Sunday 18th May 2025
Kerry GAA Credit Union County League Division 5
Austin Stacks B v Valentia Young Islanders
Venue; Connolly Park
Throw-in; 2-00pm
Shanahan Shines as Bs Bounce back
Austin Stacks B 2-16 Valentia 2-13
Austin Stacks legend Barry Shanahan showed his versatility following a game changing move to full forward a keenly contested affair played in very warm conditions in Connolly Park. Shanahan contributed 2-4 in the 2nd half as Valentia struggled to handle him.
Our Bs went into the game with an incredible eight players unavailable from last week’s trip to Ballinskelligs. Veterans Tom McLoughlin, Joe Kinsella and Dennis O’Neil were drafted in and contributed handsomely to the victory. Barry Walsh, having lorded it at full back in the opening half was once again struck down with injury and left the fray at half time. His replacement Bobby Bryne put in a massive shift on the half back line with the outstanding Fionan Ryan and high fielding Dara Barry Walsh fed by the solid Brian Horgan in goal.
Joe Reidy coped commendably with Valentia Kerry U20 Emmet Daly at center back, while the US bound Evan Foley and Dean Scanlan once again put solid shifts in in the wing forward positions.
The sides were level at the break, but Dave Lucids move into midfield and Shannahans move into the full forward line were game changers as he was fed time and time again by old comrade and team captain Pat McCarthy for a deserved victory. Shane Bastible had a big game on the forty with Dan O’Rourke contributing finely with two points off the bench.
This leaves the Bs on 7pts with an outside chance of promotion with three wins from seven games with four games to play. Next up is Scartaglin away next Sunday.
Team-Brian Horgan, Tom McLoughlin, Barry Walsh, Denis O’Neil, Dara Barry Walsh, Joe Reidy, Cian Dillane, Barry Shanahan, Dean Scanlan, Dave Lucid, Evan Foley, Pat McCarthy, Shane Bastible, Joe Kinsella.
Subs Bobby Bryne (HT), Gearoid Sheehan (45mins), Dan O’Rourke (50mins).
Man of the Match-Dara Barry Walsh
Match images thanks to Adrienne McLoughlin
