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KERRY GAA SCENE We wish the Kerry Senior Football Team the best of luck on Saturday when we play Dublin in the Bank Of Ireland All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarterfinal in Croke Park at 3.45 p.m. It is the second game of a double bill starting at 2.00 p.m. when Leinster Champions, Westmeath play Derry . Games between Kerry and Dublin will always set pulses racing and raise high expectations from the supporters of both counties. This Saturday's All-Ireland Quarterfinal between the oldest of football rivals, Kerry and Dublin is no different and it has been a major talking point among football enthusiasts since the draw was made. Memories of past games have rekindled that great rivalry once more. People still talk of the great games between Kerry and Dublin in the 1970's and 1980's and the more recent games particularly, the drawn and replayed All-Ireland Quarterfinals in Semple Stadium, Thurles in 2001. The sensational point scored in injury time by our supreme marksman Maurice Fitzgerald to force the game to a replay is still recalled for the composure and confidence under pressure which Maurice demonstrated as he prepared to take that free. The replay is recalled for the magnificent scores, particularly John Crowley's two first half goals, the intensity of the midfield battle and the strong and courageous defence which held out with an intensity that deprived the fast running Dublin attack of vital scores. These recollections whet the appetite for what promises to be yet another classic encounter. Such is the rivalry and intensity that surrounds games between the two counties that even the most courageous and knowledgeable pundits will hedge their bets on the outcome. However there is no doubt in their minds that Saturday's quarterfinal should bring out the best in both teams. We can be confident and assured that our Kerry team will give of their best They have prepared well and have the support of everybody in the county and Kerry people in all parts of Ireland and throughout the world behind them. Let's also see the Kerry colours displayed in every town, village, garden and flagpole throughout the county and in Croke Park on Saturday. Don't be shy to show your colours. SUPPORTERS CLUB The Kerry Supporters Club are organising two busses to Dublin on Saturday for the Bank Of Ireland All-Ireland Football Championship Quarterfinal between Kerry and Dublin . The departure times on Saturday morning are 6.00 a.m. from The Tralee Road Roundabout in Killarney, 6.30 a.m. from St. Brendan's Church, Tralee and 7.00 a.m. from The Square, Listowel. They will travel via Tarbert. Contact Martin Leane at (068) 48116, John King at (066) 7124229 or Donie O'Leary at (064) 58099 for further information. TICKET SALES Tickets are on public sale at The Pavilion, Austin Stack Park , Tralee on this Wednesday from 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. They are also on public sale at Fitzgerald Stadium from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. On Thursday they are sale at The Pavilion, Austin Stack Park from 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tickets will not be on sale at either Tralee or Killarney on Thursday night. There will be no ticket sales on Friday. Any unsold tickets have to be returned to Croke Park on Thursday evening. MUNSTER UNDER 21 FOOTBALL FINAL The Munster Under 21 Football Championship Final between Kerry and Cork is scheduled for Wednesday August 18 th at Austin Stack Park , Tralee at 7.00 p.m. AIB COUNTY HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Abbeydorney play St. Brendan's on this Friday August 13 th at 7.00 p.m. and on this Sunday August 15 th at 6.30 p.m. Causeway will play Lixnaw in the two remaining quarterfinals. Note change of time for both quarterfinals. All the quarterfinals are at Austin Stack Park , Tralee . Kilmoyley and Ballyheigue have qualified for the semi-finals of the AIB County Senior Hurling Championship. The reigning champions, Kilmoyley defeated Ballyduff on Friday night in a high scoring game, which was refereed by Tipperary intercounty referee, Willie Barrett. Both teams showed their appreciation for Willie Barrett and his handling of the game as they were leaving the field. On Saturday night Ballyheigue defeated Crotta O'Neills and this game was also very capably refereed by Ballyduff's John Hennessy. McNAMEE AWARD FOR 2003 CO. HURLING FINAL PROGRAMME Last year's Kerry County Hurling Final Programme has won the McNamee Award for the Best County Final Programme. We congratulate the programme editor, Tommy O'Connor, PRO Of the North Kerry Hurling Board on winning the award amidst some very stiff competition from other county final programmes. Tommy has edited the County Hurling Final Programme for the past number of years and this award gives national recognition and an acknowledgement of the hard work and research he has put into the compilation of the programme and presenting it in a colourful and interesting format. The citation for the award stated; “This was a very colourful production with an attractive lay-out and interesting content. For example, statistics, which can be very boring, were presented in an attractive and novel way. All in all, this was a programme compiled with great care and flair.” The McNamee Awards are presented annually by the GAA in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals in the area of communications. The concept evolved as a result of the McNamee Report published in 1971. COUNTY MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The round 3 games were down for decision on this Tuesday night. In that round Kenmare/Rathmore played Dr. Crokes and St. Brendan's played East Kerry. On this Thursday at 7.30 p.m. at Strand Road , Kerins O'Rahillys will play Feale Rangers who defeated West Kerry in last Monday's night's replay The quarterfinals will be played on Monday August 16 th at 7.30 p.m. Laune Rangers are away to the winners of Kerins O'Rahillys and Feale Rangers, Shannon Rangers are at home to Castleisland District, Mid Kerry are away to East Kerry and South Kerry are away to Dr. Crokes. Extra time will be played if necessary. SPECIAL SUMMER MINOR CLUB COMPETITION Kerins O'Rahillys and Ballymacelligott are in the final of the 15 a side section of P.K.'s Special Minor Summer Club Football Competition. In last Friday's semi-finals Kerins O'Rahillys defeated Kilcummin and Ballymacelligott defeated Rathmore. The date for the final was not arranged at the time of writing. In the 13 a side section Renard defeated Beale in last Friday's quarterfinal and the semi-finals are down for decision on this Thursday night at 7.30 p.m. Extra time will be played if necessary. Renard will play St. Michael's/Foilmore at Con Keating Park , Cahersiveen and St. Pat's will play Annascaul at Blennerville. Extra time will be played if necessary. INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP On Tuesday August 17 th Lady's Walk play Causeway at Ballyduff at 7.30 p.m. and on Friday August 20 th Dr. Crokes play Kilgarvan at 7.00 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship. Extra time will be played if necessary. The home team is responsible for phoning in the result. NOVICE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP On Tuesday August 17 th Kilgarvan “B” play Austin Stacks and Laune Rangers play St. Pat's. Both games are at 7.00 p.m. and extra time will be played if necessary. The winners of these two games will go forward to the quarterfinals of the County Junior Hurling Championship, which will be played on Wednesday August 25 th . MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP On Monday August 16 th South Kerry play Lixnaw at Lewis Road and St. Brendan's play Kilmoyley at Ardfert. Both games are at 7.30 p.m. The winners will play Ballyheigue and Ballyduff/Causeway respectively in the semi-finals on Monday August 23 rd . Extra time will be played if necessary. THE KERRYMAN CENTENARY SEVENS The second round of The Kerryman Centenary Sevens was played last Wednesday. Sneem, John Mitchels and Spa qualified for the semi-finals of the Cup. The games involving Beale, St. Senan's, Ballydonoghue and Knocknagoshel were not played due to no referee being available for the venue at Coolard. This group will now be finalised on this Wednesday night. In the Shield Competition Renard, St. Pat's, Brosna and Kenmare qualified for the semi-finals. It is hoped that the finals will be played on Sunday August 22 nd . Further details will be in next week's column. JUNIOR CUPS The first rounds of the Molyneaux Cup, the McElligott Cup, the Barrett Cup and Cahill Cup will be played on Sunday August 22 nd . SUMMER CAMPS The Garvey's Super Valu Kerry GAA Summer Camps in Football and Hurling continue this week with the Football Camp at Cahersiveen, Kenmare, Farranfore and Gallarus and the Main Hurling Camp at Austin Stack Park , Tralee on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Monday next the Football Camp will be at Milltown, Austin Stack Park and Tarbert. The camp will be from 10.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. each day from Monday to Friday. All participants are advised to bring suitable playing gear and a packed lunch. A team of qualified and experienced coaches conduct the coaching. Brochures and Entry Forms for the Summer Camps in Football, Hurling are still available at The Pavilion, Austin Stack Park , Tralee or from club secretaries and Garvey's outlets. The age group catered for is from 7 to 14 year olds and the cost per person for the football and hurling camps is €40, €30 for the second member of the same family and €25 for each additional member of the same family. NEW YORK NEWS The Kerry Seniors had another easy win over Cavan last Sunday on the scoreline of 2-18 to 0-08. They led 1-08 to 0-04 at half time. With this victory they are certain to finish on top of the table and will meet the team that finishes fourth in the semi-finals in September. They have one game left to play in the league against Westmeath who have no points. Tom Canty and Louis Holland will have the job of keeping the team fresh for the playoffs. Kerry Team; F. Flood, P. Mulvihill, Ballylongford, D. Riney, Sneem, S. Finn, Castlegregory, C. Fearon, Armagh, E. Lawlor, Gneeveguilla, E. Kavanagh, Dr. Crokes, J. Golden, St. Mary's, D. McCarthy, Capt. Kilcummin (0-02), P. Murphy, Glenbeigh/Glencar, (0-03), R. Keane, St. Mary's (0-03), S. Flynn, Firies (2-03), Bingo Driscoll, Camp (0-04), Bingo Driscoll, Camp (0-01), D. J. Fleming, Kilcummin (0-02). Steve Flynn starred in his beloved Green and Gold having his best game since returning from exile. Among the supporters were John Riordan, Sean Shea, John Hayes, Tim Brassil, Timmy Curtin, Brendan Henchy, Eugie and Dec Sullivan, Tommy Reilly, Carmel Mulvihill, Joan Spillane Holland, B. Stack, M. Fagan, Sean Healy and the Kearney and Maunsell families. The Kerry Juniors are 5-2 and look certain to make the final and they also have a few crunch games coming up. BOSTON NEWS The Kerry Club in Boston Senior Football Team put in a highly spirited performance as they went down to red hot favourites, Aidan McAnsepie's on the score of 0-14 to 0-10 in their last game of the season on Sunday last. But the good news is that Kerry will retain their senior status for the 2005 season. The Kerry Club wish to thank all the Kerry players from Ireland who helped the club this year and they also acknowledge their sponsors, Nash's Pub, Somer's Pub and Lee Strand, Tralee. THE LATE MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN, BIRMINGHAM Michael O'Sullivan was a former Chairman of the Kerry Association in Birmingham. He was born in Killarney 73 years ago and is predeceased by his wife, Nora, nee Hurley from Kilmichael, Co. Cork who worked for many years in Christy McSweeney's in Killarney. She was an ardent Cork supporter. Michael was prominent in all Kerry Association activities throughout his life. He played a big part in inviting Kerry players both male and female to association functions in Birmingham. He never missed a Munster Final, All-Ireland semi-final or final. He also supported Kerry players irrespective of club in Warwickshire. We extend our deepest sympathy to his son, Tony, daughter, Ann Marie and all his relatives and friends in Birmingham and Kerry. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. SYMPATHY We extend our deepest sympathy to the O'Donoghue Family, Cordal and the Hilliard Family, Listowel and Crotta on their recent bereavements. COUNTY LEAGUE REPORT After last weekend's Round 9 games of the Credit Union County Senior Football League the positions of the teams on the table have assumed a very important and crucial significance. There is very little separating the leading teams in all the divisions while at the bottom end of the table it is also very close for the teams in danger of relegation. It's still very tight at the top of Division 1 with just a single point separating the leaders. Austin Stacks are back on top, ahead of Dr. Crokes by a single point. Dr. Crokes game against Sneem was not played so they now have a game in hand. Nevertheless both teams must now be considered strong contenders for the Division 1 Final with just three rounds left to play. Dingle, Annascaul and Laune Rangers are in joint third place, four points behind the leaders. Dingle drew with Kerins O'Rahillys in this round and Laune Rangers defeated Annascaul. At the bottom of the table there is an equally tight situation with Dromid Pearses and Sneem and to a lesser extent, St. Mary's and Desmonds in danger of relegation. St. Mary's victory over Dromid Pearses in this round was an important victory for last year's champions. In Division 2 the race for promotion is still very tight. Milltown/Castlemaine stay on top and Waterville have slipped after their defeat by Gneeveguilla. Listowel Emmets are still in second place, just two points behind the leaders after their victory over John Mitchels. Rathmore got back into contention again after their win over Beaufort while Gneeveguilla have gone into joint third place with Waterville. St. Michael's/Foilmore slipped back the table as well after their defeat by Spa. At the bottom of the table John Mitchels, Legion and Beaufort will have to battle hard to avoid relegation In Division 3 Glenflesk's promotion hopes suffered a setback when Duagh beat them. Nevertheless they are still on top of the table and sharing the lead with Skellig Rangers who have a game in hand against Lispole. St. Pat's also suffered a setback when Kenmare beat them. In Division 4 Beale are still in the lead despite being beaten by Moyvane in this round. Churchill have jumped into second place after they beat Tuosist in this round and Moyvane and Brosna are in joint third place, the latter having an important win over Laune Rangers B. In Division 5 Renard are still top of the table in this division while Listry, Ballydonoghue, Fossa, Na Gaeil and Glenbeigh/Glencar are hot on their heels for the three promotion places from this division. The Round 8 games will be played as scheduled on the weekend of August 22 nd . Co. League Div. 1 Austin Stacks 1-10; An Ghaeltacht 1-8. An Ghaeltacht, missing their county stars, put Stacks to the ‘pin of their collar' to win this one. In a very evenly contested first half the sides were level at the interval four points a piece. An Ghaeltacht started the second half in whirlwind fashion and had gone ahead by five points by the 6 th minute with wing forward Tomás Ó'Conchúir at the end of a good move for their goal. Stacks responded well and within two minutes Martin McKivergan combined with Billy Sheehan for the latter to goal from close range. An Ghaeltacht managed only two more points in the remaining twenty two minutes while the Rock scored a further six. Best for the Tralee side were top scorer Billy Sheehan (1-2), Kieran Donaghy, Paul Hennebery, Martin McKivergan and Jonathan Magnier. Dhein Tomás ó'Muircheartaigh, Cathal Ó'Dubhda, Pól Ó'Cuinn, Conal Ó'Cruadhlaíoch agus Tomás Ó'Conchúir sár obair don Ghaeltacht. County League Division 1 HANDBALL Ladies Minor 60x30 Munster Championships Last Thursday night in Broadford, Catriona Casey [Ballymac] defeated Karen Collins in the Ladies Minor Singles 60x30 Munster Final. In a very tight game, Catriona beat the Tipperary girl in a tie break. Catriona now faces the Ulster Champion-Lisa Mc Aleer in Tyrone next Saturday. The Tyrone girl who hails from the Loughmacrory club is a big hitter in the Handball Court. It is going to be a tough one for the Kerry girl, but who knows-having seen what happened in Croke Park this weekend when the two Ulster Counties were eliminated from the Football Championship. The winner of this game will play either Eimear Fallon [Kildare] or Aisling Behan [Laois] in the All Ireland Final. In the Munster 60x30 Doubles Final, Catriona teams up with Brenda Carmody [Balymac],against Tipperary opposition. At the time of going to press, there is no date for this game. Mens Senior Singles 60x30 All Ireland Softball Championships-First Round Dominmic Lynch [Glenbeigh] conceded his game against Tom Sheridan [Meath] which was due to be played on Saturday August 7 th . Tom Sheridan will now play Colin Keeling [Wexford] in the next round. Community Games The All Ireland Semi-Finals and Finals of the Handball Community Games takes place on August 21-22 nd in Gormanstown Co Meath. Kerry's sole representatives this year are the U/15 Girls Team from An Ghaeltacht. The team is as follows Fiona Ni Cathain, Aisling Ni Luing,LouiseNi Mhuircheartaigh, Eilis ni Luing, Ciara Ni She, Siobhan Ni Chonchuir. The draw for the All Irelands are as follows; Semi-Final on Saturday 21 st -An Ghaeltacht v St Comans [Roscommon],Final on Sunday 22 nd Winners v Rathnew [Wexford]. The following are the players that will be representing Kerry in the Munster 60x30 Juvenile Championships Boys U12 Singles-Colm O Luing [Gaeltacht] U12 Doubles-Eoinn Keane [Ballymac]and Sean O Se [Gaeltacht] U13 Singles-Brian Keane [Ballymac] U13 Doubles-Brian Casey and William Prendiville [Ballymac] U14 Singles-Cian Counihan [Ballymac] U14 Doubles-James O Donnell [Tralee] and Wayne Teahan [Ballyamac] U15 Singles-A N 0 U15 Doubles-Colm O Mhuircheartaigh [Gaeltacht] and Paul Culloty [Ballymac] U17 Singles-Dennis Buckley [Ballymac] Girls U12 Singles-Fiona Griffin [Ballymac] U12 Doubles-Aine Casey and Hazel Prendiville [Ballymac] U13 Singles-Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh [Gaeltacht] U14 Singles-Sharon Twomy [Ballymac] U14 Doubles-Maebh Prendiville [Ballymac] and Ciara Ni She [Gaeltacht] U16 Singles-Ashley Prendiville [Ballymac] U16 Doubles-Karen Lawlor [Tralee] and Lisa Falvey [Ballymac] Results Munster 60x30 Championships Munster Final-Ladies Minor Singles; Catriona Casey [Ballymac] defeated Karen Collins [Tipperary] Mens Senior Singles 60x30 All Ireland Softball Championships First Round: Tom Sheridan [Meath] WO-Dominic Lynch [Glenbeigh] scratch-inj Dates to look out for August 14/15th- All Ireland 60x30 Semi-Finals Ladies Minor Singles. Loughmacrory at 4pm. Catriona Casey [Ballymac] v Lisa Mc Aleer [Loughmacrory] August 21/22 nd -All Ireland Semi-Finals and Finals of Community Games in Gormanstown. August 21/22nd- All Ireland 60x30 Semi-Finals Ladies Minor Doubles. August 28/29 th -All Ireland 60x30 Finals Ladies Minor Singles. September 4/5 th -All Ireland 60x30 Finals Ladies Minor Doubles. By September 5 th -Provincial 60x30 Juvenile Finals September 11 th -Girls U13/17 Team Of Ten 60x30 Interprovincial September 18/19 th -All Ireland 60x30 Juvenile Semi Finals By September 25 th -Provincial U12/13,U14/15,U16/17 60x30 Teams. October 2/3 rd -All Ireland 60x30 Juvenile Finals
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