1967

Laune Rangers – 1967

 Mid-Kerry won the Co. Senior Football Championship for the first time. The Laune Rangers representatives on the team were Tony Lyons, Paul Lucey, Pat Ahern, Seamus Curran, Timmy Doyle, Patsy Joy and William Kennedy. Thomas Curran was a substitute.

Mid-Kerry won the Kerryman Shield Final (played in July 1968) for the first time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football Championship Final (played in July 1968) for the fourth time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Senior Football League Final (played in June 1968) for the third time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry Minor Football Championship for the sixth time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-16 Football Championship for the third time.

Laune Rangers won the Mid-Kerry U-14 Football Championship for the fourth time.

Kerry won the Munster U-21 Football Championship, but lost to Mayo after a replay in the All-Ireland Final. William Kennedy played at full-forward.

Kerry won the Munster and All-Ireland Junior Football Championship. Pat Ahern captained the side from left halfback and William Kennedy played at full-forward.

James Coffey was re-elected as Secretary of the Mid-Kerry Board for the thirteenth successive year.

The building of the dressing-rooms in the J.P. O Sullivan Park commenced.

*                  *                *                   *                       *                      *                    *

The AGM of the club took place on 15^th January in the CYMS Hall. It was one of the best- attended meetings for many a year and that augured well for the future of the club. The Chairman, Paudie Foley, in his address, congratulated the team on its wonderful successes during 1966. Laune Rangers had won the Co. Club Championship, the Towns’ Cup, the Mid-Kerry Senior Championship, the Mid-Kerry Senior League, the Laune Rangers’ Cup and the Mid-Kerry Juvenile Championship. It had been a record-breaking year for the club. He also stressed that the most pressing item at the time was the provision of dressing-rooms and he hoped that supporters would rally to a man to the assistance of the club when approached to contribute towards that very essential undertaking. He also advocated more games for both the juveniles and minors of the parish.

(The Secretary’s report is given at the end of 1966).

Income & Expenditure Account

Income                                                              Expenditure

4 Dances (Nett) 153 – 3 – 8                     Banquet 103 – 10 – 6

Banquet tickets 131 – 5 – 0                     Travelling expenses 101 –   0 – 0

Gate receipts   18 – 3 – 6                           Visiting team dinner     9 –   0 – 0

Flag-day     2 – 0 – 0                              High-tea in Glebe Hotel           8 – 12 – 6

Membership     5 – 0 – 0                            Sundry expenses    69 –  1 – 0

£309 – 12 – 2                                         Excess of income over exp.   18 –   6 – 2                                                                                                                               £309 – 12 – 2

 

All the outgoing officers were re-elected unopposed as follows:

President: Paddy Foley.

Vice-President: Father O Leary.

Chairman: Paudie Foley.

Secretary: Mícheál Scanlon.

Treasurer: Denis O Neill.

PRO (the position was filled for the first time): Brendan O Reilly.

Committee: All the officers and John Foley, Owen Mangan, J. O Sullivan, J. Beirne, Sean Foley, Derry O Brien, Patrick O Shea, Bendy O Dwyer, Stevie Foley, Timmy Corkery, Ollie O Brien, Christy O Riordan.

Senior Selectors: Paudie Foley, Mícheál Scanlon, Jimmy Foley, Kevin Foley and Monnie O Reilly.

Senior Captain: Patsy Joy.

Senior Vice-Captain: Denis O Neill.

Minor Captain: Liam Russell.

Minor Vice-Captain: Pat Kennedy.

Juvenile Committee: Father O Leary, Pat O Shea, Mícheál Scanlon, Christy O Riordan, Patsy Cronin, John A. O Brien and Mike Hassett.

The following motions were proposed:

 

1. ‘That the tricolour should be hoisted for each game, especially for senior games, in the J.P. O Sullivan Memorial Park.’ Proposed by Brendan O Reilly and seconded by Sean Foley. Passed.
2. ‘That a field committee should be formed.’ Passed.
3.  ‘That six teams of 9-a-side should partake in a competition within the parish.’ Proposed by Owen Mangan. Pat O Shea proposed a direct amendment ‘that the parish league should be started again and the teams should be decided at the next meeting.’ Pat Kennedy seconded that amendment. Owen Mangan proposed ‘that the old system of parish league should be changed and the college players should be excluded and that four captains should be selected to pick the teams.’ That was seconded by Derry O Brien. On a vote, Pat O Shea’s amendment was carried by 22 votes to 17.
4. ‘That six teams of U-15 players partake in a league and the club will provide trophies for the winners.’ Proposed by Pat O Shea and seconded by Sean Foley. Passed.
5. ‘That membership cards should be 5/-.’ Proposed by John Foley and seconded by Paddy Foley. Patsy Cronin proposed a direct amendment ‘That membership cards should be 2/6 for adults and 1/6 for minors and juveniles.’ The amendment was carried.
6. ‘That a victory social should be held.’ Proposed by Sean Foley and seconded by Bendy O Dwyer. Passed.
7. ‘That a social be held in the CYMS and tea and refreshments should e provided.’ Proposed by Sean Foley and seconded by Christy O Riordan. Passed.
8. ‘That tickets should be printed and sold by members for the above social.’ Proposed by Patsy Cronin. Passed.
9. ‘That club meetings should be held on the second Saturday of each month.’ Passed.
10. ‘That, for the Powers Tournament, John Mitchels and Waterville should be invited to play in the J.P. O Sullivan Park on a suitable date.’ Passed.
11. ‘That an inter-county game should be played in the J.P. O Sullivan Park.’ Passed. It was decided to contact Dr. Jim Brosnan to that end.
12. ‘That a start should be made in 1967 to build dressing-rooms and water showers.’ Passed. It was decided to hold a house-to-house collection and to run a silver circle. Father O Leary proposed 10/- or 1/- per week for 10 weeks for the silver circle. Promoters for the silver circle were then selected.
13. ‘That ten members should be available for the stewarding of games.’ Proposed by Brendan O Reilly. Passed.

Co. Senior Football Championship

Twelve teams entered for the Co. Championship, which was played on a knock-out basis, Mid-Kerry, South-Kerry, Kenmare, Austin Stacks, East-Kerry, St. Vincent’s, John Mitchel’s, Kerins O Rahilly’s, West-Kerry, Castleisland, Shannon Rangers and St. Brendan’s.

The Mid-Kerry selection committee was as follows: Father Brian Kelly (Glenbeigh) trainer, Murt Kelly (Beaufort), Mícheál Scanlon (Laune Rangers), George McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine), Willie Barton (Keel).

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 30^th July at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry 4-10; South-Kerry 0-10.

From the second minute, when star-midfielder Patsy Joy scored a fine point, it was evident that South-Kerry, minus Mick O Connell, were facing a tough task. That forceful Mid-Kerry side was all out to show their home supporters that they were far from a spent force. Mid-Kerry had successfully crossed the first hurdle in an effort to win that elusive county title. South-Kerry was not even a shadow of the former teams that had come from Iveragh.

The game fell far below expectations and was a big disappointment for a fairly large attendance, many of which left long before the final whistle. Apart from the opening twelve minutes of the second half , when a brave South-Kerry rally brought four points without reply in an effort to bring down an interval deficit of 3-7 to 0-5, Mid-Kerry were never in danger of defeat and, of the entire South-Kerry total, only one point came from play.

South-Kerry’s downfall was a midfield, where they had no one to equal the brilliance of Mid-Kerry’s Patsy Joy who had his best ever game in that position. He got great support from Mickey O Sullivan until a muscle injury forced the latter to retire. That pair gave their forwards a wonderful supply of the ball and Pat Griffin, on the ‘forty’, made sure that it didn’t go astray. He had a personal tally of 1-4. Apart from Brendan Lynch and full-forward William Kennedy, the remainder of the attack achieved little.

In defence, Mid-Kerry were at times very shaky and all six had their moments of anxiety. However, fullback Teddy Bowler, after having a very anxious time from Mick O Neill in the first half, came right back into the game in the second half. Pat Ahern was once again a brilliant defender and Ned O Shea at right full was another who took the eye. Another player on the Mid-Kerry side who impressed was goalkeeper Tony Lyons.

South Kerry, apart from Mick O Dwyer in attack, had little to offer in that sector. In the first half, full-forward Mick O Neill gave him good assistance. At midfield they had a great trier in P.J. Burns but he was up against a very strong pair. It was the South Kerry defenders that were the real culprits and on their shoulders rested the blame for their side’s poor showing. They conceded two very soft goals, both from well out the field and, but for Jimmy Keating, Batty Galvin and Noel Cronin, the Mid-Kerry tally would have been much greater. The Milltown/Castlemaine team played in the John Mitchels Tournament on that day and ‘Foxy’ Mike O Sullivan was the only player from that club that travelled. He was the only player from that club that was considered for the remainder of the championship.

Mid-Kerry; Tony Lyons (Laune Rangers), Ned O Shea (Keel), Teddy Bowler (Glenbeigh), Jim Coughlan (Beaufort), George Evans (Keel), Jerry O Riordan (Glenbeigh), Pat Ahern (Laune Rangers), Patsy Joy (do.), Mike O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Kevin Griffin (do.), Pat Griffin (do.), Timmy Doyle (Laune Rangers), Brendan Lynch (Beaufort), William Kennedy (Laune Rangers), Mike O Grady (Glenbeigh). Sub: Jimmy Healy (Glenbeigh) for M. O Sullivan (inj.).

South-Kerry: G. O Sullivan, Timmy O Shea, Batty Galvin, Sean O Shea, Jimmy Keating, Kevin Donnelly, Noel Cronin, P.J. Burns, Jerry O Mahony, Jer O Sullivan, Mick O Dwyer, Gerard Cronin, James O Shea, Mick O Neill, Donal Courtney.

Ref: B. Malone (Dingle).

 

Quarter Final on Sun. 3^rd September at Killarney: Mid-Kerry 2-5; John Mitchel’s 0-3.

The reigning Co. Champions, John Mitchels, were out of the competition. The great Tralee side, who had reigned supreme in Kerry football for a glorious five-years spell from 1959 to 1963 and who had come back to regain the title in 1966, had their hopes of further success decisively crushed at a rain-swept Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. The game attracted a very small attendance, which was hardly surprising considering the atrocious weather conditions. Indeed had the game been called off, there would hardly have been any complaints from spectators. Heavy rain, backed by a fairly lively breeze, fell before and during the game and the players found it extremely difficult to control the ball and keep their balance on the slippery surface.

Mid-Kerry absolutely revelled in the conditions, playing with an assurance, vigour and determination, to which even such great championship battlers as Mitchels had no effective counter. From an early stage, Mitchels were floundering. They were never able to produce any of those defence-splitting movements that characterised so many of their successes in the past. Mid-Kerry were rampant in most sectors, particularly in the halfback line, where Tom Curran, Seamus Curran and Pat Ahern operated. The Currans were certainly a tremendous asset to the Mid-Kerry team and, together with Ahern, who had one of his best ever games, formed a defensive barrier that was very hard to surmount. There were many other stars in the Mid-Kerry victory, the indefatigable Patsy Joy, at midfield, to name but one. He played a tremendously hard hour and was going just as strongly at the finish as at the start.

There could be no excuse for Mitchels on the evening’s play. Maybe the breeze did die down somewhat during the second half, when it favoured them, but man for man they were a well-beaten team over the hour and the breeze certainly did not influence the result. Of course, they could always argue that it might have been different story with a dry ball and a dry sod. However, such was the degree of Mid-Kerry’s superiority that it would be most unfair to belittle their triumph.

Mid-Kerry, with the breeze, enjoyed a marked territorial advantage in the first half. However, they were slow enough in finding their shooting form and, in fact, had a lead of only three points (0-3 to nil) after twenty minutes. However, then they achieved a vital breakthrough, when one of the Mitchels’ defenders picked the ball off the ground in the ‘square’ in a frantic effort to save his lines, and Pat Ahern duly obliged by shooting a goal from the resultant penalty. Shortly afterwards, Mitchels got their first real chance of the hour. Wing-forward Bruddy Burrows brought the ball right through the centre on a solo run and, with nobody challenging him, appeared to have a great chance of a goal. However, Burrows left the ball fall on the ground and, still on the run, kicked it wide. A goal at that stage would have meant a great deal to Mitchels, for it would have brought them on level terms and completely negated all the hard work that Mid-Kerry had put in up to then. Mitchels never got another chance like that. In fact, within ninety seconds, Mid-Kerry had hit them for a second goal, a low ball from Brendan Lynch slithering over the line before goalkeeper Johnny Kelliher could get to it. There was no further score before halftime, at which stage Mitchels looked in dire trouble, trailing by 2-3 to nil.

However, the Tralee side was never known to die without a fight and their followers looked forward to an all-out effort by them in the second half. It was Mid-Kerry who drew first blood, Pat Ahern pointing a free in the 33^rd minute. One minute later, Derry O Shea opened Mitchels’ account with a similar score. John ‘Thorny’ O Shea followed with another point for Mitchels in the 37^th minute and then it seemed as if the champions were about to start moving. However, for the remainder of the game, the Mitchesl were unable to make any worthwhile progress against the very steady Mid-Kerry defence and, as the minutes ticked by, it became increasingly obvious that Mitchels were not going to pull it off. In fact, only two points were scored in a period of twenty three minutes, Niall Sheehy got one for Mitchels and Pat Ahern got another for Mid-Kerry from a free in the 55^th minute.

It was a jubilant Mid-Kerry team that trooped off the field at the hour’s end. Twelve months previously, at the same venue, they had been beaten by a single point by Mitchels at the same stage of the championship after holding them to two draws. Revenge was sweet.

Every member of the Mid-Kerry defence played well. Tony Lyons was sound in goal and the fullback line never allowed the opposition full-forward line any leeway. The two Currans and Pat Ahern were very impressive in the halfback line, although J.P. Leen, the forty yards man for the Mitchels, played a good deal of the ball. Ahern was superb. He went to centre half-forward during the first half and was a big menace to the Mitchels’ defence. He returned to his wing-back position in the second half and strode the scene like a colossus. Patsy Joy seemed to be here, there and everywhere around the centre of the field, catching and kicking with wonderful gusto. Tom Prendergast, who went to midfield in the second half, gave him fairly good support. In the Mid-Kerry attack, Brendan Lynch, Pat Griffin, Jerry O Riordan, Bill Kennedy and substitute Mickey O Sullivan shaped well. Kevin Griffin sustained an injury and had to retire before the interval. He came back during the second half but retired again before the end.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons, Ned O Shea, Teddy Bowler, Jim Coughlan, Tom Curran (Laune Rangers), Seamus Curran (do.), Pat Ahern (1-4), Patsy Joy, Denis Scully (Beaufort), Brendan Lynch (1-0), Pat Griffin (0-1), Jerry O Riordan, Kevin Griffin, William Kennedy, Tom Prendergast (Keel). Sub: Mike O Sullivan for K. Griffin; K. Griffin for D. Scully; D. Scully for K. Griffin.

John Mitchels: Johnny Kelliher, Buddy O Grady, Seanie Burrows, Sean Og Sheehy, Billy Kerins, Seamus Roche, Ted Fitzgerald, Harry Burke, Brian Sheehy, Derry O Shea (0-1), J.P. Leen, Bruddy Burrows, Teddy Dowd, Niall Sheehy (0-1), John ‘Thorny’ O Shea (0-1).

Ref: M. Ryan (Listowel).

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 22^nd October at Tralee: Mid-Kerry 0-11; Shannon Rangers 1-6.

Mid-Kerry once again proved their worth as magnificent championship battlers by coming from behind to beat Shannon Rangers in a tremendously exciting finish at Tralee. On the evidence of that performance, they stood a great chance of laying the bogey that had dogged them year after year. The game might not have touched great heights as a football spectacle, but it would have been hard to surpass for wholehearted endeavour and nerve-racking excitement. Shannon Rangers could have won just as easily as Mid-Kerry. There was hardly a kick of a ball between the two teams. In fact, it was not until the 59^th minute that the issue was finally resolved when Mid-Kerry’s Brendan Lynch took a pass from Mike O Sullivan and landed a point. That score crushed the hopes of the gallant men from North Kerry, who had given everything in a great death or glory bid. To make doubly sure of a Mid-Kerry victory, Mike O Sullivan kicked over another point just before the final whistle.

Many times in the past, Mid-Kerry’s indomitable spirit had been their most precious asset. It proved invaluable to them again in that game. A less dedicated team would surely have fallen to Rangers. District Board Secretary, Jimmy Coffey, had always maintained that Mid-Kerry were a better team when they had to come from behind. It was certainly put up to them when they trailed by five points (1-5 to 0-3) at the interval. The manner in which they fought back in the second half was very impressive. The Mid-Kerry men might not have played the classiest of football, but their direct, no-nonsense methods were mighty effective.

Both teams played it hard and consequently the game developed into a rugged rather than spectacular encounter. The first half produced nothing very much out of the ordinary – Billy Doran’s goal for Shannon Rangers was a notable exception – but the pace heated up in the second half and for the last fifteen minutes it was anybody’s game. Rangers must have been bitterly disappointed at coming so near to victory but at the hour’s end they heartily congratulated the Mid-Kerry men. That was in keeping with the spirit of the game, which, from start to finish, was contested in an exemplary sporting fashion.

Rangers, with the breeze, enjoyed a marked territorial advantage in the first half but their forwards threw away a number of excellent chances early on. All they had to show for the first sixteen minutes was one point – a splendid effort in the second minute by midfielder Johnny Bunyan from forty yards. Admittedly, Rangers had hard luck for a goal during that time. Ted Sweeney connected beautifully with a cross from Eamonn O Donoghue but his punched effort came back off the crossbar. At the other end, Pat Griffin was causing no small amount of confusion with his jinking runs. He was pulled down once – not the only time during the hour – and Pat Ahern pointed. Shortly afterwards, Griffin cut through the Rangers’ defence but he shot badly wide.

Shannon Rangers did not begin to find their shooting form until the 17^th minute, when Bryan McCarthy lobbed over a fine point, although under pressure. That seemed to be the signal for an all-out onslaught on the Mid-Kerry posts and, in the next three minutes, Shannon Rangers had further points from Ted Sweeney and Tony Barrett. At that stage, the Mid-Kerry selectors took remedial action. Tom Prendergast was brought from left corner-forward to midfield, Pat Ahern to right half-back and Tom Curran took Prendergast’s place in attack. That, temporarily at least, helped to ease the pressure for Mid-Kerry and in the 24^th minute they had a point at the other end, Pat Griffin swinging over a wonderful ball. Then it was the turn of the Shannon Rangers’ selectors to go into consultation. They brought full-forward Billy Doran out to the forty yards in a switch with Tony Barrett. That was shrewd thinking. Doran began to come much more prominently into the game and before the halftime whistle had hit the Mid-Kerry defence for 1-1. The goal was a beauty. The brains behind it was Tony Barrett, who, though surrounded by Mid-Kerry backs, managed to punch the ball back over his head to the unmarked Doran. The Lyreacrompane man unleashed a tremendous drive, which crashed into the roof of the net, with Pat Ahern and Tony Lyons well beaten. Doran’s point was balanced off by a similar effort by Pat Ahern, which left the halftime score, Shannon Rangers 1-5, Mid-Kerry 0-3.

Shannon Rangers had Eamonn O Donoghue at midfield at the start of the second half, a rather surprising move. Mid-Kerry needed the incentive of an early score on the restart and that was provided by their flying winger, Brendan Lynch. He got a ball almost on the sideline, twenty yards out, and kicked a high ball straight and true for a memorable point. Tom Prendergast followed with a another point two minutes later and so within the space of five minutes, Mid-Kerry had narrowed their deficit to three points. But it didn’t last. There was scoring stalemate for the next ten minutes with both sides missing some good chances. Then, in the 46^th minute, Mid-Kerry struck again. Pat Griffin tapped over a point and within less than a minute the same player had the white flag waving again.

Now there was only one point in it and excitement began to build up. A mighty cheer went up from the Mid-Kerry followers when Jerry O Riordan drove over the equaliser in the 47^th minute and they gave good voice to their feelings again, three minutes later, when Brendan Lynch pounced on a ball, which had broken loose in the square, and hit over another point. Mid-Kerry were in front for the first time in the game. Shannon Rangers’ hopes of victory now looked very slim indeed but the North Kerry men still had plenty of fight left in them. They stormed downfield with tremendous determination and forced practically the entire Mid-Kerry team back on defence. In fact at one stage, even though playing against the breeze, there were only four players left in the Shannon Rangers’ half of the field – goalkeeper Alan Kennelly, defenders Christy O Sullivan and Bernie O Connell and Mid-Kerry’s Paul Lucey. When Rangers were awarded a free in front of the posts about thirty yards out for a foul on Tony Barrett, it seemed as if they must get the equalising point. But Barrett, who took the free himself, had the misfortune of seeing his shot drop short and being cleared.

Still Shannon Rangers pressed relentlessly. Their efforts were rewarded in the 57^th minute when Paudie O Donoghue pointed a free from a very acute angle. Now the issue was thrown wide open again and with only three minutes left a draw was very much in the offing. But in the 59^th minute, Brendan Lynch became Mid-Kerry’s hero by regaining the lead for them with a cleverly taken point. Mike O Sullivan first tried to pass the ball to Tom Prendergast but it was blocked down. Luckily for him, he was able to regain possession and he then parted to Lynch who quickly made an angle for himself and was dead on target. Shannon Rangers still refused to accept defeat. They worked the ball back into the Mid-Kerry half and Tom Quille and Billy Doran in turn missed fairly good chances of the equalising point. Those misses proved costly and in the last seconds of the game, Mid-Kerry clinched victory with a point by Mike O Sullivan.

Some players contributed more than others to the victory, but none was more effective than centre halfback Seamus Curran. He emerged clear time and again to break up Rangers’ attacks and was undoubtedly the outstanding defender on the day. Ned O Shea also impressed at right fullback, whilst Teddy Bowler and Jim Coughlan completed an eminently sound Mid-Kerry fullback line. Pat Ahern, who started at midfield and moved to wing-back, had his moments but generally was below the form people had come to expect of him. Pat Griffin was in great fettle at forty yards and midfield. He might have overdone the soloing a bit at times but he was a very distinct threat to the Rangers’ defence whenever he brought the ball through and capped his display by scoring three excellent points. Patsy Joy rendered valuable assistance at midfield, putting in a very wholehearted hour. Brendan Lynch excelled in the attack. He was quiet enough in the first half, after the early exchanges, but he emerged as a forward of great potential in the second half. Tom Prendergast and Jerry O Riordan, in particular, were others who showed up to good effect in the attack. A fact worth noting about the Mid-Kerry team was that only five of them were living at home. All the others were either at school or working in other counties. That was quite a drain on the resources of the Board.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons, Ned O Shea, Teddy Bowler, Jim Coughlan, Tom Curran, Seamus Curran, Paul Lucey (Laune Rangers), Patsy Joy, Pat Ahern, Brendan Lynch, Pat Griffin, Jerry O Riordan, Jimmy Healy (Glenbeigh), William Kennedy, Tom Prendergast. Subs: Kevin Griffin for P. Lucey, Mike O Sullivan for J. Healy, Paul Lucey for T. Curran.

Shannon Rangers: Alan Kennelly, Bernie O Connell, Tom O Sullivan, Christy O Sullivan, Paddy Collins, Paudie O Donoghue, T. Flavin, Mick Walsh, Johnny Bunyan, Ted Sweeney, Tony Barrett, Bryan McCarthy, Billy Doran, Mike Joe Quinlan, Eamonn O Donoghue. Subs: Tom Quille for B. Doran; B. Doran for J. Bunyan.

Ref: Seanie Burrows (Tralee).

 

Final on Sun. 5^th November at Tralee: Mid-Kerry 0-12; West Kerry 2-4.

Mid-Kerry were the new kingpins of Kerry football. They had made up for much of the heart-breaking disappointment of the past. They scored a splendid two points victory over West-Kerry in an entertaining and very sportingly-contested county final. That was the end of a long wait for Mid-Kerry and no team was ever more deserving of its share of Kerry football glory. Paddy Foley, one of the then survivors of the Laune Rangers team that last brought the county title to Mid-Kerry in 1913, said that “They played darned good stuff and I am proud of them.” Paddy Foley was right. Mid-Kerry did play darned good stuff and they proved once again what wonderful championship battlers they were. How many people had said at halftime that Mid-Kerry would be beaten, that they would never hold West-Kerry in the second half with the breeze against them. But Mid-Kerry not only held West-Kerry in the second half, they dictated the trend of the play to such an extent that spectators could be seen drifting from the grounds ten minutes from the end, at which stage Mid-Kerry led by five points. It was a truly remarkable transformation, for Mid-Kerry had looked very far from potential champions in the first half. During that period, West-Kerry, although playing against the breeze, were faster and more dangerous and they had the vital edge at midfield, where Michael John O Shea, in particular, and Timmy Fitzgerald were in great form.

However, West-Kerry, through a combination of inaccuracy, over-indulgence in fancy play and a tendency to go for goals, lost quite a sizeable amount of scoring chances and instead of holding a worthwhile lead at the interval, they trailed by one point (0-6 to 1-2). Still, West-Kerry looked much the better bet for the title, with the breeze at their backs facing the start of the second half. But what a rude awakening they got! Mid-Kerry danced a football jig around them right from the restart, playing a vastly improved game that made West-Kerry look very moderate by comparison.

The tide of the midfield battle turned decisively in Mid-Kerry’s favour with Jerry O Riordan and Patsy Joy striking top form. O Riordan, who had been out of the picture at left half-forward in the first half, was switched to midfield and proceeded to play one of the finest half-hours of his football career. Michael John O Shea, who had been the dominating figure in that sector for West-Kerry in the first half, was almost completely subdued and West-Kerry was forced to play a very definite defensive game. Thus the Mid-Kerry half-forwards, Brendan Lynch, Pat Griffin and Tom Prendergast, had the ball coming their way pretty often and all three played very valuable parts in the victory. It was that strength in the half-forward line, plus the emergence of Jerry O Riordan as a star midfielder, that undoubtedly won the day for Mid-Kerry.

Of course, one must not be unmindful of the part played by team captain Pat Ahern, who had a magnificent second half, or of others in the Mid-Kerry defence, such as Ned O Shea and Timmy Doyle, both of whom effected vital clearances. Doyle only came on the team because of the absence, through injury, of Jim Coughlan. And how splendidly he rose to the occasion. While other members of the Mid-Kerry defence were given the run-round in the first half, Doyle stood his ground exceptionally well and came to the rescue time and again.

West Kerry took their beating like the fine sportsman they were. It must have been a big disappointment to them to lose, for they were so full of hope but it would have been a far bigger disappointment to Mid-Kerry if they had been foiled of the title once again. The standard of play was quite good considering the hazards posed by the greasy ball and the heavy underfoot conditions, which were not helped by the playing of a curtain-raiser.

West-Kerry started the game in whirlwind fashion. After only two minutes of play, their centre half-forward Liam Higgins gained possession from a mighty centre by M.J. O Shea and, quick as a wink, turned to shoot a great ball to the net. For the rest of the first quarter, it was practically all West-Kerry, but their pressure yielded no results where it counted, on the scoreboard. In fact Mid-Kerry, on one of their very few raids, were able to reduce their arrears with a point from a free by Pat Ahern in the twelfth minute. However, despite West Kerry’s inability to score, Mid-Kerry was shaping very poorly for a team playing with the advantage of a fairly lively breeze. Then, between the 16^th and 20^th minutes, they hit a golden patch. It all started with a point scored by Pat Griffin. He sold Michael O Shea a dummy out near the sideline and then drove over a great left-footed shot. Further points by Griffin (2), Brendan Lynch and Pat Ahern, who showed splendid spirit in dashing forward for a West-Kerry kick-out before scoring, left Mid-Kerry leading by 0-6 to 1-0. However, West-Kerry managed to regain the initiative and, before the interval, had points from Tom Kelliher and Liam Higgins to reduce their arrears to one point.

West-Kerry followers were confident as the second half got underway and, when Tom Kelliher sent over the equaliser after five minutes, it seemed as if their confidence was well justified. But Mid-Kerry were only beginning to open up at that stage and, instead of the anticipated West-Kerry superiority, it was Pat Ahern’s men who forced the play. Tom Prendergast regained the lead for them with a point in the 37^th minute – the ball was deflected over by goalkeeper Mick Devane – and one minute later, Pat Ahern added another point from a free. Those who waited for the Mid-Kerry crash were disappointed. It never happened. Instead of weakening, Mid-Kerry went from strength to strength.

In the 40^th minute, Brendan Lynch gave his team a clear goal lead when he cut through in the right corner to score a really memorable point from a seemingly impossible angle and in full flight. That was an added incentive for Mid-Kerry and, sensing that they had West-Kerry on the run, they chased every ball with fanatical zeal. In the 43^rd minute they increased their lead to four points when Pat Ahern obliged from a free about thirty yards out to the right of the posts. Then, in the 49^th minute, Ahern’s value to the team as a place-kicker was further emphasised when he landed another point from a free. Mid-Kerry were in full control and there was no sign of a West-Kerry resurgence, although Liam Higgins went to midfield to try and inspire one. Six minutes from the end, Tom Kelliher missed an easy free and when Pat Griffin pointed at the other end two minutes later it was as good as over.

West Kerry launched a number of attacks in a desperate effort for goals. They might easily have got one two minutes from the end but for a piece of acrobatics by Paul Lucey, who succeeded in deflecting a fierce shot by Timmy Fitzgerald over the bar. However, in the dying seconds West-Kerry did manage to find the net when Tommy McDonnell was on the spot to boot home a loose ball in the square after goalkeeper Tony Lyons had dived to bring off a fine save from Seamus Fitzgerald. Mid-Kerry’s lead had been cut to two points but there was no fear of a sensational late defeat for them, for referee Frank Halbert blew the final whistle on the kick-out.

It was a magnificent triumph for the Mid-Kerry players and team officials who had persevered for so long despite many bitter disappointments and it was only natural that there should be scenes of great enthusiasm afterwards as Dr. Jim Brosnan, Co Board Chairman, presented the Bishop Moynihan trophy to Pat Ahern. Everyone of the fifteen, from goalkeeper Tony Lyons to corner-forward Kevin Griffin, played his part in the victory. The switch between Jerry O Riordan and Tom Prendergast at halftime was a master-move and whoever thought it up must have felt very satisfied indeed with himself at the hour’s end. Ned O Shea will be remembered particularly for his very valuable clearance in the second half, whilst Teddy Bowler and Paul Lucey also had their moments in the fullback line. Pat Ahern played a captain’s part at right halfback, whilst Seamus Curran and Timmy Doyle will also have happy memories of the game. Patsy Joy, after a very poor first half, turned in a much-improved display in the second half and was always in the thick of things. Mid-Kerry’s front line of attack, comprised of Bill Kennedy, Mickey O Sullivan and Kevin Griffin, did not achieve a great deal but then the striking for scores was obviously left to the half-forwards.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons, Ned O Shea, Teddy Bowler, Paul Lucey, Pat Ahern (capt.) 0-5 (4 frees), Seamus Curran, Timmy Doyle, Patsy Joy, Tom Prendergast (0-1), Brendan Lynch (0-2), Pat Griffin (0-4), Jerry O Riordan, William Kennedy, Mike O Sullivan, Kevin Griffin. Subs: Subs: Jim Coughlan, George Evans, Tom Curran, Jimmy Healy, Jim O Connor (Keel), Michael (Fox) O Sullivan (Milltown/Castlemaine), James Mangan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Denis Scully (Beaufort), Michael O Grady (Glenbeigh).

West-Kerry: Michael Divane, Tony O Shea, Seamus Murphy, Tom O Shea, Michael Slattery, Mícheál Ó Sé, Sally Long, Michael John O Shea, Timmy Fitzgerald (capt.) 0-1, Pat Conneally, Liam Higgins (1-1), Tom Kelliher (0-2), Joe O Sullivan, Paud O Connor, Séamus Mac Gearailt. Subs: Tommy McDonnell (1-0) for P. Conneally; Tony Barrett for S. Long; James O Gorman.

Ref: Frank Halbert (Cork).

Kerryman Shield.

The groupings for 1967 were as follows:

Group A – Kenmare, South Kerry, Castleisland, Austin Stack’s.

Group B – St. Vincent’s, Shannon Rangers, St. Brendan’s, Kerins O Rahilly’s.

Group C – West Kerry, Mid-Kerry, East Kerry.

 

Rd. 1 on 13^th April at Killarney: East-Kerry v Mid-Kerry.

Rd. 2 on 14^th May at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry v West-Kerry.

 

Quarter-final on Sun. 2^nd July at Austin Stack Park, Tralee: Mid-Kerry 3-11; St. Vincent’s 0-12.

Mid-Kerry cruised into the semi-final of the Kerryman Shield with a comfortable win over St. Vincent’s in a rather dull game. The Mid-Kerry mentors were worried beforehand because they were missing a few prominent players but they could not have been seriously troubled after the first quarter. In fact, even though St. Vincent’s held their rivals almost score for score in the early stages, one could sense that it was only a matter of time before Mid-Kerry’s all round strength asserted itself.

A goal by Kerry U-21 full-forward, William Kennedy, set Mid-Kerry on the winning way. This man was showing exceptional promise at the time. His goal came after a typical high catch and left-footed drive to the net, which caught St. Vincent’s defence flat-footed. Inside two minutes, Mid-Kerry had scored another goal. This time it was Tom Prendergast who grabbed the rebound from the upright after a Timmy Doyle lob, and crashed the ball to the net. Five minutes from halftime, Prendergast again outwitted the defence. This time he fastened on to the ball after Kennedy hit the upright and before St. Vincent’s could recover, goal number three was on the scoreboard. Halftime saw Mid-Kerry enjoying a lead of 3-5 to 0-6 and there was little doubt that they had a place in the semi-final booked.

However, to their credit, St. Vincent’s were determined to put up a fight. Four points inside the first ten minutes cut the deficit, and even when Mid-Kerry hit back for a couple of points, the North-Kerry lads still refused to give up. However, although their spirit was admirable, they lacked the ability to seriously worry the Mid-Kerry men and in the last five minutes, the winners tacked on four points without reply.

Tony Lyons, in the Mid-Kerry goal, brought off one fine save in the second half, which won the applause of the attendance and he was well covered by Ned O Shea, Teddy Bowler and Pat Ahern. In the halfback line, Jerry O Riordan played a great deal of the ball and was well flanked by Kevin Griffin and Jim Coughlan. Mike O Sullivan and Timmy Doyle eventually got on top at midfield and provided a good supply of the ball for their forwards. In the attack, Pat Griffin overcame a quiet start to storm into the game in the second half and his fielding was excellent, although he lapsed into his abortive solo-running tactics subsequently. William Kennedy had a fine game at full-forward and Tom Prendergast, after a very good start, moved back to defence in the second half, where he again played well. Kerry minor, Brendan Lynch, had a lovely game at right half-forward, his accurate kicking accounting for a few nice points. St. Vincent’s defence was far too lax against opportunist Mid-Kerry forwards, although Brian McMahon, Tom O Callaghan and John McEnery tried hard throughout. Pat Sweeney tried hard at midfield and others to fare well were Jim Corridan, Denis Kiely and Bernie O Callaghan.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons, Ned O Shea, Teddy Bowler, Pat Ahern, Jim Coughlan, Jerry O Riordan, Kevin Griffin (0-2), Mike O Sullivan, Timmy Doyle, Brendan Lynch (0-3), Pat Griffin (0-1), Patsy Joy (0-2), Enda Curtayne, William Kennedy (1-0), Tom Prendergast (2-3).

St. Vincent’s: M. McMahon, J. Galvin, Moss Twomey, Brian McMahon, Billy Galvin, John McEnery, Tom O Callaghan, S. O Connell, Pat Sweeney (0-3), T. Mulvihill, P. O Connell, Denis Kiely (0-3), Bernie O Callaghan (0-5), J. Corridan (0-1), Colm O Callaghan.

Ref: J. O Shea (John Mitchels).

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 20^th Aug. at Killarney: Mid-Kerry 3-11; Austin Stacks 1-8.

As expected, Mid-Kerry qualified for the final of the Kerryman Shield. They had a comfortable win over Austin Stacks in a game that promised much in the early stages but which turned out to be a rather disappointing affair. The fact that the game clashed with the televising of the Meath-Mayo All-Ireland semi-final meant that there was a very small attendance, so small in fact that the ‘gate’ could have hardly covered expenses.

Hot favourites, Mid-Kerry, started the game as if they were going to give the Tralee side a proper drubbing. In the third minute, their left half-forward Tom Curran finished to the net a punched cross by Brendan Lynch and two minutes later Kevin Griffin landed a point. However, Stacks recovered from those early blows and in the eleventh minute, came very much into the picture when a shot by their full-forward, Joe Joe Barrett, was fumbled by goalkeeper Tony Lyons and went over the line for a goal. Two minutes later, Stacks were on level terms, Kevin Barry tapping over a free.

At that stage, it seemed as if a great battle was in the offing. But, in the next ten minutes, Mid-Kerry answered Stacks challenge with an all-out offensive, which yielded 1-6. First of all, Tom Curran and Michael O Grady drove over two good points and then Kevin Griffin had two further points in quick succession. It was all Mid-Kerry and they really crippled Stacks in the 21^st minute when Michael O Grady scored a brilliant goal. Grady dived full length to punch a low cross from Tom Prendergast just inside the post. That made it 2-5 to 1-1 and Mid-Kerry had gained a grip on the game, which they never afterwards looked like losing. In the 22^nd minute, Michael O Grady was again on the mark, picking off a point and Brendan Lynch followed with another point in the 23^rd minute. Stacks came back for a point before the interval – scorer was J.J. Barrett – but this did little to boost their sagging morale.

However, at the start of the second half, the Tralee side worked through for two points per Tommy O Regan and Kevin Barry and it seemed as if they were, after all, going to make a strong bid for the honours. They were unable to sustain their effort, however, and Mid-Kerry quickly regained control. They led by double scores (2-10 to 1-5) midway through the second half and then, to dispel any doubts that might have existed about the outcome, Michael O Grady scored their third goal. After this, the game fizzled out to a very dull conclusion. Stacks made a few very brave efforts and shots by J.J. Barrett and T.J. O Neill, in particular, could very easily have been goals but for the alertness of goalkeeper Tony Lyons. As it as Stacks managed three points as against one for Mid-Kerry before the finish, but those scores only served to put a more favourable complexion on the scoreboard.

Both teams were below full strength but Mid-Kerry were the greater sufferers in this respect as their absentees included Pat Griffin, William Kennedy and Timmy Doyle. Griffin injured a finger in training the previous week. Although they must have been satisfied with the victory, Mid-Kerry were not all that impressive. Maybe it was a case of only being as good as the occasion demanded but there was much room for improvement, nevertheless. Tom Prendergast, for instance, achieved little of note on the forty. Admittedly, he played a lot of the ball but his shooting was poor and, in fact, he failed to raise a single flag during the hour. Where Mid-Kerry held a vital whip-hand was at midfield. Mick O Sullivan and Patsy Joy had the better of matters with Billy Curtin and Tommy O Regan, although O Regan was seen to excellent effect on occasions. The midfield superiority meant that the Mid-Kerry forwards were given a plentiful supply of the ball and, although Prendergast didn’t have his shooting-boots with him, Kevin Griffin, Michael O Grady and Brendan Lynch certainly compensated with fine performance. Griffin was in unbeatable form at full-forward and swung over some grand points. O Grady, for his two goals alone, played a very important part in the victory, whilst Lynch’s speed frequently had the Stacks defence in trouble. Teddy Bowler judiciously broke up many of the attacks. Ned O Shea showed fine form in a strong-looking halfback line, which had Jerry O Riordan in the centre and Pat Ahern on the left.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons, Michael O Sullivan (Milltown/Castlemaine), Teddy Bowler, Jim Coughlan, Ned O Shea, Jerry O Riordan, Pat Ahern, Patsy Joy, Mike O Sullivan, Brendan Lynch, Tom Prendergast, Tom Curran (0-1), Michael O Grady (2-2), Kevin Griffin (0-5), Denny O Shea (1-3).

Austin Stacks: Billy O Leary, Joe Reidy, Johnny Brosnan, Jacko Lawlor, Gary Scollard, John Horgan, Tim Crean, Billy Curtin, Tommy O Regan (0-1), Kevin Barry (0-3), T.J. O Neill (0-1), Timmy Sheehan, Denis Galvin, J.J. Barrett (1-3), Michael Junior Cournane.

Ref: Denis P. O Sullivan (Kilgarvan).

 

Final on Sun. 21^st July 1968 at Tralee: Mid-Kerry 2-6; West-Kerry 2-4.

Co. Championship winners, Mid-Kerry, were the Kerryman Shield winners also. They beat West-Kerry by two points in the Austin Stack Park, Tralee. The belated final provided interesting fare for the spectators, mainly because the issue was so close all through, but it was not a game for the football purists. Mid-Kerry’s midfield was far from impressive. Tom Prendergast was tried in that sector with Patsy Joy but they never really hit it off against the high-fielding Michael John O Shea and Seamus Fitzgerald. Indeed, but for the performances of Timmy Doyle, Pat Ahern and Ned O Shea in defence and big Mike O Sullivan in attack, Mid-Kerry would not have been celebrating at the hour’s end.

It was West-Kerry who set the early pace and before the game was minutes old they had hit the Mid-Kerry men for a goal and a point. The point was nicely taken by Tom Kelliher and the goal was finished home by Sean O Shea. The goal was a rather lucky one, for Mid-Kerry goalkeeper Tony Lyons failed to hold a high ball, which went back behind him and O Shea rushed in to tap it home. However, if West-Kerry were fortunate on that occasion, their luck changed very quickly when they conceded a goal three minutes later. A ball kicked in by Jerry O Riordan was deflected off one of the defenders and goalkeeper Michael Devane was unable to prevent it going over the line. The West-Kerry goal very nearly fell again shortly afterwards, this time a mighty drive by Mike O Sullivan had everyone beaten but it crashed off the crossbar and rebounded into play.

After that, attacks by Mid-Kerry were very infrequent as West-Kerry held control around the centre. Tom Kelliher pointed a free in the 12^th minute, but then the shortcomings in the West-Kerry forward line became evident as attack after attack failed to yield results. However, Bosco O Connor eventually showed how things should be done by crashing home a magnificent goal in the 21^st minute. That put West-Kerry in front by five points (2-2 to 1-0) and the possibility of a surprise result was very much on the cards. But scarcely had the cheering died down, when Mid-Kerry were back for a goal at the other end. After a shot by Pat Griffin had rebounded off the crossbar, Mike O Sullivan gained possession in a goal-mouth ruck and blazed to the net. Brendan Lynch followed with a good point from play to narrow the gap to the very minimum. In the 27^th minute, Mike O Sullivan made a brave attempt to bag his second goal, but the ball hit the underside of the bar and hopped on the wrong side of the line for him. However, Mid-Kerry gained a measure of compensation in the 29^th minute when Tom Prendergast punched over a point to level the scoring (2-2 each). Just before the halftime whistle, Brendan Lynch landed another point to put Mid-Kerry in front for the first time in the game.

With the breeze behind them in the second half, everything seemed to favour Mid-Kerry, but it was West-Kerry that showed up best in the early exchanges and in the 35^th minute, Tom Kelliher pointed a free. Shortly afterwards, Kelliher was on the mark again, this time scoring a good point from play. That, in fact, was the last score for West-Kerry for the remainder of the game. Mid-Kerry was not a great deal better. They did not get their equalising point until the 47^th minute, Brendan Lynch tapping over a free. Team captain Pat Ahern showed the forwards how, when he bisected the posts from a 50 yards kick six minutes from the end. Further Mid-Kerry pressure yielded only one further point before the finish, Brendan Lynch again being the scorer. There was always a very real possibility that West-Kerry would break through for a snap goal to swing the day and that kept spectators interested to the very end.

It was a worthwhile achievement by Mid-Kerry to add the Shield victory to their Championship success. It was the first time that that was ever done. They can thank their defence to a large extent, particularly Ned O Shea, Pat Ahern and Timmy Doyle. O Shea brought off some typically clever clearances in a sound fullback line. Ahern and Doyle were very much to the fore in the halfback line, even outshining as fine a defender as Jim Coughlan. Doyle was on top of his game from the start. He certainly did not stand on ceremony and was very definitely the master of his wing. As already stated, Tom Prendergast and Patsy Joy were never able to get a grip at midfield. Prendergast was, as one might have expected, the better of the two and, true to form, never stopped trying. For Patsy, it was one of those days when he just couldn’t seem to get anything going right for him. Full-forward Mike O Sullivan was the man of the day in attack. He had some hectic duels with Seamus Murphy and more than once his tremendous dash and verve had the West-Kerry defence in trouble. He notched one goal but, with a bit of luck, he could have made it three. Pat Griffin and Brendan Lynch were also pretty effective in the half-forward line.

That was the first time that the Co. Championship and Kerryman Shield had been won by the same team in the same year.

Mid-Kerry: Tony Lyons (Laune Rangers), Ned O Shea (Keel), Teddy Bowler (Glenbeigh), Paul Lucey, (Laune Rangers), Pat Ahern (Laune Rangers) capt., Jim Coughlan (Beaufort), Timmy Doyle (Laune Rangers), Patsy Joy (Laune Rangers), Tom Prendergast (Keel), Brendan Lynch (Beaufort), Pat Griffin (Glenbeigh), Jerry O Riordan (Glenbeigh), Kevin Griffin (Glenbeigh), Mike O Sullivan (Glenbeigh), Tim Kelliher (Milltown/Castlemaine).

West-Kerry: Michael Divane, Tony O Shea, Seamus Murphy, Tom O Shea, Michael Slattery, Mícheál Ó Sé, Michael O Shea, Michael John O Shea, Seamus Fitzgerald, Joe O Sullivan, Tommy McDonnell, Bosco O Connor, Tom Kelliher, Sally Long, Sean O Shea.

Ref: Denis O Sullivan (Kerins O Rahillys).

 

Sun. 26^th March (Easter Sunday), at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry 1-9; Macroom 1-6.

This was a challenge game in aid of the Board’s funds.

 

Towns’ Cup

 

There had been a motion referred from the 1967 Co. Convention to the first meeting of the Co. Board that ‘the Town’s Cup should be played in the Spring’. That was passed.

Laune Rangers’ Selection Committee – Paudie Foley, Mícheál Scanlon, Jimmy Foley, Kevin Foley and Monnie Reilly.

 

Teams for the 1967 Towns’ Cup were grouped as follows:

Group A – Dingle, Listowel, Legion, Castleisland and Tralee.

Group B – Dr. Croke’s, Waterville, Killorglin, Cahersiveen and Kenmare.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 12^th March in Cahersiveen: Killorglin 2-5; Cahersiveen/Renard/Foilmore 2-7.

After a rugged, exciting hour’s football at the Con Keating Park, Caherciveen, the local side, composed of a St. Mary’s/Renard/Foilmore selection, lasted the better in the gruelling conditions to draw away in the closing minutes for a two points win over the holders, Killorglin’s Laune Rangers, in a first round tie of the Kerry County Towns’ Championship. Despite the heavy underfoot conditions and a greasy ball, there were many passages of fine football and, with the sides level three times during the hour, there was no lack of excitement for the large attendance.

Killorglin got away to a great start with a goal from a rasping ground shot by Teddy Mangan and a point from Pat Ahern. J. Mahony had a Caher point, but the visitors went ahead with points from Willie Murphy and Pat Ahern. Ned Fitzgerald (free) and John Sullivan (Gabha) had Caher points and the equaliser came soon after with a great goal from Jerry M. O Sullivan. After Caher had muffed a few great chances, Ned Fitzgerald had a goal but the whistle had gone for a free. Ahern missed an easy Rangers free and John Mahony gave Caher the lead with a point just before the halftime whistle when the scoreboard read 1-4 to 1-3.

Both sets of defenders were seen to advantage in the early stages of the second half before a brilliant solo-run by Ahern was rounded off with a well-taken goal by Enda Curtayne. John O Sullivan (Gabha) pointed a free. Caher shot ahead again when O Sullivan sent a fifty yards kick into the square and a goal resulted from the ruck. Pat Ahern put a ‘50’ over the bar and the equaliser minutes later from play. Hard tackling and all-out endeavour featured the closing minutes but the locals lasted the better to force two close-in frees, which John Gabha pointed.

Outstanding player on view for the winners was right halfback Joe Joe O Sullivan (Gabha), while his brother, John, moved from centre halfback to score 1-4 of the Caher tally. Jerry Mahony and his two brothers John and James, Ned Fitzgerald, Frank Looby, Martin Donoghue, T. Sullivan and goalman Dan Garvey were others to shine for the winners.

Best for Killorglin were Mike Hassett, Patsy Joy, Timmy Doyle, Enda Curtayne, Pat Ahern, Teddy Mangan and goalkeeper, Seamus Naughton.

Killorglin: Seamus Naughton, Teddy Mangan (1-0), William Kennedy, Moss Murphy, Mike Hassett, Denis O Neill, Michael O Sullivan, Patsy Joy, Pay Ahern (0-4), Owen Mangan, Timmy Doyle, Enda Curtayne (1-0), Willie Murphy (0-1), Pat O Shea, John A. O Brien.

Caherciveen: Dan Garvey (Foilmore), Mick Connor (do.), Martin Donoghue (Renard), Donal O Donoghue (do.), Tom Sullivan (St. Mary’s), John  Sullivan (Foilmore) 1-4, Joe Joe O Sullivan (do.), Jerry Mahony (Renard), John Mahony (do.) 0-1, J. T. O Sullivan (St. Mary’s), Jerry M. O Sullivan (do.) 1-0, James Mahony (Renard) 0-1, Frank Looby (St. Mary’s), Ned Fitzgerald (do.) 0-1, D. Griffin (do.). Sub: Tony McCarthy (St. Mary’s) for D. Griffin.

Ref: M. Courtney (Waterville).

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 19^th March in Killorglin: Killorglin 3-10; Dr. Crokes 1-5.

The scorers for Laune Rangers were Jack Moriarty 2-0, Enda Curtayne 1-2, Joe Foley 0-2, Owen Mangan 0-3, Pat Ahern 0-2, John A. O Brien 0-1.

 

Rd. 3 on Sun. 27^th April in Caherciveen: Killorglin lost to Waterville. Ref: Tom Keane (St. Mary’s).

Final on 15^th Oct. at Tralee: Waterville 1-9; Kenmare 1-5.

 

Co. Junior Football Championship

That competition replaced the Co. Club Championship. It was organised to give teams more games and to allow players to play against teams outside of their own District Board. 56 clubs took part and it was played on a knockout basis. Admission to all games was 2/- and each team had to bring a ball.

 

Rd. 1 on 22^nd Aug. at Killarney: Laune Rangers defeated Rathmore.

Rd. 2 Sun. 12^th Nov. at Killarney: Waterville 1-7; Laune Rangers 1-5.

That was the Sunday after the Senior Co. Final and some of the Rangers players were still suffering from the celebrations. That did not help their cause against a team that was described by the Co. Secretary, in his annual report to Co. Convention, as being good enough to participate in the Senior Co. Championship.

 

Mid-Kerry Senior Championship

That competition was played on a loser’s round basis.

 

Preliminary Rd. Sun. 25^th June at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-9; Glenbeigh 3-3.

Laune Rangers lost their unbeaten record to a much-improved Glenbeigh side that recorded its first win of the season. In the first half, Glenbeigh made no more than six raids on the Killorglin goal-mouth and this resulted in the fine tally of 3-1. The second half was dominated by the Rangers, but they could only score seven points, with six of these coming from Owen Mangan. The Rangers, without Pat Ahern, were for the most of the second half on the attack but they had no forwards capable of pressing home the advantage. Adding to their troubles, Pat Griffin put in a capital second half performance and in the last quarter broke up several attacks. The Rangers’ defence was always shaky and only Seamus Curran, Denis O Neill and Pat O Shea seemed capable of holding the Glenbeigh attack at bay. Patsy Joy had a fine hour at midfield, but the attack, apart from Owen Mangan in the first half, never seemed capable of penetrating the Glenbeigh defence, where Teddy Bowler, Jackie O Dwyer, O. O Sullivan, Mike Griffin and Jerry O Riordan were always on top. Mick O Sullivan gave Pat Griffin great assistance at midfield and in a lively attack, Michael O Grady, who scored two goals, and Kevin Griffin were most dangerous.

 

Loser’s Rd. on Sun. 6^th Aug. at Killorglin at 3.45pm: Laune Rangers did not field a team as all games had been cancelled as a mark of respect on the sudden death of Paudie Sheehy, John Mitchels. At a subsequent Mid-Kerry Board meeting on 15^th Aug., the game was awarded to Milltown/Castlemaine. Laune Rangers appealed the decision to the Co. Board, which, at its meeting on 21^st Aug., upheld the appeal and ordered the game with Milltown/Castlemaine to be played.

 

Loser’s Rd. on Sun. 24^th Sept. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 0-10; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-1.

Ref. Timmy Hanafin, Keel.

Laune Rangers were pitted against Keel in the semi-final, which was scheduled for Sun. 4^th Dec. in Killorglin but the competition was deferred due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in England.

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 14^th April 1968 (Easter Sunday) at Milltown at 3.30p: Laune Rangers beat Keel.

Laune Rangers had a facile win. At the previous Mid-Kerry Board meeting, presided over by Father Kelly, on 23^rd Feb. it was decided on a vote of 4 to 2 that the game should be played in Milltown. The game had been originally fixed for Killorglin. Ref: George McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Final on Sun. 12^th May 1968 at J.P. O Sullivan Park Killorglin: Laune Rangers drew with Glenbeigh.

Rangers welcomed back William Kennedy, after a six months layoff. The game was thrill-packed and a little controversial. Laune Rangers were winning by three points, when the referee awarded Glenbeigh a fourteen-yards’ free because he deemed that Seamus Naughton was too slow in kicking out the ball. Jimmy Healy goaled from the kick.

Ref: Tom Keane (Cahersiveen).

 

Final (replay) on Sun. 30^th June 1968 at 3.30pm: Laune Rangers drew with Glenbeigh.

This was another thrilling game of football.

Ref: Tom Keane. Umpires: George McKenna, Brendan Ferriter, Jim Coughlan and Brendan Lynch.

 

Final (2^nd replay) on Sun. 7^th July 1968: Laune Rangers defeated Glenbeigh.

Though Owen Mangan’s father, Eugie, who was also the father-in-law of the Board’s Secretary, had died in tragic circumstances on the Monday after the replay (the previous Monday), the Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Board, Father Kelly, would not allow a postponement of the second replay and the team had to play without Owen Mangan.

Laune Rangers: Tony Lyons, Tom Curran, Pat O Shea, Michael O Sullivan (Tullig), Kieran Foley, Seamus Curran, Michael Kavanagh, Patsy Joy (capt.), John Paul Cahillane, Joe Foley, Paul Lucey, Pat Ahern, William Kennedy, Frankie Russell, Eamonn Crowley. Missing were Timmy Doyle and Owen Mangan.

Mid-Kerry Senior League

 

Sun. 5^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

Sun. 2^nd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-10; Glenbeigh 1-7.

For quite some years, Laune Rangers and Glenbeigh had been providing the real thrills in Mid-Kerry football and on that occasion, both sides gave Mid-Kerry football the shot in the arm that it needed. Laune Rangers were no doubt the better side and completely controlled the opening half when Patsy Joy and Pat Ahern were dominating the midfield exchanges but in the second half, Glenbeigh, inspired by a wonderful display by Pat Griffin, fought back , cutting Laune Rangers’ lead minute by minute until finally with ten minutes left to play, they drew level and looked like springing a real surprise.

However, in the remaining minutes, the Rangers showed their true fighting spirit and with points from Enda Curtayne, Owen Mangan, Pat Ahern and John A. O Brien, they made the game safe. Best for Rangers were Seamus Naughton in goals, William Kennedy, Michael O Sullivan, Mike Hassett and Denis O Neill in defence, Patsy Joy and Pat Ahern at midfield, Owen Mangan, Enda Curtayne and John A. O Brien in attack. Best for Glenbeigh were Teddy Bowler, Jimmy Healy and Kevin Griffin in defence, Mick O Sullivan and Jerry O Riordan at midfield and Pat Griffin, Michael O Grady and Tony McSweeney in attack.

Ref: George McKenna (Milltown).

 

Sun. 16^th April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 2-4; Keel 1-7.

A great rally in the closing stages enabled Keel to draw with Laune Rangers. Rangers appeared to have the issue safe when they led by 2-4 to 0-5 with only five minutes left to play. But a point by Willie Barton heralded a Keel comeback, which yielded a goal by Denny O Shea and an equalising point by Barton from a free. A feature of the game was the display given by Paul Lucey, who recently returned from U. N. duty in Cyprus. Playing at centre halfback, he was a dominating figure right through the game.

Sun. 23^rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Beaufort. The latter failed to field a team and at a subsequent Board meeting on 24^th April, the game was awarded to Laune Rangers and Beaufort club was fined £1.

 

Semi-Final on Fri. 23^rd June at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

Ref. George McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine)

On Sun. 25^th June at Killorglin, Beaufort drew with Milltown/Castlemaine. On 9^th July, Beaufort and Milltown/Castlemaine drew in the replay at 0-4 each in Killorglin with Pat O Shea, Laune Rangers, as referee.

 

Having reached the final of the league, later in the year the competition was deferred due to the outbreak of a Foot and Mouth epidemic in England.

 

Final on Sun. 9^th June 1969 at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Milltown/Castlemaine.

Laune Rangers’ Cup

Sun. 15^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers received a walkover from Milltown/Castlemaine.

The latter stages of this competition were suspended due to outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Britain.

 

Tournament/Challenge Games

 

 On 21^st July Laune Rangers played Cordal in the Castleisland 7-a-side tournament at 8.30pm. Games were 20 minutes a half with an interval of 5 minutes.

On Sun. 26^th Nov. at 2.45pm there was a trial game between Over Laune/Town combined against Farrentoreen/Caragh Lake in preparation for the conclusion of the Mid-Kerry competitions, which unfortunately had to be deferred due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Britain.

 

Parish League

 

As was usual, the parish was roughly divided for the parish league. As the competition progressed, players ‘surfaced’ and that resulted occasionally in players from various parts of the parish playing for a team in another part of the parish in the league. In July, the Town had reached the final. Rangue had to play Over Laune and the winners would play Caragh Lake in the semi-final. Eventually, Caragh Lake won its first senior parish league by defeating the Town.

Caragh Lake: Derry O Brien (Laune View), Eddie Booth, Michael O Dwyer, Patsy Hassett, Michael O Sullivan (Tulligmore), Johnny Foley, Joe Foley, Mike Hassett (captain), Willie Murphy, Jimmy Foley, Frank O Dwyer, Jack Moriarty (Laharn), John A O Brien, Gene Ahern, Paddy Lynch (Tulligmore), Eamonn Loney, Barry Harmon, Michael O Shea, Batty Knightley.

Town: Owen Mangan (captain), Teddy Mangan, Frank Russell, James McGillycuddy, Michael Kavanagh, Michael Foley, Pat Lynch, Steve Joe Cahillane, John Clifford, Michael Cahillane, Donal Mangan, John R. Wharton, Declan Falvey, Denis Costello, Denis O Neill, Frank McGillycuddy, Denis Russell, Brendan Mangan, Bertie Houlihan.

Over Laune (Steelroe): Patsy Joy (capt.), Mike (Fox) O Sullivan, Billy Kerins, Sean McKenna, Pat O Riordan, James Mangan, Liam Russell, Pat Kelliher, Jerry O Sullivan, Seamus Naughton, Donal O Sullivan, Tony Lyons, Batty Flynn, Paudie Foley, Tony O Hara, Frank Looby, James Houlihan, Pat Healy, Johnny Murphy, Donie Griffin, Brendan O Sullivan.

Rangue/Laharn: William Kennedy (capt.), Pat O Shea, Kieran Foley, Pat Kennedy, Patrick O Sullivan (Rua), John Joy, Jerry Coffey, Michael O Sullivan, Joe Crowley, Michael Ahern, Sean Falvey, Brendan O Sullivan (Rua), Pat Joy, Myles Coffey, Sean O Reilly, James Coffey, Danny Joe O Connor, Austin O Reilly, Donie O Sullivan, Patrick O Grady.

 

Co. Minor Football Championship

 

Rd 1 on 5^th July at Killarney:  Mid-Kerry beat Kenmare.

Rd. 2 on Tues. 18^th July at Cahersiveen: Mid-Kerry beat South-Kerry.

Ref: Boss Walsh (Cahersiveen).

Rd. 3 Castleisland beat Mid-Kerry.

 

Co. Minor Football League

That was instigated by the Co. Chairman, Dr. Jim Brosnan, in order to improve the level of football in the towns.

The groupings were as follows:

A – Dingle, Castlegregory, Spa, Cahersiveen and Killorglin

B – Legion, Dr. Croke’s, Kenmare, Rathmore and Kerins O Rahilly’s.

C – Austin Stack’s, John Mitchel’s, Castleisland, Listowel, Tarbert.

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 2^nd Aug. at Killorglin: Killorglin v Dingle. Ref: James Coffey (Laune Rangers).

Sat. 26^th Aug. at Cahersiveen: Killorglin v Cahersiveen.

Ref: Tom Keane (St. Mary’s)

10^th Sept. at Tralee: Killorglin w/o Castlegregory.

Group decider on Sun. 3^rd March 1968 at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated St. Mary’s, Cahersiveen.

Quarter-final on Mon. 1^st July 1968 at Kerins O Rahilly’s Grounds: Castlegregory beat Laune Rangers.

 

Mid-Kerry Minor Championship

That competition was played with a loser’s round.

 

Sun. 19^th March at Killorglin: Laune Rangers v Milltown/Castlemaine. The latter failed to field a team and at the subsequent Board meeting on 20^th March, the game was awarded to Laune Rangers.

 

Semi-Final on Tues. 22^nd Aug., at Killorglin at 8.00pm: Laune Rangers defeated Beaufort.

 

Final on Sun. 3^rd Sept. at Milltown: Laune Rangers easily defeated Keel.

Laune Rangers: Michael O Shea (Rangue), Liam Russell, Pat Kennedy, Michael Foley (Reen), James McGillycuddy, Eamonn Crowley, Michael O Sullivan (Tooreen a’ Sliogain), Patrick O Sullivan (Rua), Frank Russell, Pat O Riordan, Eddie Booth, Jerry O Sullivan (Tinahalla), Maurice Harmon, Joe Foley (Caragh Lake), Jerry Coffey (Lismacfinnan). Subs: John Clifford (Dromin), Brendan O Sullivan (Rua), Pa O Grady, James Houlihan (Dunmaniheen), Danny O Sullivan (Cromane), Fergus Foley, Iraneus Looney.

Ref: George McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine).

 

Co. U-16 Football Championship

That competition was played between the various Co. SF Championship areas. It was on a knock-out basis.

 

Rd. 1 on 13^th July at Killarney: East-Kerry lost to Mid-Kerry.

Semi-final On 16^th August at Killarney: Castleisland defeated Mid-Kerry.

 

Austin Stacks defeated Castleisland in the final.

Co. U-16 Club Championship

That was the inaugural year of that competition, which was played between the winners of the District Boards. Laune Rangers qualified to represent Mid-Kerry.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 16^th Sept. at Strand Road: Laune Rangers beat Churchill (The St. Brendan’s winners)

Quarter-final on Sun. 15th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers beat Cahersiveen (South-Kerry winners).

Semi-final on 17^th March 1968 at 3.00pm at Killorglin: Austin Stack’s beat Laune Rangers.

A much lighter Laune Rangers team was well beaten by Stacks. Many of the team were eligible again on the following year.

 

Later, Austin Stack’s won the Co. U-16 Championship, when they defeated Kenmare on the score of 3-7 to 2-5 in Killarney, with Weeshie Fogarty as referee.

 

Mid-Kerry U-16 Championship

Having set up a Co. Bord na nOg, a directive was given by the Co. Board to all District Boards to follow suit and set up a Bord na nOg to run juvenile competitions. In Mid-Kerry, Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers) was appointed Chairman and Noel Shanahan (Beaufort) Secretary. U-16 and u-14 competitions were organised instead of the previously run U-15 competition.

 

Semi-final on Mon. 26^th June at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

 

Final on Sun. 9^th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers defeated Beaufort.

Laune Rangers: Patie O Connor (Rangue), Pa O Grady (Upr. Bridge St.), Michael Foley (Reen), Brendan O Sullivan (Rua), Johnny O Connor (Ardmoniel), Frank O Dwyer (Caragh Lake), Paddy Lynch (Tulligmore), Pat O Riordan (Railway Terrace), Eamonn Looney (Iveragh Road), Michael O Shea (Rangue), Declan Falvey (Lr. Bridge St.), Jerry Coffey (Anglont), Michael O Mahony (Glounaguillagh), Dan Moriarty (Laharn), Brendan O Sullivan (Steelroe). Subs: Dan Griffin (Douglas), Barry Harmon (Laune View), Joe Crowley (Market St.), Francis McGillycuddy (Ardnaknockeen), Gene Ahern (Tulligmore), James O Riordan (School Road), Michael Cahillane (Mill Road).

U-16 Parish League

There were four teams, Caragh Lake, Upper Town, Lower Town and Over Laune. After the league series, Lower Town played Over Laune and the winners played Upper Town. In the final, Caragh Lake defeated Upper Town on the score 5-3 to 1-3.

 

Co. U-14 Inter-District Board Football Championship

That was the inaugural year of the competition.

 

Rd. 1 in July at Killorglin: Mid-Kerry lost to East-Kerry.

 

East-Kerry went on to win the competition by defeating John Mitchels in the final

 

Co. U-14 Club Championship

That competition was played between the winners of the various District Boards. Laune Rangers qualified to represent Mid-Kerry.

 

Quarter-final on Sat. 15^th Sept. at Castleisland: Laune Rangers drew with Scartaglin (Castleisland winners).

Quarter-final replay on Sat. 14^th Oct. at Killorlin: Laune Rangers defeated Scartaglin.

Semi-final on Sun. 29^th Oct. at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 1-5; John Mitchels 3-8.

That was a most exciting game against the Tralee representatives.

 

John Mitchels defeated St. Mary’s in the final in Tralee.

 

Mid-Kerry U-14 Championship

 

Semi-final on Wed. June 14^th at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Beaufort.

Final at Milltown: Laune Rangers defeated Keel.

Laune Rangers: Michael Daly (Reen), Brendan Foley (Lr. Bridge St.), Pa O Grady (Upr. Bridge St.), Brendan Doyle (Rangue), Teddy Moriarty (Rangue), Gerald Foley (Caragh Lake), Patrick McGillycuddy (Ardnaknockeen), John Cronin, Michael O Riordan (School Road), Iraneus Looney (Iveragh Road), Charlie Fitzgerald (Laune View), Pat Joe O Mahony (Glounaguillagh), Gerald O Sullivan (Rua), John Evans (Dromavalla). Sub: Cathrach Scanlon (School Road).

 

U-14 Parish League:

There were four teams, Caragh Lake, Upper Town, Lower Town and Over Laune. At the conclusion of the league series, Caragh Lake had 4 points, Upper Town had 2 points, Lower Town had 2 points and Over Laune had no point. Upper Town beat Lower Town in the semi-final. In the final, on Sun. 26^th Nov. at 1.30pm, Upper Town scored a 1-2 to 0-0 win over Caragh Lake.

Munster/All-Ireland U-21 Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Wed. 21^st June in Tipperary Town: Tipperary 1-7; Kerry 0-10.

Timmy Doyle scored 2 points from midfield. Seamus Curran was selected at right halfback but was unable to play.

Replay in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney: Kerry 2-16; Tipperary 1-7.

William Kennedy scored 2 points from the full-forward position..

 

Final on Sun. 23^rd July at Listowel: Kerry 2-12; Clare 0-7.

William Kennedy scored three points and was always a tough handful for Clare’s Munster player, Senan Downes, and showed a type of forceful play that marked him as a good future prospect.

Kerry: Josie O Brien (Kerins O Rahillys), Pat Sweeney (Emmett’s), Gerry McCarthy (Gneeveguilla), Christy O Sullivan (Finuge), Derry Crowley (Glenflesk), Seanie Burrows (John Mitchels), Tony O Callaghan (Moyvane), Mick Ahern (Currow), Pat O Connell (Valentia), Brian McCarthy (Ballylongford) 0-1, Patsy O Connor (Desmonds) 0-4, Paudie Finnegan (Kenmare) 0-1, Eamonn O Donoghue (Ballylongford) 2-0, William Kennedy (Laune Rangers) 0-3, Tommy O Regan (Austin Stacks) 0-3. Sub: L. Kiely for B. McCarthy, Gary Scollard (Austin Stacks), Sally Long (Dingle), Michael J O Shea (Castlegregory), John McMahon.

 

All-Ireland semi-final on Sun. 27^th Aug. at Tralee: Kerry 3-9; Kildare 1-7.

William Kennedy scored a beautiful taken point in the first half and punched a goal near the end of the game. He enhanced his reputation as a full-forward. He had a hard battle throughout the hour and was always a menace to the defence.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Pat Sweeney, Gerry McCarthy, Christy O Sullivan, Derry Crowley, Seanie Burrows, Tony O Callaghan, Mick Ahern, Pat O Connell (0-1), Patsy O Connor (2-3), Paudie Finnegan (0-3), Brian McCarthy (0-1), Eamonn O Donoghue, William Kennedy (1-1), Tommy O Regan. Subs: John McMahon for M. Ahern (inj.), Vincent McDwyer for J. McMahon, Brendan Lynch for T. O Regan, Seamus Curran, Michael J O Shea, Jim Coughlan, Johnny Bunyan.

 

All-Ireland final on Sun. 10^th Sept. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-10; Mayo 2-10.

William Kennedy had happy memories of the game. His greatest moment was when he timed Bryan McCarthy’s centre to perfection and sent it crashing to the net.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Pat Sweeney, Jerry McCarthy, Christy O Sullivan, Derry Crowley, Seanie Burrows, Tony O Callaghan, Mick Ahern, Pat O Connell, Brian McCarthy (0-1), Paudie Finnegan (0-5), Patsy O Connor (0-3), Eamonn O Donoghue (1-0), William Kennedy (1-0), Brendan Lynch (0-1). Subs: Michael J. O Shea for M. Ahern, Vincent McDwyer for P. O Connor.

 

All-Ireland final replay on Sun. 15^th Oct. at Ballinasloe: Mayo 4-9; Kerry 1-7.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Pat Sweeney, Jerry McCarthy, Christy O Sullivan, Derry Crowley, Seanie Burrows, Tony O Callaghan, Pat O Connell, Mick Ahern, Bryan McCarthy, Paudie Finnegan, Patsy O Connor, Eamonn O Donoghue, William Kennedy, Brendan Lynch. Subs: Patsy Joy (Laune Rangers) for P. O Connor; Vincent McDwyer (Kenmare) for B. McCarthy, Gary Scollard, Tommy O Regan, Seamus Curran (Laune Rangers), Sally Long, Jim Coughlan.

It was a very wet day. William Kennedy, having just recovered from an illness, was well below form. Although it was obvious that Kerry was beaten at midfield, it took an intervention by the Co. Chairman, Jim Brosnan, to inspire the selectors to put Patsy Joy into the position in the second half. However, when the runners-up medals were presented to the players by the Kerry Co. Board, Patsy Joy did not receive one and neither did Seamus Curran – he was less deserving than Patsy Joy.

 

Munster/All-Ireland Junior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 9^th April in Dungarvan: Waterford 0-4; Kerry 2-12.

Kerry: Eamonn O Donoghue (Ballylongford), Jerry McCarthy (Gneeveguilla), Teddy Bowler (Glenbeigh), Christy O Sullivan (Finuge), Derry Crowley (Glenflesk), P.J. McIntyre (Kenmare), Pat Ahern (Laune Rangers), Timmy Sheehan (Kilcummin) 0-1, Patsy Joy (Laune Rangers), Colm O Callaghan (Moyvane) 0-2, Paudie Finnegan (Kenmare) 0-2, Tom Kelliher (Dingle) 0-1, Billy Doran (Duagh) 0-1, Mike Gleeson (Spa) 1-2, John ‘Thorny’ O Shea (John Mitchels) 1-3. Subs: Brian McCarthy (Ballylongford), Derry Mangan (Currow), Ted Fitzgerald (John Mitchels), Mick Ahern (Currow), Tim Kelliher (Milltown).

 

Semi-Final on Sun. 25^th June at Ballylongford: Kerry 1-9; Clare 2-3.

Pat Ahern retained his place at left halfback and was his usual competent self and made several clearances under pressure in the second half. Patsy Joy was not selected.

 

Final on Wed. 26^th July at Kenmare: Kerry 2-7; Cork 0-9.

Pat Ahern played a big part in Kerry’s win. After twenty minutes, he switched across to right halfback in an effort to counter the menace offered by minor star Donal Hunt and right well he succeeded. His anticipation enabled him to cut off many passes, which were intended for the Cork lad and his powerful kicking always brought relief. He, also, scored a point. William Kennedy deflected a low cross by Pat O Connell, Valentia, into the net to clinch the issue. He showed promise at full-forward and looked like a prospect for higher honours.

Kerry: Weeshie Fogarty (Legion), Derry Crowley, Jerry McCarthy, Ted Fitzgerald, Mossy O Driscoll (Valentia), Mick Gleeson, Pat Ahern 0-1, Pat O Connell (Valentia) 0-1, Mick Ahern, Colm O Callaghan 1-0, P.J. McIntyre 0-1, Paudie Finnegan 0-3, Billy Doran 0-1, William Kennedy (Laune Rangers) 1-0, Mick Walsh. Subs: J. O Neill for M. O Driscoll.

Cork: M. Dineen, D. Kiely, M. Farr, Des Nagle, Gussie Harrington, Patsy Harte, A. Burke, P. O Sullivan, Dan Dineen, Teddy Holland, D. Sheehan, Donal Hunt, Ray Cummins, M. Bambury, Gerald McCarthy.

Ref: Sean O Connor (Limerick).

 

All-Ireland semi-final on Sun. 13^th Aug. at Newbridge: Kildare 2-8; Kerry 2-9.

Pat Ahern put in a hard hour and kicked some lengthy frees that put Kildare under pressure at times. William Kennedy had a hard duel with the substitute fullback in the second half and scored three good points, before being replaced, a very tired man, near the end by Brendan Lynch.

 

All-Ireland ‘Home’ final on Sun. 17^th Sept. at Nenagh: Kerry 1-10; Mayo 1-3.

Kerry fielded six U-21 players. Pat Ahern was the star of the game. This was surely the Laune Rangers man’s finest hour. Although listed at right halfback, he ranged across the entire half line, tackling and fielding magnificently. However, it was his anticipation that was his greatest asset. Dropping back behind friends and foes to reach for a dropping ball, it seemed as if he had some special control over its flight. Right up to the end, he kept his colleagues hard at work with his vocal urgings and altogether turned in a tremendous display. Patsy Joy did not come up to expectations at midfield and switched the centre half-forward midway through the first half. He tried very hard at full-forward in the second half. William Kennedy was unable to play due to illness.

Kerry: Weeshie Fogarty, Pat Sweeney, Tom O Sullivan, Jerry McCarthy, Pat Ahern (capt.), Mick Gleeson, Derry Crowley, Michael J. O Shea, Patsy Joy, Patsy O Connor (0-2), Pat O Connell, Paudie Finnegan (0-3), Willie Doran (0-2), PJ McIntyre (1-2), Colm O Callaghan (0-1). Subs: Declan Lovett for T. O Sullivan, Brendan Lynch for C. O Callaghan.

 

Final on Sun. 1^st Oct. at New Eltham, London: Kerry 0-9; London 0-4.

Pat Ahern captained the team from left halfback, where he did splendid work. William Kennedy scored a point from full-forward in the first half. Though he had played in the ‘home’ final, Patsy Joy was omitted completely from the panel for the trip to London, a very, very strange decision. Obviously, that had a very bad effect on the young player and he was most disillusioned for a while. In fact he threw the boots over Joe Griffin’s fence. Eventually, Sean McKenna coaxed him to return to the game he loved so well. Rightly or wrongly, Patsy blamed Murt Kelly for his omission from the panel.

Kerry: Weeshie Fogarty, Declan Lovett (Kilmoyley), Tom O Sullivan (Finuge), Jerry McCarthy, Derry Crowley, Mick Gleeson, Pat Ahern, Michael John O Shea (Castlegregory), Mick Ahern, Patsy O Connor, Pat O Connell, Paudie Finnegan, Billy Doran, William Kennedy, P.J. McIntyre. Sub: Bryan McCarthy for P. O Connor, Pat Sweeney (Listowel), Ted Fitzgerald, Colm O Callaghan, Brendan Lynch.

The players were guests of the Kingdom Club at the Clarender Hotel, Hammersmith on Sat. night. The selectors that travelled with the team were Murt Kelly (Beaufort) and Donie Sheehan (Dr. Crokes). That was a record tenth title for Kerry.

Munster Senior Football Championship

 

Semi-final on Sun. 18^th June at Tralee: Kerry 1-17; Limerick 1-8.

Kerry: Eamonn O Donoghue (Ballylongford), Paud O Donoghue (do.), Teddy Bowler (Glenbeigh), Sean Burrows (John Mitchels), Denis O Sullivan (K. O Rahillys), Mick Morris (John Mitchels), Seamus Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), Mick Fleming (Currow), Pat Griffin (Glenbeigh), John Saunders (Gneeveguilla), Jer D. O Connor (Ballydonoghue), Tom Kelliher (Castlegregory), Tom Prendergast (Keel), D. J. Crowley (Rathmore), John (Thorny) O Shea (John Mitchels). Subs: Tony Barrett (Ballyduff), Pat Ahern (Laune Rangers), Derry Crowley (Glenflesk), Declan Lovett (Kilmoyley), Mick Gleeson (Spa), Mossy O Driscoll (Valentia).

 

Final on Sun. 16^th July in the Athletic Grounds, Cork: Cork 0-8; Kerry 0-7.

Kerry: Eamonn O Donoghue, Paud O Donoghue, Teddy Bowler, Seanie Burrows, Denis O Sullivan, Mick Morris, Seamus Mac Gearailt, Mick Fleming, Pat Griffin (0-2), John Saunders, Jer D. O Connor, Tim Sheehan (0-1), Tom Prendergast, DJ Crowley (0-1), John Thorny O Shea (0-3). Subs: Josie O Brien for J. O Shea, Tony Barrett for S. Mac Gearailt, Tom Kelliher for J. Saunders.

 

1967/’68 National Football League

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 15^th Oct. at Clonmel: Kerry 1-11; Tipperary 1-7.

The Kerry defence fared fairly well, with Pat Ahern, Denis O Sullivan and Declan Lovett most prominent. William Kennedy caught the eye frequently in attack and his goal was a fine opportunist effort. He was most unlucky not to score a second goal.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Pat Sweeney, Teddy Bowler, Declan Lovett, Denis O Sullivan, Paudie O Donoghue (0-1), Pat Ahern, Mick Ahern, Pat O Connell (0-1), Tony Barrett (0-2), Pat Griffin (0-3), Tom Prendergast, Billy Doran (0-1), William Kennedy (1-0), Patsy O Connor (0-3). Sub: Eamonn O Donoghue for P. O Connell.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 29^th Oct. at Askeaton: Kerry 2-11; Limerick 1-8.

Pat Ahern, at left halfback, was always on top of his job.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Declan Lovett, Paudie O Donoghue, Seanie Burrows, Denis O Sullivan Timmy Sheehan, Pat Ahern, Kevin Donnelly, Michael John O Shea, Tom Prendergast, Pat Griffin, Tom Kelliher, Patsy O Connor, D. J. Crowley, Pat O Connell.

 

Sun. 19^th Nov. at Tralee: Cork 1-11; Kerry 1-7.

Pat Ahern played at left halfback.

Kerry: Josie O Brien, Paudie O Donoghue, Teddy Bowler, Seanie Burrows, Denis O Sullivan, Timmy Sheehan, Pat Ahern, Mick Fleming, Pat Griffin, Tom Prendergast, Paudie Finnegan, Tom Kelliher, Billy Doran, Bill Higgins, Pat O Connell. Subs: Donie O Sullivan for T. Bowler; D. J. Crowley for T. Kelliher.

Cork: Brian Murphy, Jerry O Sullivan, Con O Sullivan, John O Mahony, Frank Cogan, Denis Coughlan, Kevin Dillon, Mick Burke, Bernie O Neill, Flor Hayes, Gene McCarthy, John Joe Murphy, Cormac O Sullivan, Ray Cummins, Johnny O Carroll. Subs: J. Crowley for B. O Neill; J. O Halloran for J. Crowley.

 

Whit Sunday Tournament

 

Sun. 4^th June in Fitzgerald Stadium: Dublin 2-9; Kerry 1-9.

Pat Ahern played at right halfback and Timmy Doyle, making his debut on the Co. Senior team at centre half-forward, was replaced in the second half.

 

Gaelic Weekly Tournament

 

Semi-final on Sun. 10^th Sept. in Tullamore: Kerry 2-10; Offaly 2-9.

Kerry’s Patsy Joy and Liam Higgins were well on top at midfield. Two minutes from fulltime, with the sides tied on level scores, Pat Ahern pointed a 40 yards free to win the game. It was amazing that Patsy Joy, then U-21 years of age, was brought to this tournament, when the Kerry U-21 team was, at the same time, playing in the drawn All-Ireland Final against Mayo in Croke Park.

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Séamus Ó Riain was elected Uachtarán CLG.

At the Annual Congress on 26^th March in Coláiste Mhuire, Dublin, a proposal to organise a coaching course was narrowly beaten and a proposal to bring back collective training was defeated.

 

Paddy J. Ryan (Luimneach) was elected Chairman of the Munster Council on 13^th May, when Séamus Ó Riain resigned, Sean McCarthy (Ciarraí) was Secretary and Willie Hough (Luimneach) was Treasurer.

 

Co. Convention was held on Sun. 29^th January in the Manhattan Hotel, Tralee. Officers elected:

President: John Joe Sheehy (John Mitchels) – newly elected. Chairman – Dr. Jim Brosnan; Vice-Chairman – Leo Stack (Duagh); Secretary – Tadhg Crowley; Treasurers – Pat O Meara and Tadhg Prendiville; PRO – Gerald McKenna; Delegates to Munster Council – John Joe Sheehy and Con Brosnan; Delegate to Central Council – Mícheál Ó Ruairc.

Senior Selectors: Mick O Dwyer (109 votes), Murt Kelly (105 votes), Paddy Bawn Brosnan (89 votes), Donie Sheehan (84 votes), Rev. Denis Curtin (100 votes) were deemed elected. Dan Ryan (62 votes) and Joe Keohane (53 votes) lost out. John Joe Sheehy and Johnny Walsh had not sought re-election.

Minor Selectors: Cormac O Leary (Moyvane) 99 votes, Tom Ashe (Annascaul) 84 votes, Donal Kelliher (Castleisland) 73 votes, John Kissane (Kerins O Rahilly’s) 67 votes, Diarmuid Moynihan (Rathmore) 63 votes, were deemed elected. Mícheál Scanlon (Laune Rangers) 61 votes, Nicholas Hussey (Tralee) 41 votes and Liam Cotter (Churchill) 36 votes, lost out. James Coffey had been nominated to contest the position of minor football selector but he had withdrawn his name. Laune Rangers Club representatives at the Convention were James Coffey and Paudie Foley. James Coffey was appointed as one of the Tellers for the counting of the postal votes.

In his Secretary’s Report, Tadhg Crowley remarked on Laune Rangers win in the 1966 Club Championship as follows: ‘Killorglin won the Football Club Championship for the first time, when they defeated the holders, Waterville, in one of the best games of football seen in Kerry this year. Here again club spirit and will to win were evident. Faced with almost the impossible, they came from behind in the last ten minutes and won deservedly against a Waterville team that played great football. One thing that emerged from the game is that it was evident that football is being played from Sunday to Sunday throughout the year in these clubs. Other clubs should follow their example.’

 

In March, Kerry’s new Juvenile Board (Bord na nOg) was set up by the Co. Board with the following officers: Chairman – Johnny Walsh (Ballylongford); Vice-Chairman – Father James Linnane; Secretary – Declan Horgan; Treasurer – Rev. Brother Clancy (Tralee C.B.S.). Co. Championships were run at U-14 and U-16 level – District Board teams only competed. Additionally, the District Board winners in both grades played in a club championship. Willing and capable workers throughout the county organised those teams. Those dedicated workers included Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers/Mid-Kerry), Padraig Ó Siocrú (An Daingean/West-Kerry), Brendan Scannell and Joe Linnane (North-Kerry), James Hobbart, Mícheál Hayes, Jack Parker (all Austin Stacks), Sylvie Mason (John Mitchels), Christy Griffin (Kerins O Rahillys), Jackie Looney (Dr. Crokes), Bernie O Connor (Legion), Tim Linehan and Pat Favier (East-Kerry), Larry Dowd and Tommy Broderick (Castleisland), Mick McCarthy and Johnny Tuohy (Kenmare), P.J. Donovan and Willie Goggin (South-Kerry).

 

In Mid-February, a Club Leadership Course was held in the Glenworth Hotel, Limerick. It lasted from Friday night until midday on Sunday. There were eleven lectures, discussions and a film show, accounting for almost seventeen hours in total. The lecturers were Alf Murray, Uachtarán CLG, Seán O Síocháin, General Secretary CLG, Brendan Mac Lua, GAA Executive Official, and Pádraig Ó Fainín, Port Láirge. Kerry was represented by Gerald McKenna (PRO Co. Board), Bernard Flaherty (Secretary John Mitchels), Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers’ juvenile officer), and Jackie Looney (Dr. Crokes’ juvenile officer).

 

At the Co. Board meeting of Tues. 30^th May, the Chairman, Dr. Jim Brosnan, ‘dropped a bombshell’ when he announced that the Co. Board would no longer pay travel expenses to teams for county competitions. The Kerryman, in a phone around to the various District Boards got the following reaction from James Coffey, Secretary of Mid-Kerry: ‘It will be the ruination of the district teams. Even when we have a match at home, we have to pay for four or five cars to bring players to the venue, not to mind the expense of players coming from outside counties. It costs us a lot more when we travel to an outside venue. The expenses we get from the Co. Board are our only source of income. Take them away and we are going to be very hard hit indeed. Our Board is in debt since we went into our first Co. Final. Here we are cutting out expenses for teams, yet we are running additional competitions, which are not paying for themselves.’ At a further Co. Board meeting in November, the Chairman said that clubs would have to become financially independent or go under. He promised an extension to the competitions for 1968. At the time there were juvenile competitions, minor league and town league and minor, junior and senior championships. He said that it was most important to have healthy clubs.

 

On Sun. 9^th July, the Pavilion in Austin Stack Park, Tralee was officially opened by An tUachtarán CLG, Séamus Ó Riain.

 

At the Co. Board meeting on Tues. 11^th July in the CYMS Hall, Tralee, arising out of a letter from the Secretary of the Mid-Kerry District Board, it was explained to the Mid-Kerry delegate that the Lucey Brothers were not entitled to play with Killorglin.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Thursday 15^th Dec. 1966. The following officers were re-elected unopposed: President – Paddy Foley (Laune Rangers), Chairman – Father Brian Kelly (Glenbeigh), Vice-Chairman – Willie Barton (Keel), Secretary – James Coffey (Laune Rangers), Treasurer – Michael Dodo O Mahony (Glenbeigh), Delegate to Co. Board – Murt Kelly (Beaufort). Father Kelly, in his chairman’s address, congratulated Laune Rangers on their fine Club Championship success. Their win, he said, proved that football in the area was of a high standard. He also appealed to the retired players and to the county players to show greater interest in the affairs of their clubs. He paid tribute to the officers of the Board and especially the secretary on the amount of work put into the affairs of the Board. He appealed to the players to show greater enthusiasm in the coming year and if that was done Mid-Kerry would win the Co. Championship. He recommended that the Co. Board should run the Kerryman Shield on week evenings so that District Boards would have a better chance of playing off their competitions. He said that if the Munster Council would run the U-21 competition on week evenings, that would be of great help and he encouraged the Co. Board delegate to bring that matter to the attention of the Co. Board.

Motions:

1. ‘That the training of Mid-Kerry teams should be abolished.’ (Glenbeigh). This was referred to a meeting of the Board.
2. ‘That the Mid-Kerry league should commence on 1^st Jan. and then be postponed until March.’ (Glenbeigh). Carried.

It was agreed that the rule concerning admission tickets for players to Mid-Kerry games would be strictly enforced.

 

At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on 16^th January, it was decided, on the proposition of Murt Kelly (Beaufort) and seconded by George McKenna (Milltown/Castlemaine), that the admission charges to Mid-Kerry games would be 2/- for senior games and 1/- for minor games. Juveniles would be charged 6d to all games. It was further decided to get as many as possible gate collectors from outside clubs for games in Killorglin.

At the Board meeting on 15^th February in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin, presided over by Father Kelly, it was decided to form a panel of referees. Each club would nominate two referees and they would be instructed by Murt Kelly.

On Sun. 19^th March, Castlemaine’s Macra na Feirme Drama Group’s presentation of John B. Keane’s play ‘The Field’, took place in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin, in aid of Mid-Kerry District Board funds.

At the Mid-Kerry Board meeting of 20^th March, a letter from the Laune Rangers club was read, objecting to Tony Lyons’ selection on the Mid-Kerry team on the grounds that he had refused to play for Laune Rangers that year. The secretary was instructed to write to Lyons asking him if he was willing to play with Rangers. If he was willing, there would be no objection from the club.

At the Board meeting on 10^th March, it was decided, on the proposition of Murt Kelly and seconded by Paudie Foley, that clubs failing to field teams without giving at least four days notice would be fined £1 for senior teams and 10/- for minor teams.

At the Board meeting in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on 24^th April, it was decided, on the proposition of Murt Kelly and seconded by James Coffey, that a fine of £1 would be imposed on any team that would be 15 minutes late for a game. A directive from Co. Board was given that each District Board should form a Juvenile Committee (Bord na nOg) to look after juvenile affairs. That was done and it would be in charge of its own finances but the trophies would be provided by the senior board. The first Chairman of the Mid-Kerry Bord na nOg was Pat O Shea (Laune Rangers) and the Secretary was Noel Shanahan (Beaufort).

 

In order to commemorate the Mid-Kerry team, which had won the Co. Championship, a calendar for 1968 was commissioned. The following businesses contributed to the venture: Towers Hotel, Glenbeigh; Ross Inn, Glenbeigh; Johnny O Mahony, Victualler, Glenbeigh; The Golden Nugget, Fossa; William Burke, Victualler, Milltown; Lombard’s Hotel, Milltown; Larkin’s Bar and Bakery, Milltown; Castlemaine Creamery; Griffin’s Bar & Lounge, Castlemaine; Kelliher’s General Merchants, Castlemaine; Railway Hotel, Killorglin; Patrick Crowley, General Draper, Millinery & Boot Warehouse, Killorglin; The Laune Bar, Lower Bridge St; Tom Moriarty, General Merchants, Killorglin; Jackie O Shea, Killorglin, Patrick O Neill, Tea, Wine & Spirit Merchant, Wool Buyer, Petrol Service, Langford St; Kevin Foley, Grocery & Footwear, Killorglin; McCarthy’s Restaurant, The Square, Killorglin.

 

According to the minute book, there were three Laune Rangers’ club meetings in 1967, one in March and two in November.

The March meeting in the CYMS Hall was attended by Paudie Foley, Mícheál Scanlon,, Jimmy Foley, Pat O Shea, John A. O Brien, Mike Hassett, J. O Sullivan, Patsy Hassett, Willie Murphy, Denis O Neill, Moss Murphy, Michael O Sullivan and Patsy Joy. The Chairman, Paudie Foley, announced that the silver circle had been changed from a ten weeks draw to a twenty weeks draw. It was in full swing at that time, he announced. He said that he was more than pleased with the house-to-house collection and with the response from the canvassing of the parish for the silver circle. Over 900 names had been in the draw and he asked the promoters to keep up the good work and not to let them ‘off the hook’ as it would spoil the good work of the enthusiastic canvassers if the promoters slackened off. It was decided to canvass Tralee, Castleisland, Killarney and Glenbeigh also. It was also decided that the dressing-rooms should be built on the ‘boreen side’ of the field and a wicket gate should be put up at that end. It was decided that John Foley should consult with Mr. Booth, of Kerry Co. Council, re piped water to the football field. Pat O Shea stated that he had been granted the following Sunday by the CYMS for a concert for £10. The meeting decided to go ahead with the concert but on a 50/50 of income basis. Kilgobnet group would put on a variety show. The secretary was instructed to contact Mrs. Joy N. T. and Mrs. Caball N. T. for extra artistes. It was also decided to run a raffle and the concert would begin at 8.30pm. An ample number of posters would be printed and would be distributed to various centres in Mid-Kerry. The Victory Social would be held in the Towers Hotel on the Wed/Thurs. after Easter. The Chairman and Secretary of the Co. Board were invited to present the medals to the players. Also invited were Denis Guiney, Father Moriarty P.P., Father O Leary C.C. and Father Fitzgerald C.C. (That Victory Dinner Dance was held in the Towers Hotel and it proved a great success. Murt Kelly, representing the Co. Board, presented the Towns’ Cup and Club Championship medals to the players). The Secretary had expressed his displeasure with some players who had not handed up their jerseys after the games. Owen Mangan, for personal reasons, had kept his but had promised to replace it if it was damaged or lost. Tony Lyons had refused to return his jersey although he had been requested on many occasions. At that stage he had it in his possession for over six months. The Secretary was instructed to ask him again. The Secretary was further instructed to get full details of plans and grants for the proposed dressing-rooms.

A meeting of the club on 3^rd Nov. in the Railway Hotel, was presided over by Paudie Foley. Also in attendance were Denis Lynch, Kevin Foley, Paddy Foley, Brendan O Reilly, Mícheál Scanlon, Donal Mangan, Jimmy Foley and Pat O Shea. The meeting decided to ask both the Vocational and Intermediate schools to discontinue football practice on the pitch between 1^st November and 1^st April – games involving the schools would be allowed. It was also decided to ask each school for £15 per annum for the use of the pitch. The remainder of the meeting concerned the progress of the dressing-rooms. Pat O Shea reported that he had been informed by Dr. Jim Brosnan that there would be an extra £300 grant if the building incorporated a tea-room. Donal Mangan suggested converting one of the dressing rooms into a tea-room. Jimmy Foley, building contractor, reported that 2,100 blocks had been laid and a further 1,500 would be needed to complete the building. The following was an estimate of the cost of the building:

Blocks, sand and gravel from Mangan Bros.  £154-0-0

Cement from Tom Moriarty     24-0-0

Wall ties from Boyle Bros.       8-11-0

Con Counihan (excavation)     11-0-0

Chub O Connor     10-0-0

Laying of 2,100 blocks £103 but Jimmy Foley had charged only   90-0-0

Floor, including labour.     80-0-0

Roof, including labour.   150-0-0

Doors & windows   100-0-0

Total               £627-11-0

Further to that there was the cost of buying and laying of 1,500 blocks, the trunking of the floor, plumbing and electrical work. Donal Mangan stated that a back wall would have to be built, as the road wall was badly leaking.

The grazing rent for 1966 was £23-10-0 and the old Field Committee had cash in hands of £18-6-8 giving a total of £41-16-8.

Present at the meeting on 13^th Nov. in the Railway Hotel were Paudie Foley (Chairman), Denis Lynch, Pat O Shea, Mícheál Scanlon, Donal Mangan, Jimmy Foley, Brendan O Reilly and Kevin Foley. Donal Mangan showed the meeting two different plans for the dressing-rooms. Plan number two, incorporating a tea-room 21 feet wide by 22 feet long would be submitted to Dr. Jim Brosnan for approval. The meeting discussed the expenses involved in bringing players home for the game versus Waterville (Seamus Curran from Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford – £12; Paul Lucey from The Curragh, Co. Kildare – £6; William Kennedy – £7; Timmy Doyle – £2-10-0; Pat Ahern – £7 for three games and three students at a total of £6). All agreed that this was a terrible drain on the club’s funds.

 

The following were some winners of the Silver Circle:

Week 7 – 1. Pat Dunne; 2. T. O Leary, Nauntenaune; 3.  Joan O Sullivan, Cromane. Promoter’s prize – James Coffey.

Week 8 – 1. Nora McElligott, Tralee; 2. D. Moriarty, Kenmare 3. Sheila Fitzgerald, Laune View. Promoter’s prize – Michael O Shea, Rangue.

Week 9 – 1. Pat O Sullivan, Rangue; 2. Dan Keating, Laune View; 3. Michael Moroney, Reen. Promoter’s prize – Pat O Shea, Rangue.

Week 10 – 1. P.J. Diggin, Glounaguillagh;  2. Tom Houlihan, Mill Road; 3. Patrick O Connor, Laune View. Promoter’s prize – Joe O Sullivan, Dunmaniheen.

Week 11 – 1. William Wharton, Cloon;  2. Seamus Keane, Annadale Road;  3. Ms. W. Galvin, Beaufort. Promoter’s prize – Mícheál Scanlon.

Week 12 – 1. Ms. M. Falvey, Lower Bridge St.; 2. Dan Hayes, Tubrid; 3. Liam Shanon, Langford. St. Promoter’s prize – Mike Hassett, Caragh Lake.

The last draw of the Silver Circle took place on Sat. 8^th July.

 

Laune Rangers GAA Club and its members, per James Coffey, had a Public Liability Policy with General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Ltd. through its agent J. Sheehy. The Limit of indemnity was £10,000. The period of insurance was from noon on 25^th July 1967 to midnight on 25^th July 1968. The places to which the policy applied were the J.P. O Sullivan Park, Killorglin and wherever club matches were played. The policy number was 190729/7.

 

Cork retained the Munster Minor Championship by easily disposing of Kerry.

 

Noel Lucey (Caragh Lake) was captain of the Kingdom Club, London, in 1967 and Mike Murphy (Caragh Lake) was vice-captain.

 

Kerry won the New York Senior Football Championship. Pat Ferris, former Laune Rangers’ player, was on the team.

 

On 13^th Jan., the death occurred of Tom Leary, Lower Bridge St. He had played with the Kerry Minor Footballers in 1939. He had been a prominent player with Laune Rangers in the ‘30’s and ‘40’s. Members of the club formed a guard of honour at his funeral to Dromavalla Cemetery.

 

In October, Willie O Neill, Sunhill, died suddenly in London where he had played with the Kingdom Club. Prior to immigrating, he had played with the Laune Rangers. A guard of honour by his former team-mates, and other club members, accompanied the hearse to Dromavalla Cemetery, while Noel Lucey represented the Kingdom Club, London.

 

On Thurs. 19^th Oct. the AGM of the Kingdom Club, Dublin was held. Bart Moriarty was re-elected as Secretary.

 

Amongst the county football games refereed by James Coffey were:

MFC on Thurs. 30^th March at Killorglin:  South Kerry beat East-Kerry.

Towns’ Cup on Sun. 9^th April at Killarney: Dr. Crokes beat Waterville.

JFC on Mon. 24^th July at Killorglin: Kilcummin beat Skellig Rangers.

JFC on Sun. 27^th Aug. at Killorglin: Glenbeigh defeated Keel.

JFC on Sun 29^th Oct. at Killorglin: Dr. Crokes 3-5; Renard 1-3.

 

Amongst the Mid-Kerry Football games refereed by James Coffey were:

Senior League on Sun. 5^th March at Killorglin: Glenbeigh v Keel.

Senior League on Fri. 2^nd June at Killorglin: Milltown beat Glenbeigh.

SFC on Fri. 7^th July at Killorglin: Keel 1-5; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-2.

 

Amongst the county football games refereed by Pat O Shea, Rangue, were:

MFL on Thurs. 17^th Aug. at Killorglin: Dingle v Cahersiveen.

MFL on Sun. 8^th Oct. at Killorglin: Cahersiveen defeated Spa.

MFL on Sun. 29^th Oct. at Killorglin: Cahersiveen beat Castlegregory.

 

Amongst the Mid-Kerry Football games refereed by Pat O Shea were:

SFL Semi-final on Sun. 25^th June at Killorglin: Beaufort 0-4; Milltown/Castlemaine 0-4.

 

Amongst the Mid-Kerry Football games refereed by Christy O Riordan were:

SFL on Sun. 2^nd April at Keel: Keel v Beaufort.

SFL on Sun. 9^th April at Beaufort: Beaufort v Keel.

SFL on Sun. 16^th April at Beaufort: Milltown/Castlemaine beat Beaufort.

MFC semi-final on Sun. 6^th Aug. at Killorglin: Keel beat Glenbeigh.

 

Owen Mangan refereed the Mid-Kerry Senior League replay on Sun. 9^th July at Killorglin: Beaufort v Milltown/Castlemaine.

 

On Wed. 17^th April 1968 in Towers Hotel, Glenbeigh, Laune Rangers held its 8^th Annual Dinner and Dance.

 

Kerry lost the Munster Minor Football Final to Cork in Cork on Sun. 16^th July by 2-8 to 0-3.

Kerry: Paudie O Callaghan (Desmonds), John Reidy (Austin Stacks), Jim Coughlan (Beaufort), Pat Kiely (Tarbert), John O Keeffe (Austin Stacks), Tom O Donnell (Tarbert), M. O Shea (Waterville), Patsy O Connell (Tarbert), Paul Scanlon (Desmonds), Brendan Lynch (Beaufort), Moss O Donnell (Brosna), Kevin Kennelly (Ballylongford), Sean Galway (Currow), Johnny Bunyan (Ballydonoghue), J. Corridan (Brosna). Subs: J. Quille (Duagh), James Tangney (Listry), Peter Curtin (Kenmare), John Moloney (Moyvane), Tom Fitzgerald (Gaeltacht), Edward Kissane (Ballydonoghue).

 

Co. U-14 Football Final on Sun. 26^th Nov. at Strand Road: John Mitchels defeated St. Mary’s.

 

On Sun. 17^th Sept. Donal Prendiville, at the age of 41 years, became Irish Champion in the 56lbs. over-the-bar throw at the N.A.C.A Championships at Eamonn Ceannt Stadium, Dublin.

 

Due to the restrictions imposed on account of the Foot and Mouth outbreak in England, many people were unable to travel home for Christmas.

 

The AGM of the Mid-Kerry Board was held on Sun. 21^st January 1968 in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin. The Secretary, James Coffey, in his report stated, “The winning of the Senior Co. Championship in 1967 was, for both players and officials, the achievement of a long awaited ambition. Drowned in the sweet cup of success are the memories of all those past heartbreaking defeats. Things did not look too well for us following our defeat by Shannon Rangers in the final of the 1966 Kerryman Shield, played early in 1967. However, that was to be our last defeat and, following our win over St. Vincent’s in the semi-final of the 1967 Kerryman Shield, we went on to record victories over South-Kerry, John Mitchels and Shannon Rangers and so were in the Co. Final against West-Kerry. The big question was would Mid-Kerry flop again in this final. The players, however, provided the answer and, after a shaky start, they took command of the game before halftime and there was only one team in it in the second half. The game was one of the most sporting finals ever and, for this, the players of both sides deserve credit. Mid-Kerry’s win should be an example to all teams who, year after year, fail to win honours. Nobody knows better than us in Mid-Kerry what it is to taste the bitter cup of defeat year after year but, with our wonderful never-say-die spirit, we overcame all obstacles in 1967. I would like to thank our supporters for their wonderful encouragement all the year and for their support at our functions and collections. They can justly claim a major share in our victory.

Now that we are the Champion Board in Kerry, we cannot rest on our laurels. We have big need for improvement in our own local games, not so much in the standard of football but in introducing a better spirit into the clubs and their teams. It is a pity that the fine spirit of the Mid-Kerry team seems to rest with that team, not with the clubs and parish teams. 1967 was a year riddled with late starts and ridiculous excuses for not playing games. As a result, attendance and gate receipts were the worst ever. This convention must provide the answer. We cannot carry on without good gates, as they are practically our sole means of raising funds. I appeal to the clubs for greater co-operation this year and to forget any past differences they might have. Now that the Co. Board is running extra competitions, something must be done by the District Boards to get their competitions completed in good time each year. Week evenings are the only answer but will the Board and clubs suffer financially? At present, some clubs are paying enormous travelling expenses to their players. There are a few players playing for their clubs and Mid-Kerry and it is close to professionalism the amount of so-called expenses they seek and, unfortunately, are getting, while other players travel great distances and, in comparison, get little or nothing at all. This Board cannot continue paying these expenses and the players responsible must realise that, unless they cut down on their demands, the Board will have to consider playing only home-based players.

A total of 40 games were played in the area. However, because of the foot-and-mouth restrictions, neither the senior league nor championship was completed. Laune Rangers defeated Beaufort in the minor final while all the juvenile competitions were completed by Bord na nOg. Our minors did well in the Co. Championship, reaching the semi-final only to be beaten by Castleisland, who went on to win it out. (Castleisland defeated Shannon Rangers in the final on the score of 3-10 to 3-5)

I am more than delighted that Father Kelly is returned unopposed as Chairman. I think that clubs finally realise the amount of voluntary work he has put into the running of the Board and I personally think that, without him, we would not be Co. Champions. In conclusion, I would like to thank the officers of the Board, the club officials and the selectors for their co-operation and help during the year.”

 

The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held in the Railway Hotel on Sun. 13^th January 1968. The Secretary, Mícheál Scanlon, in his report stated that a halt had been put to games towards the end of the year, owing to the foot-and-mouth outbreak in England. The start of the pavilion was another milestone in the history of the club and it would soon be ready for roofing. He congratulated the Laune Rangers’ players who had won the Co. Championship with Mid-Kerry – Pat Ahern, Timmy Doyle, Patsy Joy, Paul Lucey, Seamus and Tom Curran, Tony Lyons and William Kennedy. He also congratulated Pat Ahern and William Kennedy on winning All-Ireland Junior medals. He continued, ‘1966 was a landmark in the history of the club but ’67 equals it in another respect. In August, the foundation of the dressing-rooms was put down and very soon it will be ready for roofing. I wish to thank the general public for their generous support and the officers of the club handled the money up to the final draw. The parish leagues at senior, U-16 and U-14 were played off. Upper Town won the U-14 and Caragh Lake won the other two. The minors beat Keel (in the Mid-Kerry final), the U-14 team beat Keel (in the Mid-Kerry final) and the U-16 team beat Beaufort (in the Mid-Kerry final) and qualified for the semi-final of the Co. Championship. The minors qualified for the semi-final of the Co. League. The senior team is in the final of the Mid-Kerry league, the semi-final of the Mid-Kerry Championship and the semi-final of the Laune Rangers Cup. The following is a breakdown of the number of games played during the year:

Senior – 13 (parish league), 16 (other)  = 29.

Minor – 6 (other)                                   =   6.

U-16   – 14 (parish league), 5 (other)     = 19.

U-14   – 6 (parish league), 10 (other)     = 16.

Total       = 70.

172 players were involved. The club is going from strength to strength, whereas five years ago it was ready to disband. My thanks to the officers and players for their great co-operation during the year.’