Spa News
Compiled by Anne Holland
Féile: A great weekend of football was held in Kerry over the weekend. Spa started their Féile campaign at home on Friday with the opening game against Gneeveguilla. Next up in our group was Shondonagh, Co Westmeath. On Saturday we met our host club St Mary’s, Kiltoghert, Co Leitrim which was the last game of our group. Later that day we played Brosna in Cordal in the Shield.
Unfortunately, we didn’t win but that didn’t dampen the spirits of our young players who were a credit to their families as all players behaved impeccably throughout the weekend. The parade on Saturday evening through the town was a brilliant experience with a great atmosphere.
Sunday ended with a great surprise when President of the GAA, Aogán O’Fearghaíl, visited the Spa clubhouse to meet the teams. A great success with huge thanks to the players, organising committee, Coiste na nÓg, 11 host families, parents, coaches, volunteers at the barbecue, first aid personnel, referees, East Kerry and Kerry GAA. Special mention to Donal Barry, secretary of Feile South West and Mike Piggott. Well done to all involved.
Minor: In the East Kerry Minor League it finished Spa 3-11 Beaufort 3-5. Spa played away in the first round with the away team starting off the brighter with Stephen McKenna outstanding at full back rushing into a four-point lead.
On the resumption, the imperious David Spillane scored a fantastic individual goal from midfield putting Spa in the driving seat. Inspirational scores from Gary Vaughan and the injured Niall McCarthy drove on the boys in blue. Beaufort fought courageously back but Spa held on for a win.
Team: Colman Hickey, Mike Shannon, Stephen McKenna, Daniel Horgan, Fionan Walsh, Eoghan Cronin, Conor Stack, David Spillane, Oran Claffey, Sean Cahill, Dion Marcus, Eoin O’Carroll, Mike Kearney, Gary Vaughan, Mikey Aherne. Sub: Niall McCarthy
Under 21: Spa 1-13 Dr Crokes 2-12. Spa put in a great performancein the Kerry Under 21 Championship to take the game right to the final minutes. Michael Foley, Evan Cronin and Niall McCarthy gave Spa the early advantage and we had three goal efforts superbly blocked, but Crokes hit back and rattled the net twice in the opening half.
Additional points from Evan Cronin (two), Mike McCarthy, Conor Kearney and Dan O’Donoghue saw Spa trailing 0-9 to 2-5 at half time.
Spa opened the second half with a penalty and the teams were level for much of the remainder of the game but injury hampered their efforts and despite four more points from Evan Cronin, Crokes edged ahead at the end to progress to the next round.
Team: Aaron Farrell, Conor Cronin, Timmy Hussey, Eoin Fitzgerald, Shane Cronin, Dan O’Donoghue (0-1), David Spillane, Mike McCarthy (0-1), Ciaran Spillane, Dion Marcos, Conor Kearney (0-1), Aydan Mulvaney, Michael Foley (0-1), Evan Cronin (1-8), Niall McCarthy (0-1). Subs: Michael Shannon, Micheál Kearney.
Fixtures: Senior County League Round 7: Spa v Waterville (in Spa) on Saturday at 7.30pm.
Junior County League back game Spa v Beaufort (in Beaufort) on Monday, June 27 at 7.30pm, Spa have already qualified for the finals stages.
O’Sullivan Cup East Kerry Junior Championship: Spa v Rathmore (in Rathmore) on Wednesday, June 29 at 7.30pm.
Senior Ladies Mary Jo Curran Cup: Friday, July 1 away to Annascaul/Castlegregory in Castlegregory.
Under 16 Girls: Thursday, June 30: Spa v Currow at 7.00pm in Spa.
Result: League: Spa 3-14 Beaufort 3-6. Our minors began the league with an away win to Beaufort last Thursday night.
Review: The Spa Review is a free publication covering all aspects of the club over the past number of years and it will be distributed later in the week. Originally an annual publication, the Spa Review was last issued over 20 years ago. This new edition covers the successful development of the facilities, grounds, teams, committees, Scór successes and the continuing growth in the juvenile sectors, as well as look back over the history and influences that have shaped our local community over the years.
Deaths: Sympathy is extended to Mary Counihan and family, Ardshanavooley, on the death of her sister in Castleisland and to the relatives of Paddy O’Shea, O’Sullivan’s Place, who died at the weekend. May they rest in peace.
Engagement: Congratulations to Caragh Cronin, Tiernaboul and Conor Farrell on their recent engagement.
