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.