SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 3-7; Killarney Legion 1-9.
Legion got off to the perfect start at a damp and overcast Connolly Park on last Saturday evening (25th July) when they led by 1-1 after just 3 minutes of this 8th round of the Co. League. But we settled quickly and were back in the game with points by David Mannix (free) and Darragh Long. Between the 8th and 25th minutes both sides could only muster two points each – ours coming from Barry Walsh after good work by Ciarán O’Connell and from a David Mannix free after a foul on David O’Sullivan. A minute later David Mannix was on target again from play and just before the break he was involved again delivering a high ball into the square with Darragh Long finishing the breaking ball to the net to put us in the lead for the first time and give us a two points advantage at half time (1-5 to 1-3).
During that half we won 12 of the 16 kick-outs – with midfielders, Shane Guthrie and Brían Mangan excelling but five other players were also picked out by Jonathan Conway’s excellent kick-outs. Legion narrowed the gap immediately after the resumption with a point after just 42 seconds. However 6 minutes into the half we gave the first indication that this might be our day after all when a good move culminated in a brilliantly-taken goal by Seán Ryan – firing in from the narrowest of angles and under severe defensive pressure – one of the goals of the season so far. Great credit also to Mikey Collins and David O’Sullivan who were among those involved in the build-up. But Legion responded well and with five minutes remaining they were still within striking distance after adding four more points (three from frees) – while we were confined to just two points in that period – both coming from frees by Darragh Long and David Mannix. But then we made sure of both League points when substitute Darragh O’Brien scored our 3rd goal of the game after being put through by David Mannix. Legion did have the closing score of the game – another pointed free on the stroke of full time, which left us with a four points winning margin. The win, together with the other weekend results, puts us in 4rd place on the League table on 10 points, with some teams still having some back games to play.
Team: Jonathan Conway, Ciarán O’Connell, Denis O’Neill, Barry Walsh (0-1), Pa McCarthy, Fearghal MacNamara (Capt), Jack O’Shea, Shane Guthrie, Brían Mangan, Seán Ryan (1-0), David O’Sullivan, Alan Duggan, David Mannix (0-4 – 3 frees), Darragh Long (1-2 – one free), Michael Collins.
Subs used: Darragh O’Brien (45m) (1-0), Joseph O’Kelly (60m).
In round 9 of the Co. League we have an away game against St. Michaels/Foilmore and this is scheduled for Mid August but before that we are due to play Ballymac in the Town Championship semi final. The game is fixed for Connolly Park on Saturday week next (8th August) at 7pm.
JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 0-5; Moyvane 1-14.
Moyvane had twelve points to spare in this round 8 game of the Co. League played at a dampish Connolly Park on last Sunday afternoon (26th July). The win puts them on top of the League with four more games to play. They were well in command all through and led by 0-8 to 0-3 at half time. Kyle Fitzgibbon with one each from play and a free and a lovely effort from an acute angle by centre back, Eoghan McKivergan, was our first half contribution. The visitors could have been further ahead at the break but for two brilliant saves by Seán Purcell. Ten minutes into the second half Moyvane had extended their lead to six but the game was really put to bed, five minutes later, when their corner forward, Colin Enright finished a great Moyvane move to the net. Our two second half scores came from another Kyle free with the other one from play by wing-back Andrew Morrissey after being put through by the other wing-back, Dylan Harnett.
Team: Seán Purcell, Eoin Galvin, Alan Crean, John Murphy, Dylan Harnett, Eoghan McKivergan (0-1), Andrew Morrissey (0-1), Shane Crowley, Philip Quilter, Brandon Patterson, Dale Counihan (Capt), Seán Fitzmaurice, Paddy Fitzgibbon, Kyle Fitzgibbon (0-3 – 2 frees), Cian Liston. Sub: Alan Griffin (50m). We have a break now until the end of September for our penultimate Co. League game – at home to Ballylongford – with the final game also at home against Valentia on a date to be fixed. However we are back in business on Monday next ( 3rd August) with a round 3 Town League game away to Ballymac. Throw in 7.30pm.
MINOR FOOTBALL: Our Minors are due to play Laume Rangers in Connolly Park on this Friday evening (31st July) in round 4 of the Central League. Throw in 7.30pm.
BINGO: continues on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings phone Des at 066 7126942 after 8pm any evening.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday Nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
LOTTO: Last Night’s (27th July) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 1, 14, 17, and 31.
The €20 Prizes went to Fionn O’Regan, c/o Brendan O’Regan; Brian Neenan, c/o The Club; Noreen Power, c/o The Ladies; Anne Edwards, c/o The Bingo; and Christine Foley, c/o Carmel O’Neill.