Training under lights – History in the making:
U14’s:
Killarney U14 welcomed neighbours Castleisland to Aghadoe on Saturday last for the first game of 2017, in phase 2 of the West Munster u14 league. Not having played a proper game for a few 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 and no player disappointed. 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. Castleisland never gave up and helped serve up a nail biting match where Killarney came out one try ahead. Finally, many thanks to all the supporters that continue to give this team the support from the sidelines. We are looking forward to resuming training outdoors under the new lights from 7 to 8p.m. on Tuesday. Next match is at home next Saturday morning against Tralee, kick off is 10:15am.
U16’s:
Killarney travelled to Listowel last Saturday for the first-round game of the Under 16 Munster Bowl competition. As expected, Listowel were really up for this game as Killarney had beaten them comfortably on their previous two encounters this year. A tight encounter with defence the key, saw Killarney finish the first half 3-0 up, with a penalty kick coolly converted from the 22 by no. 9 Chris Carey. The second half resumed as the first ended with both sides defending aggressively, Killarney’s breakthrough came on 45 minutes when no. 10 Cian Murphy scored under the posts off a rehearsed rolling lineout maul, Murphy then converted his own try to make it10-0. Almost immediately from the restart, Listowel scored a converted try under the posts as a result of a huge defensive mix-up by Killarney’s backs. Killarney’s Chris Carey again scored a long range penalty kick, with 10 to go to leave the score 13-7, again almost identical to the first try. Killarney finished off the game with captain Richard Wallace scoring off a rolling maul, final score 18-7. Next game v Dolphin at home next Saturday to KO at 11.30am. Training in Aghadoe Thursday 6.45 to 8pm
U18’s:
Last Saturday, KRFC were hosts to the combined squad of Castleisland/Abbeyfeale in the first round of the U18 Bowl competition. Things started badly as the official referee never turned up and a visiting person agreed to refereed the match. A hugely competitive match got underway with the visitors scoring two unconverted tries in the first half, and the fantastic Alan Lynch crossing the white line for Killarney, with Kieran O’Connor converting, with 5 minutes to go in the second half. The visitors scored a third try to make the score 15-7, early in the second half. However, luck was not on Killarney’s side as Shane Looney crossed the line for the first of our disallowed tries. However, Killarney dominated the action and with 10 minutes to go, Dylan McCarthy, playing the game of his life, crossed the line, and Kieran converted again, bringing the scores to 14-15 in the visitors favour. With the game almost over, and Killarney pushing for the win, Alan Lynch again crossed the line to the delight of the home crowd. However, the referee deemed the last pass a forward pass, and did so from almost the half way line! The general consensus was the try was perfect and with the referee 50 yards away, it’s a decision that irked the home crowd. A hugely disappointing finish for the lads, a game they did not deserve to lose. Special mention has to go to Alan Murphy, Cathal Healy and Jack Kelliher who were outstanding with the sublime Dylan McCarthy leading from the front as he has done all season. Next match is against Rugbai Corcha Dhuibhne at Aghadoe on Saturday the 21st.