Young Islanders’ Novice loss

HAVING been defeated away to Tuosist in a recent County Junior Championship first round encounter, the Valentia Young Islanders stepped down to the Novice grade.

On Sunday, April 23, they travelled to Derrynane to encounter Sneem-Derrynane in such a grade but were once more defeated on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-9.

Conditions were ideal, beautiful and sunny in scenic Derrynane as this game got underway.

Sneem-Derrynane’s veteran Ronan Hussey had an early gilt edged goal chance but was thwarted by a good save from Valentia’s goalie Fionán Falvey.

The Islanders set the early pace and with John Curran and Paul O’Sullivan driving forward and Jim Lynch fielding high they led at half time on a score of 1- 6 to 0-5.

Paul Curtin scored their goal with three impressive points from Andy Quigley, two from Brian Falvey and one from John Curran.

For Sneem-Derrynane Ronan Hussey contributed two pointed frees with two points coming from Paudie McGillycuddy and a point from wing back Denis O’Sullivan.

Sneem-Derrynane’s full-back Mike O’Neill came close to scoring an end of half goal but his effort close to goal went narrowly wide.

The commencement of the second half saw Andy Quigley point a free for the islanders and it looked as if the first half dominance was about to continue.

But then all changed utterly as the Ronan Hussey second-half show kicked into action.

The former South Kerry County Championship winning player was superb in that second half scoring a goal and seven points to bring his total for the game to 2-9, with five coming from frees.

Sneem-Derrynane’s other scores in that second half came from Pat O’Sullivan(one point), Tadhg O’Sullivan (one goal) and Denis O’Sullivan (one point). Valentia’s second half scorers were Ger ‘ The Plumber’ O’Shea (one point) and Paul O’Connor (one point (a free).

FOOTNOTE: The Young Islanders’ corner back David Hussey is a native of Derrynane and is the proprietor of Boston’s Bar.

Valentia Young Islanders: Fionán Falvey; David Hussey, Senan Lynch, John Lynch; Liam George, John Curran, Paul O’Sullivan; Jim Lynch, Ger ‘ The Plumber’ O’Shea; Brian Falvey, Andy Quigley, Paul O’Connor, Paul Curtin, Steve Sheehan, Ger ‘Jack’ O’Sullivan.

Sub introduced: John Daly.