COUNTY LEAGUE
Having to line out without 3 of our regular outfit our senior footballers made it that bit more difficult to nail down a play-off place when we took on Austin Stacks “B” in Round 10, Group “B” recently with the Tralee boys edging ahead in injury time by a single point; but all is not lost as its all in our own hands at the moment; simply with 2 games left; maximum points will see us reach our target and depending on last round results it is possible that just 1 win would suffice.
However both games are away; on this Friday August 9th 7pm, in Killarney v Killarney Legion and in Kilgarvan on August 18th or September 8th against the home team. Both games will be difficult but with a full outfit this can be achieved.
At the minute numbers are a problem; ( as in most clubs) as the club are working out of 17 or 18 players. Fair dues to the Management team and of course the dedicated panel of players who even at times would in some cases just have the bare 15; which recently occured in a County Novice championship semi final against Castlegregory.
Without doubt its getting harder and the Under 17 rule that exists at the minute don’t help matters especially for the majority of rural clubs. Still its onwards and upwards and with the inclusion of a few underage players almost ready to play senior football the future looks a lot brighter.
MINORS
Asdee/Ballylongford/Ballydonoghue/Clounmacon 0-13 Beale 1-7
Played on Tuesday last at Denis Dowling Park,Coolard; the postponed first round game between the combined team and Beale in the North Kerry Minor League was played with the home team coming out victorious by 3 points margin after a hard fought win.
With a place in the final for the winners it had a real feel of a semi final with scores being hard to come by as both defences were on top in the first half but with Jack Kennelly up front in top form once again and his sides top scorer; the combined team went in at half-time 3 points to the good.
Half-time score ABBC 0-5 Beale 0-2.
At the start of the second half points were exchanged till midway through when Beale struck for a goal to level matters. However the combined team showed great spirit to pull away to win at the final whistle. Overall a huge improvement is needed if the team have aspirations of lifting silverware as it wasn’t the best performance by any means; however they stood up when needed and deservedly won in the finish.
As a result of Beale winning their back game on Thursday last when they defeated Knocknagoshel/Brosna/Duagh they have now qualified for the final where they will play the local ABBC team on this Thursday August the 8th ,7 30pm, O Sullivan Park, Finuge. Certainly a rip roaring contest is assured with very little separating the sides.
C. Doran, R.Foley, L Guiney, G. Stack, J Donnegan, P. Carmody, B O’Neill,.1pt, M Nolan, 1pt, C. Carmody, S. Doran, T O’Carroll B Keane, 1pt, J Kennelly. 10pts.
GOLDEN GOAL Week 25 winners in our Fundraisers”Golden Goal” over the past week were; Maurice O Carroll, Asdee Village and Eoin O Carroll, Kilcolman, Asdee who will each receive E40 to be given out each week to the winning number that corresponds with the first goal scored.
This is in conjunction with on going All Ireland Championship in both Football and Hurling; (Televised games). Tickets are available and will be on sale each week for the duration of the Championship from Club members and at the usual outlets; “Jack Jays” Bar and John Pius at E2 each.
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
The draw for the Bernard O Callaghan Memorial Senior Football Championship; Sponsored by McMunns Bar and Restaurant, Ballybunion will take place on Friday September 6th at McMunns with a starting time of 8pm sharp. The local St. Marys, Asdee Club will be one of the 14 teams entering the draw.
CONGRATS
Congratulations to both Jason Foley, Ballydonoghue and Shane Enright, Tarbert who were playing members of the Kerry Senior Football team that defeated Meath on Saturday evening last in Navan and as a result are now through to the All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final in Croke Park on this Sunday where they play Tyrone. Best of luck to both Kerry Minors and Seniors and all concerned.
SHANNON RANGERS
The draw for the Acorn Life Under 21 County Championship took place on Monday last. 14 teams were in the hat and Shannon Rangers drew Laune Rangers to be played on Tuesday August 6th with extra time if required at the J P O Sullivan Park, Killorglin. Players from the local St. Marys Club will be involved The full draw is as follows; Feale Rangers and Kenmare District both received byes to Round 2.
First named teams have home venue and which will be a straight knockout; South Kerry v St. Kierans, East Kerry v Mid Kerry, West Kerry v Dr. Crokes, Kerins O Rahillys v St. Brendans, Austin Stacks v Gneeveguilla and Shannon Rangers v Laune Rangers.
FIXTURES. North Kerry League Division 1 Minor Final; Asdee/Ballylongford/Ballydonoghue/Clounmacon v Beale. This Thursday August 8th. 7 30pm; O Sullivan Park, Finuge.
Acorn Life Insurance Under 21County Championship; Tuesday August 6th with extra time if required at the J P O Sullivan Park, Killorglin; Shannon Rangers v Laune Rangers. Remaining County League games; both away games; Legion Friday August 9th . 7pm and Kilgarvan August 18th or September 8th.