3rd June 2006 - Credit Union County Senior Football League Division 1 Round 5 in JP O'Sullivan Park Killorglin

St. Mary's 2-05 V 1-16 Laune Rangers

So close but yet so far, was the saying left on the lips of the small St. Mary’s following leaving JP O’Sullivan Park on Saturday evening last when the Senior team were defeated by Laune Rangers in the 5th round of the Credit Union sponsored County League. St. Mary’s put in a fantastic first half performance which saw them trail by 4 points at the break, but when they showed the heart and determination of St. Mary’s sides gone past, they pulled themselves back and even ahead after 10 minutes of the second half, but the fitness of the Killorglin team proved too strong for the Mary’s, missing 8 regulars, and they finished with an 8 point advantage at the final whistle.

Both sides had goal chances after 7 and 8 minutes from Daniel O’Sullivan (St. M) and Conal Kelly (LR) respectively but only a point from Tom McGillicuddy for the home side resulted while 2 minutes later Mike Frank Russell double the Rangers advantage. Austin Constable pulled one back for the Mary’s after a good assist from Diarmuid Walsh. Two goals in 2 minutes set the game up for a thriller after 14 and 15 minutes. The first came for the home side when Conal Kelly gave a great ball to Jeffery O’Mahony who slotted the ball past Cormac O’Shea, making only his second start in the County League, in the Mary’s net. A cracker from Niall O’Driscoll followed when he struck from all of 50m which deceived goal keeper Paul O’Connor and backs alike to cut the margin to the minimum. Mike Frank Russell from a close free and Niall O’Driscoll exchanged points before Conal Kelly, Pa Sullivan and Russell all raised white flags before the break to leave the score at the interval St. Mary’s 1-2 Laune Rangers 1-6.

A penalty after 3 minutes for the Mary’s gave them the perfect start to the second half after a leg block Austin Constable stepped up and duly convert past the static Paul O’Connor to bringing his seasons tally to 2-25. Paul O’Donoghue then brought his side back into the game with a point from the left wing with a helping hand from Fergal O’Connell, making only his second appearance of the year, giving a peach of a pass to the 16 year old, while 2 minutes later O’Donoghue put his side out in front for the first and only time for the duration of the game from a 48m free. St. Mary’s lead only lasted 4 minutes when Laune Rangers found their shooting boots and with this came points from Russell (2), Pa Sullivan (2) and Liam Hassett before Austin Constable added his sides only response for the Mary’s while the Mid Kerry side added 5 more points from Jeffery O’Mahony, Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett, Johnny Sheehan and Ross Sheehan to leave the final score at JP O’Sullivan Park, Killorglin St. Mary’s 2-05 Laune Rangers 1-16.

Best on the day for St. Mary’s were Micheal Pat O’Donoghue, Diarmuid Walsh, Niall O’Driscoll, Austin Constable and especially Brian Curran, 18, who put in an outstanding display while marking Mike Frank Russell. Best for the victors were Pa Sheehan, Liam Hassett, Tom McGillicuddy, Jeffery O’Mahony, Conal Kelly, Mike Frank Russell and Pa Sullivan. Despite defeat St. Mary’s will still be proud of their display. Taking into consideration Laune Rangers were at full strength and St. Mary’s were missing Mike T O’Connor, Paudie O’Shea, Liam Sheehan, Adam Quirke, Vinny Moriarty, James Fitzgerald, Declan O’Sullivan and Bryan Sheehan. St. Mary’s also gave a senior debut to Kevin Keane, Micheal Pat O’Donoghue made his first appearance of the year, while Darren Corcoran made his first outfield appearance of the year. St. Mary’s now have a month to prepare for their next game against Austin Stacks at home in the County League while the Rangers will be looking towards the County Championship.

Scorers: Laune Rangers: Mike Frank Russell (0-6, 0-2f, 0-1 45), Jeffery O’Mahony (1-2), Pa Sullivan (0-3, 0-2f), Tom McGillicuddy, Colin O’Connor, Liam Hassett, Ross Sheehan, John Sheehan (0-1 each). St. Mary’s: Austin Constable (1-2, 1-0 pen), Niall O’Driscoll (1-1), Paul O’Donoghue (0-2, 0-1f).

St. Mary’s Team: Cormac O’Shea, Brian Curran, John M Clifford, Michael Pat O’Donoghue, Connie Connor, Aidan O’Sullivan, Diarmuid Walsh, Niall O’Driscoll, Ray Keane, Darren Corcoran, Austin Constable, Paul O’Donoghue, Daniel O’Sullivan, Fergal O’Sullivan and Kevin Keane. Subs: Sean Cournane for Kevin Keane and Conor Moran for Diarmuid Walsh.

Referee: Tommy Sugrue

St. Mary's Paul O'Donoghue in conversation with Laune Rangers John Sheehan, Liam Hassett and Tom McGillicuddy

St. Mary's Fergal O'Connell outjumps Laune Rangers Eoin Ferris as Kevin Keane and Daniel O'Sullivan watch for the breaks

St. Mary's Brian Curran and Laune Rangers and Kerrys Mike Frank Russell watch on during their County League match up