Beaufort 0-9, Laune Rangers A 0-8
Laune Rangers A travelled to Pete Coughlan Park to play Beaufort, and it was the home side that came away with the win by the minimum. Both teams were missing an array of marquee players, and were much changed from the last time the clubs met in the Mid Kerry Final in December.
Laune Rangers were playing with a stiff breeze at times in the first half – although it tended to calm almost completely at various stages of the period – and Matt Leslie opened the scoring with a well taken point in the second minute. Rangers would lose Shane Daly to injury in the early stages, as Ronan O’Shea came in to replace him. Ciarán Kennedy levelled matters for Beaufort as scores remained tied at 0-1 a piece with fifteen minutes played.
Jonathan Kissane put Beaufort ahead with a point before Rangers were temporarily reduced to 14 men as Jack O’Connor was issued a black card. A pointed free by Fergal Hallissey was Beaufort’s sole score during the advantage period, while a well taken point by Fiachra Clifford was cancelled out by Timmy Casey at the other end to see Beaufort lead by two at the break.
Half Time Score:- Beaufort 0-4, Laune Rangers A 0-2.
Roan Moriarty halved the gap with a good score for Rangers to open the second half, but Fergal Hallissey (free) and Jonathan Kissane restored and indeed increased the lead for the home side. However, points by Mark O’Connor and Patrick Daly (free) left the minimum between the sides once again. A point by substitute Paudie Coffey left Beaufort leading by 0-7 to 0-5 with a quarter to play.
After a couple of spurned chances, Fiachra Clifford pointed a free for Rangers before Jonathan Kissane scored his third and fourth points of the game. Pa Daly (free) and full back Seán Arthurs pointed to leave Rangers trailing by one as injury time beckoned. However, Laune Rangers could not convert their dominance in possession to a score to get something from the game, and Beaufort held on to claim the win.
Full Time Score:- Beaufort 0-9, Laune Rangers A 0-8
Beaufort:- Seán Coffey, Kieran O’Sullivan, Ger Hartnett, Liam Curran, Ethan Coffey, Seán Kelliher, Jeremiah O’Sullivan, Nathan Breen, Mark Neary, Timmy Casey (0-1), Jonathan Kissane (0-4), Eoin O’Hagan, Fergal Hallissey (0-2f), Ciarán Kennedy (0-1), Mick O’Sullivan. Subs: Padraig Doona for O’Hagan, Padraig Coffey for M O’Sullivan.
Laune Rangers A:- Jason Browne, Rory O’Connor, Seán Arthurs (0-1), Oisín Daly, Eoin Clifford, Daragh O’Connor, Mark O’Connor (0-1), Shane Daly, Stephen Sealy, Jack O’Connor, Roan Moriarty (0-1), Matthew Leslie (0-1), Patrick Daly (0-2f), Fiachra Clifford (0-2, 1f), Shane Doona. Subs: Ronan O’Shea for S Daly, Padraig Ahern for Browne, Ryan Diggin for R O’Connor, Seán Cleary for Leslie, Jack O’Sullivan for O’Shea.
Laune Rangers B 0-13, Keel 1-12.
At the same time as the A team was in action in Beaufort, Laune Rangers B hosted Keel in JP O’Sullivan Park.
Much like the game happening elsewhere, there was little to separate the sides but a goal for the visitors proved crucial at the final whistle. A disallowed goal for Rangers proved costly a ‘square ball’ was called, while Rangers also had a big shout for a penalty as Adam Owens was brought to ground in the square only for it to be waved on.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers B 0-13, Keel 1-12.
Rangers made their full complement of substitutes on the day, including three players getting their first taste of adult grade football in Matt Reenstierna, Cillian Foley and David Crowley.
Laune Rangers B:- Adam Carey, Cathal O’Callaghan, Cormac Johnston, Darragh O’Shea, Killian Spillane, Johnny Carey, Eamonn Carey, Michael O’Sullivan, Calum Moriarty, Cian O’Shea, Gabriel Griffin, Gavin O’Shea, Mikey O’Donnell, Marc Clifford, Colm O’Shea. Subs: Adam Owens, Jake Reenstierna, Matt Reenstierna, David Crowley, Cillian Foley. Squad: Morgan O’Sullivan, Jack Healy, Eoghan Joy, Cillian Buckley
The introduction of the three debutants with the B team as well as the first appearance of the season in Beaufort of Seán Arthurs, Podge Ahern and Seán Cleary brings the number of Laune Rangers to have appeared in the Mid Kerry League this season so far to 52. Next weekend sees both Laune Rangers sides face off against each other in Round 5. Day/Time of the game to be confirmed at time of writing.