Congratulations to Kerry U16 team on winning the All Ireland title after a comprehensive victory over Galway on Wednesday. Played in wintery conditions in Bruff with heavy rain gushing down mid-way through the half. It was as a complete team performance from defence to the attacking unit all on form. Kerry started the game with intent with the opening score a point from Hannah O'Donoghue in the first minute. Kerry dominated the opening half and within 10 minutes had 2 goals on the score sheet with Fiadhna Tangney getting the first after she was played in from her co-conspirator Hannah O'Donoghue. She then repaid the compliment as she played Hannah in for her first goal of the evening. Kerry also added points from Fiadhna, Hannah and Liz Mohan. Galway did break up field and got 2 points on the board. Hannah then added her second goal after good work from midfield and Aoife O'Callaghan who were working very industriously. Kerry added further points from Emma Dineen, Erica McGlynn and Ciara Murphy after a great solo effort from Fiadhna Tangney and vision to spot Ciara out wide. Galway just before the half time added a goal despite the efforts of the Kerry defence. Half time score Kerry 3-09 Galway 1-02. As the second half started the weather improved some bit and the wind accompanying died down. But the Kerry intensity from the first half increased and in the opening minutes Aoife O'Callaghan was unlucky not to score a goal, as a long ball delivered from midfield from Leah Henry just over ran but she did manage to get a leg to it but struck side netting. But from the resultant kick out Emma Dineen scored a wonderful long range point to get Kerry on the board for the second half. Three minutes later Kerry keeper Laura Teahan was called into action as she saved from a good Galway attack. It was a wake up of sorts as Kerry launched 3 attacks in a row - with 2 unfortunately going wide, Aoife O'Callaghan pointing a free from the third as Galway were forced into fouling. Galway realising that the game was slipping away from them knew they had to get a goal, which they got despite the attentions of the Kerry full back line where Fay O'Donoghue was playing a captains part. But Kerry reply was instant as the kick out was played quickly up field to Aoife O'Callaghan who goaled. With only 11 minutes left on the clock the game at this stage was gone from Galway and with a player sin binned it made things more difficult for the Westerners. Leah Henry who was having a good game in midfield was rewarded for her hard work with a point. Galway were then unlucky when a long range effort hit by Aoife O'Callaghan destined to go over the bar went in over the keepers head. Kerry hit further points from Fiadhana Tangney and Emma Dineen. Galway did get another consolation goal as both sides ran the bench. But with minutes only left on the clock Liz Mohan ran through the Galway defence for Kerry's final and 7th goal of the evening. Game finished Kerry 7-15 Galway 3-03. It was a superb performance from all the Kerry players but standing out in particular was Fay O'Donoghue in defence who mopped all breaking ball and defended strong, Leah Henry and Emma Dineen made a strong midfield partnership while up front the chief tormenters of Aoife O'Callaghan, Hannah O'Donoghue and Fiadhna Tangney made life hard for their markers. In the end it was Aoife O'Callaghan who was awarded Player of the Match for her unselfish running and passing. Capt. Fay O'Donoghue accepted the title to the delight of very large Kerry crowd, with many bus and car loads travelling to Bruff. Many thanks also to the large crowd that turned up on Friday to Fossa GAA for the homecoming of the team and to Big Red Killarney Bus Tour Company for facilitating transport.
Teams and Scorers: Laura Teahan ( Kilcummin), Ciara O'Brien (Laune Rangers ), Fay O'Donoghue Capt. ( Fossa), Kate Maher (Kilcummin ), Anna O'Reilly (Fossa), Laoise Coughlan (Rathmore ), Tara Breen (Laune Rangers ), Leahy Henry 0-1 ( Listowel Emmets ), Emma Dineen 0-03 (Glenflesk), Ciara Murphy 0-1 (Miltown / Listry), Erica McGlynn 0-1 ( Fossa ), Liz Mohan 1-01 (Rathmore ), Fiadhna Tangney 1-04 0-1F (Legion ), Hannah O'Donoghue 3-02 ( Fossa ), Aoife O'Callaghan 2-02 0-2F (Rathmore ). Subs Rachel Mulvihill (Listowel Emmets), Sarah Leahy (Legion) , Labhaoise Walmsley (Castleisland Desmonds), Moira Flaherty (Moyvane)for A. O'Reilly, Maeve McGivern ( Austin Stacks) Brid Ryan (Rathmore) for E.McGlynn, Rebecca Murphy (Legion ) for A.O'Callaghan, Emma McCarthy (Kerins O'Rahillys), Nora O Connell (Na Gaeil) for C.O'Brien, Sophie Lynch (Listowel Emmets) Ciara Ni Ghrifin (Corca Dhuibhne).
Management: Graham Shine Manager Listowel Emmets, Joanne Brosnan Asst Manager Scartaglin, Selector Julie Brosnan Scartaglin, Admin: Marie Quirke Glenflesk.
Congratulations to Finuge/St Senans, who won the Glebe Kitchens U12 County League Division 3 Final defeating Castleisland Desmonds on Tuesday at the end of a very hard fought game, played in windy conditions at John Mitchell's complex. Desmonds won the coin toss and elected to play with the strong breeze but the Finuge/St Senans girls settled quicker and built an early lead. Desmonds stormed into the game to briefly lead but Finuge/St Senans finished the half strongly to lead by 3 points at half-time FSS 3-02 Castleisland Desmonds 2-02.
The Finuge/St Senans girls put the breeze to good use early in the second half and added some superb scores to build a commanding looking lead of 10 points at one point. Desmonds to their credit never let their heads drop and slowly but surely reduced the lead to 3 points with minutes left. The Finuge/St Senans girls really dug in for the last few minutes, defending heroically and were unlucky not to score in a number of flowing counter attacks. Finuge/St Senans ran out deserving winners on a final scoreline F/SS 5-06 C.Desmonds 4-06.
County secretary Mary Courtney presented the Division 3 trophy to Finuge/St Senans joint captains Katelyn Stack and Cara Cullen amid scenes of great joy.
Kerry's opposition in the TG4 All Ireland Quarter Final was confirmed on Saturday after Mayo's comprehensive win over Tyrone on Saturday in Leitrim. Tyrone were unable to handle the fire power of Cora Staunton and an injury to player Neamh Woods also hindered the Northern side. The quarter final takes place on Saturday 15th August at 4pm in Gaelic Grounds Limerick.
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