Latest - Tuesday 6th September 2011

The Quarter-Final table looks as follows:

The Semi-Final table looks as follows:

The Final looks as follows:

New Competition Sponsor 8th July

Firies 2-07 Scartaglin 1-09 on Thursday 14th July

First Half: Both teams lined out with fifteen, but neither had much of a sub bench, and it was 5 min before Denis Kerrisk pointed for Firies. The next five minutes Firies defended their goal mouth, with the Firies Goalie saving two, while Donal Spring saved the third, a blistering shot. But Scartaglin scored a fine point from an acute angle, on the left hand side of the post, after 10 mins to get them on their way. And over the next 10 minutes they clocked up a goal and three points with no reply from Firies (Scartaglin 1-04 Firies 0-01). Things were not looking good for Firies, but two points from Edmund, one from play on 22nd minute, and a free after 23 mins, saw them claw their way back. They notched another free on the 25 min, but Scartaglin scored a nice point, two mins before the half time whistle, to leave the sides Scartaglin 1-05 to Firies 0-04

Second Half: Firies got off to a good start putting over a point in the first minute, but Scartaglin were not going to leave them have their own way and took two nice points one after 5 mins, and another after 7 mins. Four minutes later Firies had a good goal chance, but it lifted and went over the bar, but Daragh for Firies scored a goal after 16 mins which left them trailing by only one point (1-07 to 1-06). Firies missed a point with 10 mins to go, and the with the scoreline so close, the tension started to boil over, and the next 5 mins was marred by injury and indisipline on both sides, with Scartaglin having a man sent off, and both teams were lucky not to lose a man each for another incident. The next score was for Firies, a pointed free from the left hand side on the 26th minute, which levelled the game. But the highlight for the Firies crowd, was Vincent Horgan's goal a minute later, he got it out wide on the left hand side and ran it straight in, and buried it with blistering power from an acute angle (Scartaglin 1-07 Firies 2-07). Scartaglin missed a free 2 mins later, but Tim O'Connor pointed a free on 31st minute, they notched up another from play a minute later, leaving only a point between the teams. Firies were lucky not to conceed a point in the last four minutes, and were relieved when the referee blew the final whistle. Final score Firies 2-07 to Scartaglin 1-09. Scartaglin will be dissapointed, having played most of the second half with only 14 men, they might have felt, if they had another minute, they could have tied up the game, but in fairness the ref played an extra 6 mins injury time. Best for Scartaglin was Tim O'Connor, who notched up some excellent points from play and from frees.

Rathmore 3-15 Glenflesk 2-10 on Friday 29th July

First Half: Glenflesk B played Rathmore B in the opening round of the O'Sullivan Cup on Friday the 29th July 2011, in Spa pitch. Glenflesk fought to the end but were up against a strong Rathmore team that pulled ahead in the last quarter and ran out winners. Rathmore got off to a dream start with a goal in the opening minutes. Glenflesk levelled the scores almost immediately with a Stephen 0'Donoghue goal. Rathmore pulled ahead with a goal and three points. Glenflesk moved Jeff O'Donoghue to mid field and he pointed two frees to narrow the gap. Rathmore scored two points; John B O'Donoghue responded with a point at the end of a nice move started by Stephen Lacey. Ciaran T O'Donoghue brought Glenflesk back into the game with a well taken goal, that started with a clearance by Joseph Donovan, to Matthew; the ball passed form John B to Padraig Murphy to Ciaran T who goaled. Jeff 0 Donoghue pointed a free and scored a lovely point form distance to level the scores at 2-5 a piece in the last minute of the half.Rathmore drove down the field and pointed going in with a one point lead.

Second Half: Opened with a pointed free by Jeff 0'Donoghue, bringing the sides level. Rathmore began to pull ahead as the third quarter progressed. Jerry Kelliher and Jeff 0'Donoghue notched up two points for Glenflesk but Rathmore scored four, to lead by two points going into the last quarter. Rathmore pulled ahead with a goal followed by five unanswered points before Glenflesk next scores, a point each from Ciaran T 0 Donoghue and Jeff O'Donoghue. Final Score Glenflesk 2-10; Rathmore 3-15.

Team: Johnny Donovan, Darragh Kelliher, Donie Donovan, Patrick Kelliher, K.ieran O'Mahoney, Stephen Lacey, Matthew Donovan, Padraig Murphy, Joseph Donovan, Kieran A O'Donoghue, Jeff O'Donoghue(0-7;4 from frees), Ciaran T. O'Donqghue(1-1), Gerry Kelliher(0-1), John B.O'Donoghue(0-1), Stephen O'Donoghue (1-0), Brian O'Donoghue, Padraig Sullivan.

1/4 Final - Legion B 2-10 Firies 1-10 on Friday 29th July

First Half In a game that looked like it wouldn't be played, three people who came from Firies to watch the match became players, including the coach. Firies have this mantra "fulfill all fixtures", and with an under strength team it wasn't looking good for them. But it was Firies to get off to a scoring start, with Evan O'Donoghue taking a fine point in the first minute, and Vincent Horgan on five minutes. Legion had two wides in the first seven minutes, and around the same time Firies had young Denis Kerrisk, togging off in the corner of the Field, now the coach Paud Denial could come off the field. The game seemed to settle and Legion came into the game, with Derek Twomey getting a fine point in front of goals after ten minutes. Firies' Tadgh O'Keefe took a nice point from a free on fourteen minutes. Legion had four wides one from a free before they got on the score board again with Derek Twomey taking a nice point, on twenty minutes. The game was back and forth for the next five minutes with no score from either side, with Legion notching up another wide. On twenty five minutes Firies got a free on the 45 yard line straight in front of goal, Tadgh O'Keefe stepped up to take it, but he kicked it short, and ran in to take the return and pointed from a closer distance. The Half time Score Legion 0-02 Firies 0-04. Now the low score did not reflect the intensity of the game, the tackling the passing the kicking and the drama on both sides.

Second Half Legion came out more focused in the second half and Brian O'Reilly scored a lovely goal in the first minute to put his side in front for the first time in the game. They could have extended their lead a minute later, but failed to convert a free. But this one point margin wasn't to last, and a free for Firies on 4 mins was converted by Tadgh O'Keefe, to level the match (L 1-02 F 0-05). But Tadgh missed a chance a minute later to put his side ahead. Legion took a good point after six minutes and two minutes later John McGuillcuddy took a fine point. Firies notched up their third wide, in a game where every point was vital, but Sean Donoghue for Legion, had no defenders on him in front of goal and failed to score, and notched up Legions nineth wide. There was a bit of dispute on wheither Denis Sheehan's effort was a point on twelve minutes, but the Ref awarded it, two minutes later they missed a 45, but on the sixteenth minute they were bearing down on goal and only for Donal O'Donoghue of Firies great block down the gap would have been a lot more. A minute Later Tadgh O'Keefe scored a point from a free, his fourth of the game. Legion replied on the 19th minute with a good point from Adam Moynihan. But two great points from Con Mahony of Firies, one from far out, leveled the match(L 1-06 F 0-09). Then on the twenty fourth min Eamonn Foley the Firies Goalie kicked a short pass which was intercepted by Brian O'Reilly and his shot bulleted to goal, but he fell akward and from the awfull moan, everyone knew it was serious. An ambulance was called and arrived to stabilise him. After Brian was safely taken to hospital the game resumed with 5 mins to go and Firies trailing by a goal and Legion missing the player who had scored both their goals. The game was tight and with 3 mins to go Legions Derek Twoomey scored a good point, and i was expecting the Firies heads to drop, but a minute later Con O'Mahony drilled the ball low and hard from twenty yards which the Legion goalie couldn't hold and it spilled over the line to put Firies a point behind. A minute later Tadgh O'Keefe converted a free to level the match, for the third time, and the full time whistle was blown, and added time was on the cards.

Added Time The first 10 mins of added time was intense but only saw Legion notch up two more wides one in the first minute the other in the last minute. The second half of added time, saw Legion start early with a point from John McGiillcuddy in the first minute. Legion missed another oppurtunity after 3 mins but notched up a point through Derek Twomey after six minutes, and with only a minute to go Sean Donoghue got a point for Legion, to give them a three point lead at the end of added time. In a game where the sides were level three times, the number of wides were a factor. Legion had thirteen wides while Firies had 5 wides. Going foward legion will have to address this as they progress to the semi-final. Overall one of the most entertaining games i have been at this year. It was a game with a score line swinging both ways, also there was the horrible injury to Brian O'Reilly, who has broken a bone in his left arm and will be carrying a cast up to his shoulder for the next six weeks. Even when he was on the ground, in agony he asked 'did it go in', true player. We wish him all the best in his recovery. Firies can be congratulated for the spirited performance they produced and well done to Dave Kelly and Michael O'Sullivan for being involved.

Team: Eamonn Foley, Cian Browne, Sean O'Sullivan, Donal O'Donoghue, Donal O'Connell, Donal O'Connor, Brendan Spring, Con O'Mahony, Tadhg O'Keeffe, Evan O'Donoghue, Tim Foley, Paul Murphy, Dave Kelly, Vincent Horgan, Paud Denial. Subs: Denis Kerrisk, Michael O'Sullivan.

1/4 Final - Dr Crokes 3-15 Gneeveguilla 1-17 on Wednesday 3rd August

First Half Played at Gneeveguilla, these two sides served up top class Junior football in the quarter final of the O'Sullivan Cup sponsored by O'Sullivan Cycles Killarney.Those present were treated to a feats of point scoring par excellance as they saw 32 top quality points from two top quality sides. It was Dr Crokes ability to breach the Gneeveguilla defence to register 3 goals that was the difference between two determined and competitive sides. Ten minutes into the game the sides were level at 0-3 apiece when corner forward Chris Brady went raiding for the first Dr Crokes goal only to be denied with a top class save from Gerard O'Sullivan, Gneeveguilla's net minder. Ambrose O'Donovan who started at full forward moved to midfield and gave Dr Crokes dominance in that area. Chris Brady and David Moloney pushed Crokes two points clear but Gneeveguilla responded with two of their own from Ronan McAuliffe and George Dobbins - the latter saw the ball pass through ten Gneeveguilla players from keeper O'Sullivan to scorer Dobbins. But the town side's response was emphatic. Slick fast passes from Chris Brady to Keith O'Leary to Denis Galvin had the ball nestling in the Gneeveguilla goal. That signalled the Dr Crokes fifth gear approach in the ten minutes before half time. Within two minutes they added 1-1 - Edmund O'Sullivan a point and corner forward Galvin with his second goal - to leave the score 2-6 to 0-5 in the twinkle of an eye. At half time the margin was 2-8 to 0-7 in favour of the Dr Crokes.

Second Half After ten minutes of the second half Dr Crokes still had seven points to spare - 2-10 to 0-9 - George Dobbins and Aonghus O'Leary scoring for Gneeveguilla while Edmund O'Sullivan and Brendan Falvey added two for Dr Crokes. Once again we were treated to top class net minding as Gerard O'Sullivan stopped two fine shots from Edmund O'Sullivan and Barra O'Connell. Gneeveguilla upped their tempo, and they added three points from Ronan McAulliffe , Barry O'Leary and the impressive George Dobbins from 50metres with D J O'Connor the play maker for each. The margin now stood at five points - 2-11 to 0-12, but it didn't last for long. Once again, Dr Crokes breached the defence and when Denis Galvin was fouled for a penalty, Chris Brady sent the ball to the top corner to make the score 3-11 to 0-12. Many a team would have wilted in the face of that blow but the men from the village responded differently. Pride in the parish and their green and gold jersey saw them add a further 1-5 to their score as they pushed the town side all the way. Throughout the game the point scoring from angles and distance was high class but in the final fifteen minutes it exceeded all expectation and the attendance was royally entertained by both sides. Dr Crokes Edmund O'Sullivan, Chris Brady, Denis Galvin and David Moloney were matched by Gneeveguillas George Dobbins, Barry O'Leary, Ronan McAulliffe and DJ O'Connor as they thrilled the crowd and each outdone the other with their talent of long range shooting and free taking. Approaching the final whistle, Dr Crokes held the winning hand at 3-14 to 0-17 when the eye catching George Dobbins capitalised on Dr Crokes indecision in defence to strike home a goal and leave a three point margin entering the final minute. But it was to Edmund O'Sullivan of Dr Crokes went the honour of completing the scoring for a Dr Crokes win on a margin of four points - 3-15 to 1-17, in what must go down as one of the classics of the O'Sullivan Cup competition.

Teams:
Dr Crokes: Ryan Patten, Cillian Fitzgerald, Kieran Ward, John Bartlett, Barra O'Connell(0-1), Gavin Tucker, Conor O'Neill, David Moloney(0-2), James Jones, Brendan Falvey(0-2), Edmund O'Sullivan(0-6,0-3 frees), Keith O'Leary, Denis Galvin(2-1,0-1free), Ambros O'Donovan, Chris Brady(1-3, pen), Subs: Mark Egan, Timmy Donoghue, Darren Coffey, Joseph Keogh

Gneeveguilla: Gerard O'Sullivan, Patrick McCarthy, Conor Hickey, Christopher Horgan, Daniel O'Leary, Sean O'Connor, Con Cronin, Paidi Brosnan, Barry O'Leary(0-2), Aonghus O'Leary(0-1),George Dobbins(1-5, 0-1 free), Conor Herlihy, Ronan McAulliffe(0-4, 0-2 free), D J O'Connor(0-5, 0-2 free), Tommy Gleeson. Subs: Daniel Murphy, Padraig Doyle, Tom Carmody, Tommy Murphy.

1/4 Final - Rathmore B 2-15 Kilcummin B 0-5 on Friday 5th August

First Half In a very one sided affair at Rathbeg on Friday, the local side qualified for the O'Sullivan Cup semi final when they had 2-10 to spare over a depleted Kilcummin side. Powered by the Casey brothers - Donal at centre back and Damien at full forward along with an imperious performance at midfield from Derek Moynihan the Rathmore outfit gave notice of intention in this year's Junior championship. Their defence was watertight and in attack they were fluid and lethal. One must make allowances for the fact that Kilcummin was very under strength, and to add to their woes lost two influential players - Damien Doolan and Ger Sheehan - to injury early in the first half. But even at full strength it's doubtful if Kilcummin would have contained a Rathmore side that had pace, strength and accuracy. The game was over as a contest long before half time and when Michael A Kelleher pounced on a rebound to send the ball to the net after twenty minutes Rathmore led by 1-8 to no score. Minutes later Patrick Reen added a second goal and half time saw the score stand at 2-10 to no score with points scored along the way by Derek Motnihan (0-3), Damien Casey (0-3), Michael A Kelleher (0-2), Patrick Reen (0-1) and Shane O'Keeffe (0-1).

Second Half For the second half Rathmore introduced a number of younger players along with the evergreen Jamieson Hughes. Kilcummin continued to compete and had better fortune, but it was a low scoring half with honours even at 0-5 apiece. Kilcummin's Sean B Doherty, the hard working pair Diarmuid and Michael O'Sullivan and Mikie Shea were on target for their side while Mark Reen, Michael A Kelleher, Damien Casey and Jamieson Hughes completed the Rathmore scoring. The Kilcummin keeper, Kieran Fleming impressed throughout with top drawer saves from Michael Kelleher, Eugene O'Connor and Padraig Cronin. But it is Rathmore that earned a semi final place in the 2011 O'Sullivan Cup championship.

Teams:
Rathmore: Jamie Cooper, Colm Kelly, Martin O'Shea, Brendan Reen, Eugene O'Connor, Donal Casey, Brendan O'Keeffe, Derek Moynihan(0-3), John Hickey, Shane O'Keeffe(0-1), Patrick Reen(1-1), Mark Reen(0-2), Michael Kelleher(1-3, 0-1 free), Damien Casey(0-4), Michael Fitzgerald. Subs Conor Jenkinson, Padraig Cronin, Tadgh Moynihan, Padraig O'Mahony, Jamieson Hughes(0-1).

Kilcummin: Kieran Fleming, Eoin Lane, Damien Doolan, Gavin O'Leary, Colm Guilfoyle, Sean Brosnan, Tommy O'Sullivan, Sean Healy, Diarmuid O'Donoghue(0-1), Mikie O'Shea(0-1), Ger Sheehan, Michael O'Sullivan(0-1), Denis O'Sullivan, Killian Murphy, Sean B Doherty(0-2). Subs: Stephen O'Sullivan, Edmund McSweeney.

Semi-Final - Dr Crokes B 2-15 Rathmore B 0-05 on Wednesday 24th August

Holders Dr Crokes served notice that they will defend their title as East Kerry Junior Champions when they overpowered Rathmore at Dereen on Wednesday last. Dominant in almost every position on the field, the town outfit was fast, fluid and full of determination. They excelled in all aspects of play from high fielding, foot and hand passing, support play, close defensive work and accurate shooting. Two wides in the entire game – one in each half – gives an indication of their accuracy. On the other hand Rathmore had nine wides on their stats sheet – many of them as a result of shooting from distance due to the intensity of the Crokes marking. Granted, Rathmore was unlucky not to have the ball in the net on a few occasions. A first half shot by Padraig Cronin rebounded off the post. In the second half a similar effort by midfielder Donal O’Sullivan suffered a similar fate. The absence of players like Martin O’Shea, John Hickey, Michael A Kelleher and Pat Reen from the Rathmore lineup set them at a disadvantage.

Two Edmund O’Sullivan frees and a Denis Galvin point had the town side 0-3 ahead before a Damien Casey free opened the Rathmore account after ten minutes. Chris Brady and David Moloney pushed Dr Crokes five points clear before Jamie Cooper saved well from Niall O’Connell whose shot was heading for the top right corner. Derek Moynihan had Rathmore’s second point after twenty five minutes. Crokes influential centre back Keith Ward raided upfield. Denis Galvin took the pass and fed Shane O’Neill who split the posts from the sideline ten yards along from the corner flag. It was an impressive score that emphasised the difference between the teams. Chris Brady volleyed a rebound soccer style over the bar for the final score of the first period – Dr Crokes 0-8 Rathmore 0-2.

The restart saw Dr Crokes put the game out of reach in the third quarter. Another upfield raid by Ward saw corner forward Denis Galvin fouled and Chris Brady converted the free. From the kick out, Dr Crokes won a free at midfield and David Moloney sent the ball to the danger area where Chris Brady took possession. Brady sidestepped and jinked his way through the Rathmore defence and found the net – 1-9 to 0-2. Damien Casey replied with a point. Then another piece of Dr Crokes magic had Moloney and Brady combine to set up Niall O’Connel for their second goal after fifteen minutes. It was game over as Crokes led by thirteen points and James Fleming ran his bench for the final quarter. The game petered out with two more points from Denis Galvin for Crokes while Padraig Cronin and Derek Moynihan added two for Rathmore. Final Score Dr Crokes 2-12 Rathmore 0-5

Teams:
Dr Crokes: Peter O’Brien, Cillian Fitzgerald, P J Lawlor, Mark Egan, Fionn Fitzgerald, Keith Ward, Gavin Tucker, David Moloney(0-2), James Jones, Brendan Falvey(0-1), Chris Brady(1-4,0-2 frees), Niall O’Connell(1-0), Denis Galvin(0-2), Edmund O’Sullivan(0-2 frees), Shane O’Neill(0-1). Subs: David Looney, Dara Stack, Conor O’Neill, Darren Coffey.

Rathmore: Jamie Cooper, Eugie O’Connor, Colm Kelly, Conor Jenkinson, Brendan Reen, Brendan O’Keeffe, Tim Lynch, Tim Cronin, Donal O’Sullivan, Shane O’Keeffe, Donal Casey, Mark Reen, Tadgh Moynihan, Derek Moynihan(0-2), Damien Casey(0-2 frees). Subs: Padraig Cronin(0-1), Padraig Mahony, Shane Reen.

Referee: Mike Brosnan (Spa).

Semi-Final - Spa B 1-12 Legion B 0-12 on Wednesday 24th August

A large crowd were treated to a thriller in Lewis Rd. last Wednesday evening, with Spa advancing to the final of the O'Sullivan Cup, but only after a very strong examination of their credentials by a very lively Legion outfit. Legion, with Andrew O'Sullivan, Mike Bernard O'Donoghue, Killian Treacy, and Derek Twomey all hitting the ground running, made the brighter start and Fergus Clifford had to be alert to intercept a goalbound effort on the Spa line. As it was, points from Treacy, Twomey, Brian Griffin and John McGillicuddy to two Adam Reilly frees gave them a 0-4 to 0-2 early advantage. Paul Kelliher and Conor Farrell traded scores. Sub Paul Cronin pulled one back but Derek Twomey and Killian Treeacy left it 0-7 to 0-4 at the short whistle.

Enda Murphy, who gave great leadership around the middle, stretched out that lead. Legion could have led by more but for great defending from Paul Casey, Brian Devane, and Michael Paul Doherty in the full back line and it was Doherty who raced the length of the field to score, quickly followed by an astute effort from Pat Cronin. Derek Twomey hit another brace of points but Spa, inspired by a superb performance from man of the match Pa Murphy in midfield, centre back Fergus Clifford, hardworking Colin Moynihan, and some brilliant shooting by centre forward Adam Reilly, determinedly ate into the lead. A super score by Murphy and three magical points, including a spectacular sideline kick, from Reilly levelled matters at 0-10 apiece. Twomey from a free and Treacy restored a two point gap with ten minutes to go but Spa weren't letting go. A brilliant sprint by Paul Casey momentarily split the Legion defence and Pa Murphy pounced to grab a vital goal. 1-10 to 0-12 and the first time in the whole game that Spa led, but one that they never looked like relinquishing from then on. Pa Murphy won a free for Pat Cronin to make it a two point game. Jamie Spillane was denied a goal by a fine save from Peter O'Leary but Pat Cronin followly up calmly slotted the final point to give Spa a win that looked unlikely for long periods of this game.

Spa: Sean Moynihan, Paul Casey, Brian Devane, Michael Paul Doherty (0-1), Matthew Moynihan, Fergus Clifford, Kieran Herlihy, Kevin Healy, Pa Murphy (1-1), Paul Kelliher (0-1), Adam Reilly (0-5, 2f), Colin Moynihan, John O'Donoghue, Andrew Fitzgerald, Pat Cronin (0-3, 1f), Subs Paul Cronin, Jamie Spillane, Adrian O'Sullivan. Subs Paul Cronin (0-1), Jamie Spillane, Jim Morris, Shane Hickey, Ronan O'Sullivan, Paudie O'Donoghue, Adrian O'Sullivan

Legion: Peter O'Leary, Aidan Slattery, Andrew O'Sullivan, Cathal Sheahan, Danny Sheehan, Denis Sheehan, Ciaran Lyne, Mike Bernard O'Donoghue, Enda Murphy (0-1), John McGillicuddy (0-1), Killian Treacy (0-3), Derek Twomey (0-5, 3f), Brian Griffin (0-1), Conor Farrell (0-1), KJ Griffin. Subs Billy McGuire, Mark O'Driscoll, Tom Lucey, Mick Gleeson, Brendan Kissane, Brian Doolan, Paul Doolan.

Referee: Donal Casey (Scartaglen)

Final - Dr Crokes B 1-11 Spa B 1-0 on Wednesday 24th August

O'Sullivan Cup Man of the Match - Craig Hickey (Spa B)