Killarney Legion 1-13, Laune Rangers 3-15
An excellent performance saw Laune Rangers defeat Killarney Legion in the Keane’s SuperValu Minor Club Championship semi-final in Direen on Saturday afternoon. A clinical attacking display, coupled with a rock-solid defensive effort, saw the Killorglin men through to the Final.
From the outset, Laune Rangers took control of proceedings. Adam O’Neill opened the scoring with a well-taken point from play in the 4th minute, before adding a free just two minutes later. His accuracy continued as he struck another point from play, giving his side early momentum. Colm Evans got in on the act with a well-worked score, and while Legion finally got their first point a minute later, Rangers led by 0-4 to 0-1 with a quarter played.
O’Neill responded immediately with a point to extend his side’s lead. Just before the break, his dead-ball accuracy proved crucial, as he slotted over two two-pointers from frees in the 26th and 32nd minutes, along with another point from play in between.
Half Time Score:- Killarney Legion 0-1, Laune Rangers 0-10.
While Legion tried to respond early in the second half with a free, Rangers continued attack. Colm Evans converted a free and, moments later, Patrick O’Donnell struck for the game’s first goal – Adam O’Neill putting O’Donnell through with some clever skill and the forward finished excellently to the bottom corner.
Legion responded with a point from play, but O’Donnell was on target again, adding a well-taken point. Alex Garry found the top corner with a rocket of a shot for Laune Rangers’ second goal, leaving Laune Rangers ahead by 2-12 to 0-4 with fifteen minutes to play.
Although Legion managed to add another point from a free, John Horgan replied for Rangers with a superb point. Legion finally found a breakthrough with an excellent goal, but their hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Adam O’Neill struck for his side’s third goal in the 50th minute.
Legion attempted to rally with a couple of points from play but Colm Evans settled Rangers again with a crucial point of his own.
Despite some late pressure from Legion, who added two late two-pointers to reduce the deficit, Laune Rangers’ defence remained solid. Ciarán Birmingham was outstanding, putting in some brilliant blocks at key moments, while Aaron Doyle led the way in carrying the ball out of defence. Adam Radny also played a crucial role between the posts, making two vital late saves to ensure Legion didn’t find a way back into the game.
Rian Hogan had the final say, adding a well taken point to round off an impressive all-round performance. They will face Kenmare Shamrocks in the Minor Club Championship Final.
Full Time Score:- Killarney Legion 1-13, Laune Rangers 3-15.
Laune Rangers:- Adam Radny, Daniel Kelly, Ciarán Birmingham, Dylan Flynn, James Jones, Aaron Doyle, Charlie O’Sullivan, Liam O’Connell, Alex Garry (1-0), Colm Evans (0-3, 1f), Adam O’Neill (1-9, 1f, 1tpf), Oran O’Sullivan, Patrick O’Donnell (1-1), John Horgan (0-1), Ned O’Grady. Subs: Bryan McKenna for O’Grady, Conor Sheehan for O’Connell, Rian Hogan (0-1) for O O’Sullivan, Callum Russell for Kelly, Colm O’Shea for O’Donnell.