CO.CHAMPIONSHIP RD.1
Killarney Legion 0-15 Kenmare Shamrocks 1-12
Both sets of supporters of these two sides certainly got their nerves well and truly tested in this tense and absorbing 1st.rd.game played in Derreen.The football may not have been of the highest standard at times but the closeness of the encounter and the seesaw nature of the scoring made it compulsive viewing.If the Legion were to overturn their club championship defeat to the same opposition then they would have to limit Stephen O Brien and Sean O Shea’s influence,this they did with Chris Davies doing a fine man marking job on O Brien and Darragh Doherty holding up his end.One problem though was the concession of frees which led to O Shea notching 6 from dead ball chances.Legion captain Danny Sheahan had a tremendous game on Paul O Connor and overall the Legion backs did well.Kenmare defence also in which Dara Crowley and Sean O Sullivan were no less effective and this was the springboard for much of their attacks.The first half was especially tense as reflected by the halftime score which saw the Legion go in ahead 4pts.to 3.What could have been a critical moment for the Legion was the awarding of a penalty just on the stroke of halftime as Jamie O Sullivan smartly turned Dara O Shea and was hauled down just as he was about to shoot.Up stepped James O Donoghue but his low shot was turned away one handed by Kieran Fitzgibbon in the Kenmare goal.Crucially the same player brought off another timely stop midway through the second half when Tom Moriarty bore down on goal but again was denied by the keeper.The second period was far more fluid as both sides went for it and the scoring rate increased as a consequence.While O Shea was Kenmare’s scorer in chief Jamie O Sullivan was his equal as he hit 4 minors and became more and more of a problem for the Shamrocks.James O Donoghue also made a telling contribution as he bagged 5 pts.for his side.As the clocked ticked into Injury time it looked like the Legion had nicked it as Finbar Murphy cooly slooted over after good work by O Donoghue but in a last gasp sally O Shea levelled from 40m.to send the game to extra time.
Kenmare sprung from the traps at the very start of extra time as sub Kevin Price struck for a goal after 40 seconds it could have been a fatal blow for the home side but keeping their cool they gradually chipped away at the deficit and points from Cian Gammell,Jonathan Lyne and Conor Keane levelled matters to live to fight another day.
On the positive side the Legion created goal chances,they had a sound defence,and in adversity kept cool and were rewarded for that.The replay no doubt will be another tense tight affair as these two sides continue their trilogy.Many thanks to those who helped on the day to make sure all ran smoothly – which it did.
FIXTURE
Replay Co.Championship V Kenmare Shamrocks,Sunday 21st.May in Kenmare at 2.30p.m.As usual all support (which has been great this year)greatly appreciated.
HOGAN CUP WINNERS
It was nice to see Robert Osbourne,Michaél Devlin,Barry Slattery and Darren Looney being acknowledged for their part in the Sem’s fine victory in this years Hogan Cup at half-time last Sunday.A much coveted medal not held by many.
KERRY MINORS
Congratulations to up and coming star Cian Gammell who did so well for the Kerry minors in their comprehensive win over Cork,he followed it up with a steady performance when introduced in the game against Kenmare.
LOTTO
Winning no’s – 1,14,18,27.No winner.Lucky dips – (1)Séanie Culloty,Four Star Pizza,(2)Steve and Ben,c/o Lake Hotel,(3)Gerard Murphy,c/o Laune Bar,(4)Fiona Ní Choncubhair,Countess Rd.(5)Mike Nelligan,c/o Linehans Bar.Next weeks jackpot €9,400.Play online at www.legiongaa.com
SYMPATHY
The Killarney Legion Club extends it’s sincerest sympathy to the Howe Family on the sad passing of Frank R.I.P.
While it is always a welcome sight to see Fr.Mike home we all wish that this time it was in happier circumstance.The Howe family have a long connection with the Legion and we’re proud to have Frank’s granddaughter Orla as joint treasurer of the club.Sioraí na bhFlaitheas ar a Anam Uasal.