Laune Rangers 2-6, An Ghaeltacht 0-17
Laune Rangers came up short against an impressive An Ghaeltacht team on Sunday afternoon in Keel in the first Round of the 2021 Intermediate Championship, as the more experienced West Kerry side justified favouritism to outscore the young Rangers team. While David Mangan likely remains out for the remainder of the season, Rangers also had to make do without Seán Arthurs and Jack O’Connor on the day.
An Ghaeltacht got off to the brighter start, and were four points up through Tomás O’Sé (2), Oigí O’Sé and Ruairí O’Beaglaoich before Gearóid Hassett put Rangers on the board. Éanna O’Conchuir pointed for An Ghaeltacht before Rangers struck for their first goal – Fiachra Clifford with a composed finish following a great assist by Dáire Cleary. It was soon nullified as all three inside forwards for the opposition pointed, as Oigí O’Sé, Tomás O’Sé & Ruairí O’Beaglaoich all rose the white flag and an Ghaeltacht led by 0-8 to 1-1 at the first water break.
Fiachra Clifford scored an excellent point, but Gearoid Mac an tSaoir, Cathal O’Beaglaioch and Ruairi O’Beaglaoich (offensive mark) slotted points at the other end to take a six point lead into the break.
Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-2, An Ghaeltacht 0-11.
Rangers had led on to the coat-tails of their opponents in the first half, but a great third quarter brought them right back into it. Two Fiachra Clifford frees were followed by a Tomás O’Sé point for An Ghaeltacht before Rangers scored their second goal – Dáire Cleary with a super run through the defence before rounding the goalkeeper and rolling the ball to the net. Peter Crowley scored a super point to leave the minimum between them but a pointed free by Éanna O’Conchuir left An Ghaeltacht ahead by 0-13 to 2-5 at the second water break.
The experience of the 2017 Intermediate Champions told for the final quarter, and they scored four points from Éanna O’Conchuir, Cathal O’Beaglaoich, Padraig Óg O’Sé and Seán O’Gairbhia to take the game out of sight. A late Fiachra Clifford pointed free was the final score of the game.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-6, An Ghaeltacht 0-17.
Beaufort’s defeat of Na Gaeil in the 2020 Semi Final see the Tralee side join Group 4 of the Intermediate Championship, and will face Milltown/Castlemaine at a neutral venue next weekend.
Laune Rangers Team:- Jason Browne, Seán Cleary, Conor Murphy, Oisín Daly, Eoin Clifford, Kieran Crowley (capt), Peter Crowley (0-1), Shane Daly, Stephen Sealy, Mark O’Connor, Dáire Cleary (1-0), Shane Mangan, John Tyther, Fiachra Clifford (1-4, 3f), Gearóid Hassett (0-1). Subs: Eoin O’Sullivan for Mangan, Matthew Leslie for O’Connor, Patrick Carey for O Daly, Gabriel Griffin for Sealy, Patrick Daly for D Cleary.
An Ghaeltacht:- Tomás Mac an tSaoir, Colm O’Muircheartaigh (capt), Caoimhe O’Beaglaoich, Adam Mac Amhlaoibh, PJ Mac Láimh, Brian O’Beaglaoich, Fearghal O’Cuanaigh, Éanna O’Conchúir (0-3, 1f), Cian O’Murchú, Gearóid Mac an tSaoir (0-1), Cathal O’Beaglaoich (0-2), Mairtín O’Gormain, Oigí O’Sé (0-2), Tomás O’Sé (0-4), Ruairí O’Beaglaoich (0-3, 1f). Subs: Seán O’Bambaire, Padraig Óg O’Sé (0-1), Seán O’Gairbhia (0-1), Gearóid Mac Gearailt.