The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry back on track
County Board PRO John O’Leary with all the GAA news
KERRY senior footballers claimed a morale boosting victory over a plucky Roscommon side in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday last in Round 4 of the Allianz League a victory that puts them mid table on four points out of a possible eight.
Following disappointing losses to both Mayo and Monaghan on home soil this victory was certainly welcomed by players, management and supporters alike.
Everyone was hurting and disappointed after a substandard display against Monaghan in particular, but in fairness the players responded on this occasion and they were well worth their 1-19 to 1-13 victory.
A feature of the game, and a welcome one at that, was the way in which Kerry closed out the game after Roscommon had brought it back to a one point game following a fortuitous penalty award as the game neared a conclusion.
Another pleasing feature of the game was the fact that nine players shared the scoring with the likes of James O’Donoghue and Paul Geaney looking something more like their true selves. The Kerry management cannot be accused of not giving the newer players a fair chance and the experience gained thus far in the league is sure to stand to them.
The all-conquering double All Ireland winners Dublin, are next on Kerry’s radar when the sides meet in the much anticipated sell out Round 5 Allianz League encounter under lights at Tralee’s Austin Stack Park on the Saturday of the St Patrick’s weekend. The Dubs have certainly been a bogey team for the Kingdom in recent years and no doubt this will certainly be a test of character for Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s charges.
Kerry finish up their campaign with an away trip to Cavan on March 26 and then Kerry have Tyrone as visitors for the final Round of the League on April 2.
Supporters Club
THE final away game of the Allianz League against Cavan takes place on Sunday, March 26. This is an overnight stay for the Supporters’ Club.
Bookings for this trip, along with full payment, will be taken on Monday, March 13 in the Ballygarry House Hotel or the Listowel Arms Hotel at 8.30pm.
Membership is now due for 2017 and all persons travelling in the supporters’ bus must have a valid 2017 membership card for insurance purposes.
Under 21s
KERRY Under 21 footballers open their Munster Championship campaign when they take on Clare in the quarter final tie in Austin Stack Park Tralee on this Wednesday evening, a game that has a 7:30 throw-in.
Kerry’s woes in this grade in recent years have been well documented and suffice to say that we have to go all the way back to 2008 for the last time that Kerry have been successful at provincial level and of course they capped that win by subsequently claiming the All Ireland title.
The current side contains six of the side defeated by Cork in the Munster Final last year namely Tom O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Tom Leo O’Sullivan, Barry O’Sullivan, Brian Ó Seanachain, and Matthew Flaherty.
Three more of the team – Brian Sugrue, Brandon Barrett and Matthew O’Sullivan – missed last year’s final due to injury having featured in earlier rounds. Unfortunately the game comes too soon for Brian Ó Beagaloich as he continues his recovery from injury.
With the exception of Matthew O’Sullivan of St Michaels-Foilmore, all of the side have played in successful All Ireland minor winning sides since 2014 with Daniel O’Brien and Sean O’Shea members of last year’s winning side.
Success at minor level brings it’s own pressures of course and there is a very high level of expectation out there in relation to this group, something I am sure that manager Jack O’Connor and his management team could do without.
The team is captained by Brian Sugrue of Renard. The prize for Wednesday night’s winners is a trip to Dungarvan on Wednesday March 15 to take on Waterford in the semi-final.
All Ireland Club Final
DR Crokes continue their preparations for the All Ireland Club Final against Slaughtneil of Derry in Croke Park on St Patrick’s day a game that has a later than usual throw-in time of 5pm, a decision made late last year due to issues surrounding the large annual St Patricks day in the capital.
So far two special trains have been sold out and it looks like the club will be very well represented at HQ.