Strong East Kerry flavour to Division 2
THERE’S a strong East Kerry flavour to this division in 2017 with no less than six sides from the district involved with three further sides from south of Tralee (Beaufort, Kenmare Shamrocks and Waterville) giving southern clubs over three-quarters representation in total.
Legion and Kenmare Shamrocks both probably went down too easily for their liking from the top flight last year while Kilcummin were left to rue a defeat to John Mitchels that took their chances of staying up out of their hands.
Coming up meanwhile Ardfert won a very tight Division 3 title in their best League outing since making it to the top flight themselves as part of the club’s momentous run exactly a decade ago.
Currow meanwhile are still to have a season without promotion or relegation this decade as they have gone up and down around the first three divisions. St Pats return here for the first time since 2014 meanwhile while Listowel Emmets are the sole North Kerry side here in 2017. Spa are the longest serving side here (fourth year) to give you a good idea of how much things can change from year to year. While the promotion race was decided inside the regulation 11 games last year, a playoff was needed to decide the final relegation spot. There might be a few more playoffs at both ends this year with various forms of different sides as four grades of Championship from Legion, Kenmare and Kilcummin at Senior level right down to Listry at Junior level do battle.
Promotion: Beaufort, Legion and Spa
Relegation: Currow, Kenmare and Listry After having to fight off relegation to Division 4 during a slump in their League form in recent years, the St Brendans side appear to be stabilising again at league level and will be competitive no matter what side they have out during the campaign. A short stay in the top flight after over a quarter-century away from it. The Club Championship was their main priority but the effects of their AllIreland Intermediate semi-final loss to eventual winners Westport will determine a lot in terms of ability to bounce back on all levels Club Championship disappointment was overcome by hanging on for a second year here with the playoff win over St Michaels/Foilmore meaning they avoided a second one year stay in the Division like 2014. Will have to work just as hard if they want to stay here for a third year although will be beneficial for Junior Championship ambitions.