The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Minors facing a major test GAA Scene
County Board PRO John O’Leary with all the GAA news
THE Kerry minors face tough opposition in Derry in the Electric Ireland Minor football championship final, the opening game in Croke Park on Sunday next.
On their way to the final, while winning all their games with something to spare, Kerry have blown a bit hot and cold.
Due to the quality of the opposition provided in both games, one has to discount the games against Clare in the Munster championship, but Kerry did put in a sterling display against Cork in a winner takes all Munster semi final all of four months ago.
That was a real test of this team given that they were playing in Páirc Uí Rinn which has not been a good hunting ground for Kerry Minor teams over the years. As well as that, pressure was on both sides given that the loser had no second chance.
In the quarter final against Louth, some chinks were seen in the Kerry armour and again in the semi-final against Cavan, management would not have been happy with some aspects of their play.
However, they are where they set out to be at the start of the year.
Derry has had a good run of tough games on their way to Sunday’s encounter. They got the better of a very fancied Tyrone side in the opening round and had impressive victories over Antrim and Cavan on their way to an Ulster championship title.
Having been run close by Sligo in the quarter-final they then had a very impressive victory over a Dublin side who were many people’s favourites to advance to the final at the very least. That victory took place of course in Dublin’s own back yard of Croke Park and that makes it an even more impressive win.
Sunday’s game has all the makings of a classic. Both teams have players who have come through the tough colleges circuit and both sides have stand-out players who will no doubt warrant special attention.
What makes Sunday’s game unique is the fact that it is the final Minor championship at Under 18 level with the age limit reducing to Under 17 next season and no doubt both sides will give their all in an effort to lift the Irish Press Cup for the last time.
Referee for Sunday’s game that throws in at 1:15 is Anthony Nolan of Wicklow.
Win or lose, the Kerry team will be welcomed back to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney at 5:30pm on Monday and afterwards the team and management will be welcomed by Fossa GAA Club, club of captain David Clifford.
The Kerry GAA Supporters Club will take their usual coaches to the All Ireland Football finals on Sunday next.
All seats must be booked by Thursday 14. Contact Donal O’Leary, John King or Martin Leane. Buses depart Farranfore at 6:30, Tralee at 7am and Listowel at 7:30am.
Golf Classics
TWO Kerry GAA Fundraising Golf Classics will be held in the leadin to the All Ireland final weekend where of course the Kerry Minor football team will proudly carry the Kerry colours.
The classics take place on this Friday, September 15 in Killarney Golf Club, and the Kerry Association in Dublin will organise an outing in Lucan Golf Club on the same day.
Cost is €700 per team (4 Ball) and this includes two tickets for the All Ireland Finals and a meal for four. For further details on the Kerry Classic contact JP Brick (087 2583143) and for information on the Dublin event contact Luke Moriarty (087 2577376).
Annual Collection
THE Kerry GAA annual church gate collection was taken up at all masses in the county last weekend and our thanks to all who contributed and special thanks to all the club volunteers who organised and took up the collections in the most trying of weather conditions.
Senior Club Final
THE Castleisland Mart Senior Club Championship final between Dr Crokes and Kenmare Shamrocks played in wet and very windy conditions at Killarney’s Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday last turned out to be one of the games of the year. Both sides deserve tremendous credit for the fare they served up in the trying conditions and at the end of the day it took extra time to decide the winner.
A goal by Ambrose O’Donovan in the first period of extra time was the decisive score and Dr Crokes went on to lift the Michael O’Connor Cup on a scoreline of 3-20 to 2-20 after a game littered with some fine individual displays the most noteworthy of which was that by last year’s minor winning captain, Sean O’Shea of Kenmare.