Minor Footballers Narrowly Lose Out in Premier County Football Final

The Gaelic Grounds set the scene last Wednesday night for the Premier Minor County Football Final when Rathkeale were pitted against Monaleen, the latter who were in search for a Senior and Premier double. Rathkeale Minors were back in the big time for the first time in 25 years and were hoping for a more solid performance than their last Premier Final appearance. On what was a crisp, dry night for football, Rathkeale got off to the perfect start when Seamus Keating pointed wonderfully into the City end within 20 seconds to settle the Rathkeale supporters who turned out in large numbers. Monaleen responded in what could only be described as a fortuitous goal when Dara Neviile kicked the ball off the deck more in hope, but somehow found the top right corner after 3 minutes to put Monaleen into an early lead. Shane Donegan pointed from a free for Monaleen on 7 minutes before Josh O'Connor pointed well for Rathkeale on 12 minutes. Monaleen dominated the next 15 minutes with further pointed frees from Shane Donegan before Sean Fitzpatrick finished to the net after a Rathkeale kick out was intercepted on the 23 minutes. With half time approaching Rathkeale found the net themselves with a cooly slooted penalty from Eoin Kelly to leave the halftime score reading Monaleen 2-04, Rathkeale 1-02. Rathkeale responded well in the second half and went on to enjoy large periods of peosession, with Mikey Hickey pointed on the 31st minute. Monaleen responded with a point of their own through Dara Neville however the Rathkeale men then went onto hit three points on the bounce from Barry Coleman, Seamus Keating and James O'Brien. Monaleen then kicked a fine point from their captain Eoghan Carew on the 44th minute. Rathkeale chased the game with Darragh O'Grady now operating at the edge of the square but were unable to find an equalizing goal after Mikey Hickey's pointed on the 58th minutes. Final score, Monaleen 2-07, Rathkeale 1-07. Congratulations to Monaleen who were crowned Senior and Minor Champions to crown a wonderful year for them. Well done to Killian Phair and Dean Maune who have done a fantastic job with a wonderful group of Rathkeale players who have giving the Rathkeale supporters great enjoyment over the last few months. Keep with it and keep developing and no doubt you will win many titles yet.

 

Team: Mark White, Mark Wilmott, Brian, Keating, Denis Lenihan, Darragh Curtin, George Mulcahy, Padraig Power, Darragh O'Grady, Barry Coleman, Jack Lenihan, Adam Shanagher, Josh O'Connor, Eoin Kelly, Seamus Keating, Mikey Hickey Subs: David O'Donnell, Barry Lenihan, James O'Brien, Andrew Meade, Eoin Barry, Sean Malone

 

Rathkeale\Granagh-Ballingarry in action in County B Hurling Semi Final

Having defeated Ballybrown in the West\City Minor B Hurling Final in a thrilling encounter, Rathkeale\Granagh-Ballingarry will now contest the County B Semi Final when they play Killacolla Gaels in Feenagh on October 29th, throw in time is 4.00pm. Best of luck to all involved and we are looking forward for a good turnout again in Feenagh in the coming days!

Best of Luck to U16 Footballers

Best of luck to our U16 footballers who play Ballyhoura Gaels (Blackrock/Stakers/Effin) in the Div2 County Football Final this Monday, October 31st (Bank Holiday) at 3.00pm in The Bog Garden. Please come along and support the lads.

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Check it out today and wear your Club colours with pride!

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To keep in touch and receive updates of last minute fixture changes, match results and live match updates, follow us on Twitter at the tag @RathkealeGAA. Also to become a friend on facebook go to www.facebook.com/#!/Rathkealegaa and send us a friend request. It's all about keeping in touch and getting live updates!

 

 

Upcoming fixtures

Friday October 28th: U21 Premier Football Round 1 - Rathkeale\Cappagh V Adare - 7.00pm in Mick Neville Park

Saturday October 29th: Minor County Hurling B Semi Final - Rathkeale\Granagh-Ballingarry V Killacolla Gaels in Feenagh at 4.00pm

Monday October 31st: U16 Div 2 Football Final - Rathkeale V Ballyhoura Gaels - 3.00pm in the Bog Garden

 

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