Louth under-16s enjoy Kingdom hospitality

LOUTH Under 16s travelled to West Kerry on Saturday morning to spend the weekend in the picturesque village of Annascaul West Kerry. The strong 37 man panel under the Management of Tom Rooney, Malcom McDonnell, Sean Hand, Noel Litchfield and Hugh Lyons the team were well prepared for the challenges ahead

On Saturday afternoon the played a very strong North Kerry team in Austin Stack Park Tralee where they were slow to start but gradually worked their way back into the game and lost out in the end. Then the squad headed cross town to the Keirns O’Rahillys club home of players such as Tommy Walsh and current Kerry stars David Moran and Barry John Keane to take on their Under 18 team. Playing some excellent football the Louth boys lost out in the end by two points.

It was then back to base in Annascaul to prepare for day two and a meeting with West Kerry Under 16 team which is backboned by players from Pobalscoil Corta Duibhne the All Ireland Post Primary A Champions. The game was played in An Gaeltacht GAA Club, Gallarus West Kerry home of the O’Se brothers. Louth started well with two early goals and in a 15 minute spell the Kerry boys kicked 2-8 without reply. At one stage West Kerry were ahead by 15 points. In an outstanding second half Louth closed the margin to two and missed an excellent goal chance to take the lead. West Kerry held on for the win but the Louth management will be very happy with the second half display where the locals were really impressed with the Louth men’s performance.

Following the game the team and management headed to Paudi O’Se’s for a special presentation with the West Kerry GAA Board.