History repeats itself for Churchill as Skellig get the better of Listry

Churchill 1-9 Ballydonoghue 0-10

LIGHTENING might not strike twice, but history certainly has a habit of repeating itself.

Last year it was considered something of a shock when Churchill downed Ballydonoghue in this championship. Ballydonoghue were down a handful of players that day and people assumed that when they came face to face again last weekend that the two in-a-row North Kerry champions (a Division 3 side) would have the better of it against Division 5 opposition.

On top of that with Finuge the venue it was thought that Ballydonoghue would have greater familiarity with their surrounds. It was all set up for the favouties... except that Churchill, just the same as last year, resolutely refused to adhere to the script.

They’re made of stern stuff those Churchill boys. Not only did they beat the favourites by two points, they did so having played most of the second half with just fourteen men on the pitch following the dismissal of Cillian Fitzgerald on thirty five minutes.

Both sides settled quickly into the game and an early Ivan Parker point was cancelled by a Thomas Kennelly free. There wasn’t a huge amount between the sides in that first half, but Churchill finished the half the better hitting three points (Chris Hurley, Seán Donnellan and Cillian Fitzgerald) to Ballydonoghue’s one (Thomas Kennelly) to make it 0-6 to 0-4 at the break.

The second half started with a black card for Ballydonoghue’s Jack Foley and shortly after Cillian Fitzgerald was shown red for Churchill. Ballydonoghue were quickly level through Thomas and Paul Kennelly as Churchill struggled to adjust. The sides were still level with fifteen minutes to go.

Then came the defining moment of the game, when Ivan Parker picked out JJ Prior with a pass and JJ ran through unchallenged and finished to the net via the post. Prior is making a nice habit of late of popping up with important goals for Churchill and this gave his side something to defend for the final quarter of the game.

Ballydonoghue reduced the scoreline to a single point through Daragh Sheehy and Paul Kennelly, but points from Chris Hurley and O’Brien restored the three point lead. As Ballydonoghue searched for a goal Churchill defended resolutely with Sean Donnellan and PJ Mahoney putting their bodies on the line.

Ballydonoghue could only manage a late point and when the referee blew the final whistle there was relief and elation from Churchill.

Skellig Rangers 0-10 Listry 0-9

DESPITE finishing the game with thirteen men, Skellig Rangers just about held on to an opening win in the Group Stages thanks to a late catch by Ronan O’Shea in Glenbeigh that ensured they beat last year Junior Champions Listry in the East Kerry side’s first outing at Premier Junior level.

Three Anthony Sweeney points had helped Listry in an advantage of 0-4 to 0-1 after 10 minutes and it looked even more difficult for the Portmagee side when Chris O’Driscoll was given his marching orders.

Bernard Walsh and Ciaran Keating lifted Skellig spirits however so much so that the game was level at 0-5 apiece at half-time following an equalising point from Martin O’Sullivan.

Skellig went ahead on the scoreboard in the second period before Gary O’Sullivan and Derry Ahern brought Listry level on separate occasions in a tight second period.

Darragh O’Sullivan and Diarmuid Keating scored points to give Skellig a lead of 0-10 to 0-8 before the latter was shown a second yellow card.

A big defensive block by Gerard O’Sullivan halted Listry attempts to salvage matters when the difference was reduced to a single point again, but after six additional minutes O’Shea rose highest to claim an inviting ball and secure the South Kerry side’s win.