Kerry GAA Online

ITS TIME TO COVER THIS GREAT COUNTY OF OURS IN GREEN AND GOLD!...

Congratulations to our Kerry Senior Football Team on reaching the All-Ireland Final. The players gave passionate displays, showed pride in the jersey and breathtaking intensity right up to the full time whistle. We can be justifiably proud of the way in which they exuded such a strong and determined commitment to the task of reaching the All-Ireland Final on Sunday September 16th. They had plenty of loud and colourful support from the big number of Kerry supporters at Croke Park last Sunday for the All-Ireland Semi-final and even though we were well outnumbered by the Dublin supporters they made their presence felt throughout the game.

This is our seventh appearance in the All-Ireland Final since 1997 and by any stretch of the imagination this is a tremendous achievement. Darragh Ó Sé and Mike Frank Russell are the two remaining players from the team that won the 1997 All-Ireland Final and aiming to win their fifth All-Ireland Senior medal. Since the qualifiers were introduced winning the title is more challenging and we are fortunate in Kerry that we continue to have teams of such a high calibre to be involved in so many All-Ireland Finals in the past eleven years. This year is no different and in the coming weeks the players and team management will do their utmost to win the title again.

They must however, very quickly put their feet firmly back on the ground and prepare for what is certainly going to be very tough and challenging All-Ireland Final. We are playing Cork in the Final and we are in no doubt as to the strong and determined challenge they will make to win the title. The players are assured of the whole-hearted support of all Kerry people at home and abroad. They are fully behind them in their preparations for All-Ireland Final Day.

SUPPORTERS

We must pay a special tribute to all our Kerry Supporters who were in Croke Park on Sunday last. Your presence, colour and your loud vocal support was a great source of inspiration to the players on the field. The players and the management appreciate and are very grateful for the many sacrifices Kerry people made in order to be in Croke Park to cheer them on.

COLOUR

With just over two weeks to go the All-Ireland Final let’s make a whole-hearted effort in every town, village, school, shop, garden and other vantage point to cover this great county of ours in Green and Gold, especially in the areas where our players live and work. Flags, banners and buntings should be seen everywhere in the county. So let’s do it for our teams who have done so much for us already this year. With Kerry playing in the All-Ireland Final the summer is extended for at least another two weeks.

Seeing all the Green and Gold colours around the county will give the team a great boost. They certainly appreciate the efforts people and indeed whole communities have made for the quarterfinal and semi-final. It is very gratifying to see so many of our younger supporters wearing the Kerry Jersey as their leisure wear. Now that we are in the final we should make every effort to show our support and our appreciation to our team by proudly showing our colours.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION

The Annual Church Gate Collection in aid of the Kerry Team Training Fund will take place on the weekend of September 9th. We urge all clubs to make a great effort this year especially now that we are in the All-Ireland Final. The proceeds of the collection should be returned to either of the two County Board Treasurers, John McMahon or John Joe O’Carroll or to the County Board Office during the week after the collection is taken up.

TICKETS

Stand Tickets for the All-Ireland Football Finals cost €70.

The allocation of All-Ireland Final Tickets in the participating counties is always going to be difficult. Even though Croke Park can accommodate 80,000 people it must be borne in mind that Premium Level and Corporate Level tickets, which are pre-booked and paid for as long term contributions are included in that figure. There is also a big demand for All-Ireland Final Tickets from all the non-participating counties. Each non-participating county receives an allocation as well as the members of their Senior Football panels. Schools and Colleges units and the overseas units are also given allocations.

This year we are already down in excess of 2000 tickets because our minor team are not involved in the Minor Final.

In Kerry we are committed to allocating tickets to the senior players, the team managements, Clubs, County Committee Delegates, District Boards and other sub committees, Schools Bodies, Senior All-Ireland Medal holders and members of the Ticket Purchase Scheme.

There is going to be a big demand for tickets and we know from past experience that some people will be disappointed but our supporters can be assured that the limited number of tickets that are allocated to us will be distributed in the fairest possible way.

TICKET SCHEME

Members of the Kerry County Board 2003-2008 Ticket Purchase Scheme are reminded that Wednesday September 5th is the closing date for receipt of their application for tickets under this scheme for the Bank Of Ireland All-Ireland Final at Croke Park on Sunday September 16th. Stand Tickets will cost €70. No applications will be accepted over the phone.

Due to the limited number of tickets allocated to Kerry for the All-Ireland Finals it is only possible to allocate one ticket per unit purchased in the Ticket Scheme.

Applications should be addressed to Éamon Ó’Súilleabháin, Rúnaí, PO Box 125, The Pavilion, Austin Stack Park, Tralee. A stamped addressed A4 size envelope should accompany the application and the cost of the Stand Ticket (€70).

Members of the scheme who wish to apply in person at the County Board Office should also have a written application with them when they call and have an addressed A4 size envelope marked “To be collected.” The registered address of the member should be used in all correspondence. Alternatively, applicants who request that the ticket(s) be held at the office may collect at the Co. Board Office, Austin Stack Park, Tralee during office hours (to be confirmed). Membership Certificates must be produced as proof of ownership when collecting the Ticket(s).

Tickets allocated to the scheme will be reallocated to the clubs and other units after the closing date.

DELEGATE TICKETS

Delegates must apply for their tickets on with a stamped addressed A4 size envelope otherwise these tickets will be allocated with their club tickets.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Playing in the All-Ireland Final costs a lot of money and in order to raise funds there will be a number of official fund-raising events organised by Kerry County Board prior to the All-Ireland Final and also in Dublin during the All-Ireland weekend. We will be asking our clubs and supporters to give their full backing and support to the official fund-raising events that will be organised by Kerry County Board leading up to the final. Further details of these fund-raising events will be in next week’s column.

The costs involved in preparing all our intercounty teams continues to increase each year. All of this success comes at a substantial cost to Kerry County Board in transport costs, hotel accommodation, medical and physiotherapy treatment, playing gear and equipment to mention but a few.

AIB COUNTY HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

The postponed quarterfinal of the AIB County Senior Hurling Championship between Abbeydorney and Causeway will be played on this Saturday at 4.00 p.m. at Austin Stack Park, Tralee.

Last weekend two of the four quarterfinals were played. On Friday evening Ballyheigue defeated St. Brendan’s and on Saturday evening Kilmoyley put down a firm marker of their intentions to regain the title when they easily deposed the reigning champions, Ballyduff. The clash of Abbeydorney and Causeway was postponed following a bereavement in Causeway. The quarterfinal between Crotta O’Neills and Lixnaw was played on this Tuesday.

COUNTY LEAGUE

The postponed Round 8 games of the Credit Union County Senior Football League will be played this weekend with the majority of games on Saturday at 7.00 p.m. and there are two games scheduled for Sunday at 2.30 p.m. namely the Division 1 game between Laune Rangers and Listowel Emmets and the Division 3 game between Beaufort and Legion. Four games have already been played, in Division 3 Tuosist beat Na Gaeil and in Division 4, Cordal defeated Ballydonoghue and St. Pat’s drew with Brosna.

Rathmore and Kerins O’Rahillys are still the joint leaders in Division 1 after finishing level in their top of the table clash at Rathbeg played in early August. On Saturday Kerins O’Rahillys are at home to Kilcummin in yet another game with top of the table implications for both teams. Rathmore play host to the visit of An Ghaeltacht and the outcome of this game will also have a bearing on the top of the table positions going into the concluding stages of the league. Ardfert could put themselves in contention for the league final if they can win away points against Milltown/Castlemaine.

Elsewhere in Division 1 there are some vital games in the battle to avoid relegation. Austin Stacks are at home to Dr. Crokes and Dingle make the long journey to Gneeveguilla. Saturday night’s game between Laune Rangers and Listowel Emmets is a vital game for those two teams. A defeat could put the losing team into relegation trouble. Last time out Dingle and Gneeveguilla had important wins in their efforts to get off the bottom of the table. Also a win for Listowel Emmets in a back game against Gneeveguilla gave a lifeline to Emmets in their attempt to avoid the drop. It’s extremely tight at the bottom end of the table going into this round with Austin Stacks, Emmets and Dr. Crokes all on 5 points each with Crokes having a slight advantage with a game in hand to play against Laune Rangers.

St. Michael’s/Foilmore are still top of Division 2 after a big win against Finuge in the last round. Even though Castleisland Desmonds drew with Waterville in the same round, they have gone into second place on the table two points behind the leaders and one point ahead of third placed Currow. Annascaul are also in joint third. In this round on Saturday there is the top of the table clash when the leaders, St. Michael’s/Foilmore host second placed Castleisland Desmonds. Annascaul are at home to Waterville and Currow are away to Spa. The results of these games will determine the top of the table places going into the last round of games. At the bottom of the table St. Mary’s are already relegated and John Mitchels need a win at home against Dromid Pearses in this round to slightly ease their relegation trouble. A victory is also vital for Dromid Pearses as a defeat will see them slip back into relegation danger.

Only a point separates the leading teams, Tarbert and Glenflesk at the top of Division 3. In this round they play each other when Glenflesk travel to play the leaders, Tarbert on Saturday. Kenmare lost ground with a defeat against Castlegregory in the last round and they have a home game against Ballymacelligott on Saturday. Skellig Rangers improved their position last time out and they travel to Lispole on Saturday. Tuosist also lost ground losing a back game against Beaufort. Castlegregory are at home to Renard on Saturday and whichever team wins here will get out of relegation trouble and the game on Sunday when Beaufort host Legion will have a big impact on the relegation issues.

Duagh, St. Pat’s and Keel are the teams at the top of Division 4. Duagh went top of the table after beating Scartaglin in the last round. Keel and St. Pat’s are in joint second place. On Saturday Duagh travel to Firies and Keel travel to Cromane. The results of these two games will be vital for the top of the table positions as St. Pat’s drew with Brosna in a game brought forward from this round. It is also very tight at the bottom end of the table and the results of the Glenbeigh/Glencar v Valentia and Ballyduff v Scartaglin games will have a big influence on the relegation issues.

It’s is very tight at the top of Division 5 with Fossa two points ahead of joint second placed Moyvane and Knocknagoshel. Fossa v Moyvane in this round’s top of the table game is postponed until Friday September 14th. Knocknagoshel travel to St. Senan’s. Churchill gained ground with a good win against Laune Rangers B in the last round and they travel to Asdee on Saturday. Listry lost ground after a draw against St. Senan’s last time out as they host Ballylongford in this round.

COUNTY MINOR FOOTBALL LEAGUES

Brosna/Knocknagoshel play Churchill in the Division 3B Final of the Keane’s Super Valu County Minor Football Leagues at Castleisland on Tuesday September 4th at 6.30 p.m. and extra time will be played if necessary.

COUNTY MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The semi-final dates for the Keane’s Super Valu County Minor Football Championship have been arranged. On Sunday September 9th Dr. Crokes play Austin Stacks and on Thursday September 13th West Kerry play Kerins O’Rahillys.

COUNTY MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Brendan’s are at home to Ballyduff in the quarterfinal of the Keane’s Super Valu County Minor Hurling Championship on this Saturday September 1st at 6.30 p.m. Extra time will be played if necessary.

UNDER 21 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

South Kerry defeated Mid Kerry in the first of the semi-finals of the County Under 21 Football Championship at Con Keating Park, Cahersiveen last Thursday The second semi-final between East Kerry and St. Kieran’s will be played on Tuesday next September 4th at 6.30 p.m. Extra time will be played if necessary. The venue was not arranged at the time of writing.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINAL

An Ghaeltacht defeated Rathmore by a single point in the Credit Union County Junior Football League Division 1 Final played at the Na Gaeil Pitch last Friday. This final completes the Junior Football Leagues for yet another year. The primary purpose of this competition is to provide a regular programme of games during the summer months for players who are not on the club’s list of first team players and who would otherwise not be provided with meaningful games and competition. The Junior Cups also give the players a championship competition as the summer draws to a close.

The winners of the various divisions in this year’s Junior Football Leagues are An Ghaeltacht, Gneeveguilla, Lispole, Clounmacon, Glenflesk, Knocknagoshel and Brosna.

JUNIOR CUPS

Dr. Crokes B are through to the semi-finals of the Molyneaux Cup after their quarterfinal victory over Laune Rangers B. Annascaul, Valentia, Gneeveguilla and Spa have qualified for the semi-finals of the McElligott Cup and Charlie Kerins, Beaufort and Keel are through to the semi-finals of the Barrett Cup. Knocknagoshel are in the final of the Cahill Cup after their semi-final victory over St. Michael’s/Foilmore. See fixtures for details of the games fixed for this Friday August 31st at 6.45 p.m. Extra time will be played if necessary.

MUNSTER COUNCIL GRANTS

Application forms, full explanatory details and criteria for Munster Council grants have been issued to club secretaries this week. The forms can be downloaded printed and completed by club personnel.

Clubs that are applying for a Munster Council Grant this year must inform Maureen O’Shea (087) 9795220 maureenoshea@eircom.net by Text or email immediately that they are making an application to ensure that all grant applications are made by closing date and also to have time to inspect the work done prior to Wednesday September 5th.

Receipts, not Invoices, must be included with the application for any work completed. All receipts need to be in a folder with a covering memo giving a break down of each receipt and the total amount. Property has to be vested in the association and a current adequate deed of trust is essential.

All completed application forms must be with Patrick O’Sullivan on or before Wednesday September 5th.

Clubs with any queries please should contact Patrick O’Sullivan, Development Officer or Maureen O’Shea.

NEW YORK NEWS

The Kerry Juniors topped the table with a 7 to 1 game record and they are through to the semi-finals and their opponents will be known after the last round of games. This young team had a very successful year aided by summer students. They are training under manager Brendan Henchy from Lisselton and selectors M. Cronin, Gneeveguilla, and Eugie Sullivan, Sneem. All games are played in state of the art refurbished Gaelic Park, with astro turf surface. Two veterans, W. O’Donnell and P. Mulvihill, Ballydonoghue were a strong steadying influence all year. They hope to go one better this year and win the cup. Panel: G. Sullivan, Firies, the Quaid Brothers, Beale, A. Glacken, Mayo, K. O’Shea, St. Mary’s, S. Enright, T. Wrenn, J. Kelleher and S. Langan, all from Tarbert, E. O’Mahony, Laune Rangers, J. Casey, Portmagee, G. Hickson, Lispole, B. O’Neill, Tuosist, W. Quinlan, Dr. Crokes, W. Curtin, Austin Stacks, M. McKenna, Kerins O’Rahillys, T. Brennan and J. Cafferey, Sligo, Some of the loyal supporters are J. Curtin, Knocknagoshel, J. Mackessey and Joan Kiely Henchy, Tarbert, B. McCarthy, Castlegregory, Eileen O’Flaherty and Dorothy Foley, Castlegregory, Tim Keating, St. Mary’s, Noel O’Shea, Waterville, and former Kilgarvan and Kerry hurler S. Healy and John Riordan, Brandon.

A big contingent are hoping to travel for the All-Ireland Final and are in the process of booking flights and those who cannot travel will be there in spirit. Their passion for the Green and Gold grows stronger with the passing years.

: : Back to Top : : : Full list of Articles : :