Milltown/Castlemaine 0-17, Laune Rangers B 0-8
The club’s 2023 season got underway on Sunday afternoon as Laune Rangers B make the short journey to Paddy Burke Park to take on Milltown/Castlemaine in the first game of the Mid Kerry Senior League.
Laune Rangers have entered two teams into the Mid Kerry League again this year. The format of the competition has changed in 2023 with the 7 teams split into 2 groups, and the two Laune Rangers teams have been drawn in separate groups.
Milltown/Castlemaine were without county U20 player Cillian Burke, but there was a family member lining out as his first cousin John took the field for his first game in the adult grade for Laune Rangers. Matt Reenstierna was another making his debut in senior competition for the club, and he lined out at full back in front of his twin brother & goalkeeper Jake.
Milltown/Castlemaine got off to a quick start and had registered 5 points – through Éanna O’Connor 3, 1 45’), Seán Hogan & Jonathan O’Sullivan – before Darragh O’Grady slotted an offensive mark to open Laune Rangers account. The home side would have been further ahead but for a great save by Jake Reenstierna in the Rangers goal. Matt Leslie and Gavin O’Shea added excellent points for Rangers, but Éanna O’Connor continued his fine form and added two more points (one free) before the break. Matt Leslie (free) and Seán Hogan also traded points, leaving four between the sides at the short whistle. Half Time Score:- Milltown/Castlemaine 0-8, Laune Rangers B 0-4.
Matt Leslie added a pointed free for Rangers at the beginning of the second half, but Milltown/Castlemaine pushed on with Éanna O’Connor (2, 1 45’), Seán Hogan and Jonathan O’Sullivan (free) to increase their lead – that 45’ by O’Connor coming after another excellent save by Jake Reenstierna forced the ball out. John Burke split the posts for a great point for Laune Rangers, but the triumvirate of O’Connor, Hogan and O’Sullivan were joined by Anthony Kelliher scoring a point each. Matt Leslie added a couple of frees late on, while Donal Dennehy slotted the last point of the game. Full Time Score:- Milltown/Castlemaine 0-17, Laune Rangers B 0-8.
Laune Rangers B:- Jake Reensiterna, Cathal O’Callaghan, Matt Reenstierna, Killian Spillane, Ciarán O’Sullivan, Evan Madden, James Treacy, Rory O’Connor, Callum Russell, John Burke (0-1), Matthew Leslie (0-5, 4f), Mark O’Connor, Gavin O’Shea (0-1), Roan Moriarty, Darragh O’Grady (0-1 mk). Subs:- Jack O’Sullivan for Russell, Aona O’Shea for C O’Sullivan, Mikey O’Donnell for M O’Connor, Morgan O’Sullivan for G O’Shea, Cian O’Shea for Burke.