2005

Laune Rangers- 2005

 Laune Rangers, captained by Brian Gannon, won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship for the 4^th successive year and the 27^th time in total.

Laune Rangers ‘B’, captained by Redmond Fitzgerald, won the Molyneaux Cup for the 9^th time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Redmond Fitzgerald, won the Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup.

Mid-Kerry, captained by Shane Flynn, retained the Co. Inter-District Board U-14 Football Championship, winning it for the 5^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship for the 27^th time.

Laune Rangers, captained by Ciarán Doona, won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Championship for the third successive year and the 30^th time in total.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship for the 22^nd time.

Laune Rangers retained the All-Ireland Ladies’ Junior Football 7-aside Tournament.

St. Pat’s retained the Ladies’ Co. Senior Football Championship.

 

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The AGM of Laune Rangers’ Club was held on Sat. 15^th Jan. A huge crowd attended, including players and young members. The Secretary, John Griffin, gave a very detailed report on the previous year’s activities, which was given at the end of 2004. Colm Conway gave the Bord na nOg Report, which was given at the end of 2004.

The following officers were elected:

President – Paddy Crowley

Chairman – Joseph Crowley

Vice-Chairman – Pat Pigott

Secretary – Eileen Clifford (elected at the Club Meeting on Mon. 31^st Jan.).

Joint-Treasurers – Eamonn Crowley and Maurice Corkery

Registrars: Pat O Riordan, Johnny Galvin, Eoin Ferris and Declan Falvey.

PRO – James Riordan

Development Officer – Ger Counihan

Delegate to Co. Board – Tommy Woods

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

‘B’ Team Selection Committee – Mark Conway, Donncha Curran, John Clifford and Maurice Corkery.

The following motions were passed:

‘That more of an effort be made to play ‘A’ and ‘B’ games on separate days or at different times in the same venue.’  (Mark Conway).

‘That there should not be any drink out of the cup.’ (John Purcell).

‘That the current 3-year rule for officers be rescinded.’ (Committee).

‘That the club appoint a ‘B’ team manager and he be allowed to appoint his selectors.’ (John F. O Brien).

 

Munster Senior Football Club League Div. 1

Laune Rangers were grouped with Aghada (Cork), Ballincollig (Cork) and Ardmore (Waterford).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 18^th June: Laune Rangers 2-9; Aghada 0-11.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

20 teams took part in the Co. SFC: Feale Rangers, Shannon Rangers, Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, John Mitchels, St. Brendan’s, West Kerry, An Ghaeltacht, Mid-Kerry, Laune Rangers, South-Kerry, Dr. Crokes, East-Kerry, St. Kieran’s, Rathmore, Kenmare, Kilcummin, Dingle, Listowel Emmett’s and Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 16^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-9; Kenmare 1-5.

Experience won the day as Laune Rangers called on all their notable reserves to carve out a victory over a plucky Kenmare combination. Kenmare opened with intent and were on the score-board inside ten seconds when Paul O Connor pointed. Pa O Sullivan equalised before John Joe Brosnan and Mike Frank Russell swapped points. When Liam Hassett pointed in the 10^th minute, Rangers led for the first time in the game. However, that was their last score of the half as they shot a litany of wides, Liam Hassett, Mike Frank Russell, Seamus Foley and Pa O Sullivan all off target with their efforts. At the other end, Paul O Connor put John Joe Brosnan through on goal but the Rangers’ defence smothered his shot out for a ‘45’, which O Connor duly converted. Then, in the 19^th minute, the Kenmare fans were jumping for joy when Paul O Conor cracked an unstoppable shot past Tony Lyons in the Rangers’ goal. Kenmare were on top, fighting for every ball, but they too wasted many scoring chances. As it was, the last ten minutes of the half saw neither side raise a flag and the score at halftime stood at 1-4 to 0-3 in favour of the visitors.

Two minutes after the restart, another Paul O Connor point stretched Kenmare’s lead to five and an upset looked on the cards. But Rangers were known for the resolve and determination in the heat of battle and from there on they shut up shop, defending in clusters and moving forward in attack well as a unit. A point from midfielder Johnny Lynch started the revival. That was quickly followed by points from John Sheehan and Pa O Sullivan. Rangers ran the show at that stage and Kenmare found it difficult to make any inroads. Also, the supply of ball to danger-man Paul O Connor, who at that stage was marshalled by Conor Falvey, had dried up. Mike Frank Russell had a pointed free and Pa O Sullivan equalised in the 42^nd minute after good approach play by Russell and Seamus Foley. Three minutes later, Rangers took the lead when corner-forward Brian Gannon pointed. They then lost the services of Jerry Coffey with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Brendan Fitzgerald, who was making a welcome return to senior football after injury. The last quarter was scoreless as Rangers applied blanket defence and adapted a hold-what-we-have policy. Then, as the game neared closure, Kenmare had two great chances to equalise but Flor O Sullivan and Paul O Connor (free) were off target.

Rangers knew that they would have to improve on that performance if they were to progress in the championship. However, that had not reached the two previous county finals by luck alone. They possessed an inner belief in themselves that could take them out of the stickiest of situations and the game against Kenmare was one of those.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Maurice Foley, John Sheehan (0-1), Jerry Coffey, Johnny Lynch (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), Pa Sheehan, Billy O Shea, Seamus Foley, Brian Gannon (0-1) capt., Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Mike Frank Russell (0-2). Sub: Brendan Fitzgerald for J. Coffey (inj.), Jerry O Brien, John Houlihan.

Ref: Tom Lynch (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Laune Rangers 2-11; Rathmore 0-9.

Kevin Hughes reported in the Kerryman as follows: “It was a case of the exuberance of the student combining with the experience of his teachers in the first of Sunday’s quarter-finals in Austin Stack Park, as Laune Rangers stepped up a gear to clinch yet another Championship semi-final berth. The Russell, Hassett and O Shea trio provided the experience – and the spine – for the Killorglin outfit while Seamie Foley, who was head and shoulders above the rest of the pack, put in a memorable performance on the day, as well as striking the killer blow on the stroke of halftime with a superb net-buster. The number nine, deployed to the forward line, will surely be first on John Evans’ team-sheet at 2.30 this Saturday in the first of this year’s Championship semi-finals, yet he had only become a senior regular in recent seasons.

Spectators could have been forgiven for thinking it was a windy day at the beach in this autumnal encounter as the sand stirred on a pitch that has seen much better days this season. Both teams took time to come to terms with the erratic bounce but needed no time in coming to terms with each other, as the silly season continued with more than a few fracas interspersed throughout the game. A whistle-happy referee did little to help the flow of this tie, although he was consistent in calling back play for frees taken too quickly. Rathmore fought hard – in more ways than one – but faded midway through the second half and were no match in the finish for the physically stronger Rangers.

The East-Kerry side, nevertheless, came out of the traps first with a Michael A. Kelliher point in the second minute, stamping his intentions as he broke through three tackles, the last arriving from a fiery Liam Hassett. Full-forward Damien Casey added another three minutes later, latching onto the end of a John Buckley pass to convert his sole point of the afternoon. Despite these early scores, it was obvious that Rathmore would be made fight for every scrap, as the Rangers’ defence was closing quickly and forcing the half-forward line into taking early shots. Mike Frank opened Rangers’ account with a free following  a foul on Billy O Shea in the seventh minute before Kelliher scored his second on nine minutes from distance. This proved to be Rathmore’s best period of the game. Rangers counteracted by dropping deeper, with Mike Frank and co. rescuing ball on the halfway line. Supply soon arrived at Conal Kelly’s door but the Antrim man was forced just wide by Tom O Sullivan, who later faded, along with Rathmore’s fortunes. Seamie Foley opened his healthy account on 13 minutes and centre-halfback John Sheehan collected a ball, laid off by Billy O Shea, to slot over and level the scores on the quarter-hour mark. Mike Frank and Seamie Foley, who was full of running at this stage, added to Rangers’ total but a Riordan free brought the deficit back to the minimum. And then a moment of inspiration! For the first time in the game a ball was cleanly caught at midfield, Liam Hassett being the benefactor. The centre-half passed to John Lynch who in turn put a travelling Foley through and the midfielder made no mistake, burying the ball into the roof of the net with Jameson Hughes left wondering what had hit him. It’s the old cliché that a goal just before halftime has a huge psychological impact and so it proved as referee Tom McCarthy blew for the interval. Rangers went in four points up at 1-5 to 0-4 but the Killorglin side, for all their penetration, were slightly flattered by the score-line as John Evans would have been all too aware. Best for Rangers in the first half was definitely Seamie Foley who was being marked by an under-pressure Tom O Sullivan, although Mike Frank looked solid, while Hassett, ever the club-man, was in inspired form throughout. Rathmore, on the other hand, were not taking things lying down and the shooting of Kelliher, along with the work-rate of John Buckley and Aidan O Mahony, who was put on Foley for the second-half, were keeping the East-Kerry side in contention.

And in contention they stayed for the next 10 minutes at least. Forcing two quick frees on the restart, which were converted by Jerry Murphy and Michael Riordan. Rathmore were mixing it and things certainly heated up with players becoming hot-headed. Pa O Sullivan settled things down for Rangers with a converted free on 37 minutes before Mike Frank put forward his case for the man-of-the-match award with a goal and two in a five-minute period, the goal a snap shot from a Hassett pass, which the goalkeeper could only get his finger-tips to. Great football from the foot of experience but the somewhat inexperienced Foley stepped up to reclaim Russell’s crown with a fine point in the meantime. Suddenly, by the 43^rd minute, things were looking comfortable for Laune Rangers on a score-line of 2-10 to 0-6 and Pa O Sullivan stated that ‘he hasn’t gone away you know’ by scoring a great point from all of 30 yards out on the right. Rathmore scored three more with Murphy and Kelliher (two) chalking the scores but it was too little too late.

A spate of yellow cards helped liven up the last few minutes as Rangers played possession football with Lynch, Hassett, Gannon and O Shea keeping ball. Despite this, silly incidents resulted in yellow cards for Paul Costello, Pa Sheehan and Aidan O Mahony, the climax of disputes that always looked like bubbling to the surface before the game ended. In the end, Rathmore justified their 4/1 odds for the championship prior to this game. It was though a somewhat abrasive encounter and Rathmore made things uncomfortable for the first quarter and early in the third quarter but their football was a little too one-dimensional and, at times, they tried to walk the ball into the net. There was little they could do to counteract an in-form Russell and Foley strike-force. The Killorglin side always looked physically stronger and with their Kerry stalwarts coming into form at the tail-end of the season. Saturday’s semi-final is not the formality for Crokes that many pundits are predicting. The Laune-siders, though, face a much stiffer challenge at Fitzgerald Stadium against a strike-force that was on fire in Sunday’s second, but better-quality, quarter-final. It’s time to step up to the mark for Rangers if they are to lose the ‘nearly-men’ tag of recent seasons. Watch this space.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan (0-1), Noel Lynch, John Lynch, Seamie Foley (1-4), Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett, Conal Kelly, Brian Gannon (capt.), Pa O Sullivan (0-2, 1 free), Mike Frank Russell (1-4, 1 free). Subs: Pa Sheehan for P. O Sullivan, Maurice Foley for C. Kelly, Geoffrey O Mahony for B. Gannon, Jerry O Brien, Shane O Sullivan, Vincent Costello, Kieran Crowley, John O Sullivan, Cian Evans, Redmond Fitzgerald, John Houlihan..

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Semi-final on Sat. 15^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Dr. Crokes 1-10; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Kevin Hughes reported on the game in the Kerryman as follows: “Reporters were writing this year’s Laune Rangers’ obituary at halftime in Fitzgerald Stadium last Saturday. The Gooch was, as per usual, featuring heavily in the Sunday headlines as they trumpeted another star showing from the corner-forward alchemist. It seemed the turf-accountants had been justified in labelling the Killarney side with the favourites’ tag. But it was soon to be a case of ‘hold the front page’ as a ‘Liverpoolesque’ second-half ensued. Pa O Sullivan stepped into the Stevie Gerard role and orchestrated a second half comeback that will keep many Killarney and Killorglin bars in conversation over the coming weeks as Cooper and Brosnan strive for new headlines ‘Down Under’. In the end a draw was the least Rangers deserved, Cooper stroking over an equalising free – Peter Canavan style – as the second-half drew to a close. The Killorglin side proved that determination and team-work can balance an equation with the Gooch at the other side and, although Fitzgerald Stadium isn’t exactly Istanbul, it did just nicely for the sizeable crowd in attendance.

Crokes’ account, though, got off to a fortuitous start on five minutes with a Kieran Brosnan punt down the field bouncing in front of the forward line and over the bar. It took just another 60 seconds for (Gooch) Cooper to score with a spectacular strike from 35 yards out on the left. Three consecutive points followed as the All-Star nominee scored from both near and far, and all this despite being double-marked by Conor Falvey and Eoin Ferris who was acting as a sweeper in front of the Gooch threat. Five points ahead, the Crokes – or rather Cooper – were coasting and the short-passing game was combining well with long punts into the full-forward line, the strong breeze adding to the distances achieved. Back on the Rangers’ side, things were looking bleak. Mike Frank was slow to start, hitting his first free much too short as Eoin Brosnan said ‘thank you’ inside the six-yard box. Indeed, it took a full 15 minutes for the Killorglin side to blot the score-sheet, Antrim man Conal Kelly obliging before Billy O Shea added another, volleying the ball over the posts after supply from captain Brian Gannon. Game on, or so it seemed! Rangers began to mix it a little and a scuffle soon broke out with Rangers’ keeper, Tony Lyons, coming to blows with Cooper. Others soon joined in. The result was a trio of yellow cards for John Lynch along with Lyons and Cooper. If the intent was to upset the Crokes’ forward, it didn’t work. In what was a ridiculous catch from a McMahon punt, Cooper sneaked in behind Conor Falvey before waltzing around two defenders and side-foot nonchalantly into the corner of the Rangers’ net. James Jones added another to show that the remaining Crokes’ forward line was still at the office.

It looked ominous for Rangers after only 21 minutes, seven points down and little answers against a Killarney side, with an honours degree in the subject of short passing. With the Gooch double-marked, there was always a Killarney man spare. Despite the pressure, the Launesiders kept plugging away and it was stalwart Pa O Sullivan who was to show on the day. The full-forward was not about to fold and added impetus to John Evans’ halftime talk by catching a high ball from the half-forward line, rounding Crokes’ shot-stopper, Kieran Cremin, and goaling on 27 minutes. As the short whistle blew, Kieran Brosnan put five between the sides and so it stood (1-7 to 1-2) at the interval, Crokes having hit four wides compared to Laune Rangers’ one. The black and amber had three times as many attempts as the Rangers, all of which was sure to be on John Evans’ mind as the teams walked off.

Whatever he did say, it certainly worked. John Sheehan was switched to mark the workmanlike Eoin Brosnan, a move that helped to spring-board the comeback. Jerry Coffey, too, came in for Eoin Ferris on the restart, a switch highlighting the fact that Evans, at least, got the Ferris role wrong. Pa O Sullivan soon stepped up to the plate with a free to kick-start the comeback after just two minutes. Gooch then got on the end of a high ball that dropped just short to point before Mike Frank opened his account with a free, converted on the left. David Moloney and Pa O Sullivan exchanged points but Moloney picked up a yellow card five minutes later following an abrasive clash with Noel Lynch. From here on in, it was a sea of blue and white as the Killorglin outfit began to believe Crokes were there for the taking. Tackles were full-blooded, as the Killarney side was pushed further into a defensive mode. Rangers were three down but scored four-in-a-row in a nine-minute spell to edge ahead for the first time in the match, with scores coming from even centre halfback John Sheehan, Billy O Shea, who wasn’t holding back, and Mike Frank Russell, who added two quick points from play. Another county final for Rangers? Not just yet! In the end, it was ‘you know who’ to the Crokes’ rescue, as the corner-forward steadied himself to point from a free on 60 minutes.

Questions were asked of the referee as he added just two minutes of injury-time – around three too short due to the substantial injuries suffered by Conal Kelly and Crokes’ impressive substitute Roland Neher. Listening to supporters of the two camps, both sets of followers had grievances with the officialing. Personally, I felt the referee, although blowing for a few dubious frees, including the equalising free, seemed to favour Rangers in the first half and Crokes in the second. He should be lauded, though, for his tough handling of a potential brawl of a game, with yellow cards flashed, as these teams certainly have no love lost between each other. It was a score-line the County Board didn’t want with the International Rules beckoning – a backlog in the fixture list that will involve a semi-final and final in consecutive weeks for one of these sides, in a bid to conclude the championship in time for Munster. Roll on November 6 and, if the tension is half as much as it was in this encounter, then it is worth marking this date in the calendar. Man-of-the-match? Colm Cooper, for the outrageous scores attempted and successfully completed but mention should also be made of the contribution Pa O Sullivan made to the comeback, scoring 1-3 on the day. It seems Rangers have characters to suit different occasions. Last week Seamie Foley shone for the Rangers but had a quiet game this time round. Russell (in the second half) and Kelly also featured strongly. Rangers had strength in depth whereas Crokes relied too heavily on the inevitable Gooch tally, Kieran Brosnan being the significant other who scored more than once.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan (0-1), Noel Lynch, Johnny Lynch, Seamie Foley, Billy O Shea (0-2), Liam Hassett, Conal Kelly (0-1), Brian Gannon (capt.), Pa O Sullivan (1-3), Mike Frank Russell (0-3). Sub: Jerry Coffey for E. Ferris.

Ref: Tom Lynch (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Semi-final replay on Sun. 6^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Dr. Crokes 2-7; Laune Rangers 1-4.

Dr. Crokes managed to see off fellow-club side Laune Rangers with a largely underwhelming display in a dour but temperamental semi-final replay and did so for the most part without their two super-powers. Eoin Brosnan returned from the Compromise Rules series in Australia with tonsillitis and was unable to play, while Colm Cooper was present in body only and succeeded in scoring only two pointed frees.

Pa O Sullivan opened the scoring as the Killorglin side attacked the score-board end of the ground. Unfortunately, Laune Rangers only scored one more point from play in the remainder of the game. After Mike Frank Russell had added two pointed frees, Rangers led by 0-3 to 0-0 and Crokes looked rudderless. Eventually, Cooper opened their account with a pointed free after 16 minutes. Kieran O Leary, Kieran Brosnan and Batt Moriarty added points to put the Killarney side ahead. Things could have been much worse for Rangers as their goalkeeper, Tony Lyons, made a fantastic full-length dive to deny David Moloney’s low, angled drive just on the break. So, at halftime the Killarney side led by 0-4 to 0-3 but things looked ominous for the Launesiders as they had played second fiddle to a rampant Crokes’ outfit in the second quarter and the whistle had provided some much needed respite.

The gods seemed to have been in favour of a Killorglin win as the wind, which had aided them in the opening half, suddenly disappeared, resulting in a level playing field. However, Rangers could not capitalise as they racked up four wides in the opening exchanges of the second half, though they did draw level with a 35-yard Russell free ten minutes in. That score seemed to spur Dr. Crokes on as they hit a mini-purple patch, which yielded 2-2 in seven minutes to all but seal their place in the final. Colm Cooper’s second free edged his side ahead and then O Leary struck for his first goal. He fielded a high ball, rounded Conor Falvey and dispatched the ball to the net. The same player pointed a minute later and then he scored his second goal. John Sheehan, who had postponed his honeymoon for the game, gifted the ball to Andrew Kennelly, he made ground before parting to O Leary who billowed the net with his left-footed drive. That gave Crokes an eight-point advantage, 2-6 to 0-4. However, there was still life in the opposition and Rangers attacked in numbers in search of the goal that would open the door for a possible comeback. Crokes’ keeper, Kieran Cremin, made an excellent save from Mike Frank Russell and the curtains began to draw. It was a case of hero to villain, though, for Cremin who, seconds later, dropped a harmless long-distance Pa O Sullivan effort into his net. Rangers smelt blood and attacked with more menace and were unlucky to see a Conal Kelly effort whiz by moments later. With that miss went their last chance of reaching a third final-in-a-row.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Noel Lynch, Johnny Lynch, Seamie Foley, Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett, Conal Kelly, Brian Gannon (capt.), Pa O Sullivan (1-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-3, frees). Subs: Jerry Coffey for T. Houlihan, Geoffrey O Mahony for B. Gannon, Pa Sheehan for B. O Shea, Maurice Foley for S. Foley, Adrian Hassett, Kieran Crowley, Shane O Sullivan, Vincent Costello, John O Sullivan, Cian Evans, Redmond Fitzgerald, John Houlihan.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Co. Senior Club Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 8^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-8; Dr. Crokes 2-10.

A slicker and more composed Dr. Crokes side deservedly advanced to the semi-final of the Club Championship at the expense of Laune Rangers in a game played in ideal conditions in the JP O Sullivan Park. Rangers suffered a blow before the throw-in, when midfielder Maurice Foley cried off to be replaced by Geoffrey O Mahony. The home side employed corner-forward Colin O Connor in a roving capacity. They were first to score when Mike Frank Russell put over a free in the opening minute. They stretched that lead in the second minute when John Sheehan pointed but, incredibly, that was to be their last score of the opening half. Colin O Connor saw his effort come off the upright before Colm Cooper opened the visitors’ account with a pointed free in the 4^th minute. Eoin Brosnan, Colm Cooper (2) and Ambrose O Donovan added further points to leave Dr. Crokes ahead by 0-5 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter. The home side was under the cosh, with Crokes’ midfield setting up attack after attack and, when Mike Frank Russell missed a simple tap-over free, the signs didn’t look good for John Evans’ men. Then, in the 29^th minute, came a stroke of Gooch greatness, when he drew the defence and coolly slotted a low shot into the net to the left of goalkeeper Tony Lyons. That put Crokes well in command and they led by 1-5 to 0-2 at the break.

On the resumption, Rangers introduced Pa O Sullivan and Seamus Foley in an effort to bolster their attack but it was Crokes who were first to score when Andrew Kennelly pointed. Mike Frank Russell was yellow-carded, as were John Sheehan and James Fleming, before Rangers had a point from Colin O Connor. Eoin Brosnan pointed for Crokes before Liam Hassett brought the best out of Crokes’ goalkeeper, Kieran Cremin, who got down well to save. Colin O Connor pointed the rebound, while Mike Frank Russell and David Moloney traded placed balls to leave it at 1-8 to 0-5 at the end of the third quarter. Any hope of a Rangers’ revival was crushed in the 46^th minute when Andrew Kennelly reacted fastest to shoot a loose ball to the net and leave the score at 2-8 to 0-5. Rangers did try as Pa O Sullivan put over the score of the match when his left-legged effort was on target and Seamus Foley and Mike Frank Russell added two more. But it was all to no avail, as points from Edmund O Sullivan and Colm Cooper finished off the Crokes’ scoring to leave them richly deserving winners.

It was a bad day at the office for Rangers, as their play was sloppy with attacks breaking down for the simplest of reasons. Conor Falvey, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Billy O Shea, Colin O Connor and sub, Seamus Foley, were the pick of the team. Eoin Ferris and Johnny Lynch was injured and unable to play.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Paul Costello, Terence Houlihan, John Sheehan (0-1), Jerry Coffey, Pa Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Geoffrey O Mahony, Adrian Hassett, Billy O Shea, Jerry O Brien, Brian Gannon (capt.), Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Colin O Connor (0-2). Subs: Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Seamus Foley (0-1), Shane O Sullivan, Stuart Delaney.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th March at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 0-10; Laune Rangers 1-7.

That game was played in difficult conditions in Kilcummin. It took a Mike Frank Russell point in injury-time to secure a share in the spoils for the visitors. Laune Rangers were without the services of Liam Hassett and John Sheehan.

Kilcummin played with the aid of the breeze in the first half and but it was Laune Rangers that got off  to a dream start in the 2^nd minute when a Russell free from the side-line ended up in the corner of the Kilcummin net. The home side replied with points from  a DJ Fleming free and two well-taken points from centre-halfback Kieran O Donoghue and a second point from Fleming. Kilcummin raced into a four-point lead with further points from frees by Eamonn O Donoghue and Fleming but Laune Rangers replied with a Russell point from a free in the 23rd minute. Fleming converted a 40m free to leave his side leading by 0-8 to 1-1 at the break.

The second half was played in a downpour and was dominated by Laune Rangers. They kicked the two opening points of the half from Brian Gannon and a free by Pa O Sullivan to leave just two points between the sides. In the 12^th minute Eamonn O Donoghue replied with a 14m free. Pa O Sullivan pointed a free shortly afterwards. Paul McCarthy added a Kilcummin point in the 16^th minute to leave three points separating the teams. Laune Rangers rallied in the closing minutes with an excellent Pa O Sullivan point and two from frees by Mike Frank Russell.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Paul Costello, Terence Houlihan, John O Sullivan, Jerry Coffey, Pa Sheehan, Adrian Hassett, Maurice Foley, Jerry O Brien, Billy O Shea, Colin O Connor, Brian Gannon (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Mike Frank Russell (1-3). Subs: Geoffrey O Mahony, Jonathan Carey.

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 26^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-8; Desmonds 0-9.

Played in brilliant sunshine on a perfect pitch, that game was much closer than the score-line would suggest. Rangers’ goalkeeper, Tony Lyons, was kept busy all through the game, including one save from the penalty spot.

Rangers’ first goal came from a fine catch by Maurice Foley who laid the ball off to Colin O Connor for a great goal. Desmonds came close to scoring a goal after some fine play by Kevin Lynch but Lyons stopped the ball on the line. Rangers’ John O Sullivan sent a long delivery to Geoffrey O Mahony who was fouled in the square and a penalty was awarded. Mike Frank Russell sent an unstoppable shot to the net. Kevin Lynch then scored from a free. Desmonds were awarded a penalty but the Rangers’ goalkeeper made another great save from Lynch at the expense of a ‘45’ from which Pender scored to leave the home side ahead at the break by 2-3 to 0-3.

In the second half, Desmonds dominated for a long period and went on a scoring blitz with points from Pender and Lynch, both frees. Lyons then made his third save of the game and Dillon punched over the bar from the resulting ‘45’. Lynch then fisted a point to leave just two points between the sides but Rangers broke away and Russell kicked a fine point before Lynch had Desmonds last score from a free. Podge Foley was introduced for Rangers and, in his first touch, broke the ball to Brian Gannon for a fine goal. Colin O Connor finished off a fine display with a good point and two frees from Pa O Sullivan gave Rangers a comfortable win.

Laune Rangers: MF Russell (1-3), Colin O Connor (1-1), Brian Gannon (1-0), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Jerry O Brien 0-1.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 10^th April at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-13 Laune Rangers 2-10.

Milltown/Castlemaine looked to be heading for victory over rivals Laune Rangers in that game. However, they reckoned without a last-minute penalty, given when Liam Hassett worked his way into the penalty box and was felled. Furious Milltown players surrounded the referee, claiming that no foul had been committed, but the spot-kick was given and, when the fuss had died down, Mike Frank Russell stepped up to slot home the kick, twice, and give Rangers a share of the points. It was just about the fairest result, as the game was evenly balanced and very entertaining and committed.

The home side had looked stronger in the first half and, with Donal Kelliher looking sharp up front, they gave the Rangers’ defence plenty of trouble. Kelliher landed a goal for the home side and added further points as did Ian Twiss and Derek Twiss, while the visiting attack was somewhat subdued. However, a critical goal, scored by Colin O Connor in the first half, gave the Rangers side hope, but they struggled again in the second half as the home side continued to add points. But the Rangers began to settle and soon saw space in their attack, Mike Frank Russell, Pa O Sullivan and Liam Hassett landing points. Their task was made even harder when Paul Costello was sent off, but they kept plugging away and pushed the Milltown side back into defence. Eventually, their perseverance was rewarded with that late penalty, with Russell keeping his cool to take it, and retake it, to secure a point.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Paul Costello, Terence Houlihan, Karl Falvey, Shane O Sullivan, Jerry Coffey, Seamus Foley, Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien, Brian Gannon (capt.), Maurice Foley, Colin O Connor, Pa O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell.

 

Rd. 4 on Thurs. 21^st April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-10; Laune Rangers 0-7.

That game, played in sun-drenched Strand Road, was free-ridden and a very poor advertisement for Gaelic football. There was too much in the way of spoiling tactics and negative play from both sides. Rangers’ manager, John Evans, was the first to admit that they had a lot of work to do if they were to achieve any silverware that year. Rangers clearly laboured and had only one point to show for the first half and that came three minutes from the break from the boot of Liam Hassett. O Rahillys, meanwhile, had chalked up 1-7.

At that stage, one had to fear for Rangers but, in fairness to them, they staged something of a spirited recovery but the goal their challenge needed never looked like coming. Within two minutes of the restart, Mark Fitzgerald added a further point and then Rangers began to get into the groove. Brian Gannon and Maurice Foley added vital points as hopes of a Rangers’ recovery began to gather speed. Then Mike Frank Russell pointed a beautiful left-legged effort from 45m out to reduce the gap still further. Another Brian Gannon minor cut the gap to six points (1-8 to 0-5) with 20 minutes to go but then the game was reduced to a pulling and dragging affair. A brace of points from John O Connor extended the lead to eight points as injury-time approached. Rangers finished the stronger with points from Adrian Hassett and Mike Frank Russell. Laune Rangers were best served in that game by Adrian and Liam Hassett, Maurice Foley and Brian Gannon.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, John O Sullivan, Paul Costello, Conor Falvey, Jerry Coffey, Shane O Sullivan, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Adrian Hassett (0-1), Maurice Foley (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), Jerry O Brien, Mike Frank Russell (0-2, frees), Billy O Shea, Colin O Connor. Subs: Brian Gannon (0-2) for J. Lynch (inj.), John Sheehan for J. O Sullivan, Kieran Crowley for C. Falvey. That was Kieran Crowley’s debut game with Laune Rangers’ senior team. John Sheehan returned from injury to play in that game.

Ref: Donie Casey (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 21^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-9; Annascaul 0-10.

 

Rd. 7 on Sat. 11^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-13; Dingle 0-8.

Laune Rangers got off to a great start with three points from play, two from Pa O Sullivan and one from Seamus Foley, inside the first five minutes. Then Dingle settled and had points from D. Geaney (3) and Tommy Griffin to give them the lead. Brian Gannon pointed for Rangers and when Paul Costello, Geoffrey O Mahony and Maurice Foley were fouled, Pa O Sullivan scored three points from frees. D. Geaney scored a point for the visitors to leave the halftime score at 0-7 to 0-5 in favour of the home side. On the restart, Dingle piled on the pressure and were rewarded with points by D. Ryan and Mark Evans. A pointed free gave Dingle the lead but Rangers finished the stronger with substitute Billy O Shea playing well and points by Geoffrey O Mahony, Jerry O Brien and two further points by man-of-the-match, Pa O Sullivan, left them comfortable winners.

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 2^nd July at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 1-9; Laune Rangers 0-8.

After taking the upper-hand in the first half and dominating play, Laune Rangers’ only spell of control came in the opening minutes of the second half. However, as the home side weathered the storm and gathered momentum, Laune Rangers, minus Mike Frank Russell and Liam Hassett, fell apart when lacking that fire-power. St. Mary’s started the brighter and Niall O Driscoll pointed from the throw-in. Laune Rangers’ finest chance of a goal came 11 minutes in when Darren Corcoran pulled off a point-blank save from Pa O Sullivan but he made up for it 2 minutes later with a wind-assisted point. The Killorglin side then took the lead when Pa Sheehan sent the ball high and over the bar. On 22 minutes came the turning point when Austin Constable got his fist to a cross to put the ball in the net. Rory Keating and Bryan Sheehan (free) closed the scoring for the first half, at which stage St. Mary’s led by 1-3 to 0-2.

The second half began as the first had and Rory Keating scored a point. Jerry Coffey and Pa Sheehan (2) reduced the lead to two points. Niall O Driscoll added a further point for the home side but Pa O Sullivan responded with two points to reduce the margin to the minimum. Bryan Sheehan replied for St. Mary’s with two points, one from a free. Pa O Sullivan scored a 20m free but that was the visitors’ last score as Bryan Sheehan (‘45’), Austin Constable and Rory Keating added points to close out the game.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Jerry Coffey (0-1, free), Johnny Lynch, Maurice Foley, Brian Gannon, Pa Sheehan (0-2), Seamus Foley, Pa O Sullivan (0-5, 3 frees), Billy O Shea, Geoffrey O Mahony. Subs: Shane O Sullivan, Jerry O Brien, Kieran Crowley and Podge Foley.

Ref: Donal Casey (Scartaglin).

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 24^th July at Listowel: Emmett’s 0-11; Laune Rangers 0-10.

Laune Rangers’ yo-yo form continued when they travelled north to take on Listowel Emmett’s but came home without a point after a late Billy Doyle score grabbed the win. Given that Rangers had their county players available, the scene was set for them to take the points but it did not turn out that way. It was the home side that opened the scoring with points from Maurice Whelan and Brian Scanlon. A free by Mike Frank Russell and a point from play by Pa Sheehan levelled matters inside 10 minutes of play. Scanlon’s second free restored the Emmett’s lead, Russell responding from play, before Seamus Foley put Rangers ahead for the first time. Brian Scanlon almost hit the net but Tony Lyons’ terrific save deflected the ball over the bar. Russell was in good form and he restored the Mid-Kerry side’s lead and he then further extended that lead with a long-range free. A late Brian Scanlon point left just a point between the sides at halftime, 0-6 to 0-5.

Early in the second half, Scanlon levelled matters from a free. Geoffrey O Mahony restored Rangers’ lead and Gary Stack evened up the game once more. However, Geoffrey O Mahony, who featured prominently in the second half, soon gave his side the lead again before Russell and Gary Stack swapped points. Geoffrey O Mahony stretched the lead to two points soon after. Brian Scanlon (free) and Pa O Sullivan swapped points. However, Scanlon was in fine form from placed balls and drove two frees over the bar to tie the scores. With just a minute left in the game, Emmett’s brought the ball out of defence and Billy Doyle fired over the winning score. Rangers tried hard in the closing stages but kicked a number of wides to miss their chance.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Maurice Foley, John Sheehan, Jerry Coffey, Johnny Lynch, Liam Hassett, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Billy O Shea, Seamus Foley (0-1), Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-4, 2 frees). Sub: Geoffrey O Mahony (0-3).

 

Rd. 10 on Sat. 20^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Austin Stacks 0-5.

A stunning display of accuracy from play and from frees by Pa O Sullivan helped Laune Rangers to an impressive victory over a very lack-lustre Austin Stacks outfit at the JP O Sullivan Park. O Sullivan amassed a personal return of 0-7 out of his side’s final tally, of which four points came from play and the remaining three from placed balls. Rangers, without the services of Mike Frank Russell and Liam Hassett, were delighted with the success as it ensured them of Div. 1 football on the following year. The Killorglin side was full value for its win and, with Pa O Sullivan in tremendous form, they had built up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 13 minutes. Seamus Foley was another to tease and torment the Stacks’ defence on a regular basis and the Kerry U-21 got his name on the score-sheet in the 28^th minute to give the Laune Rangers side a 0-7 to 0-1 lead at halftime.

Things got worse for the Tralee side upon the resumption when Pa O Sullivan nailed his sixth score of the game. However, Stacks rallied somewhat and a brace of Dara Long frees brought them to within five points of their opponents. Their midfielder, Billy Curtin, was lucky to escape with a yellow card after a heavy foul on Adrian Hassett. Pa O Sullivan and Terence Houlihan pushed Rangers 0-10 to 0-4 clear with 49 minutes gone. Stacks needed a goal at that stage to revive their fortune and they almost got one in the 51^st minute but Rangers’ goalkeeper, Tony Lyons, denied Martin Courtney with a point-blank save.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan (0-1), Paul Costello, John Sheehan (0-1), Noel Lynch, Adrian Hassett, Johnny Lynch, Pa Sheehan, Seamus Foley (0-1), Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan (0-7), Conal Kelly, Geoffrey O Mahony. Subs: Maurice Foley for C. Kelly, Shane O Sullivan for P. O Sullivan, Kieran Crowley for C. Falvey.

Ref: Tom McCarthy (Desmonds).

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 1^st Oct. at Gallerus: An Ghaeltacht 0-13; Laune Rangers 1-9.

That was a game of two halves, due to the gale-force wind. An Ghaeltacht, playing with the aid of that wind, were four points ahead before Rangers equalised with a great goal by Mike Frank Russell and a point by Conal Kelly. Rangers’ only other score in that half was a point from a free by Pa O Sullivan. The home side scored 8 further points to lead by 0-12 to 1-2 at the break. An Ghaeltacht shut up shop in the second half and Rangers found it difficult to penetrate the defence. They managed points from Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett and Pa O Sullivan but the home team held on with a free by Dara Ó Cinnéide ensuring victory.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan, Jerry Coffey, Seamus Foley, Johnny Lynch, Pa Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Conal Kelly, Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell. Subs: Maurice Foley, Noel Lynch, Jerry O Brien, Adrian Hassett, Shane O Sullivan (all played).

 

Laune Rangers finished in 6^th place in Div. 1 with 11 points.

 

Molyneaux Cup

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 5^th Aug. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Dr. Crokes ‘B’ 1-4.

Noel Lynch had returned from abroad, and both Mark Healy and Tom McGillycuddy had returned from injury for that game. Rangers led at halftime by 1-5 to 0-3.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Gerard O Sullivan (twin) 0-1, Noel Lynch, Stuart Delaney, Pa Crowley (1-0, pen), Tim O Regan (0-1), Mark Healy, John Houlihan (0-4, 1 free), Ross Sheehan (0-1, free), Jonathan Carey (1-0), Cian Evans (0-1), Podge Foley, Francis Russell. Sub: Thomas McGillycuddy for G. O Sullivan.

 

Quarter-finals on Fri. 26^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Gaeltacht ‘B’ scr.

 

Semi-final on Fri. 2^nd Sept. at Strand Road: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-14; Emmett’s ‘B’ 0-6.

That was a good performance from a young team. Andrew O Regan, John O Sullivan and Jonathan Carey were the best players on the evening.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Dáire Clifford, John O Sullivan (0-1), Mark Healy, Stuart Delaney, Andrew O Regan, Tim O Regan (0-1), John Houlihan (1-1), Ross Sheehan (0-4, 2 frees), Trevor Gannon (0-2), Cian Evans (0-1), Podge Foley (0-1), Jonathan Carey (1-3). Subs: Francis Russell for T. Gannon, Eamonn Carey (1-0) for J. Carey.

 

Final on Sun. 18^th Sept. at Listry: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-11; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 2-5.

A hat-trick of superbly executed second-half goals, by speedy corner-forward Jonathan Carey, put Laune Rangers on the road to that victory, in a game that was played in ideal conditions. While they were slow to start, Rangers really upped the game in the second half and ran out easy winners as a number of Strand Road players visibly tired towards the finish.

The Tralee side played with the aid of a stiffish breeze in the opening half and got a tonic start when Tony Hussey crashed the ball to the net after 20 seconds. Rangers reacted with two pointed frees from Ross Sheehan, after Conal Kelly was fouled and a Strand Road player was whistled for over-carrying. However, O Rahillys responded with a goal and a point by Damien Diggins. Ross Sheehan converted a free to leave his side trailing by 2-1 to 0-3 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was a scrappy affair as tempers rose and the referee had to issue six yellow cards, four to Strand Road players and two to Rangers, in order to restore calm. Rangers came more into the game as positional switches worked well for them. Cian Evans had a pointed free and Stuart Delaney, who was at that stage operating at centre-back, added another after good work by Conal Kelly and Cian Evans. It was all Rangers then and, with Noel Lynch outstanding, they piled on the pressure and the Tralee side’s backs were guilty of fouling close in. However, Ross Sheehan missed three gilt-edged chances to reduce the deficit before he again found his shooting boots with another free in the 28^th minute. Ger Tobin had the last score of the half, to leave his side ahead at the break by two points, 2-2 to 0-6.

The opening five minutes of the second half saw the game swing dramatically in Rangers’ favour as Jonathan Carey swooped for two goals in a  three-minute spell. The first, in the second minute, was set up by a neat through-pass from midfielder Tim O Regan, while John Houlihan was the provider for the second, three minutes later. Showing great composure on both occasions, Carey took on and beat the Strand Road defence before coolly dispatching to the net. Those two goals turned a two-point deficit into the four-point advantage and Rangers were in control from there on. With the O Regan brothers coming more into it at midfield, Rangers went on to dominate the game and unanswered points from Trevor Gannon, Conal Kelly and Cian Evans saw them stretch their lead to seven points ten minutes into the half. A Damien Diggins free on the three-quarter mark reduced the lead to six points but they never looked like making serious inroads into the Rangers’ lead. Ross Sheehan added his fifth of the afternoon, again from a free, midfielder Tim O Regan made it point number eleven for Rangers and then Jonathan Carey made sure of victory with ten minutes to go, when he slotted home goal number three. Strand Road had plenty of possession in those closing 10 minutes but, really, Rangers were in relaxed mode as they knew that they were assured of victory. Two Tommy Kennedy points, one from play, closed the scoring.

Rangers deserved victory because they had a bigger variety of younger and fresher players to call upon. They were best served by Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley and the impressive Noel Lynch in defence, the O Regan brothers at midfield, plus Ross Sheehan, Cian Evans, Conal Kelly and three-goal hero Jonathan Carey in the forward line. Afterwards, Peter Twiss, representing the Co. Board, presented the Molyneaux Cup to the winning captain, Redmond Fitzgerald.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald (acting capt.), Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney (0-1), John O Sullivan, Mark Healy, Noel Lynch, Andrew O Regan, Tim O Regan (0-1), John Houlihan, Ross Sheehan (0-6, 4 frees), Trevor Gannon (0-1), Cian Evans (0-1, free), Conal Kelly (0-1), Jonathan Carey (3-0). Subs: Francis Russell for J. Carey, Gerard O Sullivan for C. Evans, Eamonn Carey for T. Gannon, Podge Foley for J. Houlihan, Dáire Clifford.

Ref: Mike O Donoghue (Glenflesk).

 

Co. Senior Football League Div. 4

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-2; Renard 0-13.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Mark Healy, Dáire Clifford, Gerard O Sullivan (Twin), Kieran Crowley, Karl Falvey (capt.), Andrew O Regan, Eoin O Mahony, James O Shea, John Ahern, Stuart Delaney, Eamonn Carey, Podge Foley, Francis Russell. Subs: Paul O Connor for J. Ahern, Shane Harmon for S. Delaney, Tim O Regan for G. O Sullivan, Morgan Foley for P. Foley, Michael Ledwith for F. Russell, John Foley, Ross Sheehan, John McKenna. Trevor Gannon was injured and could not play, while Gerard Purcell was under suspension.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 27^th March at Brosna: Brosna 2-11; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald (capt.), Mark Healy, Dáire Clifford, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley, Pa Sheehan, Andrew O Regan, Jonathan Carey, Eamonn Carey (2-1), John Ahern, James O Shea, Trevor Gannon, Morgan Foley, John Houlihan (0-4, 2 frees). Subs: Tim O Regan for D. Clifford, Ross Sheehan for J. Ahern, Francis Russell for J. Houlihan, John Foley, Brendan O Shea. Gerard O Sullivan was injured and unable to play, while Podge Foley was on holidays.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 9^th April at Cromane: Cromane 0-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-6.

Rangers had four goal-scoring chances in the first half, all saved by the Cromane goalkeeper. Having led by 0-4 to 0-2 at halftime, the visitors completely dominated the second half to run out easy winners. One of the Cromane players scored an own goal. Jonathan Carey was sent off for fighting.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Mark Healy, Dáire Clifford, Jonathan Carey, Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Andrew O Regan, James O Shea (0-1, free), Eamonn Carey, Geoffrey O Mahony (0-1), Trevor Gannon, Ross Sheehan, Morgan Foley (1-0), John Houlihan (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: Paul O Connor (0-1) for E. Carey, Podge Foley for J. Houlihan, Gerard Purcell for M. Foley, Tim O Regan, Francis Russell, Gerard O Sullivan, John Foley, Brendan O Shea, Michael Ledwith, Paul McKenna, David O Dowd. John Ahern was injured and unable to play.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 17^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-4; Na Gaeil 1-8.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald (capt.), Mark Healy, Dáire Clifford, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Andrew O Regan, Maurice Foley, Ross Sheehan (0-1), James O Shea, Paul O Connor, John Houlihan (0-2, frees), Morgan Foley, Eamonn Carey. Subs: Podge Foley for S. Delaney, Francis Russell for J. Houlihan, Ger Purcell for E. Carey, Brendan O Shea for R. Sheehan, Tim O Regan, John Foley, Cian Evans, Aidan Lynch, Derry O Sullivan. Gerard O Sullivan, Geoffrey O Mahony and Trevor Gannon were injured and unable to play

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 22^nd May at Moyvane: Moyvane 1-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Mark Healy, Dáire Clifford, Stuart Delaney, Andrew O Regan, Kieran Crowley, James O Shea, Maurice Foley (0-1), Podge Foley, Geoffrey O Mahony, Trevor Gannon (0-1), Ross Sheehan (0-3, 2 frees), Morgan Foley (1-0), John Houlihan (0-1, free). Subs: Eamonn Carey for J. Houlihan, Tim O Regan, Gerard O Sullivan, Cian Evans, Francis Russell. Jonathan Carey and Eoin O Mahony played soccer instead of travelling with the ‘B’ team.

 

Rd. 6 on Sat. 4^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-11; Tuosist 1-9.

The game was played in ideal conditions at JP O Sullivan Park. Tuosist got off to a great start and, with Flor O Sullivan outstanding at midfield, they had four points on the board before Rangers got their first score. Then Rangers got to grips with the game and, with scores coming from Brendan Fitzgerald, Ross Sheehan, Pa Sheehan and great free-taking by John Houlihan, they came within a point of Tuosist at halftime, 0-6 to 0-5.

On the resumption, Tuosist scored a great goal through Gavin McCarthy. Ross Sheehan, Trevor Gannon and John Houlihan replied for Rangers, but Alan O Sullivan scored two further points for the visitors. Rangers introduced Morgan Foley with ten minutes left and the Tuosist defence found him hard to mark. They conceded a penalty, which John Houlihan scored and he also scored the last point to leave Rangers ahead by two points at the end. Laune Rangers were best served on the night by Kieran Crowley, Brendan Fitzgerald, Trevor Gannon, Pa Sheehan, John Houlihan and substitute, Morgan Foley.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, John O Sullivan, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Andrew O Regan, Brendan Fitzgerald (0-1), James O Shea (capt.), Maurice Foley, Trevor Gannon (0-1), Ross Sheehan (0-2), Pa Sheehan (0-1), John Houlihan (1-5, 4 frees and 1 pen), Podge Foley, Jonathan Carey. Subs: Morgan Foley (0-1) for R. Sheehan, Cian Evans, Francis Russell, Tim O Regan, Brendan O Shea.

 

Rd. 8 on Sat. 2^nd July at Tarbert: Tarbert 1-10; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-7.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Gerard O Sullivan, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pa Crowley, Stuart Delaney, John O Sullivan, Jonathan Carey, Andrew O Regan, Tim O Regan, Darragh Burns (0-2), Ross Sheehan (0-3, frees), Trevor Gannon, Cian Evans (0-1, free), Francis Russell (0-1), John Houlihan. Subs: Aidan Lynch for S. Delaney (inj.), Brendan O Shea for G. O Sullivan. Podge Foley and Kieran Crowley had been added to the ‘A’ panel, while Brendan Fitzgerald and James O Shea were on holidays.

 

Rd. 9 on Sun. 24^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-8; Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-14.

Laune Rangers dominated proceedings in the first half but found scores hard to come by against a tough Glenbeigh defence. They had scores from James O Shea, Jonathan Carey, Geoffrey O Mahony and John Houlihan. Darren O Sullivan scored five for the visitors and Adrian O Connor scored two to leave the halftime score at 0-7 to 0-5 in favour of the visitors. In the second half, the O Connors dominated midfield for Glenbeigh and, as a result, the margin widened to five points entering the last quarter. Then Geoffrey O Mahony scored a top-class goal for the Rangers. Eugene Courtney pointed for the visitors to leave a goal between the sides. Cian Evans was unlucky not to have scored a goal when his shot just went wide of the post. Rangers battled for all they were worth and it paid off when Ross Sheehan rattled the net for the equaliser on the stroke of fulltime. James O Shea was sent off for striking.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Kieran Crowley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Pa Crowley, Brendan Fitzgerald, John O Sullivan, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan, James O Shea (0-1), Jonathan Carey (0-1, ‘45’), Ross Sheehan (1-0), Geoffrey O Mahony (1-1, 1 free), Francis Russell, Podge Foley, John Houlihan (0-4, frees). Subs: Pa Sheehan (0-1) for F. Russell, Cian Evans for J. Carey, Gerard O Sullivan, Dáire Clifford.

 

Rd. 7 on Tues. 9^th Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-11’B’; Firies 2-9.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Noel Lynch, Pa Crowley, Mark Healy, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan, Maurice Foley, John Houlihan (0-1), Pa Sheehan (0-2), Jonathan Carey (0-2), Cian Evans (1-0), Podge Foley (0-2), Geoffrey O Mahony (1-3). Subs: Ross Sheehan (0-1) for C. Evans, Conall Kelly (1-0) for P. Foley, John O Sullivan for J. Houlihan, Gerard O Sullivan, Trevor Gannon, Eamonn Carey, Brendan O Shea, Dáire Clifford, Francis Russell.

 

Rd. 10 on Sun. 21^st Aug. at Churchill: Churchill 3-9; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-12.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Noel Lynch, Jonathan Carey, John O Sullivan, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan (0-1), Mark Healy, John Houlihan, Ross Sheehan (0-5, 3 frees), Trevor Gannon (0-1), Cian Evans (0-1), Podge Foley (0-1), Geoffrey O Mahony (0-2). Subs: Pa Sheehan for C. Evans, Eamonn Carey for V. Costello (inj.), Conal Kelly (0-1) for P. Foley, Francis Russell for T. O Regan, Gerard O Sullivan, Dáire Clifford, Brendan O Shea. Maurice Foley and Pa Crowley were injured and unable to play.

 

Rd. 11 on Sun. 16^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-8; St. Senan’s 0-4.

That was a good finish to the season. The halftime score was 0-4 to 0-2, Rangers’ scores coming from Tim O Regan, Jonathan Carey and Geoffrey O Mahony (2). St. Senan’s had the home defence under pressure in the second half and, but a double save by Vincent Costello and Redmond Fitzgerald, the result could have been different. Kieran Crowley was excellent at fullback. Laune Rangers were relegated to Div. 5 of the Co. League

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Dáire Clifford, Gerard O Sullivan, Mark Healy, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan (0-1), Geoffrey O Mahony (0-2, frees), John Houlihan (0-2, frees), Trevor Gannon, Eamonn Carey, Francis Russell, Podge Foley (0-1), Jonathan Carey (0-2).

 

Barrett Cup

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 5^th Aug. at Kenmare: Kenmare ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.

 

Co. Junior Football League Div. 2

Laune Rangers ‘C’ were grouped with Beaufort ‘B’, Austin Stacks ‘C’, St. Mary’s ‘B’, Sneem ‘B’, Spa ‘B’, Legion ‘B’ and Gneeveguilla ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 6^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ Beaufort ‘B’.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 13^th May at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s ‘B’ Laune Rangers ‘C’.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 20^th May at Spa: Spa ‘B’ 1-11; Laune Rangers ‘C’ 1-4.

Rd. 4 on Fri. 27^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ Sneem ‘B’.

Rd. 5 on Fri. 3^rd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 2-3; Austin Stacks ‘C’ 5-14.

Rd. 6 on Fri. 10^th June at Gneeveguilla: Gneeveguilla ‘B’ w/o; Laune Rangers ‘C’ scr.

Rd. 7 on Fri. 24^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘C’ 0-4; Legion ‘B’ 0-10.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 13^th Nov. at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-5; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Kevin Hughes reported in the Kerryman as follows: “Sluggish, heavy and laboured – and those were just the conditions underfoot. Both teams huffed and puffed at Glenbeigh in this Mid-Kerry semi-final, but Laune Rangers came out on top, despite failing to set the midday crowd alight. A quiet but efficient day at the office for the Rangers, a team which no doubt would have preferred a crack at the plusher surroundings of Killarney’s rather more important boardroom meeting. So, it was a disjointed performance from the beaten county semi-finalists as the Launesiders squashed the home side with a deluge of hand-passing, yet little penetration. It speaks little therefore of a Glenbeigh/Glencar outfit, which came out screaming but managed little more than a whimper after the opening exchanges settled into something resembling a pattern. That, though, is more than can be said for the sodden pitch, testimony to the heavy rain and worse for wear as the season takes a bow.

There’s no love lost between these rivals but the trip via Caragh Lake ultimately proved a happy one for the Blues, with the evergreen Mike Frank notching up a tally of 0-7 on the day (5 frees). Indeed, the Kerry forward opened his account on five minutes with a free in front of the posts. Antrim man Conal Kelly doubled the score on 10 minutes, making no mistake after Brian Gannon off-loaded before Mike Frank scored his first from play a minute later. Down three points, Glenbeigh/Glencar responded with physicality – Michael Griffin, the culprit, receiving a yellow card for a harsh challenge on Kelly. Adrian O Connor cleaned up the act by scoring out on the left when clean through on goal, his shot just clearing the crossbar. The move, though, deserved the three. Two more scores from Mike Frank, the first a free following a Michael Walsh foul, were answered by a sole score from Russell’s opposite number Darren O Sullivan, a free curled in from the right and one that Mike Frank would certainly have been proud of. Russell added a further score before the interval and the half drew to a close on a score-line of 0-6 to 0-2. The half had promised much but it looked ominous for the home side as they pumped ball down the flanks to no avail, with Conor Falvey and Eoin Ferris, who was getting the better of Adrian O Connor at fullback, clearing any ball that didn’t cross the end-line. The battle of the eights, Glenbeigh/Glencar’s James O Sullivan and Maurice Foley, proved a highlight of an uneventful half that yielded just four scores from play. Up front, Rangers had switched Seamie Foley to the half-forward line and rotated Conal Kelly and Jerry O Brien at full-forward to try and breathe life into a somewhat stagnant attack, while Pa Sheehan was left on his own in the middle of the park as the home-side regressed deeper to win ball.

Billy O Shea entered the fray on the restart, moving into left corner-forward to partner Jerry O Brien and Russell. The move seemed to kick-start the Killorglin side as it took just two minutes for Maurice Foley to score his side’s first goal. The move was initiated by O Shea with a catch in the air that was off-loaded to Foley, who played a one-two with Jerry O Brien and Foley was left exposed in space inside on the left as the ball was struck into the top corner. Conal Kelly followed up four minutes later with a point, again from the left, after supply from Russell and the game, as a contest, passed its sell-by date with the score at 1-6 to 0-2. Time to ring the changes for both sides, Glenbeigh bringing on Bernard Murphy, Vincent Hoare and Mike Breen, while Rangers gave a run-out to Adrian Hassett, Redmond Fitzgerald, John O Sullivan and Vincent Costello. The changes failed to halt the Killorglin barrage as Russell converted another free before Jerry O Brien again rippled the Glenbeigh net with the move of the match involving Russell and O Shea – again the score came down the left wing – and again Mike Frank extended the lead with a free on 24 minutes. Things grew worse for the home side as Adrian O Connor was sent off for a second bookable offence. Playing for pride, though, Glenbeigh took the final three scores of the game with substitute Mike Breen receiving the biggest cheer of the afternoon for a point and Darren o Sullivan converted the final two frees of the semi-final.

A day to forget for the home-side but little comfort for Rangers either! The Killorglin outfit hit eight wides in total and spent too long playing their lion’s share of possession laterally, resulting in too little penetration. For all their dominance, Rangers only managed to score five points from play (including the two goals) but this could be put down to the remains of last week’s county hangover.”

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Kieran Crowley, Pa Sheehan, Paul Costello, Jerry Coffey, Maurice Foley (1-0), John Sheehan, Brian Gannon (capt.), Jerry O Brien (1-0), Conal Kelly (0-2), Seamie Foley, Mike Frank Russell (0-7, 5 frees), Geoffrey O Mahony. Subs: Billy O Shea for G. O Mahony, Adrian Hassett for S. Foley, Redmond Fitzgerald for P. Costello, John O Sullivan for B. Gannon, Vincent Costello for T. Lyons.

Ref: Michael Curran (Dromid Pearses).

 

Final on Sun. 20^th Nov. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 3-7; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-11.

Kevin Hughes reported in the Kerryman as follows: “It was a moment of inspiration, some may say poetry in motion. And, as Mike Frank Russell received the ball from John Lynch at 3-15 last Sunday in JP O Sullivan Park, the destination of the Mid-Kerry crown was ultimately decided. Killorglin’s favourite son had yet again displayed the golden touch as the sun shone by the Laune. The cheers from the home supporters were eclipsed only by the frenzied voices of the local radio reporters, as their Killorglin version of the Mexican ‘gooooaaaal’ cries beheld something truly special. It was clear by halftime that something extraordinary would be needed to break this deadlocked game, with the sides neck-and-neck after the initial 30. Both teams certainly played their part in a final that saw Mid-Kerry finally come to life following the near death experiences of the previous week’s semi-final yawns.

But it wasn’t a one-man show, though, with wing-back Paul Costello receiving the man-of-the-match and being ably assisted by second-half substitutes Noel Lynch and Jerry O Brien. On the Milltown/Castlemaine side, Donal Kelliher continuously drove forward while corner-forward Ian Twiss hit six points (four from frees) in a sometimes hot-headed affair. And it was Twiss who opened the scoring in the first attack of the game with wing-forward Gavin Wrenn adding two more to put the visitors into a well-deserved early lead. Indeed, Fergus Murphy stepped up to put four between the teams as Rangers seemed dumbstruck by the intensity of the Milltown/Castlemaine attack. Only Conal Kelly seemed to be at the races for Rangers during the first furlong, winning some early ball on the wing. And it was the Antrim-man’s pass to Seamie Foley that led to the opening goal of the game with Foley hitting a somewhat fortunate ‘Hail Mary’ ball into the square. It seemed to miss all of the Milltown/Castlemaine fullbacks, while the bounce fooled keeper, Jeremiah Hayes, and Billy O Shea was on hand to assist the ball into the back of the net. Killorglin were off and running and it was totally against the run of play at this point.

Mike Frank, though, restored parity with a free soon after and, three minutes later, the Launesiders amazingly went in front with Seamie Foley exposing the Milltown/Castlemaine defence with a crisp hand-pass to Brian Gannon, the Rangers’ captain making no mistake from five yards out to disturb the net for a second time. It only served to motivate the visitors, who needed little incentive, Mike Hickey’s charges becoming increasingly frustrated at what seemed to be a few dubious decisions going against them. Two converted frees from Ian Twiss were added to with two points from Milltown/Castlemaine’s man-of-the-match, Donal Kelliher, who was superb in the air throughout. Laune Rangers’ only response came from the boot of Mike Frank on 21 minutes with a free, following a harsh challenge on Kelly. Level 2-2 to 0-8 at halftime, it looked as if the favourites’ tag might just have suited the visitors, hitting twice as many scores as the home team, with midfielder Colm Kerins on the top of his game.

With Shane O Sullivan and Noel Lynch reinforcing the home side on the restart, Rangers looked a different side in the second-half. Ian Twiss’ opening score was soon eclipsed by the move of the game. Mike Frank Russell, following John Lynch’s pass, received the ball 30 yards out from goal with Milltown/Castlemaine’s defence still to breach. His marker, Fionán Kelliher, was first turned one way and then the other, as the Rangers’ corner-forward switched gear and struck the ball sweetly into the top of the net from almost 20 yards out. Liam Hassett, increasingly present in the middle of the park, soon added his sole score with a long-range effort that was tipped over by Hayes between the sticks. Seamie Foley and Mike Frank added two more before stalwart Pa O Sullivan struck a free over from the left, a discretion costing Jason Giles a yellow for a second similar offence and it began to look ominous for the visitors.

It wasn’t over just yet though, as Milltown/Castlemaine refused to be killed off as Ian Twiss struck over an opportune point before Colm Kerins scored his side’s only goal of the game. The move was initiated by Twiss and converted by midfielder Colm Kerins, who made no mistake when one-on-one with Tony Lyons. Twiss followed up with another free with five minutes to go. But it was a case of too little, too late as this proved to be the last score of the game. Rangers defended deep with captain Brian Gannon being spotted assisting at fullback at one stage and Paul Costello settled any last-minute nerves for the home side.

Two points in it at the end but Killorglin did deserve to retain the O Connor Cup in the end – largely on the basis of a superior second-half performance. Noel Lynch and Jerry O Brien had added impetus to a slow-starting Rangers’ outfit and this, combined with the first-half exploits of a workmanlike Conal Kelly and Paul Costello, sealed the victory. It was Laune Rangers’ day and, as Brian Gannon lifted a familiar trophy, a satisfied John Evans headed for the Laune Rangers’ dressing-room for one final debriefing with his charges. The Tralee detective pointed to the second-half changes as the catalyst for his team’s change in fortunes. ‘At halftime, we made a couple of changes and put Seamie Foley out to centre-half forward and brought Liam (Hassett) into midfield. Maurice Foley had played reasonably well in the middle but we needed a bit of strength there,’ the former boss explained. ‘Hassett and Johnny Lynch began to get a good hold because we definitely weren’t winning midfield in the first-half when we were just hanging in there. We knew we could damage them if we could get the ball to Mike Frank, Seamie Foley and Brian Gannon, so Brian and Mike Frank turned up with a couple of goals and some great finishes,’ Evans added. He was quick, though, to praise his local rivals. ‘Milltown/Castlemaine were flying on a high coming up to this game. They’ve been snapping at our heels and gave us some tremendous Mid-Kerry finals over the years. They qualified for the Division One play-off and beat us here in the league, albeit we were missing a few of our county players. They’re improving, so we put on a bit of experience with Shane O Sullivan combined with a bit of youth in Kieran Crowley. It was a tight game and full credit to them. Their work-rate is extremely high and they have a tremendous halfback line,’ Evans added, before leaving JP O Sullivan after a job well done.” The man-of-the-match award was presented to Paul Costello.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Eoin Ferris, Kieran Crowley, Paul Costello, Shane O Sullivan, Billy O Shea (1-0),  Johnny Lynch, Maurice Foley, Pa Sheehan, Liam Hassett (0-1), Conal Kelly, Brian Gannon (1-1) capt., Seamie Foley (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (1-3, 3 frees). Subs: Noel Lynch for S. O Sullivan, Pa O Sullivan (0-1) for M. Foley, Jerry O Brien for B. O Shea, Geoffrey O Mahony for C. Kelly.

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

Kevin Hughes spoke to the retiring Laune Rangers’ coach/trainer, John Evans, after the game: “It was the perfect way to end his four-year tenure and the departing Laune Rangers’ boss certainly had no regrets in handing over the reins. This was John Evans’ second stab at the helm and, although he may not have reached the dizzy heights of his first stint as coach back in the last millennium, Evans leaves the job with just as much satisfaction. ‘I feel that I have taken them as far as I can. It’s time for someone else to have a go. It’s like having the same ‘old dog’ barking from the sidelines game after game and I feel it’s now time to move on,’ the former Rangers’ boss explained. ‘I gained a lot of satisfaction in taking the team up from division two to division one in my first year and enjoyed the challenge of building on that and improving this team. They have always wanted to win silverware and we were given the opportunity of a Co. Club final against An Ghaeltacht that year. We were hammered, though, but it was a good lesson. I had to deal with defeat and lift player morale – so it was a good challenge for me and I have to say that the players dealt admirably with it,’ Evans explained. It was the Mid-Kerry Championship where the coach found solace, a competition Evans sees as the ‘bread and butter’ for his team. ‘We won Mid-Kerry after the Gaeltacht defeat. I believe a golden rule is to keep the home-fires burning. When the players walk through the town at the season’s end and at Christmas when all the relatives are home visiting, they can take satisfaction in saying that they took Mid-Kerry and that the season didn’t end empty-handed.’

Amazingly, Rangers reached the County final the following year and, although they were without the likes of Liam Hassett and Johnny Lynch, they drew with An Ghaeltacht, only to lose out in the replay.’ Not one to hold back on the similes, Evans thrived on the challenge of keeping up with the ‘big guns’. ‘We set our standards high and it was good to see the players achieve. We were like boxers punching above our weight. It’s like the terrier, when he’s on his back, he fights harder. Coming back a second time has been absolutely unbelievable. The players have just kept fighting on – it takes a lot out of you. They have an achieving mindset and don’t take to rolling over easily.’

Evans picks out last year’s journey as the highlight of this tenure. ‘We beat East-Kerry, Dr. Crokes and An Ghaeltacht and reached two county finals. I’m very proud of that. I feel confident I’ve left a strong team and panel for whoever comes along. Although the likes of Shane O Sullivan is retiring, there is still a lot left in the team. Pa Sheehan is only 24, while Liam (Hassett), Johnny Lynch, Maurice Foley, Seamie Foley, Brian (Gannon) and Mike Frank and the backbone of this team will be around for a few years yet. It’s a strong panel here.’ Evans has no plans yet to call time on his coaching career and is considering offers at the moment. ‘There’s plenty of life left in me yet. I am looking forward to a new challenge, wherever it may be. I’ve still plenty to give the game. I feel my strengths are in taking stock of a team, developing the youth side of things and moulding the younger players so they reach their potential – weed out the good from the bad, if you like.’

Evans first managed the Rangers’ minor team back in 1987, reaching five county finals, winning three, and this squad formed the basis of the senior team that he first took charge of from 1990 through to 1997, the highlight being the 4-5 to 0-11 All-Ireland win against Eire Og in 1996, producing the first Munster double for nine years. Evans has reached eight Senior County finals in his time at the Laune Rangers’ helm, leaving a hefty challenge for any successor to follow.”

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Football League

Laune Rangers were grouped with Keel and Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 13^th Feb. at Keel: Keel 0-11; Laune Rangers 3-11.

The game was played on a perfect pitch, considering all the rain that had fallen during the previous days – the only problem was the strong wind that blew from the north. Rangers had the aid of the wind in the opening half and had two quick points from full-forward Pa O Sullivan. However, Keel drew level with two pointed frees by Kieran Foley. Brian Gannon got on the score-board and that was followed by a converted ‘45’ by Jerry Coffey. Then Laune Rangers struck for the first goal of the game when midfielder, Seamie Foley, dispatched a long ball, which was won by Pa O Sullivan, who passed off the inrushing Brian Gannon and he made no mistake. Keel replied with a point from play by Aidan Foley but that was cancelled out by a similar score by Billy O Shea. Rangers then scored their second goal, scored by Pa O Sullivan when the Keel defence failed to deal with a high ball. Kieran Foley added a point from play for Keel and Rangers had the final score of the half – a point by Pa O Sullivan – to leave them ahead by 2-7 to 0-4 at the break.

In the second half, Keel went all out to reduce the deficit but it was Rangers who had the first score – a penalty by Brian Gannon after Adrian Hassett had been pulled down in the ‘square’. Liam Sheehan (play) and Kieran Foley (free) replied for the home side but Maurice Foley increased Rangers’ lead again with a point. Aidan Foley (play) and Kieran Foley (free) reduced the margin. In the final 10 minutes, both sides kicked three points, all from play – Pa O Sullivan, Seamie Foley and Stuart Delaney for the winners, and Sean Flahive, Liam Sheehan and Kieran Foley for Keel.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Paul Costello, Terence Houlihan, Noel Lynch, Jerry O Brien, Jerry Coffey (0-1, ‘45’), Adrian Hassett, Seamie Foley (0-1), Stuart Delaney (0-1), Billy O Shea (0-1), Maurice Foley (0-1), Brian Gannon (2-1, 1 pen.), Pa O Sullivan (1-5), Jonathan Carey. Subs: Redmond Fitzgerald for B. O Shea, Geoffrey O Mahony for J. Carey, John Houlihan for J. Coffey, Podge Foley for A. Hassett.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 20^th Feb. at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine 1-13; Laune Rangers 0-11.

Laune Rangers opened the scoring with a Pa O Sullivan point. Ian Twiss replied for the home team with a pointed free. Donal Kelliher (0-1) and Ian Twiss (1-1) left Milltown/Castlemaine ahead by 1-3 to 0-1. However, Laune Rangers rallied and had points from Mike Frank Russell, Brian Gannon, Pa O Sullivan and MF Russell again. The home side finished the half stronger with points from Shane Murphy and Donal Kelliher to give their side the halftime lead of 1-6 to 0-7.

On the resumption, Ian Twiss and Donal Kelliher added two further points before Brian Gannon scored a point for the Rangers. Mike Frank Russell and Ian Twiss exchanged points to leave the score at 1-9 to 0-9. Points by Mike Frank Russell, from a 50m free, and Jerry O Brien left just the minimum between the sides but Milltown finished strongly with two points from Ian Twiss and two each from Donal Kelliher and Mike Burke.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Conor Falvey, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Jerry Coffey, John O Sullivan, Liam Hassett, Maurice Foley, Jerry O Brien (0-1), Mike Frank Russell (0-5), Pa Sheehan, Brian Gannon (0-2), Pa O Sullivan (0-3), Colin O Connor. Subs: Jonathan Carey for P. O Sullivan, Geoffrey O Mahony for P. Sheehan.

Ref: Ian Foley (Keel).

 

Semi-final on Sun. 6^th March at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-2; Laune Rangers 3-12.

Laune Rangers completely dominated proceedings against a weakened Glenbeigh/Glencar team, which had to play without their county U-21 players. Laune Rangers were ahead by 3-6 to 0-2 at the break. Mike Frank Russell had opened the scoring with two frees and the Glenbeigh goalkeeper saved a penalty shortly afterwards. Stuart Delaney pointed and goals from Geoffrey O Mahony and Brian Gannon finished the game as a contest. The home side had a point from play by Fergal Griffin but the winners responded with points by Jerry O Brien, Paul Costello and Mike Frank Russell before Geoffrey O Mahony struck for the third goal. Fergal O Brien pointed a free just before the halftime whistle. It was all Laune Rangers in the second half, with Brian Gannon kicking five points.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Redmond Fitzgerald, Conor Falvey, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, Adrian Hassett, Pa Sheehan, Johnny Lynch, Maurice Foley, Stuart Delaney (0-1), Liam Hassett, Jerry O Brien (0-2), Brian Gannon (1-5) capt., Mike Frank Russell (0-3), Geoffrey O Mahony (2-1). Subs: Vincent Costello for T. Lyons, John Houlihan for S. Delaney, Podge Foley for MF Russell, John O Sullivan.

Ref: Brendan Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sat. 30^th April at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 1-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10.

A last-gasp equaliser from the boot of their top marksman, Ian Twiss, saved Milltown/Castlemaine as they forced a replay with arch-rivals Laune Rangers in that competitive League final, which was played in ideal conditions at Beaufort. In the final analysis, Laune Rangers probably deserved to just about shade it as they dominated the opening quarter of both halves, but they just could not put away their never-say-die neighbours who fought to the bitter end. Rangers had both Liam Hassett and Mike Frank Russell on duty and both played well with Russell displaying his class with a couple of fine points but he got little room from his tenacious marker, Damien Murphy. Rangers, in fact, wasted good possession when they were on top and they lost vital ball up front when in a position to turn the screw on their rivals. Adrian Hassett, their lion-hearted warrior, who had excelled as a defender until breaking his leg, ended up in the forward line and looked sluggish in the closing stages. It was a game where both fullbacks, Paul Costello and Damien Murphy, scored points and John Sheehan managed a rather fortuitous goal from a free in the first half that went all the way to the Milltown net.

The game was always competitive but never got out of hand and the referee kept a tight reign on things. In a hotly contested opening half, Laune Rangers made the early running but just could not find their radar as they shot three bad wides before Liam Hassett and Mike Frank Russell fired over two fine points in replay to an Ian Twiss free inside the first minute. Milltown/Castlemaine were playing second-fiddle at midfield where Maurice Foley was winning a lot of ball for Rangers but Alfie Giles was keeping a tight rein on Brian Gannon. Then Tony Lyons saved brilliantly from Ian Twiss. Milltown were utilising a two-man full-forward line but Rangers were strong at the back with Jerry Coffey quite outstanding as he drove forward. Brian Gannon caught a great ball in the 11^th minute and found Colin O Connor who fired over a fine point. However, Mike Frank Russell was wide from the left. Maurice Foley and Liam Hassett gave Rangers the upper-hand in the opening quarter, at the end of which they only led by 0-3 to 0-1. Milltown/Castlemaine settled after that and, with Colm Kerins and Paudie McCarthy winning more ball at midfield, the game changed and in the 16^th minute Donal Kelliher rifled the ball to the net. However, John Sheehan floated a free from 50m all the way to the net, as goalkeeper Murphy was completely deceived. Rangers then began to commit unforced errors in defence, giving away needless frees, which Ian Twiss punished with three unanswered points and Milltown led by 1-4 to 1-3 at the break.

Rangers dominated the third quarter and looked like winners as Liam Hassett and Maurice Foley dominated midfield and Paul Costello, Conor Falvey and the brilliant Jerry Coffey had time to help out their attack. Mike Frank Russell restored Rangers’ lead with two early points from frees, while Jerry O Brien was guilty of a bad miss when through on goal. Twiss, from a free, was Milltown’s sole scorer in that period and, in fact, they had not yet scored a point from play. Jerry Coffey raced up-field in the 8^th minute to place Colin O Connor for another fine point and fullback Paul Costello was at the end of a move started by Liam Hassett as Rangers pulled clear. Hassett was then a major force along with Billy O Shea as Colin O Conor and MF Russell, with a punched point, had Rangers 1-9 to 1-5 in front at the end of the third quarter. However, like the first half, Rangers seemed to run out of steam and William Harmon had Milltown’s first point from play in the 46^th minute. Ian Twiss and MF Russell swapped points but Milltown had the bit between their teeth and Martin Burke and an Ian Twiss pointed free closed the gap to a point with 6 minutes left. Conor Falvey made a great block on Kelliher before Rangers looked to be safe when they cut out a dangerous attack in injury time but they lost the ball and Ian Twiss collected before firing over the equaliser. There followed an announcement for extra time but both teams had enough and, after a ten-minute delay, it was decided to settle that final on another day. Jerry Coffey was the man-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Conor Falvey, Paul Costello (0-1), Terence Houlihan, Jerry Coffey, John Sheehan (1-0), Pa Sheehan. Adrian Hassett, Maurice Foley, Billy O Shea, Liam Hassett (0-1), Jerry O Brien, Brian Gannon (capt.), Mike Frank Russell (0-5, 2 frees), Colin O Connor (0-3).

Ref: Pat Sheehy (Clounmacon).

 

Replay on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 0-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10.

That league final was played at championship pace in a downpour in Killorglin. Laune Rangers were left wondering what might have happened if they had converted a penalty three minutes after the resumption as, if scored, it would have drawn the sides level. Instead, a Milltown/Castlemaine goal a couple of minutes later opened up a six-point gap and the Rangers were playing catch-up thereafter. Indeed, both sides were deserving of the highest credit for the entertainment that they provided as the constant rain, especially in the second half, made life difficult for defender and attacker alike.

Milltown/Castlemaine were first off the mark with an Ian Twiss pointed free inside the first minute, awarded when Pa Sheehan was blown for over-carrying. Rangers quickly responded and two pointed frees by Pa O Sullivan plus a Pa Sheehan point from play saw them 0-3 to 0-1 in front after 12 minutes. In a low-scoring first half, two Ian Twiss points, one from a free, had parity restored by the 18^th minute. Another Twiss free put the visitors ahead before Rangers, and Seamie Foley in particular, were off target on a number of occasions. Oran Boyle added another before Rangers replaced Maurice Foley with Adrian Hassett at midfield in the 25^th minute. Two minutes before the break, Rangers nearly had the opening goal. They were awarded a close-in free and everyone expected Pa O Sullivan to tap over for a point but his quick thinking found Seamie Foley in space. His low drive looked goal-bound but John Blennerhassett found himself in the right place at the right time and cleared off the line with goalkeeper Jeremiah Hayes beaten. Right on the stroke of halftime, Twiss put over his 5^th point of the half to give his side a 0-6 to 0-3 interval lead.

Three minutes after the restart, Laune Rangers were given a golden opportunity to draw level when Terence Houlihan was upended in the square and referee Gilligan pointed to the spot. Brian Gannon took on the responsibility but he saw his well-struck kick brilliantly touched onto the crossbar by Hayes. Four minutes later came the decisive goal. Rangers had their attack broken up by centre halfback Ciaran Kelliher, who dispossessed Pa Sheehan on the 21 yard line. He found Alfie Giles, who in turn dispatched to midfielder Colm Kerins. His searing run saw him cut through the Rangers’ defence and his quick vision saw Gavin Wrenn in space. Wrenn took it on and his shot rose high into the net past Lyons. Suddenly a six point gap emerged and, as the weather and conditions worsened, it became an uphill battle for the defending title-holders. Ian Twiss had another point sandwiched between two Pa O Sullivan minors and a Seamie Foley point, after fullback Fionán Kelliher had executed a vital interception with Rangers bearing down on goal, making the score 1-7 to 0-6 entering the final quarter.

Twiss put over his second point from play before a fine individual effort from centre halfback John Sheehan kept Rangers in contention. They introduced Mike Frank Russell in a last throw of the dice and a fisted effort from him and two more from Pa O Sullivan made sure it remained a one-score game right to the end. Twiss finished off a fine individual performance with his eighth and ninth points of the afternoon and his scoring feat on the day ensured victory for the boys in green. After two outings in the county championship, Rangers were disappointed that they had left that trophy behind them. The absence of Liam Hassett, Mike Frank Russell and Conor Falvey, from the starting line-out suggested that they had one eye on the pending Co. Championship semi-final replay. On the day, Eoin Ferris, John Sheehan, Paul Costello, Pa Sheehan, Seamie Foley, Brian Gannon and Pa O Sullivan, top-scorer with 0-6, tried hardest for Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Noel Lynch, Eoin Ferris, Terence Houlihan, Paul Costello, John Sheehan (0-1), Jerry Coffey, Johnny Lynch, Maurice Foley, Brian Gannon (capt.), Billy O Shea, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Pa O Sullivan (0-6, 4 frees), Seamie Foley (0-1), Geoffrey O Mahony. Subs: Adrian Hassett, Mike Frank Russell (0-1), Shane O Sullivan (all played).

Ref: Tommy Gilligan (Valentia).

Mid-Kerry ‘B’ Football Championship

 Rd. 1 on Tues. 5^th April at Keel: Keel ‘B’ 1-3; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 2-5.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, John Foley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan (1-1), Jonathan Carey (1-0), Eamonn Carey (0-1), John Ahern, Ger Purcell, John Houlihan (0-1), Podge Foley, Francis Russell (0-2). Subs: Aidan Lynch for J. Hayes, Paul McKenna for G. O Sullivan, Cian Evans for J. Houlihan. James O Shea was injured.

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 12^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 0-6; Beaufort ‘B’ 0-7.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, John Foley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Gerard Purcell, Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Tim O Regan (0-1), James O Shea, Gerard Purcell (0-2), Podge Foley, Trevor Gannon (0-1), Francis Russell, Morgan Foley, John Houlihan (0-2, frees). Subs: Eamonn Carey for J. Foley, Derry O Sullivan for F. Russell, Michael Ledwith for G. O Sullivan. Jonathan Carey was under suspension.

 

Rd. 3 on Tues. 26^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-7; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 1-9.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Gerard O Sullivan, Redmond Fitzgerald, Joe Hayes, Kieran Crowley, James O Shea, Stuart Delaney, Andrew O Regan, Tim O Regan, Eamonn Carey, Podge Foley (0-2, 1 free), Trevor Gannon, John Houlihan (1-5, 3 frees and 1 pen), Morgan Foley, Francis Russell. Subs: Michael Ledwith for F. Russell, Brendan O Shea, Derry O Sullivan, John Foley. Gerard Purcell for injured and Jonathan Carey was still under suspension.

 

Rd. 4 on Tues. 3^rd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ w/o; Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘B’ scr.

 

Mid-Kerry O Sullivan Cup

Laune Rangers, Beaufort and Milltown/Castlemaine had to play their ‘B’ teams, while the other three could play their ‘A’ teams.

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 31^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-12; Glenbeigh/Glencar ‘A’ 0-11.

Trevor Gannon, having committed two yellow card offences, was sent off.

Laune Rangers: Vincent Costello, Kieran Crowley, Redmond Fitzgerald, Dáire Clifford, Brendan Fitzgerald (0-1), Andrew O Regan, Stuart Delaney (0-1), Tim O Regan, James O Shea (0-1), Jonathan Carey (0-2), Ross Sheehan, Trevor Gannon (0-1), Eamonn Carey (1-0), Podge Foley, John Houlihan (2-6). Subs: Francis Russell for E. Carey, Cian Evans for J. O Shea, Gerard O Sullivan for D. Clifford, Brendan O Shea for P. Foley.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 18^th June at Cromane: Cromane 2-4; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 5-11.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Stuart Delaney, Kieran Crowley, Gerard O Sullivan (twin), Brendan Fitzgerald (0-1), Andrew O Regan, Pa Sheehan (0-1), Tim O Regan, James O Shea (capt.), Jonathan Carey (1-0), Ross Sheehan (0-2, 1 free), Eoin O Mahony (1-0), John Houlihan (1-2, 1 free), Podge Foley (2-1), Francis Russell (0-3). Subs: Cian Evans (0-1) for G. O Sullivan, Aidan Lynch for P. Sheehan, John Foley for B. Fitzgerald, Brendan O Shea for E. O Mahony, Jody O Riordan for J. Houlihan. Redmond Fitzgerald had been called up to the ‘A’ panel, while Trevor Gannon and Eamonn Carey were at a stag-party.

 

Final on Sun. 26^th June at Keel: Keel 0-8; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-10.

The game was played in perfect conditions. Keel was first to score when midfielder Liam Sheehan pointed. Geoffrey O Mahony scored a 20m free to equalise. Having missed a few scoring chances, Keel then took the lead with points from Martin Burke and a fisted effort from Aidan Foley. Laune Rangers had their second score when Ross Sheehan pointed a 50m free and, two minutes later, the same player tied the scores with another point. Kieran Foley and James O Shea swapped points but the former gave his side the lead again with a point in the closing minutes of the half. Rangers, however, finished the stronger with a goal and a point from John Houlihan, the goal coming as a result of a great move. Rangers led at halftime by 1-5 to 0-5.

In the second half, Laune Rangers extended their lead with a John Houlihan point. However, they then kicked some bad wides. Keel rallied and points from Martin Burke, James Long and Gary Sayers saw Rangers’ lead cut to one point, 1-6 to 0-8, with ten minutes remaining. It was Rangers that ran out the winners with points from Ross Sheehan, James O Shea, John Houlihan and Sheehan again with a last-minute free. One of the keys to success for Laune Rangers in the game was the dominance of their midfielders, the O Regan brothers, Andrew and Tim. The man-of-the-match award, sponsored by Peadar O Sullivan of Ashe’s Bar, Glenbeigh, was presented to Andrew O Regan after the game.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Vincent Costello, Redmond Fitzgerald, Kieran Crowley, Stuart Delaney, Brendan Fitzgerald, John O Sullivan, Jonathan Carey, Andrew O Regan, Tim O Regan, Trevor Gannon, Ross Sheehan (0-4, 3 frees), James O Shea (0-2) capt., Geoffrey O Mahony (0-1, free), Podge Foley, John Houlihan (1-3). Sub: Francis Russell for P. Foley, John Foley, Eamonn Carey, Cian Evans, Eoin O Mahony, Dáire Clifford, Brendan O Shea, Gerard O Sullivan.

Ref: Jerry Kelliher (Beaufort).

 

Co. U-21 Football Championship

 

Preliminary Rd. on Tues. 28^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Castleisland District.

 

Mid-Kerry U-21 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 29^th March at Keel: Keel 0-9; Laune Rangers 0-8.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

The minor team commenced training on Sun. 13^th Feb. in the JP O Sullivan Park. Trainer/coach/selector – Eddie Birmingham. Selectors – Pa O Sullivan and Pa Sheehan.

 

Rd.1 on Tues. 12^th July at Killorglin; Laune Rangers 2-8; Feale Rangers 2-7.

That was a very hard-fought but fair game. Laune Rangers started well and with Luke Dunlea, Sean O Riordan and Fergus O Riordan winning a lot of ball around the middle of the field, they led at halftime by 1-4 to 0-3, the goal being scored by Gary Flynn. In the second half, Feale Rangers clawed themselves back into the game, with two opportunist goals. That really put it up to the home side, especially when Gary Flynn’s penalty kick hit the post and went wide. Just before the end, Shane Crowley struck for a good goal which gave his side a one-point lead entering injury-time. Their backs were to the wall but the defence played really well to hold on for win.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 14^th Aug. at Gneeveguilla: East-Kerry 0-20; Laune Rangers 0-7.

East-Kerry raced into a two-point lead with scores from David Murphy and Daniel O Sullivan. Full-forward Michael Quirke set up Sean O Riordan for Rangers’ opening point in the 6^th minute. Scores were exchanged between DJ O Connor (East-Kerry) and Gary Flynn before East-Kerry added points by Jimmy Falvey (free) and DJ O Connor. Adam O Reilly extended the winners’ lead to 0-6 to 0-2 in the 18^th minute. Then Laune Rangers hit an excellent spell for the next number of minutes and two well-struck points in the 20^th and 21^st minutes from Kevin Flynn were followed by a point by Colin O Dwyer to leave just a point between the sides. Then Rangers lost one of their attacking options, Kevin Flynn, through injury and East-Kerry had points from Daniel O Sullivan and Jimmy Falvey (2). Rangers had a great goaling chance on the stroke of halftime. Luke Dunlea found Michael Quirke on the edge of the square with only the goalkeeper to beat but somehow he misjudged the ball and it was cleared. East-Kerry led at halftime by 0-9 to 0-5.

On the restart, East-Kerry kicked six unanswered points to open up a 0-15 to 0-5 lead. Laune Rangers had another goal chance in the 12^th minute when John Sheehan and JJ Foley combined to set up Chris O Riordan but his shot went across the goal and wide. East-Kerry added three further points before Luke Dunlea (2) and Sean O Riordan (free) closed the visitors’ scoring. David Murphy had the final point for the winners.

Laune Rangers: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, JJ Foley, Fergus O Riordan, John Sheehan, Michael O Sullivan, Luke Dunlea (0-1), Sean O Riordan (0-2, 1 free), Chris O Riordan, Sean T. O Connor, Kevin Flynn (0-2), Colin O Dwyer (0-1), Michael Quirke, Gary Flynn (0-1). Subs: Rikus O Connor for K. Flynn (inj.), Brian Ahern for R. O Connor, Brian Hayes for L. Dunlea.

Ref: Barry Clifford (Sneem).

 

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1

Laune Rangers were grouped with Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys, Dingle, Dr. Crokes and Beaufort.

 

Rd. 2 on Fri. 8^th April at CConnolly Park: Austin Stacks 0-13; Laune Rangers 2-9.

Rangers played well in the first half but missed three good goal-scoring chances. The sides were level at halftime, 0-4 each. In the second half, Rangers trailed by 5 points when Sean O Riordan scored a great goal that started a comeback. Garry Flynn scored some good frees.

Laune Rangers: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, JJ Foley, Pascal O Brien, John Sheehan, Mikey O Sullivan, Liam Clifford, Luke Dunlea, Shane Crowley, Michael Quirke, Colin O Dwyer, Garry Flynn, Sean Tomás O Connor, Sean O Riordan. Subs: Kevin Flynn, Fergus O Riordan, J. Flynn and C. O Riordan.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 11^th April Cloon: Laune Rangers 0-7; Dr. Crokes 0-9.

In a closely contested game, Rangers were unlucky not to get a result against a Crokes team, which featured 3 county minors. The Rangers defence played well in the first half, which saw them with a 2-point lead at halftime, 0-4 to 0-2. Play flowed from end-to-end in the second half and Crokes led by one point going into injury time. Rangers had a few chances to equalise and were unlucky not to.

 

Rd. 3 on Fri. 15^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-5; Kerins O Rahillys 1-9.

After a slow start, which saw Rangers 0-5 to 0-1 in arrears at halftime, they showed great character in the second half and, after a Shane Crowley goal, they went into injury time one point in arrears. As in the previous game, they had chances to equalise and were unfortunate not to do so, but O Rahillys scored a goal from a penalty with the last kick of the game.

Laune Rangers panel: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, JJ Foley, Pascal O Brien, John Sheehan, Mikey O Sullivan, Luke Dunlea, Liam Clifford, C. Riordan, Shane Crowley, Sean T. O Connor, Fergus O Riordan, Tom Collins, Sean O Riordan, Michael Quirke, Gary Flynn, Colin O Dwyer, J. Flynn, Kevin Flynn, Simon Brosnan, Timmy Brosnan, Brian Hayes, Brendan Ahern,

 

Rd. 4 on Fri. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-7; Beaufort 3-8.

The score-board flattered Beaufort in a closely contested game, which was marred by an injury to Rangers’ midfielder, Liam Clifford, (a dislocated shoulder). Beaufort took the lead at the start of the game but Rangers came back to within two points of them at the break, thanks to a Shane Crowley goal. Rangers started the second half well but the injury to Liam Clifford upset them and Beaufort took full advantage.

 

Rd. 5 on Fri. 29^th April at Dingle: Dingle 2-10; Laune Rangers 1-7.

 

Laune Rangers failed to make the knock-out stages of the league.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sat. 8^th Oct. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 1-13; Keel 0-6.

That was a very hard-fought encounter and the score certainly did not reflect the closeness of the game, as it was not until the last quarter that Rangers pulled away. The home side led at halftime by 0-6 to 0-1, thanks to points by Colin O Dwyer, Sean T. O Connor and Michael Quirke. In the second half, Rangers’ defence was under a lot of pressure, as Keel launched a determined fight-back. They weathered the storm, however, and a great goal by Kevin Flynn put them on the way to victory.

Laune Rangers: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, JJ Foley, Rikus O Connor, John Sheehan, Mikey O Sullivan, Sean O Riordan, Sean T. O Connor, Shane Crowley, Michael Quirke, Kevin Flynn, Gary Flynn, Chris O Riordan, Colin O Dwyer. Subs: Luke Dunlea, Kyle Corkery, Shane McSweeney, Fergus O Riordan, Tadhg Curran (all played), Anthony Carolan, David O Sullivan, Daniel Horgan, Pa Knightley, Joseph Kelliher.

 

Final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 0-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6.

That repeat of the previous year’s final served up a real exciting hour and the winners, who had taken a seven-point lead to the dressing-room at halftime, had to withstand a spirited Laune Rangers’ comeback , which ensured a tense closing period in which the winners’ defence repelled several Rangers’ attacks to hold out for a deserved victory.

The home side made one change from the programme lineout with Luke Dunlea replacing Chris O Riordan. Dunlea started at midfield, with Sean T. O Connor moving to centre half-forward and Michael Quirke operating at full-forward. Rangers started the better and Colin O Dwyer saw his goal chance cleared before Milltown/Castlemaine’s first attack yielded a Kealon O Shea point in the second minute. Gary Flynn and Colin O Dwyer both shot wides before wing-forward Kevin Flynn opened the scoring for Rangers with a 5^th minute point. Milltown began to dominate and Denis O Shea pointed a free in the 13^th minute, which restored the winners’ lead, a lead they were never again to lose. Indeed in a five minute spell at the start of the second quarter they struck for their goals, scores which had a decisive impact on the game. In the 15^th minute, midfielder Michael Quirke won possession cleanly and parted to wing-forward Jerome Flynn. The 15-year old’s speed took him past the Rangers’ marking and his low shot flew into the net past goalkeeper Sean Joy. If the opening goal was quality, the second, five minutes later, certainly contained a huge element of luck. Kealon O Shea won possession out near the end-line before crossing the ball low and goal-wards. A slight deflection deceived goalkeeper Sean Joy and the ball wriggled its way into the net to make it 2-2 to 0-1 in favour of the eventual winners. Denis O Shea added another before Michael Quirke notched up Rangers only other score of the half in the 29^th minute. Just before the short whistle, Gary Flynn saw his goal-effort thunder off the upright and go wide and, as they retired for the interval, Milltown held a commanding lead of 2-3 to 0-2.

Trainer Eddie Birmingham’s halftime team-talk proved effective as Rangers returned a different team. Right from the throw-in they took the game to the leaders and notched up four unanswered points in the opening ten minutes, Sean T. O Connor and Gary Flynn getting two apiece. That reduced the lead to three points, 2-3 to 0-6, and the boys in green were looking shaky as Rangers responded to their big home support. However, two vital points within a minute of each other from the O Shea brothers, Denis and Kealon, settled Milltown/Castlemaine as the game headed into the last quarter. But Rangers were not done yet and two Kevin Flynn frees cut the deficit to three once more with twelve minutes left on the clock. The closing ten minutes were tense and frantic as Rangers stormed forward. Indeed, they might have been wiser to have taken points instead of looking for that elusive goal. Substitute Jonathan O Connor, closed the scoring with a precious point for the winners with time almost up.

No doubt, Rangers were disappointed to have lost for the second successive year to their near neighbours but they had contributed well to an exciting encounter. On the day they were best served by Rodi Healy, John Sheehan and Rikus O Connor in the backline, Luke Dunlea at midfield and Gary Flynn, Kevin Flynn, Mike Quirke and Sean T. O Connor in the forwards. Joe Foley was sent off by the referee near the end of the game.

Laune Rangers: Sean Joy, Laurence O Connor, Rodi Healy, Joe Foley, Rikus O Connor, John Sheehan, Mikey O Sullivan, Luke Dunlea, Sean O Riordan, Shane Crowley, Michael Quirke (0-1), Kevin Flynn (0-3), Colin O Dwyer, Sean T. O Connor (0-2), Gary Flynn (0-2). Subs: Tadhg Curran, Shane McSweeney, Pascal O Brien (all played).

Ref: Jerry Kelliher (Beaufort).

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Football League

 

Rd. 2 on Tues. 5^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine Laune Rangers.

Tues. 16^th Aug. at Cloon: Laune Rangers 1-7; Beaufort 1-11.

 

Tralee District Board Minor Football League Div. 1

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 19^th March at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

Rd. 5 on Fri. 1^st April at Boherbue: John Mitchels Laune Rangers.

 

Co. U-16 Inter-District Board Football Championship

Preliminary Rd. in Aug: Mid-Kerry 2-12; East-Kerry 2-10.

Rd. 1 on Wed. 31^st Aug. at Castleisland: Castleisland 2-13; Mid-Kerry 3-8.

Losers’ Rd. on Sun. 4^th Sept. at Kilgarvan: Kenmare 0-4; Mid-Kerry 2-14.

Quarter-final on Sun. 11^th Sept. at Beaufort: Mid-Kerry 2-7; Shannon Rangers 5-12.

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship Div. 1

Trainer – John O Donnell. Selectors – Mark O Connor, Terence Houlihan, Brendan Fitzgerald and Pa O Sullivan. The team was sponsored by Mulvihill’s Pharmacy.

The panel consisted of Jason Browne, Cathal Clifford, Daniel Clifford, Liam Clifford, David Coffey, Kyle Corkery, Stephen Cotter, Peter Crowley, Tadhg Curran, Kevin Flynn, Shane Foley, Stephen Healy, Daniel Horgan, Muiris Joy, Joseph Kelliher, Patrick Knightley, Eamonn Looney, Marty Lynch, Timmy Lynch, Jason McCarthy, Shane McSweeney, Jeremy O Callaghan, Muiris O Carroll, Rikus O Connor, Shane O Connor, Colm O Shea, David O Sullivan, Chris O Riordan and Barry Sheehan.

 

Div. 1 consisted of Kerins O Rahillys, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes and Austin Stacks.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 27^th June at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys Laune Rangers.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 4^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Austin Stacks.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 18^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Kerins O Rahillys.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 25^th July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 27^th at Lewis Road: Dr. Crokes 5-10; Laune Rangers 1-10.

Rd. 6 on Mon. 1^st Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-8; Dr. Crokes 2-16.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 23^rd March at Cloon: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

Laune Rangers produced some good football to outclass Keel. Colm O Shea, Kevin Flynn and Shane O Connor were in good scoring form in the full-forward line and a few early goals broke Keel’s resolve and the contest was never going to be lost after that.

Laune Rangers: Barry Sheehan, Liam Clifford, Eamonn Looney, Cathal Clifford, Shane McSweeney (capt.), Peter Crowley, David O Sullivan, Chris O Riordan, Jeremy O Callaghan, Daniel Horgan, Kyle Corkery, Tadhg Curran, Colm O Shea, Kevin Flynn, Shane O Connor. Subs: Timmy Lynch, Daniel Clifford, S. Foley, Stephen Cotter, Joseph Kelliher, Rikus O Connor, Jason Browne, David Coffey, Muiris Joy, Marty Lynch, S. Healy, Jason McCarthy (all played).

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 30^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-13; Beaufort 1-11.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 6^th April at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-2; Laune Rangers 5-10.

Rangers’ forwards were in fine form. Kyle Corkery, operating in the full-forward line, made some excellent runs and the outside forwards and midfielders provided him and the other inside forwards, Marty Lynch and Colm O Shea, with great service. Chris O Riordan and Rikus O Connor dominated the middle and the backs were rarely troubled in the first half. In the second period, the home side attacked more often but with Daniel Clifford fielding and distributing well from his fullback position, and Peter Crowley holding the centre, they made little impact on the score-board.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Cathal Clifford, Daniel Clifford, Liam Clifford, Shane McSweeney, Peter Crowley, David O Sullivan, Rikus O Connor, Chris O Riordan, Daniel Horgan, Kevin Flynn, David Coffey, Colm O Shea, Marty Lynch, Kyle Corkery. Subs: Barry Sheehan, S. Foley, Stephen Cotter, Joseph Kelliher, Jason Browne, Shane O Connor, Muiris Joy, S. Healy, Jason McCarthy (all played).

 

Rd. 4 on Wed. 13^th April at Cromane: Cromane/Listry 0-4; Laune Rangers 3-10.

Laune Rangers: Barry Sheehan, Cathal Clifford, Daniel Clifford, Muiris O Carroll, Shane McSweeney, Tadhg Curran, Joseph Kelliher, Rikus O Connor, Chris O Riordan, Jeremy O Callaghan, K. Flynn, Shane O Connor, Jason McCarthy, Marty Lynch, Kyle Corkery. Subs: David O Sullivan, Peter Crowley, David Coffey, Daniel Horgan, Colm O Shea (all played).

 

Rd. 5 on Wed. 20^th April at Cloon: Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Final on Wed. 18^th May at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 6-13; Beaufort 0-6.

In the first half, the teams were evenly matched for long periods. Beaufort was first to score – a point from a free by Timmy O Sullivan. That was cancelled out by Kevin Flynn for Rangers’ first score. Rangers then struck for their first goal, scored by Jeremy O Callaghan. Rangers followed with a point by Kevin Flynn and a free by Kyle Corkery. Beaufort pulled three points back, two from full-forward Colm O Shea and one by Adrian O Connor. It was Laune Rangers that closed the scoring in the first half with points from Kevin Flynn, one from a free, to leave the halftime score at 1-5 to 0-4.

Beaufort lost their influential full-forward Colm O Shea at halftime through injury and, in the second half, Rangers completely dominated proceedings, adding five goals and eight points. The goals came from Jeremy O Callaghan (2), Shane McSweeney, Rikus O Connor and Kevin Flynn. Rangers had points from Colm O Shea, Kyle Corkery, Kevin Flynn and Shane McSweeney. Beaufort kicked two points in that second half, one from Timmy O Sullivan (free) and Kevin Ferris. After the game, Colm Conway, Secretary Mid-Kerry Coiste na nOg, presented the trophy to the Laune Rangers’ captain, Shane McSweeney.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Daniel Clifford, Liam Clifford, Eamonn Looney, Shane McSweeney (1-2) capt., Peter Crowley, Cathal Clifford, Rikus O Connor (1-1), Chris (Rio) O Riordan, David Coffey, Daniel Horgan, Tadhg Curran, Jeremy O Callaghan (3-1), Kevin Flynn (1-5), Kyle Corkery (0-2). Subs: Colm O Shea for D. Horgan, Padraig Murphy for D. Coffey, David O Sullivan for C. Clifford, Marty Lynch for T. Curran, Jason McCarthy for K. Corkery. Padraig Murphy had just returned to football after a long illness.

Ref: Michael Healy (Cromane).

 

Tralee District Board U-16 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 2^nd April at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 1-12; Laune Rangers 2-6.

The team had to line out without Peter Crowley, Kevin Flynn, Marty Lynch and Eamonn Looney. Nevertheless, they played their best football in the first half into a strong breeze and only trailed by two points at halftime. In the second half, the team was eight points in arrears but a great goal by David Coffey started a mini-revival and the deficit was eventually reduced to 3 points.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, S. Foley, Liam Clifford, Muiris O Carroll, Shane McSweeney, Cathal Clifford, Stephen Cotter, Rikus O Connor, Chris O Riordan, David Coffey, Jeremy O Callaghan, Kyle Corkery, S. Healy, Colm O Shea, Jason McCarthy. Subs: Daniel Horgan, Daniel Clifford, Tadhg Curran, Shane O Connor, David O Sullivan (all played).

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 9^th April at Castleisland: Desmonds 0-2; Laune Rangers 4-14.

Laune Rangers: Timmy Lynch, Cathal Clifford, Daniel Clifford, Liam Clifford, Shane McSweeney, Peter Crowley, David O Sullivan, Jeremy O Callaghan, Chris O Riordan, Daniel Horgan, Kevin Flynn, David Coffey, Colm O Shea, Marty Lynch, Kyle Corkery. Subs: Joseph Kelliher, Rikus O Connor, Shane O Connor, Tadhg Curran, Jason McCarthy (all played).

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 16^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-12; Austin Stacks 0-8.

Rd. 4 on Sat. 23^rd April at Ballymac: Ballymac Laune Rangers.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 1^st May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Emmett’s.

 

Semi-final on Tues. 13^th Sept. at Caherslee: Kerins O Rahillys 2-15; Laune Rangers 0-13.

Rangers were ahead coming up to halftime, but O Rahillys scored 1-1 in quick succession to leave the sides level at the break. The winners dominated the second half.

 

At the end of the year, Kyle Corkery was awarded the player-of-the-year at that level by the club.

 

Co. U-15 Football Championship

Mentors – Denis Cleary and John O Donnell. The team was sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire.

 

Fri. 15^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers w/o; Beaufort scr.

Semi-final on Fri. 22^nd July at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers defeated Dingle.

 

Final on Fri. 19^th Aug. at Blennerville: Kerins O Rahillys defeated Laune Rangers by one point.

That game was a classic. There was huge disappointment in Laune Rangers Club at the way the fixture was handled by Coiste na nOg Chiarraí. Having agreed with Kerins O Rahillys to play the game on Tues. 30^th Aug., Coiste na nOg fixed the game at three days notice. Consequently, Laune Rangers were forced to play without the services of trainer, Denis Cleary, and players Barry Sheehan, Cathal Clifford and Shane O Connor. Nobody could tell the club why Coiste na nOg took such a heavy-handed approach in forcing the fixture at such short notice.

 

Co. U-14 Inter-District Board Football Championship

Mentors – Brian O Shea (Laune Rangers), Donal Ashe (Keel), Sean McGillycuddy (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Sean Hayes (Milltown/Castlemaine), James Long (Cromane), Dan Coffey (Beaufort).

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 23^rd May in Tralee: Tralee 3-13; Mid-Kerry 1-19 (AET).

Rd. 1 replay on Fri. 3^rd June at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry 1-12; Tralee 3-13.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 6^th June at Duagh: Feale Rangers 4-5; Mid-Kerry 4-15.

Mid-Kerry Panel: Michael Evans (Keel), Emmett Ashe (do), Jeremiah Hoare (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Tommy O Callaghan, John Flynn, Shane Flynn, Pa Joy, Colin McGillycuddy (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Ciarán Doona, James Coffey (Beaufort), Jesse Sheehan, Mícheál Shaughnessy (Cromane), Timmy Healy, Mathew O Riordan, David O Sullivan, Padraig King, Ivan Long (Cromane), Ian Clifford, Anthony Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine), Daniel O Loughlin (do.), Cathal Moriarty (do.), Michael O Shea, Shane Kerrisk (Keel), Hugh Nash (do.), Gary Coffey (Beaufort), Finbar Casey (Cromane), Thomas Ireland (do.), Fergal O Carroll (Milltown/Castlemaine), Edward O Sullivan (Beaufort), John O Connor, Audie Dunlea.

 

Quarter-final on Mon. 13^th June at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry 3-11; South-Kerry 2-11.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 20^th June: Mid-Kerry 4-11; Castleisland District 0-14.

Mid-Kerry: Michael Evans, Emmett Ashe, Tommy O Callaghan, John Flynn, James Coffey, Jeremiah Hoare, Jesse Sheehan, Ciaran Doona, Colin McGillycuddy, Mícheál Shaughnessy, Shane Flynn, Padraig King, Ann Marie Healy, Anthony O Carroll, Ivan Long. Subs: Pa Joy, Edward O Sullivan, Gary Coffey, Timmy Healy, Fergal O Carroll (all played).

 

Final on Fri. 24^th June at Fossa: East-Kerry 3-8; Mid-Kerry 4-18.

Mid-Kerry: Michael Evans, Emmett Ashe, Tommy O Callaghan, John Flynn, James Coffey, Jeremiah Hoare, Jesse Sheehan (0-3), Colin McGillycuddy, Ciarán Doona (1-2), Mícheál Shaughnessy (1-4), Shane Flynn (capt.) 0-1, Padraig King, Ann Marie Healy (1-0), Anthony O Carroll, Ivan Long (0-3). Subs: Edward O Sullivan (1-3), Timmy Healy, Daniel O Loughlin, Cathal Moriarty (0-2), Gary Coffey, Fergal O Carroll, Cian Clifford, David O Sullivan, Tomas Ireland, Mathew O Riordan, Finbar Casey, Shane Kerrisk, Pa Joy, Hugh Nash.

 

Co. U-14 Football Championship Div. 1B

Training began on Wed. 9^th February. Mentors – Denis Cleary, Brian O Shea and Iraneus Looney. The team was sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire.

Laune Rangers were grouped with Kerins O Rahillys, Spa, Emmett’s, Rathmore and Legion.

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 28^th March at Strand Road: Kerins O Rahillys 2-6; Laune Rangers 3-9.

Rd. 2 on Mon. 4^th April at Spa: Spa 4-5; Laune Rangers 6-11.

Rd. 3 on Mon. 11^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 4-12; Emmett’s 3-3.

Rd. 4 on Mon. 18^th April at Direen: Legion 1-5; Laune Rangers 1-23.

Rd. 5 on Mon. 25^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-11; Rathmore 2-8.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 9^th May at Listry: Austin Stacks 6-13; Laune Rangers 2-9.

 

Co. Féile Peil na nOg

 

Sat. 23^rd April in Caherslee: Laune Rangers 1-6; Dr. Crokes 0-1

Laune Rangers 3-7; Legion 0-2

Laune Rangers 3-5; Rathmore 0-2

 

Final on Sat. 28^th May at Castleisland: Austin Stacks 2-10; Laune Rangers 1-4.

That was a well-fought, competitive game with both sides playing skilful football. Austin Stacks, playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, started well with a point in the first minute from Don Quinn. That was quickly followed by another point from Frankie Murphy. Then in the 7^th minute, a goal from Quinn settled the Stacks and they had further points from Alan O Shea and Quinn. Laune Rangers had a difficult opening, missing some scoring chances and had to wait until the 12^th minute for their first score, a point from a free by Shane Flynn. Another goal by Don Quinn put Stacks in a comfortable position but Rangers finished the half with an excellent point from corner-forward Padraig King, leaving Stacks ahead at the break by 2-3 to 0-2.

Stacks started the second half as they had done the first half with some excellent points from Frankie Murphy and Don Quinn. As the half progressed, Rangers came into the game with a point from half-forward John O Connor in the 5^th minute. Austin Stacks continued their scoring spree with further points from Shane Carroll, Alan O Shea, David Courtney and Frankie Murphy. Laune Rangers added another point from Ciaran Doona and, then in the 16^th minute, Cian Clifford scored a well-taken goal to give them a glimmer of hope. Austin Stacks tightened up in defence for the remaining minutes and finished the stronger team. Laune Rangers had some excellent performances from halfback John Flynn, half-forwards Ryan Lucey and Shane Flynn, full-forward Pa Joy and corner-back Cian Clifford gave a whole-hearted performance throughout the game.

Laune Rangers: Chris O Brien, Cormac Johnston, Tommy O Callaghan, Cian Clifford, Morgan O Sullivan, John Flynn, David O Sullivan, Ciarán Doona, Jesse Sheehan, Ryan Lucey, Audie Dunlea, Padraig King, Shane Flynn, Pa Joy, Timmy Healy. Subs: Mark Riordan, Mathew O Riordan, Liam Foley, John Murphy.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 4^th May at Cloon: Laune Rangers 2-4; Keel 3-8.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 11^th May at Cloon: Laune Rangers Cromane/Listry.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 18^th May at Glenbeigh: Glenbeigh/Glencar lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 15^th June at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine lost to Laune Rangers.

Rd. 5 on Wed. 1^st July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Beaufort.

 

Final on Sat. 2^nd July: Laune Rangers 8-9; 0-4.

After the game, the Secretary of Mid-Kerry Coiste na nOg, Colm Conway, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Ciarán Doona.

Laune Rangers: Chris O Brien, Cormac Johnston, Tommy O Callaghan, David O Sullivan, John Flynn, Shane Flynn, Morgan O Sullivan, Ciarán Doona (capt.), Jesse Sheehan, Cian Clifford, Pa Joy, Padraig King, Timmy Healy, Ann Marie Healy, Audie Dunlea. Subs: Mathew O Riordan, Tony Lynch, Mark O Riordan, Michael Carey, Michael O Sullivan, Aisling Clifford, John Murphy.

 

Tralee District Board U-14 Football Championship

Division 1 consisted of Kerins O Rahillys, Austin Stacks, Emmett’s, Ballymac and Laune Rangers.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 20^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-14; Kerins O Rahillys 5-9.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 31^st Aug. at Listowel: Emmett’s 2-10; Laune Rangers 7-10.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 7^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Ballymac.

Rd. 4 on Wed. 14^th Sept. at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks 1-14; Laune Rangers 0-8.

 

Div. 2 Shield

Final on Mon. 31^st Oct. at Strand Road: Laune Rangers 7-7; Emmett’s 1-4.

Laune Rangers: Chris O Brien, Cormac Johnston, Tommy O Callaghan, Ryan Lucey, Morgan O Sullivan, Shane Flynn, David O Sullivan, Ciarán Doona (capt.), John F. Flynn, Cian Clifford, Jesse Sheehan, Padraig King, Audie Dunlea, Pa Joy, Timmy Healy. Subs: Mark Riordan, Mathew O Riordan, Tony Lynch, Aisling Clifford, Ann Marie Healy, John Murphy (all played).

 

U-14 Football Challenge Game

 

Sat. 26^th Feb: Laune Rangers 1-15; Legion 2-5.

Laune Rangers: Chris O Brien, Darragh Woods, Tony Lynch, Cian Clifford, John Flynn, Tommy O Callaghan, Mathew O Riordan, Audie Dunlea, Jesse Sheehan, Ciarán Doona, Padraig King, Ann Marie Healy, Timmy Healy, Pa Joy, Ryan Lucey. Subs: Morgan O Sullivan, John Murphy, Cormac Johnston, S. Moriarty, Aisling Clifford, S. O Sullivan, Michael O Sullivan, D. Reidy, Michael Carey, DJ Scannell, Eanna Curtayne.

 

Co. U-12 Football Championship

Trainers – John O Dwyer and John Quirke. The team was sponsored by Jamie Clifford Painting and Decorating.

 

Phase 1, Group A: Kerins O Rahillys, Kilcummin, Austin Stacks, Emmett’s, Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes.

Rd. 1 on Sun. 24^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-10; Dr. Crokes 3-15.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 1^st May at Kilcummin: Kilcummin 5-9; Laune Rangers 3-8.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 8^th May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-15; Kerins O Rahillys 1-9.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 15^th May at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 22^nd May at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Emmett’s.

 

Phase 2, Group B: Laune Rangers were grouped with Gaeltacht, Spa, Ardfert, Dingle and Fossa.

Rd. 1 on Wed. 8^th June at Gallerus: Gaeltacht lost to Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 12^th June at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘A’ 7-18; Dingle 1-7.

Rd. 3 on Tues. 21^st June at Spa: Spa lost to Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 26^th June at Ardfert: Ardfert 2-5; Laune Rangers 2-15.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 3^rd July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Fossa.

Laune Rangers finished on top of that group and, as there were no finals at U-12 level, they were declared winners of Group ‘B’.

 

Co. U-12B Football Championship

Mentors – Pa Foley, Podge Foley and Tim Brosnan.

Phase 1 – due to the large numbers at training, Laune Rangers played games against the second teams in Group ‘A’.

 

Phase 2, Group E: Laune Rangers ‘B’ were grouped with Firies, Currow, Ballyduff, Duagh and Milltown/Castlemaine.

Rd. 1 on Sun. 5^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-6; Milltown/Castlemaine 5-13.

Rd. 2 on Sun. 12^th June at Duagh: Duagh Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 19^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Currow.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 26^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ lost to Ballyduff.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 3^rd June at Firies: Firies drew with Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

Mid-Kerry U-12 Football Championship

Laune Rangers entered two teams, ‘A’ and ‘B’.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 29^th June at Cloon: Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated Cromane/Listry.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 6^th July at Beaufort: Beaufort Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 13^th July: Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated Keel.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 13^th July: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Glenbeigh/Glencar.

Rd. 4 on Sat. 16^th July: Laune Rangers ‘B’ defeated Keel.

Rd. 5 on Wed. 20^th July at Listry: Cromane/Listry defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 5 on Wed. 20^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

Rd. 6 on Sun. 24^th July at Milltown: Milltown/Castlemaine defeated Laune Rangers ‘B’.

Rd. 6 on Sun. 24^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated Beaufort.

Rd. 7 on Sun. 31^st July at Cloon: Laune Ranger ‘A’ Laune Rangers ‘B’.

 

‘A’ final on Wed. 7^th Sept. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 2-15; Cromane/Listry 2-4.

Playing against the breeze in the first half, Rangers started slowly and found themselves in arrears by 0-2 after a few minutes. However, once they settled, they played some good football and led at halftime by 0-6 to 0-4. They dominated in the second half and scored excellent points from play and frees and goals by Michael O Sullivan and Conor Healy decided the issue. After the game, Pat Pigott, Chairman of Mid-Kerry Coiste na nOg, presented the trophy to the winning captain, Liam Concannon, to a huge reception from the large crowd.

Laune Rangers: Liam McCarthy, Liam Quirke, Michael Sheehan, Liam O Sullivan, Michael Kelly, Dylan Reidy, Eoin O Sullivan, Liam Concannon (capt.), Timothy Walsh, Gavin O Shea, Michael O Sullivan, Jason O Connor, Conor Healy, Keith Sheehan, Cian Healy. Subs: John Lodder, Sean Fogarty, Sean O Sullivan.

 

‘C’ final (11-a-side) on Wed. 7^th Sept. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 4-3; Keel 6-9.

 

Tralee District Board U-12 Football Championship Div. 1

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 11^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-14; Kerins O Rahillys 2-13.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 23^rd Sept. at Castleisland: Desmonds Laune Rangers.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 6-11; Austin Stacks 3-8.

Rd. 5 on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Boherbue: John Mitchels 1-8; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Highlight of the game was the 1-3 scored by Timothy Sheehan.

Semi-final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Killeen: Desmonds 2-8; Laune Rangers 1-3.
Laune Rangers ‘A’: Liam McCarthy, Michael Sheehan, Liam Quirke, Michael Kelly, Eoin O Sullivan, Liam Concannon, Timothy Walsh, Michael O Sullivan, Jason O Connor, Keith Sheehan, Dylan Reidy, John Lodder, Timothy Sheehan, Liam O Sullivan, Gavin O Shea. Sub: Dylan Costello.

 

Shield Final: John Mitchels 4-5; Laune Rangers 1-1.

Laune Rangers: Liam McCarthy, Michael Sheehan, Liam Quirke, Michael Kelly, Eoin O Sullivan, Liam Concannon, Timothy Walsh, Michael O Sullivan, Jason O Connor, Keith Sheehan, Dylan Reidy, John Lodder, Timothy Sheehan, Liam O Sullivan, Gavin O Shea. Sub: Dylan Costello.

 

 

Tralee District Board U-12 Football Championship Div. 3

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 11^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 3-10; Kerins O Rahillys ‘B’ 3-6.

Rd. 3 on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers ‘B’ 6-10; Austin Stacks ‘B’ 5-8.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 9^th Oct. at Boherbue: John Mitchels ‘B’ 1-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-4.

Semi-final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Killeen: Austin Stacks ‘B’ 3-7; Laune Rangers ‘B’ 1-3.

Laune Rangers ‘B’: Dylan Costello, Ciarán Doyle, Alan O Dwyer, Gary O Shea, Gary O Shea, Aaron O Regan, Fergus Oman, Jack O Connor, Conor McGillycuddy, Johanna O Callaghan, Ben Courtney, Cian Foley, Clive Ashe, Sean O Sullivan, Kieran Brosnan.

 

U-12 Football Tournament/Challenge Games

Laune Rangers were invited to send two teams to a tournament in St. Michael’s, Blackrock, Cork on Sat. 8^th Oct.

Rd. 1 – Laune Rangers ‘A’ defeated St. Finbarr’s.

Rd. 2 – St. Michael’s defeated Laune Rangers ‘A’.

Semi-final – Bishopstown 0-6; Laune Rangers ‘A’ 0-5.

 

Laune Rangers U-11 team lost to Bishopstown. St. Michael’s and Eire Og.

Team-mentors – John O Dwyer, Pat O Sullivan, Podge Foley and Tom Courtney.

 

U-10 Football

The Mid-Kerry blitz took place in the JP O Sullivan Park on Sat. 17^th Sept. There were five teams in the 11-aside and 5 teams in the 9-aside. Laune Rangers had a team in both competitions. Team mentors – Iraneus Looney, Donal Pigott and Brian O Shea. The competition was organised by Pat Pigott and Colm Conway, while Dermot O Shea and James O Mahony helped on the day. Sean Joy and Michael O Shea acted as very efficient referees on the day.

 

Laune Rangers 11-aside team: C. O Connor, Mikey Houlihan, Ciaran Twiss, Colm O Mahony, John Tyther, S. O Sullivan, John Billot, Fionn O Shea, John O Shea, Eric Dunlea, Shane Mangan, Westley Delaney, Shane Daly and Kevin O Sullivan (capt.).

Laune Rangers 9-aside team: S. Doyle, Shane Clifford, S. McGillycuddy, Gearoid Joy, Daniel Macbeth, N. O Connor, Timothy Foley, Neil O Shea, Daniel Sheehan, Jack Smith, A. Johnston, T. Gotts, M. Browne, Ethan Diggin.

 

 

The 11-aside team won all its games and finished on top of its group.

The 9-aside team lost just one game to Keel ‘A’ and drew with Cromane/Listry.

 

Parish League

Rd. 3 on Sun. 16^th Oct: Kevin O Sullivan defeated Shane Daly

Seamus O Sullivan defeated Colm O Mahony.

 

Shield final: Colm O Mahony defeated Shane Daly by three points.

‘A’ final (for the Seamus Murphy Cup): Kevin O Sullivan defeated Seamus O Sullivan by five points.

Player of the year – Kevin O Sullivan.

Most improved player – Michael Houlihan.

Colm Conway and Conor Falvey presented the medals to the teams.

 

Mentors in charge of the U-8’s during the year were John Foley, Dermot O Shea, James O Mahony, Pat Mathews, Denis Cleary, Flor O Sullivan, Cian Evans and Eoin Ferris.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools’ Mini-7’s Football Competition

Sat. 30^th April:

Semi-final – Scoil Mhuire N.S. defeated Boheshill N.S.

Final – Scoil Mhuire 4-5; Glenbeigh N.S. 1-7.

Best for Scoil Mhuire were Liam Concannon, Timothy Walsh, Cormac O Connor and Tadhg Prendiville.

 

Mid-Kerry Primary Schools Competition

There were different competitions, depending on the number of teachers in the schools.

Final on Sun. 12^th June at JP O Sullivan Park: Douglas 3-7; Glounaguillagh 2-8.

That was a 9-a-side game. Douglas: Maura Healy, Linda Costello, Cormac Johnston, Danny Healy, Mike Houlihan, Nathan Spencer, Michelle Costello and Daniel Costello. Best for the Glounaguillagh were Luke Bradley, Shannon Lodder, John Murphy and Liam Quirke.

Ref: Sean Joy, Laune Rangers. Gary Flynn and Peter Lyons acted as referees for the other finals on the day.

 

Co. Primary Urban Schools’ Football Championship Div. 2

Final in Nov: Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin 0-10; St. Oliver’s, Killarney 1-1.

Scoil Mhuire got down to business from the start with points from Cormac O Connor, Conor Healy, Eoin O Sullivan, Timothy Sheehan and Gavin O Shea to lead at halftime by 0-8 to 0-0. Despite a fight-back by St. Oliver’s in the second half, Scoil Mhuire held on to deservedly win.

 

 

Kerry Colleges’ Senior Championship (Corn Uí Mhuirí)

Quarter-final on Wed. 2^nd Feb. at Kilcummin: St. Brendan’s 2-13; Intermediate School 0-9.

Intermediate School: Johnny Buckley (Dr. Crokes), Jeremiah O Sullivan (Beaufort), Peter O Reilly (Cromane), Stephen Caulfield (Glenbeigh/Glencar), John O Keeffe (Kilcummin), James O Reilly (Beaufort) 0-1, Liam O Sullivan (do.), Jimmy O Leary (Listry), Fintan Coffey (Fossa), Gary Sayers (Keel) 0-2, Edwin Kelliher (Beaufort), Cian Griffin (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Rodi Healy (Laune Rangers), Michael Hallissey (Beaufort) 0-1, free, Padraig Doyle (do.) 0-4, 2 frees. Subs: Sean O Riordan (Laune Rangers) 0-1 for R. Healy, Timmy O Sullivan (Beaufort) for F. Coffey (inj.).

 

Kerry Colleges Russell Cup

Fri. 18^th March: Tralee CBS Intermediate School.

Wed. 20^th April in Listowel: St. Michael’s lost to Intermediate School.

Semi-final on Thurs. 5^th May: St. Brendan’s 2-10; Intermediate School 2-7.

 

Kerry Colleges Russell Shield (U-15C)

Final on Mon. 16^th May at Ballymac: Presentation, Milltown 5-11; St. Ita’s, Abbeyfeale 3-7.

Presentation, Milltown: M. Evans, D. O Connor, P. O Sullivan, S. Corbert, P. Browne, A. Courtney, Thomas Ladden, D. Clifford, C. Ferris, Shane Flynn, Kieran McKenna (1-6), Brendan Delaney (1-1), Michael O Connell (1-0), Padraig Murphy (1-0), Colm O Shea (1-4). Sub: J. O Shea for S. Flynn (inj.).

 

Kerry Colleges 1^st year League

Rd. 1 on Fri. 8^th April at Dingle: Dingle CBS Intermediate School.

Rd. 2 on Fri. 15^th April: Intermediate School Tralee CBS ‘B’.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 22^nd April: St. Brendan’s ‘A’ Intermediate School.

Final on Fri. 13^th May at Glenbeigh: Coláiste na Sceilge 3-12; Intermediate School 2-11.

Intermediate School: Chris O Brien, K. Ward; Tommy O Callaghan, Morgan O Sullivan, Jesse Sheehan, Jeremiah Hoare, Cian Clifford, Audie Dunlea (0-1), Edward O Sullivan, R. O Connor, Mícheál O Shaughnessy (2-3, 1-3 frees), Ivan Long (0-1), G. O Grady (0-3), Pa Joy (0-2), Timmy Healy (0-1). Subs: Eanna Curtayne for R. O Connor, D. Cunningham for J. Sheehan (inj.), Darren Curtayne, Daniel Clifford.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools (U-16)

Sciath Uí Dhroma final on Wed. 11^th May at Ballymac: Killorglin CC 3-14; Tralee CC 3-6.

Killorglin CC: J. Sayers, S. Riordan, Eamonn Looney, U. Foley, S. Doona, R. O Connor, A. O Connor, Kevin Flynn (2-4), Alan O Connor, John Flynn (0-6), Jerome Flynn (0-1), P. Mangan, R. Riordan (1-3), B. Griffin, P. Foley.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools 2^nd Year League

Semi-final: Killorglin CC 5-12; Tralee CC 5-1.

Final on Fri. 27^th May at Killarney: Rathmore CC 6-8; Killorglin CC 3-11.

Killorglin: J. O Neill, J. Sayers, U. Foley, Thomas Ireland, D. Murphy, S. Doona, K. Foley, P. Mangan, A. O Connor, Alan O Connor (1-0), Jerome Flynn (1-5), C. Riordan, Jason Browne (1-0), John Flynn (0-5, 3 frees), S. Kerrisk.

 

Munster Post-Primary Schools’ Ladies’ Senior Football Championship

Trainers – Eoin Moynihan, Dave Staunton and Pat Pigott.

 

Final on Wed. 2^nd Feb. at Cromane: Coláiste na Sceilge 4-9; Intermediate School 5-5.

Intermediate School: Niamh Walsh, C. Spillane, N. McKenna, Triona O Donoghue, Sharon Houlihan, Ciara O Connor, Rachel O Sullivan, Sarah Jane Joy (1-0), Niamh Sheehan, Sarah Houlihan (0-1), Eimear Knightley (0-3, frees), Amy Foley, L. Buckley (2-0), C. Arthurs, Edel Murphy (2-0). Subs: Niamh Pigott for Sharon Houlihan, M. Griffin for C. Arthurs (inj.), Ann Marie Healy (0-1) for N. Sheehan, LM Murphy for N. McKenna.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools’ Ladies’ Junior ‘A’ Football Championship

Munster Final on Thurs. 10^th Feb. at Dromtariffe: Intermediate School 4-13; St. Mary’s, Mallow 3-5.

Intermediate School: Megan Houlihan, Maura Griffin, Ciara O Connor (1-0, pen.) capt., Tracy Sheehan (0-1), Evelyn Galbraith, Rachel O Sullivan, Niamh Pigott, Sharon Houlihan, Niamh Sheehan, Dearbhla Cronin O Reilly, Sarah Houlihan (1-2), Erica Fox, Amy Foley (0-4), Ann Marie Healy (2-3), Edel Murphy (0-3). Subs: Lisa Dennehy for D. Cronin O Reilly, LM Murphy for R. O Sullivan (inj.).

 

Semi-final on Thurs. 10^th March at Crusheen, Co. Clare: Intermediate School 7-17; St. Attracta’s, Sligo 4-6.

Intermediate School: Megan Houlihan, Maura Griffin, Ciara O Connor (capt.), Tracy Sheehan, Evelyn Galbraith, Rachel O Sullivan, Niamh Pigott, Sharon Houlihan (0-1), Niamh Sheehan, Dearbhla Cronin/O Reilly (3-0), Sarah Houlihan (2-2), Erica Fox (0-2), Amy Foley (0-3), Ann Marie Healy (1-6), Edel Murphy (1-2). Subs: LM Murphy for R. O Sullivan, Lisa Dennehy for M. Griffin, C. Kelly (0-1) for D. Cronin O Reilly, M. Murphy for E. Galbraith, M. O Donoghue for T. Sheehan.

 

Final on Thurs. 7^th April at Banagher, Co. Offaly: Intermediate School 4-14; St. Louis, Monaghan 4-11.

Intermediate School: Megan Houlihan, Maura Griffin, Ciara O Connor (capt.), Tracy Sheehan, Evelyn Galbraith (Beaufort), Rachel O Sullivan (0-1), Niamh Pigott, Sharon Houlihan, Niamh Sheehan, Dearbhla Cronin-O Reilly (1-1), Sarah Houlihan (0-1), Erika Fox (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Amy Foley (Beaufort) 1-1, Ann Marie Healy (1-1), Edel Murphy (1-9). Subs: Aisling Sheehan for N. Pigott, Marion O Donoghue for A. Sheehan, Aisling Clifford, Anita O Shea, K. Clifford. Coaches – Owen Moynihan, Dave Staunton and Patrick Pigott.

 

Munster Colleges Senior Football Championship (Corn Uí Mhuirí) 2005/2006

Rd. 1 on Wed. 5^th Oct. at Abbeyfeale: Castletroy College 5-8; Intermediate School 1-6.

Intermediate School: C. O Rourke, A. Sweeney, Padraig Griffin, Tadhg Curran, M. McMahon, Steve Caulfield, Peter Crowley, Jimmy O Leary (0-1), Sean Walsh (0-1), Timmy O Sullivan (0-2), Johnny Buckley (0-1), Chris O Riordan (0-1), Leon Seidler (1-0), B. Houlihan, Cian O Keeffe. Subs: D. O Donoghue for L. Seidler, M. Moriarty for M. McMahon.

 

Rd. 2 on Wed. 26^th Oct. at Glin: St. Flannan’s 5-7; Intermediate School 3-9.

Intermediate School was leading by six points when Rodi Healy was sent off for an off-the-ball incident and the team seemed to collapse after that.

Intermediate School: D. Donovan, T. O Donoghue, C. Joy, A. Sweeney, Padraig Griffin, Rodi Healy, Peter Crowley, Jimmy O Leary, Johnny Buckley (0-1), Cian O Keeffe, Sean Walsh, Chris O Riordan (1-0), Timmy O Sullivan (1-4, 2 frees), B. Houlihan, Stephen Caulfield (1-4). Subs: C. O Reilly for C. O Keeffe, D. Dunne for C. O Reilly, Tadhg Curran for A. Sweeney.

 

Rd. 3 on Wed. 16^th Nov. at Currow: Tralee CBS 2-16; Intermediate School 1-4.

 

Kerry Colleges O Sullivan Cup

In Nov: Intermediate School 4-10; St. Michael’s, Listowel 1-4.

 

Dunloe Cup 2005/2006

Tralee CBS 2-18; Intermediate School 0-4.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Football Championship

Semi-final in Nov: Castleisland CC 3-6; Killorglin CC 1-6.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Junior Football Championship

Thurs. 24^th Nov. at Cloon: Killorglin CC 3-4; Gael Choláiste, Trá Lí 3-10.

 

Kerry Vocational Schools’ Senior Ladies Championship

In Nov: Castleisland CC 5-7; Killorglin CC 1-2.

 

Munster Colleges Corn na Banndan (U-14B)

Final in Nov: Castletrop 2-8; Intermediate School 2-4.

 

Munster U-16 Football Championship

 

Kerry easily disposed of Cork County and Tipperary in the earlier rounds.

Final on Sat. 16^th July at Askeaton: Limerick 2-5; Kerry South 2-12.

By defeating Limerick, Kerry South became to first team to win the competition three years-in-a-row since its inception in 1993.

Kerry South: Patrick O Riordan (Gneeveguilla), David O Sullivan (Kenmare), Mathew Culloty (Glenflesk), Alan O Dwyer (Waterville), Brian Russell (Spa), John Bartlett (Dr. Crokes) 0-1, Padraig O Connor (Legion), Johnny Buckley (Dr. Crokes), Cian O Connor (St. Michael’s/Foilmore) 0-1, Kevin Flynn (Laune Rangers) 0-2, Philip O Connor (Dr. Crokes) 1-0, Michael Tim O Sullivan (Tuosist), Eoin Lawlor (Rathmore), Adam O Reilly (Spa) 1-2, Jamie Doolin (Dr. Crokes) 0-6, capt. Subs: Brian O Connor (Valentia), Shane McSweeney (Laune Rangers), Brendan O Sullivan (Valentia), Daniel O Dwyer (Waterville), Tim O Sullivan (Beaufort), Michael McMahon (Dr. Crokes), Brian O Leary (Rathmore), Daniel O Connor (Templenoe), Rory Mangan (Dr. Crokes).

 

Munster U-21 Football Championship

Trainer – Charlie Nelligan. Selectors: Mikey Sheehy, Kevin Griffin,

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 11^th March at Páirc Uí Rinn: Cork 2-13; Kerry 1-14.

Colin O Connor was Kerry’s best forward on the day.

Kerry: Brendan Kealy (Kilcummin), Martin O Mahony (Ballydonoghue), Luke Quinn (Dr. Crokes), Padraig Reidy (Scartaglin), Padraig Sheehan (Dromid) 0-1 capt., Muiris Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), Daniel Doyle (Churchill) 0-1, Donncha Walsh (Cromane) 0-1, Damien Breen (Beaufort), Declan O Sullivan (Lispole) 0-2, Adrian O Connor (Glenbeigh/Glencar), Colin O Connor (Laune Rangers) 1-3, Darren  O Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar) 0-1, Bryan Sheehan (St. Mary’s) 0-5, Raymond Galvin (Finuge). Subs: Niall O Mahony (Spa) for A. O Connor (inj.), Andrew Garnet (Spa) for D. Breen (inj.), David Geaney (Dingle) for R. Galvin.

 

NFL Div. 1A 2005

 

Rd. 1 on Fri. 4^th Feb. at Páirc Uí Rinn: Cork 1-12; Kerry 0-8.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé, Aidan O Mahony, Mossy Lyons, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Seamus Moynihan, Darragh Ó Sé, Mícheál Quirke, Noel Kennelly, Paddy Kelly, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), Declan Quill (0-3), Ronan O Connor (0-3), Colm Cooper (0-1). Subs: Paul Galvin for N. Kennelly, William Kirby for M. Quirke, Liam Hassett for P. Galvin (sin-binned), Tom O Sullivan for T. Ó Sé, Brendan Guiney for E. Fitzmaurice, Dan Doona for R. O Connor.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 12^th Feb. at Tralee: Kerry 2-13; Offaly 0-16.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé (0-1), Aidan O Mahony, Mossy Lyons, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Eamonn Fitzmaurice (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Darragh Ó Sé, William Kirby, Paul Galvin (0-1), Eoin Brosnan (1-0), Paddy Kelly (0-3), Declan Quill (0-2), Ronan O Connor (0-4, 3 frees), Colm Cooper (1-0). Subs: Bryan Sheehan for W. Kirby, Liam Hassett for A. O Mahony, Dan Doona for E. Brosnan.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 5^th March at Tralee: Kerry 2-13; Dublin 2-11.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé, Tom O Sullivan, Mossy Lyons, Aidan O Mahony, Darragh Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Kieran Donaghy, Tomás Ó Sé, Paul Galvin (1-0), Eoin Brosnan (0-2), Paddy Kelly, Declan Quill (1-5, 1 free), Ronan O Connor (0-4, 2 frees), Colm Cooper (0-1). Subs: Liam Hassett (0-1) for P. Kelly, William Kirby for K. Donaghy, Bryan Sheehan for L. Hassett.

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 13^th March at Ballybofey: Donegal 1-10; Kerry 1-9.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Mossy Lyons, Mike McCarthy, Marc Ó Sé, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Aidan O Mahony, Darragh Ó Sé, Mícheál Quirke, Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan (1-0), Paddy Kelly (0-1), Declan Quill (0-1, free), Ronan O Connor (0-1, free), Colm Cooper (0-3, 1 free). Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-3, 1 free) for R. O Connor, William Kirby for M. Quirke, Seamus Moynihan for M. Lyons, Liam Hassett for P. Kelly, Kieran Donaghy for D. Quill, Brendan Guiney for M. Ó Sé.

 

Rd. 5 on Sat. 19^th March at Austin Stack Park: Kerry 2-11; Westmeath 0-7.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Aidan O Mahony, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé (1-0), Seamus Moynihan, Brendan Guiney, Darragh Ó Sé (0-1), William Kirby, Liam Hassett (1-1), Paddy Kelly, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), Declan Quill (0-2), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-4, 2 frees), Colm Cooper (0-2). Subs: Paul Galvin for P. Kelly, Noel Kennelly for D. Ó Cinnéide, Bryan Sheehan for L. Hassett.

 

Rd. 6 on Sun. 27^th March at Castlebar: Mayo 0-15; Kerry 1-16.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Mossy Lyons, Aidan O Mahony, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Brendan Guiney, Darragh Ó Sé, William Kirby, Liam Hassett, Eoin Brosnan (1-4), Paddy Kelly, Declan Quill (0-8, 2 frees), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-2, frees), Colm Cooper (0-2). Subs: Bryan Sheehan for L. Hassett, Mike Frank Russell for D. Ó Cinnéide, Liam Hassett for P. Kelly, Kieran Donaghy for W. Kirby.

 

Rd. 7 on Sun. 3^rd April at Killarney: Kerry 2-17; Tyrone 3-8.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Mossy Lyons, Aidan O Mahony, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Brendan Guiney, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), William Kirby, Paul Galvin, Paddy Kelly, Liam Hassett (0-2), Declan Quill (0-2, 1 free), Dara Ó Cinnéide (1-5, 2 frees), Colm Cooper (1-4). Subs: Bryan Sheehan (0-1) for E. Brosnan, Mike Frank Russell for B. Sheehan (0-1), Ronan O Connor (0-1) for D. Quill, Eamonn Fitzmaurice for P. Kelly.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 29^th May at Thurles: Tipperary 0-13; Kerry 2-22.

Liam Hassett seemed to be getting better with age. He looked as fit as he ever was and was determined to hold on to his place in the half-forward line despite the massive competition. He kicked three points in the first half and, though quieter in the second half, he made a very good contribution. Mike Frank Russell had the buzz and sharpness back again and his kicking was very accurate.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Aidan O Mahony, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Marc Ó Sé (0-1), Darragh Ó Sé, William Kirby, Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan (1-4), Liam Hassett (0-3), Colm Cooper (1-5), Declan O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell (0-8, 3 frees, 1 ‘45’). Subs: Paddy Kelly for W. Kirby, Bryan Sheehan (0-1) for P. Galvin, Dara Ó Cinnéide for D. O Sullivan, Brendan Guiney for T. Ó Sé, Declan Quill for C. Cooper.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 19^th June at the Gaelic Grounds: Limerick 0-10; Kerry 2-10.

Liam Hassett worked as hard as always and contributed one lovely point in the second half when he shrugged off Padraig Browne with ease. His presence also distracted goalkeeper O Donnell and ended with Colm Cooper’s attempted pass going all the way to the net. Mike Frank Russell struggled to hold onto passes when they were delivered to him. It was just one of those days when nothing went right for him and it was no surprise when he did not re-appear after halftime.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Aidan O Mahony, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (0-1), Marc Ó Sé, Darragh Ó Sé, Paddy Kelly, Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan, Liam Hassett (0-1), Colm Cooper (2-5), Declan O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell. Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1) for MF Russell, William Kirby for P. Kelly, Seamus Moynihan (0-1) for T. O Sullivan, Bryan Sheehan (0-1) for L. Hassett, Declan Quill for D. O Sullivan.

 

Final on Sun. 10^th July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Cork 0-11; Kerry 1-11.

 

All-Ireland Quarter-final on Sun. 7^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-15; Mayo 0-18.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé (0-1), Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Aidan O Mahony (0-1), Darragh Ó Sé (1-0), William Kirby (0-1), Liam Hassett (0-1), Declan O Sullivan (0-1) capt., Eoin Brosnan (0-2), Colm Cooper (1-1), Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1, ‘45’), Mike Frank Russell (0-3). Subs: Paul Galvin (0-3) for L. Hassett, Eamonn Fitzmaurice for T. O Sullivan, Bryan Sheehan for D. Ó Cinnéide, Kieran Donaghy for D. Ó Sé, Declan Quill for MF Russell.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 28^th Aug. at Croke Park: Kerry 1-19; Cork 0-9.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé, Mike McCarthy (0-1), Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé (0-1), Seamus Moynihan, Aidan O Mahony (0-1), Darragh Ó Sé, William Kirby (0-1), Paul Galvin (0-3), Eoin Brosnan (1-2), Liam Hassett (0-1), Colm Cooper (0-5, 1 free), Declan O Sullivan, Bryan Sheehan (0-2, frees). Subs: Dara Ó Cinnéide (0-1, free) for B. Sheehan, Mike Frank Russell (0-1) for L. Hassett, Eamonn Fitzmaurice for T. Ó Sé, Declan Quill for C. Cooper, Kieran Donaghy for W. Kirby.

 

Final on Sun. 25^th Sept. at Croke Park: Tyrone 1-16; Kerry 2-10.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Marc Ó Sé, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé (1-0), Seamus Moynihan, Aidan O Mahony, Darragh Ó Sé (0-2), William Kirby, Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan (0-2), Liam Hassett, Colm Cooper (0-5, 2 frees0, Declan O Sullivan (capt.), Dara Ó Cinnéide (1-1, 1 free). Subs: Mike Frank Russell for L. Hassett, Darren O Sullivan for D. Ó Cinnéide, Eamonn Fitzmaurice for S. Moynihan, Bryan Sheehan for P. Galvin.

 

Co./Munster Inter-firm Senior Football Championship

 

Final on Wed. 7^th Sept. at Strand Road: AIB 2-15; KMS Galvin Developments 1-8.

AIB: Pat Carmody, Maurice Wrenn, Kenneth Leen, Terence Houlihan, Paul Heaslip, Fergus McAuliffe, Stephen Stack (0-1), Barry O Shea (0-1), Austin Constable (0-3), Ronan McAuliffe (0-2), Dara Long (1-1), Pa Laide (0-1), Brian Gannon (0-1), Mark Fitzgerald (0-4, 2 frees), Eddie Bowler (1-1). Subs: Brian O Regan for B. Gannon, Declan Marsh for D. Long, Tomás Griffin for E. Bowler, Cormac Cronin for M. Wrenn.

 

Munster Final in Nov: AIB Kerry 2-15; West-Cork Gardaí 3-9 (AET).

AIB Kerry: Pat Carmody, Maurice Wrenn, Kenneth Leen, Terence Houlihan, Paul Heaslip, Stephen Stack, Fergus McAuliffe, Barry O Shea, Austin Constable (0-2), Ronan McAuliffe (1-1), Darragh Long (1-6), Brian Gannon (0-2), Colm Cooper (0-4, 2 frees), Mark Fitzgerald, Pa Laide. Subs: Cormac Cronin for P. Heaslip, R. Mangan for C. Cooper.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Wed. 11^th Jan. 2006 in Kinawley, Fermanagh: Quinn Group 1-12; AIB 0-6.

AIB, Kerry: Pat Carmody, Maurice Wrenn, Kenneth Leen, Terence Houlihan, Paul Heaslip, Stephen Stack (0-1), C. Cronin, Austin Constable (0-1), Barry O Shea, Fergus McAuliffe, Darragh Long, Ronan McAuliffe (0-2), Pa Laide, Colm Cooper, Mark Fitzgerald (0-2).

 

Co. Junior Hurling Championship

 

Final on Fri. 29^th July at Lewis Road: Kilgarvan 5-5; Laune Rangers 3-4.

Laune Rangers played second-fiddle to Kilgarvan all through that game but two late goals helped to put a more respectable look on the score-board. It was a game that never sprang to life as Kilgarvan were just too strong and Laune Rangers only showed spirit in the final quarter, by which time the game was over as a contest. Laune Rangers played their part in that entertaining match that might have been short on quality but one could not have faulted the endeavour and enthusiasm on both sides, which meant that the contest was always competitive, while not being exactly riveting viewing. Rangers never really got going but it was not the fault of Connie Moynihan, Robbie Kennedy, Ronan Doherty, Wayne Doyle or Noel Purcell that they lost.

The opening quarter was even enough as both sides struggled to get to grips with the game. Padraig Sweeney had two points for Kilgarvan while Padraig O Sullivan had another. Paul Daly replied with a free for Laune Rangers but, with Padraig Moran running at their defence, it seemed like only a matter of time before Kilgarvan would find the net. In fact, after a typical Moran run in the 14^th minute, his effort came back off a post and keeper Alan Quirke made a terrific save to deny O Brien a certain goal. Then, after O Sullivan had converted a free in the 20^th minute, Kilgarvan struck for the opening goal two minutes later when Michael P. O Sullivan found the net. Though Wayne Doyle replied with a point for Rangers, it was Kilgarvan that finished the half the stronger. Three goals followed in as many minutes as Rangers’ defence caved in. The halftime score was 4-5 to 0-2.

Rangers really needed to start the second half well, but, despite a fine Declan O Shea goal after five minutes, it was never going to be enough. Once Pa Cremin burst through for a 42^nd minute goal, the game was over, despite the fact that it was the winners’ solitary second-half score. Kilgarvan defended well as Rangers came at them but Ronan Doherty and Noel Purcell scored points. Rangers did finish well but two late goals from Purcell and Daly were never going to be enough and Kilgarvan were deservedly crowned champions.

Laune Rangers: Alan Quirke, Josh Whelan, Connie Moynihan, Aidan McCarthy, Brendan O Shea, Tom Coleman, Robbie Kennedy, Brian O Sullivan, Ronan Doherty (0-1), Declan O Shea (1-0), Chris O Sullivan, Wayne Doyle (0-1), Paul Daly (1-1, 1 free), Noel Purcell (1-1), Stephen Daly. Subs: Frank Hill for C. O Sullivan, Denis McDonnell for S. Daly, Noel O Leary for B. O Sullivan.

Ref: Christy Ross (Ballyduff).

 

Co. Junior Hurling League Div. 3

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 22^nd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers St. Pat’s.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 29^th June at Lixnaw: Lixnaw ‘B’ Laune Rangers.

Rd. 3 on Wed. 6^th July at Connolly Park: Austin Stacks Laune Rangers.

Wed. 3^rd Aug. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Crotta ‘B’.

 

Co. U-12 Hurling Championship (Div. 3)

Mentors – Michael O Sullivan, Kieran O Connor, Paul Daly and Wayne Doyle.

 

Fri. 27^th May: Dr. Crokes 6-6; Laune Rangers 1-1.

Fri. 3^rd June at Kilgarvan: Kilgarvan Laune Rangers.

Fri. 24^th June: Duagh 7-7; Laune Rangers 1-1.

 

Ladies’ NFL Div. 1

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 29^th Jan. at Rathcoole: Cork 5-9; Kerry 2-5.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Jackie Murnane, Riona Ní Chinnéide, Edel O Connell, Katie Kennelly, Katie Gleeson, Caroline Kelly, J. Murphy, Geraldine O Shea, Patrice Dennehy, Shari Delaney, Sarah O Connor, Noreen Fealy. Subs: Mairead Finnegan for R. Ní Chinnéide, Deirdre Corridan for S. Delaney, Catherine Sexton for J. Murphy.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 6^th Feb. at Kilmoyley: Kerry 1-7; Galway 2-8.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Katie Gleeson, Jackie Murnane, Katie Kennelly, Caroline Kelly, Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Edel O Connell, Shari Delaney, Margaret O Donoghue, Jenny Johnston, Noreen Fealy, Geraldine O Shea, Sarah O Connor. Subs: Natalie O Connell for G. O Malley (inj.), Deirdre Corridan for M. O Donoghue, Martha O Connor for C. O Connor.

 

Rd. 3 on Sat. 19^th Feb. at Kildimo: Kildare 1-16; Kerry 0-16.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Katie Gleeson, Jackie Murnane, Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin, Edel O Connell, Jenny Johnston, Caroline Kelly, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Shari Delaney (0-1), Sarah O Connor (0-4, 1 free), Margaret O Donoghue, Geraldine O Shea (0-6, 4 frees), Noreen Fealy (0-1), Katie Kennelly (0-3). Sub: Patrice Dennehy (0-1) for N. Fealy.

 

Rd. 4 on Sat. 26^th Feb. at Ballinrobe: Mayo 0-8; Kerry 1-13.

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Katie Gleeson, Jenny Johnston, Jackie Murnane, Edel O Connell, Sarah O Connor, Caroline Kelly, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin, Katie Kennelly (0-1), Patrice Dennehy (0-2), Noreen Fealy, Catherine Sexton (0-1), Geraldine O Shea (0-8). Subs: Ríona Ní Chinnéide, Natalie O Connor, Sinead Bunyan (1-1), Mairead Finnegan, Ciara O Connor.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 11^th March at Blennerville: Kerry 1-9; Monaghan 2-9.

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Katie Kennelly (0-1), Jenny Johnston, Sarah O Connor, Edel O Connell (1-0), Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin, Caroline Kelly, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Patrice Dennehy (0-2), Katie Gleeson, Margaret O Donoghue, Noreen Fealy, Catherine Sexton, Geraldine O Shea (1-6, 5 frees). Subs: Riona Ní Chinnéide for S. O Connor (inj.), Sinead Bunyan for C. Sexton, Shari Delaney for N. Fealy, Deirdre Corridan for M. O Donoghue.

 

Relegation Play-off on Sun. 27^th March at Nenagh: Kerry 5-16; Kildare 3-17 (AET).

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Katie Gleeson, Jenny Johnston, Caroline Kelly, Edel O Connell (0-2), Jackie Murnane, Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Siobhan Fleming, Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin (0-1), Katie Kennelly (1-1), Patrice Dennehy (1-2), Deirdre Corridan (1-2), Catherine Sexton (1-0), Geraldine O Shea (1-7, 4 frees). Subs: Ríona Ní Chinnéide for J. Johnston, Sinead Bunyan for C. Sexton, Margaret O Donoghue (0-10 for S. Fleming, Shari Delaney for N. Ní Shúilleabháin, Noreen Fealy for D. Corridan.

 

Munster Ladies’ Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sat. 23^rd July at Dungarvan: Waterford 3-9; Kerry 5-8.

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Gráinne O Malley, Gráinne Ní Fhlatharta, Katie Gleeson, Deirdre O Sullivan, Edel O Connell, Natalie O Connor, Caroline Kelly, Mary Kelly, Sarah O Connor (1-1), Geraldine O Shea (2-5, 4 frees), Jackie Murnane (1-0), Patrice Dennehy, Deirdre Corridon (1-1), Noreen Fealy (0-1). Subs: Neasa Ní Shúilleabháin, for D. O Sullivan, Shari Delaney for P. Dennehy, Ríona Ní Chinnéide for G. O Malley, Sinead Bunyan for N. Fealy, Margaret O Donoghue for J. Murnane, Ciara O Connor (sub-goalie).

 

Final on Sun. 7^th Aug. at Killarney: Kerry 1-8; Cork 2-15.

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Gráinne O Malley, Gráinne Ni Fhlatharta, Katie Gleeson, Natalie O Connor, Deirdre O Sullivan, Edel O Connell, Caroline Kelly, Mary Kelly, Sarah O Connor, Geraldine O Shea (0-4, 2 frees), Jackie Murnane, Patrice Dennehy (0-2), Deirdre Corridan, Mairead Finnegan. Subs: Noreen Fealy (1-2)for D. Corridan (inj.), S. Fleming for N. O Connor (inj.), Margaret O Donoghue for M. Finnegan, Katie Kennelly for P. Dennehy, Jenny Johnston for K. Gleeson (inj.).

 

All-Ireland Quarter-final on Sat. 27^th Aug. at Limerick: Galway 4-12; Kerry 2-10.

Kerry: Martha O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Gráinne Ní Fhlatharta, Jenny Johnston, Edel O Connell, Siobhán Fleming, Jackie Murnane, Caroline Kelly, Mary Kelly, Margaret O Donoghue, Geraldine O Shea (1-5, 1-3 frees), Patrice Dennehy (1-1), Sarah O Connor (0-3, 2 frees), Deirdre Corridan (0-1), Katie Kennelly. Subs: Deirdre O Sullivan for M. Kelly, Laura O Mahony for M. O Donoghue, Noreen Fealey for K. Kennelly, Shari Delaney for D. O Sullivan, Mairead Finnegan for P. Dennehy.

 

Ladies NFL Div. 3

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 30^th Jan. at Old Parish, Dungarvan: Waterford 2-9; Kerry ‘B’ 3-3.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane (Dr. Crokes), Muireann Clifford (Laune Rangers), Jody O Sullivan (Rathmore), Sharon Houlihan (Glenbeigh), Siobhan Fleming (Desmonds), Denise Shanahan (Abbeydorney), Jenny Murphy (Laune Rangers), Sarah Jane Joy (do.), Margaret O Donoghue (Scartaglin) 0-1, Ilona O Dowd (Corca Dhuibhne) 1-0, Rachel Cronin (Desmonds), Joanne Spillane (Dr. Crokes), Eimear Knightley (Laune Rangers) 1-1, Sinead Bunyan (Ballyduff), Ann Marie O Donoghue (Laune Rangers) 1-1. Subs: Christina Buckley (Scartaglin) for J. Murphy, Joanne Brosnan (Scartaglin) for I. O Dowd, Helen McKenna (Abbeydorney) for M. Clifford, Rachel O Sullivan (Glenbeigh) for S. Houlihan, Tara Brosnan (Scartaglin) for J. Spillane.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 6^th Feb. at New Inn: Dublin ‘B’ 6-21; Kerry ‘B’ 0-7.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, Jody O Sullivan, Triona O Donoghue, Christina Buckley, Deirdre O Mahony, Rachel O Sullivan, Siobhan Fleming, Sarah Jane Joy, Ilona Dowd, Rachel Cronin, Tara Brosnan, Eimear Knightley, Joanne Spillane, Ann Marie O Donoghue. Subs: Marian Shine for M. Clifford, Niamh Sheehan for T. O Donoghue, Joanne Brosnan for T. Brosnan, M. Evans for C. Buckley, Sharon Houlihan for R. O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 20^th Feb. at Templemore: Meath 3-8; Kerry 3-5.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, Jody O Sullivan, Deirdre Dennehy, Siobhan Fleming, Deirdre O Mahony, Joanne Brosnan, Denise Shanahan, Sarah Jane Joy (0-1), Ilona O Dowd, Rachel Cronin, Joanne Brosnan (Scartaglin) 1-1, Eimear Knightley (1-1), Ann Marie O Donoghue (0-2), Marie Twomey (1-0).

 

Rd. 4 on Sun. 27^th Feb. at Tralee: Kerry 1-3; Tipperary 5-15.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, Jodie O Sullivan, Marian Shine, Denise Shanahan, Eve McKenna, Joanne Spillane, Sarah Jane Joy, Siobhán Fleming, Ilona Dowd, Rachel O Conor, Joanne Brosnan, Sandra Joy, Eimear Knightley (1-0), Ann Marie O Donoghue (0-3). Subs: Tara Brosnan for M. McKenna, Natalie Deegan for AM O Donoghue, Christina Buckley for T. Brosnan.

 

Rd. 5 on Sun. 13^th March: Kerry 6-7; Offaly 2-4.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, Jody O Sullivan, Marian Shine, Deirdre O Mahony, Siobhan Fleming, Joanne Spillane, Sarah Jane Joy, Joanne Brosnan, Ilona Dowd (1-2), Amanda Brosnan (0-2, 1 free), Sandra Joy (3-0, 1 pen.), Rachel Cronin, Ann Marie O Donoghue (1-2, 1 free), Cassandra Buckley (0-1). Subs: Niamh Sheehan for A.M. O Donoghue, Triona O Donoghue for M. Clifford, Christina Buckley for D. O Mahony, C. O Sullivan for M. Shine, L. Jones for J. Brosnan.

 

Munster Ladies’ Junior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Mon. 27^th June at JP O Sullivan Park, Killorglin: Kerry 1-5; Cork 2-24.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, Jodie O Sullivan, A. O Sullivan, L. Flannery, Ciara O Connor, D. O Mahony, Sarah Jane Joy, Lisa Brick (1-0), Christina Buckley, Joanne Brosnan (0-1), Rachel Cronin (0-1), Joanne Spillane (0-1), Sandra Joy, Ann Marie O Donoghue (0-2). Subs: Niamh Sheehan for C. O Connor, Marian Shine for A. O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 in Mid-July at Monagea, Limerick: Tipperary 7-19; Kerry 4-5.

Tipperary had no senior team and, consequently, the junior team was extremely strong.

Kerry: Marie Cahillane, Muireann Clifford, J. O Sullivan, Ciara O Connor, L. Flannery, Siobhán Fleming, Joanne Spillane, Sarah Jane Joy, Mags O Donoghue, Rachel Cronin, Lisa Brick (capt.), Joanne Brosnan, Ilona Dowd, Eimear Knightley, Christina Buckley. Subs: Deirdre O Mahony for L. Flannery, E. O Connor for R. Cronin, Marian Shine for C. O Connor, Triona O Donoghue for M. Clifford, Sandra Joy for I. Dowd.

 

Munster Ladies’ Minor Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Tues. 31^st March at Listry: Kerry 6-13; Limerick 0-3.

Kerry: Ciara O Connor, Muireann Clifford, D. O Sullivan, M. Shine, R. Nolan, J. Murphy, C. O Sullivan, Sarah Jane Joy (0-1), B. Cronin (0-1), L. Cronin (1-0), Amanda Brosnan (0-1), J. Brosnan (1-4), R. Cronin, Deirdre Corridan (2-3), D. Murphy (2-0). Subs: L. King (0-1), N. Sheehan (0-2), C. O Sullivan, L. Driscoll, C. Carey-O Sullivan.

 

Munster Ladies’ U-16 Football Championship

 

Final on Sat. 7^th May at Ballincollig: Cork 3-16; Kerry 3-3.

Kerry: Eileen Counihan (Na Gaeil), Emma Galvin (Dr. Crokes), Denise Hallissey (Kenmare), Tracy Sheehan (Glenbeigh), Sinead K. O Sullivan (Southern Gaels), Liz Twomey (Desmonds), Sharon Houlihan (Glenbeigh), Niamh Sheehan (Spa), Deirdre Murphy (Legion) 2-2, Amanda Brosnan (Dr. Crokes), Marie Twomey (Desmonds), Edel Murphy (Glenbeigh) 0-1, A. Healy (Laune Rangers), Amy Foley (Beaufort). Subs: Edel O Carroll (Dr. Crokes) for S. O Sullivan, Mary Cronin for E. Murphy, Grainne Kerins (1-0), Sinead S. O Sullivan, Noelle Scanlon, Catriona O Connor, Tracy O Sullivan, Siobhan Barrett, Geraldine Ryan, Fiona Sheehan, Debra Murphy, Katie Liston, Maura Griffin, Evelyn Galbraith.

 

Munster Ladies’ U-14 Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sat. 7^th May at Ballincollig: Kerry 7-12; Waterford 1-4.

Kerry: C. Morris, S. Sheehan, Erica Fox, C. O Connell, M. McAuliffe, Aisling Leonard, C. Reen, Clodagh O Connor (1-1), Cliodhna King (0-1), Una Kerins (0-1), Claire O Sullivan (Milltown) 0-1, Aoife Dillane (3-0), Lisa Keane (Kerins O Rahillys) 2-3, Ann Marie Healy (0-4), Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh (1-1). Subs: R. Curran (S/G) for U. Kerins, M. Kelliher (Beaufort) for AM Healy, Mary Herlihy for L. Ni Mhuircheartaigh, R. Shanahan (S/G) for C. King.

 

Final on Sat. 21^st May at Charleville: Cork 4-8; Kerry 2-7.

Best for Kerry, on a bad day at the office, were Erica Fox, Ann Marie Healy, Aisling Leonard and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh.

Kerry: C. Morris (Southern Gaels), S. Sheehan (do.), Cliodhna King (do.), C. Reen (Rathmore), M. McAuliffe (S/G), Erica Fox (Glenbeigh), A. O Sullivan (S/G), Clodagh O Connor (Desmonds), Aisling Leonard (do.) 0-2, Una Kerins (Scartaglin), Aoife Dillane (Austin Stacks), Mary Herlihy (Scartaglin) 0-1, Ann Marie Healy (Laune Rangers) 0-3, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh (Corca Dhuibhne) 2-1. Subs: Claire O Sullivan for U. Kerins, R. Shannon for E. Dillane.

 

Ladies’ Co. Senior Football Championship

There were four teams, St. Pat’s, Corca Dhuibhne, Southern Gaels and Northern Rangers. The Laune Rangers’ players played with St. Pat’s. Trainer/Coach – John O Connor, Laune Rangers.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 1^st Sept. at JP O Sullivan Park: St. Pat’s 6-18; Corca Dhuibhne 2-8.

St. Pat’s: Ciara O Connor, Grainne O Malley, Jodie O Sullivan, Jenny Johnston, H. Falvey, Siobhán Fleming, Joanne Spillane, Sarah Jane Joy (0-1), Niamh Sheehan, Mairead Finnegan (1-1), Margaret O Donoghue (1-4), Jacinta Murphy, Debra Murphy (1-0), Patrice Dennehy (1-7), Joanne Brosnan (2-1). Subs: Amanda Brosnan (0-4) for N. Sheehan, E. Murphy for D. Murphy, Sandra Joy for J. Brosnan, Muireann Clifford for G. O Malley, Tracy O Donoghue for J. Spillane.

 

Final on Sat. 17^th Sept. at Castleisland: St. Pat’s 1-13; Northern Rangers 2-9.

Patrice Dennehy was awarded player-of-the-match, having scored 0-7. Sarah Jane Joy plated a vital role at midfield. Ciara O Connor, the goalkeeper, pulled of some great saves. Jenny Johnston did Trojan work in defence.

St. Pat’s: Ciara O Connor (Laune Rangers) Gráinne O Malley (Dr. Crokes), Jodie O Sullivan (Rathmore), Jenny Johnston (Laune Rangers), H. Falvey (Dr. Crokes), Siobhán Fleming (Scartaglin), Joanne Spillane Dr. Crokes) 0-1, Sarah Jane Joy (Laune Rangers), Margaret O Donoghue (Scartagloin) 0-2, Joanne Brosnan (Scartaglin), Mairead Finnegan (Dr. Crokes) 0-3, Jacinta Murphy (Rathmore), Cassandra Buckley, Patrice Dennehy (Laune Rangers) 0-7, 5 frees, Debra Murphy (Legion) 1-0. Sub: Amanda Brosnan (Dr. Crokes) for J. Brosnan, Sandra Joy, Muireann Clifford, Triona O Donoghue, Ann Marie O Donoghue.

 

Munster Ladies’ Club SFC

Final on Sun. 16^th Oct. at Ballydesmond: Donoughmore (Cork) 2-19; St. Pat’s 4-10.

St. Pat’s: Ciara O Connor, Gráinne O Malley, Jodie O Sullivan, Jenny Johnston, Katie Gleeson, Siobhán Fleming, Joanne Spillane, Sarah Jane Joy, Margaret O Donoghue (3-0, 2 pens.), Mairead Finnegan (0-3), N. Sheahan (0-1), Cassandra Buckley, Debra Murphy, Patrice Dennehy (1-6, 2 frees), Joanne Brosnan. Sub: Sarah Houlihan for J. O Sullivan.

 

Co. Ladies’ Senior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd April: Corca Dhuibhne 1-9; St. Pat’s 2-17.

Laune Rangers had 11 players on the team. They led by 2-8 to 1-4 at the break and completely dominated the second half.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 10^th April at Keel: St. Pat’s Northern Rangers.

 

All-Ireland Ladies’ Junior Football 7-aside

Coach/Trainer – John O Connor. Selectors – Ann O Connor and Healy.

 

Sat. 1^st Oct. in Dublin: Group 2

Rd. 1 – Laune Rangers 4-7; Danada 2-3.

Rd. 2 – Laune Rangers 7-13; Donard Glen (Wicklow) 0-0.

Rd. 3 – Laune Rangers 4-17; Lissummon (Armagh) 0-1.

Rd. 4 – Laune Rangers 5-9; Drumgoon (Cavan) 0-5.

Laune Rangers topped the table in Group 2 and progressed to the quarter-final

Quarter-final – Laune Rangers 9-4; Milltown, Galway 5-6.

Semi-final – Laune Rangers 4-10; Kilglas, Roscommon 3-3.

Final – Laune Rangers 4-5; Eadestown 4-4.

At halftime in the final, Rangers trailed by three points and they later were seven points in arrears. However, with Sarah Houlihan and Ciara O Connor excelling, they prevailed by one point.

Laune Rangers’ Panel: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Sharon Healy, Ciara O Connor, Triona O Donoghue, Sandra Joy, Amy Houlihan, Deirdre Dennehy, Sarah Jane Joy, Patrice Dennehy, Sarah Houlihan, Ann Marie Healy, Amy Foley.

 

Co. Ladies’ Junior Football Championship

 

Final on Wed. 31^st Aug: Laune Rangers 2-12; Scartaglin 1-9.

Ann Marie Healy opened the scoring with a point, followed by a similar score from Amy Foley. Patrice Dennehy scored the next three points, two from frees and one from play. Ann Marie Healy and Sandra Joy completed Laune Rangers’ scoring for the first half to leave them leading by 0-7 to 0-5 at halftime.

On the resumption, Scartaglin scored three unanswered points to take the lead inside three minutes. Then Siobhan Fleming bore down on goals but clashed with Ann Marie O Donoghue, who had to be taken off the field in a stretcher. Scartaglin were awarded a penalty, which they drove wide. Ciara O Connor had gone into goals and Jenny Johnston had taken over at centre halfback. Two minutes later, Laune Rangers were awarded a penalty and Patrice Dennehy buried the ball in the back of the net. The same player scored four more points, one from a free and Sarah Houlihan scored 1-1. Ann Marie Healy finished off the scoring with a well-taken point from about 45m.

On the evening, Muireann Clifford played a stormer and Sarah Jane Joy was outstanding at midfield. Lorraine Gorman had broken her hand at training, Eimear Knightley had been concussed during a challenge game and Ann Marie O Donoghue had a knee-injury, though she started in goals. After the game, the cup was presented to the captain, Muireann Clifford, and Sarah Jane Joy was chosen as player-of-the-match.

Laune Rangers: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Sharon Healy, Angela Hassett, Tracy O Donoghue, Muireann Clifford (capt.), Ciara O Connor, Amy Houlihan, Sarah Jane Joy, Patrice Dennehy (1-7), Sharon Houlihan (1-1), Jenny Johnston, Lisa Dennehy, Amy Foley (0-1), Ann Marie Healy (0-2), Sandra Joy (0-1). Subs: Susan Joy for AM O Donoghue (inj.), C. Healy for L. Dennehy.

 

Munster Ladies Junior Club Championship

Quarter-final on Sat. 24^th Sept. at Knocknagoshel: Laune Rangers 5-7; Crusheen (Clare) 1-4.

The sides were level when Ann Marie Healy broke through for a cracking goal and Sarah Houlihan increased the Killorglin side’s lead after five minutes. Patrice Dennehy stretched the lead with a brace of points before she scored a terrific solo-goal after 11 minutes. Amy Foley and Eimear Knightley added points to leave the Rangers ahead by 2-5 to 0-3 after 15 minutes. Seven minutes later, Patrice Dennehy fed Sarah Houlihan and she finished to ball to the net. Leading by 3-7 to 0-3 at the break, the game was over as a contest.

The second half was a mere formality as a free from Patrice Dennehy went all the way to the net and Ann Marie Healy added the fourth goal as Rangers ran out comprehensive winners on a day that was ruined by the weather. Ciara O Connor was a colossus at centre halfback, as she attacked the ball and fielded magnificently. Angela Hassett, Sharon Healy and Amy Houlihan were outstanding. Patrice Dennehy was in fine form as she led the attack and she proved to be the launch pad for Rangers’ movement up front and one felt that she could cut loose whenever the need arose. Ann Marie Healy took her goals well at full-forward, while Sarah Houlihan and Amy Foley were always a threat.

Laune Rangers: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Sharon Healy, Angela Hassett, Tracy O Donoghue, Muireann Clifford, Ciara O Connor, Amy Houlihan, Sarah Jane Joy, Jenny Johnston, Sandra Joy (0-1), Patrice Dennehy (2-2, 1-1 frees), Eimear Knightley (0-1), Amy Foley (0-1), Ann Marie Healy (2-1), Sarah Houlihan (1-1). Subs: Lisa Dennehy for A. Houlihan, Margaret Evans for E. Knightley, Lorraine Gorman for A. Foley.

 

Semi-final on Sat. 8^th Oct. at Kilworth: Laune Rangers 4-14; Commeragh Rangers 2-5.

Laune Rangers: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Sharon Healy, Angela Hassett, Triona O Donoghue, Muireann Clifford (capt.), Ciara O Connor, Amy Houlihan, Sarah Jane Joy, Jenny Johnston, Eimear Knightley, Patrice Dennehy (1-2), Lisa Dennehy, Sarah Houlihan (1-6), Ann Marie Healy (1-2), Amy Foley (0-4). Subs: Jenny Murphy for A. Houlihan (inj.), Margaret Evans (1-0) for J. Johnston (inj.), Susan Joy for J. Murphy, Deirdre Quirke for L. Dennehy.

 

Final on Sat. 15^th Oct. at Rathmore: Mourneabbey (Cork) 5-11; Laune Rangers 1-11.

Laune Rangers: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Sharon Healy, Angela Hassett, Triona O Donoghue, Muireann Clifford, Ciara O Connor, Amy Houlihan, Sarah Jane Joy, Jenny Johnston, Eimear Knightley (0-1), Patrice Dennehy (0-3, 2 frees), Lisa Dennehy, Sarah Houlihan (0-2), Ann Marie Healy (1-2), Amy Foley (0-3). Sub: Margaret Evans for L. Dennehy.

 

Co. Ladies’ Junior Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sat. 9^th April at Direen: Legion lost to Laune Rangers.

Laune Rangers: Ann Marie O Donoghue, Triona O Donoghue, Ciara O Connor, Deirdre Quirke, Muireann Clifford, Deirdre Dennehy, Niamh Pigott, Sarah Jane Joy, Patrice Dennehy, Sandra Joy, Ann Marie Healy, Anita O Shea, Sarah Houlihan, Susan Joy, A. O Donoghue.

 

Rd. 2 on Sat. 16^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Churchill.

Rd. 3 on Fri. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated James Stephen’s convincingly.

Rd. 4 on Sun. 8^th May: Laune Rangers 5-10; Desmonds 5-7.

Laune Rangers: Lorraine Gorman, Sharon Healy, Ciara O Connor, Triona O Donoghue, Susan Joy, Niamh Pigott, Deirdre Quirke, Patrice Dennehy (2-4), Jenny Johnston, Anita O Shea (0-1), Sarah Jane Joy, Margaret Evans, Sarah Houlihan (0-1), Sandra Joy, Eimear Knightley (3-4). Subs: Lisa Dennehy for N. Pigott, Ann Marie O Donoghue for M. Evans.

 

Final on Sun. 31^st July: Scartaglin defeated Laune Rangers.

 

Girls’ U-15 Co. Football Championship

That was the inaugural year of that competition.

 

Rd. 1 in Sept. at Dingle: Corca Dhuibhne 2-10; Laune Rangers 3-8.

Rd. 2 on Wed. 21^st Sept. at Lewis Road; Dr. Crokes Laune Rangers.

 

Girls’ U-14 Football Co. Championship

 

Tues. 5^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Spa.

Tues. 19^th April in Kenmare: Kenmare lost to Laune Rangers.

Fri. 22^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Kilcummin.

Fri. 6^th May: Austin Stacks 1-10; Laune Rangers 1-5.

Tues. 10^th May: Laune Rangers defeated Glenbeigh

Laune Rangers: Lisa Brennan, Colleen Arthurs, Roisin Looney, Orla Dennehy, Shannon Lodder, Mary Kelliher, Elaine Sweeney, Aisling Clifford (0-2), Michelle O Connor, Coleen Naylor, Karen Clifford (0-3), Lisa Kelliher, Claire Lodder (1-3), Muireann O Shea (2-2), Catriona Lyons. Subs: Yvonne Costello for C. Arthurs, Laura O Connor for L. Kelliher, Marguerite Griffin for C. Lyons, Aisling Quirke for C. Naylor.

 

Final on Sun. 19^th June at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 4-12; Kenmare 3-8.

Laune Rangers: Lisa Brennan, Roisin Looney, Karen Clifford, Orla Dennehy, Shannon Lodder, Mary Kelliher, Elaine Sweeney, Michelle O Connor, Aisling Clifford (0-1), Colleen Arthurs, Ann Marie Healy (2-6, 2 frees), Lisa Kelliher (capt.), Claire Lodder (1-1), Muireann O Shea (0-3), Laura O Connor (0-1). Subs: Aisling Quirke for L. O Connor, S. Cronin O Reilly (0-1) for L. Kelliher.

 

Girls’ U-14 Mid-Kerry Championship

 

Final in Sept. at Beaufort: Laune Rangers 3-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-2.

Laune Rangers: Lisa Brennan, S. Cahillane, Roisin Looney, Colleen Arthurs, Patrice Lyons, Karey Clifford (capt.) 1-0, Elaine Sweeney, Aisling Clifford, Lisa Kelliher, Shannon Lodder, Ann Marie Healy (2-7), Coleen Naylor, K. Foley, M. Clifford (0-1), K. Mathews. Subs: S. Cronin O Reilly for C. Arthurs, Aisling Quirke for K. Foley, Claire Lodder for K. Mathews.

 

Girls’ U-12 Football Co. Championship

 

Wed. 22^nd June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Milltown/Castlemaine

Fri. 24^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers Scartaglin.

 

Semi-final on Sun. 18^th Sept. at JP O Sullivan Park: Laune Rangers 1-4; Spa 0-1.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Sean Kelly, Ciarraí, was Uachtarán CLG.

At the Annual Congress in Crokes Park on Sat. 16^th April, a motion calling for the temporary opening of Croke Park for the playing of international soccer and rugby, during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, was passed.

 

Jerome Conway was Rúnaí of An Coiste Stiúrtha Náisiúnta Féile na nGael. Féile na nGael was held in Cork. The Chairman was Jim Berry (Wexford). Other members of the committee were Donal Hickey (Dublin), Jim Whelan (Coca Cola), Seamus Elliot (Antrim) and Sheila Wallace (Camogie).

 

The AGM of the Munster Council was held in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney on Fri. 25^th Feb. Sean Fogarty, Tiobrad Árainn, was Chairman, Simon Moroney, An Clár, was Secretary, Willie O Connor, Ciarraí, was PRO and Ger Hickey, An Clár, was Treasurer.

 

Jerome Conway was Chairman of the Munster Club League Committee. Other officers were Jim Cronin (Vice-Chairman), Liam Hodnett (Secretary), Pat Healy (Treasurer), Finbarr McCarthy (PRO).

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee on Tues. 7^th Dec. 2004. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Sean Walsh, Vice-Chairman – Gerald White (Jerome Conway did not seek re-election), Secretary – Eamonn O Sullivan, Treasurer – John McMahon, Assistant Treasurer – JJ O Carroll, Delegate to Central Council – Gerald McKenna, Delegates to Munster Council – Teddy O Sullivan, Peter Twiss, PRO – Willie O Connor, Coaching Officer – Bernie Reen, Language & Cultural Officer – Liam Cotter, Youth Officer – Michael McCarthy, Development Officer – Patrick O Sullivan.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in Keel on Thurs. 27^th Jan. The following officers were re-elected: President – Father Brian Kelly, Chairman – John Twiss (Milltown/Castlemaine), Vice-Chairman – James Doyle (Beaufort), Secretary – Patrick McCarthy (Cromane), Treasurers – George Evans (Keel) and Dan Carey (Cromane), PRO – Patrick Casey (Cromane).

 

The AGM of Mid-Kerry Coiste na nOg was held in Beaufort on Mon. 14^th Feb. Laune Rangers were charged with the organisation of Mid-Kerry Coiste na nOg for 2005. Chairman – Pat Pigott; Secretary – Colm Conway.

 

Laune Rangers Bord na nOg AGM was held in the Fishery on Mon. 15^th Jan. In attendance were Pat Pigott (Chairman), Colm Conway (Secretary), John O Dwyer, Danny Healy, Kathleen Healy, Pat O Connor, Mary Flynn, Ger Flynn, John O Connor, John Foley, Iraneus Looney, Brian O Shea, Pat Clifford, Kevin Cahillane, James Ferris, John Quirke, Denis Cleary, James Riordan, Carmel O Brien, Mary Quirke, Mary Clifford, Bart Moriarty, Diarmuid O Sullivan, John O Donnell, Joseph Crowley, John Clifford, Sean Moriarty and John Galvin.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting. The meeting was informed of a very important ‘Code of Ethics’ meeting, which was scheduled for Milltown on Wed. 17^th Jan. All involved with underage teams were expected to attend.

The Secretary’s Report was given at the end of 2004. John O Connor congratulated the committee on the running of a very successful Open Day. John O Dwyer emphasised the importance of getting people affiliated to the club. Pat Pigott echoed those sentiments and thanked all involved in the organisation and running fo the Open Day.

The Chairman, Pat Pigott, delivered his address. He was delighted with the attendance at the meeting. He welcomed all, especially the new members of the senior board. He thanked the PRO, Diarmuid O Sullivan, for his excellent work all year and he asked all mentors to keep providing the PRO with the necessary information. Among the highlights of the year were the clean-sweep by the U-14’s, the participation of the U-8’s and U-10’s, the help for those grades and the contribution made by all trainers to the U-14 team and their successes. He thanked the Secretary and, since Laune Rangers were taking over the running of Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg, he requested members to attend meetings to support the club. He emphasised the importance of contact with the National Schools in the parish, particularly Glounaguillagh N.S. One disappointment for the year was the failure to develop the juvenile pitch at J.P. O Sullivan Park. That was the main aim for the coming year. Finally, he wished all well for the coming year and thanked all for helping Bord na nOg, especially the trainers, ladies club and the Finance Committee.

The Senior Chairman, Joseph Crowley, addressed the meeting and thanked all for their efforts within Bord na nOg during the year. He emphasised the importance of attracting parents as well as kids to the club. He also expressed concern re the responsibility of parents to behave and act accordingly on the sideline. He wished that medals could be presented on the day of the finals as much as possible. Finally, he wished all well for the coming season and reminded the meeting that participation in all/any sports was the most important factor overall.

The Ladies’ Club Chairman, John O Connor, commented that all had gone well for the ladies’ department during the year. He hoped that it would continue into the following year.

The following officers were then elected:

Chairman – Pat Pigott; Secretary – Colm Conway, PRO – Diarmuid O Sullivan.

The following mentors were appointed to take charge of the various teams:

U-8 – Dermot O Shea, Eoin Ferris, James Ferris, James O Mahony, John Foley, Ivo O Sullivan and Cian Evans.

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

U-12 – John O Dwyer and John Quirke.

U-12B – Pa Foley, Podge Foley and Tim Brosnan.

U-14 – Brian O Shea, Iraneus Looney and Denis Cleary.

U-16 – John O Donnell, Mark O Connor, Brendan Fitzgerald, Terence Houlihan and Pa O Sullivan.

U-13 and U-15 – A mentor from the age-groups on either side would take charge of those teams, i.e. U-12 + U-14 = U-13; U-14 + U-16 = U-15.

The following items were discussed:

1. Sean Moriarty said that it was ludicrous that only two mentors had to look after a team. He said that there should be at least four with each team. The meeting agreed with that point of view.
2. James Riordan highlighted the possibility of having an U-16B team because of the numbers. Pat Pigott expressed the view that if the club entered a team in the lower divisions of the Co. League, it would be well out of its depth. It was agreed that, where possible, challenge games would be organised with the bigger clubs.
3. John O Dwyer expressed concern at the growing number of violent incidents during Tralee District games. Two incidents had taken place in which the Rangers’ players were confronted. He said that the club needed to ensure the safety of the players. He agreed that the Tralee League was important to the club but the club needed to be protective of the players.
4. Joe Crowley said that the club should take photographs of all the teams and have them on display. A day should be set aside to do that.
5. James Ferris expressed interest in publishing a newsletter mid-way through the year. Brian O Shea said that more use should be made of the Laune Rangers’ website.
6. Joe Clifford commended the efforts of the U-12 and U-14 coaches, particularly Denis Cleary and Diarmuid O Sullivan.
7. James Ferris raised the issue of girls playing on boys’ teams and the implications of that down the line. A number of people participated in the discussion, including Joe Clifford, Iraneus Looney, Diarmuid O Sullivan and Sean Moriarty. Kathleen Healy asked if there was a girl playing with a boys’ team, should a female mentor be in attendance.
8. James Riordan asked if the Club-line system needed to be freshened up. He said that it was a useful facility. Colm Conway said that it was very much dependent on the mentors and the players to make the system work properly.

Pat Pigott thanked all for attending the AGM and wished everyone success in the coming year.

 

Laune Rangers’ Ladies’ AGM was held on Fri. 4^th March. John O Connor was re-elected as Chairman, Kathleen Healy as Secretary, Sandra Joy was Children’s Officer, Sarah Jane Joy and Ciara O Connor as Joint-PRO’s. All the out-going team trainers were re-appointed to their positions.

 

John Sheehan, Laune Rangers, missed the beginning of the year with both club and county because of an operation on his groin.

 

Laune Rangers Club was given permission by the CYMS management to use the notice-board on the front entrance of the building for displaying fixtures and other club news.

 

Annual membership of Laune Rangers Club cost €40 for a family, €25 for an individual, €10 for students and senior citizens.

 

On Fri. 18^th March, the Laune Rangers U-12 and U-14 teams were presented with the 2004 winning medals in Bunkers Bar. Billy O Shea presented the Tralee District Board Div. 2 medals to the U-12 team, while the U-14 team was presented with the medals for winning the Co. Championship, Mid-Kerry Championship, Tralee District Board Championship and being runners-up in the Munster Féile Peile na nOg.

 

Laune Rangers’ ladies committee held their table quiz-night on Thurs. 31^st March in Bunkers Bar. It was very well attended and supported by the local business people. The winners were as follows: 1^st Nora Hallissey, Mary Jo Coffey, Maria Breen and Eileen Coffey; 2^nd Colm Conway, Donncha Curran, Joe Griffin and Michael O Sullivan (Laharn).

 

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

1^st Rd. IFC on Sat. 23^rd April at Cahersiveen: St. Mary’s 0-10; Glenflesk 0-6.

1^st Rd. Co. SFC on Sat. 7^th May at Blennerville: St. Brendan’s 1-8; St. Kieran’s 3-11.

MFL Div. 1 final on Fri. 20^th May at Killarney: Dr. Crokes 0-12; Kerins O Rahillys 1-6.

SFC on Sat. 16^th July at Fitzgerald Stadium: Rathmore 2-10; St. Kieran’s 1-6.

SFC Quarter-final on Sat 8^th Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: West-Kerry 0-12; Austin Stacks 2-4.

SFC final on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: South-Kerry 0-12; Dr. Crokes 1-6.

 

Pat Pigott refereed the following games, amongst others, for the Kerry Co. Board:

IFC quarter-final on Wed. 19^th July at Currow: Currow 0-4. Finuge 2-12.

IFC final on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Legion 0-8; Finuge 0-6.

 

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

SFL semi-final on Sun. 6^th March at Cromane: Cromane 1-4; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-16.

U-21 Football semi-final on Sat. 30 April at Keel: Keel 0-12; Beaufort 0-11.

Senior ‘B’ Champ. Final on Tues. 17^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-8; Milltown/Castlemaine ‘B’ 0-6.

U-21 Football final on Sat. 10^th Sept. at Killorglin: Milltown/Castlemaine 0-12; Keel 0-8.

 

Peter Lyons refereed the following game, amongst others, for Coiste Trá Lí:

Senior League on Sat. 2^nd April at Boherbue: John Mitchels 1-10; Churchill 4-11.

 

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

SFL on Sun. 12^th March at Lispole: Lispole 2-5; Dingle 6-7.

SF League final on Sat. 30^th July at Annascaul: Dingle 1-11; Castlegregory 1-11.

 

Peter Lyons refereed the following game, amongst others, for the South-Kerry Board:

SFC semi-final replay on Sun. 11^th Dec. at Portmagee: Dromid Pearses 1-7; Waterville 0-7.

SFC final on Sat. 17^th Dec. at Cahersiveen: Valentia 3-7; Dromid Pearses 0-12.

 

Laune Rangers continued with the weekly Club Lotto, which was the main fund-raiser towards the running-costs of the club. It was decided to operate a monthly rota of club members, who would attend on Sunday nights at the CYMS Hall for the drawing of the Lotto numbers. The rota was as follows: May – Team B (Johnny Galvin, Maurice Corkery, John O Connor, Pat Pigott and Colm Conway); June – Team C (Bart Moriarty, Eoin Ferris, Declan Falvey, Eileen Clifford, John Griffin); July – Team D (Eamonn Crowley, Mike O Shea, Joe Crowley, Ger Counihan); December – Team A (James Riordan, Pat O Riordan, Jim Galvin, Tommy Woods and Brian O Shea).

The Lotto sellers included Margaret Brown, John Purcell, Collette O Sullivan,

The Lotto results were as follows:

Sun. 16^th Jan. – jackpot of €5,800 was won by James Kearney, Tullig Beg.

Sun. 23^rd Jan. (jackpot of €1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Mrs. O Shea, School Road; €50 Eileen O Connor, Kilgobnet; €50 Nora O Neill, Dooks.

Sun. 30^th Jan. (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Joe Scannell, Douglas; €50 Martin O Donoghue, Knockeens, Cahersiveen; €50 Kevin Corkery, Reen. Standing-order quarterly draw: €500 Mary O Regan, Coolbane.

Sun. 6^th Feb. (jackpot of €2,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Brendan Ahern, Prime-time Videos; €50 Olive O Neill, 88 Iveragh Park; €50 Nuala O Sullivan, Iveragh Road.

Sun. 13^th Feb. (jackpot of €2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Tommy Byrne, Mountain View; €50 Tracy Cronin, Clover Hill; €50 Mike Riordan, Glenbeigh.

Sun. 20^th Feb. (jackpot of €2,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Pa Costello, Mountain View; €50 Siobhan O Donoghue, 92 Woodlawn Park, Killarney; €50 Michael Griffin, Killorglin.

Sun. 27^th Feb. (jackpot of €2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Jim Falvey, Glenbeigh; €50 Tim O Sullivan; €50 Edward Stack, Cahersiveen.

Sun. 6^th March (jackpot of €3,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Teresa O Sullivan, Tullig; €50 Jimmy Wong, Knockline; €50 Liam & Gina Foley, Corbally.

Sun. 13^th March (jackpot of €3,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Pierce Prendiville, Boolteens, Castlemaine; €50 Sheila Burke, Sunhill; €50 Seamus Naughton, Rangue.

Sun. 20^th March (jackpot of €3,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Maurice Corkery, Gurrane West; €50 Mary Riordan, Tullig Beg; €50 John Clifford, Lower main St., Waterville.

Sun. 27^th March (jackpot of €3,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Lauren & James Hurley, Gurrane West; €50 Patrick Clifford, Dromin Heights; €50 Colette Kelliher, Beaufort.

Sun. 3^rd April (jackpot of €3,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Maureen Fitzgerald, Inch; €50 Anna Dalton, Caragh Lake; €50 Martin Clifford, Glencuttane.

Sun. 10^th April (jackpot of €4,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €95 Edith Pacheco, 15 Clover Hill Close; €50 Eileen Carey, Lonart; €50 John Galvin, Garrahadoo. Standing-order quarterly draw – €500 Vincent Evans, Dunmaniheen.

Sun. 17^th April (jackpot of €4,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Francis Buckley, 5 Mountain View; €50 Patricia Spillane, Knockavota, Milltown; €50 Paudie O Sullivan, Iveragh Road.

Sun. 24^th April (jackpot of €4,400 not won) – Prize-winners; €100 Agnes Carey, Upper Tullig; €50 Michael Little, Cromane; €50 Anna Sheehan, 12 St. James’ Gardens.

Sun. 1^st May (jackpot of €4,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Julia Daly, Inch; €50 Paudie O Sullivan, Iveragh Road; €50 Maria Mahony, Tullig, Waterville.

Sun. 8^th May (jackpot of €4,800 not won) – Prize-winners: Marian Griffin, Ballycleave; €50 DJ Scannell, 17 Clover Hill Close; €50 Nora O Neill, Dooks.

Sun. 15^th May (jackpot of €5,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Kathleen Moriarty, Inch; €50 Ger Foley, Anglont; €50 Mary O Connor, Curravogha, Glencar.

Sun. 22^nd May (jackpot of €5,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Margaret O Sullivan; €50 Kathleen Moriarty, Inch; €50 Steve Coffey, Bansha.

Sun. 29^th May (jackpot of €5,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Michael Coffey, Prime-time Videos; €50 Mary O Mahony, Waterville; €50 Kelly’s, Ballycleave.

Sun. 5^th June (jackpot of €5,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mary B. O Sullivan, Tooreensligaun; €50 Emma Wallace, c/o Fujisawa; €50 Michael O Mahony, Ownagarry.

Sun. 12^th June (jackpot of €5,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mary Clifford, Dromin; €50 Paddy Brennan, Ross, Glenbeigh; €50 Martin Clifford, Mountain View.

Sun. 19^th June (jackpot of €6,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Stephen O Conor, Dooks Strand; €50 Andrea McInery, Laharn; €50 Mary Curran, Sunhill.

Sun. 26^th June (jackpot of €6,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mary Beasley, Ballybunion; €50 Brian & Colm O Shea, Laharn; €50 Mary McGillycuddy, Dooks.

Sun. 3^rd July (jackpot of €6,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Margaret O Neill, Dooks; €50 Con O Leary, Tullig, Cahersiveen; €50 Leanne O Donovan, c/o Bunker’s Bar. Standing order draw – €500 to Paudie Russell, Farrantoreen.

Sun. 17^th July – jackpot of €6,800 was won by Anne O Neill, 69 Hawthorn Ave., Killarney.

Sun. 24^th July (jackpot of €1,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mulvihill’s Pharmacy; €50 S. O Sullivan, 1 Clover Hill Close; €50 Donal Ladden, 36 Langford Downs.

Sun. 31^st July (jackpot of €1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Pat Calvey, c/o John Moore, Dooks; €50 Jack’s, Lower Bridge St; €50 P.M. O Sullivan, Ballykissane.

Sun. 7^th Aug. (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Brendan & Una Costello, Tulligmore; €50 John O Mahony, Glenbeigh; €50 Mary Curtin, Kilcummin.

Sun. 14^th Aug. – jackpot of €2,200 was won by Pat Grandfield, Knocknaboola.

Sun. 21^st Aug. (jackpot of €1,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Anne M. Fenton, Muingaphuca; €50 Aidan Gannon, Sunhill; €50 John Cronin, 42 Iveragh Park.

Sun. 28^th Aug. (jackpot of €1,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Stephen Kelliher, Caragh Lake; €50 Phil O Sullivan, Iveragh Park; €50 John & Brendan Teahan, Mountain Stage.

Sun. 4^th Sept. (jackpot of €2,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Caroline & Majella Browne, Caragh Lake; €50 Liam Shannon, 1 Mountain View; €50 Timmy O Sullivan, Ceannovree.

Sun. 11^th Sept. (jackpot of €2,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 K. O Connor; €50 Evelyn Teahan, Cromane; €50 Tim O Sullivan, Glenbeigh.

Sun. 18^th Sept. (jackpot of €2,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Donna Alderdice, Ballykissane; €50 Hilda Murphy, 14 Clover Hill Close; €50 Michael O Sullivan, Laharn.

Tues. 27^th Sept. (jackpot of €2,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 G. Devine, 9 Knockline; €50 Helen Brazil; €50 Paul Dolan, 22 Knockline.

Sun. 2^nd Oct. (jackpot of €2,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Valerie Costello, Clover Hill; €50 Imelda O Sullivan, 19 Iveragh Park; €50 Adrian Zeng, Keelnabrack, Glenbeigh.

Sun. 9^th Oct. (jackpot of €3,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 James O Sullivan, c/o Clifford’s Tavern; €50 Finbarr Riordan, Gurrane East; €50 James Doona.

Sun. 16^th Oct. (jackpot of €3,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Noel & Imelda O Sullivan, 19 Iveragh Park; €50 James Foley, Postman, Killorglin; €50 Mary C. Linehan, Ardmoniel.

Sun. 23^rd Oct. (jackpot of €3,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Margaret Murphy, Glenbeigh; €50 Joe Foley, Laharn; €50 Lorraine Murphy, 5 Hideaways, Glenbeigh.

Sun. 30^th Oct. (jackpot of €3,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Philomena Joy, Meanus; €50 Stephen Kelliher, Muingaphuca; €50 Catriona Brosnan, c/o Top Deck.

Sun. 6^th Nov. (jackpot of €3,800 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Michelle Allman; €50 Josephine Teahan, Mountain Stage; Ann O Sullivan, 25 Mountain View. Standing order quarterly draw: €500 Paudie Russell, Farrantoreen.

Sun. 13^th Nov. (jackpot of €4,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mary Joy, Keelohane, Beaufort; €50 Cormac Foley, Reen; €50 Eugene Griffin, Coolbane.

Sun. 20^th Nov. (jackpot of €4,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Bridget McKenna, Steelroe; €50 Jim Diggin, Stage Cabs, Glenbeigh; €50 Deirdre Galvin, Stookisland.

Sun. 27^th Nov. (jackpot of €4,400 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Mary O Sullivan, The Cliff, Callanfersy; €50 Olive O Neill, 88 Iveragh Park; €50 Ann Marie O Sullivan, 62 Iveragh Park.

Sun. 4^th Dec. (jackpot of €4,600 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Jimmy Hayes, St. James’ gardens; €50 Cindy Wong; €50 Mary McSweeney, Iveragh Park.

Sun. 18^th Dec. (jackpot of €5,000 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Marie Hayes, St. James’ Gardens; €50 Mary Teahan, Mountain Stage; €50 Betty Joy, Cromane Upper. Bottle of whiskey to Sarah Sheehan, Glenbeigh; Eoin & Niamh O Sullivan, c/o Houlihan’s Butchers; Mike Scannell, Douglas; Noreen Cahillane, Laharn West; Kathleen Moriarty, Laharn; Siobhan & Caitlín, c/o Manor Inn.

Wed. 28^th Dec. (jackpot of €5,200 not won) – Prize-winners: €100 Paul O Shea, School Road; €50 Eoin & Niamh O Sullivan, c/o Houlihan’s Butchers; €50 Paul O Shea, Iveragh Park.

 

Laune Rangers organised a special fund-raiser at All-Ireland Senior Football final time. Margaret Nagle, Ardcanaught, Castlemaine, won the fabulous prize of 2 return flight tickets to the game, 2 nights accommodation and 2 stand tickets. The winning ticket was purchased in Coleman Cronin’s Shop, Castlemaine. The draw for the winning ticket took place in Bunker’s Bar on Wed. 21^st September.

 

Timothy Walsh, star of Laune Rangers’ U-12 football team, won the Radio Kerry song-composition competition, which was run in conjunction with the build-up for the All-Ireland Senior Football final. The song, ‘Sam’ was repeatedly played on Kerry Radio and other radio stations.

 

The death occurred on 30^th August in London of Paddy O Neill, the Square. He had played hurling with Killorglin Hurling Club in the fifties before immigrating. He was buried in Ardmoniel Cemetery.

The death occurred on 12^th Nov. of Kevin Foley, Iveragh Road (aged 84). He had played with the Kerry Minor Footballers in 1939. He had been a senior player with Laune Rangers in the forties and was later a senior team selector.

The death occurred on 17^th Dec. of Vincent Evans, Reeks’ View (aged 80). He had played with UCC in the forties. He had been a life-President of Bantry Blues Club until his death. He had been a staunch Kerry and Laune Rangers supporter and served as the team doctor for the club team for many years.

 

At the AGM of Kingdom Kerry Gaels in the Kingdom Bar, Kilburn, London, at the end of January, Christy Kissane was elected as President.

 

Co. SFC final on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Fitzgerald Stadium: South-Kerry 0-12; Dr. Crokes 1-6.

Co. Senior Club final on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Fitz. Stad: An Ghaeltacht 2-8; Kerins O Rahillys 0-7.

Co. Senior League final on Sat. 3^rd Dec. at Lewis Road: Dr. Crokes 2-14; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-7.

Co. Intermediate Football final on Sun. 30^th Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Legion 0-8; Finuge 0-6.

Co. Junior Football Final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Austin Stack Park: Ardfert 3-11; Cordal 3-7.

Co. Novice Football Final on Sun. 23^rd Oct. at Fitzgerald Stadium: Beale 1-13; Tuosist 0-15.

Co. U-21 Football Final on Mon. 31^st Oct. at Killorglin: South-Kerry 0-18; East-Kerry 1-12 (AET).

Co. Minor Football Championship on Sat. 1^st Oct. at Killorglin: South-Kerry 2-7; Dr. Crokes 0-7.

Co. Minor Football League Div. 1 on Fri. 20^th May at Fitz. Stad: Dr. Crokes 0-12; Kerins O Rahillys 1-6.

Co. U-16 Inter-District Board Final on Sun. 2^nd Oct. at Abbeydorney: Tralee 4-6; Shannon Rangers 1-11.

Co. U-16 Football Final on Mon. Aug. at Beaufort: Dr. Crokes 1-12; Kerins O Rahillys 1-11.

Co. U-14 Football Final on Sun. 15^th May at Fitzgerald Stadium: Austin Stacks 9-23; Rathmore 0-6.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior ‘B’ Final on Tues. 17^th May at Beaufort: Beaufort ‘B’ 0-8; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-6.

 

Senior Challenge on Sun. 30^th Jan. at Listowel: Kerry 3-20; Clare 2-2. Ref: Peter Lyons (Laune Rangers).

Senior challenge on Sun. 12^th June at Fitzgerald Stadium: Kerry 5-21; Wexford 1-13.

Kerry: Diarmuid Murphy, Aidan O Mahony, Mike McCarthy, Tom O Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Marc Ó Sé, Darragh Ó Sé, Paddy Kelly, Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan, Liam Hassett, Declan Quill, Declan O Sullivan, Mike Frank Russell. Subs: William Kirby, Dara Ó Cinnéide, Ronan O Connor, Kieran Donaghy, Bryan Sheehan, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Brendan Guiney, Noel Kennelly, Mossy Lyons.

 

Laune Rangers senior team went on a weekend break on Fri. 11^th/Sun. 13^th March to London and defeated Kingdom Kerry Gaels in a challenge at Ruislip on Sun. by 3-7 to 1-7. On Friday night, the Killorglin contingent had attended the Kerry Kingdom Gaels’ Annual Dinner-dance in the Galtymore in Cricklewood. During the meal, John Evans thanked the club for the invitation and especially Christy Kissane for organising the weekend.

 

On Fri. 28^th Oct. in the Galtymore, Cricklewood, London, the Kerry Association in London awarded Christy Kissane with the Kerry Person of the Year. Christy had been involved in the GAA in London for many, many years and made the journey home for all the Kerry Championship games.

 

Wed. 28^th Dec. – Race Night in Club Soda, organised by Laune Rangers. Horses cost €90. Advertisements in the programme cost €75 for a full page or €50 for a half-page. On the night, the senior ‘A’ and ‘B’ players were presented with their Mid-Kerry Championship medals. Pa O Sullivan was adjudged the senior player-of-the-year and was presented with the Mike O Donnell Memorial Cup by the club Chairman, Joseph Crowley.

 

Laune Rangers organised its Scor na nÓg in Scoil Mhuire on Fri. 11^th Nov. The following went forward to represent the club in the Mid-Kerry Scor na nOg finals in the CYMS Hall on Sun. 20^th Nov:

Rinnce Foirne – Tara Carolan, Niamh O Connor, Joanne O Sullivan, Katie Standen, Lisa Tuohy, Johanna O Callaghan, Ciara Carolan, Casey O Connor.

Amhránaíocht Aonair – Sean Fogarty.

Ceol Uirlise – Roisin Looney, Karen Joy, Nicole Mangan, Darragh Coffey, Niamh Joy.

Bailéad Grúpa – Aileen Crowley, Niamh Joy, Helen O Riordan, Sean Fogarty, Liam O Sullivan.

Rinnce Set – Tara Carolan, Niamh O Connor, Kerry O Shea, Ciara Carolan, Karen Joy, Aisling Clifford, Johanna O Callaghan, Lisa Brennan.

Tráth na gCeist – Liam Clifford, Tadhg Iarla Curran, Joanne O Sullivan.

Laune Rangers were successful in Rinnce Foirne, Ceol Uirlise, Tráth na gCeist and Rinnce Set. Laune Rangers club was named the overall winner of Mid-Kerry Scor na nOg.

Co. Semi-finals in Dromid on Fri. 2^nd Dec. – Laune Rangers were successful in Rinnce Foirne, Tráth na gCeist and Rinnce Set, all of which qualified for the Co. Finals, which were held in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on Sun. 11^th Dec. Unfortunately, none of the items was successful.

 

The AGM of Laune Rangers Bord na nOg was held in the Fishery on Wed. 2^nd Feb. 2006. Colm Conway delivered his Secretary’s Report as follows: “The juvenile section of Laune Rangers continues to prosper with this year seeing a clean sweep of Mid-Kerry titles from U-10 right through to U-16.

U-8 and U-10

The numbers of young players turning out every Sunday morning has been very healthy all year. They are taking their first steps in football and coaching of skills, teamwork and enjoyment are some of the things that they learn first at Laune Rangers. A number of challenge games was organised and the annual Parish League was very successful. The culmination of all the efforts was when the Mid-Kerry Blitz was won at the Track with fine performances throughout the competition. A big thanks to Brian O Shea, Iraneus Looney and Donal Pigott for their dedication all year. The U-8’s progressed very well during the year and great work was done to bring players on. Many thanks to Dermot O Shea, John Foley, James O Mahony, James Ferris, Eoin Ferris, Ivo O Sullivan, Cian Evans and all others who gave of their time during the year. As always, it was much appreciated.

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

Our U-12 team was very active with two teams competing over the season. The ‘A’ team won Phase 2 of the Co. League, where they remained unbeaten. They followed that up with victory in the Mid-Kerry final, defeating Cromane/Listry. A huge thanks to John O Dwyer and John Quirke for their long but very successful year. It was great to see the large numbers of U-12’s, which allowed us to put out two teams. The ‘B’ team competed in Phase 2 of the Co. League, Tralee District and Mid-Kerry Championship. The efforts of Pa Foley, Podge Foley and Tim Brosnan are greatly appreciated.

U-14 – sponsored by Flynn’s Bus Hire

The U-14’s were looking to build on the success of last year and maintained their very high standards. An emphatic victory in the Mid-Kerry final was the highlight of the year. In the two other competitions, an exceptionally strong Austin Stacks side proved their undoing, losing the Feile Final and the Co. Semi-final to the Tralee side. A 30 points victory in the county final showed the dominance of the Rockies and the task facing our boys. Without the commitment of Denis Cleary, Brian O Shea and Iraneus Looney those achievements would not have occurred.

U-15

The U-15 team was looking to repeat their success at U-14 grade the year before and reached the Co. Final where their opponents were Kerins O Rahillys. The fixing of this game turned into a fiasco with Co. Coiste na nOg fixing the game, giving three days notice and not consulting with either club. This resulted in the game being played without three of our regular players and the trainer. In the face of adversity, the boys battled to the very end and lost by the narrowest of margins. A sour taste was left in the mouths of those on the Laune Rangers’ side as they were treated with far less respect than they deserved. Credit is due to Denis Cleary and John O Donnell for preparing the team so well.

U-16 – sponsored by Mulvihill’s Pharmacy

The clean sweep of Mid-Kerry titles was claimed when the U-16 team capped off a great year at underage level in the club. They were comprehensive winners over Beaufort in the final and played great football on the day. Other achievements during the season included getting to the final of the 7-a-side blitz at the start of the year and reaching the Tralee District semi-final. Congratulations to Kevin Flynn and Shane McSweeney on winning a Munster U-16 medal with South-Kerry. Our thanks to John O Donnell, Mark O Connor, Brendan Fitzgerald, Terence Houlihan and Pa O Sullivan.

U-12 Hurling

Under the stewardship of Michael O Sullivan, hurling was once again in evidence at underage level in Killorglin. Their numbers were healthy and huge improvements were made during the year on the players’ skill levels etc. They reached the Co. Final in Div. 3 but were defeated. Michael was assisted by Kieran O Connor, Paul Daly and Wayne Doyle.

Laune Rangers’ Bord na nOg would like to thank the following:

• All the sponsors of our underage teams as mentioned above.
• The Starlite Laundrette for their continuing and generous support.
• Mary Clifford for her exceptional work with Scór in the club.
• All referees who officiated at games on behalf of Bord na nOg.
• Laune Rangers senior board, particularly the Chairman and Secretary, for their support during the year.
• Our excellent PRO, Diarmuid O Sullivan, for his work throughout the year.
• Our Chairman, Pat Pigott, for his help, leadership and advice.
• All those who helped in anyway during the year.

Once again, many thanks to all who helped in any way during the year and I would like to wish all in Laune Rangers Bord na nOg a successful 2006.”