The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Primary schools action continues
THE Allianz Cumann na mBunscol competitions moved serious steps closer to completion this week with several quarter and semi-finals played in the different divisions.
In the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol division two semi-final Scoil Eoin Balloonagh avenged last year’s final defeat with a 3-14 to 2-12 victory over the 2016 champions St. Oliver’s.
Scoil Eoin started well and opened up a three-goal advantage and though St. Oliver’s matched them stride for stride following the opening flurry they failed to reel them in and Scoil Eoin will face The Mon Killarney in the final.
In the Division 3 final Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn will face Ardfert. The Ardfert squad overcame the highly fancied Gaelscoil Aogáin outfit following their replayed fixture by the slenderest of margins in John Mitchels on Wednesday last.
Ardfert got off to a good start and were five ahead approaching the interval, but the Castleisland Gaelscoil finished the half notching 1-2 to leave them deadlocked at the break 1-5 apiece. The lead was exchanged several times during the second period and victory could most certainly have gone either way but crucially Ardfert struck for a two point lead entering the final five minutes and were forced to defend heroically and frantically to hold on for a 4-8 to 4-7 victory in a classic.
The Division 4 Urban finalists will now come from the winners of the Gaelscoil Aogain v St. Oliver’s and Dromclough v CBS Tralee semi-final.
In the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 6/8-Teacher championship An Teaghlach Naofa Rathmore are through to the final following their semi- final victory over Cullina and they await the winners of the Spa and Duagh semi final clash.
In the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 4/5-Teacher quarter-finals Scoil Eoin Baiste Lios Póil defeated Nohoval 6-7 to 4-4 in Cahersalee on Thursday and on Friday in Tom Healy Park, Abbeydorney Ballyduff Central defeated Scoil Bréanainn, Fenit 5-11 to 4-9 in a tremendously competitive game.
Ballyduff got off to a perfect start and appeared to be coasting only to be hauled in by a spirited Scoil Bréanain fight back.
Ballyduff, Scoil Eoin Baiste, Lios Póil, Castlemaine and last year’s champions Aughatubrid will now contest the championship semi-finals while the defeated quarter-finalists will compete for the Shield trophy.
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol urban and 6/8-Teacher finals are fixed for November 9 while the 2-Teacher, 3-Teacher and 4/5-Teacher finals are scheduled for the following week.
All finals to be played in Austin Stack Park.