U14:
Killarney 39 – 12 Killorglin. While the rain stayed off for the match the ground was wet underfoot but the pitches held up well. Not having played a proper game for two weeks meant that the team did not start with the now accustomed flair but they quickly found their feet. With a wet ball the emphasis was always going to be on doing the basics well. Team captain Padraic Talbot led from the outset and got over the line early for a try with more from Darragh Cronin, Donnacha Grealy (who’s skill with the boot is steadily improving) and a number for the fearless Thomas Clifford. Changes were made in majority of positions with a number of first “caps” for some of our younger warriors who got their first taste of playing on a full pitch and really stepped up. Killorglin never gave up and were rewarded with a brace of tries. Finally, many thanks to all the supporters that continue to give this team the support from the sidelines. It is great to have this support and the cups of coffee. Also best wishes to Liam Randles who is out recovering from an injury. Training: Grappling on Thursday evening 5:45 and training on Saturday morning in Aghadoe at 11:30am. No match next weekend.
U16:
Travelling for an away game is never easy, and last Saturday was no different as we were hosted by Listowel. With one win out of our last four games, the pressure was on, and the main focus was not to concede a score early. Listowel are always physical, but Killarney were up to the task, Killarney pressed for long periods and it was at the 25 minute mark that Dion oNeill pounced on a loose ruck ball to score. Cian Murphy converted to give Killarney a half time lead of 7-0. Listowel made several changes at half time, and pounded killarneys patient defence, but to no avail. Killarney responded well, and on the 45th minute, Cian Murphys cross field kick, followed by a Killarney ruck rewarded captain Richard Wallace a try, from close in. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Again in the 50th minute Murphy put in a sweet kick cross field, ably gathered by Evan Smith, who scored in the corner, to leave the score at 17-0. With 10 minutes to go and the game won, the challenge was to leave the fixtures hosts scoreless, In fact with time nearly up, Richard Wallace hacked through a loose ball, to score in the corner, final score 22-0 to Killarney. .Well done to the entire team, whos defence was superb throughout. This team is improving at every fixture, and the most satisfying part of this recent fixture was our defence, well done lads, onwards & upwards. Next game at home next Saturday v Kanturk.
U18:
Killarney hosted Tralee last Saturday at Aghadoe, which was a hive of activity due to the Minis training and the U14’s match taking place also. Tralee are a very strong side and sit 3rd in the league with 4 wins to date.and the team featured 3 Munster Academy players. However, Killarney are improving with every match and our try came from Alan Lynch with Kieran O’Connor converting and adding a penalty conversion. As always captain Dylan McCarthy led from the front and the lads played superbly particularly in the first half against one of the strongest teams in the group. A special mention must go to Ben Howard who had an exceptional game in the centre. The club are delighted to see the U18’s competing and working so hard and thank Pat and his coaches for their sterling work. Next up it’s a trip to Mallow next Saturday.
Seniors:
Another away trip to East Cork for Killarney. The opponents this time, Fermoy RFC. Last time out against the same opponents Killarney suffered a close defeat. Not to be so this time around. From the kick off, Killarney dominated in all aspects of the game even after losing our captain Ger Moynihan to injury early on. Replacing Ger was John Paul Kissane who has only returned to playing this year, and he did not disappoint with a fantastic showing at hooker. Ferocious rucking and ball carrying with supporting runners on every play was the theme of the day. It was a team performance that was in the offing and Killarney did not hold back. It did not take long for Killarney to make their mark. Fast line speed ball and consistent rucking made sure that quick, clean ball was presented to No. 9 Paul OβSullivan on every occasion which provided a dominant platform to attack from. The line out and scrums were functioning superbly on both attack and defence. Killarney scored two tries in the first half. A quick tap for a scrum penalty set Colin McCarty on his way and he crashed over the line to put Killarney on the score board. Half way through the second half Killarney found themselves in a similar position after a great break by out half Matt Lane who just returned to the pitch after serving 10mins in the binand some intense breakdown play lead to another hard ruck gave Paul OβSullivan clean quick ball. With the ruck at the base of the post Paul used the rules of the game to great effect and touched the ball off the base of the post to give Killarney their second try of the game. The try was converted and another penalty added just before half time. The score, 15-3 Killarney. Killarney started the second half with the same intensity and this was emphasised with phenomenal ball carrying from man of the match Paul Moynihan, which set the tone on every forward attack. Possibly due to tiring bodies on the Killarney side, Fermoy found themselves with more possession in the second half, scoring a try to bring the score back to 10-15. This only reenergised Killarney who brought on some fresh legs, TJ Brosnan and David Corlett, with David proving particularly troublesome for Fermoy with a number of half breaks. These breaks helped Killarney push up the pitch and win a penalty in a very kickable position for Paudie Sheahan putting some daylight between the teams. Killarney where not done there as they again push up the field and after some more half breaks and fast rucking found themselves with a two man overlap on the right hand side with Aaron Jones capping a fine display with a desired try. Paudie again added the extras bring the score to 25-10, with less than 10 mins on the clock Fermoy responded with one more try after a quick tap free kick award from a Killarney scrum. With the score now 25-15 Killarney finish the game in the same manner they started, putting pressure on the Fermoy try line attacking until the very end.
Minis:
There will be no minis next Saturday, the 19th however we will be hosting our round of the West Munster Blitz on Saturday the 26th and will welcome teams from Kenmare, Castleisland and Iveragh. We will need all help possible to assist in the running of the day and ask that parents bring along baked goodies, sweets, buns etc on the day. We will need some help with stewarding etc so if you can help, please let Liam Murphy know on 087-4145662.
80’s V 90’s night:
We are hosting our fundraising 80’s V 90’s night at the Grand tonight and would ask that every player, coach, parent, supporter and member come along and enjoy the night. The cost of entry is β¬10 or β¬7 if you come along in fancy dress – which is optional, so no pressure! A great night is assured and all funds raised go towards the running of the club. See you all there!