The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Four clubs claim U-17 9-a-side football titles
UNDER-17 9-A-SIDE CLUB COMPETITION
LAUNE Rangers (Division 1), Milltown-Castlemaine (Division 2), Keel/Listry (Division 3) and Finuge (Division 4) were crowned champions in the U-17 9-a-side club competitions at the weekend. The competition was organised by Donal Daly and the staff of Kerry Coaching and Games.
Twenty-four teams commenced in the competitions, playing two rounds of blitzes to grade the semi-finals. The competition has been a massive success with the players and mentors.
Division 1
Laune Rangers showed the value of being able to score points from distance as Gneeveguilla struck for two goals in the second half but the accuracy of Laune Rangers ensured that they won by the minimum.
Firies defeated a very good Austin Stack team in a game where the advantage swung between the two but a string finish in the last few minutes drove Firies to victory.
The final was a tight affair in the first half with Rangers leading by a point at half time. However a powerful running Laune Rangers team finished stronger to claim the title. Dara O’Donoghue was magnificent for Firies. Matthew Leslie showed some excellent touches for Laune Rangers; however Owen Clifford was the exceptional in both the semi-final and final for Laune Rangers.
Division 2
It was another Mid Kerry victory with Milltown Castlemaine coming out on tops after two tight games. They played Na Gaeil in the semi-final and after two periods of extra time they were victorious in free taking to decide the winner. They then faced Kerins O’Rahillys who were too strong for Churchill after a high scoring encounter.
In the final both teams took some exceptional scores with Milltown Castlemaine winning by the minimum. Milltown Castlemaine’s John Dennehy played a captain’s part in leading his team to the title.
Division3
Knock/Brosna/Duagh and Keel/ Listry were too strong for their opponents in their semi-finals. In a brilliant and high scoring final both teams left nothing on the field and were level at full time.
Keel/Listry had a bit in the tank to claim the title with goal spree in extra time. Best for Duagh/Knock/ Brosna were Murroch McNulty, Conor Lane and Josh Inns.
Keel/Listry had excellent performances from Captain Ronan Buchanan, Ruairi Murphy, Sean Corcoran and Keith Evans. RESULTS
Division 1 Final
Laune Rangers 3-11 Firies 1-8 3rd/4th Place play-off Gneeveguilla 1-7 Austin Stacks 0-8 Semi-finals
Laune Rangers 0-12 Gneeveguilla 2-5 Firies 2-13 Austin Stacks 2-9
Division 2 Final
Milltown Castlemaine 5-6 Kerins O’Rahillys 5-5 3rd/4th Place play-off
Churchill 1-4 Na Gaeil 2-11
Semi-finals
Milltown Castlemaine 3-12 Na Gaeil 3-12 (Milltown Castlemaine qualified on free kicks after two periods of extra time) Churchill 3-8 Kerins O’Rahillys 4-10
Division 3 Final
Keel/Listry 3-11 Duagh/Knock/Brosna 0-13 (AET)
3rd/4th Place play-off
St Pat’s Blennerville 2-9 St Michael’s Foilmore 2-7 Semi-finals
Duagh/Knock/Brosna 0-16 St Michael’s Foilmore 4-2
Keel/Listry 6-7 St Pat’s Blennerville 3-7
Division 4 Final
Finuge 6-9 Spa 1-4
3rd/4th Place play-off
Ballymacelligott 5-10 Castleisland Desmonds 7-4
Semi-finals
Ballymacelligott 3-2 Spa 5-5
Finuge 4-4 Castleisland Desmonds 1-2
U-14 County Football District Championship
THIS year’s competition has a different format, with districts being graded into the cup or plate. Teams play each other over five rounds and the top four will progress to the semi-finals.
After three rounds of the cup competition, East Kerry has a perfect record and will be favourites for the title. Eoghan Ruadh and Mid Kerry are in semi-finals spots with two wins each. Castleisland District holds the finals semi- final slot with one win. Tralee District and Feale Rangers have ground to make up but a semi-final slot is not unachievable.
The plate competition has three rounds played as well. South Kerry and West Kerry lead the way; Kenmare District and St. Brendan’s Board need a win to confirm their semi slots. Shannon Rangers can still make the semis but know that they will need to improve to achieve this.
There have been some exciting games so far. Semi-finals will be played Wednesday, June 13 at 7pm. The finals are scheduled for Sunday, June 17.