Laune Rangers- 2019

Laune Rangers Senior A team won a playoff against Finuge to achieve promotion back to Division 3 of the County Senior Football League.

Laune Rangers – captained by Evan Madden – won the Mid Kerry Minor Championship for a 3rd consecutive year and the 41st time in total

Laune Rangers – captained by Evan Madden – regained the Central Region Minor Division 1 title.

Laune Rangers – captained by Jake Reenstierna – won the Mid Kerry Under 16 Championship for the 6th consecutive year and the 34th time in total.

Laune Rangers – captained by Jack Lynch – won the Mid Kerry Under 14 Championship for the 6th consecutive year and the 39th time in total.

The ones that got away:-

Laune Rangers were defeated by Milltown/Castlemaine in the Mid Kerry Senior Championship Final

Laune Rangers were defeated in the County Minor League Division 1 Final by Killarney Legion

Laune Rangers were defeated in the Central Region Under 16 Division 1 Final by Austin Stacks

Representatives:-

Ciara O’Brien was part of the Kerry Senior Ladies squad for the first time, making her Senior debut against Cavan in the National League.

Peter Crowley played in the National League, but a season ending injury in April saw him miss out on Kerry’s run to the All Ireland SFC Final.

Fiachra Clifford played at corner forward (scoring 0-4 in 2 Championship appearances) as Kerry were defeated in the Munster Under 20 Football Championship Final by Cork.

Gearóid Hassett played at wing forward (scoring 1-4 in 5 Championship appearances) as Kerry defeated Cork win the Munster Minor Football Championship Final, but lost to Galway in the All Ireland Semi Final.

Rachael Evans started and Andrea Nolan was a substitute for the Kerry Minors in the Munster LGFA Minor Championship.

Eoghan Hassett, Ryan Diggin, Ciarán O’Sullivan and Jack O’Sullivan were part of the Kerry South Under 15 squad that won the All Ireland Championship in August.

John Burke & Tim Mangan was part of the Kerry South Under 14 squad who won the Munster Championship in July.

Sara Leslie and Sophia Doherty were part of the Kerry Under 14 squad that contested the Munster LGFA Under 14 Championship.

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The AGM of Laune Rangers’ Club was held on Saturday 8th December 2018.  The meeting failed to elect someone to the vacant Secretary position.  It was left to the Club Executive to find someone to appoint at the first Club meeting of the year.  Outgoing Secretary Muireann Arthurs presented a detailed report to highlight the activities of the club for the previous 12 months.  Paudie Lynch & Selina O’Connor presented detailed Bord na nÓg report and Ladies Reports respectively.

The following officers were elected:

President – Barth Moriarty

Chairperson – Mary Quirke

Vice-Chairperson – Sinéad Pigott

Secretary – Emmet McCann (ratified at Club meeting 4th January 2019)

Joint-Treasurers – Brian Kissane & Diarmuid O’Sullivan

Registrars: Lawrence Laide and Pat O’Shea.

PRO – Aidan Clifford.

Finance Officer – Ger Counihan

Development Officer – John Quirke

Delegate to Co. Board – John Griffin

Delegate to Mid Kerry Board:- John Clifford

Child Protection Officer:- James O’Mahony

Player Welfare Officer:- Eoin Ferris

Insurance Officer:- Brian O’Shea

Bórd na nÓg Chairperson:- John Clifford

Bórd na nÓg Secretary:- Paudie Lynch

LGFA Chairperson:- Diane Hassett

Lotto Chairperson:- John Foley

County Intermediate Championship Round 1:- Laune Rangers vs Glenbeigh/Glencar. 06/04/2019

Laune Rangers 0-8, Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-9

The Intermediate Championship got underway on Saturday evening for Laune Rangers and Glenbeigh/Glencar, and it was the more experienced Glenbeigh side that came out on top in the game played in Beaufort.

Glenbeigh/Glencar got the ideal start as Darran O’Sullivan pointed a free shortly after the throw in, before Kieran Courtney struck the net for a goal in the 5th minute. Rangers got into the game and had halved the deficit by the quarter mark – Fiachra Clifford pointing two frees to leave Glenbeigh/Glencar leading by 1-1 to 0-2 with fifteen minutes played.

Glenbeigh extended their lead with points from Shane Riordan, Caolim Teahan (2), Pa Kilkenny, & Darran O’Sullivan (free) to go ahead by 1-6 to 0-2, but lost Fergal Griffin to a black card in this period. Laune Rangers came within an inch of scoring a goal to stem the tide, but David Costelloe’s shot from close range rattled the crossbar and rebounded to safety. Tommy Cahill & Jack O’Connor traded points to leave Glenbeigh leading by seven points at the break. Half Time:- Laune Rangers 0-3, Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-7.

Laune Rangers were denied from another goal chance in the first play of the second half as Fiachra Clifford forced a save from Rory O’Connor. John Tyther added a point but Rangers were dealt a blow as Glenbeigh scored their second goal with through Colin McGillycuddy. Rangers added points with frees from Dáire Cleary & Jason Browne, while Shane Doona and David Mangan were introduced for their Senior debuts. With fifteen minutes to play, Glenbeigh/Glencar led by 2-7 to 0-6.

Laune Rangers were unable to reduce the gap in the final quarter as Glenbeigh matched them score for score – David Costelloe and Dáire Cleary (free) points cancelled out by Darran O’Sullivan (free) and Caolim Teahan. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-8, Glenbeigh/Glencar 2-9.

Glenbeigh/Glencar were unquestionably the better team on the day, as their ability to convert their goal chances made all the difference between the sides on the day – both sides producing two goal attempts with Glenbeigh scoring twice to Rangers none.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1f), Seán Arthurs, Jonathan Carey, Cormac Johnston, Conor Murphy, Peter Crowley, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor (0-1), Darragh O’Sullivan, Shane McSweeney, Kieran Doona, John Tyther (0-1), Fiachra Clifford (0-2f), Dáire Cleary (0-2f), David Costelloe (0-1). Subs: Shane Doona, Shane Daly, David Mangan, Daragh O’Connor, Aidan Cox.

Glenbeigh/Glencar:- Rory O’Connor, Seán Roche, Ciarán Doyle, Oisín O’Connor, Jack Brosnan, Pa Kilkenny (0-1), Stephen O’Sullivan, Colin McGillicuddy (1-0), Fergal Griffin, Daniel Griffin, Caoilim Teahan (0-3), Shane Riordan (0-1), Darran O’Sullivan (0-3f), Kieran Courtney (1-0), Tommy Cahill (0-1). Subs: Podge Griffin, Caoilte Purcell, Adrian O’Connor.

County Intermediate Championship Round 2:- Laune Rangers vs Templnoe. 13/04/2019

Outscored, outpaced, and simply outclassed.  Laune Rangers suffered a heavy defeat in the Intermediate Championship at the hands of one of the pre-tournament favourites Templenoe on Saturday evening, leaving them facing a relegation playoff Semi Final scenario for a second successive season.  Templenoe led by 2-2 to 0-0 with fifteen minutes played as Rangers struggled to rise to the pace of a team that have been soldiering together for a number of years with Kerry players Tadhg Morley, Gavin Crowley as well as Spillane brothers Adrian & Killian Spillane all in excellent form.  John Tyther and Dáire Cleary finally got Rangers on the board with well taken points while Shane McSweeney added another, but Templenoe did not ease up, adding a third goal.  Fiachra Clifford pointed a super effort from an acute angle but Templenoe continued to turn the screw.  Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-4, Templenoe 3-6.  Shane McSweeney (2) & Fiachra Clifford (free) added further points in the second half, but Templenoe pressed on, adding two more goals on the way to inflict a comprehensive defeat on their hosts.  Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-7, Templenoe 5-13.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne, Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Cormac Johnston, Patrick Carey, Peter Crowley, Jonathan Carey, Jack O’Connor, Darragh O’Sullivan, Liam Quirke, Dáire Cleary (0-1), John Tyther (capt, 0-1), Fiachra Clifford (0-2, 1f), Shane McSweeney (0-3), David Costelloe.  Subs: Shane Daly for D O’Sullivan, Daragh O’Connor for Quirke, Michael O’Sullivan for J Carey, Kieran Doona for Clifford, Aidan Cox for P Tyther, Mark O’Connor for Cleary.  Templenoe:- Dan Cahalane, Michael Hallissey, Tadhg Morley, Kieran O’Neill, Gavin Crowley, John Spillane, Patrick Clifford (0-1), Seán Sheehan (1-0), Adrian Spillane (0-2), Teddy Doyle (0-2), Killian Spillane (0-4), Josh Crowley Holland, Stephen O’Sullivan (3-1, 1f), John Rice (1-0), Brian Crowley (capt, 0-3).  Subs: Patrick Spillane for Holland, Tom Spillane for K Spillane, John Moriarty for G Crowley, Dara O’Connor for Sheehan, Martin Reilly for B Crowley..

County Intermediate Championship Round 3:- Spa Killarney vs Laune Rangers. 19/04/2019

Laune Rangers completed the group stage of the Intermediate Championship on Saturday evening.  In a much improved performance, a strong period in the middle of the second half saw their hosts Spa Killarney win with three goals to spare.  Spa Killarney 4-16, Laune Rangers 1-16.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne, Pierce Tyther, Jonathan Carey, David Costelloe, Cormac Johnston, Peter Crowley, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor, Shane Daly, Dáire Cleary, Kieran Doona, John Tyther, Fiachra Clifford, Shane McSweeney, Daragh O’Connor.

County Intermediate Championship Relegation Playoff:- Laune Rangers vs Castleisland Desmonds. 28/04/2019.

Laune Rangers 0-24, Castleisland Desmonds 2-15

Laune Rangers retained their place in the Intermediate Championship for 2020 with a fantastic win over Castleisland Desmonds in the playoff Semi Final. It took extra time to separate the sides though, with a number of the younger Rangers stepping up on the day.  However, it will be remembered for the unfortunate season ending ACL injury to Peter Crowley.

Laune Rangers took an early lead, as Dáire Cleary and Fiachra Clifford (free) pointed in the opening two minutes. However, Desmonds pointed three in succession to go ahead before Peter Crowley levelled the game with ten minutes played. Two further Desmonds points were cancelled out by frees from Dáire Cleary and Fiachra Clifford before Cleary pointed from play to give Rangers the lead on the quarter mark. After fifteen minutes, Laune Rangers led by 0-6 to 0-5.

Castleisland Desmonds added three more points in the next five minutes but Rangers put together a strong finish to the half. Jack O’Connor, Dáire Cleary (free), & Fiachra Clifford (free) all pointed but Desmonds replied with a point to tie it up once more. Dáire Cleary & Shane Daly pointed the last scores of the half for Rangers to give them the lead at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-11, Castleisland Desmonds 0-9.

Rangers had a terrible start to the second half, as Desmonds scored a goal with the first play from the throw in. The Castleisland side added a point to go two ahead, but Rangers got one back through Pa Carey. A second goal for Desmonds struck to blow to Rangers when, after David Costelloe was almost certainly pushed in the back, the ball was turned over and play was waved on. With Rangers corner back out of position upfield, Desmonds captialized and hit the net to go four points up. Rangers composed themselves and began to put some good play together. Shane Doona was introduced from the bench to join his brother Kieran on the field for the first time, and he & Fiachra Clifford added points to leave Rangers trailing by 2-10 to 0-14 with fifteen minutes to play.

Kieran Doona joined his brother on the scoreboard with a point, but Desmonds cancelled it out with a point of their own. Dáire Cleary pointed twice (1 free) to level matters late in the game, but Desmonds went ahead again as the game entered injury time. Disaster struck for Rangers as Peter Crowley picked up an injury in the process of being fouled while on the attack. Rangers won the free but Peter was removed on a stretcher with a suspected dislocated knee. Laune Rangers goalkeeper Jason Browne had come upfield to take the long range free kick, and held his nerve during the long stoppage in play to kick the equalizer with a super shot off the ground. Both sides had another unsuccessful chance to get the winner before the full time whistle was blown, leaving the game heading for extra time. Score at the end of normal time:- Laune Rangers 0-18, Castleisland Desmonds 2-12.

It was a big ask for Rangers to face into a huge twenty minutes without their talisman, but their young players continued to step up to the mark. David Mangan – also introduced during the second half – put Rangers ahead with the first point of extra time, but Desmonds pointed three successive points before Rangers created a goal chance with Dáire Cleary making a great run. The shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Patrick Daly who tapped it over the bar to leave Desmonds leading by the minimum at the changeover. Half Time (ET):- Laune Rangers 0-20, Castleisland Desmonds 2-15.

Desmonds would score no more on the day as Rangers put in a fantastic final ten minutes both defensively and in attack. Shane Doona levelled the game and put Rangers ahead within 90 seconds of the restart – Shane McSweeney with a great run from midfield before feeding Doona for the go-ahead score. Mark O’Connor also joined his brother Jack on the scoresheet to put Rangers two ahead with eight minutes to play. As the clock ticked towards the end, Rangers stepped up with a great defensive effort as Jack O’Connor & Mikey O’Sullivan (Crowley’s replacement) cut out a number of chances. The game was deep in added on time at the end of extra time when Rangers broke from defence, and David Costelloe – now plying his trade further up the field – punched the ball over the bar for the insurance score. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-24, Castleisland Desmonds 2-15.

The win secures Laune Rangers Intermediate status for another year. It was a super team effort on the day, with 17 of the team’s 24 points coming from play, and 13 different scorers getting on the board. It was a super showing with nine U21s playing a part for Rangers, including two of the current Minor crop.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1f), David Costelloe (0-1), Jonathan Carey, Conor Murphy, Cormac Johnston, Peter Crowley (0-1), Patrick Carey (0-1), Jack O’Connor (0-1), Shane Daly (0-1), Dáire Cleary (0-7, 3f), Kieran Doona (0-1), John Tyther (capt), Fiachra Clifford (0-4, 3f), Shane McSweeney, Daragh O’Connor. Subs: Shane Doona (0-3), Patrick Daly (0-1), Mark O’Connor (0-1), David Mangan (0-1), Michael O’Sullivan.

County Senior Football League Division Four

Round 1:- Laune Rangers 2-4, Renard 1-5

The County Senior Football Leagues got underway this weekend, as Laune Rangers began life in Division Four with a home tie against Renard. Kerry Senior & U20 squad members Peter Crowley, Fiachra Clifford and Dáire Cleary were released to play for their club in Round 1 to strengthen Rangers cause, although Jonathan Carey was unavailable to the home side. Renard, on the other hand, were without Killian Young and Rob Wharton through injury.

In difficult conditions, Laune Rangers got the only two scores of the first quarter – goalkeeper Jason Browne scoring a super 45 & Patrick Carey also pointing an excellent point from play. Patrick Daly added a well taken pointed free. Rangers were now dominating the possession but were unable to convert that to scores, mainly due to the excellent Renard defence who blocked down Rangers shots time and again. This kept the visitors in the game, and a pointed free by Dara Fitzgerald saw the sides separated by just two points at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-3, Renard 0-1.

Jim Sugrue scored an excellent point to leave the minimum between the sides until the 42nd minute, when Dáire Cleary finished a great solo run by hitting the net for Rangers. Cleary hit the net for a second time in the 47th minute, as a Shane McSweeney pass found David Costelloe who forced a great save from Pa McGill only for the rebound to fall to the feet of Cleary for an easy finish. With just under a quarter of the game to play, Laune Rangers led by 2-3 to 0-2.

Renard – with the swirling wind now blowing more in their favour – didn’t let their heads drop and began to chip away at the Rangers lead with a pointed free by Dara Fitzgerald. Kevin Curran was first to reach a dropping ball to knock it past Jason Browne for a Renard goal to leave three between the sides, but David Costelloe added a much needed point for Rangers at the other end. Dara Fitzgerald pointed twice late on for the visitors to leave Rangers sweating but some great defence by the home side – by Pierce Tyther & Conor Murphy in particular – saw the game out. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-4, Renard 1-5.

While the wind & rain meant it was no spectacle in terms of free-flowing attacking football, it was important to get two League points on the board in Round 1. For the visitors, Kevin Curran and Dara Fitzgerald produced valuable scores while Brian Sugrue led well from full back. For Rangers, Tyther brothers John and Pierce put in big shifts at midfield and corner back respectively, while Pierce’s comrade at the back Conor Murphy was also excellent. At the opposite end, Dáire Cleary was dangerous throughout and his two goals were crucial.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1 ’45), Pierce Tyther, Peter Crowley, Conor Murphy, Patrick Carey (0-1), Cormac Johnston, Seán Arthurs, Jack O’Connor, John Tyther, Patrick Daly (0-1f), Shane McSweeney, Daragh O’Connor, Fiachra Clifford, Dáire Cleary (2-0), David Costelloe (0-1). Subs used: Kieran Doona, Mark O’Connor, Darragh O’Sullivan, Colm O’Shea.

Renard:- Pa McGill, Blaine McCarthy, Brian Sugrue, Alan Curran, Mark Clifford, Cian O’Leary, Brian Curran, Kevin Curran (1-0), Seán O’Connor, Jim Sugrue (0-1), Paudie Casey, Eoghan McCrohan, Dara Fitzgerald (0-4, 2f), Mark Sugrue, Kevin Kelly. Subs used: Ian Moriarty, Ronan Quinlan.

Round 2:- Skellig Rangers 2-4, Laune Rangers 2-10

Laune Rangers maintained their good start to the season with victory over Skellig Rangers in Portmagee on Sunday afternoon.

Laune Rangers got off to a great start, scoring the first four points of the game – Dáire Cleary with two well taken frees while Kieran Doona & Jack O’Connor kicked excellent points from distance. Skellig Rangers got on the board with a pointed free through Darragh O’Sullivan, but Fiachra Clifford slotted a placed ball over the ball soon afterwards to leave the Laune ahead by 0-5 to 0-1 with a quarter played.

Skellig Rangers got back into the game with two more pointed frees by Darragh O’Sullivan before John Tyther extended the Rangers lead. David Costelloe was extremely unlucky to hit the upright with an attempt at goal, but the Laune did well to recycle the ball and Kieran Doona kicked it between the posts to put the Killorglin men ahead by 0-7 to 0-3. However, the hosts were afforded the chance to get back into the tie again before the break, as Brendan Murphy was fouled in the square by Cormac Johnston for a penalty. Darragh O’Sullivan made no mistake with the spot kick, putting the ball into the top corner to leave the minimum between the sides at the short whistle. Half Time Score:- Skellig Rangers 1-3, Laune Rangers 0-7.

Laune Rangers begun the second half in ideal fashion. A great interception at the back by Conor Murphy fed Darragh O’Sullivan who put Kieran Doona in on goal with a great pass, and Doona passed laterally to Shane McSweeney who tapped the ball into the net. Patrick Carey added a super point before goalkeeper Jason Browne came upfield to score a long range point from the ground. Dáire Cleary hit the net for the visitors second goal, but it was soon cancelled out by the home side, as Darragh O’Sullivan smashed the ball to the net for his team’s only score from play in the game. With fifteen minutes to play, Laune Rangers led by 2-9 to 2-3.

The final quarter was a low scoring manner as both sides hit wides. Darragh O’Sullivan pointed another free for Skellig, but Patrick Carey restored the six point gap with the game’s final score. Full Time Score:- Skellig Rangers 2-4, Laune Rangers 2-10.

Laune Rangers led from start to finish in this game. Best for Skellig Rangers on the day was Darragh O’Sullivan, who got all of his side’s scores. Laune Rangers had seven U21s in their starting team, and the team played well as a unit. Best for the Laune and the stand out player on the day was full back Conor Murphy who was a colossus in front of his own goal.  Laune Rangers had a supporters bus travelling to Portmagee on the day, which provided great support to the team and the bus made a stop in Portmagee before setting off for home. The supporters bus will be making the trip to the away County League games this year, and all supporters are welcome!

Skellig Rangers:- Padraig O’Sullivan, Gerard O’Sullivan, Anthony O’Driscoll, Brendan Keating, Aaron O’Shea, Ronan O’Shea, Michael Keating, Bernard Walsh, Aidan O’Sullivan, John Murphy, Darragh O’Sullivan (2-4, 4f, 1pen), Brendan Murphy, Brian O’Driscoll, Diarmuid Keating, Michael O’Sullivan. Subs: Seamus O’Sullivan, Seán Courtney.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1f), Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Cormac Johnston, Patrick Carey (0-2), Jonathan Carey, Seán Arthurs, Jack O’Connor (0-1), Darragh O’Sullivan, Fiachra Clifford (0-1f), Shane McSweeney (1-0), John Tyther (capt, 0-1), David Costelloe, Dáire Cleary (1-2), Kieran Doona (0-2). Subs: Michael O’Sullivan for J Carey, Shane Daly for D O’Sullivan, Aidan Cox for P Tyther, Mark O’Connor for Costelloe, Colm O’Shea for Clifford, Liam Quirke for Murphy.

Round 3:- St Michaels/Foilmore 0-9, Laune Rangers 3-11

The County Senior Football League resumed on Saturday evening, and Laune Rangers continued their fine start to the competition with an away win against St Michaels/Foilmore. Laune Rangers started the game with seven Under 21s in their starting team, including 2018 Tom Markham winner David Mangan who made his first Senior start for the club. Rangers had to make do without Kerry U20 Fiachra Clifford, but were heartened to have Peter Crowley supporting the team on the sideline following his recent cruciate ligament injury.

Playing in glorious sunshine in Foilmore GAA grounds, Rangers got off to a great start with Dáire Cleary pointing twice in the first five minutes. Jason Browne came upfield to slot a long range free to extend the lead. Matthew O’Sullivan pointed a free to get the home side off the mark, but it was soon nullified by a pointed free by Dáire Cleary. With fifteen minutes played, Laune Rangers led by 0-4 to 0-1.

James Moran pointed for the home side before Rangers goalkeeper Jason Browne kicked his second dead ball over the bar – this time from the 45 metre line. Rangers then took a commanding lead when – after John Tyther did well to offload the ball in contact – Patrick Daly struck his soccer-style shot into the top corner for a fantastic goal.

St Michaels/Foilmore rallied well though, and scored four unanswered points through Matthew O’Sullivan (2), Mark McCarthy and Brian Smith – McCarthy’s point coming from a dropping ball into the square and the Rangers defenders would have been relieved to see the punched shot go over the bar. Dáire Cleary added another point for the visitors to leave a goal between the sides at the break. Half Time Score:- St Michaels/Foilmore 0-6, Laune Rangers 1-6.

Dáire Cleary continued fine form in front of the posts by adding the first point of the second half, but Andy O’Connell cancelled it out with a point for the hosts. In a low scoring third quarter, Rangers made substitutions, including Roan Moriarty who came on for his Senior debut, & Shane Doona who joined his Minor teammates Moriarty and Mangan on the field. Shane Doona and Patrick Daly pointed for the visitors while Matthew O’Sullivan scored a brace to leave Rangers leading by 1-9 to 0-9 with fifteen minutes to play.

Laune Rangers dominated the final quarter, holding the home side scoreless to win comfortably in the end. Patrick Carey pointed before Rangers scored their second goal with Patrick Daly netting again. Dáire Cleary scored another point before scoring Rangers third goal. Rangers may have scored a fourth goal before the end, but Pa Carey’s shot was saved excellently by goalkeeper Ciarán O’Shea. Full Time Score:- St Michaels/Foilmore 0-9, Laune Rangers 3-11.

The introduction of Moriarty and Doona midway through the second half made a big impact for Rangers. Mikey O’Sullivan started his first game for a while, and showed no cobwebs in a sold performance, while Jack O’Connor & Shane McSweeney were industrious around the middle of the field. Dáire Cleary was the stand out player on the day though, finishing with a tally of 1-6 to his name – 1-5 coming from play.

St Michaels/Foilmore:- Ciarán O’Shea, Emmet Curran, Cian Goggin, Seán Scanlon, Ciarán Clifford, Chris O’Sullivan, Alan Smith, Padraig King (0-2), Ronan Clifford, James Moran (0-1), Matthew O’Sullivan (0-3, 1f), Andy O’Connell (0-1), Pierce McGill, Mark McCarthy (0-1), Brian Smith (0-1). Subs: Stephen Cronin, Alan Goggin, Seán Garvey.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-2f), David Mangan, Conor Murphy, Cormac Johnston, Mikey O’Sullivan, Jonathan Carey, Patrick Carey (0-1), Jack O’Connor, Shane Daly, Dáire Cleary (1-6, 1f), Patrick Daly (2-1), John Tyther (capt), Mark O’Connor, Shane McSweeney, Daragh O’Connor. Subs: Roan Moriarty for M O’Connor, Shane Doona (0-1) for D O’Connor, Darragh O’Sullivan for Shane McSweeney, Pierce Tyther for O’Sullivan, Liam Quirke for P Daly, Morgan O’Sullivan for S Daly.

Round 4:- Laune Rangers 1-17, Cordal 0-15

Laune Rangers continued their unbeaten start to Division Four of the County Senior Football League on Saturday evening, with defeat of Cordal at home in JP O’Sullivan Park. The visitors were without a number of starters on the day, while Kerry U20 Fiachra Clifford was unavailable, joining David Costelloe, Seán Arthurs, & Conor Murphy (all injured) on the sideline for Rangers.

Early frees by Dáire Cleary and Patrick Daly put the home side ahead before Philip O’Connor kicked Cordal’s first point of the game. O’Connor added two more points (both frees), but Rangers scored excellent points through Dáire Cleary and Darragh O’Sullivan (2) to lead by 0-5 to 0-3 with fifteen minutes played.

Laune Rangers captain John Tyther came upfield to score an excellent point from distance and, when the resulting kickout went wayward, Dáire Cleary capitalized to score a super solo goal – intercepting the ball on the left flank before beating a couple of defenders and smashing the ball to the net. Philip O’Connor (free) & Brian Reidy both pointed for Cordal, but Darragh O’Sullivan (3) and John Tyther scored excellent points to see Rangers take a strong lead into the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-10, Cordal 0-5.

Cordal begun the second half quite well, scoring two points through Brian Reidy to reduce the gap. Dáire Cleary pointed a free before Cordal ‘keeper Seán Óg O’Ciardubháin came upfield to kick an excellent 45’ over the bar. However, Rangers’ Darragh O’Sullivan & Patrick Daly added to their respective tallies – Daly’s shot flashing over the crossbar following a super pass from Daragh O’Connor. With fifteen minutes to play, Laune Rangers led by 1-13 to 0-8.

Laune Rangers made some changes during the second half including the introduction of Oisín Daly, bring him onto the field with both brothers Shane & Patrick for the first time. Philip O’Connor and Micheál Cahill pointed for Cordal before another Rangers replacement Shane Doona forced a super save from O’Ciardubháin in the Cordal goal. Jason Browne continued his fine form with the dead ball by matching his opposite number in slotting a 45’ for Rangers.

Another Philip O’Connor point was followed by one from Seán Walsh for Cordal. Kieran Doona scored an excellent point for Rangers before Darragh O’Sullivan pointed his 7th and final score for the day. Seán Walsh & Jason Cronin (free) points were added in stoppage time for Cordal before Cian O’Shea scored from long range for Rangers, and a Brian Reidy pointed free in the 65th minute proved to be the final kick of the game. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-17, Cordal 0-15.

The win gives Laune Rangers two valuable points in the County League Division 4 table. Shane Daly gave a fine performance at midfield, aided in no small way by Jack O’Connor and Shane McSweeney. The stand out player on the day was Darragh O’Sullivan, who kicked seven points from play and all of them eye-catching scores.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1), Cormac Johnston, Michael O’Sullivan, David Mangan, Jonathan Carey, Patrick Carey, John Tyther (capt, 0-2), Jack O’Connor, Shane Daly, Patrick Daly (0-2), Shane McSweeney, Darragh O’Sullivan (0-7), Kieran Doona (0-1), Dáire Cleary (1-3), Daragh O’Connor. Subs:- Pierce Tyther for P Carey, Aidan Cox for Johnston, Shane Doona for D O’Connor, Oisín Daly for M O’Sullivan, Cian O’Shea (0-1) for P Daly, Colm O’Mahony for K Doona.

Cordal:- Seán Óg O’Ciardubháin (0-1), Gary O’Leary, Paudie Walsh, Flor Griffin, John Brosnan, Billy Cronin, Colm Clifford, Jason Cronin (0-1), Kieran Enright, DJ Fealy, Philip O’Connor (0-6), Michael Flynn, Seán Walsh (0-2), Brian Reidy (0-4), Micheál Cahill (0-1). Sub: Jack McAulliffe.

Round 5:- Waterville 2-12, Laune Rangers 3-14

Laune Rangers continued their unbeaten start to the County League Division 4 campaign with defeat of Waterville in Sunday afternoon’s game played in Con Keating Park, Caherciveen.

Rangers started well and, after Kieran Doona and Dáire Cleary (free) had pointed Rangers ahead, A Patrick Daly goal gave the visitors a five point advantage. Waterville came back into the game with points from Niall Fitzgerald (2) and Barry O’Dwyer, but a Dáire Cleary point saw Rangers lead by 1-3 to 0-3 with a quarter played.

Laune Rangers rattled off four unanswered points in quick succession through John Tyther (2), Dáire Cleary and Patrick Daly. Niall Fitzgerald and Adam O’Dwyer (free) replied with points for Waterville before Daragh O’Connor scored an excellent point for the Laune. Waterville were creating chances at this point, producing goal-stopping saves from both Jason Browne and John Tyther (with a great covering block). Rangers capitalized on the heroics on their goal line by extending their lead with Dáire Cleary adding 1-2 to his tally before the break – the goal a simple tap-in after Pa Daly had produced the save from the Waterville ‘keeper. Half Time Score:- Waterville 0-5, Laune Rangers 2-10.

Waterville needed to start well in the second half and they did just that – Fergal Cronin and Sam O’Dwyer kicking points either side of a Barry O’Dwyer goal to halve the deficit. However, Laune Rangers stalled the comeback with a third goal – Shane Doona’s quick free kick finding Patrick Daly in space and the forward rounded the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net. With a quarter to play, Laune Rangers led by 3-10 to 1-7.

Adam O’Dwyer (free) and Barry O’Dwyer (2,1 free) reduced the gap to six points, while Kieran Doona and Eoin O’Sullivan then traded points. The score of the game came from Shane Doona who scored from long range, before pointed frees were scored at either end by Adam O’Dwyer and Dáire Cleary respectively. A goal deep in injury time by Waterville’s Niall Fitzgerald gave the hosts a glimmer of hope, but Shane Doona scored the last point of the game to see Rangers to victory. Full Time Score:- Waterville 2-12, Laune Rangers 3-14.

Promotion Playoff:- Laune Rangers 1-9, Finuge 1-4 

Laune Rangers will ply their trade in Division Three of the County Senior Football League in 2020 following victory over Finuge in a promotion playoff on Sunday afternoon. 

The game was played in terrible conditions in Ballymacelligott, with an unchanged Rangers side – with eight U20s in the starting team – playing against a strong breeze in the first half.  It was the 7th minute before the game’s first score, a great point from long range from Finuge’s Pat Corridan.  Rangers took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal – Roan Moriarty reacting quickest to a rebounding ball off the crossbar to catch and finish to the roof of the net.  With fifteen minutes played, Rangers led by 1-0 to 0-1. 

David Mangan scored a super point for Rangers to increase their lead but two Darragh Mackessey frees were pointed to leave the minimum between the sides at the break.  This may have been different but for excellent saves by both goalkeepers – Jason Browne stopping a shot by Finuge before their last pointed free and Fiachra Clifford forcing Killian Fitzgerald into a point blank save at the other end.  Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-1, Finuge 0-3. 

The game was won by Rangers with a dominant display in the third quarter with the breeze at their backs.  Jason Browne pointed a 45 before Kieran Doona made use of the breeze to score an excellent free, following it up with a fantastic point from distance and another free as Rangers pulled away.  Fiachra Clifford, Roan Moriarty & David Mangan all scored excellent points to leave Laune Rangers leading by 1-8 to 0-3 with a quarter to play. 

Possibly with one eye on next week’s Mid Kerry Final, Rangers made a number of changes in the final quarter.  John Tyther added his name to the score sheet with another long-range point, but that would be Rangers final score of the game.  A pointed free by Pat Corridan ended a 27 minute spell without a score for Finuge before the North Kerry men scored a late consolation goal as Laune Rangers held possession for the final minutes to take the win.  Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-9, Finuge 1-4. 

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1, 45), David Costelloe, Seán Arthurs, David Mangan (0-2), Cormac Johnston, Shane McSweeney, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor, John Tyther (capt, 0-1), Mark O’Connor, Kieran Doona (0-3, 2f), Darragh O’Sullivan, Fiachra Clifford (0-1), Roan Moriarty (1-1), Shane Doona.  Subs: Shane Daly for O’Sullivan, Daragh O’Connor for S Doona, Colm O’Shea for Clifford, Jonathan Carey for McSweeney, Colm O’Mahony for Costelloe, Cian O’Shea for M O’Connor.

Mid Kerry Senior Championship

Semi Final:- Beaufort 1-12, Laune Rangers 2-15 

Laune Rangers will contest the Mid Kerry Senior Championship Final following victory over Beaufort in the Semi Final played in Pete Coughlan Park, Beaufort on Saturday afternoon. 

The home side were seen as strong favourites going into the game, as Laune Rangers were without a number of senior players through injury – Dáire Cleary, Conor Murphy & Patrick Daly all joining Peter Crowley and Mikey O’Sullivan on the treatment table, while the game came too soon for Shane Daly and Johnny Carey who had to make do with a place on the bench.  This, of course, gave the chance to a number of fringe players and the Killorglin side began with no fewer than eight U20 players including three Minors. 

Laune Rangers had the perfect start, hitting the net for a goal in the opening minute – Roan Moriarty tapping a loose ball to the net –  and this was followed by an excellent point by captain John Tyther.  A second goal was nearly added but Seán Coffey saved from Fiachra Clifford, pushing the ball out for a 45’ which was duly pointed by Rangers ‘keeper Jason Browne to give the visitors a five point lead after just three minutes.  Ciarán Kennedy scored the first point for Beaufort but this was cancelled out by Mark O’Connor for Rangers within a minute.  Kennedy pointed again as Beaufort were beginning to get some footing in the game, but Darragh O’Sullivan got himself on the scoreboard for the away side to leave Laune Rangers leading by 1-4 to 0-2 with fifteen minutes played. 

As he had in the first quarter, Ciarán Kennedy continued to keep his side in the game with another point but Rangers found another purple patch, scoring seven successive points in as many minutes – Kieran Doona (3, 2 frees), Fiachra Clifford (free), Roan Moriarty as well as another 45’ and a long range free by goalkeeper Jason Browne.  Beaufort had a strong finish to the half, beginning with a a goal from the penalty spot scored by Ciarán Kennedy.  Kieran Doona pointed a free for Rangers  & Fergal Hallissey slotted two frees for Beaufort to leave Laune Rangers leading by seven at the break.  Half Time Score:- Beaufort 1-5, Laune Rangers 1-12. 

Beaufort began brightly after the restart, with Fergal Hallissey and Liam Carey scoring good points, but Laune Rangers scored a second goal to quell the momentum the home side were building – Fiachra Clifford with a great run before passing to Roan Moriarty who netted for the second time.  Beaufort didn’t drop their heads and scored the next three points of the game to nullify that goal – Padraig Doona, Fergal Hallissey (free) and Liam Carey all scoring with Doona’s particularly catching the eye.  Points were traded between Jack O’Connor and Jonathan Kissane – both excellent scores – to leave Laune Rangers ahead by 2-13 to 1-11 with a quarter to play. 

Ronan Murphy and Kieran Doona exchanged points, but Beaufort were now in search of a goal to get back into the tie.  The full back line of Rangers were not to be passed though, and put in a dominant display to protect their lead.  Indeed, the two best goal chances of the final quarter both fell to Laune Rangers, but Fiachra Clifford hit the crossbar with the goal at his mercy while Shane Doona also had a shot flash wide of the posts.  Rangers made a number of changes in the final stages of the game, including the introduction of Johnny Carey & Shane Daly late on, while James Hurley also came on for his Senior debut.  The only score of the final quarter went the way of Fiachra Clifford to see Rangers win by six.  Full Time Score:- Beaufort 1-12, Laune Rangers 2-15. 

Laune Rangers were short-handed coming into the game, but a number of players stepped up to the mark and put in excellent performances, leading from the first minute to the end.  Roan Moriarty & David Mangan (both minors), Mark O’Connor and Seán Arthurs (both 19) were superb for Rangers, with full back Arthurs the stand out performer on the day. 

Laune Rangers progress to the Mid Kerry Senior Final – pencilled in for December 1st at the time of writing – and will play the winner of Sunday’s other Semi Final between Glenbeigh/Glencar & Milltown/Castlemaine. 

Beaufort:- Seán Coffey, Liam Curran, Ger Hartnett, Jonathan Kissane (0-1), James O’Reilly, Mike Breen, Seán Kelliher, Nathan Breen, Ronan Murphy (0-1), Padraig Doona (0-1), Liam Carey (0-2), Danny Healy, Fergal Hallissey (0-4, 3f), Ciarán Kennedy (1-3, 1 pen), Padraig O’Sullivan.  Subs: Ronan Ferris, Jeremiah O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Sullivan. 

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-3, 1f, 2 45’), David Costelloe, Seán Arthurs, David Mangan, Cormac Johnston, Shane McSweeney, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor (0-1), John Tyther (0-1), Mark O’Connor (0-1), Kieran Doona (0-5, 4f), Darragh O’Sullivan (0-1), Fiachra Clifford (0-2, 1f), Roan Moriarty (2-1), Shane Doona.  Subs: Daragh O’Connor, Jonathan Carey, James Hurley, Shane Daly, Pierce Tyther. 

Final:- Laune Rangers 0-16, Milltown/Castlemaine 2-11. 

Milltown/Castlemaine were crowned Mid Kerry Senior Champions on Sunday afternoon with defeat of Laune Rangers by the narrowest of margins. 

An early Fiachra Clifford pointed free opened the scoring but Milltown were level soon after when Cathal Moriarty tapped over.  Rangers scored points through Fiachra Clifford (2, 1f) and Pa Carey – the latter a shot that flashed over the bar when on another day could have snuck under it.  Jonathan O’Sullivan pointed one back before Milltown/Castlemaine took the lead – Cathal Moriarty netting from the penalty spot after being fouled in the square by Shane McSweeney.  With fifteen minutes played, Milltown/Castlemaine lead by 1-2 to 0-4. 

Milltown had the upper hand for the middle part of the first half and , while Donal Dennehy and Jonathan O’Sullivan points were cancelled out by John Tyther and Shane Doona respectively, Milltown/Castlemaine scored their second goal when Cathal Moriarty hit an excellent finish to the top corner.  This goal put Milltown four ahead but Rangers finished the half strongly.  Points by Fiachra Clifford (2, 1f), Darragh O’Sullivan, Kieran Doona & Jason Browne (free) were met by points at the other end by Dylan O’Neill and Jonathan O’Sullivan to see Milltown go into the break in the lead by the minimum.  Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-11, Milltown/Castlemaine 2-6. 

Two more Fiachra Clifford points (1 free) put Rangers into the lead in the early stages of the second half but points from Jonathan O’Sullivan, Cathal Moriarty & Kieran O’Carroll left Milltown ahead by two with a quarter to play – Laune Rangers 0-13, Milltown/Castlemaine 2-9. 

The game’s key moment came in the 46th minute when Shane McSweeney received his marching orders for a second yellow card when he was deemed to have fouled David Roche in a collision just after the referee’s whistle was blown.  Cathal Moriarty pointed twice (1 free) to extend his side’s lead to four.  The 14 youngsters of Laune Rangers kept trying and pointed through Fiachra Clifford (free) as well as Carey brothers Pa & Johnny to reduce the gap to one, and two late attempts to level the game came up short.  The final whistle was blown to give Milltown/Castlemaine the win.  Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-16, Milltown/Castlemaine 2-11. 

Even though Laune Rangers contested the 2018 decider, five of Sunday’s starting team were lining out in the Senior Final for the first time, with eight players aged 20 or younger. 

The defeat marks the end of the season for the Seniors, with Intermediate status secured and County League promotion gained in 2019.  The Club wish to thank all of our players for their efforts in the season, as well as our management of Tim Fleming, Mark O’Connor, Eoin Corkery & Pa Sheehan. 

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1f), David Costelloe, Seán Arthurs, David Mangan, Cormac Johnston, Shane McSweeney, Patrick Carey (0-2), Jack O’Connor, John Tyther (capt, 0-1), Mark O’Connor, Kieran Doona (0-1), Darragh O’Sullivan (0-1), Fiachra Clifford (0-8, 5f), Roan Moriarty, Shane Doona (0-1).  Subs: Dáire Cleary, Daragh O’Connor, Jonathan Carey, Colm O’Mahony. 

Milltown/Castlemaine:- Cormac Leane, Ciarán O’Connor, Tadhg McCarthy, Stephen Roche, Jeremiah Hayes, Pa Wrenn (0-1), Kieran O’Carroll (0-1), David Roche, Donal Dennehy (j capt, 0-1), Craig Counihan, Jonathan O’Sullivan (0-3), Killian Kerins, Cathal Moriarty (2-4, 1pen 1f), Jerome Flynn, Dylan O’Neill (0-1).  Subs: Gavin McKenna, Gavin Horan (j capt)

Mid Kerry Senior League

• Laune Rangers: 0-05, Glenbeigh/Glencar: 3-16

Laune Rangers: Jason Browne, Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Seán Arthurs, Michael O’Sullivan, Cormac Johnston, Patrick Carey, Morgan O’Sullivan, Liam Quirke, Neil O’Brien, Daragh O’Connor, James Lynch, Kieran Doona, Colm O’Shea, David Costelloe. SUBS: Óisín Daly, Mark O’Connor, Gavin O’Shea, Eamonn Carey, Aidan Cox

• Milltown Castlemaine 2-13, Laune Rangers 1-6

Laune Rangers fell to another defeat in the second game of the 2019 season on Sunday afternoon away at Milltown/Castlemaine. The home side fielded a strong team against a somewhat experimental Rangers side.

Laune Rangers:- Vincent Costello, Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Neil O’Brien, John Tyther (capt), Cormac Johnston, Pa Carey, Shane McSweeney (0-2), Jack O’Connor, Daniel Whittleton, Daragh O’Connor (0-1), Darragh O’Sullivan, Colm O’Shea (1-3, 3f), Morgan O’Sullivan, David Costelloe. Subs:- Mark O’Connor for M O’Sullivan, Aidan Cox for O’Brien, Mike F Russell for Whittleton, Jonathan Carey for P Tyther, Eamonn Carey for C O’Shea, James Lynch for D O’Connor.

• Laune Rangers 2-13, Keel 1-6

Laune Rangers:- Vincent Costello, Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Aidan Cox, Jonathan Carey, Cormac Johnston, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor, John Tyther, Cian O’Shea (0-4, 3f), Shane McSweeney (1-3), David Costelloe (1-1, 1f), Mark O’Connor (0-1), Colm O’Shea (0-4, 3f), Daragh O’Connor. Subs: Jason Browne for Costello, Seán Arthurs for Cox, Patrick Daly for Colm O’Shea, Morgan O’Sullivan for M O’Connor, Michael O’Sullivan for J Carey, Oisín Daly for P Tyther.

• Beaufort 1-14, Laune Rangers 0-12.

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne, Colm O’Mahony, Cormac Johnston, Aidan Cox, James Lynch, Liam Quirke, David Costelloe (0-3, 1f), John Tyther (0-1), Jack O’Connor, Eamonn Carey (0-1), Kieran Doona (0-2, 1f), Colm O’Shea (0-3, 2f), Mike F Russell (0-1), Morgan O’Sullivan, Gavin O’Shea (0-1).  Subs: Ger O’Sullivan, Padraig Ahern.

• Laune Rangers 2-11, Cromane 0-9. 

Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne (0-1, 45’), Pierce Tyther, Conor Murphy, Seán Arthurs, Jonathan Carey, Cormac Johnston, Patrick Carey, Jack O’Connor (0-2), John Tyther, Liam Quirke, Shane McSweeney, Patrick Daly (1-1, 1f), Mark O’Connor (0-1), Colm O’Shea (0-2, 2f), David Costelloe (1-3).  Subs: Colm O’Mahony (0-1) for Quirke, Michael O’Sullivan for J Carey, Mike F Russell for Colm O’Shea, Aidan Cox for Arthurs, Cian O’Shea for M O’Connor.

Senior Ladies

Another year of development for a Laune Rangers LGFA Senior team that heavily relied on their underage teams to field at Senior level.  They still accounted well for themselves in every game they played

Laune Rangers Senior Ladies Team in the first game of their season:- Back Row (L-R): Aoife Nash Freeman, Fodhla Houlihan, Nessa Healy, Annmarie Fealey, Claire Fealey, Andrea Nolan, Rachael Evans, Laura Brennan, Christina O’Brien, Orla O’Brien, Lorna Griffin.  Front Row (L-R): Amy Dunphy, Orla Dunphy, Milly Foley, Nicole Moriarty, Kayleigh McGlashan, Hannah McGeever, Meadhbh O’Sullivan, Ciara O’Brien.

Fossa 0-9, Laune Rangers 3-11

Laune Rangers Senior Ladies got their season underway on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon with a trip to Fossa in the County League.

Laune Rangers got off to a great start as Rachael Evans scored an excellent point, while Amy Dunphy hit the net for a super goal. Rachael Evans added another well taken point to leave Rangers ahead by 1-2 to 0-0 with fifteen minutes played.

Fossa got on the scoreboard with two points (1 free), but Amy Dunphy added a brace for Rangers to restore the five point lead. Fodhla Houlihan struck for Rangers’ second goal in the 23rd minute, and Nicole Moriarty slotted two frees in quick succession to give Rangers a commanding lead but Fossa managed to add another two points before the break. Half Time Score:- Fossa 0-4, Laune Rangers 2-6.

Fossa upped their performance at the beginning of the second half and scored 4 unanswered points to halve the deficit, while Laura Brennan pulled off a great save that proved crucial as it would have left just a point between the sides had it been scored. Rangers third goal came in the 42nd minute through Fodhla Houlihan to stem the tide. With fifteen minutes to play, Laune Rangers led by 3-6 to 0-8.

Fossa responded with a point but the third Rangers goal seemed to take the wind out of Fossa’s sails somewhat. They went on to add five points without reply – Ciara O’Brien, Fodhla Houlihan, Meadhbh O’Sullivan, Amy Dunphy & Nessa Healy all scoring to secure a fantastic win. Full Time Score:- Fossa 0-9, Laune Rangers 3-11.

Laune Rangers Team:- Laura Brennan, Aoife Nash Freeman, Kayleigh McGlashan, Christina O’Brien, Orla Dunphy, Andrea Nolan, Meadhbh O’Sullivan (0-1), Ciara O’Brien (0-1), Rachael Evans (0-2), Hannah McGeever, Claire Fealey, Nicole Moriarty (0-2), Fodhla Houlihan (2-1), Amy Dunphy (1-3), Lorna Griffin. Subs: Nessa Healy (0-1), Orla O’Brien, Milly Foley, Annmarie Fealey.

Currow 4-13, Laune Rangers 4-17

Laune Rangers came away from Currow on Monday evening with a super win in the County League, but they had to hang on in the last quarter as Currow fought back from sixteen points down at one point to give Rangers a scare.

Early points from Nessa Healy, Fodhla Houlihan & Nicole Moriarty were met by a single point for the hosts before Fodhla Houlihan struck for Rangers first goal of the game in the 10th minute. Rangers added points through Nicole Moriarty (free) and Rachael Evans before Nessa Healy scored the second Rangers goal, although Currow did reply with a goal of their own to see Rangers leading by 2-5 to 1-1 with a quarter played.

Laune Rangers scored a third goal through Kayleigh McGlashan – an interception at the back by Christina O’Brien setting up a swift counter attack – and further points from Nicole Moriarty (3) & Fodhla Houlihan saw Rangers take a strong lead into the break. Half Time Score:- Currow 1-4, Laune Rangers 3-9.

Rangers began the second half as they had ended the first, extending the lead with their fourth goal through Kayleigh McGlashan after a fantastic team move. Currow scored three points but Rangers added points through Nicole Moriarty (free), Nessa Healy (2), Orla O’Brien & Andrea Nolan to lead by 4-14 to 1-7 with a quarter to play.

The sunshine that had affected the Currow goalkeeper in the first half, was now – lying lower in the sky – causing issues with the Rangers defence. This gave Currow a chance to get back into the game, and they capitalized on it with great effect. They scored an unanswered 3-2 in a five minute period that brought them back to within five of Rangers, but Fodhla Houlihan scored a much needed point to stem the tide. Currow were now laying siege to the Rangers goal, but the visitors stood firm – Laura Brennan pulling off a great save from point blank range. Currow had to settle for a point on two occasions, reducing the gap to four points, but Rachael Evans scored a great point at the other end to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Rangers – the youngest team members Orla O’Brien and Laura Leslie instrumental in the buildup. Two further points were added by Currow in their search for a goal to leave just a kick of the ball between the sides, but Meadhbh O’Sullivan produced a super kickout reception from Laura Brennan to take the pressure off the defence and from there, Rangers worked the ball downfield for the insurance point through Nicole Moriarty. The final whistle was a welcome sound for a tired Rangers team. Full Time Score:- Currow 4-13, Laune Rangers 4-17.

Laune Rangers:- Laura Brennan, Alanna Dolan, Claire Fealey, Christina O’Brien, Orla O’Brien (0-1), Meadhbh O’Sullivan, Hannah McGeever, Rachael Evans (0-2), Andrea Nolan (0-1), Laura Leslie, Nicole Moriarty (0-7), Milly Foley, Fodhla Houlihan (1-3), Kayleigh McGlashan (2-0), Nessa Healy (1-3); Annemarie Fealey.

Mid Kerry Under 21 Championship

Victory over Beaufort in the Semi Final saw Laune Rangers face Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane in the Mid Kerry U21 Final.

Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane 0-9, Laune Rangers 1-11

Laune Rangers are Mid Kerry Under 21 Champions for 2019, following defeat of Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane in a hugely exciting Final played in Cromane on Monday afternoon. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Beaufort, but it was ruled unplayable and a coin-toss decided GGC had home advantage on the day.

Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, Laune Rangers started the brighter and were ahead by 0-4 to 0-1 after ten minutes – Dara Casey putting GGC ahead before Dáire Cleary, Shane Doona, Patrick Daly (free) and Fiachra Clifford (free) pointed for Rangers. GGC got back into the game with points from Adrian O’Connor and Caolim Teahan (free) to leave Rangers ahead by 0-4 to 0-3 with fifteen minutes played.

Points by Liam Roche & Caolim Teahan (free) gave the hosts the lead by the minimum at the break. Half Time Score:- Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane 0-5, Laune Rangers 0-4.

As so often happens, the wind that had favoured GGC in the first half calmed considerably before and during the break, and there was little in the way of a breeze behind Rangers for the second period. Laune Rangers levelled matters with a Fiachra Clifford free, only Caolim Teahan to nudge GGC ahead. A Dáire Cleary point was cancelled out by an Adrian O’Connor free, and Caolim Teahan pointed another free to put GGC two ahead – their biggest lead of the game. Laune Rangers’ first goal chance came from a free on the left side of midfield, as a great ball by Conor Murphy found Shane Doona, whose low shot crept just outside the left post.

GGC lost Oisín O’Connor to a black card in the 43rd minute as he pulled down Dáire Cleary en route to goal, but the foul was adjudged to have occurred outside the square which meant Rangers had to settle for a pointed free by Fiachra Clifford. With 15 minutes to play, GGC led Rangers by 0-8 to 0-7.

The breeze began to stiffen at the backs of the Rangers during the final quarter, and a point by substitute Roan Moriarty had them level by the 47th minute. Fiachra Clifford pointed a free to give Rangers the lead, but Caolim Teahan levelled the game at 0-9 a piece with a 53rd minute pointed free for GGC. Rangers had another goal chance when some great speed and skill by Dáire Cleary put him through on goal, only for his shot to be saved by Donal O’Neill in the GGC goal. The stalemate was maintained until the 61st minute when Fiachra Clifford scored a fantastic point to give Rangers the lead. Clifford added a well taken free to go two ahead deep in injury time and, after GGC had swept forward in search of a winning goal, it was Laune Rangers who hit the net for the game’s only goal with the last kick of the game – Dáire Cleary, Matt Leslie and Shane Doona attacking against a single GGC defender, and it was Shane Doona who hit the net to secure the win for Rangers – a third Mid Kerry U21 title in six years for the Killorglin men. Full Time Score:- Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane 0-9, Laune Rangers 1-11.

After the game, Mid Kerry Board Chairman Tim Coffey presented the Eugie Ferris Memorial Cup to winning captain Fiachra Clifford, who was also awarded the official Man of the Match trophy.

Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane:- Donal O’Neill, Ethan Griffin, Caoilte Purcell, Conor Sugrue, Sean T Sheahan, Oisín O’Connor, Maurice O’Connor, Caolim Teahan (capt, 0-5, 4f), Cathal Crosby, Adrian O’Connor (0-2, 1f), Tommy Quirke, Liam Roche (0-1), Dara Casey (0-1), Shane O’Neill, Dara McKeefrey. Subs: Jack O’Sullivan, Jack Clifford, Gearoid Griffin, Daniel Kelly, Brice Dourieu; Mikey O’Sullivan, Aaron Heffernan, Jason Clifford, Shane Ahern, Patrick Griffin, Ronan Foley.
Laune Rangers:- Padraig Ahern, Pierce Tyther, Seán Arthurs, Darragh O’Shea, David Mangan, Patrick Carey, James Hurley, Conor Murphy, Darragh O’Sullivan, Cian O’Shea, Fiachra Clifford (capt, 0-6, 5f), Patrick Daly (0-1f), Mark O’Connor, Dáire Cleary (0-2), Shane Doona (1-1). Subs: Seán Cleary, Roan Moriarty (0-1), Rory O’Connor, Matthew Leslie; Oisín Daly, Jack Evans, Neil O’Brien, Daragh O’Connor.

Minor Boys Season

County League

Round 1:- Laune Rangers 2-14, Austin Stacks 1-12

Laune Rangers got off to the ideal start in Division One of the County Minor League as they picked up a great home win against Austin Stacks. Playing without key players in Roan Moriarty, Gearóid Hassett and Eoin Clifford, Laune Rangers also started with David Mangan in goal as the All Ireland Minor winner returns from an injury layoff.

Austin Stacks began well as, after Shane Doona had pointed to put Rangers ahead, Stacks scored the game’s first goal with a close-range palm to the net. Callum Russell scored an excellent point that was soon cancelled out by Stacks, but Rangers pointed again through Gabe Griffin and Shane Doona to tie the game up in the 9th minute. Stacks – playing against the breeze in the first half – pointed twice more (1 free) to take the lead by 1-3 to 0-4 with a quarter played.

Matthew Leslie pointed two frees in the second quarter, but Stacks scored five points in this period to take a strong lead into the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-6, Austin Stacks 1-8.

A five point deficit and playing against the breeze for the second period left Rangers with a lot to do, and it became a little harder in the opening stages of the second half as Stacks scored two more points to Rangers’ one (through a Matt Leslie free). However, the introduction of Jack Evans into goals at the break allowed David Mangan to stretch his legs outfield. Laune Rangers set about clawing their way back into the game with a 41st minute goal – Ronan O’Shea intercepting a clearance kick by the Stacks goalkeeper and applying a deft finish to halve the gap between the sides. Austin Stacks replied with a point but two Matt Leslie points (1 free) left Rangers now trailing by just two. With a quarter to play, Austin Stacks led by 1-11 to 1-9.

Laune Rangers dominated the final quarter, and a pointed free by Matt Leslie was followed by the hosts’ second goal to put Rangers ahead by two – Jack Healy tapping in after the ball was spilled as Rory O’Connor was hauled down in the square. Great defence from Rangers cut out the Stacks attack at source, and it allowed the Rangers to attack more often. Matthew Leslie added his 7th point of the game, while further scores were added by Shane Doona (2) and Gabe Griffin. Austin Stacks scored their only point of the final quarter with the final kick of the game. The final whistle was blown to give Laune Rangers a deserved win. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-14, Austin Stacks 1-12.

Laune Rangers Team:- David Mangan, Matt Reenstierna, Evan Madden, Cathal Crowley, Gabriel Griffin (0-2), Seán Cleary, James Hurley, Calum Moriarty, Rory O’Connor, Ronan O’Shea (1-0), Matthew Leslie (0-7, 6f), Callum Russell (0-1), Jack Healy (1-0), Shane Doona (0-4, 1f), Marc Clifford. Subs: Jack Evans for Clifford, Niall Fenton for Crowley, James Treacy for Healy.

Round 2:- Rathmore 1-10, Laune Rangers 1-8

Laune Rangers travelled to a cold and windy Rathbeg on Friday night to face Rathmore in County Minor League Division One. Both sides had won their Round 1 games last weekend, but it was the home side that came out on top in difficult conditions. Rathmore fielded a strong outfit while Rangers were still without Roan Moriarty & Gearóid Hassett, although Eoin Clifford returned to the fold and David Mangan was back to full fitness.

A strong wind blew at the backs of Laune Rangers in the first half, but it proved difficult to manage as the ball rolled out over the end line on a number of occasions. It was the home side that struck first, scoring a goal and two points in the first three minutes before Callum Russell pointed Rangers’ first score. Four Matthew Leslie frees (two impressive long range scores included) were added as well as a Rathmore point were added to see Rathmore lead by 1-3 to 0-5 after fifteen minutes.

The second quarter was a low scoring affair – Rathmore pointing a free to cancel out a Matt Leslie point from play to see the hosts ahead by the minimum at the break. Half Time Score:- Rathmore 1-4, Laune Rangers 0-6.

There was little work for the scoreboard operator in the third quarter with Matt Leslie again having a point nullified by the hosts to leave Rathmore leading by 1-5 to 0-7 with fifteen minutes remaining, although Rathmore almost found the net for the second time but for an excellent save by Jack Evans.

Rathmore & Rangers (through a Matt Leslie free) traded points, before Laune Rangers took the lead with a super goal by Shane Doona – the forward applying a super finish following some great build up play by David Mangan and Eoin Clifford. Unfortunately, this would prove to be Rangers’ last score as the home side took control of the game with the breeze at their backs. They scored four points in succession in the final 7 minutes to secure the win, although Jack Evans pulled off a second excellent save to leave Rangers with a shot of stealing the win until the final whistle. Full Time Score:- Rathmore 1-10, Laune Rangers 1-8.

While disappointed, Rangers will be satisfied with their efforts on the night. The Under 16 players – Matt Reenstierna, Darragh Mangan, Calum Moriarty & Callum Russell – all impressed in the step up to Minor, while Gabe Griffin & Eoin Clifford also stood out.

Laune Rangers Team:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Matt Reenstierna, Evan Madden, Darragh Mangan, David Mangan, James Hurley (0-1), Rory O’Connor, Calum Moriarty, Gabriel Griffin, Matthew Leslie (0-6f), Callum Russell (0-1), Ronan O’Shea, Eoin Clifford, Shane Doona (1-0).

Round 3:- Killarney Legion 1-9, Laune Rangers 2-8

A much improved second half display gave Laune Rangers a hard earned victory over Killarney Legion in Derreen on Saturday afternoon in Division 1 of the County Minor League.

Rangers were without goalkeeper Jack Evans on the day, so U16 netminder Jake Reenstierna was drafted up to the minor squad. He had a familiar face in front of him though, as twin brother Matt lined out at full back. Rangers welcomed both Roan Moriarty and Gearóid Hassett back into the team for their first appearances of the season.

There wasn’t much to separate the sides in the early exchanges, as Gearóid Hassett opened his account in the 2nd minute with a point only for Legion to grab their first point soon after. The hosts took the lead in the 7th minute with a goal after good play on the right flank, but Gearoid Hassett scored his second point with a super effort from near the sideline. That would prove to be Rangers last score of the first half, as another Legion point saw the home side leading by 1-2 to 0-2 with 15 minutes played.

Legion added three points from play in the second quarter to take a commanding lead into the break as Rangers struggled to put any pattern of play together. Half Time Score:- Killarney Legion 1-5, Laune Rangers 1-2.

Legion pointed with the first play of the second half to extend their lead to seven points, but Laune Rangers soon found their rhythm. The half time introduction of Callum Russell paid immediate dividends as he fielded three great balls in succession to mount pressure on the Legion defence. Shane Doona pointed a free, before a great move put Gabe Griffin through on goal and the wing forward applied a deft shot low to the near post for an excellent goal. Matthew Leslie pointed for Rangers, before two Legion points restored their lead to 4. With 15 minutes to play, Legion led by 1-8 to 1-4.

The final quarter was dominated by Laune Rangers. The visitors scored their second goal in the 52nd minutes – Shane Doona’s persistence in chasing down every ball in the second half rewarded as an error by the Legion goalkeeper allowed him turn the ball over and kick it into an empty net. Rangers went on to add three successive points through Matt Leslie, Gabe Griffin and Roan Moriarty to go ahead by two. Legion reduced the gap to the minimum with a 62nd minute point, but the final score of the game was to the Rangers side who turned the ball over in defence and put Gearóid Hassett away on the break. Hassett made no mistake in slotting the ball between the posts to clinch the win for Rangers. Full Time Score:- Killarney Legion 1-9, Laune Rangers 2-8.

Credit goes to the Legion club whose pitch held up fairly well on a day when a number of games had to be postponed.

Laune Rangers Team:- Jake Reenstierna, Seán Cleary, Matthew Reenstierna, Evan Madden, Rory O’Connor, David Mangan, James Hurley, Roan Moriarty (0-1), Eoin Clifford, Gabriel Griffin (1-1), Matthew Leslie (0-2), Calum Moriarty, Ronan O’Shea, Gearóid Hassett (0-3), Shane Doona (1-1). Subs used: Callum Russell for Moriarty, Jack Healy for Griffin.

Round 4:- Laune Rangers 1-14, Na Gaeil 1-9

Laune Rangers have secured a place in the Semi Finals of the County Minor League Division 1 following defeat of Na Gaeil in Round 4 of the League in JP O’Sullivan Park on Saturday afternoon.

The game was played at 13 a side at the request of Na Gaeil, and the Tralee side looked more comfortable playing in that format in the early exchanges. Matt Leslie scored the first point of the game for Rangers, but Na Gaeil pointed twice to take the lead. However, a super James Hurley point levelled matters again. After Gearóid Hassett pointed had cancelled out a Na Gaeil score, Laune Rangers went on to kick four wides in a row as they struggled to convert their dominance in possession to the scoreboard. With fifteen minutes played, the sides were level at 0-3 a piece.

After Gearóid Hassett had added a point, Rangers finally put their stamp on the game when, after Ronan O’Shea had intercepted a Na Gaeil pass, David Mangan found Gearóid Hassett with a great long pass. Hassett set off on a mazy run towards goal, before unselfishly passing to Shane Doona who finished well to the net for a goal. Na Gaeil replied with a pointed free, but Shane Doona cancelled it out with a well taken point of his own. The visitors added two more pointed frees but Rangers finished the half strongly – two goal chances were created but the Na Gaeil (and Kerry Minor) goalkeeper Devon Burns was equal to both. Gabe Griffin saw his shot saved before Gearóid Hassett’s shot was forced over the bar by his county team mate. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-6, Na Gaeil 0-6.

Callum Russell and Matt Leslie (free) extended Rangers’ lead in the opening two minutes of the second half – a fantastic diagonal pass by Gearóid Hassett picking out Russell for his score. A Na Gaeil point was nullified by a well taken score by Shane Doona while the sides traded points again (Matt Leslie free for Rangers) soon after. Rangers continued to create chances with great kick passing a regular feature of the performance on the day, and Gearóid Hassett rattled the crossbar with a great effort as the rebound fell to Shane Doona who saw his shot saved well again by Burns. Na Gaeil went straight downfield to score a goal on the counter attack, which left just two points between the sides at 1-10 to 1-8 with a quarter to play.

However, Rangers responded excellently and had scored two more points within 90 second of conceding the goal – Leslie and Doona adding to their tallies. Na Gaeil would add another point before the end of the game, but a brace of points from Roan Moriarty ensured the win for Rangers. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-14, Na Gaeil 1-9.

Laune Rangers Team:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Evan Madden, Ronan O’Shea, James Hurley (0-1), David Mangan, Rory O’Connor, Roan Moriarty (0-2), Callum Russell (0-1), Gabriel Griffin, Matthew Leslie (0-4, 2f), Gearóid Hassett (0-3), Shane Doona (1-3). Subs: Calum Moriarty for Russell, Darragh Mangan for Hurley, Marc Clifford for Griffin, Matthew Reenstierna for R Moriarty.

Semi Final:- Laune Rangers 2-10, Rathmore 1-12

Laune Rangers will contest this year’s County Minor League Division 1 Final following defeat of Rathmore in a fantastic battle in JP O’Sullivan Park on Sunday evening.

Rathmore opened the scoring with a point in the second minute, but Rangers had the ideal response, as Gabriel Griffin scored a super goal with a finish to the top corner. A pointed free by Ronan O’Shea was sandwiched between Rathmore points to leave Rangers leading by 1-1 to 0-3 with fifteen minutes played.

Matt Leslie pointed a free for Rangers, but the visitors struck form in the second quarter. They scored three consecutive points to take the lead and, after Ronan O’Shea had pointed a free at the other end, they capitalized on a mistake at the back to hit the back of the net for a goal and a deserved lead at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-3, Rathmore 1-6.

David Mangan scored a fantastic point to open the second half scoring, and Matt Leslie added a free shortly after. Rathmore scored a point, before Laune Rangers scored their second goal of the game – David Mangan tripped in the square for a penalty and Eoin Clifford dispatching low to the corner to give Rangers the lead. After Ronan O’Shea had added a free, Rathmore kicked three points (2 frees) in quick succession to wrestle the lead back by the minimum. With fifteen minutes to play, Rathmore led by 1-10 to 2-6.

Rathmore doubled their lead with another point but Rangers finished strongest. The introduction of Eoghan Hassett into the Rangers forward line caused trouble for the Rathmore defence and they were forced into fouling time and again. Matt Leslie & Ronan O’Shea (2) kicked frees to swing the lead back in the home side’s favour, but Rathmore levelled again with a free in injury time. There was time for a decisive score though, and another foul on the right flank afforded Ronan O’Shea the chance to win the game for Rangers, and he made no mistake in slotting his sixth pointed free. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-10, Rathmore 1-12.

Laune Rangers will face Killarney Legion in the County Division 1 Final with hopes of retaining the trophy won in 2018.

Laune Rangers:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Matthew Reenstierna, Evan Madden, James Hurley, Rory O’Connor, Eoin Clifford (1-0 pen), David Mangan (0-1), Calum Moriarty, Callum Russell, Gabriel Griffin (1-0), Matthew Leslie (0-3f), Shane Doona, Gearóid Hassett, Ronan O’Shea (0-6f). Subs:- Darragh Mangan, Eoghan Hassett.

Final:- Laune Rangers 0-11, Killarney Legion 0-13

Laune Rangers were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempt to retain the County Minor League Division 1, as they were defeated by Killarney Legion in a thrilling Final on Friday evening at Fitzgerald Stadium.  Rangers produced a number of goal chances in the final quarter but Legion were able to hold on for the win.  Final Score:- Laune Rangers 0-11, Killarney Legion 0-13.

Laune Rangers:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Evan Madden (capt), Eoin Clifford (0-1), Rory O’Connor, James Hurley, David Mangan, Roan Moriarty, Calum Moriarty, Gabriel Griffin (0-3), Matthew Leslie (0-1), Shane Doona (0-2), Gearóid Hassett (0-2), Ronan O’Shea (0-2).  Subs:- Darragh Mangan, Eoghan Hassett, Callum Russell, Jack Healy; Jake Reenstierna, James Treacy, Marc Clifford, Cathal Crowley, Niall Fenton Toms.

County Minor Championship

Group Round 2:- Laune Rangers 3-16, St Brendans 0-16

Having lost their opening round fixture in this year’s County Minor Championship, Laune Rangers hosted St Brendans on Tuesday evening in a must win game. Thankfully, JP O’Sullivan Park basked in glorious sunshine, allowing for a fantastic game of football. The addition of Kerins O’Rahillys has strengthened the St Brendans squad greatly, as they joined the players from Na Gaeil, Churchill, John Mitchels, Ardfert & St Pats Blennerville in the St Brendans ranks.

With no score in the opening five minutes, the deadlock was broken by the visitors with a pointed free by Nathan O’Driscoll, but Laune Rangers soon led as Gearóid Hassett finished to the net following a super run. Ronan O’Shea pointed before Shane Doona scored Rangers second goal of the game – another great finish. St Brendans began to put some play together, and Conor Hayes pointed twice to see Rangers leading by 2-1 to 0-3 with a quarter played. Gearóid Hassett & Ronan O’Shea (free) added points for the hosts before St Brendans (& Kerry Minor) goalkeeper Devon Burns came upfield to score a 45 – Rangers ‘keeper Jack Evans having deflected the ball out over the end line by stopping a close range goal shot. Shane Doona pointed for Rangers in the 20th minute, but the rest of the half was dominated by the visitors. St Brendans pointed six points in succession to level the game – Fergal O’Brien, Conor Hayes (free), Joe Lenihan, Nathan O’Driscoll (2, 1 free) & Tadgh Lynch all scoring. Rangers had two goal chances in this period though, as Stephen Sealy saw his shot saved before Gearóid Hassett’s shot rattled the crossbar. However, a pointed free by Ronan O’Shea gave Rangers the lead by the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-5, St Brendans 0-10.

Matthew Leslie pointed a free to double Rangers’ lead early in the second half, before Rangers were awarded a penalty for a sliding challenge just inside the square. However, Roan Moriarty’s shot was saved by Devon Burns. Matt Leslie added another point before Conor Hayes cancelled it out at the other end. Ronan O’Shea saw two pointed frees nullified by Fergal O’Brien for St Brendans to leave Rangers ahead by 2-9 to 0-13 with fifteen minutes to play.

The final quarter of the game was dominated by Laune Rangers. After Nathan O’Driscoll had pointed for the visitors, Rangers scored six points in succession – Gearóid Hassett (3), Matt Leslie (2) & Shane Doona putting the Laune into a commanding position. A Joe Lenihan point stemmed the tide for only a minute, as Gabe Griffin followed up a point with Rangers third and final goal, with some superb teamwork in the buildup. Conor O’Sullivan scored a point for the visitors, but it was the final kick of the game. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 3-16, St Brendans 0-16.

It was a hugely improved performance for Rangers following a disappointing loss in Round 1. Gearóid Hassett & Shane Doona were lethal up front, while Eoin Clifford & Ronan O’Shea were superb all over the field.

As Killarney Legion defeated Dr Crokes in the other game in the group, all teams have won 1 game each and all is to play for in the final round. On Tuesday next, July 9th, Laune Rangers face Legion and St Brendans play Dr Crokes – both at neutral venues yet to be confirmed.

Laune Rangers:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Matt Reenstierna, Evan Madden, Eoin Clifford, David Mangan, James Hurley, Roan Moriarty, Rory O’Connor, Matthew Leslie (0-4, 1f), Gabriel Griffin (1-1), Gearóid Hassett (1-4), Ronan O’Shea (0-5, 4f), Stephen Sealy, Shane Doona (1-2). Subs: Calum Moriarty, Conor Burke, Callum Russell.

St Brendans:- Devon Burns (0-1f), Stephen Bowler (capt), Ruarí O’Sullivan, Cian Donnellan, Mikey Clifford, Tomás O’hAiniféin, Oisín Maunsell, Joe Lenihan (0-2), Dara Courtney, Daniel Bowler, Tadgh Lynch (0-1), Jack Sheehan, Fergal O’Brien (0-3), Nathan O’Driscoll (0-4, 3f), Conor Hayes (0-4, 1f). Subs: Jimmy O’Sullivan, Conor O’Sullivan (0-1).

Group Round 3:- Laune Rangers 3-17, Killarney Legion 1-12

Laune Rangers will take their place in the Quarter Finals of the County Minor Championship following defeat of Killarney Legion on Tuesday evening in Beaufort.

Rangers got off to a slow start, with Legion scoring the first five points of the game through Darragh Lyne, William Shine (3) and Eoghan O’Sullivan. Rangers – after a few wides – finally got off the mark – Gearóid Hassett scoring a fine point to leave Killarney Legion leading by 0-5 to 0-1 with fifteen minutes played.

A Matthew Leslie point was cancelled out by William Shine’s 4th point for Legion, before Gearóid Hassett pointed again. The rest of the 2nd quarter was tight with defences coming out on top, but Rangers finished the half strongly. Gearóid Hassett scored a super goal to level matters – David Mangan & Evan Madden with outstanding passes in the buildup – before a pointed free by Matt Leslie with the last kick of the half put Rangers ahead. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-4, Killarney Legion 0-6.

Legion pointed a free to level the game through Ethan O’Neill, but Matt Leslie (free) and Gearóid Hassett had Rangers leading by two. Legion responded well though, and a well worked goal finished by Ryan O’Grady gave the Killarney side the lead. Rangers wrestled the lead back through pointed frees by Ronan O’Shea & Matt Leslie, as the Legion side struggled to handle the Rangers forwards. The scores were level again with a Darragh O’Leary point for Legion, but Gabriel Griffin put Rangers ahead again with two great points. Matt Leslie & Darragh Lyne traded points, before Rangers struck a body blow as Gearóid Hassett hit the net from close range after great work by Ronan O’Shea. With fifteen minutes to play, Laune Rangers led 2-11 to 1-9.

Rangers dominated the final quarter, as points by David Mangan & Ronan O’Shea increased the lead. Ryan O’Grady and Matt Leslie traded points before Legion scored two points to reduce the gap – Eoghan O’Sullivan with both scores. Rangers continued to press ahead, and Eoin Clifford got on the scoresheet with a super point – well deserved for a his efforts. Matt Leslie and Rory O’Connor added points before O’Connor scored Rangers third goal with the final kick of the game. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 3-17, Killarney Legion 1-12.

After a slow start, Rangers put in a fantastic effort to ensure passage to the County Championship Quarter Finals. It is tough to pick a stand out performance with every player contributing. However, Eoin Clifford put in a super shift from start to finish, and his point near the end was the score of the game.

Laune Rangers:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Matt Reenstierna, Evan Madden, Eoin Clifford (0-1), Rory O’Connor (1-1), James Hurley, Roan Moriarty, David Mangan (0-1), Matt Leslie (0-7), Gabriel Griffin (0-2), Gearóid Hassett (2-3), Ronan O’Shea (0-2), Stephen Sealy, Shane Doona. Subs: Calum Moriarty, Conor Burke, Callum Russell. Squad: Jake Reenstierna, Mikey O’Donnell, Jack Healy, Marc Clifford, Cathal Crowley, Cormac Doyle, James Treacy, Darragh Mangan, Niall Fenton.

Quarter Final:- Rathmore 2-14, Laune Rangers 3-9

Laune Rangers have exited the County Minor Championship at the Quarter Final stage, following a single point defeat away to Rathmore on Tuesday evening after extra time.  The sides were level at 0-2 a piece on the quarter mark – Ronan O’Shea (free) and Gearóid Hassett scoring for Rangers, with Ronan O’Shea trading points with Cathal Ryan soon after.  Rangers took a two point lead through Matt Leslie (free) & Shane Doona before David Dineen levelled matters with two pointed frees for the hosts.  The sides were separated by a goal at the break, though, as Gearóid Hassett finished excellently.  Half Time Score:- Rathmore 0-5, Laune Rangers 1-5.

Rathmore dominated the early stages of the second half, but two super saves by Laune Rangers goalkeeper Jack Evans kept Rangers ahead.  James Darmody pointed for the home side before Gearóid Hassett scored his second goal.  Shane Doona and Gearóid Hassett pointed Rangers 7 ahead but Rathmore began to gain the upper hand – forcing a third save from Jack Evans before eventually netting their first goal through Dan Murphy.  With fifteen minutes to play, Rangers led by 2-7 to 1-6.  Arron Cronin and James Darmody points halved the deficit and, after Shane Doona pointed at the other end for Rangers, Cronin (free) and James Darmody left the minimum between the sides.  Rathmore were dominating at this point, and a 55th minute goal by Ben O’Connor gave the hosts the lead.  James Darmody pointed again for Rathmore, before a super goal from midfield by David Mangan levelled the game.  No further score would come in the final minutes and the game went to extra time.  Score at End of Normal Time:- Rathmore 2-11, Laune Rangers 3-8.

Rathmore got the better of the first period of Extra Time, scoring three consecutive points Aaron Cronin, Jimmy Mahony and James Darmody, but Rangers scored a free at the end of the half to trail by two at the turnaround.  Half Time in Extra Time:- Rathmore 2-14, Laune Rangers 3-9.

Gabriel Griffin and Matthew Leslie scored outstanding points to level the game in the first minute of the final period.  However, the crucial point of the game was a baffling black card decision on Gearóid Hassett as the Rangers front man was wrangling to get free of a blocking defender.  The dismissal of the Rangers talisman dealt a blow to Rangers, with the home side scoring the final score of the game through James Darmody, although Shane Doona’s late shot hit the upright and came agonisingly away to safety.  Full Time Score:- Rathmore 2-15, Laune Rangers 3-11.

Laune Rangers:- Jack Evans, Seán Cleary, Matt Reenstierna, Evan Madden (capt), Eoin Clifford, Rory O’Connor, James Hurley, Roan Moriarty, David Mangan (1-0), Stephen Sealy, Gabriel Griffin (0-1), Matthew Leslie (0-2, 1f), Ronan O’Shea (0-3f), Gearóid Hassett (2-2), Shane Doona (0-3).  Subs: Calum Moriarty, Mikey O’Donnell.

Central Region

Laune Rangers 1-14, Renard St Marys 1-9

Laune Rangers are Central Region Minor Division 1 Champions for 2019 following with victory over Renard/St Marys in the Final, which was played in Cromane on Thursday evening.

Following a good start by Rangers, where Ronan O’Shea (free) & James Hurley pointed in the opening minutes, the South Kerry outfit settled and scored three points in succession (2 frees) to take the lead. A Gearóid Hassett point levelled matters again and, after Renard/Marys had replied to a Shane Doona point with one of their own, Roan Moriarty and Ronan O’Shea (free) added points to leave Rangers ahead by 0-5 to 0-4 with a quarter played.

Rangers points through Matt Leslie & Gabe Griffin (2) put them four ahead and could have stretched the lead further, but a double save from first Stephen Sealy & then Shane Doona kept the ball out of the net. Renard/St Marys pointed a free, but Ronan O’Shea replied with a pointed free at the other end to see Rangers leading by four at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-10, Renard/St Marys 0-6.

Laune Rangers hit the net in the first play of the second half as great play down the left flank set Gearóid Hassett through, and he unselfishly passed the ball across the square for Ronan O’Shea to tap it in. However, Renard/Marys responded immediately and had hit the net at the other end within a minute to get back to within four points. Another swift attack in the opposite direction almost saw the game’s third goal in just two minutes, but Gearóid Hassett’s shot missed by inches. Two points for Renard/Marys halved the deficit, but a Matt Leslie pointed free put Rangers three ahead again. Eoin Clifford pointed excellently, while Gearóid Hassett added another to see Rangers ahead by 1-13 to 1-8 with a quarter to play.

The final quarter was low scoring – which suited Rangers just fine – but it was the Renard/Marys team that did most of the attacking. Ronan O’Shea pointed a free before it was cancelled out by a free at the other end in the 51st minute, which would prove to be the final score of the game. A 59th minute penalty for Renard/Marys gave them a great chance to get back into the game, but the spot kick was excellently saved by Jack Evans in the Rangers net to avoid a tense final couple of minutes. The remaining chances for the opposition were handled effectively by the Rangers backs and they held on to win. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-14, Renard/St Marys 1-9.

Rangers backs did excellently at times of pressure, with Seán Cleary & James Hurley playing particularly well. The midfield/centre back triangle of Roan Moriarty, Rory O’Connor and David Mangan teamed up well, allowing those in front of them to attack.

Final:- Laune Rangers 4-13, Beaufort 0-6

For a third year in succession, Laune Rangers are Mid Kerry Minor Champions following a dominant performance in Saturday’s Final against Beaufort.

A goal in the first play of the game set the tone for the day, as Shane Doona struck the top corner with a fantastic shot. Doona added a point and, after Ronan O’Shea knocked over a free, Roan Moriarty scored an excellent long range point to put Rangers ahead by 1-3 to 0-0 with six minutes played. Beaufort began to string together some good passages of play, and scored three points unanswered themselves to halve the gap – two Jack O’Connor frees and Eddie Lonergan from play with the scores. However, Rangers restored the six point lead with a second goal – Gearóid Hassett dropping a ball into the small square towards Rory O’Connor only for the ball to miss everyone and drop directly to the net. With fifteen minutes played, Laune Rangers led by 2-3 to 0-3.

Jack O’Connor pointed another free for Beaufort before his Kerry Minor teammate Gearóid Hassett cancelled it out with a point at the other end. Ronan O’Shea notched a free for Rangers before Roan Moriarty was awarded for a bustling run forward when the ball fell kindly for him and he kicked a soccer-style goal to the bottom corner from the edge of the square. Shane Doona added to his tally with another point to leave Rangers in a commanding lead at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 3-6, Beaufort 0-4.

Beaufort started brightly after the restart with a goal chance in the early stages but, following some pinball in the square a shot was deflected off a Rangers defender to roll just outside the post. Jack O’Connor stepped up and split the posts with the resulting 45’. That appeared spark Rangers back into life, and they didn’t give Beaufort a chance for the remainder of the game. Points from Matt Leslie (2, 1 free) & Ronan O’Shea (2 frees) increased the gap between the sides to leave Laune Rangers leading by 3-10 to 0-5 with a quarter to play.

Gearóid Hassett scored his 2nd and his team’s 4th goal to further increase the lead before he and Rory O’Connor scored excellent points – the latter much deserving of joining his midfield partner on the scoresheet as the midfield battle was definitely won by the men in blue. Jack O’Connor scored a point at the other end – his sides 2nd from play in the game – before Hassett scored the final score of the game with a tap-over free. The Final whistle was blown to see Laune Rangers win and complete 3 Mid Kerry Minor titles in a row. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 4-13, Beaufort 0-6.

The official Man of the Match award was a difficult one for the selectors on the day, with any one of a half dozen Laune Rangers players deserving of the award.

Rd 3 Killarney Legion 1-10, Laune Rangers 1-6

Rd 5:- Laune Rangers 6-24, Dr Crokes 0-9

Rd 2:- Austin Stacks 0-7, Laune Rangers 1-17.  In Division 1, the Blue side registered a great away victory over Austin Stacks in Connolly Park, Tralee.  Eoghan Hassett pointed the first score of the game but Austin Stacks went on a kick three unanswered to lead by 0-3 to 0-1 with a quarter played.  However, Rangers were the better team in the second quarter as Eoghan Hassett (4 frees) & Ciarán O’Sullivan pointed with Stacks adding one at the other end – Rangers defence getting the upper hand with Cathal Crowley & Matt Reenstierna particularly impressive.  Half Time Score:- Austin Stacks 0-4, Laune Rangers 0-7.  Austin Stacks opened the scoring in the second half with a pointed free but Rangers replied with a super goal finished excellently by Marc Clifford.  Darragh Mangan had carried a knock into the second half but he certainly didn’t show it, gaining superiority at midfield alongside Calum Moriarty, and this allowed Rangers push forward and score five points without reply through Callum Russell (2, 1 free), Calum Moriarty, Jack Healy & Adam Owens.  Healy’s point was the pick of these scores in a period where Rangers also produced two more goal chances only to see Stacks goalkeeper Ben Quilter save excellently.  Austin Stacks pointed twice more but Rangers didn’t relent, scoring five more points through Eoghan Hassett (2), Ciarán O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan and Callum Russell.  Full Time Score:- Austin Stacks 0-7, Laune Rangers 1-17.

Laune Rangers Blue: Jake Reenstierna, Eoin Lynch, Matt Reenstierna, Patrick Brennan, Ryan Diggin, Cathal Crowley, Ciarán O’Sullivan (0-2), Darragh Mangan, Calum Moriarty (0-1), James Treacy, Callum Russell (0-3, 1f), Jack Healy (0-1), Eoghan Hassett (0-8, 4f), Marc Clifford (1-0), Jack O’Sullivan (0-1).  Subs: Adam Owens (0-1), Daniel Evans.

Rd 3:- n Division 1, the Blue Team had a comfortably home win against Na Gaeil.

Final:- Austin Stacks 4-9, Laune Rangers 1-10.  Laune Rangers came up short in the Final of the Central Region Under 16 Division 1 on Bank Holiday Monday evening, losing to Austin Stacks in Austin Stack Park.  The sides were level after fifteen minutes at 0-3 a piece – Callum Russell (free) and Eoghan Hassett (2) scoring for Rangers.  Stacks pointed twice before scoring the game’s first goal.  Laune Rangers provided the perfect response by going downfield and hitting the net themselves on the very next play – Callum Russell ending a great run with a super finish.  Eoghan Hassett added a pointed free, but Stacks dealt a hammer blow to Rangers with a second goal in injury time to go four points ahead.  Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-4, Austin Stacks 2-5.  Austin Stacks started the second half as they ended the first, scoring an unanswered 1-3 to go ahead by ten.  However, Rangers began to fight their way back into the game, scoring five points without reply to halve the deficit – Jack O’Sullivan, Callum Russell (free) & Eoghan Hassett (3, 1 free) all scoring as Stacks persistently fouled in order to stop goal chances.  However, Matt Reenstierna received his marching orders in this period by picking up a black card after an earlier yellow.  Austin Stacks added a free, which was nullified by a converted Eoghan Hassett free.  Stacks scored a fourth goal in the 60^th minute.  Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-10, Austin Stacks 4-9.  On a tough night for Rangers, some players stood out with excellent performances.  Callum Russell carried the team at times and was outstanding between the two 45s.  Ciarán O’Sullivan looked dangerous on the left flank while up front, Jack O’Sullivan and especially Eoghan Hassett excelled – the latter finishing with seven points.

Laune Rangers Team:- Jake Reenstierna, Patrick Brennan, Matt Reenstierna, Eoin Lynch, Ryan Diggin, Cathal Crowley, Ciarán O’Sullivan, Jack Healy, Calum Moriarty, Darragh O’Grady, Callum Russell (1-2, 2f), Mikey O’Donnell, Eoghan Hassett (0-7, 3f), Marc Clifford, Jack O’Sullivan (0-1).  Subs: James Byrne, James Treacy.

Division 3:

Rd 1:- Laune Rangers White 2-15, Churchill 0-9.

Laune Rangers White:- Adam Carey, Daniel Evans, Aona O’Shea, Killian Spillane, Cathal O’Callaghan, Patrick Brennan, Ciarán O’Sullivan (0-2), James Byrne, Ryan Diggin (0-1), Eoghan Joy, Cillian Foley (1-0), Adam Owens (0-2), Joe Cronin Langham (0-1), Jack O’Sullivan (1-7), Oisin Lynch (0-1).  Subs: David Crowley (0-1), James Prendiville, Cillian Buckley, Darragh Evans.

Rd 2:- Austin Stacks 1-7, Laune Rangers 4-15

Rd 3:- The Laune Rangers White Team won a fantastic battle against Desmonds in Castleisland.

Laune Rangers White:- Adam Carey, Killian Spillane, Aona O’Shea, James Prendiville, Joseph Cronin Langham, Cathal O’Callaghan, Ryan O’Sullivan, Cillian Foley, Eoghan Joy, Jamie Healy, Tom Whittleton, David Crowley, Oisín Lynch, Darragh O’Grady, Darragh Evans.  Sub (introduced at Half Time): Cillian Buckley.

Rd 4:- The White team were defeated on the road by a strong Ballyheigue team in Division 3.

Rd 3:- Laune Rangers 3-7, Kilcummin 3-8.

Rd 4:- Austin Stacks 4-16, Laune Rangers 2-9.  Laune Rangers Team:- Patryk Radny, David O’Brien, Tim Mangan, Devon Hogan, Oisín Birmingham (1-1), Shane Clifford, Matthew Spillane, John Burke (0-1), Eoin O’Connell, Rian O’Sullivan (0-2), Jack Lynch (1-4, 4f), Colin Griffin, Conor Buckley, Darragh Clifford (0-1), Andrew Owens.  Subs:- Gavin Mangan, Sean Diggin, Tom Garry, Steven Gannon, Joseph O’Neill.

Rd 5:- Moyvane 0-12, Laune Rangers 1-8.  Laune Rangers Blue:- Patryk Radny, David O’Brien, Shane Clifford, Devon Hogan, Oisín Birmingham, Eoin O’Connell, John Tuohy, John Burke (0-4), Tim Mangan, Rian O’Sullivan (0-2), Jack Lynch (0-1), Colin Griffin, Seanie Diggin, Darragh Clifford, Andrew Owens (1-0).  Subs: Conor Buckley (0-1), Tom Garry, Joseph O’Neill, Gavin Mangan; Matthew Spillane, Seán O’Donnell.

Division 9A

Rd 1:- Laune Rangers 1-14, Keel/Listry 0-8.  Laune Rangers White:- Darragh Lynch, Seán O’Donnell, Charlie O’Sullivan, Shane Kelliher, Evan Moriarty, Gavin Mangan (0-1), Luke Moriarty, Matthew Spillane (0-4), Conor Buckley (0-3), Aaron Doyle (0-1), Rian Hogan (0-1), Ryan Carey (1-0), Denis McGeever, Callum O’Sullivan (0-1), Cathal Moroney (0-2).  Subs: Darragh Clifford (0-1), Cathal Daly, Alex Garry.

Rd 2:- Austin Stacks 5-12, Laune Rangers 1-4.

Rd 3:- Dr Crokes 2-6, Laune Rangers 5-10.  Laune Rangers White:- Darragh Lynch, Seán O’Donnell, David O’Brien, Callum O’Sullivan, Gavin Mangan, Matthew Spillane, Evan Moriarty, Logan Foley (0-2), Darragh Clifford (1-0), Andrew Owens (1-3), Colin Griffin(0-1), Conor Buckley(1-0), Seán Diggin(1-1), Joseph O’Neill (1-1), Ryan Carey (0-2).  Subs: Shane Kelliher, Dara Clifford, Rian Hogan, Denis McGeever, Cathal Daly.

Semi final:- Laune Rangers 4-11, Dr Crokes 5-13.

Central Region

Division 1

Rd 1:- Laune Rangers 5-18, Ballymacelligott 5-8.  Laune Rangers:- Patryk Radny, David O’Brien, Tom Garry, Devon Hogan, Oisín Birmingham, Shane Clifford, Colin Griffin, Eoin O’Connell (1-0), Tim Mangan (0-3), John Tuohy (0-2), Jack Lynch (2-6), Rian O’Sullivan (0-1), Seán Diggin (0-1), Darragh Clifford (1-1), Andrew Owens (1-2).  Subs: Matthew Spillane, Logan Foley, Conor Buckley (0-2), Stephen Gannon, Niall T O’Brien, Gavin Mangan.

Rd 2:- Churchill vs Laune Rangers.  Comfortable win for Laune Rangers.

Rd 3:- Laune Rangers defeated Ardfert

Rd 4:- Laune Rangers lost to Austin Stacks.

Final:- Austin Stacks 3-11, Laune Rangers 2-6.

Division 4

Rd 1: A comfortable win for Laune Rangers against St Pats.

Rd 2:- A comfortable win for Laune Rangers against Milltown/Castlemaine.

Final:- Austin Stacks 5-11, Laune Rangers 3-16

Mid Kerry competition.

Laune Rangers contested the A and the C Finals of the Mid Kerry Competition, as the club fielded two teams in the championship.  The Blue side got the better of the White side (picture above) and went on to win the A competition.  The White side were defeated by GGC in the C Final.

Laune Rangers and Keel/Listry sides that contested the Mid Kerry Under 14 A Final.

A Final:- Laune Rangers Blue 0-10, Keel/Listry 0-8

Laune Rangers grip on the Mid Kerry Under 14 A Championship was copper-fastened for another 12 months with a fantastic win against a fancied Keel/Listry team in Killorglin on Sunday. JP O’Sullivan Park played host to all three Mid Kerry U14 Finals on Sunday, and the pitch was in great condition in the glorious autumnal sunshine.

It took five minutes of the game for the deadlock to be broken and it was Darragh Clifford of Laune Rangers who pointed excellently to give his side the lead, but the visitors were level within a minute with a point of their own. A pointed free for Keel/Listry gave them their only lead of the game, and it was a lead that lasted two minutes until Rian O’Sullivan pointed for Rangers to level matters at 0-2 a piece after ten minutes.

Rangers dominated the middle portion of the first half, and scored a further five points without reply through John Burke (2, 1f), Jack Lynch (free), Niall O’Brien & Rian O’Sullivan to give the hosts a strong lead. Keel/Listry battled back though, and scored the last three points of the half to reduce the gap to two at the break. Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-7, Keel/Listry 0-5.

Keel/Listry halved the deficit with a point early in the second half, but it was soon cancelled out by a super score by Niall O’Brien for Rangers. Keel/Listry pointed a free to leave the minimum between the sides at 0-8 to 0-7 with a quarter to play.

The highlight moment of the game for many was the Darragh Clifford point in the 50th minute – the full forward showing great skill to win the ball and turn towards goal, and he shrugged off two defenders with ease before kicking over the bar from an acute angle. Keel/Listry responded with a point soon after but it would be their last of the game. Rangers defence were simply outstanding for the final ten minutes to cut out the attack time and again. A foul on Darragh Clifford gave captain Jack Lynch a free to put two between the sides, and Rangers held on to take a great win. Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-10, Keel/Listry 0-8.

Laune Rangers Blue:- Patryk Radny, David O’Brien, Oisín Birmingham, Devon Hogan, Shane Clifford, Tim Mangan, Eoin O’Connell, John Burke (0-2, 1f), Niall Tadgh O’Brien (0-2), Rian O’Sullivan (0-2), Stephen Gannon, Colin Griffin, Andrew Owens, Darragh Clifford (0-2), Jack Lynch (0-2f). Subs: Seanie Diggin, Conor Buckley, Matthew Spillane, John Tuohy, Aaron Doyle, Tom Garry, Joseph O’Neill, Micheál O’Shea, Logan Foley, Seán O’Donnell, Gavin Mangan,, Adam O’Neill, Charlie O’Sullivan.

C Final:- Laune Rangers White 1-6, GGC 5-12