Killarney Athletic AFC News
Compiled by Alan Daly
KILLARNEY Celtic hosted Killarney Athletic in the Under 12 League in very windy conditions a with Athletic coming out on top on a 5-2 scoreline.
1-0 up at half time against the wind, we looked good but early in the second half Celtic levelled with a great shot. Our boys dug deep and got the second and eventual winner through Alex Hennigan (pictured).
The under 12s also played their first National Cup game out of Kerry in Ballingarry, Co Limerick. Going into new territory our boys got off to a fantastic start with Alex Hennigan scoring in the first minute.
Ballingarry hit back scoring two to go ahead. With four minutes to go Hennigan levelled the scoring to leave it 2-2 at half time with both teams playing great football.
At the start of the second half changes where made and they produced desired results. Sam Benson, Steven Moynihan and Conal Gallagher performed well. Benson and Hennigan, with two, finished off the scoring for Athletic to finish 5-2.
On the day, four-goal hero Alex Hennigan, Cian Lynch and Sean Dineen played well.
Killarney Athletic B has a 4-3 win against Listowel Celtic in Division 1 in a game that showed the club’s strength in depth. Many of the fringe players can play so well when called upon to ensure a squad away to Listowel.
Played on what many would consider the best pitch in Ireland – well it was good enough for Germany’s World Cup hero Mario Gotze – Athletic started with Damien and Conor at centre back, Rory, Jason and JP in midfield with Mark, Eamonn and Jack down the wings and goalkeeper turned striker for the day Rafa Barthy up front.
Athletic started well and quickly took the lead through Rafa but Listowel were back on terms soon after with Athletic claiming offside.
Athletic went 3-1 up through Eamonn and Rafa again but Listowel replied to draw level at 3-3.
With ten minutes to go, a quick free kick from the back found Eamonn who crossed for Rory to head to an empty net. Athletic had another few ruled out for offside and a great chance missed by Rafa to finish on a hat-trick.
It was a great team performance with Conor Healy, Eamonn Lavin and Rafa outstanding.
Under 16: Athletic continued their good form with this fine 5-2 win against Tipperary outfit Birdhill FC in the Under 16 National Cup.
The Tipp boys opened brightly and were playing the ball around nicely. It took Athletic some time to get to the pace of the game but a goal from Jason Coffey settled the home side.
Athletic were now playing well and Coffey got a second before Birdhall FC got one back to leave the score 2-1. At the break, the Tipp boys equalised against the run of the play but within a minute Mark Fennell restored Athletic’s lead and Ryan Sheehan finished off the scoring with two fine goals after being introduced midway through the second half.
It was a great team performance with all the panel playing their part. A big thanks to the parents that provided food or helped to serve it.
Under 14: Our Under 14 team advanced to the next round of the National Cup on Saturday courtesy of a 4-2 win against Murroe from Limerick.
We dominated all sectors of the field in the opening stages but gave away a sloppy goal to go 1-0 down at half-time.
We opened the second half brightly and were a different team. We pushed and pushed for the equaliser but again got caught with a breakaway goal to go 2-0 down 10 minutes into the second half.
However our boys put that goal behind them and pushed on and created a number of chances and they got their due reward, scoring four goals in 15 minutes to win the match 4-2.
Next up in a National Cup is a home game against Limerick City FC.
Scorers on the day were Damien Switzer, who notched two, Eoin O’Sullivan and man-of-the-match Aaron Broderick.
Well done to all and thanks to the parents who showed up in numbers to support the boys and for provided refreshments for both teams.
Premier: In the Premier A, Killarney Athletic lost 2-0 to Fenit Samphires. This was a poor performance by our A team against well-drilled and confident visitors. Two first half strikes ensured no way back for Athletic.
Fixtures:
Saturday
Under 13 Division 1: Killorglin B v Killarney Athletic (12.15pm).
Under 15 Division 1: Castleisland v Killarney Athletic (11.45am)
Sunday
Munster Junior Cup: Killarney Athletic v Killarney Celtic (11.30am)
Division 1A: Killarney Athletic v Castlemaine United (2.30pm)
Training: There is girls’ training every Wednesday in Ferndale, Woodlawn for under 12, under 14 and under 16 with league and cups to kick off soon. Any enquiries please contact Shane on 087-9395158.
Club: Names are now being taken for next year’s 300 Club draw. All support is greatly appreciated and forms are readily available from Mike O’Shea (087-2226185) or any other committee member.
Collection: The club would like to thank all members who took part in the annual church gate collection last Saturday and Sunday, most notably the organizers Aaron Quill and Sean O’Donoghue.
Contact: If you have anything to add to Killarney Athletic AFC notes please contact Alan Daly on 085-1913244 or aland15@live.ie.
