol by Jameson Hayes. Denis Moynihan and John Buckley added points and Rathmore were home and dry, even with 15 minutes still to play. Rangers gave it their all right up to the final whistle with the Falveys, Damien Harmon, Pierce Prendiville, Darren O Riordan, John F. O Brien and Alan O Sullivan winning plenty of possession but, at the end, their inability to get the scores was the deciding factor.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Ross Breen, Karl Falvey, Conor Falvey, Damien Harmon, Pa Sheehan, John F. O Brien, Darren O Riordan, Pierce Prendiville, Liam Foley (1-1), Eoin O Sullivan, Alan O Sullivan, Dermot Houlihan, Joe Healy (0-1), Eddie Birmingham (0-1), Paul McKenna (0-3). Subs: Tim O Regan, Thomas McGillycuddy, Garrath Sheehan, Tom Crowley.

Ref: Aidan Cronin (Spa).

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers 0-11; Cromane 1-7.

Michael O Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine) reported in the Kerryman on the game as follows: “The previous Sunday, a mild shock occurred in the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship as Beaufort dumped holders Milltown/Castlemaine out at the semi-final stage. Last Sunday at Glenbeigh, the supporters who had braved the wind and rain to turn up to the other semi-final looked on in astonishment as, with the game in injury time, they were about to witness a kick that would, if converted, have provided the biggest shock in the 55-year history of the championship. The unthinkable seemed imminent. The mighty Laune Rangers were about to exit the championship at the hands of near neighbours and fellow parishioners, Cromane. Hands were clasped in prayer, mobile phones threatened to jamb the network and the whole crowd stood silent as Maurice O Shea stepped up to take the injury-time penalty, awarded when Trojan worker, Donncha Walsh, was upended in the small ‘square’. Two points separated the sides. Between the posts stood Tony Lyons. O Shea struck his shot with authority and it seemed to be heading for the top corner of the net but somehow Lyons managed to reach and deflect it for a ‘45’. History dashed, tradition saved, Cromane were out, but not without putting up one of the bravest battles in the history of the championship.

In the final analysis, it was the closing five minutes of the opening half, when Cromane temporarily lost their way that secured the victory for Rangers. In that spell, the winners kicked five unanswered points to open up what proved to be, despite the late onslaught, the unassailable gap.

The strong cross-field wind and slippery underfoot conditions made life difficult for all concerned. Pa O Sullivan opened the scoring with a first-minute point after Johnny Lynch was fouled. Six minutes elapsed before Mike Frank Russell added another, after good play by Pa O Sullivan and Brian Gannon. A minute later, Cromane opened their account. Eoin Walsh broke up a Rangers’ attack and he found Sean O Sullivan. His pace carried him past the Rangers’ defence and he coolly slotted over. With the inclement conditions, scores were hard to come by in the opening 20 minutes, as both sides spilled a lot of ball. Brian Gannon added two for Rangers, Padraig McCarthy, Maurice O Shea and O Sullivan replied and it stood at 0-4 apiece after 22 minutes of play. But then Cromane seemed to lose their way and the Rangers’ big guns kicked in. Mike Frank Russell, John Sheehan, Barry O Sullivan and Pa O Sullivan (2) all converted to open up a five-point gap and that was the way it stayed at the halftime whistle.

On the resumption, midfielder Liam Hassett added another to stretch the Rangers’ lead to six and, at this stage, most people thought it would turn into another Rangers’ rout. But, incredibly, they were only to add one more score, a crucial Colin O Connor pointed free. They did have possession aplenty, but over-elaboration and some poor finishing meant they left the door slightly ajar for their opponents. And boy, did Cromane respond! Maurice O Shea, with pointed frees in the 37^th and 44^th minutes, kept them within striking distance and, then in the 47^th minute, came the score that really ignited the game. Cromane broke up yet another Rangers’ attack, played the ball out of defence and delivered a long ball towards the Rangers’ goal. Quick as lightning, Padraig McCarthy latched onto it, ghosted past two Rangers’ defenders and expertly slotted the ball to the net, past the advancing Lyons – 0-10 to 1-6, game on.

Laune Rangers were on top from there on until the closing minutes but could not widen the gap, again being guilty of lack of cohesion. Mike Frank Russell did have a great chance from a placed ball but missed. Rangers were then dealt a blow when wing-back, Paul Costello, was red-carded for a high tackle on Cromane’s Colm Joy. Two minutes from fulltime, Colin O Connor eased the pressure on Rangers when he put over a close-in free. That put two between the sides and it looked like Rangers were safe.

But there was still plenty of drama left. As the game entered injury-time, Cromane threw everything into a last-gasp attack and, when referee Mike Murphy pointed to the penalty spot, disbelief reigned among both sets of supporters. Credit must go to Lyons for the save, but there was still excitement left. His players surrounded the referee when it looked like he had ordered a re-take. Amid the confusion, Rangers’ centre-back, John Sheehan, was red-carded and, when the dust settled, Cromane wee awarded a ‘45’, as a result of Lyons tipping the ball around the post. They took it short, lobbed it goal-wards and, as both teams fought frantically for possession, the ball was somehow put over the bar by Donncha Walsh to narrow the gap to just one point. From the kick-out the final whistle sounded. Rangers were through by the skin of their teeth, while Cromane were left wondering of what might have been.

Rangers will know that they were lucky to survive what for them should have been an ordinary hour at the office. While they had the lion’s share of possession, they played well below par at times, and will know that this will not be sufficient if they are to recapture the title. They can be thankful they had that purple patch just before the break. On the day, they were best served by goalkeeper Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, John Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Brian Gannon, Mike Frank Russell and their man-of-the-match, Billy O Shea.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, John Sheehan (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Liam Hassett (0-1) capt., Johnny Lynch, Pa O Sullivan (0-3, 2 frees), Billy O Shea, Barry O Sullivan (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-2), Mike Frank Russell (0-2, 1 free), Gerry O Brien. Subs: Colin O Connor (0-1) for B. O Sullivan, Brendan Fitzgerald for A. Hassett.

Ref: Mike Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine).

The Cromane team was trained by John Griffin (formerly of Glenbeigh). The selectors were Patsy Joy (Lonart) and Michael Teahan

 

Final on Sun. 17^th Nov. at Milltown: Laune Rangers 0-11; Beaufort 0-8.

JP McCarthy (Cromane) reported for the Kerryman as follows: “Laune Rangers regained the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship title at Paddy Burke Memorial Park in Milltown with a gritty display, laced with one simple ingredient – desire. In doing so, they erased the memories of last year’s painful 0-9 to 0-8 defeat to Milltown/Castlemaine. The heavy underfoot conditions premeditated that this triumph was going to be dominated by drive and a willingness to work – qualities that the men in blue had in abundance. It wasn’t pretty but it was pretty effective.

This desire to prevail was evident in all, but especially in Noel Lynch at corner-back, in Brendan Fitzgerald outside him on the wing, in the inspired display of captain Liam Hassett at midfield and the non-stop hassling of Billy O Shea, Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan, Colin O Connor and second-half substitute, Mike Frank Russell, in the forward division. It was a backs’ day but the Laune Rangers’ attack –  which suffered from the pre-match withdrawal through injury of Mike Frank Russell, who eventually appeared in the 38^th minute and went on to make a great contribution – carried out the ‘defence begins in attack’ mantra to perfection. It was that little bit of extra skill though that eased the Rangers through with Pa O Sullivan, his brother Barry and Colin O Connor, notching crucial second-half points from play. Pa’s effort in the 37^th minute, which gave his side a 0-6 to 0-3 lead, was the score of the game. It was a pitch-length move, which began with Adrian Hassett in his left corner and quickly moved through Liam Hassett, Gerry O Brien and Johnny Lynch before reaching Pa O Sullivan 30 yards out and, with the outside of his left boot, he smacked a terrific  effort between the posts.

The victory must have been especially sweet for Johnny Lynch who was vindicated by his decision to play club before college as he chose to line out in this divisional final instead of the Dublin SFC final with UCD. That Pa O Sullivan point got Laune Rangers off the mark in the second half and came at a  time when Beaufort were threatening the Killorglin men’s long-held lead. It was a lead, gained in the 18^th minute through Colin O Connor free, which they never subsequently lost their grip of. The nearest Beaufort got was when they whittled down a 0-7 to 0-3 second-half deficit to 0-8 to 0-7 with six minutes left after impressive minor midfielder Damien Breen floated through  for his third point from play. That Damien Breen was Beaufort’s main scoring threat from play summed up their performance. Their attack just didn’t function. One damning stat is that none of their forwards managed a point from play. Only Dan Doona with four frees made an impression on the score-board – just not good enough.

However, within six minutes of Breen’s score, Laune Rangers had opened up a four-point gap again with two Pa O Sullivan points – the first from a free, the other from play – sandwiching a point from play by his brother Barry to make it 0-11 to 0-7 going into added time. Barry O Sullivan’s point in the 57^th minute was superbly set up by Mike Frank Russell who then got embroiled in an off-the-ball incident with Beaufort’s corner-back Robert Doyle, which led to both being booked by referee Twiss. Beaufort’s last chance of salvaging something from the game came in the 59^th minute when Damien Breen – their best player on the day – coasted through to smash a left-footed effort goal-wards only for Tony Lyons to bat the ball away to safety. That chance arrived with Beaufort trailing by 0-10 to 0-7. Beaufort’s brave bid had just about failed at this stage and, even though referee Brendan Twiss – who had a poor game – gave them four and a half minutes of extra time, there just wasn’t anything left in the tank despite a late Dan Doona free ending the scoring.

Although Liam Hassett was in fine form at midfield, it was still a 50/50 match-up with he and Barry O Sullivan against Beaufort’s Gary McGrath and Damien Breen. Hassett stood out for the winners with his calm controlled football. Beaufort started much stronger but their one-dimensional ploy of constantly looking for Kerry minor star Dan Doona at full-forward proved to be their downfall. When Plan ‘A’ failed, there was no back-up. Two Doona frees in the 4^th and 8^th minutes proved to be Beaufort’s only scores of the half, as Laune Rangers took over and fired five unanswered points. In between Doona’s points came a great goaling opportunity for the Beaufort team. Corner-forward Denis Moriarty was left clean through on goal after Noel Lynch and Eoin Ferris collided in their effort to dispossess Doona. The Kerry minor star reacted quickest and slipped a pass to Moriarty who had only Adrian Hassett between him and the goal and team-mate Ian O Shea inside but, as Moriarty bore down on Tony Lyons’ goal, he opted to pass to O Shea but, agonisingly for Beaufort, he over-hit it and the ball floated harmlessly wide – a let-off for the victors.

Frees from Pa O Sullivan and Colin O Connor levelled the scores at 0-2 apiece after the first quarter before O Connor, with another free, put Rangers ahead for the first time in the 18^th minute. The game’s first point from play came in the 26^th minute from Billy O Shea and ended a period of mediocre football from both sides. Too many times simple passes were fluffed or good ones fumbled. One prime example was when Beaufort found themselves again through the Laune Rangers’ backline with an extra man, but Ian O Shea’s attempted hand-pass to the inrushing Damien Breen went too far and Brendan Fitzgerald cleaned up. Liam Hassett brought a poor first-half to a close when driving through on a solo burst before turning onto his right foot and slipping over a point. That left the Killorglin men 0-5 to 0-2 ahead and deservedly so.

It took Beaufort just 25 seconds to cut this lead to two when Damien Breen took a pass from Dan Doona before splitting the posts. He repeated this effort with two almost identical points later in the half. This score was Beaufort’s first from play. Laune Rangers’ Barry and Pa O Sullivan were then wide with frees before play was held up after Billy O Shea sustained an arm injury stretching for a pass. It was an injury that eventually led to him being replaced by Mike Frank Russell. Pa O Sullivan’s inspirational point in the 37^th minute was then added to by another from play from Colin O Connor five minutes later after he was picked out by a superb Russell pass. That gave Laune Rangers their biggest lead of the game, 0-7 to 0-3. Seconds prior to O Connor’s score, Laune Rangers had a great goal chance of their own but Brian Gannon was unable to pick out the unmarked Gerry O Brien in front of the Beaufort goal, his attempted cross being deflected for a ‘45’. Damien Breen and Colin O Connor then swapped points before Beaufort staged a mini-revival with three unanswered points. Frees from Dan Doona and Gary McGrath brought them close but Damien Breen’s third of the game, which made it 0-8 to 0-7, brought the game to the boil for the first time.

But just as temperatures rose, the victors dampened the rising enthusiasm among Beaufort players and followers with three unanswered points from the O Sullivan brothers to open up a 0-11 to 0-7 lead and, despite Dan Doona’s late free, the title was as good as in the bag. In the end, it was the cream that rose to the top as Laune Rangers celebrated winning back the Mid-Kerry title, which has become part of the furniture in Killorglin for the past two decades. Afterwards, the man-of-the-match award – sponsored by The Fishery Bar, Killorglin – was presented to Liam Hassett by the proprietor Edso Crowley.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Adrian Hassett, Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Barry O Sullivan (0-1), Liam Hassett (capt.) 0-1, Brian Gannon, Johnny  Lynch, Gerry O Brien, Billy O Shea (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-4, 2 frees), Colin O Connor (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Mike Frank Russell for B. O Shea (inj.), Pa Murphy for S. O Sullivan, Terence Houlihan for G. O Brien, Jerry Coffey, Trevor Gannon, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine)

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 14^th Feb. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-6.

Laune Rangers welcomed Liam Hassett back to the fold and seemed to be in control from start to finish, leading by 1-8 to 0-4 at halftime, having played with the aid of the wind. Liam Hassett, returning from a 11 months’ lay-off because of injury, scored 1-2.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, Brian Curran, Terence Houlihan (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Barry O Sullivan (0-4), Morgan Foley, Pa O Sullivan (1-3, 1 pen), Billy O Shea, Johnny Lynch (0-1), Paul Griffin, Liam Hassett (1-2), Trevor Gannon. Subs: John Edmond Murphy for J. Lynch, Redmond Fitzgerald for T. Houlihan, Mike McGillycuddy for M. Foley, Geoffrey O Mahony for P. Griffin, Cian Evans for T. Gannon.

Ref: Johnny Cahill (Rathmore).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 10^th March at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-8; Laune Rangers 2-17.

Laune Rangers recorded an impressive win over a Beaufort side that was totally outclassed on the day. Despite being without Mike Frank Russell and John Sheehan, who were away on National League duty with Kerry in London, the Rangers side were in charge for the majority of the game.

The visitors started in determined style and led by 0-4 to 0-0 before Danny Doona opened with a Beaufort point midway through the half. Mícheál Foley, at fullback, had repulsed many attacks before allowing his marker, Liam Hassett, inside him and the burly full-forward made no mistake as he drove a pile-driver past Mike Moriarty in goal. Rangers continued to dominate, especially up front, and at halftime they led by 1-7 to 0-3, with Barry O Sullivan’s free-taking proving successful.

The home side started the second half in better fashion with Gary McGrath and Patrick Doyle winning more possession at midfield. They had points from Denis Pio Moriarty and Eanna O Malley but the superior fitness and teamwork of Rangers, which was evident from the start, saw Liam Hassett set up Brian Gannon for their second goal. After that the result was never in doubt and the Rangers continued to pile on the pressure. Liam Hassett was the man-of-the-match and he got good support from Brendan Fitzgerald, Johnny Lynch, Billy O Shea, Brian Gannon and Barry O Sullivan who showed great accuracy from frees.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Eoin Ferris, Brian Curran, Noel Lynch, Shane O Sullivan, Brendan Fitzgerald, Morgan Foley, Barry O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan, Billy O Shea, Johnny Lynch, Brian Gannon, Liam Hassett, John Ahern. Sub: Trevor Gannon (played).

 

Final on Sat. 13^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-10; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Despite being short quite a number of players on both sides (Rangers were missing Liam Hassett, Mike Frank Russell and John Sheehan, who were playing with Kerry in the NFL Semi-final on the following day), Laune Rangers and Milltown/Castlemaine served up a tough but thrilling hour in that final played in ideal conditions. The quality of the football might not have been the best at times and, indeed, the fact that half the total scores came from placed balls shows that, at times, it became quite sloppy with handling errors aplenty on both sides. But, for sheer intensity and closeness, it matched many of the previous encounters between those two sides. In the end, both teams were happy with another day out. However, the home side knew that, despite having led for well over three-quarters of the game, they very nearly let it slip and had to rely on a late Martin Burke point to ensure the draw.

Billy O Shea, operating on the forty, opened the scoring with a 5^th minute point for Rangers after being set up by Johnny Lynch. Lynch and Shane O Sullivan were by far the pick of the Rangers and the midfielder had a hand in most of what was good about Rangers’ play. Gavin Wrenn equalised before Derek Twiss from a free and an excellent point from William Harmon put Milltown/Castlemaine 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after 12 minutes. Mike McGillycuddy, who partnered Johnny Lynch at midfield, added a Rangers’ point but then the home side punished Rangers, as Gavin Wrenn, with three points, and Derek Twiss, with another, all frees, made it 0-7 to 0-3 heading towards the break. With wind-advantage, the home side were hoping to stretch that lead before the change around, but it was Rangers, through Brian Gannon and Paul Griffin frees, who finished the half on the offensive to leave it 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval.

On the resumption, Wrenn kicked the score of the game when he landed a massive point from far out on the stand side. He then exchanged points with Mike McGillycuddy and it stood at 0-9 to 0-6 on the three-quarter mark. It was noticeable at that stage that the Killorglin side was coming more and more into the game and, if it were not for their poor finishing, they would surely have been a lot closer at that stage. Then, Rangers struck for the only goal of the game. And what a score it was! Johnny Lynch caught the ball brilliantly on his own 20m line and ploughed a furrow upfield, leaving all and sundry in his wake. He then dispatched to inrushing wing-forward Gerry O Brien and his strong effort gave Gary Murphy no chance in the Milltown/Castlemaine goal. It was a great goal from Rangers’ point of view, but a poor one from the men in green. The goal brought the Rangers back to life and, in truth, it was no more than they deserved, as they had dominated the previous ten to fifteen minutes.

At 1-6 to 0-9 it was all to play for with just over ten minutes left to play and, when Brian Gannon put Rangers ahead for the first time since the fifth minute, few would have banked against them being crowned League Champions. However, Martin Burke equalised and, after Paul Griffin had been shown a red card for a foul on Alfie Giles, both sides went in search of the winner. Joe Daly saw his thunderous effort rebound off the outside of the upright, while Rangers’ substitute Colin O Connor was short with his injury-time ‘45’, and, when the referee blew the final whistle, both sides were still locked together. For the Rangers, Adrian Hassett, Shane O Sullivan and Eoin Ferris operated well in defence, with O Sullivan giving a great all-round display. Johnny Lynch and Mike McGillycuddy were on top at midfield, while Billy O Shea, Paul Griffin and Brian Gannon were the pick of the forward line.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Adrian Hassett, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Brendan Fitzgerald, Johnny Lynch, Mike McGillycuddy (0-2), James O Shea, Billy O Shea (0-1), Jerry O Brien (1-0), Paul Griffin (0-1, free), Brian Gannon (0-3, 2 frees), Trevor Gannon. Sub: Colin O Connor for T. Gannon.

Ref: Brian O Sullivan (Cromane).

 

Final replay on Sat. 20^th April at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 1-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-7.

Laune Rangers again agreed to play without Kerry Senior players John Sheehan, Liam Hassett and Mike Frank Russell who were preparing for the National League Div. 2 final. Timmy Sheehan reported on the game for the Kerryman as follows: “A last-gasp winning goal, in the dying minutes, afforded Milltown/Castlemaine a dramatic victory over Laune Rangers in the replayed Mid-Kerry Senior Football League final. Extremely competitive and exciting, the contest only intermittently scaled any real heights football-wise, which was due in part to the dreadful weather conditions. Driving wind and torrential rain contributed to extremely difficult playing circumstances for the participants, with the result that it was almost impossible to initiate any movement of a free-flowing nature. In the final analysis, Milltown’s dogged determination pulled them through but really the locals deserved at least a share in the spoils. However, goals at opportune times were vital to Milltown’s challenge and one would have to credit them for displaying a lot of resilience at a period in the game when it looked as if Rangers would coast to a comfortable victory.

Pa O Sullivan and Derek Twiss exchanged pointed frees inside the opening five minutes and, for a period, Milltown applied a lot of pressure on Rangers’ short-passing game out of defence but failed to transfer territorial superiority into scores. Indeed, it was the unerring left boot of Pa O Sullivan, from a difficult angle, who steered the ball between the posts from a free in the seventh minute to put Rangers back in front. Gavin Wrenn, with a similar effort, levelled matters once again two minutes later and, with Joe Daly continuing to effect his superiority with some fine catches in midfield, Milltown exerted a grip in this area but failed to unlock a resolute Rangers’ rearguard unit with Brendan Fitzgerald a vital figure in the wing-back position.

More resourceful in sporadic attacking thrusts, Rangers went back in front with points from Brian Gannon and Gerry O Brien, as a result of some very enterprising approach-play, with Shane O Sullivan a vital link between defence and attack. James O Shea, with Rangers’ fifth point in the 17^th minute, extended the locals’ lead to three points, added to by a superb long-range effort from Pa O Sullivan three minutes later. Gavin Wrenn, with another pointed free, kept Milltown in touch but, with six minutes remaining in the half, the locals struck for a decisive score. Pa O Sullivan, unmarked behind the defensive cover, made tracks on goal and, after his initial effort had rebounded off the upright, Morgan Foley, perfectly positioned, kept his composure and shot low to the net for the game’s first goal. Fergus Murphy, with a neat overhead kick, secured Milltown’s first score from play five minutes from the break but, once again, the response from Rangers was immediate, with Morgan Foley pointing after Brian Gannon had carved out the opportunity for him. It afforded the locals a six-point interval cushion and it seemed at that particular juncture that they were poised for victory.

Milltown applied a lot of pressure at the outset of the second half but, with such as Paul Costello outstanding throughout and Eoin Ferris rock-solid, Rangers were equal to the challenge and retained their two-goal lead until the 40^th minute when Martin Burke punished a defensive error and secured the opening score of the half. Despite a lot of effort, scores remained very much at a premium and indeed the only score in all of the third quarter was provided by Pa O Sullivan from a free. That score left the locals six point in front entering the final quarter and really Milltown needed a goal badly to bolster their challenge. Inspired by the solid input of Damien Murphy and Alfie Giles and the creative approach-play of midfielder William Harmon, they maintained their momentum and, after Gavin Wrenn, with a pointed free, had reduced the margin to five with 12 minutes left, a surging forward run by Damien Murphy created a goaling chance for his supporting wing-back John Giles, whose powerful shot found the net for a most vital goal.

Indeed, with eight minutes left, Rangers were now struggling to stay in front. The introduction of subs had revitalised Milltown’s challenge but, after Pa O Sullivan, with a free, and Martin Burke, with a superb effort, had exchanged further points, Rangers, with Billy O Shea prominent, re-established a grip on proceedings as the contest drifted to its conclusion. Pa O Sullivan was unlucky to see a goaling chance drift narrowly wide and, after another of his efforts from a free had come back off the crossbar, Milltown struck for the match-winning score when Colm Kerins latched onto a loose ball a goalmouth melee and steered the ball along the ground and into the net for a golden goal. It afforded Milltown a win against all the odds in a contest, which was played with all the fervour of a championship clash but, in artic conditions, wasn’t really a classic in football terms.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Brian Curran, Eoin Ferris, Noel Lynch, Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Mike McGillycuddy, Johnny Lynch, James O Shea (0-1), Billy O Shea, Gerry O Brien (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-1), Morgan Foley (1-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-5, 4 frees). Subs: Trevor Gannon for G. O Brien, John Ahern for J. O Shea.

Ref: Frank Walsh (Cromane).

 

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 9^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 16^th April at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 23^rd April: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Cromane ‘B’.

Rd. 4 on Tues. 30^th April at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 5 on Tues. 7^th May: Laune Rangers ‘B’ Keel ‘B’.

 

Final on Wed. 15^th May at Cromane: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-9; Beaufort ‘B’ 0-10.

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

Coach/Trainer – John Griffin.

 

Tues. 2^nd July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 2-6; Laune Rangers 0-5.

On a miserable night for football Austin Stacks deservedly beat Laune Rangers. Stacks dominated the game and enjoyed the luxury of 17 wides and still did enough to win. The game was well contested throughout and for long periods Rangers looked like staying with the Tralee side.

Stacks opened the scoring in the 10^th minute when midfielder Kieran Donaghy goaled from close range. Martin Courtney added a point soon after. In the 6^th minute, Barry O Sullivan opened the Laune Rangers’ account and at the end of the first quarter Rangers came back into the game with points from Vinnie Griffin and Ross Sheehan. Padraig Sugrue extended Stacks’ lead but Barry O Sullivan and Dara Long each had points to leave the halftime score at 1-3 to 0-4 in favour of the home team.

The second half saw Stacks continue to dominate and ace full-forward Dara Long goaled in the 45^th minute to put them six points ahead. Rangers did fight back but they were prevented from scoring that magical goal, thanks to some solid covering from the home side.

Laune Rangers: William Byrne, Noel Lynch, Conor Falvey, Damien Harmon, Darren O Riordan Paul Costello, Dermot Houlihan, Mark Healy, Tim O Regan, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Barry O Sullivan (0-3), David Coffey, Paul McKenna, Ross Sheehan (0-1), Vinnie Griffin (0-1).

 

Shield Quarter-final on Wed. 10^th July at Blennerville: St. Brendan’s defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Mid-Kerry U-21 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 18^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

Semi-final: Laune Rangers 1-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-9.

 

Final on Sat. 13^th July at Cromane: Laune Rangers 1-10; Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-5.

Laune Rangers became the third club to win the Mid-Kerry U-21 title, following in the footsteps of Milltown/Castlemaine, who had won it in 1999 and 2000, and Keel, who had won it in 2001. The most prominent performer in that final was fullback, Noel Lynch, who dismissed the challenge of numerous Glenbeigh/Glencar players in an imperious display, which deservedly earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Glenbeigh/Glencar were on the back foot right from the off and  were a goal down within three minutes when Barry O Sullivan – who dominated along with Tim O Regan at midfield throughout – fielded a high ball and soloed through  the losers’ defence before offloading to Vinnie Griffin and he duly slammed the ball past Pat O Sullivan. It was all Laune Rangers after that and further points from Dermot Houlihan and Barry O Sullivan (2) had them leading by 1-3 to 0-1 at the break. Glenbeigh/Glencar had found it very tough to manufacture scoring chances in the first half with the Lynchs, Noel and Adrian, proving to be rocks on which many of their attacks floundered. The Laune Rangers’ halfback line was also superb with Paul O Connor, Kerry U-21 Paul Costello and Mark Healy in flying form. Fergal Griffin got Glenbeigh/Glencar’s only score of the fist half.

In the second half, Laune Rangers began to turn the screw and led by 1-8 to 0-2 at one stage with half-forward David Coffey and nippy corner-forward Paul McKenna getting in on the scoring act. Both hit two superb second half points, as large gaps began to appear in the opposition rearguard. Glenbeigh/Glencar kept plugging away and the introduction of young Darren O Sullivan – who, like fellow sub Raymond O Connor had played with the Kerry South U-16 team in Limerick earlier in the day – made a difference. He was all action and he scored two fine points. It was Laune Rangers though that reigned supreme and ran out easy winners in the end of a game that never sparked into life.

After the game, Eileen Twiss presented the Eugene Ferris Memorial trophy to Laune Rangers’ captain, Paul Costello. The man-of-the-match trophy, sponsored by Sugrue’s Bar, Cromane, was presented to Noel Lynch, Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers: William Byrne, Aidan Lynch, Noel Lynch, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Mark Healy, Paul Costello (capt.), Paul O Connor, Barry O Sullivan (0-6, 4 frees), Tim O Regan, Dermot Houlihan, Vinnie Griffin (1-0), David Coffey (0-2), Paul McKenna (0-2), Thomas McGillycuddy, Ross Sheehan. Subs: Cathal Foley for V. Griffin, Francis Russell for P. McKenna.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 18^th July at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 4-11; Laune Rangers 3-18 (AET).

Quarter-final on Thurs. 25^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers St. Kieran’s.

 

Co. Minor Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 18^th March: Kilcummin 1-11; Laune Rangers 0-6.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 29^th March: Laune Rangers 4-8; Dr. Crokes 1-9.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 5^th April: Laune Rangers 1-12; Dromid/Waterville 0-9.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 12^th April: Beaufort 2-17; Laune Rangers 1-5.

Rd. 5 on Fri. 19^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-10.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 16^th July at Keel: Keel Laune Rangers.

Mon. 28^th Oct. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers defeated Cromane.

Semi-final on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Beaufort: Beaufort 5-9; Laune Rangers 0-7.

 

Final on Sun. 24^th Nov. at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Beaufort 1-13; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football League

 

Tues. 13^th Aug: Keel 2-6; Laune Rangers 1-7.

Tues. 20^th Aug: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10; Laune Rangers 2-8.

Semi-final on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

 

Final on Sun. 20^th Oct. at Cromane: Laune Rangers 1-12; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-8.

Laune Rangers overcame the atrocious playing conditions to capture the Mid-Kerry Minor League Final after defeating a gallant Milltown/Castlemaine outfit at windswept Cromane. It was a credit to both sides that the game was played in a sporting manner but it was a contest where Laune Rangers clearly held the upper-hand. Rangers won because they had a match-winner in Kerry minor star Colin O Connor who managed to bag seven points for the winners and, overall, he was in unstoppable form as Milltown just could not curb his speed. Rangers were solid in most departments, with captain Aidan Lynch leading by example from the fullback position and Paul O Connor also played well at centre halfback before he was sent off midway through the second half, for a second bookable offence. However, at that stage, Rangers had the game wrapped up and Milltown/Castlemaine, despite having an extra man, could only add one more point to their total and Rangers were just too strong.

Midfield was another key area and here Rangers dominated for long periods with Niall O Mahony and Jerry Coffey playing outstanding stuff and helping their forwards when the need arose. Overall, the Rangers’ forward line was lively with Stuart Delaney, Michael Ledwith and, of course, O Connor being in superb form but it was O Connor who proved the match-winner for them. A combination of a strong Rangers’ side and the poor conditions gave Milltown/Castlemaine a mountain to climb, especially when they trailed at halftime by two points having played with the aid of the wind. In fairness to them, they did have a couple of goaling chances but, every time they looked like scoring, Rangers’ custodian Shane Clifford brought off a couple of outstanding saves and that further inspired his team-mates to go on and win the title.

As stated, the game began in atrocious weather conditions at Cromane and, though the pitch held up well, the driving wind and rain made life very uncomfortable for the young players. Milltown/Castlemaine, with the aid of the wind, jumped into an early lead with points by Enda and Shane Murphy in the 5^th and 8^th minutes. Michael Ledwith opened Rangers’ account in the 10^th minute with a fine effort but Jeremiah Hayes restored the losers’ advantage, as they led by 0-3 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. Rangers steadily got on top at midfield and, with O Connor getting a liberal supply of possession, he teased the Milltown defence and added a quick point before Rangers struck for their decisive goal. It came in the 18^th minute with midfielder O Mahony being involved and it was O Connor who fed Ledwith who shot low to the net. Hayes converted three frees and O Connor converted a free for the winners and suddenly the sides were level. However, Rangers’ pressure told in the final two minutes of the half and points by Stuart Delaney and Maurice Foley saw Rangers retire 1-5 to 0-6 in front at the break.

The second half was to prove a one-sided affair as Rangers resumed with the elements at their backs and, with O Connor unstoppable up front, it was soon clear that Milltown/Castlemaine would struggle, particularly up front, where their forwards were starved of possession. And when they did get the ball they were well shackled by a strong Rangers’ rearguard in which Aidan Lynch was outstanding. Jerry Coffey had a point for Rangers from the throw-in and, when Colin O Connor sent over two fine efforts from play in the 35^th and 38^th minutes, the game was virtually over as a contest. Eoin O Mahony then kicked a point and Ciaran Kelliher replied for Milltown. Colin O Connor added another and his brother Paul was sent off for a second bookable offence. Timmy O Connor scored Milltown’s last point of the game and it was left to Colin O Connor to add two late frees to allow Rangers to coast home.

After the game, John Twiss, Mid-Kerry Board Chairman, presented the trophy to the Rangers’ captain, Aidan Lynch, who vied with Colin O Connor for man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Shane Clifford, Alan Murphy, Aidan Lynch (capt.), Tomás Curran, Jonathan Carey, Paul O Connor, Kieran Crowley, Niall O Mahony, Jerry Coffey (0-1), Maurice Foley (0-1), P. O Sullivan, Stuart Delaney (0-1), Eoin O Mahony (0-1), Colin O Connor (0-7), Michael Ledwith (1-1).

Ref: Michael Devane (Annascaul).

 

Tralee District Board Minor ‘A’ Football League

There were four teams in the ‘A’ League – Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Ardfert and Laune Rangers.

 

Mon. 28^th Oct. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys Laune Rangers.

 

Co. U-16 Inter-Divisional Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th Sept. at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 0-14; Eoghan Ruadh 1-9.

Mid-Kerry: Kevin Tangney (Milltown/Castlemaine), J. Doherty, S. O Sullivan, M. Griffin, Ciaran Kelliher (M/C), Patrick O Sullivan (Beaufort), Eoin O Mahony (Laune Rangers), Stuart Delaney (do.), Raymond O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Timmy O Connor (Milltown/Castlemaine), Edwin Kelliher (Beaufort), Shane Murphy (M/C), A. O Brien, D. O Sullivan, Jeremiah Hayes (M/C). Sub: Eamonn Carey (Laune Rangers) played.

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 19^th Oct. at Dingle: West-Kerry 0-7; Mid-Kerry 1-23.

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship Div.1

Div. 1 consisted of Laune Rangers, Ballymac, Kerins O Rahillys, Dr. Crokes, Churchill, Dingle, Austin Stacks and Kilcummin. Coach/Trainer – Joe Hayes. Selectors – Donncha Curran, Colm Conway and Pa Sheehan. The panel consisted of Vincent Costello, Edward Looney, Alan Tobin, Kieran Crowley, Dáire Clifford, Stuart Delaney, Eoin O Mahony, Gearoid Clifford, Michael Quirke, John Sheehan, Simon Brosnan, Rodi Healy, Eamonn Carey, Darragh O Shea, Gary Cahillane, John Foley, John McKenna, Brendan O Shea, Liam Clifford, Gary Flynn, Sean O Riordan, Shane Crowley, Mikey O Sullivan, Sean Joy, Luke Dunlea and Ricky O Connor.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 24^th June at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 1-11; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Rangers began well but allowed Kilcummin to lead at halftime by 0-7 to 0-4. Rangers played excellently in the second half and, thanks to a goal by Stuart Delaney, they led by two points entering injury time. However, the home side, with virtually the last kick of the game, secured a goal and the victory.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Edward Looney, John Sheehan, Gearoid Clifford, John McKenna, Alan Tobin, John Foley, Stuart Delaney (1-0), Liam Clifford (0-2), Brendan O Shea (0-1), Darragh O Shea (0-2), Gary Cahillane, Gary Flynn (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-4, 2 frees), Eamonn Carey. Subs: Eoin O Mahony for G. Cahillane.

 

Rd. 2 on Mon. 1^st July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 3 on Mon. 8^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-16; Dingle 2-10.

Playing in their first home game of the competition, Laune Rangers came back from the dead to earn a draw against a physically stronger Dingle outfit. After a poor first half, in which they would only register 3 points (Gary Flynn 0-2 and Sean O Riordan 0-1), they trailed the visitors by 2-6 to 0-3 at the interval. On the restart, Rangers finally began to play and scored 0-5 within five minutes. However, the West-Kerry side kept the deficit above four points until the 23^rd minute. The character of the Laune-siders shone through and three points from man-of-the-match Sean O Riordan put the minimum between the sides, entering injury time.  With the visitors hanging on for dear life, Rodi Healy powered up the field, as he had done all evening, and was fouled. O Riordan duly converted a truly deserved equaliser. It had been the game of the proverbial two halves and the Rangers showed tremendous character to come back from a nine-point deficit at halftime in a game in which the wind was not a factor and without scoring a goal.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, John Sheehan, Gearoid Clifford, Eoin O Mahony, Alan Tobin, Rodi Healy, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley (0-1) capt, Liam Clifford, Darragh O Shea (0-1), Brendan O Shea, Eamonn Carey (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-10, 7 frees), Gary Flynn (0-2). Subs: John Foley for J. McKenna, Shane Crowley (0-1) for B. O Shea, Gary Cahillane for E. Carey, Laurence O Connor, Brian Ahern, Fergus O Riordan.

 

Rd. 4 on Mon. 15^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-11; Ballymac 1-16.

Rangers began slowly but battled back with five of the six forwards scoring from play to leave the game level at 0-7 each at the break. However, Ballymac powered out of the blocks on the resumption and eight unanswered points left the Rangers with a mountain to climb. Just as they began to mount some sort of a comeback, Ballymac goaled to kill the challenge off.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John Foley, John Sheehan, Gearoid Clifford, John McKenna, Alan Tobin, Rodi Healy, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley, Liam Clifford (0-2), Eoin O Mahony (0-2, 1 free), Gary Cahillane, Brendan O Shea (0-1), Eamonn Carey (0-3), Gary Flynn (0-2). Subs: Sean O Riordan (0-1) for G. Cahillane, Laurence O Connor for G. Clifford.

 

Rd. 5 on Mon. 22^nd July at Churchill: Churchill 2-13; Laune Rangers 0-7.

Laune Rangers were comprehensively beaten by an impressive Churchill side in windswept Chaurchill. With a somewhat depleted side, Rangers, playing with the aid of the wind in the first half, began well and led by 0-5 to 0-1 after 15 minutes. However, Churchill hit two goals before the break to leave them ahead by 2-4 to 0-6 at the break. In the second half, the physical size of the opposition began to tell and they ran out comfortable winners.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, Rodi Healy, Gearoid Clifford, John Foley, Alan Tobin, Laurence O Connor, Kieran Crowley, Liam Clifford (0-1), Brendan O Shea, Eoin O Mahony, Gary Cahillane, Eamonn Carey, Sean O Riordan (0-5), Gary Flynn (0-1).

 

Rd. 6 on Mon. 29^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-6; Dr. Crokes 4-12.

Laune Rangers were already out of contention for honours in that competition before that game and the top-of-the-table Crokes were just too strong. Injuries to some key players did not help the cause. However, Rangers battled bravely, epitomised by captain, Kieran Crowley, but had to succumb to the Killarney side’s overall power and skill.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, John Sheehan, John Foley, JJ Foley, Rodi Healy, John Flynn, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley (capt.), Shane Crowley, Eoin O Mahony (0-3, 1 free), Liam Clifford (0-1), Brendan O Shea, Eamonn Carey, Brian Ahern. Subs: Darragh O Shea (0-2) for B. Ahern, Gary Cahillane for B. O Shea.

 

Rd. 7 on Mon. 12^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-4; Kerins O Rahillys 2-9.

Missing a few key players, Rangers began well and led at halftime by 1-3 to 0-2, thanks to a goal by Liam Clifford. However, the Tralee side, which was top of the table, showed its strength and skill and took the lead after the break. Rangers failed to make the qualifying stages of the championship.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, John Sheehan, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, Alan Tobin, John Foley, Stuart Delaney (0-1), Kieran Crowley, Shane Crowley, Eoin O Mahony, Liam Clifford (1-1), Eamonn Carey (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-1), Gary Cahillane. Subs: Brendan O Shea for G. Cahillane, Brian Ahern for S. O Riordan.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 27^th March at Keel: Keel lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 3^rd April at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-8; Laune Rangers 2-12.

After a close first half, Laune Rangers led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval. However, goals by Eoin O Mahony and Gary Flynn helped Rangers sail into a 2-9 to 0-3 lead. Beaufort fought bravely and stormed back into the game and it took some resolute defending in order to emerge victorious.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Edward Looney, Rodi Healy, John Foley, Dáire Clifford, Eoin O Mahony (1-0), John Sheehan, Kieran Crowley (capt.), Stuart Delaney, Gary Cahillane, Darragh O Shea (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-5), Liam Clifford (0-1), Eamonn Carey (0-1), Gary Flynn (1-4). Subs: Alan Tobin for D. O Shea, Gearoid Clifford for E. Looney, B. O Shea for L. Clifford.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 10^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-9; Glenbeigh/Glencar 4-1.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 17^th April at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 6-9; Cromane/Listry 1-5.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 24^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine defeated Laune Rangers.

Having played with the wind in the first half, Rangers trailed at halftime by the minimum, 1-4 to 1-3. They battled bravely against the elements in the second half but Milltown/Castlemaine, playing the better football, ran out winners.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Edward Looney, Rodi Healy, John Foley, Dáire Clifford, Eoin O Mahony, John Sheehan, Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Gary Cahillane, Darragh O Shea, Liam Clifford, Michael Quirke, Eamonn Carey, Gary Flynn. Sub: John McKenna for J. Foley.

 

Play-off on Sat. 4^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort 1-11; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Having played against the breeze in the first half, Rangers trailed by 1-4 to 1-2 at the break, all the scores coming from Darragh O Shea. After a bright opening to the second half, Rangers took the lead. However, Beaufort rallied and ran out narrow winners.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, John Sheehan, Edward Looney, Dáire Clifford, Alan Tobin, Rodi Healy, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley (capt.), Eoin O Mahony, Darragh O Shea, Liam Clifford, Gary Flynn, Eamonn Carey, Michael Quirke. Subs: Gary Cahillane for E. O Mahony, John Foley for J. McKenna.

 

‘B’ Championship

Preliminary Rd. on Wed. 18^th Sept. at Keel: Keel lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 27^th Sept. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-17; Cromane/Listry 2-4.

Rangers began well and a goal from the excellent Sean O Riordan saw them take control. However, a goal for the visitors just before halftime brought them back into the game and the score at the break was 1-7 to 1-2 in favour of the Blues. Rangers took over in the second half with some excellent point-taking.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, Gearoid Clifford, Dáire Clifford, Eoin O Mahony (0-1), John Foley, Kieran Crowley (capt.), Liam Clifford (0-1). Brendan O Shea, Stuart Delaney (0-3, 1 free), Gary Cahillane (0-1), Eamonn Carey (0-2), Sean O Riordan (1-6, 3 frees), Gary Flynn (0-3). Subs: John Sheehan for B. O Shea, Shane Crowley for E. Carey.

 

Final on Sat. 5^th Oct. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers 4-9; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-13.

That was a titanic struggle right through. Rangers rocketed out of the traps with a stunning goal by midfield powerhouse Stuart Delaney, which was followed by a somewhat freakish goal by Darragh O Shea. However, Milltown/Castlemaine responded with some excellent points to keep the game very close, nearing halftime. Liam Clifford closed the scoring for the first half with a point. That left the Blues leading by the narrowest of margins at the break, 2-3 to 0-8.

The second half began as the first had finished, with every ball being well contested. Rangers played brilliantly and, when Eoin O Mahony goaled, they looked to be on their way. However, Milltown rallied again and were awarded a penalty, which they could only point. They did succeed in getting a goal, which made the final quarter a ding-dong affair. However, the introduction of star-forward Gary Flynn swung the game in favour of the Laune-siders, when he goaled with a stunning finish and pointed to seal the game. After the game, Kevin Griffin, Chairman of Mid-Kerry Board na nOg, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Kieran Crowley, who had given an outstanding display.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John McKenna, John Sheehan, Gearoid Clifford, John Foley, Rodi Healy, Dáire Clifford, Kieran Crowley (capt.), Stuart Delaney (1-0), Eoin O Mahony (1-1), Darragh O Shea (1-1), Liam Clifford (0-1), Eamonn Carey (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-4, 3 frees), Gary Cahillane. Sub: Gary Flynn (1-1) for G. Cahillane.

 

Tralee District U-16 Football Championship

 

‘B’ Championship

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 11^th April at Ardfert: Ardfert Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 on Thurs. 18^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers John Mitchels.

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 25^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Na Gaeil.

Final on 10^th July: Laune Rangers Ardfert.

That game was postponed on as many as six occasions as a result of requests by Ardfert. Eventually, the title was awarded to Laune Rangers.

Co. U-15 Football Championship

The team was sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire. Trainers – Colm Conway, Joe Hayes and Donncha Curran.

 

Quarter-final on Fri. 12^th July in JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 4-8; Listowel Emmett’s 0-7.

Rangers began well and led at halftime by 2-3 to 0-4, thanks to goals by Brian Ahern and the excellent Gary Flynn.  There was no let-up in the second half, with Kevin Flynn and Luke Dunlea adding two further goals. Best for Rangers were John Sheehan and Rodi Healy in defence, Sean O Riordan and James Flynn at midfield and Gary Flynn, Kevin Flynn and Colin O Dwyer in attack.

Laune Rangers: Liam Clifford, Laurence O Connor, John Sheehan, Eoghan O Sullivan, Luke Dunlea (1-0), Rodi Healy, J.J. Foley, James Flynn, Sean O Riordan (0-2, 1 free) capt., Kevin Flynn (1-1), Shane Crowley (0-1), Michael Quirke, Colin O Dwyer (0-1), Gary Flynn (1-3), Brian Ahern (1-0). Subs: Simon Brosnan for B. Ahern, Tony Brosnan for E. O Sullivan, Brian Ahern for S. Crowley.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 26^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Austin Stacks.

Having begun the game well with two goals from captain, Sean O Riordan, one from the penalty spot, Stacks then took over and their size and strength told in the end as they ran easy winners.

 

Co. U-14 Inter-Divisional Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 27^th May: Shannon Rangers 4-8; Mid-Kerry 1-16.

Losers’ Rd. on Mon. 3^rd June: Mid-Kerry 3-15; Tralee 3-8.

Quarter-final on Mon. 10^th June: Mid-Kerry 1-8; St. Brendan’s 1-6.

Semi-final on Mon. 17^th June: South-Kerry 4-8; Mid-Kerry 2-12.

 

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

Laune Rangers were grouped with Dr. Crokes, Beaufort, Ardfert, Kerins O Rahillys and Austin Stacks. The team was sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire. Trainers/coaches – John Quirke, Eamonn Carey and Enda Clifford.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 25^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Kerins O Rahillys.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 1^st April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes defeated Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 8^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Beaufort.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 15^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers lost to Ardfert.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 22^nd April at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Féile Peil na nOg (U-14)

Laune Rangers were grouped with Dr. Crokes, Glenbeigh/Glencar and Kilcummin.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 13^th April at Dr. Crokes: Dr. Crokes 6-6; Laune Rangers 2-5.

Rd. 2 on Sat. 13^th April at Dr. Crokes: Glenbeigh/Glencar 5-6; Laune Rangers 2-6.

Rd. 3: Kilcummin 3-1; Laune Rangers 0-4.

 

Co. Final on Sat. 20^th April at Milltown: Kerins O Rahillys 2-7; Beaufort 1-3.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 15^th May at Keel: Keel 1-14; Laune Rangers 3-6.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 22^nd May at Cromane: Cromane lost to Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 3 on Thurs. 30^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-13; Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-13.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Jason McCarthy, Timmy Brosnan, David O Sullivan, Luke O Shea, Pascal O Brien, Tadhg Curran, Chris O Riordan, James Flynn, Kevin Flynn, Colin O Dwyer, N. Horgan, Shane McSweeney, David Pigott, Stephen Healy.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 5^th June in Cloon: Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

Rd. 5 on Wed. 12^th June at Beaufort: Beaufort defeated Laune Rangers.

Semi-final on Thurs. 20^th June at Cromane: Laune Rangers 4-10; Glenbeigh/Glencar 3-5.

In poor weather conditions, Laune Rangers began well and dominated for large parts of the game. Goals from Pa Knightley, Kevin Flynn and two from Colin O Dwyer put Rangers in command. However, Glenbeigh/Glencar rallied in the later stages but fine work by the fullback line, in particular, saw Rangers run out winners.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Morgan O Sullivan, Timmy Brosnan, Eamonn Looney, Jason McCarthy, Pascal O Brien, Tadhg Iarla Curran, Chris O Riordan, James Flynn, Daniel Horgan, Colin O Dwyer, Kevin Flynn, Pa Knightley, Niamh Pigott, Stephen Healy. Subs: Stephen Cotter, David O Sullivan, Kyle Corkery.

 

Final in Glenbeigh: Beaufort 2-12; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

‘B’ Championship

Preliminary Round on Wed. 4^th Sept. at Keel: Keel lost to Laune Rangers.

Semi-final on Fri. 13^th Sept. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 5-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 3-14.

Trailing by 9 points entering the final ten minutes, Rangers stormed home with 3-2 in the final minutes to gain a last-gasp win. Rangers had begun slowly and trailed by seven points at halftime. However, goal from Kevin Flynn (2), Stephen Healy (2) and midfielder James Flynn pulled that one out of the fire.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Jason McCarthy, Eamonn Looney, Tadhg Curran, David O Sullivan, Pascal O Brien, Mikey O Sullivan, James Flynn, Chris O Riordan, Daniel Horgan, Colin O Dwyer, Kevin Flynn, Pa Knightley, David Pigott, Stephen Healy. Subs: Kyle Corkery, Luke O Shea, Shane McSweeney.

 

Final on Wed. 18^th Sept. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers 3-9; Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-9.

Having been well ahead at halftime, Rangers had to withstand a comeback by the home team but held out for a deserving win.

The players received their medals in the Fishery on Fri. 28^th March 2003. Light refreshments were provided.

 

Tralee District Board U-13A Football Championship

Trainers – John Quirke, Eamonn Carey and Enda Clifford.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 27^th Oct. at Ardfert: Ardfert lost to Laune Rangers.

Final on Sat. 23^rd Nov. in Tralee: Kerins O Rahillys 2-6; Laune Rangers 0-7.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

Laune Rangers were grouped in Group ‘A’ with Dr. Crokes, Austin Stacks, Beaufort and Kerins O Rahillys. The team was sponsored by Jamie Clifford Painting and Decorating. Coaches/Trainers – John O Dwyer and Diarmuid O Sullivan.

 

Group ‘A’

Rd. 1 on Sun. 28^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 1-3; Laune Rangers 3-4.

The goal-scorers were Seamus Joy, Timmy Healy and Padraig Murphy.

Laune Rangers: Cian Clifford, John Flynn, Daniel Clifford, Tommy O Callaghan, Shane O Connor, Jeremy O Callaghan, David Coffey, Peter Crowley, Liam Clifford, Colm O Shea, Seamus Joy, Shane Flynn, Timmy Healy, Padraig Murphy, Audie Dinlea. Subs: Patrick Joy for C. O Shea, Marty Lynch for S. Flynn.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 5^th May at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 0-11; Kerins O Rahillys 1-8.

A late free from Timmy Healy earned the Rangers a share in the spoils.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, Tommy O Callaghan, Daniel Clifford, Cian Clifford, David Coffey, Jeremy O Callaghan, Shane O Connor, Peter Crowley (0-1), Liam Clifford, Shane Flynn, Colm O Shea (0-2), Patrick Joy (0-2), Timmy Healy (0-5), Padraig Murphy (0-1), Audie Dunlea.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 11^th May at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 4-7; Austin Stacks 2-7.

After a very competitive first half, Rangers trailed by 1-3 to 2-3 at the break. However, a better second half performance saw them win out.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, John Flynn, Daniel Clifford, Tommy O Callaghan, Shane O Connor, Jeremy O Callaghan, David Coffey, Liam Clifford, Peter Crowley, Shane Flynn, Patrick Joy, Colm O Shea, Audie Dunlea, Padraig Murphy, Timmy Healy. Sub: Marty Lynch for S. Flynn.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 19^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort 0-6; Laune Rangers 0-6.

 

At the end of Stage 1, Laune Rangers finished top of the Division with Austin Stacks.

 

Stage 2:

Laune Rangers were in Group ‘A’ with Legion, Austin Stacks, Spa and Kerins O Rahillys.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 23^rd June: Laune Rangers 1-19; Spa 0-5.

Dominating in all sectors, especially the halfback line, Rangers ran out easy winners.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, John Flynn, Daniel Clifford, Barry Sheehan, Shane O Connor, Liam Clifford, Cian Clifford, Peter Crowley, David Coffey, Patrick Joy, Colm O Shea, Shane Flynn, Audie Dunlea, Padraig Murphy, Timmy Healy.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 26^th June: Laune Rangers 3-4; Kerins O Rahillys 1-13.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, Tommy O Callaghan, Daniel Clifford, Barry Sheehan, Shane O Connor, Liam Clifford, John Flynn, Jeremy O Callaghan, Patrick Joy, Colm O Shea (2-3), Timmy Healy (0-1), Shane Flynn, Audie Dunlea (1-0), Padraig Murphy, M. O Riordan. Subs: Cathal Clifford, Cian Clifford.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 29^th June: Laune Rangers 4-9; Austin Stacks 1-10.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 14^th July at Direen: Legion lost to Laune Rangers.

Goals from Audie Dunlea, Padraig Murphy, Ciaran Doona and two each from Peter Crowley and Colm O Shea gave the Rangers a comprehensive victory.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, Tommy O Callaghan, Daniel Clifford, Barry Sheehan, Marty Lynch, Liam Clifford, Shane O Connor, David Coffey (Dunmaniheen), Jeremy O Callaghan, Timmy Healy, Peter Crowley, Colm O Shea, Audie Dunlea, Padraig Murphy, Ciarán Doona.

 

Laune Rangers were joint-winners with K.O Rahillys and Austin Stacks.

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 26^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Keel.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 10^th July at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-6; Laune Rangers 4-15.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 17^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-6; Laune Rangers 3-20.

John Flynn excelled in defence and the forwards picked off scores with ease.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, Tommy O Callaghan, Daniel Clifford, Barry Sheehan, Marty Lynch, Liam Clifford, John Flynn, Jeremy O Callaghan, David Coffey, Timmy Healy, Peter Crowley, Colm O Shea, Audie Dunlea, Padraig Murphy, Ciarán Doona.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 24^th July at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 2-13; Beaufort 0-2.

Rangers got off to a tonic start with a goal from Ciaran Doona and points were added by Colm O Shea, Padraig Murphy and frees from Timmy Healy. Then a fine punched goal by full-forward Padraig Murphy gave the home side a halftime lead of 2-5 to 0-2. Rangers kept the momentum up in the second half with further points from Colm O Shea, Shane Flynn, Peter Crowley and David Coffey.

Laune Rangers: Seamua Joy, John Flynn, Daniel Clifford, Tommy O Callaghan, Marty Lynch, Liam Clifford, Shane O Connor, Jeremy O Callaghan, David Coffey (0-1), Colm O Shea (0-2), Peter Crowley (0-2), Timmy Healy (0-4, frees), Ciarán Doona (1-0), Padraig Murphy (1-2), Shane Flynn (0-2). Subs: Audie Dunlea for C. Doona, Barry Sheehan for M. Lynch, JJ Johnston for S. Flynn, Mathew O Riordan for C. O Shea, Fionán Crowley for T. O Callaghan.

 

Final on Wed. 14^th Aug. at Glenbeigh: Laune Rangers 0-9; Beaufort 0-8.

Laune Rangers regained the Mid-Kerry Championship (Beaufort had won the previous three titles) after an epic encounter against rivals Beaufort. The holders began well and raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead, having dominated all areas. However, Rangers gradually pulled themselves back into the game with frees from Timmy Healy and captain, Peter Crowley, leaving them trailing by 0-5 to 0-4 at the break.

Beaufort scored early on the resumption but that seemed to spur Rangers into action. Peter Crowley scored an inspirational point and Pat Joy got another for the Blues. The game was very close all through and, with time nearly up, Rangers went a point ahead, thanks to a free from the ever reliable Timmy Healy. After the game, Kevin Griffin, Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg Chairman, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Peter Crowley. That was Laune Rangers’ first time to win that competition in seven years.

Laune Rangers: Seamus Joy, John Flynn, Daniel Clifford, Tommy O Callaghan, Shane O Connor, Liam Clifford, Marty Lynch, Jeremy O Callaghan, David Coffey (Dunmaniheen), Colm O Shea, Peter Crowley (0-2) capt, Timmy Healy (0-6, frees), Ciarán Doona, Padraig Murphy, Shane Flynn. Subs: Patrick Joy (0-1) for S. Flynn, Audie Dunlea for C. Doona.

The players were presented with their medals at a function in the Fishery on Fri. 26^th March 2003. Light refreshments were served.

 

Tralee District Board U-12A Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

 

Tralee District Board U-12B Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Connolly Park: Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

U-12 Football Challenge Game

 

Wed. 26the June: Laune Rangers ‘B’ drew with Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Seamus Joy, Tony Lynch, Marty Lynch, Ryan Lucey, David Coffey, Daniel Faulkner, Daniel Clifford, Charles Johnston, Kevin Sheehan, Ciarán Doona, Mathew O Riordan, Cian Clifford, Liam Foley, Cathal Clifford, Fionán Crowley.

 

U-10 Football

 

Mid-Kerry Blitz on Sat. 14^th Sept. at Glenbeigh (Laune Rangers entered two teams – 11-a-side and 9-a-side)

Final of 11-a-side: Cromane/Listry defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Schools/Colleges Football

Scoil Mhuire teachers, Declan Falvey and Paul O Donoghue, organised a boys’ school league in the school

 

Pool A

1 Austin Ranger	2 Laune Rangers	3 Killorglin Buffaloes	4 United Blues
Muiris O Carroll	Stephen Cotter	John Knightly	Tadhg Curran
Peter Crowley	Shane Mc Sweeney	Kyle Corkery	Colm O Shea
David Coffey	Morgan O Sullivan	Audie Dunlea	Jeremy O Callaghan
Pa Joy	Sean Joy	Niall O Connor	Paul Mangan
Chris O’ Connor	Michael Carey	Rikus O Connor	John James Johnston
Conor Prendiville	Jamie Ashe	Chris O Brien	Kieran Foley
M .O’ Connor	Patrick Doherty	Michael O Brien	Andrew Faulker

 

Pool B

5 Blue Devils	6 Irish Hunters	7 The Boyos	8 All Stars
Barry Sheehan	Shane Foley	Muiris Joy	Cathal Clifford
Jason McCarthy	David O Sullivan	Daniel Clifford	Kinlan Soffer
Matthew O Riordan	Pa Knightly	Alan O Connor	Shane O Connor
Rory O Shea	Joseph Kelleher	Colm O Carroll	Cian Clifford
Liam Foley	Shane Kelleher	Tommy O Callaghan	Fionan Crowley
John Sheehan	Eanna Curtayne	Padraig Joy	Darren Curtayne
D. Coffey	George Poff	Billy Joy	Kealon Foley
		Martin O Connor	Ryan Lucey

 

 

Mid-Kerry mini-sevens National Schools’ football

In Killorglin at the beginning of April:

Milltown Presentation Monastery defeated Scoil Mhuire, Douglas and Curraheen.

Semi-final: Scoil Mhuire defeated Glounaguillagh.

Final: Scoil Mhuire defeated Milltown Monastery.

 

Mid-Kerry National Schools’ football

6-teachers+ schools – there were just two schools (Milltown Monastery and two even teams from Scoil Mhuire).

Rd. 1 on Fri. 10^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ lost to Scoil Mhuire ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 17^th May at Milltown: Milltown defeated Killorglin ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 24^th May at Killorglin: Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ lost to Milltown.

 

Finals on Sun. 9^th June at Glenbeigh:

3-Teachers’ Schools: Douglas defeated Castledrum.

4/5-Teachers’ Schools: Glounaguillagh 1-7; Cullina 1-6.

6-Teachers’ + Schools: Milltown Monastery 1-5; Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ 0-4.

Scoil Mhuire ‘A’ (panel): Shane McSweeney, Daniel Clifford, David Coffey (Dunmaniheen), David O Sullivan (Ownagarry), Caoinleain Soffer, Pa Knightley, Alan O Connor, Morgan O Sullivan, Seamus Joy, Paul Mangan, Stephen Cotter, Tadhg Iarla Curran, Tommy O Callaghan, John Knightley, Muiris Joy, Cian Clifford, Rikus O Connor, Darren Curtayne, Chris O Connor, Connor Prendiville, Andrew Faulkner, Rory O Shea, Liam Foley, Padraig Joy, Kealon Foley, Kieran Foley, Michael O Connor, Martin O Connor.

Scoil Mhuire ‘B’ (panel): Peter Crowley, Kyle Corkery, Colm O Shea, Jason McCarthy, Shane O Connor, Jeremy O Callaghan, Audie Dunlea, Pa Joy, Niall O Connor, Cathal Clifford, Muiris O Carroll, Barry Sheehan, Matthew O Riordan, Shane Foley, Joseph Kelliher, Fionán Crowley, James Johnston, Eanna Curtayne, Colm O Carroll, Jonathan Ashe, Michael O Brien, Chris O Brien, Jesse Sheehan, Billy Joy, Ryan Lucey, Michael Carey, Patrick Doherty.

The principal, Jerome Conway, received a letter, dated 19^th March, from Laune Rangers Club stating that in future the club would make a once-off annual contribution (€600) towards the cost of Gaelic Games within the school (Prior to this, for many, many years, the club paid for the transport of the school teams).

 

Co. Cumann na mBunscol (3 Teachers’ Schools)

Final in Dec. at Beaufort: Douglas NS 1-11; Tiernaboul NS 1-9.

Douglas: Tony Lynch, Colm O Shea, Padraig Murphy, Cormac Johnston, David O Sullivan (0-1), Marty Lynch (capt.), Timmy Healy (0-4), Ann Marie Healy (1-2), Shane Flynn (0-4), Sean Healy, Danny Healy, Mark Riordan.

Munster Colleges Football Frewen Cup

Thurs. 21^st March at Glin: Intermediate School 1-16; St. Flannan’s 1-8.

Intermediate School: Vincent Costello (Laune Rangers), Donal Sheehan, James O Reilly (Beaufort), Liam O Sullivan, Eoin O Mahony (Laune Rangers), Damien Breen (Beaufort), Patrick O Sullivan (do.), Dan Doona (do.) 1-7, 1 pen. 5 frees, Raymond O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar) 0-2, Edwin Kelliher (Beaufort) 0-1, Aidan O Sullivan (Laune Rangers) 0-1, Derry Ahern (Listry), Michael O Sullivan (Beaufort) 0-3, Ciarán Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-1, Darren O Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar) 0-1. Subs: C. Griffin for A. O Sullivan, D. O Connor for D. Sheehan.

 

Quarter-final on Wed. 10^th April at Glantaune: Intermediate School 3-19; De La Salle, Waterford 1-2.

Intermediate School: Vincent Costello, Donal Sheehan, James O Reilly, Liam O Sullivan, Eoin O Mahony, Damien Breen, Patrick O Sullivan, Dan Doona (0-9), Raymond O Connor (2-2), Edwin Kelliher (0-1), Aidan O Sullivan (0-1), Derry Ahern (0-1), Michael O Sullivan (1-3), Ciaran Kelliher (0-1), Darren O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: D. Clifford for D. Breen, A. O Donoghue for A. O Sullivan.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 19^th April at Ballydesmond: Coláiste Choilm 3-5; Intermediate School 1-9.

Intermediate School: Vincent Costello, Donal Sheehan, James O Reilly, Liam O Sullivan, Eoin O Mahony, Damien Breen (0-1), Patrick O Sullivan, Dan Doona (0-5, 4 frees), Ciarán Kelliher, Edwin Kelliher (1-0), Aidan O Sullivan (0-2), Derry Ahern (0-1), Darren O Sullivan, Raymond O Connor, Michael O Sullivan. Sub: J. Sheehan for L. O Sullivan.

 

Munster Colleges’ Senior Football (Corn Uí Mhuirí) 2001/2002

Semi-final on Sun. 24^th Feb. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Coláiste na Sceilge 2-9; Intermediate School 1-9.

Intermediate School: Shane Clifford (Laune Rangers), Cathal O Donoghue (Listry), Fergal Griffin (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Colin McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine), Muiris Crowley (Laune Rangers), Martin Breen (Beaufort), Dan Doona (do.), Ambrose O Donovan (Dr. Crokes), S. Brosnan (Listry), Damien Breen (Beaufort) 0-1, Thomas Foley (Annascaul) 0-1, Padraig O Sullivan (Beaufort 0-1, Liam Sheehan (Keel) 0-2, Donncha Walsh (Cromane), Colin O Connor (Laune Rangers) 1-3, 2 frees. Subs: Donal Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine) 0-1 for S. Brosnan, Adrian O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar) for P. O Sullivan.

 

Munster Colleges U-16.5 Football (Corn na Carraige)

Semi-final on Thurs. 2^nd May at Mallow: Milltown 3-15; Youghal CBS 1-12.

Milltown: Kevin Tangney, James O Doherty, Niall Colgan, Anthony Wharton, Kevin O Shea, Stuart Delaney, William Mangan (0-1), John Heffernan, Aaron Cahillane (0-1), Timmy O Connor (0-2) Shane Murphy (2-0), John James Griffin (0-1), Alan Hickey (1-0), Jeremiah Hayes (0-9, 5 frees), Gary Flynn (0-1). Subs: K. Sheehan for K. O Shea, James Long for J. Hayes, J. O Shea for A. Hickey.

 

Final on Thurs. 16^th May at Newcastlewest: Milltown Presentation 1-10; Hospital, Limerick 0-6.

Milltown Presentation: Kevin Tangney (Milltown/Castlemaine), James Doherty (do.), Niall Colgan (do.), Anthony Wharton (Fossa), William Mangan (M/C), Stuart Delaney (Laune Rangers) co-capt., Kevin O Shea (M/C), John Heffernan (do.), Aaron Cahillane (do.), Timothy O Connor (M/C) 0-1, Shane Murphy (do.) co. capt. 0-2, John James Griffin (Keel) 0-2, Alan Hickey (M/C), Jeremiah Hayes (do.) 0-3, 2 frees, Gary Flynn (Laune Rangers) 1-2. Subs: James Long (Keel) for A. Hickey, James O Shea (Beaufort) for G. Flynn.

 

Kerry Colleges First Year Football League

Final on Fri. 17^th May at Austin Stack Park: Tralee CBS 1-11; Intermediate School 0-11.

Intermediate School: Jason Foley (Beaufort), Cian O Keeffe (Cromane), Stephen Caulfield (Glenbeigh), Pascal O Brien (Laune Rangers), P. Griffin, Cormac Joy, Tadhg O Donoghue (Beaufort), John Cronin O Reilly (Cromane) 0-1, Jimmy O Leary (Listry) 0-5, I Houlihan, Liam Clifford (Laune Rangers) 0-2, David O Donoghue (0-1), Colin O Dwyer (Laune Rangers), J. Laniston, B. Houlihan (0-2). Sub: F. Ryan for S. Caulfield.

Coach – Colm Conway.

 

Kerry Colleges Senior Ladies Football

Semi-final on Wed. 10^th April at Cloon: Intermediate School defeated Presentation School, Tralee.

Final on Mon. 6^th May at Milltown: Intermediate School 5-10; Dingle Presentation 5-5.

Intermediate School: Ciara Hegarty, Triona O Donoghue, Margaret Foley (Keel), Gretta O Connor (do.), Niamh McKenna, Breda O Brien, Valerie O Donoghue, Lucy Curtayne (capt.), Louise McCarthy, Sheila Cronin, Mary Cronin, Jenny Murphy (Keel), Eimear Knightley, Fleur Wyn Morgan (Keel), Laura Buckley (Dr. Crokes). Subs: Niamh Pigott for G. O Connor, Sarah Jane Joy for J. Murphy, Ciara Tracy for B. O Brien, Carrie Spillane for M. O Connor, Ciara O Connor for C. Hegarty (inj.).

 

Kerry Colleges Junior Ladies Football

Semi-final on Fri. 12^th April at Cloon: Intermediate School defeated Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee.

Final on Fri. 26^th April: Intermediate School 5-6; Castleisland 2-3.

Intermediate School: Ciara O Connor, Sinead Pigott, Carrie Spillane, Niamh Pigott, Triona O Donoghue, Niamh McKenna, Tracy Sheehan, Louise McCarthy, Mary Cronin, Sheila Cronin, Sarah Jane Joy, Christine Arthurs, Laura Buckley, Joanne Long, Eimear Knightley. Subs: Deirdre O Shea for N. Pigott, Stephanie O Sullivan for T. O Donoghue, Nicole O Brien for T. Sheehan, Linda O Sullivan for C. Arthurs, Emma O Connor for J. Long.

 

Munster Colleges’ Senior Football (Corn Uí Mhuirí) 2002/2003

Wed. 16^th Oct. at Dunmanway: Intermediate School Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig.

 

Munster Colleges U-15 Football Championship (Corn Uí Mhoráin) 2002/2003

Thurs. 17^th Oct. at Direen: Intermediate School 1-5; Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig 1-5.

Intermediate School: Jason Foley, L. Seidler, Stephen Caulfield, Cian O Keeffe, Pascal O Brien, Gary Sayers (0-2), Tadhg O Donoghue, Jimmy O Leary (0-2), Jeremiah O Sullivan, Sean Walsh, T. O Sullivan (0-1), Cormac Joy, T.J. Cronin, Barry O Connor (1-0), Colin O Dwyer. Sub: P. Griffin for B. O Connor.

 

Replay in Boherbue: Intermediate School 2-7; Coláiste Choilm 1-6.

Intermediate School: J. Foley, L. Seidler, Stephen Caulfield, Cormac Joy, F. O Brien, Gary Sayers (0-2), Tadhg O Donoghue, Jimmy O Leary (0-2), Jeremiah O Sullivan, Don Nolan (1-0), P. Griffin, Cian O Keeffe (0-2), T. O Sullivan, Barry O Connor (1-0), Sean Walsh. Subs: Colin O Dwyer (0-1) for F. O Brien.

 

Kerry Colleges Senior Football Championship (O Sullivan Cup)

Rd. 1 in September at Killarney: St. Brendan’s 1-11; Intermediate School 3-15.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 2^nd Oct. at Cloon: Intermediate School 2-13; Tralee CBS 1-10.

Semi-final on Wed. 16^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Coláiste na Sceilge 2-10; Intermediate School 0-9.

Intermediate School: Vincent Costello, Jody O Riordan, James O Reilly, C. Kelliher, Tomás O Hagan, Joe McGillycuddy, P. O Connor, Raymond O Connor (0-1), Damien Breen (0-1), Derry Ahern, Dan Doona (0-5, frees0, Edwin Kelliher, Eoin O Mahony, Darren O Sullivan, Michael O Sullivan (0-1). Subs: Aidan O Sullivan (0-1) for D. Ahern, Ambrose O Donoghue for E. O Mahony.

 

Kerry Colleges Dunloe Cup (U-16)

Fri. 18^th Oct. at Beaufort: Intermediate School St. Brendan’s.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ U-16 Football Championship (Sciath Uí Dhroma)

Final on Tues. 14^th May at Lewis Road: Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí 3-11; Killorglin CC 1-11.

Killorglin CC: James O Shea, Tomás Curran, Stephen O Sullivan, Kevin Foley, Bernard Murphy, Shane Cahillane, James Hoare (0-1), Raymond Dunlea, Chris Courtney, Tomás Sheehan (0-3), Tomás O Connor (0-5, 1 free), Michael O Brien, Brendan O Shea (1-0), Peter O Sullivan (0-5, 3 frees), Michael Quirke.

Trainer – Jimmy Foley (Firies, and formerly of Laune Rangers).

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Football Championship 2002/2003

Rd. 1 in Sept. at Killorglin: Killorglin Community School 1-3; Gael Coláiste, Trá Lí 1-10.

Castleisland Community School 0-11; Killorglin Community School 1-7.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Junior Football Championship

Thurs. 3^rd Oct: Tralee Community School 2-6; Killorglin Community School 3-9.

Thurs. 17^th Oct. at Killarney: Killarney Community School Killorglin Community School.

 

Munster Minor Football Championship

That competition was played on a round-robin basis. Trainer/Coach – Pat O Shea (Dr. Crokes). Selectors – Tim Coffey (Beaufort), Tomás Hanafin (Lispole), John Kennedy (Asdee) and John Galvin (Waterville).

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 2^nd March at Kilmallock: Tipperary 2-11; Kerry 2-9.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan, Padraig Sheehan, Paul Heaslip, Brian Sugrue, Michael Cronin, Michael Slattery, John Brosnan, Stephen Brosnan, Declan O Sullivan (1-2), Patrick O Connell (1-0), Donncha Walsh (0-1), Damien McCarthy (0-5), Colin O Connor (0-1), Cathal Mac Gearailt, Damien Casey. Subs: Jersey Houlihan for P. O Connell, Dan Doona for D. Casey, Michael Curran for M. Cronin, Ben Brosnan for S. Brosnan, Shane O Sullivan for M. Slattery.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 16^th March at Gaelic Grounds: Limerick 1-4; Kerry 2-13.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan, Martin Breen, Paul Heaslip, Colin McKenna, Michael Cronin, Padraig Curran, John Brosnan, Donncha Walsh (0-2), Damien Breen, Colin O Connor (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (1-4), Damien McCarthy, Jersey Houlihan (0-1), Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-1), Damien Casey (0-3). Subs: Barry O Grady (1-0) for D. McCarthy, Dan Doona (0-1) for D. Casey, Patsy O Connell for J. Houlihan, Ciarán Kelliher for J. Brosnan, Muiris Mac Gearailt for M. Cronin.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 30^th March at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 2-14; Waterford 0-7.

Kerry: Shane Clifford, Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, Colin McKenna, Paul Heaslip, Michael Cronin, Paul Fitzmaurice, Donncha Walsh (1-1), Damien Breen (0-1), Colin O Connor (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (0-4, 1 free), Damien McCarthy (Glenflesk) 0-2, Jersey Houlihan (Ballyduff) 0-2, Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-1), Damien Casey (Rathmore) 1-0. Subs: Dan Doona for D. Casey, Jerry Coffey for P. Heaslip, Barry O Grady (0-1) for D. McCarthy, Adrian O Connor for D. Breen, Patsy O Connell (0-1) for C. O Connor.

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 3^rd April at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-12; Cork 0-9.

Kerry: Shane Clifford, Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, Colin McKenna, John Brosnan, Padraig Sheehan (Dromid), Paul Fitzmaurice, Donncha Walsh (0-1), Damien Breen, Dan Doona (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (0-5, 3 frees), Patsy O Connell, Barry O Grady (Ballyduff) 0-1, Cathal Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), Colin O Connor 0-2. Subs: Liam Sheehan for P. O Connell, Ben Brosnan (Kilcummin) 0-2 for B. O Grady, Adrian O Connor for D. Breen, Michael Curran (Waterville) for M. Breen, Martin Breen for M. Curran.

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 17^th April at Milltown/Malbay: Clare 1-8; Kerry 2-9.

Kerry: Shane Clifford (Laune Rangers), Martin Breen (Beaufort), Ciarán Ó Céilleachair (An Ghaeltacht), Colin McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine), John Brosnan (Dingle), Michael Cronin (Finuge), Shane O Sullivan (Lispole), Donncha Walsh (Cromane), Adrian O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Patsy O Connell (Tarbert) 0-1, Declan O Sullivan (Lispole), Colin O Connor (Laune Rangers), Ben Brosnan (Kilcummin), Dan Doona (Beaufort) 0-5, 4 frees, Michael Riordan (Rathmore) 2-3. Subs: Liam Sheehan (Keel) for C. O Connor, Pat Madden (Kerins O Rahillys) for D. O Sullivan, Jerry Coffey (Laune Rangers) for M. Cronin, Damien Breen (Beaufort) for A. O Connor, Paul Fitzmaurice (Dingle) for S. O Sullivan.

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 4^th July at Tralee: Kerry 1-15; Cork 1-14.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan, Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, Colin McKenna, John Brosnan, Padraig Sheehan, Michael Curran (0-1), Donncha Walsh (0-1), Pat Madden, Patsy O Connell, Declan O Sullivan (Lispole) 1-3, 2 frees, Barry O Grady, Dan Doona (0-5, 3 frees), Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-3), Colin O Connor (0-2). Subs: Michael Cronin for M. Curran, Michael O Riordan for B. O Grady, Damien Breen for P. O Connell.

 

Final on 14^th July at Thurles: Kerry 3-16; Tipperary 2-6.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan (capt.), Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, Colin McKenna, John Brosnan, Padraig Sheehan, Paul Fitzmaurice, Donncha Walsh (1-0), Pat Madden, Michael O Riordan (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (Lispole) 0-4, 1 free, Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-2), Ben Brosnan (0-3), Dan Doona (1-4, 2 frees), Colin O Connor (1-1). Subs: John Martin Clifford (St. Mary’s) for C. Ó Céilleachair, Damien Breen (0-1) for M. O Riordan, Jersey Houlihan for B. Brosnan, Damien Casey for D. Walsh, Jerry Coffey.

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 3^rd Aug. at Portlaoise: Kerry 3-14; Tyrone 1-8.

Colin O Connor was the fox of the team, just waiting for that goal chance to come his way. On Saturday, he converted two of them – pure class.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan (capt.), Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, John M. Clifford, John Brosnan, Michael Cronin, Padraig Sheehan, Donncha Walsh, Pat Madden, Michael O Riordan (0-3), Declan O Sullivan (Lispole) 0-3, Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-1), Ben Brosnan (1-1), Dan Doona (0-5, 3 frees), Colin O Connor (2-1). Subs; Damien Breen for C. Mac Gearailt, Damien McCarthy for D. O Sullivan, Damien Casey for C. O Connor, Liam Sheehan for D. Walsh, Paul Heaslip for C. Ó Céilleachair, Shane Clifford, Muiris Mac Gearailt, Michael Slattery, Shane O Sullivan..

 

Semi-final on Sun. 25^th Aug. at Croke Park: Meath 2-13; Kerry 1-11.

Kerry: Brian Sheehan (capt.), Martin Breen, Ciarán Ó Céilleachair, John Martin Clifford, John Brosnan, Michael Cronin, Padraig Sheehan, Donncha Walsh (0-2), Pat Madden, Michael O Riordan (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (Lispole) 1-2, 1 pen., Cathal Mac Gearailt (0-1), Ben Brosnan, Dan Doona (0-2, 1 free), Colin O Connor (0-3). Subs: Damien Breen for B. Brosnan, Paul Fitzmaurice for M. Cronin, Damien Casey for M. O Riordan, Damien McCarthy for C. Mac Gearailt.

 

Munster U-21 Football Championship

Trainer – Jack O Connor (Dromid). Selectors – Pat Brosnan (Brosna), Ambrose O Donovan (Gneeveguilla), Ger O Keeffe (Austin Stacks, Mossy Spillane (Castlegregory).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 16^th March at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-13; Limerick 2-4.

Kerry: David Hennebery (Austin Stacks), Gareth Walsh (Kerins O Rahillys), Paul Costello (Laune Rangers), Brian Dennehy (Austin Stacks), Brendan Guiney (Emmett’s), James Cahillane (Dr. Crokes), Stephen Curran (St. Mary’s), Seamus Scanlon (Currow), Seamus O Sullivan (Waterville), Declan Quill (Kerins O Rahillys) 0-9, 4 frees and 2 ‘45’s’, Declan O Sullivan (Dromid), John O Connor (Kerins O Rahillys) 0-1, Colm Cooper (Dr. Crokes) 0-1, Ronan O Connor (St. Michael’s/Foilmore) 0-1, D.J. Fleming (Kilcummin) 0-1. Subs: Mike Finn (Austin Stacks) for S. O Sullivan, Paddy Kelly (Ballylongford) for J. O Connor, Paul Galvin (Ballymac) for R. O Connor.

 

Final on Fri. 5^th April at Ennis: Clare 2-11; Kerry 3-15.

Kerry: David Hennebery, Eanna Kavanagh, Paul Costello, Brian Dennehy, Brendan Guiney, James Cahillane, Stephen Curran, Seamus Scanlon (0-1), Mike Finn, Declan Quill (capt.) 0-4, John O Connor (0-1), Paddy Kelly, Colm Cooper (1-4), Ronan O Connor (0-3), D.J. Fleming (2-1). Subs: Declan O Sullivan (0-1), Paul Galvin, TJ Hogan, Dara Long.

 

NFL Div. 2A (2001/2002)

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd Feb. at Killarney: Kerry 1-15; Wicklow 0-12.

Former Kerry U-21 player John Sheehan rose to the occasion at corner-back. He was very fast off the mark and regularly beat his opponent to the ball. His use of the ball and clearances were also top notch. He could have made the team before now, but for work commitments and his elevation to senior status was overdue. Here was a man who has something to offer on a bigger stage.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, John Sheehan, Barry O Shea, Mike McCarthy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Dara Ó Sé (capt.), William Kirby, Declan Quill (0-2), Noel Kennelly (0-5), Aodán Mac Gearailt, Mike Frank Russell, Sean McGinley (0-2), Dara Ó Cinnéide (1-3). Subs: Eoin Brosnan (0-1) for A. Mac Gearailt, Sean O Sullivan (0-1) for MF Russell, Donal Daly for W. Kirby, Ian Twiss for D. Ó Cinnéide.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 10^th Feb. at Keenagh, Co. Longford: Leitrim 0-9; Kerry 2-12.

“John Sheehan and Mike McCarthy were revelations in the corner-back positions, combining stout defending with some aggressive forward bursts. Sheehan has really made a big impression since being given a chance and he looks like a player who, even at this early stage of the year, will be hard to shift off the team. ‘I am enjoying it nicely. Conditions today were very, very tough but backs love those conditions. I must admit, though, that I am really enjoying things right now,’ said the teak-tough Laune Ranger. ‘We found it difficult in the first half. Leitrim were fairly physical and it seemed to suit them. We would prefer a nice, fast style of play, but you couldn’t play like that today. Páidí had a few words with us at halftime to raise our games, which we did, and everyone played well. Let’s hope we can all do that again the next day. The best way to defend is as a unit and we did that well today.’

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, John Sheehan, Barry O Shea, Mike McCarthy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (0-1), Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, Declan Quill (0-4), Noel Kennelly (0-1), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-1), Mike F. Russell, Sean McGinley (1-0), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2). Subs: Eoin Brosnan for D. Daly, Sean O Sullivan (1-0) for S. McGinley, Ian Twiss (0-1) for D. Ó Cinnéide, Fionán Kelliher for S. Moynihan, Paul Galvin for T. Ó Sé.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 17^th Feb. at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 0-14; Antrim 0-7.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, John Sheehan, Barry O Shea, Mike McCarthy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Seamus Moynihan, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Dara Ó Sé, Eoin Brosnan, Declan Quill (0-3), Noel Kennelly (0-3, 1 free), Sean McGinley, Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Aodán Mac Gearailt, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2). Subs: Sean O Sullivan (0-2) for S McGinley, Marc Ó Sé for B. O Shea, Donal Daly for A. Mac Gearailt, Ian Twiss for D. Quill, Enda Galvin for T. Ó Sé.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 3^rd March at Gaelic Grounds: Limerick 2-12; Kerry 0-16.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, John Sheehan, Mike McCarthy, Marc Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Seamus Moynihan (0-1), Tomás Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Noel Kennelly (0-6), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-3), Declan Quill (0-2), Dara O Cinnéide (0-1), Ian Twiss (0-1). Subs: John Crowley for S. O Sullivan, Tom O Sullivan for D. Quill, Paul Galvin for I. Twiss.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 10^th March at Ruislip: London 0-4; Kerry 4-13.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Enda Galvin, Mike McCarthy, Marc Ó Sé (0-1), John Sheehan, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan (0-2), Eoin Brosnan, Noel Kennelly (0-2), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-2), Ian Twiss (2-0), Dara Ó Cinnéide (1-3, 1 pen. 2 frees), John Crowley (1-1). Subs: Fionán Kelliher for T. Ó Sé, Kenneth Dillon for S. Moynihan, Sean O Sullivan (0-2) for A. Mac Gearailt, Paul Galvin for E. Fitzmaurice, Tom O Sullivan for M. McCarthy.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 24^th March at Tralee: Kerry 2-10; Armagh 2-9.

Liam Hassett made a welcome return to the green and gold when he came on as a second-half substitute and said afterwards that he was delighted to be back involved again. “It’s great to be back after such a long time but I still have a long way to go yet,” he remarked. “I have been training with the lads since they started back but it’s only in the last few weeks, when I got a few club games under my belt, that I felt confident enough to play with Kerry. I was a bit worried in the last few weeks, when the ground got a bit hard, I suffered a slight reaction to the knee but, thankfully, it passed and now I’m looking forward to getting back fulltime with the team. I didn’t think that I would have been able for a game like that – it was fast and tough – with the reaction to the knee and the flu I had slipped back a little in training. I was a little nervous coming on but the most important thing is that I keep going and keep making progress to try and get back on the team.”

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Mike McCarthy, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Sheehan, Tomás Ó Sé, Tom O Sullivan, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Sean O Sullivan, Noel Kennelly (1-5, 3 frees), Eoin Brosnan (1-0), Declan Quill (0-1), Aodán Mac Gearailt, Ian Twiss (0-1, free). Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2, frees) for I. Twiss, Enda Galvin for M. Ó Sé, Liam Hassett for D. Quill, Kevin Lynch for A. Mac Gearailt.

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 31^st March at Ardee: Louth 1-18; Kerry 2-12.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe (0-1, ‘45’), Enda Galvin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Mike McCarthy, John Sheehan, Tomás Ó Sé, Tom O Sullivan, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Kenneth Dillon, Sean O Sullivan, Noel Kennelly (2-2, 1 free), Eoin Brosnan, Ian Twiss (0-4, 1 free), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-3), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1). Subs: Kevin Lynch for D. Ó Cinnéide, Fionán Kelliher for K. Lynch, Liam Hassett for K. Dillon, Marc Ó Sé for S. O Sullivan, Paul Galvin for I. Twiss.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 14^th April at Limerick: Kerry 0-11; Meath 0-8.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Enda Galvin, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, John Sheehan, Tomás Ó Sé, Marc Ó Sé (0-1), Dara Ó Sé, Seamus Scanlon, Declan Quill, Noel Kennelly (0-4, 2 frees), Eoin Brosnan, Mike Frank Russell (0-2, frees), Liam Hassett (0-1), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-1). Subs: Sean O Sullivan (0-2) for E. Brosnan, Fionán Kelliher for T. Ó Sé, John Crowley for L. Hassett, Ian Twiss for D. Quill, Barry O Shea for E. Galvin.

 

Final on Sun. 28^th April at Limerick: Kerry 1-9; Laois 1-5.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Tom O Sullivan, Seamus Moynihan, Marc Ó Sé, John Sheehan, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé, Seamus Scanlon (0-1), Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-1), Noel Kennelly (0-3), Eoin Brosnan, Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett, Colm Cooper (1-2). Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1) for L. Hassett, Sean O Sullivan (0-1) for E. Brosnan, Ronan O Connor for MF Russell, Donal Daly for S. Scanlon.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Senior Football Championship

Manager – Páidí Ó Sé. Selectors – John O Keeffe,

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 12^th May at Limerick: Limerick 1-7; Kerry 0-14.

Mike Frank Russell’s form was slowly returning after a lengthy injury lay-off and his points were valuable to Kerry’s cause. His positional play was superb as well and he linked up superbly throughout with Colm Cooper and John Crowley.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás O Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tom O Sullivan, Eoin Brosnan, Seamus Scanlon, Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-4), Noel Kennelly (0-2), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-4, 2 frees), John Crowley (0-2), Colm Cooper (0-1). Subs: Dara Ó Sé for D. Ó Cinnéide, Sean O Sullivan for S. Scanlon, Diarmuid Murphy, John Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Donal Daly, Ian Twiss, Fionán Kelliher, Mossy Lyons..

 

Semi-final on Sun. 16^th June at Killarney: Kerry 0-8; Cork 0-8.

Mike Frank Russell’s play over the 70 minutes was once again superb And his six-points’ haul kept Kerry very much in the hunt.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Se, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tom O Sullivan, Dara Ó Sé, Seamus Scanlon, Aodan Mac Gearailt, Noel Kennelly, Eoin Brosnan, Mike Frank Russell (0-6, 3 frees), John Crowley (0-1), Colm Cooper. Subs: Barry O Shea for S. Scanlon, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1, free) for C. Cooper, Liam Hassett for N. Kennelly, Sean O Sullivan for E. Brosnan.

 

Semi-final replay on Sun. 23^rd June at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 0-15; Kerry 1-9.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Tom O Sullivan, Mike McCarthy, Enda Galvin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Declan Quill (0-2), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3), Colm Cooper (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (1-1), Liam Hassett, John Crowley. Subs: Mossy Lyons for E. Galvin, Sean O Sullivan (0-1) for L. Hassett, Noel Kennelly for D. Quill, Eoin Brosnan for D. Ó Cinnéide, Ian Twiss for J. Crowley.

 

Qualifier on Sun. 30^th June at Portlaois: Kerry 5-15; Wicklow 0-7.

That was John Sheehan’s senior championship debut and he must have felt well pleased with his performance.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé (1-0), Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Sheehan, Dara Ó Sé, Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan (0-2), Eoin Brosnan (2-2), Noel Kennelly, Mike Frank Russell (1-3), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3), Colm Cooper (0-1). Subs: John Crowley (0-1) for MF Russell, Liam Hassett (1-0) for N. Kennelly, Seamus Scanlon (0-1) for D. Ó Sé, Ian Twiss (0-2) for C. Cooper, Barry O Shea for S. Moynihan.

 

Qualifier on Sat. 6^th July at Portlaois: Kerry 2-15; Fermanagh 0-4.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Sheehan, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan (0-2), Eoin Brosnan (0-3), Liam Hassett (1-0), Mike Frank Russell, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-6, 4 frees, 2 ‘45’s’), Colm Cooper (1-0). Subs: Tom O Sullivan for E. Fitzmaurice, John Crowley (0-2) for MF Russell, Ronan O Connor (0-1) for C. Cooper, Seamus Scanlon for S. O Sullivan, Declan Quill for D. Ó Cinnéide.

 

Qualifier on Sat. 27^th July at Thurles: Kerry 2-10; Kildare 1-5.

“Wing-back John Sheehan scored a great second-half point. Liam Hassett’s work-rate was tremendous. Mike Frank Russell had a rare off-day with his shooting but some of the tackles he had to endure were quite robust and breaking a tooth during the game would also have affected his play.”

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Sheehan (0-1), Dara Ó Sé, Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Eoin Brosnan (1-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), Mike Frank Russell, Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-4, 2 frees), Colm Cooper (1-1). Subs: John Crowley (0-1) for MF Russell, Aodan Mac Gearailt for S. O Sullivan, Tom O Sullivan for E. Fitzmaurice, Ronán O Connor for E. Fitzmaurice.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 4^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-17; Galway 1-12.

John Sheehan was rampant at left halfback and, for the second game in-a-row, he put his name on the score-sheet. MF Russell was awesome, accounting for four points.

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Sheehan (0-1), Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan (1-1), Eoin Brosnan (0-1), Liam Hassett, Mike Frank Russell (0-4), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3), Colm Cooper (0-4). Subs: Aodán Mac Gearailt (1-1) for D. Daly, Tom O Sullivan for E. Fitzmaurice, John Crowley for MF Russell.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 26^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 3-19; Cork 2-7.

“John Sheehan was another success story of the county team that year and his good work continued against Cork. He was solid without being spectacular. Liam Hassett had a great game, scoring two great points, one in each half and also did invaluable work in creating scores for others. Mike Frank Russell had been in superb form that year and gave another top-notch display that saw him finish with 1-6. His link-up with Colm Cooper was one of the reasons that Kerry were in the final.”

Kerry: Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, John Sheehan, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tomás Ó Sé, Dara Ó Sé (0-1), Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan (0-1), Eoin Brosnan (1-0), Liam Hassett (0-2), Mike Frank Russell (1-6, 2 frees), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3, 2 frees), Colm Cooper (1-5). Subs: Aodán Mac Gearailt (0-1) for S. O Sullivan, Tom O Sullivan for M. Ó Sé, John Crowley for D. Ó Cinnéide, Declan Quill for L. Hassett, Barry O Shea for T. Ó Sé.

 

Final on Sun. 22^nd Sept. at Croke Park: Armagh 1-12; Kerry 0-14.

John Sheehan had another satisfactory outing in the Kerry jersey and kept Paddy McKeever scoreless throughout the hour. Liam Hassett scored a fine point in each half. He hassled, harried and foraged superbly, had another good day at the office and was surprisingly substituted later on. Mike Frank Russell, at times in the first half, seemed to have the legs on Enda McNulty but he was to suffer from a lack of oxygen to the supply lines in the second half.

Kerry Declan O Keeffe, Marc Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Mike McCarthy, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (0-1), John Sheehan, Dara Ó Sé (capt.), Donal Daly, Sean O Sullivan, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-2), Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-5), Colm Cooper. Subs: Aodán Mac Gearailt for S. O Sullivan, Tom O Sullivan for M. Ó Sé, John Crowley for L. Hassett, Barry O Shea for D. Daly.

 

Munster Junior Football Championship

Normally, players from senior clubs were ineligible to play on the Co. Junior team. However, as Brendan Fitzgerald had missed the Senior Co. Championship in 2001, he was eligible to play.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 12^th May in Limerick: Limerick 1-6; Kerry 1-20.

Kerry: Kieran Cremin, Derek McNamara, Stephen O Sullivan, Don Murphy, Brendan Fitzgerald, Kieran Scanlon, Seamus Flynn, Padraig Somers (0-4), Eamonn John O Donoghue, Austin Constable (0-3, 1 free), Jack Ferriter (0-3, 1 free), Mike Cooper, Brian Scanlon (1-1), Paul Kennedy (0-1), Kieran Foley (0-7, 3 frees). Subs: Fintan Smith (0-1) for EJ O Donoghue, Derek Galvin for M. Cooper, Jim Kelliher for D. McNamara, Brendan Guiney for K. Scanlon, Brendan Moran for K. Cremin.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 16^th June at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 1-11; Cork 2-7.

Kerry: Kieran Cremin, Derek McNamara, Stephen O Sullivan, Don Murphy, Brendan Fitzgerald, Kieran Scanlon, Seamus Flynn, Padraig Somers, Eamonn John O Donoghue, Austin Constable (capt.), Jack Ferriter (0-4, 2 frees0, Mike Cooper (0-1), Derek Galvin (0-1), Paul Kennedy, Kieran Foley (0-4, 3 frees0. Subs: Brian Scanlon (1-0) for A. Constable, Ross Donovan (0-1) for EJ O Donoghue, John Shanahan for M. Cooper, Brendan Moran, Jim Kelliher, Brendan Guiney, Damien Murphy, Fintan Smith, Jason Giles.

 

Final on Tues. 2^nd July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Kerry 2-14; Tipperary 0-15.

Kerry: Kieran Cremin (Dr. Crokes), Derek  McNamara (Castlegregory), Stephen O Sullivan (Skellig Rangers), Don Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Brendan Fitzgerald (Laune Rangers), Kieran Scanlon (Currow) 0-1, Stephen Flynn (do.), Pat Somers (St. Senan’s), Eamonn John O Donoghue (Cordal), Austin Constable (St. Mary’s) 0-4, 3 frees, Jack Ferriter (Dingle) 0-2, Derek Galvin (Emmett’s), Brian Scanlon (do.) 1-2, Paul Kennedy (Listry) 1-1, Kieran Foley (Keel) 0-4, 2 frees. Subs: Ross Donovan (Spa) for P. Somers, Fintan Smith (Dingle) for D. Galvin, Damien Murphy (Milltown/Castlemaine) for S. O Sullivan (inj.).

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sat. 27^th Aug. at Claughaun, Limerick: Kerry 1-11; Mayo 0-7.

Kerry: Kieran Cremin, Derek McNamara, Stephen O Sullivan, Don Murphy, Brendan Fitzgerald, Kieran Scanlon, Seamus Flynn, Padraig Somers, Eamonn John O Donoghue, Austin Constable (0-2), Jack Ferriter (1-5), Mike Cooper, Brian Scanlon (0-1), Paul Kennedy (0-1), Kieran Foley (0-2). Subs: Niall Sheehy for P. Somers (inj.), Ross O Donovan for A. Constable, John Shanahan for K. Foley.

 

All-Ireland Final on Sat. 3^rd Aug. at Portlaoise: Wicklow 4-9; Kerry 2-12.

Kerry: Kieran Cremin, Derek McNamara, Stephen O Sullivan, Don Murphy, Brendan Fitzgerald, Kieran Scanlon, Seamus Flynn, Padraig Somers, Eamonn John O Donoghue, Austin Constable (capt.) 0-1, Jack Ferriter (0-3), Mike Cooper (1-0), Brian Scanlon (1-4), Paul Kennedy, Kieran Foley (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: Ross O Donovan (0-1) for P. Somers, Niall Sheehy for D. McNamara, Damien Murphy for D. Murphy.

 

Kerry Inter-firm Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 17^th July at Killeen: Lee Strand Klinge/Fujisawa.

At Lewis Road: Liebherr AIB Group.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 24^th July at Beaufort: Klinge/Fujisawa Liebherrr

At Caherina: Lee Strand AIB Group.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 31^st July at Caherina: AIB Group Klinge/Fugisawa

At Ballymac: Lee Strand Liebherr.

 

Final on Wed. 21^st Aug. at Strand Road: AIB Kerry 1-15; Liebherr 0-10.

Best for AIB were Kenneth Leen (Austin Stacks), Colm O Shea (Dr. Crokes), Stephen Stack (Emmett’s), Aistin Constable (St. Mary’s), Cathal O Shea, Billy O Shea (Laune Rangers) and Mark Fitzgerald (Kerins O Rahillys). Best for Liebherr were Eoin Ferris (Laune Rangers), Cathal O Donoghue, Sean Og O Leary (Gneeveguilla), Kieran Scanlon (Currow), Sean Casey and Mattie O Connor.

 

Kerry Inter-firm Junior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 17^th July at Boherbue: Kerry/Envirocoat 2-12; Fexco 0-8.

Fexco were missing a number of regulars, most notably Mike Frank Russell. Their best performers were Denis Cleary, Mark O Connor and Billy O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 31^st July at Milltown: Fexco Beru.

 

Final on Wed. 7^th Aug: Kerry/Envirocot 1-16; Fexco 0-3.

The contest was spoiled due to the lack of availability of key players due to Co. Championship fixtures and the Killorglin side were definitely hampered more than the victors in that regard. Best for Fexco were Eoin O Sullivan, Robbie Evans and Billy O Sullivan.

 

Munster Inter-firm Senior Football Championship

 

Final on Tues. 3^rd Dec. at Austin Stack Park: Cork Garda 0-8; AIB Kerry 0-7.

AIB Kerry: Pat Carmody, Colm O Shea, Barry O Shea, Kenneth Leen, C. O Shea, Stephen Stack (0-1), Barry O Neill (0-1), Austin Constable (0-2, frees), T. McGrath, Brian Gannon, Pa Laide (0-1), Sean Doherty (0-1), Brian O Connor (0-1), T. Griffin, M. Sheehy. Sub: R. Mee for M. Sheehy.

 

South-Kerry Junior Hurling League

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 22^nd April at Blennerville: Austin Stacks 2-10; Laune Rangers 2-8.

Laune Rangers: A. Quirke, Karl Daly, Con Moynihan, Josh Whelan, E. Clifford, Denis McDonnell, M. Foley, Joe Kennedy, Wayne Doyle, David Lynch, Jim Kennedy, JP Quirke, Declan O Shea, Richard O Connor, Stephen Daly. Sub: Paul Daly for JP Quirke.

 

Co. Junior Hurling Championship

 

Quarter-final on Wed. 31^st July at Direen: St. Pat’s lost to Laune Rangers.

Semi-final on Fri. 23^rd Aug. at Caherslee: Abbeydorney ‘B’ 4-7; Laune Rangers 2-8.

 

Senior Ladies Football NFL (Div. 1)

When Beaufort Ladies Club broke up, many of the players, including Jenny Johnston from Dungeel, joined Dr. Crokes even though Laune Rangers had a team.

 

Rd. 1on Sun. at Carrow, Co. Clare: Mayo 1-11; Kerry 0-9.

Jenny Johnston (Dr. Crokes) and Ann Marie O Donoghue (Laune Rangers) were substitutes.

 

Rd. 2on Sun. 17^th March at Ballyline, Co. Clare: Kerry 5-10; Longford 0-5.

Ann Marie O Donoghue (Laune Rangers) played at left half-forward and Jenny Johnston (Dr. Crokes) played at left halfback.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 7^th April at Crusheen, Co. Clare: Kerry 2-9; Roscommon 1-10.

Jenny Johnston played at left halfback.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 21^st April at Cooraclare: Clare 2-4; Kerry 4-8.

Kerry: Andrea O Donoghue (Corca Dhuibhne), Gráinne O Malley (Dr. Crokes), Gráinne Ní Fhlatharta (Corca Dhuibhne), Aoife O Neill (Southern Gaels), Siobhán O Connor (Donoughmore), Katie Gleeson (Dr. Crokes), Dara Sugrue (Corca Dhuibhne), Margaret O Donoghue (Scartaglin), Mary Kelly (Southern Gaels) 0-1, Sinéad Bunyan (Ballyduff), Katie Kennelly (do.) 1-0, Patrice Dennehy (Dr. Crokes) 1-1, Sarah O Connor (Southern Gaels) 2-3, Geraldine O Shea (Corca Dhuibhne 0-3, Shari Delaney (Ballyduff). Subs: Riona Kennedy (Corca Dhuibhne) for A. O Neill, Natalie O Connor (Ballyduff) for K. Gleeson, Jackie Murnane (Ballyduff) for D. Sugrue, Ellen Sayers (Corca Dhuibhne) for K. Kennelly, Jenny Johnston (Dr. Crokes) for S. O Connor.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 19^th May at Killarney: Kerry 1-11; Dublin 1-9.

Kerry: Andrea O Donoghue, Gráinne O Malley, Gráinne Ní Fhlatharta, Aoife O Neill, Jackie Murnane, Katie Gleeson, Dara Sugrue, Margaret O Donoghue, Siobhan O Connor, Eileen Sayers, Katie Kennelly (0-1), Patrice Dennehy (0-2), Sarah O Connor, Geraldine O Shea (1-8), Shari Delaney. Subs: Jenny Johnston for E. Sayers, Edel O Connell for M. O Donoghue, Kerry O Connor for E. O Connell, Kacey O Driscoll for J. Murnane.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 2^nd June at Milltown Malbay: Mayo 3-15; Kerry 4-9.

Kerry: Andrea O Donoghue, Riona Kennedy, Grainne Ni Fhlatharta, Aoife O Neill, Jackie Murnane, Katie Gleeson, Dara Sugrue, Margaret O Donoghue, Kerry O Connor, Katie Kennelly, Kacey O Driscoll (0-1), Patrice Dennehy (0-1), Sarah O Connor (1-4), Geraldine O Shea (3-3), Shari Delaney (capt.). Subs: Jenny Johnston for R. Kennedy, Eileen Sayers for M. O Donoghue, Ann Marie O Shea for A. O Neill, Noreen Fealy for E. Sayers, Mary Jo Bowler for J. Murnane.

 

Munster Senior Ladies’ Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 28^th July at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 1-16; Waterford 3-13.

Kerry: Andrea O Donoghue, Grainne O Malley, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Jackie Murnane, Dara Sugrue, Katie Gleeson, Riona Kennedy, Catherine Sexton, Evelyn O Connell, Kacey O Driscoll (0-3), Katie Kennelly, Patrice Dennehy (0-1), Sarah O Connor (0-3, 1 free), Geraldine O Shea (1-9, 2 frees), Shari Delaney. Subs: Margaret O Donoghue for C. Sexton, Kerry O Connor for G. Ní Fhlatharta, Noreen Fealy for K. Kennelly, Siobhán O Donoghue for M. O Donoghue, Ann Marie O Shea for D. Sugrue.

 

Munster Ladies’ Junior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 23^rd June at Donoughmore: Cork 4-4; Kerry 1-11.

Kerry: Gráinne Ní Laoithe, Ann Marie O Shea, Jackie Murnane, Riona Kennedy, Catherine Sexton, Katie Gleeson, Mary Jo Bowler, Eileen Sayers, Katie Kennelly (0-2), Laura Flannery, Kerry O Connor (0-3), Natalie O Connor, Ann Marie O Donoghue, Kacey O Driscoll (1-6), Caroline Kelly. Subs: Deirdre Corridon for AM O Donoghue, Marguerite Lynch for L. Flannery, Dara Sugrue for N. O Connor, Sinead Ní Chathasaigh for G. Ní Laoithe

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 14^th July at Feenagh: Limerick 3-14; Kerry 4-11.

Kerry O Connor scored 0-1 from left full-forward.

 

Munster Ladies’ U-16 Football Championship

 

Sat. 6^th April at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Kerry 4-17; Limerick 2-1.

The following Laune Rangers’ players were on the panel: Caroline Healy, Amy Houlihan, Eimear Knightley and Ciara O Connor.

Final on Sun. 12^th May at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 4-5; Cork 2-14.

Eimear Knightley scored 1-0 from right full-forward.

 

Munster Ladies U-14 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 23^rd March at Dunmanway: Cork 4-6; Kerry 0-2.

Kerry: Laoise Driscoll (Southern Gaels), Linda O Shea (do.), Sarah Carey (Austin Stacks), Caitriona O Sullivan (Legion), Michelle O Dowd (do.), Grainne Kerins (Scartaglin), Sharon Houlihan (Glenbeigh), Katie Warren (Dr. Crokes), Aisling Desmond (Rathmore), Hazel Poff (Laune Rangers), Linda Courtney (do.), Siobhan O Sullivan (Southern Gaels), Amanda Brosnan (Dr. Crokes) 0-2, Carrie Spillane (do.), Linda Cronin (Southern Gaels). Subs: Ciara O Connor (Laune Rangers), Amanda Howard, Tara Murphy, Ciara Fitzgerald, Deirdre McMahon, Louise O Sullivan, Debra Murphy, Sarah Houlihan, Niamh Pigott, Eileen Randles, Siobhan O Connell, Stephanie Kelliher, Ciara Gill, Tracey Sheehan, Rachel O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 30^th March at Lewis Road: Kerry 6-14; Limerick 0-2.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Linda O Shea, Sarah Carey, Caitriona O Sullivan, Michelle Dowd, Gráinne Kerins, Sharon Houlihan, Katie Warren, Aisling Desmond (0-1), Linda Courtney (0-2), Amanda Brosnan (0-4), Siobhán O Sullivan (0-1), Sarah Houlihan (3-3), Linda Cronin (0-1), Deirdre McMahon (2-2). Subs: Niamh Pigott, Debra Murphy (1-0), Carrie Spillane, Rachel O Sullivan, Tracy Sheehan.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 18^th May at Bruff: Kerry 3-10; Waterford 1-8.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Linda O Shea, Catriona O Sullivan, Amanda Howard, Michelle O Dowd, Gráinne Kerins, Sharon Houlihan, Katie Warren, Aisling Desmond, Linda Courtney (1-2), Amanda Brosnan (0-1), Linda Cronin (0-2), Sarah Houlihan (2-3), Siobhan O Sullivan, Deirdre McMahon (0-2). Sub: Sarah Carey for D. McMahon.

 

Final on Sat. 25^th May at Fermoy: Cork 4-8; Kerry 1-2.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Linda O Shea, Catriona O Sullivan, Amanda Howard, Michelle O Dowd, Grainne Kerins, Sharon Houlihan, Katie Warren, Aisling Desmond, Linda Courtney, Amanda Brosnan, Linda Cronin, Sarah Houlihan, Siobhan O Sullivan, Deirdre McMahon. Subs: Debra Murphy for A. Brosnan, Tara Murphy for Sharon Houlihan, Niamh Pigott for L. O Shea, Sarah Carey for L. Courtney, Hazel Poff for Sarah Houlihan.

 

All-Ireland U-14 Football Blitz

Sat. 10^th Aug. at Mullingar: Kerry beat Galway and Meath, but lost to Dublin by one point in the semi-final.

On the team from Laune Rangers were Ciara O Connor, Niamh Pigott, Linda Courtney and Sarah Houlihan.

 

Co. Ladies’ Senior Football Championship

The Laune Rangers’ players played with St. Pat’s (a combination of Dr. Crokes and Laune Rangers) in the Co. Senior Football Championship.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 15^th Sept. at Direen: Southern Gaels 4-10; St. Pat’s 1-15.

St. Pat’s: Ciara O Connor, Jodie O Sullivan, Gráinne O Malley, Catherine Canty, Mairead Finnegan (0-1), D.D. Dennehy, Mary Cronin, Katie Gleeson, Flor Wynn-Morgan, Kerry O Connor (0-1), Emily Turner (0-2), Helena Falvey, Ann Marie O Donoghue (0-4), Patrice Dennehy (1-6), Louise McCarthy (0-1). Subs: Laura Buckley for L. McCarthy, Jacinta Murphy for C. Canty, Jenny Murphy for J. Murphy, Helen Courtney, Susan Joy and Sheila Cronin.

 

Co. Ladies’ Junior Football ‘B’ League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 5-6; Keel 2-7.

Semi-final: Laune Rangers Sneem.

 

Co. Ladies’ U-16 Football Championship

This team was sponsored by Patrick Horgan Drapery.

 

Wed. 24^th July in Foilmore: Southern Gaels ‘B’ lost to Laune Rangers.

Quarter-final on Wed. 31^st July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 3-6; Laune Rangers 2-8.

 

Co. U-14 Girls’ Football League

This team was sponsored by Murphy’s.

 

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 4^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers 5-10; Southern Gaels 3-9.

That game was played in ideal conditions. Helped by a goal by Ann M. Healy, the home side led at the break by 3-6 to 2-3. Southern Gaels upped a gear in the second half but Rangers battled hard and ran out deserving winners.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 12^th April: Laune Rangers Corca Dhuibhne.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 19^th April: Laune Rangers Austin Stacks.

 

Co. Féile Peil na nOg (U-14 Football)

 

Tues. 2^nd April at Beaufort: Beaufort lost to Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers defeated Kenmare.

Final: Southern Gaels 2-5; Laune Rangers 1-4.

That game was played in very wet and windy conditions. Having played with the aid of the wind in the first half, Laune Rangers led at the break by 1-4 to 1-0. However, Southern Gaels took over in the second half and the losers were unable to score.

Laune Rangers: Katie Buckley, Sharon Healy, Niamh Pigott, Tina Walker, Michelle Teahan, Louise O Connor, Grainne Quirke, Linda Courtney, Ciara O Connor (capt.), Dearbhaill Cronin O Reilly, Hazel Poff, Ann M Healy, Kayna Corkery, Sarah Houlihan, Megan O Sullivan. Sub: Natalie Corcoran for L. O Connor.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Ladies’ Football Championship

That was the inaugural year of the competition.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 22^nd July: Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

Final on Mon. 5^th Aug. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 4-7; Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-6.

That was a good team performance, in which all 19 girls played inspirational football.

Laune Rangers: Katie Buckley, Sharon Healy, Niamh Pigott (capt.), Ann Marie Healy, Michelle Teahan, Gráinne Quirke, Dearbhaill Cronin O Reilly, Ciara O Connor, Linda Courtney, Hazel Poff, Caragh O Connor, Karyna Corkery, Anita O Shea, Sarah Houlihan, Aisling Clifford. Subs: Stephanie O Sullivan for D. Cronin O Reilly, Caroline Galvin for A. O Shea, Elaine Flynn for A. Clifford, Rachel Carey for S. O Sullivan.

 

Co. Community Games Girls’ Football

 

Sat. 25^th May at Beaufort:

The games were played in very wet conditions. The panel was depleted due to First Communion for Douglas and Glounaguillagh National Schools. The team was put together just about ten days before the event by a group of parents and committee members. Team coach, Siobhan O Connor, did a tremendous job on the day and kept the players warmed up between games.

Rd. 1: Killorglin defeated Castleisland.

Rd. 2: Killorglin defeated Ardfert.

Semi-final: Cahesiveen defeated Killorglin.

Play-off for 3^rd place: Killorglin defeated Ballybunion.

Killorglin: Anne Marie Healy, Aisling Clifford, Katie O Neill, Yvonne Costello, Anita O Shea, Coleen Arthurs, Karen Joy, Sorcha Cronin O Reilly, Aisling Quirke, Lisa Brennan, Shauna Corcoran, Shauna Begley, Karey Clifford, Elaine Sweeney, Marie O Neill, Muireann O Shea.

 

U-12 Ladies’ Football

This team was sponsored by Acorn Life.

 

Blitz on Sat. 22^nd June at Connolly Park:

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

Rd. 2: Laune Rangers 2-3; Austin Stacks 1-0.

Quarter-final: Laune Rangers 4-4; Corca Dhuibhne 3-6.

Semi-final: Scartaglin 2-4; Laune Rangers 2-2 (AET).

Laune Rangers’ Panel: Lorraine Gorman, Sinead Arthurs, Michael Teahan, Danielle O Riordan, Aisling Clifford, Deirdre Quirke, Lisa O Sullivan, Ann Marie Healy, Dearbhaill Cronin O Reilly, Anita O Shea, Karen Joy, Tracey Ahern, K. Clifford, Sarah Pigott, N. Sheehan, S. Cronin O Reilly, E. Galvin, N. Moriarty, C. Arthurs, A. Quirke, K. O Neill, M. O Neill.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

Sat. 27^th July in Foilmore: Laune Rangers 3-3; Southern Gaels ‘B’ 2-6.

Fri. 2^nd Aug. in Killorglin: Laune Rangers lost to Southern Gaels ‘A’.

Fri. 9^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Corca Dhuibhne.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Sean McCague, Muineachán, was Uachtarán CLG.

 

Jerome Conway was re-appointed by an tUachtarán as National Secretary of Féile Peil na nOg, which was held in Carlow. The Chairman of the committee was John McConnell (Donegal).

 

Jerome Conway was also re-appointed onto the National Hurling Development Committee.

 

Jerome Conway was Chairman of the Munster Club League Committee, with Liam Hodnett (Corcaigh) as Rúnái..

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Sean Walsh, Vice-Chairman – Jerome Conway, Secretary – Tony O Keeffe, Joint-Treasurers – James Coffey and John McMahon, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna, Delegates to Munster Council – Teddy O Sullivan and Eamonn O Sullivan, Youth Officer – Michael McCarthy, Cultural Officer – Derry Murphy, Development Officer Patrick O Sullivan, PRO – Willie O Connor, Coaching Officer – Liam Sayers.

 

Jerome Conway was Chairman of Coiste Iomána Chiarraí, with Gerard Carroll (Kilmoyley) as Rúnaí. He also represented hurling interests on Kerry Coaching and Games Committee. He was, also, Vice-Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol Chiarraí.

 

John Clifford, James Ferris and Johnny Galvin represented Laune Rangers at the Co. Convention, which was held in the Gleneagle Hotel on Tues. 11^th Dec. 2001.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Mon. 10^th Sept. 2001, Sean Walsh, Chairman, proposed and it was accepted that he, the Vice Chairman and the Co. Secretary would form a sub-committee to propose names of managers for the various county teams.

 

The following officers were elected at the Mid-Kerry Convention: President – Father Brian Kelly, Chairman – John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine), Vice-Chairman – Patie Hartnett (Beaufort), Secretary – Kieran O Shea (Beaufort), Treasurers – Dan Carey (Cromane) and George Evans (Keel), PRO – Michael O Shea (Laune Rangers).

 

Munster Referee co-ordinator, Bart Moriarty, Laune Rangers, addressed a meeting of the Mid-Kerry Board on Fri. 15^th Feb. at Keel and appealed to all the clubs to forward the names of two referees to undergo a coaching course.

 

The AGM of Laune Rangers Bord na nOg was held in the Fishery on Sat. 2^nd Feb. The attendance consisted of John Quirke (Chairman), Colm Conway (Secretary), John O Dwyer, Brian O Shea, Mary Quirke, Iraneus Looney, James Riordan, Vincent Costello, Danny Healy, Timmy Brosnan, Ger Flynn, John O Connor, Anne O Connor, Kathleen Healy, John Clifford, Bart Moriarty, John O Donnell and Joe Hayes. John Quirke welcomed and thanked all those in attendance for coming. The minutes of the 2001 AGM were taken as read, proposed by Bart Moriarty and seconded by John Clifford (The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 2001). John Quirke, in his Chairman’s Address, referred to the great facility in Cloon. He thanked all the coaches of the teams as well as the senior Chairman, John Clifford. He congratulated the winning teams (U-12’s and U-14’s) on their successes. He thanked all the parents for their continued support within the club. He expressed his satisfaction with the amount of membership gained during the year. He thanked the Starlite laundrette for the unrivalled contribution that it made every year to Bord na nOg. Finally, he thanked all involved in the very successful Sunday morning event when Sam Maguire was present for the U-8 and U-10 players. Special mention was made of Joseph Crowley and Mike Frank Russell. In conclusion, the Chairman looked forward to the year with optimism and hope for further success.

The senior Chairman, John Clifford, then addressed the gathering. He again thanked what he referred to as the unsung heroes of the club – the mentors of the underage teams. He thanked the officers of Bord na nOg and also the sponsors of all the Bord na nOg teams. Agreeing with John Quirke, John Clifford, also, looked forward with optimism to the year.

The following officers were elected: Chairman – John Quirke (proposed by John Clifford and seconded by Bart Moriarty), Vice-Chairman – Joe Hayes (proposed by John Clifford and seconded by James Riordan), Secretary – Colm Conway (proposed by John O Donnell and seconded by Joe Hayes), Ass. Secretary – Marie Tobin, PRO – Enda Clifford.

The following mentors were appointed:

U-8 – John Sheehan, Dermot O Shea and James Ferris.

U-10 – Iraneus Looney, Brian O Shea, Donal Pigott.

U-12 – John O Dwyer, John Quirke, Diarmuid O Sullivan.

U-14 – there was some confusion as to whether Patsy Joy (outgoing) was willing to remain on as manager. The job was his if he so wished. Pa Sheehan had, also, expressed an interest in helping out.

U-16 – Joe Hayes, Donncha Curran and Colm Conway.

The following players had agreed to help with the coaching of the underage players: Shane O Sullivan (U-12), Billy O Sullivan (U-14) and Denis Cleary (U-16). The meeting then discussed the following matters:

1. PRO. It was proposed that one person per underage team would be in charge of giving information/match reports etc. to the new PRO, who would then ensure that all would be sent to the Kerryman.
2. Volunteers/Parents. The Chairman and others present expressed the desire for more parents/volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with the U-8’s and U-10’s. Colm Conway said that the smaller the groups of players, the more football they would get.
3. Future of the Club. Iraneus Looney was delighted that the numbers of U-8’s had increased from 7 to 40. That created general optimism for the future of the club. He said that those players were the future of the club and they should be looked after. He proposed that replica Laune Rangers’ jerseys should be made available to them to keep the interest alive.
4. Coaching. Colm Conway told the meeting of the Munster Council Coaching Course on Sat. 16^th Feb. and Sat. 23^rd Feb. The club was expected to send at least 5 coaches but all the coaches at U-8, U-10 and U-12 were expected to attend.
5. Referees. Bart Moriarty gave a brief outline of the new refereeing practices expected of clubs in the future. He gave the Chairman and Secretary booklets, which contained more detailed information. There would be a referees’ course on Thurs. 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th March in the Earl of Desmond Hotel, Tralee.
6. Community Games. John O Connor wondered why the club had not participated in Community Games. Iraneus Looney said that past experiences had not been good. He was not in favour of being involved and it was something for the community not for the GAA. It was decided to look into the matter and Jerry Courtney (Community Games) was to be contacted.
7. Votes of sympathy were passed to the families of Michael O Donnell (Mill Road), Mikey Kennedy (Laharn), Willie Crowley (Market Street) and Pat Kennedy (Laune View and formerly of Laharn).

 

Michael ‘Dicey’ O Reilly (Laune Rangers) was the trainer of the Mid-Kerry U-21 Football team, with selectors Mike Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine) and Pat O Shea (Cromane).

 

Glenbeigh/Glencar Club was responsible for the organising of Bord na nOg Chiarraí Lár. Chairman – Sean O Connor; Secretary – Kevin Griffin.

 

Listry and Cromane joined forces at U-12, U-14 and U-16 football levels on a one-year basis.

 

Liam Hassett rejoined Laune Rangers after a brief spell with Dublin side, St. Anne’s. He had missed all of 2001 with a knee injury sustained playing in Dublin.

 

Full membership of Laune Rangers’ Club cost: Family – £30, individual – £20, student – £6.

 

The weekly club lotto continued to be the main source of income for the day-to-day running of the Laune Rangers Club. It was decided that from Sun. 6^th Jan. Lotto tickets would cost €2. The new minimum jackpot would be €1,600, the main consolation prize would be €95 and two other prizes of €50 each. The ticket-sellers included Margaret Browne, Maurice Corkery, Paul O Shea, Patrick Foley, Coffey’s Bar, Falvey’s Bar, Michael O Shea, John Purcell, Pat O Riordan, Pat O Shea, Chris Houlihan, Jimmy Doona, Bart Moriarty, Celsius O Conor,  Johnny Galvin, O Shea’s Bar, Peter Lyons, Frank McMahon, Billy O Sullivan. The Lotto Rota was as follows: January – Team C; February – Team D; March – Team A; April – Team B, etc. The winners included:

Sun. 6^th Jan. (jackpot of €2,300 not won) – Prize-winners: Margaret Brown, Caragh Lake (€95), Michael Corkery, Upper Tullig (€50), Nancy Coffey, Milltown (€50).

Sun. 13^th Jan. (jackpot of €2,500 not won) – Prize-winners: Brenda McBeth, Sunhill (€95), Mrs. Marmion, Sunhill (€50), Des Ahern, Caragh Lake €50).

Sun. 20^th Jan. (jackpot of €2,700 not won) – Prize-winners: Kathleen Bailey, Laune View (€95), Maurice O Shea (€50), John M. O Connor, Curraheen East (€50).

Sun. 27^th Jan. (jackpot of €2,900 not won) – Prize-winners: Patrick Sheehan, Woodlawn, Killarney (€95), Mary McKenna, Whitegates, Killarney (€50), SOC, c/o Coffey’s Bar (€50).

Sun. 3^rd Feb. (jackpot of €3,100 not won) – Prize-winners: Pat O Neill, Dooks (€95), Margaret Foley, Dungeel (€50), Shane & Shivaun O Sullivan, Anglont (€50).

Sun. 10^th Feb. (jackpot of €3,300 not won) – Prize-winners: B. O Connor (€95), Pat Joe Riordan (€50), Ronnie Hannon (€50).

Sun. 17^th Feb. (jackpot of €3,500 not won) – Prize-winners: Dan McGeoff, Killarney (€95), Pat Joe Griffin (€50), Sheila Kelliher, Glenashe (€50).

Sun. 24^th Feb. (jackpot of €3,700 not won) – Prize-winners: Michael o Connor, Dooks (€95), Peig Looney (€50), John Riordan (€50).

Sun. 3^rd March (jackpot of €3,900 not won) – Prize-winners: Owen Teahan, Dooks (€95), Elaine Martin, Rangue (€50), Anita Houlihan, Iveragh Road (€50).

Sun. 10^th March (jackpot of €4,100 not won) – Prize-winners: Donal Pigott, Dromin (€95), John Foley, Iveragh Park (€50), Mattie Roche, Callanfersy (€50).

Sun. 17^th March (jackpot of €4,300 not won) – Prize-winners: Sheila Kelliher, Glenashe (€95), Martin Clifford, Mountain View (€50), Nora Ashe, Keel (€50).

Sun. 24^th March (jackpot of €4,500 not won) – Prize-winners: Doreen Houlihan, Douglas (€95), Mary Murray, Glencuttane (€50), Mary Kavanagh (€50).

Sun. 7^th April – jackpot of €4,900 was won by Noel Purcell, San Francisco.

Sun. 14^th April (jackpot of €1,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Mary Forde, Keel (€95), Mike O Sullivan, Killarney (€50), Bart Moriarty, Dunmaniheen (€50).

Sun. 21^st April (jackpot of €1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Ger Houlihan, Keelcoulacht (€95), Cathy Costello, 27 Mountain View (€50), Mary McKenna, Steelroe (€50).

Sun. 28^th April (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Barry J. Murphy (€95), Frank Griffin, Tullig (€50), Collette Kelliher (€50).

Sun. 5^th May (jackpot of €2,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Aidan Lynch, Tullig (€95), Joe Crowley (€50), William F. Browne, Stone Bridge (€50).

Sun. 12^th May (jackpot of €2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: Katie Joy, Callanfersy (€95), John Clifford, Dooks (€50), Donal Martin, Glenbeigh (€50).

Sun. 19^th May (jackpot of €2,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Pa Murphy, Killarney (€95), Sandra Russell, Anglont (€50), John Cronin, Iveragh Park (€50).

Sun. 26^th May (jackpot of €2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Maureen Fitzgerald, Inch (€95), Hannah O Sullivan, Beaufort (€50), Mary Kelliher, Beaufoet (€50).

Sun. 2^nd June (jackpot of €3,000 not won) – Prize-winners: J. O Connor, Glencuttane Cross (€95), Josephine Teahan, Glenbeigh (€50), Billy O Sullivan, Dungeel (€50).

Sun. 9^th June (jackpot of €3,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Noreen Power (€95), Eileen & Jack Houlihan (€50), Niall Healy (€50).

Sun. 23^rd June – jackpot of €3,600 was won by Breda Howe, Upper Tullig.

Sun. 30^th June (jackpot of €1,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Josephine O Brien, St. James’ Gardens, (€95), Mary O Connor, School Road (€50), Nora Mai Mangan, Killarney Road (€50).

Sun. 14^th July (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Michael C. Ahern (€95), Patrick O Grady, Sunhill (€50), Dominic Spenser (€50).

Sun. 28^th July (jackpot of €2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: Stephen O Sullivan (€95), Michael Foley (€50), Joanne O Sullivan (€50).

Sun. 4^th Aug. (jackpot of €2,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Dermot O Connor (€95), Maurice Corkery (€50), Joanne Allman (€50).

Tues. 13^th Aug. (jackpot of €2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: George Donoghue, Mayo (€95),James Cahillane, Ardlathas (€50), Keith Bradburn, Daly’s Lane (€50).

Sun. 18^th Aug. (jackpot of €3,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Denny Russell, Anglont (€95), Aidan O Connor, (€50), Tom O Shea, Mountain View (€50).

Sun. 25^th Aug. (jackpot of €3,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Denis Fenton, Waterville (€95), Bridget McKenna, Steelroe (€50), John McSweeney, Iveragh Park (€50).

Sun. 1^st Sept. (jackpot of €3,400 not won) – Prize-winners: Dermot O Shea, Dunmaniheen (€95), Mary Breen, Glencar (€50), Gerard O Shea, Annadale Road (€50).

Sun. 8^th Sept. (jackpot of €3,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Morgan Foley (€95), Sarah O Callaghan, Gleneagle Pitch & Putt (€50), Jimmy Doona, Dromin (€50).

Sun. 15^th Sept. (jackpot of €3,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Tony Lyons (€95), Martin Teahan (€50), Joe Moriarty, Glenbeigh (€50).

Sun. 29^th Sept. (jackpot of €4,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Jimmy Wong (€95), Jimmy Lee (€50), Caroline Majella Brown (€50).

Sun. 6^th Oct. (jackpot of €4,400 not won) – Prize-winners: Jerry O Callaghan, Laharn (€95), Mike McKenna, Firies Cross (€50), Vincent Heffernan, Kilderry (€50).

Sun. 13^th Oct. (jackpot of €4,600 not won) – Prize-winners: Hannah Cahill, Keelcoulaght (€95), Joe Hayes (€50), James Hurley, Gurrane (€50).

Sun. 20^th Oct. (jackpot of €4,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Patrick O Grady, Sunhill (€95), Noeleen McKenna (€50), Michael Hannon (€50).

Sun. 27^th Oct. – jackpot of €5,000 divided between Ann O Mahony and Deirdre Fintan.

Sun. 10^th Nov. (jackpot of €1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Richard Bainton, Laharn (€95), Michelle Foley, Reen (€50), Nellie O Sullivan, Forest View (€50).

Sun. 17^th Nov. (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: Maura Moriarty, School Road (€95), Nora Sweeney, Upper Tullig (€50), Mary Cahillane, Rangue (€50).

Sun. 24^th Nov. (jackpot of €2,200 not won) – Prize-winners: Mary & Tim Carey (€95), Pat Joe Kissane, Glencuttane (€50), Francis Griffin, Tullig (€50).

Sun. 1^st Dec. (jackpot of €2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: Breda O Shea (€95), Teresa Clifford (€50), Mícheál & Bernadette (€50).

Sun. 8^th Dec. (jackpot of €2,600 not won) – Prize-winners:

Sun. 15^th Dec. (jackpot of €2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Vincent Heffernan, Kilderry (€95), James Foley (€50), D. & J. (€50).

 

The Lotto rota was as follows:

February – James Riordan, Pat O Riordan and John O Donnell.

 

On Wed. 9^th Jan. Mike O Donnell, Mill Road, passed to his eternal reward. Son of John and Peggy O Donnell, he had packed a huge amount into his 43 years and left an indelible mark on all those who had been fortunate to meet him. It was in the GAA that he really made his mark, as the ‘16^th’ man of the Laune Rangers Club. Even when John Evans, the senior team trainer, would ask all others to leave the dressing-room before a game to be left with only the players, Mike would be allowed to stay – hence the 16^th man. Chairman of the club, John Clifford, felt an ‘awful shock’ when he heard of the news of the passing away of Mike but he retained fond memories of the man. ‘Michael was a permanent fixture at Laune Rangers’ games for as far back as I can remember,’ he said. ‘He will be missed.’

The death occurred of Dan Sheehan on 4^th October. He had played in goals for Laune Rangers in 1958, when the club won its first Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship. Thereafter, he immigrated to England.

 

At the Kingdom Kerry Gaels AGM in London in February, Christy Kissane was elected as President and he was appointed onto the senior football selection committee. Pat O Mahony and Patsy Hurley were Vice-Presidents.

 

In April, Killorglin Credit Union sponsored an electronic score-board for the J.P. O Sullivan Park.

 

Eoin Ferris, Brian Curran and Pamela O Riordan set up the Laune Rangers Club web-site and the Chairman, John Clifford, launched it on Fri. 3^rd May in Bunkers Bar and Restaurant – www.launerangers.com

 

Following some disagreement with Beaufort concerning players on the boundary between the two clubs, an agreement was reached in March. John Doona, Dan Doona, Patrick O Sullivan, Liam O Sullivan, Cathal Cronin and Cormac O Shea were allowed to play with Beaufort, although living in the Laune Rangers’ catchment area. Owen Doyle, Ian O Connor, Ger Doherty, Niall Doherty and Kieran Doherty had to play with Laune Rangers. The parish rule applied in all other cases.

 

At the GAC meeting on 17^th June, Aidan O Connor’s request for a transfer from Laune Rangers to Cromane was discussed. Aidan O Connor, Reen, said that he wished to play with Cromane. He had played juvenile and senior ‘C’ football with Laune Rangers and he had not played at all in 2001. He said that he had moved from his parents’ house in Reen and lived with his auntie in Lonhart. Laune Rangers had disputed his eligibility to play with Cromane. The GAC requested him to supply evidence of residence in Lonhart.

 

Kerry Ladies Football Board held a Queen of Football event. Laune Rangers selected Sarah Jane Joy as its queen. The club that sold the most cards won the competition. Cards had 12 lines at €2 per line. 60% went to the Co. Board and the club retained 40% of sales.

 

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

Senior League, Div. 1, on Sun. 17^th March at Rathbeg: Rathmore 1-8; Kerins O Rahillys 1-6.

Senior Co. Championship on Sun. 26^th May at Castleisland: Desmonds 0-6; Kerins O Rahillys 2-6.

 

Peter Lyons refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Mid-Kerry Board:

Senior League on Sun. 10^th March at Cromane: Cromane 0-11; Keel 1-11.

Senior League Semi-final (replay) on Sat. 30^th March at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 2-14; Keel 0-4.

Senior Championship on Sat. 12^th Oct. at Milltown: Cromane 1-10; Keel 1-7.

Minor Final on Sun. 24^th Nov. at J.P. O Sullivan Park: Beaufort 1-13; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6.

 

Peter Lyons refereed the following games, amongst others, for the West-Kerry Board:

Senior Championship Rd. 1 on Sun. 13^th Oct. at Annascaul: Annascaul 2-13; Lispole 1-9;

Senior League Final on Sun. 13the Oct. at Annascaul:            Castlegregory 1-9; Dingle 1-9.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football final on Sun. 19^th May at Killorglin: Beaufort 3-12; Milltown/Castlemaine 3-10.

 

Co. SFC Final at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerins O Rahillys 0-14; Kilcummin 0-5

Co. Club Final at Austin Stack Park: An Ghaeltacht 1-15; Laune Rangers 0-7

Co. MFC Final at Austin Stack park: Mid-Kerry 2-14; West-Kerry 0-3

Co. U-21 Football Final on Wed. 14^th Aug. at Killarney: Austin Stacks 0-13; Mid-Kerry 2-0.

Co. IFC Final on Sun. 7^th Nov. at Killarney: Emmett’s 1-12; Dingle 0-9.

Co. JFC Final on Sun. 3^rd Nov. at Austin Stack Park: Finuge 0-12; Castlegregory 1-6.

Co. NFC Final at Connolly Park: Duagh 0-11; Listry 0-5

Co. SF League (Div. 1) final on Sun. 22^nd Dec. at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-8; Rathmore 0-13.

Co. MF League (Div. 1) Final: Dingle 0-7; Kerins O Rahillys 0-4.

 

Co. U-14 Football (Div. 1) Final on Mon. 13^th May at Milltown: Kerins O Rahillys 4-16; Beaufort 1-9.

 

Peter Crowley, Scoil Mhuire, played on the Kerry Primary Schools’ team against Limerick in the Primary game prior to the Munster Senior Football Championship in Limerick on Sun. 12^th May. Kevin Flynn, Glounaguillagh NS, played with the Kerry Primary Schools’ team against Cork on Sun. 16^th June at Killarney.

 

Cian Evans played at full-forward on the Kingdom Kerry Gaels team that beat St. Brendan’s in the quarter-final of the London Senior Reserve Championship by 1-16 to 0-1 on Sat. 3^rd Aug. He scored 1-9 and was the man-of-the-match.

 

When Kerry reached the All-Ireland final in September, the football-mad Flynn family, Tullig, decorated their house and all the vehicles parked in the yard were decorated in the green and gold colours. Kitty Flynn, her mother, Nora Cahillane, her sisters Nora Mai Flynn and Sheila Carey, as well as her children James (14), Kevin (13), John Francis (11) and Lorna (7) were enlisted to complete the work. Nephews and nieces also lent a hand, while sister, Mary Naughton, took on the role of cook for the hungry workers. Bemused passers-by stopped off to capture the house on camera.

 

The Church Gate Collection in aid of the Kerry team’s training fund raised £1,065.37 in Killorglin.

 

The Millennium Committee organised a Mayor of Killorglin competition in an effort to raise funds. The contestants were Mike O Shea (Laune Rangers), Timothy Joseph Cronin (CYMS) and Helen O Shea (

 

Mike Frank Russell was nominated for a Vodafone All-Star Football position as a forward.

 

At the end of the year, The Kingdom newspaper chose a player-of-the-year from each District Board. Eoin Ferris was the Mid-Kerry Football Player-of-the-Year.

 

The following represented Laune Rangers at the Mid-Kerry Scór na nOg finals in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Fri. 22^nd Nov:

Figure Dancing – Sarah Jane Joy, Siobhan Joy, Lynn Cahillane and Eve Gallagher.

Instrumental Music – Edward Looney, Sinead Cahillane, Roisin Looney and Karen Joy.

Solo Singing – Lynn Cahillane. Recitation – Lisa O Sullivan.

Question-time – Gearoid Clifford, Simon Brosnan and Liam Clifford.

Ballad Group – Nicole Mangan, Darragh Coffey, Fionán Crowley, Cian Clifford and Conor Prendiville.

Set-Dancing – Karen Joy, Lisa Brennan, Lisa Tuohy, Tara Carolan, Niamh O Connor, Roisin O Sullivan, Kiera Carolan and Joanne O Sullivan.

The quiz team went on to win the Co. Final and came joint-second in the Munster final in Templemore.

 

Laune Rangers Finance Committee, with Ger Counihan as Chairman, organised a Race Night in Castle Nova on Sun. 29^th Dec. Laune Rangers’ Senior team manager, John Evans, showed his credentials as a sports commentator as he whipped up excitement with his unique interview and commentary style.

 

Laune Rangers’ Annual Social was held in the Manor Inn on Sat. 8^th March 2003. Music was by Billy Curtin and tickets cost €25 each (Price of menu – €17). Chief organisers – Michael Ahern and James Ferris.

 

At the AGM of Laune Rangers’ Bord na nOg on Fri. 31^st Jan. 2003, Colm Conway delivered the following Secretary’s Report on the events of 2002: “It was a very successful year at Bord na nOg level in Laune Rangers with a total of 67 matches played at all grades.

U-8 and U-10

Our U-8’s and U-10’s trained all year on Sunday mornings on the new all-weather pitch at the Intermediate School, which proved a great success. The U-10’s had consistent performers every week but more players at this grade would be welcome. Challenge games were played during the year, which culminated in the Mid-Kerry U-10 Blitz. Two teams represented Laune Rangers but success eluded them on the day. A very successful Parish League was held at the back end of the year. On a day when the weather was atrocious, some very good quality football was played. A big thank you to Iraneus Looney, Donal Pigott and Brian O Shea for their contributions all year. The U-8’s had very good numbers all year and they ended the year receiving medals and refreshments from Mike Frank Russell, which was a real highlight for those budding footballers. Again, a big thank you to John Sheehan, Dermot O Shea, James Ferris and all the other parents/helpers who aided training during the year – as always, it is very much appreciated.

U-12 – sponsored by Jamie Clifford Painting & Decorating.

The U-12’s had a very successful year, losing only twice in competition all year. In the Co. League, Div. 1 Phase 1, our boys had two victories and two draws with Kerins O Rahillys and neighbours Beaufort. This enabled them to finish joint-top with Austin Stacks. In Phase 2, a narrow defeat by Kerins O Rahillys was our only blip in the campaign. Here again we were joint winners with Stacks and O Rahillys. This good form was carried into the Mid-Kerry ‘A’ Championship, where victories against all the other teams, except Keel, saw Rangers qualify for the final. Beaufort were out for revenge after the previous defeat and this resulted in a ding-dong battle. However, great spirit ensured our boys hung on for a narrow victory. Peter Crowley, (Captain) received the cup from Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg Chairman, Kevin Griffin, to cap a great year for our U-12’s. During the course of the season, Our U-12B team played a number of matches with some great performances all year. A huge thank-you to trainers John O Dwyer and Diarmuid O Sullivan for their efforts in what turned out to be a successful but long year.

U-13 – sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire.

Our U-13’s participated in a tournament organised in Tralee late in the year. Having defeated Ardfert in the semi-final, our lads came up against a very formidable Kerins O Rahillys in Tralee on Sat. 23^rd Nov. Rangers battled gallantly but just fell short near the end, having given the Tralee side a real scare. Our cause was not helped by the fact that the competition was held in November, long after the season had finished. Thanks to John Quirke and his helpers for looking after the U-13’s.

U-14 – sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire.

The U-14 team did not have a very productive Co. League, playing in Div. 1 with very strong opposition being encountered. This will stand them in good stead for next year, as they are playing the top teams in the county. This was followed up by some very good performances in the Mid-Kerry Championship. This resulted in Rangers qualifying for the final where they met the beaten Féile and Co. U-14 finalists, Beaufort. Our boys really put it up to them but lost in the end. The Tralee District competition proved fruitless but the final competition of the year provided a trophy. The Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship saw Laune Rangers qualify for the final against Glenbeigh/Glencar in Glenbeigh. Rangers had a very good first half and had to weather a second-half storm from the home side before running out deserving winners. It was a fitting end to the year for the U-14 team that stuck at it all year, during good and bad times. Many thanks to the trainers John Quirke, Eamonn Carey and Enda Clifford for their efforts all season.

U-15 – sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire.

Rangers were in Div. 1 of the Co. U-15 Championship, which was run on a knock-out basis. Our lads were drawn against Listowel in the quarter-final, which was played in the Track. Going in as under-dogs helped Rangers, as they stormed to victory to advance to the semi-final, where Austin Stacks awaited. We began brightly with two early goals but Stacks clawed their way back into the game and ran out deserved winners. They went on to defeat Dingle in the final. Appreciation to Colm Conway, Joe Hayes and Donncha Curran for the time put in during the year.

U-16 – sponsored by The Fishery.

The U-16 team began the year in the Mid-Kerry Championship and, with a solid campaign, reached the play-off against Beaufort. After a very close game, Rangers were edged out by two points by the eventual winners. The Co. League Div. 1 came next and we began well with a win, a draw and a one-point defeat. However, strong opposition meant that we did not qualify for the knock-out stages. The Tralee District competition saw Rangers unbeaten and reach the final. However, the final was never played as a result of Ardfert seeking a postponement on six occasions. Eventually, we were awarded the title. The final competition saw us claim silverware in the Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Championship. Having disposed of the challenges of Keel and Cromane/Listry, Rangers took on a fancied Milltown/Castlemaine side in Glenbeigh on Sat. 5^th Oct. The tremendous spirit of this team shone through and they emerged deserved winners on a score-line of 4-9 to 1-12. Captain, Kieran Crowley received the trophy to cap off a fine year for Kieran, who led by example all year. Best of luck to our players who are moving up to the minor grade this coming year. I’m sure they will fit in seamlessly, as they proved already this year. A huge thanks to trainers/selectors – Joe Hayes, Colm Conway, Donncha Curran and Pa Sheehan – for their dedication throughout a very long year.

I would like to thank all the people who refereed matches at Bord na nOg level during the year and appeal again for more ex-players to become involved in officiating at our games.

I would like to congratulate our Scor na nOg participants who did so well at Mid-Kerry and Co. Semi-final levels. I would especially like to congratulate our Quiz team who came in joint-second place in the Munster final in Templemore. They were Simon Brosnan, Gearoid and Liam Clifford. As always, a huge thanks to Mary Clifford for her excellent work in this area.

A big thanks to John Quirke, our Bord na nOg Chairman, for his help and co-operation during the year.

I will conclude by again thanking all the people who helped at Bord na nOg level in any way or form and I encourage more of our members to volunteer their services to nurture the grass-roots of our club and harness the potential into a senior team to be reckoned with.”