Fáiltiú an Chathaoirligh

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1 Photos: Kerry s Eye

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3 Ba mhaith liom fáilte mór a cur roimh na fórine agus gach duine go dtí Stáid an Ghearaltaigh tráthnóna inniu. Fáilte freisin roimh na réiteoirí agus na n-oifigí coimh maith. Tá súil agam go mbeidh cluichí iontach againn. A very warm welcome here today to the Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship semifinal double bill between South Kerry and Kerins O Rahilly s in the opening game followed by Dr. Crokes and West Kerry. Both semi finals will see a Club Vs District contest and no doubt with a final place at stake no quarter will be asked or given by either of the sides. We also welcome the representatives of our championship sponsors, Garveys Supervalu who have been with us for the past seven years. Eamonn Fitzmaurice At this stage everyone now knows that Éamonn Fitzmaurice confirmed his willingness to complete his 3 year term and remain as Kerry Senior Football Manager for As outlined in the Press Statement released, I will be proposing that Éamonn Fitzmaurice be ratified as senior manager for a further two year term (2019/2020) at the next Co. Committee Meeting on Monday 16th October next. This proposal was unanimously supported by the Executive of the Kerry County Board. I believe this to be very positive for Kerry GAA and it will give stability and a sound platform to introduce our undoubted pool of talent into the senior set up in a structured and well managed way. Special Congress 2017 A special Congress was held on Saturday last to discuss and vote primarily on the new hurling proposals however, a number of football related motions were also on the Clár - most notably the proposal to change the kick-out which was passed by 82% of Delegates. Under the new rule, the ball must travel 13 metres but also beyond the 20 metre line before being Fáiltiú an Chathaoirligh See the big match action and analysis in this week s Kerry s Eye. IT S ALL ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY - ON SALE THURSDAY played by another player of the defending team. If a kick out does not travel beyond the 20m line, the ball will be thrown up. Club Finals and Upcoming Munster Campaigns We look forward with great interest to a number of very interesting contests coming up over the next few weeks in the Castleisland Mart Club Championships, all of which are down to the final stage. In the Intermediate final, take on Templenoe, Dromid Pearses play Firies in the Junior Premier Championship final, Castlegregory and Listry contest the Junior Championship final and the Novice Championship Final between Cromane and Moyvane takes place tomorrow in Strand Road. (For Fixtures see Page 7). There is incredible interest in our Club competitions with the pride in the Club and Parish very evident for all to see. We wish all finalists the very best of luck and I m sure the eventual winners in the respective competitions will continue Kerry s proud tradition of success in the Munster and All Ireland Campaigns. Eir Sport With the Inter County season now finished today marks a new initiative with the televising of our Co. Championship Football Semi Finals by Eir Sport who televised five games last weekend covering Dublin, Kilkenny and Donegal. This weekend sees our semi finals available to a wider audience. We welcome this initiative by Eir Sport and from speaking with other counties it appears to have been positively received to date. Finally I hope that everyone enjoys this afternoon s games. TIM MURPHY Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Chiarraí Cover Photo: Jack Savage (Kerins O Rahillys), Conor O Shea (South Kerry), Fionn Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes, Alan Fitzgerald (West Kerry). 3

4 HOPE CAN TRUMP EXPECTATION By John Fogarty, GAA Correspondent, Irish Examiner 4 As Éamonn Fitzmaurice welcomes the cream of Kerry s golden under-age years to his panel, there is plenty of reason for the county to look forward to 2017 with typically high expectations. So read the last line of our article in last year s semi-finals match programme. Fast forward 12 months and while the 2018 season can t start quick enough from a Kingdom perspective expectations have been slightly downgraded. Not that many would have thought that could be the case up to a month and a half ago. League and Munster honours had been accrued, in doing so Dublin s 36-match unbeaten run was stopped and Fitzmaurice s undefeated record in the province extended to a fifth season. When Mayo manager Stephen Rochford exclaimed before and after the All-Ireland semi-final matches that Kerry were the form team in the country, he might have been playing mind games but technically he was correct. That All-Ireland semi-final replay defeat, Mayo s first SFC victory over Kerry in 21 years, should grate long into the winter not because Kerry have had such success against the Connacht men this Mayo are a different breed now but the manner in which they went down that day. Fitzmaurice has acknowledged the additional defender didn t work. Counteracting a team is a delicate balance and Kerry fell over the edge, ultimately failing because they showed Mayo too much respect. Criticism would have been expected and it has come thick and fast. Fitzmaurice will appreciate David Moran (Ciarraí) getting close attention from Ian Maguire (Corcaigh) in the Munster Final Photos: Kerry s Eye that the good will he enjoyed for turningng a transitional period into one of triumph in the province and that against-the-odds All-Ireland victory in 2014 has declined. At the same time, no other Kerry manager has been as successful in Munster. Two All-Ireland finals appearances and three semis is a decent return if nothing more. Kerry's Paul Geaney faces Brendan Harrison of Mayo in the Replay of the All Ireland Semi Final in Croke Park. There s also the fact that this Kerry group are coexisting with a phenomenal Dublin team, one they upset earlier this year but for the second time in Fitzmaurice s era did not meet in the championship. This year was the first since 2001 that Kerry, if they haven t won the All-Ireland, have at least lost to the would-be winners. Dublin s continued dominance of the championship is no longer an itch to scratch for Kerry but a sore to pick but then Mayo have already demonstrated they re in no mood to go away and Tyrone should kick on from an All-Ireland semifinal loss that was twice as disappointing as Kerry s. Not that Fitzmaurice will be taking his chances but Kerry s position in the inaugural Super 8 series next year looks secure when in the history of the backdoor they have always secured a last-eight spot. The two extra championship matches, something Kerry have been crying out for regardless of Ulster claims that they have easy passage, not to mention an All-Ireland series game in Fitzgerald Stadium should benefit them. Photos: Kerry s Eye

5 Chairman Tim Murphy s proposal for Fitzmaurice to extend his time at the helm for another two years beyond 2018, which will be put to club delegates on Monday week, is quite the endorsement. With the opening of the centre of excellence in Currans imminent, it would seem fair that Fitzmaurice should benefit from the obvious advantages it will bring. Among them is the board s commitment to improve strength and conditioning at the venue. Last month s statement read: Working closely with Éamonn and his management team, the Kerry County Board is determined to provide the resources and supports necessary in order to ensure that Kerry achieves this success as soon as possible. To that end, the County Board and the Senior Team management have agreed to develop in the coming months, a three-year programme of supports for the senior panel, with particular emphasis on player development and progression together with strength and conditioning. The imminent completion of the Centre of Excellence in Currans will enable us to deliver these programmes within a state-of-the-art facility in a co-ordinated and streamlined approach. A fourth consecutive All-Ireland minor success understandably engenders positivity and those in the know will tell you there could be another one or two to come (U17 from 2018) but when all that promise has yet to manifest itself at U21 level (U20 next year) and senior the question has to be asked why. In the past, Kerry acknowledged they had to play catch up at development level. The fruits of that realisation have come to bear with minor glory. Recognition that they have room for improvement in S&C should be welcomed. It was 11 years ago that Jack O Connor compared a year without Sam Maguire to Mayo s 55 years without. This is by no means a famine. Five years passed before Kieran Donaghy, a man reborn this year and who still has a role to play for Kerry, seized on Paul Durcan s mistake; 11 prior to Maurice Fitzgerald s wonder season of Things could be worse. They could be better too. But the indications are they will be. Senior Football Championship Review Photos: Kerry s Eye Kerry's Barry John Keane races away from Chris Barrett of Mayo in the Replay of the All Ireland Semi Final in Croke Park. The recommendations of the Senior Football Championship Review Committee were passed at the May 2015 meeting of the County Committee and came into effect in At the time, it was agreed to review those changes after two years in existence. At the last County Committee meeting, chairman, Mr Tim Murphy appointed a County Championship Review Committee to undertake this task. Their remit is as follows: To review the current Senior County Championship under the following headings: 1. The Preliminary Round 2. The Format - if it stays the same, can 1st Round games be finished on the day? 3. Timing of the Competition 4. Viability of some District teams if their stronger Clubs go Senior THE MEMBERS of THE CoMMITTEE ARE: Eamon Whelan Executive Committee (Chairman), Michael Murphy - Knocknagoshel, (Secretary), Dara Ó Cinneide (), Alan Sheehy (Kenmare), Patrick Brennan (South Kerry), Haulie Kerins (Kerins O Rahillys), Seamus Murphy (St Brendans), Conor Heaphy (Shannon Rangers). The Review Committee are to report back to the November meeting of the County Committee. 5

6 CASTLEISLAND CO-OP LIVESTOCK MART SOCIETY LTD. Sponsors of Kerry Club County Championships THE ROSE HOTEL, FORMERLY FELS POINT HOTEL, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4. Tel: +353 (0)

7 Dates for the Diary October 2017 Sunday 8th october Senior Hurling Championship Final, BAllyDuFF v lixnaw Austin Stack 3pm Minor Hurling Championship Final, CRoTTA o neills v ABBEyDoRnEy/PARnEllS Austin Stack Saturday october 14th Minor Football Championship Final EAST KERRy v ST BREnDAnS Austin Stack 4pm Sunday october 15th SFL Division 5 Promotion Play-off CRoMAnE v RATHMoRE B in Listry at 2pm. Saturday october 21st SFL Division 1 Relegation Play-off ST MARyS v MIllToWn-CASTlEMAInE Venue TBC SFL Division 3 Relegation Play-off GnEEVEGuIllA v ST SEnAnS in Sunday 22nd october Senior Football Championship Final in Austin Stack 3pm Provisional Fixture - Junior Premier Championship Final (DRoMID V FIRIES) or SFC RElEGATIon FInAl Saturday october 28th SFL Division 4 Title Play-off KEEl v lispole in 4pm Sunday october 29th Junior Championship Final CASTlEGREGoRy v listry in Austin Stack Park at 1pm Intermediate Football Championship Final An GHAElTACHT v TEMPlEnoE in Austin Stack Park at 3pm DR CROKES 1-15 DINGLE 0-15 KENMARE DISTRICT 0-20 RATHMORE LEGION 1-12 RATHMORE 0-9 SOUTH KERRY 0-12 KENMARE DISTRICT AUSTIN STACKS 2-13 DINGLE 1-9 MID KERRY 1-12 SHANNON RANGERS DR CROKES 0-14 KERINS O RAHILLYS 0-4 AUSTIN STACKS 3-12 FEALE RANGERS DR CROKES 1-13 LAUNE RANGERS 1-3 DINGLE 4-5 ST KIERANS DR CROKES 0-13 WEST KERRY 1-9 MID KERRY 1-12 EAST KERRY AUSTIN STACKS 2-11 DINGLE 2-9 DR CROKES 2-15 SOUTH KERRY SOUTH KERRY 1-14 AUSTIN STACKS 2-9 DR CROKES 1-8 FEALE RANGERS KERINS O RAHILLYS 2-13 SOUTH KERRY 2-13 KERINS O RAHILLYS 0-12 SOUTH KERRY 0-11(R) MID KERRY 0-13 LAUNE RANGERS FEALE RANGERS 0-8 KILCUMMIN 0-8 FEALE RANGERS 1-11 KILCUMMIN 1-8(R) MID KERRY 1-8 SOUTH KERRY 1-8 MID KERRY 0-10 SOUTH KERRY 0-10(R) SOUTH KERRY 1-18 MID KERRY 0-5 (2ND R) 7

8 Garveys Supervalu Senior County Football Championship semifinal By Jason O Connor KERINS O RAHILLYS v SOUTH KERRY PREVIEW TWo sides that have seen a fair bit of each other in the County Championship in recent years begin proceedings in Fitzgerald Stadium today and there is a lot to play for here for both. Arguably you can say the greater pressure is on Strand Road because as much as they are playing for a place in the County Final they are playing to make certain of their senior status for oddly enough regardless of the result today they will be involved on County Final Day come october 22nd but they will want it to be for the main event as opposed to the curtain-raiser - should they have to play Kilcummin in a relegation playoff it will be the prelude to this year s Bishop Moynihan Cup match. They are playing well since this cloud came over them in the Championship however, their victory over East Kerry owed a lot to renewed confidence, not just from their more established names but some of their standard contingent as East Kerry were beaten pretty convincing in the end in the Quarter-Finals. of course they have already beaten South Kerry in the formative stage of this year s competition back in May but that was in Strand Road and Fitzgerald Stadium today is a harder stage to get the better of the district side in. o Rahillys have beaten South Kerry at today s venue however back in 2008 when Jack o Connor managed the Blues to victory over his native district at this stage, after a replay. We all know how close they came against Mid Kerry in the decider afterwards but nine years ago still represents the Tralee side s best crack at the county s biggest prize since their 2002 triumph. South Kerry dusted themselves off of course and had wins in 2009 and 2015 since but while they have fared well since that aforementioned loss back in May, today probably represents one of their biggest challenges especially in the likely absence of both Bryan Sheehan and Killian young. County players aren t the sole reason teams succeed at local level but they are a big guiding force in the heat of battle and South Kerry need to replicate the grit shown against both Dingle and Rathmore to come through here today. Their win over Rathmore wasn t heavily backed in advance but they prevented the East Kerry side from attaining any real control of the encounter with Sheehan s injury during proceedings not a Photos: Kerry s Eye 8 Cian Sayers (Kerins o Rahillys)

9 hindrance to their eventual success. of course the enforced absence of their manager William Harmon in advance was another obstacle they had to overcome but Declan o Sullivan stepped into the breach admirably on the day as the district bid to reach their seventh decider in 14 years. It would be the first time they would have done so since o Sullivan hung up his playing boots two years ago but they have a lot to do today before they can start to think about that! o Rahillys have a big carrot in front of them here with the potential to be involved in a County Final in Tralee itself and David Moran, Tommy Walsh and Barry John Keane, amongst others, showed they are up for such possibilities. Beating a side like South Kerry twice in the same competition is no small task to try and reach in such a marquee match but there is a sense Strand Road have momentum going into this, something they lacked a lot in recent years. Even though the Dromid Pearses contingent in the South Kerry ranks have a Premier Junior Final on the horizon there is enough evidence from the twin successes of the District and St Marys at Intermediate level two years ago to know that should not be a problem, especially with the club match on hold pending how South Kerry fare out. A lot to be excited about here and it has the potential to get tight and tense if both get a sniff of victory. South Kerry have proved they aren t afraid to mix it up when the occasion calls for a more controlled performance and with a lot at stake here for o Rahillys that will be needed again. Composure could well be the deciding factor however in determining who will be the first County Finalist for Paths to the semi-finals By SylVESTER HEnnESSy KERInS o RAHIllyS Round 1: Kerins O Rahilly s 2-16 South Kerry 2-12 Round 2: Kerins O Rahilly s 2-13 Dingle 3-9 Quarter Final: Kerins O Rahilly s 3-12 East Kerry 1-6 Total Scored: 7-41; Total Conceded: 6-27; Average Scored: 2-15; Average Conceded: 2-9 ; Average Winning Margin: 6 points Scorers: Barry John Keane 0-19, John Ferguson 2-4, Gearoid Savage 2-2, David Moran 1-4, Jack Savage 0-5, Tommy Walsh, Gavin O Brien 1-1 each, Karl Mullins, Padraig Griffin, Cormac Coffey, Cian Sayers, Con Barrett 0-1 each. SouTH KERRy Round 1: Kerins O Rahilly s 2-16 South Kerry 2-12 Round 2: South Kerry 2-17 Kilcummin 1-5 Round 3: South Kerry 1-13 Dingle 0-10 Quarter Final: South Kerry 0-15 Rathmore 0-12 Total Scored: 5-57; Total Conceded: 3-43; Average Scored: 1-15; Average Conceded: 1-10; Average Winning Margin: 5 points; Scorers: Daniel Daly 1-12, Paul O Donoghue 0-12, Ronan Hussey 1-7, Bryan Sheehan 1-6, Niall O Shea 1-5, Brendan O Sullivan 1-2, Barry O Dwyer 0-3, Ian Galvin, Graham O Sullivan, Matthew O Sullivan 0-2 each, Dylan O Donoghue, Denis Daly, Robert Wharton, Killian Young 0-1 each. Ronan Hussey (South Kerry) Photos: Kerry s Eye 9

10 player profile Name: TOMMY WALSH CLub: Kerins O Rahillys DOB: 26/02/1988 Weight: 97kgs Height: 6 4 Occupation: Tax Adviser When and where did you first play Football? Strand Road Childhood Heroes: Maurice Fitzgerald and Michael Jordan Inter County Experience: Minor 2005 & 2006, Under , Senior Debut V Limerick 2007 League, Championship V Clare in Sporting Achievements to date: 2 All Ireland Senior, 2 Munster Senior, 1 National League, 1 Under 21 All Ireland, Munster Minor & Under 21, Co. Minor Champ, Freshers B All Ireland with LIT, 1 All Star Clubs Played with in AFl: St Kilda & Sydney Swans Any Superstitions before a match? Same routine, diet and warm-up Favourite Venue: Croke Park Biggest influence on your sporting career to date: My Parents Most memorable sporting moment as a player? All Ireland Final 2009 Biggest Sporting Disappointment: Minor All Ireland 2006 & Senior Final 2008 In ten years time I hope to be... Alive & well! What skill do you think is the most important in Football? Kicking with both feet Favourite sport other than Football? Basketball What do you like most about the GAA? Friends you make How would you improve the GAA? Proper Fixtures Plan name 2 Sportspeople you would invite to Dinner: Le Bron James & Cantona Hobbies: Isn t Football one! Favourite Food? Sushi Favourite Music: Anything Favourite Film: Cool Running Facebook or Twitter? Twitter ADDITIonAl PlAyERS on THE KERInS o RAHIllyS PAnEl: 31. Donagh O Brien, 32. Killian Moran, 33. Rob O Connor, 34. Gearoid Hartnett, 35. Daniel Nix, 36. John Dillane, 37. Sean Collins. Photos: Kerry s Eye 10

11 player profile Name: BRIAN SUGRUE CLub: Renard (South Kerry) DOB: 01/08/1996 Weight: 75kg Height: 5 9 Occupation: Student When and where did you first play Football? Renard pitch Childhood GAA Heroes: Maurice Fitzgerald Inter County Experience: Minor in 2013 and 2014, Under 21 in 2016 & 2017, Junior in 2015 and Sporting Achievements to date: Munster Minor medals 2013 & 2014, All Ireland Minor 2014, Munster Junior medal in 2015, and All Ireland Junior medals in 2015 and 2017, Munster Under 21 medal in County Championship medal U14, U16 & Minor South Kerry Championships. Any Superstitions before a match? Tie my laces a few times Favourite Venue: Renard Biggest influence on your sporting career to date: Parents Most memorable sporting moment as a player? Winning county championship with South Kerry 2015 Biggest Sporting Disappointment: Losing Under 21 All Ireland semi final to Galway this year In ten years time I hope to be... Healthy and well If there was a transfer market in GAA who would you buy? Diarmuid Connolly The best invention ever: iphone one word to describe yourself: Committed Something people may not know about you? I used to Dance What skill do you think is the most important in Football? Kick Pass Advice for young players: Plenty practice Favourite sport other than Football? Golf What Sporting event would you like most to attend? The Olympics What do you like most about the GAA? Meeting new people How would you improve the GAA? Get rid of black card name 2 GAA People you would invite to Dinner and why? Pat Spillane and Joe Brolly would be a bitta crack What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Travelling for training Hobbies: Cars Favourite Food? Bacon and Cabbage Favourite Music: Pop Favourite Film: The Mechanic Facebook or Twitter? Facebook Photos: Kerry s Eye 11

12 KERINS O RAHILLYS 1 Gary Kissane Danny o Sullivan (c) 5 Ross o Callaghan 6 Tommy Begley 7 Ryan Carroll Cormac Coffey Karl Mullins 8 David Moran 9 Tommy Walsh Padraig Griffin 13 Con Barrett 14 Gavin o Brien 15 Barry John Keane Jack Savage John Ferguson Fir Ionad 16. Shane Foley 17. Shane Brosnan 18. Gearoid Savage 19. Tom Hoare 20. Dave Murphy 21. Cian Sayers 22. Rory Molloy 23. John Keane 24. Jason o leary 25. Darragh McElligott 26. Diarmuid o Sullivan 27. Gearoid Dillane 28. Gary nolan 29. Shane Flavin 30. Kieran Mangan BAInISTíoCHT: Bainisteoir: Micheal Quirke & Morgan Nix Róghnoir: John O Dwyer Coach: Maurice Horan Kerins Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor O Rahillys Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh leath 12 IOMLÁN

13 SOUTH KERRY 1 Padraig o Sullivan Skellig Rangers 2 Brian Sugrue Renard 5 Paul o Sullivan Valentia 3 Mark Griffin St. Michaels /Foilmore 6 John Curran Valentia 4 Fionán Clifford Waterville 7 Robert Wharton Renard 8 Bryan Sheehan St. Marys 9 Brendan o Sullivan Valentia 10 Conor o Shea St. Marys 13 Ronan Hussey Sneem /Derrynane 11 Paul o Donoghue St. Marys 14 Matthew o Sullivan St. Michaels /Foilmore 12 Graham o Sullivan Dromid Pearses 15 Daniel Daly St. Marys Fir Ionad 16. Mike Daly St. Marys 17. niall o Shea Dromid Pearses 18. oran Clifford Waterville 19. Ian Galvin Sneem /Derrynane 20. Barry Dwyer Waterville 21. Chris Farley Dromid Pearses 22. Shane o Connor Dromid Pearses 23. Bernard Walsh Skellig Rangers 24. Dilan o Donoghue Dromid Pearses 25. Anthony Cournane St. Marys 26. Darragh o Sullivan St. Marys 27. Darragh Scanlon St. Michaels-Foilmore 28. Damien Kelly St. Michaels-Foilmore BAInISTíoCHT: Bainisteoir: Wiliam Harmon, Róghnoirí: Humphrey Shanahan, Willie Power South Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Kerry Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh leath IOMLÁN 13

14 DR.CROKES 1 Shane Murphy 2 John Payne 3 Fionn Fitzgerald 4 David o leary 5 Shane Doolan 6 Alan o Sullivan 7 Gavin White 8 Johnny Buckley 9 Daithí Casey (c) 10 Micheál Burns 11 Gavin o Shea 12 Brian looney 13 Colm Cooper 14 Chris Brady 15 Kieran o leary Fir Ionad 16. Johnny o leary 17. Michael Moloney 18. Ambrose o Donovan 19. Mike Milner 20. luke Quinn 21. Cillian Fitzgerald 22. Tony Brosnan 23. Jason lyne 24. Paul Clarke 25. David Shaw 26. Jordan Kiely 27. Eoin Brosnan 28. Billy Courtney 29. Brian Fitzgerald 30. David naughton BAInISTíoCHT: Bainisteoir: Pat O Shea Róghnoirí: Harry O Neill, Eddie O Sullivan and Niall O Callaghan Dr. Crokes Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh leath 14 IOMLÁN

15 1 Tomas Mac an tsaoir WEST KERRY 2 Colm Ó Muircheartaigh 5 3 Cathal Ó lúing 6 4 Cian Ó Murchú 7 P.J Mac láimh Padraig Óg Ó Sé Brian Ó Beaglaoich 8 9 Rob Ó Sé Alan Fitzgerald Castlegregory Tomas Ó Sé 13 Declan Ó Súilleabháin lios Póil Dara Ó Sé 14 Eanna Ó Conchúir (c) Jason Hickson Annascaul 15 Seán Micheál Ó Conchúir Fir Ionad 16. Gearóid o Shea Annascaul 17. Andrew Finn Annascaul 18. Gearóid Ó nuanáin lios Póil 19. Gearoid MacGearailt Castlegregory 20. Cathal Ferriter Annascaul 21. Timmy Moriarty Castlegregory 22. Eoin Curry Annascaul 23. Donnacha Ó huigín lios Póil 24. Ronán Ó Grífín lios Póil 25. Tomás Ó Caomhánaigh lios Póil 26. oigí Ó Sé 27. Shane Ó Grífín 28. Brandon Hoare Castlegregory BAInISTíoCHT: Bainisteoir: Paul Quinn () Róghnoirí: Eoin O Shea (Castlegregory) & John Brick () Traenálaí: Fergal Daly West Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Kerry Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh leath IOMLÁN 15

16 16 Garveys Supervalu Senior County Football Championship semi final By Paul Brennan DR CROKES v WEST KERRY PREVIEW Photos: Kerry s Eye Shone Murphy Dr Crokes WHEN Tony Brosnan slid his second, and his team s fifth, goal past Tomás Mac an tsaoir on the second Saturday of May last year few could have imagined today s second semi-final pairing. Brosnan got the man of the match gong in The Kerryman that week but Mac an tsaoir was also in the running. Brosnan had scored 2-6 from play but Mac an tsaoir had single-handedly stopped about five more goals in West Kerry s 5-19 to 1-9 defeat by Dr Crokes in the first round of the county championship. West Kerry were decorated by 22 points, but for their goalkeeper it could have been 40. There was little doubt leaving Lewis Road that evening that Dr Crokes were not only favourites for the county title, but they were genuine contenders for the All-Ireland too. And West Kerry? They did find a modicum of redemption with a second round win over Kilcummin before their championship interest ended with defeat to Austin Stacks. A county semi-final seemed a world away. Dr Crokes selector Harry O Neill said this week that he wouldn t put much stock on that meeting 17 months ago, and he is right of course. Too much water has flowed under their respective bridges to go fishing those waters again. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to anticipate a rematch between two sides that were separated by 22 points early last summer and now stand in e a c hother s way for a place in the final of the county championship. We know Dr Crokes subsequently went on to win the county title last year before hoovering up Munster and All-Ireland honours, and they ve been winning ever since. They haven t lost a game county league or championship - since beating Slaughtneil on St Patrick s Day, so there s only one logical conclusion to draw: West Kerry have improved dramatically to find themselves in the rarefied air of the county championship semi-finals. Marc Ó Sé didn t play that game in Lewis Road last year because of illness and he is no longer playing with West Kerry, but there s a new crop of Ó Sés coming out of the club and back-boning the divisional team. Rob, Dara and Tomás Ó Sé along with Marc s cousin Padraig Óg are the new generation of West Kerry footballer that has helped transform this team in a little over 12 months. The return of Alan Fitzgerald and Declan O Sullivan, as well as Jason Hickson playing his best football in years, has helped manager Pól Ó Cuinn assemble a squad with the talent and toughness to suggest a 22-point defeat simply won t happen today.

17 But this is Dr Crokes they re playing. Any team facing the Killarney club would be well advised to read the health warning on the label in case they have to take some medicine after taking their medicine. Any team with notions of claiming the Bishop Moynihan Cup this autumn would surely have bargained on the Crokes being sated by last March s All-Ireland title win, but that simply hasn t happened. If anything, the Andy Merrigan Cup residing across the road in their clubhouse has only served to make them hungrier and possibly better. The club waited 25 years for a second All-Ireland Club title but one gets the sense this team won t be waiting 25 for another. Great teams win the All-Ireland Club title. Exceptional ones retain it. There s little doubt that Kerry s loss has been Crokes gain with regard to Colm Cooper. But they are no longer Gooch dependent the way they were six or seven years ago. Daithi Casey, Kieran O Leary and Johnny Buckley are equally important players now for them, while Shane Murphy, Gavin White and Micheal Burns are the youth to complement the experience. and Castlegregory have county finals to prepare for, and it remains to be seen if that has been a help or a hindrance to West Kerry. Still, they know better than most back there that a rising tide lifts all boats. Football in Corca Dhuibhne is in a good place. The problem for them, alas, is that it s seldom been in a better place on Lewis Road either. All-Ireland Club champions rests easy on their shoulders but much wants more, and there are few GAA men more driven than Pat O Shea and Cooper. Bottom line? West Kerry are a coming force, but Dr Crokes have already arrived. Paths to the semi-finals By SylVESTER HEnnESSy DR CRoKES Round 1: Dr Crokes 2-14 Mid Kerry 0-9 Round 2: Dr Crokes 7-17 St Brendan s 0-16 Quarter Final: Dr Crokes 0-17 Kenmare Shamrocks 0-12 Total Scored: 9-48; Total Conceded: 0-37; Average Scored: 3-16; Average Conceded: 0-12; Average Winning Margin: 13 points Scorers: Colm Cooper 3-11, Kieran O Leary 3-4, Daithí Casey 2-7, Gavin White 1-2, Micheál Burns 0-4, Jordan Kiely, Shane Murphy, 0-3 each, Gavin O Shea, Alan O Sullivan, Paul Clarke, Tony Brosnan 0-2 each, David O Leary, Chris Brady, Fionn Fitzgerald, Johnny Buckley, Brian Looney, Ambrose O Donovan 0-1 each WEST KERRy Round 1: Feale Rangers 1-13 West Kerry 0-12 Round 2: West Kerry 0-14 St Kieran s 0-13 Round 3: West Kerry 1-18 Legion 0-18 Quarter Final: West Kerry 1-17 Austin Stacks 0-14 Total Scored: 2-61; Total Conceded: 1-58 Average Scored: 1-14; Average Conceded: 0-15 Average Winning Margin: 2 points; Scorers: Dara Ó Sé 1-19, Sean M Ó Conchúir 0-13, Eanna Ó Conchúir 1-3, PJ Mac Laimh, Declan O Sullivan 0-5 each, Jason Hickson 0-4, Tomás Ó Sé 0-3, Brian Ó Beaglaíoch, Padraig Óg Ó Sé 0-2 each, Cian Murphy, Donncha Higgins, James Crean, Colm Ó Muircheartaigh, Alan Fitzgerald 0-1each. Eanna Ó Conchúir () Photos: Kerry s Eye 17

18 player profile Name: SHANE MURPHY Club: Dr Crokes DOB: 01/01/93 Weight: 77kg Height: 6 Occupation: Ryle s Menswear When and where did you first play Football? Back of the house when I was 3yrs old. Childhood GAA Heroes: Kevin O Dwyer (Cork) Inter county experience: Minor 2011, Under & 2014, Junior 2014 & 2015 Sporting Achievements to date: 2 Munster and 1 All Ireland Junior with Kerry, 1 All Ireland and 1 Munster Club, Senior, Under 21 and Minor county championship medals, 1 Club championship, 1 County league Division 1. Any superstitions before a match? Too many to say! Favourite venue: Lewis Rd Biggest influence on sporting career: My parents and two brothers Most memorable sporting moment as a player: All Ireland Club win on St Patrick s day this year Biggest sporting disappointment: Losing to Tipperary minors in 2011 after leading by 11 points at one stage In ten years time I hope to be Finally moved out of home! If there was a transfer market in GAA who would you buy? Aidan 'Gaps' Galvin Best invention ever: The iphone one word to describe yourself: Dedicated Something people may not know about you? I beat John Payne 8-1 in FIFA What skill do you think is the most important in football? Kicking off both feet Advice for young players: Don't give up Favourite sport other than football: Darts What sporting event would you like most to attend: Darts world championships at Alexandra Palace What do you like most about the GAA: Training on the wet and cold winter nights How would you improve the GAA? More definitive off season name two GAA people would you invite to dinner and why? Chris Davies and Conor Magill - guaranteed fireworks! What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Cancelling holidays Hobbies: Binge watching Netflix, long walks on the beach Favourite Food: Cheerios! Favourite Music: Sad songs Favourite Film: Harry Potter Facebook or Twitter? Instagram! ADDITIonAl PlAyERS on THE DR CRoKES PAnEl: 31. Mark Egan, 32. P.J. Lawlor, 33. Mark O Shea, 34. Michael Casey. Photos: Kerry s Eye 18

19 player profile Name: PADRAIG ÓG Ó SÉ Club: (West Kerry) DOB: 16/12/93 Weight: 12 stone Height: 5 9 Occupation: Publican When and where did you first play Football? The Church yard Childhood GAA Heroes: Fergal, Darragh,Tomás & Marc Ó Sé Inter County Experience: Minor in 2011, Under 21 in 2013/14, Junior in 2013/2014 Sporting Achievements to date: Under 21 Club Championship, Comórtas Peile Na Gaeltachta and West Kerry Championship Any Superstitions before a match? Porridge with berries in the morning! Favourite Venue: Gallarus on a windy day! Biggest influence on your sporting career to date: My father and cousins Most memorable sporting moment as a player? Winning the Corn Uí Mhuirí Biggest Sporting Disappointment: Losing the Hogan Cup In ten years time I hope to be... Well established in my business If there was a transfer market in GAA who would you buy? Lee Keegan (Mayo) The best invention ever: Netflix one word to describe yourself: Quiet! Something people may not know about you? Born in a Cork hospital! What skill do you think is the most important in Football? Kicking Advice for young players: Don't waste your potential when you reach college Favourite sport other than Football? Rugby and Soccer What Sporting event would you like most to attend? McGregor s next fight What do you like most about the GAA? The friendships and contacts you make How would you improve the GAA? Shorten the season name 2 GAA People you would invite to Dinner and why? Mick Galwey for a good laugh and Mick O Dwyer to hear yarns from the golden era What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Pressure of being Páidí s son! Hobbies: Pool Favourite Food? Steak and Joe Bán spuds Favourite Music: Pólca 4 Favourite Film: Any James Bond Facebook or Twitter? Instagram! Photos: Kerry s Eye 19

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21 Garveys Supervalu Senior Football Championship 2017 ROUND 1 OPEN DRAW W/E 14th May Dingle 3-16 Kenmare District 2-4 Austin Stacks 0-16 St. Kierans 1-13 St Brendan's 2-17 Kilcummin 2-14 Killarney Legion 0-15 Kenmare Sham Rathmore 1-12 East Kerry 1-10 Kerins O'Rahilly's 2-16 South Kerry 2-12 Feale Rangers 1-13 West Kerry 0-12 Dr Crokes 2-14 Mid Kerry 0-9 Austin Stacks 0-14 St Kierans 1-9 (R) Killarney Legion 2-13 Kenmare Sham 1-15 (R) ROUND 2A (WINNERS GROUP) W/E 21st May Dr Crokes 7-17 St Brendans 0-16 Rathmore 2-16 Feale Rangers 2-7 Kerins O Rahillys 2-13 Dingle 3-9 Austin Stacks 4-13 Killarney Legion 3-6 ROUND 2B (LOSERS GROUP) W/E 21st May South Kerry 2-17 Kilcummin 1-5 East Kerry 4-15 Mid Kerry 1-11 Kenmare Sham 3-13 Kenmare District 3-8 West Kerry 0-14 St Kierans 0-13 ROUND 3 (LOSERS 2A v WINNERS 2B) W/E 14th May East Kerry 3-24 St Brendans 4-18 West Kerry 1-18 Killarney Legion 0-18 Kenmare Sham Feale Rangers 0-12 South Kerry 1-13 Dingle 0-10 QUARTER FINALS W/E 24th September Kerins O Rahillys 3-12 East Kerry 1-6 West Kerry 1-17 Austin Stacks 0-14 Dr Crokes 0-17 Kenmare Sham South Kerry 0-15 Rathmore AIB MUNSTER GAA FOOTBALL SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Round Date Venue QF 1 Tipperary V Kerry w/e 29/10 Tipperary QF 2 Cork V Waterford w/e 29/10 Cork SF 3 Winner of 1 V Clare w/e 12/11 Tipp or Kerry SF 4 Winner of 2 V Limerick w/e 12/11 Cork or Waterford FINAL w/e 26/11 21

22 GAA Word Search ANSWERS Kerins O'Rahillys Tommy Walsh David Moran Jack Savage South Kerry Mark Griffin Brian Sugrue Daniel Daly Dr Crokes Colm Cooper Brian Looney Shane Murphy West Kerry Jason Hickson Alan Fitzgerald Rob Ó Sé on 22

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