The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Glenflesk see off Legion in a thriller
EAST KERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2 FINAL
Killarney Legion 4-11 Glenflesk 4-16
THESE two whole-hearted teams played themselves to standstill in sweltering conditions in Rathbeg. Excellent referee Brian Fleming took the sensible and much appreciated decision to allow a water break in each half.
The opening quarter looked as if Glenflesk would completely overwhelm the Legion as early goals from midfielder Danny Lucey (1-3) and Shane Dennehy (1-2) set them up nicely in fact, but for some errant shooting they should have been more ahead.
Slowly the Legion dragged themselves back into it and with man of the match Conor McCarthy (3-2) getting more ball they closed the gap in the second quarter to just a brace, but Glenflesk had the ability all night to respond and this they did with a Jonathan Bowler goal to open another gap to leave the half-time score Legion 0-6 Glenflesk 3-4.
Facing into a nice breeze the Legion looked to have an uphill struggle but the second half itself held many twists as both sides went flat out for the win. However, the Legion’s Achilles heel all night was their kick-out, which Glenflesk time after time gained possession and converted on the scoreboard.
They refused to give up the cause and with Seán McCarthy in tremendous form at midfield they gradually chipped away at the eight point deficit. With time ticking a clever free from Adam Moynihan which wrong footed the Glenflesk defence saw Stephen McCarthy strike low and hard to the net for a dramatic equaliser.
Still time for more drama as Glenflesk on the counter struck over a free from Darragh Fleming (0-8) before Adam Moynihan did the same at the other end with the second last kick of the game in normal time.
Indeed the afore mentioned Darragh Fleming was a crucial cog in Glenflesk’s win as he really came into his own in extra time and he returned with a fantastic total of eight points from frees and play.
Extra-time showed what the comeback had taken out of the Legion as it was dominated by Glenflesk who regrouped in fine fashion and the tacked on five points in that period to deservedly take the title after a thrilling final.
Glenflesk had good performers round the field, but Alan Murphy and Fleming did the business consistently throughout. Hard luck on Legion’s Conor McCarthy who with 3-2 and was practically unmarkable and in the process of flicking an overhead ball for his third goal shipped a fierce collision in the process.
A great entertaining final with twists turns of all sorts along the way.
After game Johnny Brosnan, chairman of East Kerry GAA committee and sponsor Ruth Allen, of Kerry Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre Killarney, presented the cup to Glenfesk captain Jerry Kennedy. GLENFESK: Kenny Cronin, Tom Doherty, Jerry Kkennedy (c), Padraig O’Sullivan, Gary O’Donoghue, Kieran O’Donoghue, Liam Warren, Donal O’Sullivan, Danny Lucey, Alan McSweeney, Colm Tobin, Johnathan Bowler, Stephen Lacey, John B O’Donoghue, Shane Dennehy,
LEGION: Mikey B O’Donoghue, Patick Mannix, Colm O’Cuiv, Brian Collins, Daniel Devlin, Conor Lucy, Rob Lucey, Sean McCarthy, (Capatin), Alan Moriarty, Adam Moynihan, Michael Devlin, Cian Sheehan, Stephen McCarthy, Conor McCarthy, Luke O’Donoghue
Munster Games
BEST of luck to Kerry South Under 14 / Under 15 management and players taking part in Munster Games in Waterford and Cork next Saturday. July 7.
All teams have trained well in advance of the competitions. Panels of twenty four players will be selected to perform on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity for Kerry South players to get a taste of inter-county football.
Féile
CONGRATULATIONS to the Cordal / Scart Under 14 Team who reached the shield Final and Killarney Legion who reach semi-final from the region.
Sympathy
AT last meeting of East Kerry GAA Committee a minute of silent for late pat Delaney, Assistant Treasurer of East Kerry GAA Committee and vote sympathy was passed on his death.
He be missed by his fellow officers and delegates, vote sympathy was also passed for following Kathleen Kelly, Firies, Bríd Sugrue nee Kelly Park Road, Killarney and Carrageen-iron mills Killarney.
May they all rest in peace,
FIXTURES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
East Kerry Junior League Division 1 Final Rathmore Spa v Rathmore, Spa 7.30pm Under 14 Group B
Cordal-Scar taglin v Firies, 7pm
MONDAY JULY 9
7pm
Under 14 Group A
Dr Crokes v Kilcummin
Fossa v Killarney Legion
Group B
Kenmare v Cordal/Scar taglin Listry/Keel v Firies
Group C
Gneeveguilla v Kilgarvan-Tuosist Rathmore v Spa
Currow v Beaufor t