The Randles Bros Nissan Championship went into overdrive the weekend with a comprehensive round of games.

In the marquee fixture of the weekend the Randles Bros Nissan Intermediate Championship Final Na Gaeil defeated Rathmore in a superb game of football to add to their Junior title they won 2 years ago. Played in a sun drenched Ballymacelligott, the large attendance were treated to a wonderful open game of football - an example to all young footballers on how the game should be played with the largest margin between the teams at any stage being 3 points .  The 2015 Intermediate Final was a much different affair to last year's, where Desmonds walked off relatively comfortably with the title. However Na Gaeil came back fighting this year with a relatively full panel & were much the better for it.

Rathmore playing with the aid of a slight breeze started the brighter but hit two wides before registering their first score a point from Caroline Reen. Na Gaeil were beginning to settle and had 2 wides of their own before Sara Cunningham levelled matters with a point. Na Gaeil were beginning to dominate proceedings at this point but hit three wides in a row. Rathmore then intercepted a Na Gaeil attack after some excellent hand passing found the Na Gaeil net on the counter attack. Na Gaeil's reply was swift and point from Jadyn Lucey steadied the ship. Eileen Murphy Rathmore and Sara Cunningham (free) traded points to leave the score Rathmore 1-2 to 3 points ahead. Rathmore through Noreen Murphy added another point before a high effort from Sara Cunningham deceived the Rathmore keeper to wind up in the net. Rathmore hit back with another Noreen O Mahony point before Ayesha Roche levelled matters on the 20th minute with a fine individual effort.

Marie Quirke and Eilis O Connor were dominating midfield and the half back line of Sarah Quigley, Deirdre Kearney and Riona Ni Cinneide were holding the Rathmore forwards with Kim Enright having a excellent spell at corner back. Kate Feeney was showing well a wing forward and gave Na Gaeil the lead with a well taken point before having to retire injured to be replaced by Kate Ann O Connor. Marie Quirke then hit an excellent 45 to leave Na Gaeil 2 points ahead heading for half time. However Rathmore hit for another well taken goal just before half time to leave the score 1-6 to 2-4 in favour of Rathmore. Rathmore again started the second half the brighter and scored two opening points however Sara Cunningham and Marie Quirke soon had the sides level and it was nip and tuck for the next 15 minutes with each side scoring 3 points two of these being excellent long range efforts from Marie Quirke. Rathmore continued to press hard for scores and had the next point which was cancelled out by points from Ayesha Roche and Jadyn Lucey with Rathmore again levelling matters through Norma Mahony. Na Gaeil continued to press hard for scores and with their defence and in particular Brid O'Connor and Muireann Moriarty dominating they continued to repel the Rathmore attacks and Megan Sheehy showing well at wing forward to help her defence clear their lines.

Na Gaeil had the last 3 scores of the day from Ayesha Roche (2) and Marie Quirke (1). Final score Na Gaeil 1-16, Rathmore 2-10. It was a thrilling game & Rathmore though disappointed can be sure they threw everything into it & left no rock unturned. Riona Kennedy Na Gaeil accepted the title from Paddy White Chairman Kerry Ladies Football board on behalf of sponsors Randles Bros Nissan Dealers.

Na Gaeil: Laura Fitzgerald, Niamh Moriarty, Brid O Connor, Kim Enright, Sarah Quigley, Deirdre Kearney, Riona Ni Cinneide (capt) Eilis O Connor, Marie Quirke (0-5, 3f), Megan Sheehy, Ayesha Roche (0-3), Kate Feeney (0-1), Sarah Cunningham(1-4), Aine Kelliher, Jadyn Lucey(0-3) Kate Ann O Connor for Kate Feeney (20 mins) Sile Reidy, Sinead Prendergast, Muirean Moriarty for Niamh Moriarty (30 mins) Meadbh Horgan for Kate Ann O Connor (50 mins), Eimear Nolan, Niamh Hannifin, Caoimhe Hannafin, Erika O Sullivan, Blathnaid O Connor.

In other results the weekend, in the Randles Bros Nissan Senior Club Championship, Southern Gaels after their exciting early week quarter final clash with Castleisland Desmonds faced Scartaglen in the semi final. In what was a tepid affair, Southern Gaels ran out comprehensive winners with goals from Julie O'Connell, Saidbh Fitzgerald, Mary Cronin & Deirdre Corridan. They now go on to meet winners of Laune Rangers & Inbhear Sceine Gaels clash. In the Randles Bros Junior A Championship, the clash between Abbeydorney & John Mitchels was called off due to injury to the Mitchels keeper Diana O'Keeffe in the first minute of the second half, we wish her a speedy recovery. In the other 1/4 final clash Dr Crokes ran out comfortable winners against East Kerry neighbours Kilcummin 5-08 to 1-08, goals for Crokes coming from Amanda Brosnan with 2 including a penalty,  Rehanne O Shea, Siobhan burns and Kate Stack. In the Randles Bros Junior B Championship newly reformed Firies defeated Annascaul Castlegregory on score line of 1-19 to 1-06. While Randles Bros Junior C Championship Fossa defeated neighbours Legion who were depleted on a score line 4-08 to 1-00. With goals coming from Anna Clifford, Katie Talbot, Shelly Clifford.

Semi finals of the Randles Bros Nissan Championship takes place on weekend of July 18th.

Well done to all our Féile teams who headed around the country for the National, Regional & Provincial Féile's. Teams that took to the road were Corca Dhuibhne to Kildare, Currow to Wexford, with Miltown/Listry, Fossa, Rathmore taking the short trip to Mallow. Well done to Currow who reached the semi final but were defeated by a strong Donegal outfit. While Miltown/Listry lost their final to Carraigline of Cork. Well done to all teams that participated & represented Kerry so well.

Best of luck to all our young footballers togging out for the Shannon Airport Primary Game team in the Munster Final on Sunday in Killarney.

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