COUNTY LEAGUE. Asdee 1-8 Valentia 0-12. Our senior footballers travelled the long trek to South Kerry to take on Valentia in Division 5 of the
County Senior Football League on Saturday evening last.
Asdee laboured for long periods of the 1st half despite having a strong wind at their backs. However, a number of late Asdee points saw the sides go in level at the break. Thankfully the 2nd half was much higher in quality. The North Kerry side looked dead and buried after John Doran was sent off and the hosts went four points clear with seven minutes of normal time to go. However, a dramatic fightback by Asdee saw them come inches from gaining a deserved share of the spoils.
On a day when Sky Sports began their coverage of the All-Ireland Championships there was no shortage of excitement at Valentia Island on Saturday evening. Asdee made the two hour trip to South Kerry looking for a first ever competitive victory against this opposition. Asdee had only played once since their defeat to Knocknagoshel on the 27th April so it was understandable that their first half performance was a bit sluggish despite having the advantage of a strong wind. Valentia went three points up after scores in the 3,6,7th minutes. Asdee eventually settled and Eoin Kennedy and Mike Breen slotted over two fine efforts in the 12,13th minutes. Mike Breen and the Valenta free taker traded scores in the 19 and 21st minnutes. An Eoin Kennedy free just before half time sent the sides in level at the break.
Asdee knew they would have to up their performance against the wind in the 2nd half and a Daragh Keane point in the 4th minute set the tone for what was to be a great second half display by the men in Black and Amber. .A 13 minute free from Eoin Kennedy responded to two Valentia points in the 7, 8th minutes. For large parts of the 2nd half Asdee were dominating possesion and creating more scoring chances than the hosts but some poor finishing was preventing the North Kerry side from taking the lead. Valentia had six players in the South Kerry panel the previous week and surged ahead with points on the 14,15th minutes to leave the score 0-08 to 0-06 in favour of the home side. John Doran was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 18th minute before Valentia increased their lead in the 20,21st minutes with two more points. A Mike Breen free in the 22nd minute was followed by a Valentai point a minute later. It looked like a four point cushion would see the South Kerry side safely to victory but Asdee produced a great fightback. A Noel Long goal in the 25 minute reduced the deficit to a point before Charlie Dalton and Valentia traded points both in the 28th minute. The final whistle blew and it was not to be for Asdee. They may feel aggrieved that the referee didn’t play more injury time particularly as there were several stoppages in the 2nd half but they can be proud of a great 2nd half performance.
Team and Scorers: Conor Coughlan, Con Carmody, Martin Collins, Eoin O Carroll, Noel Long(1-00), Sean Keane, Kieran Kelly, John Doran, Padraig Ruddle, Michael Tydings,Darren Russell, Darragh Keane(0-01), Michael Breen(0-03, 2f), Charlie Dalton(0-01), Eoin Kennedy(0-3, 2f): Subs Eoin Tydings for Kieran Kelly, Denis Dalton, Barry O’Donoghue, Cathal Fogarty, Brian Coughlan, David O’ Connor
FUNDRAISER. There was a great response to the Fundraising Scrap Metal day which was organised by the Club and took place in the Car Park at Jack Walsh Park, on Saturday last June 8th. So on behalf of the St. Marys G A A we would like to thank everybody who donated the relevant scrap material which proved to be a very successful venture .
SHANNON RANGERS. The draw for the Keanes Super Value, Killorglin Minor County Championship which took place recently saw Shannon Rangers being drawn at home to East Kerry in round 1. This is due to take place on Wednesday July 9th with a venue to be confirmed. This year it is expected that this age group will do very well having the star-studded Ballydonoghue in their line up. Starting at Under 14 level Rangers were crowned County Champions, Under 16 also came very close and with Ballydonoghue winning County titles at various grades it is expected that the Rangers will enter the fray as very much title contenders.
UNDER 14. East Kerry proved a bridge too far for Shannon Rangers in the County Under 14 Plate Final played at Fitzgerald Stadium on Wednesday June 4th; Shannon Rangers 1-6 East Kerry 3-16. Well done to the team and Management for reaching a County Final and getting the opportunity of playing at Fitzgerald Stadium at such a young age which will surely be of benefit to them for the future.
UNDER 21. Beale/Bally/ Asdee will form a line up for this years Under 21 County Championship which is due to go ahead on Friday July 25th. Draw not yet drawn.
FIXTURE. County League Division 5. At Renard Sat 14th. Asdee v Renard.