Laune Rangers 1-17, Beaufort 2-13
Laune Rangers claimed victory over Beaufort on Tuesday evening after a hugely entertaining game in the Mid Kerry Junior League.
The game got off to a fast-paced start. Cillian Buckley opened the scoring for Laune Rangers with a fine point from play after just under three minutes. Beaufort responded immediately through Timmy Galvin, before Buckley struck again—this time a superb two-point effort to push the hosts ahead. He added another point shortly after, making it three scores in six minutes for the sharp forward.
Padraig Doona pointed for Beaufort before Adam Owens converted a free for Laune Rangers. Rian O’Sullivan and Cian O’Shea both chipped in with well-taken scores as Rangers built a five-point lead by the 17th minute.
But Beaufort weren’t going away. Niall Carey landed two points in quick succession, followed by a free from Padraig Doona and a fine point from Mikey Moriarty. Cian O’Shea kept Rangers ticking with a free, but Beaufort finished the half strongly with scores from Aaron Foley and another from Doona to bring the sides level at the break.
Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-8, Beaufort 0-8.
Cian O’Shea kicked Rangers back in front with a point early in the second half, but Beaufort replied in dramatic fashion—Niall Carey finding the net for the game’s first goal.
Again, Laune Rangers responded positively. Cian O’Shea, Jack O’Sullivan and Adam Owens all found the target as the hosts regained momentum. Jack Sweeney and Alan Devane replied for Beaufort to keep it tight. Sweeney then struck Beaufort’s second goal on 44 minutes to edge them ahead once more.
But Cian O’Shea was in unstoppable form. He kicked a point just after the goal and followed it up with another a minute later. Despite a Beaufort point from Alan Devane and another from Aaron Foley, Laune Rangers raised their game.
Cian O’Shea hit a crucial goal on 50 minutes, getting on the end of a squared pass from his brother Gavin. The hosts then pushed for home—points followed from Cian O’Shea, Adam Owens and a free from O’Shea to stretch the lead to three.
Beaufort did have a couple of chances late on to level or even win the game, and Kieran O’Sullivan did cut the gap to one with a late point. However, two excellent saves from Laune Rangers goalkeeper Adam Carey in the final minutes ensured the hosts held on for the win.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-17, Beaufort 2-13.
Laune Rangers:- Adam Carey, Devin Hogan, Liam Croke, Seán O’Donnell, Cillian Foley, Gavin O’Shea, Daniel Evans, Rian O’Sullivan (0-1), Cillian Buckley (0-4), Cathal Moroney, Adam Owens (0-3, 1f), Conor Buckley, Morgan O’Sullivan, Eoin Evans, Cian O’Shea (1-8, 2f). Subs: Jack O’Sullivan (0-1) for Moroney, Eoghan Joy for O’Donnell, Andrew Owens for M O’Sullivan, Colm O’Shea for Ci Buckley, Seán Diggin for R O’Sullivan.