St Marys bid to reach fourth final in a row looking good

GOING by this year so far St Marys would seem to be the team in the better place.

After comfortably retaining Division 1 status scoring 22 points against Milltown / Castlemaine in a play-off and 1-22 against Sneem / Derrynane in the quarter-final it would appear they have more firepower.

Skellig Rangers have had a good year so far losing the County Junior Premier semi-final to eventual champions Dromid Pearses, already qualified for the South Kerry League final and thirdly losing a promotion play off from Division 4 to a Dr Crokes team weighed down with All-Ireland medals, but they found it very difficult to find their stride against Renard in the quarter final only to snatch it from the jaws of defeat with a last kick of the game penalty.

If Dara O’Sullivan can repeat his free taking performance versus the tried and trusted Bryan Sheahan that suggests fouling on both sides wouldn’t be advised. It is very probable Jack Daly and Bryan Sheahan will line out midfield for St Marys, but Skellig Rangers’ Brian Hickey left the field injured during the quarter-final and was replaced by Aidan ‘Dash’ O’Sullivan who took up partnership with Martin O’Sullivan so that battle will be key to the outcome.

St Marys forwards appear to be more prolific than Skellig Rangers but South Kerry Championship brings about amazing twists and turns. Considering Anthony O’Driscoll, Ger O’Sullivan and Bernard Walsh all defenders left the field injured during the quarter final in the event of some or all these players not being ready this would give Declan O’Leary a bit of a headache when planning how to hold St Marys forwards. On the other side Sean Cournane retired early in their quarter but it appeared more a precaution.

One would have to favour St Marys to advance to the South Kerry final for the fourth year in-a-row, winning the last three. I expect Kieran Mac and his management to keep them grounded and focused as usual, but Declan O’Leary and his management would dearly love to put one over the Town boys. I can’t see it happening just yet, but time will tell.

Munster Final

BEST wishes to Dromid Pearses on Sunday when they take on Knocknagree of Cork in Mallow Sports Complex at 3.15pm.

There are two very experienced managers at the helm. Declan O’Sullivan has seen it all before and he will have Dromid very fit motivated and don’t do panic.

John Fintan Daly, the well travelled manager, is in charge of Knocknagree and have brought about great confidence there.

So all in all an intriguing Kerry v Cork battle awaits us. I decline to predict this one because

I don’t know enough about Knocknagree, but what I do know is Dromid Pearses don’t go down without a mighty battle.

AGM

THE AGM of Coiste na nOg, South Kerry takes place in Waterville GAA Clubhouse on Tuesday, December 12 at 8pm.

All motions to be emailed to Runai before 5pm on December 5. If your club wishes to send in a motion about fixtures we would appreciate if you could have a look at the Master Fixture Plan as we can only fix games around the allotted times on this Master Fixture Plan, which has remained unchanged for the past number of years.