Spa GAA Club News
Compiled by Anne Holland
SHANNON Rangers advanced to the minor county semi-finals after producing a blistering second half display to end a gallant challenge by hosts Spa on a 4-13 to 1-10 scoreline.
Spa opened scoring with a Fergal O’Donoghue point before David Spillane teed up Dara Moynihan for a superb goal.
Evan Cronin reeled off three great points on the trot and Dara Moynihan adding another compared to a lone Shannon Rangers’ score as Spa opened up a lead of 1-5 to 1-2.
That didn’t really reflect the play, though, as Shannon Rangers were beginning to dominate midfield. Evan Cronin finished to the net after a great turnover by David Spillane but it was ruled a square ball. Spa edged ahead through Evan Cronin and Micheal Foley, making it 1-7 to 1-6 to after a great first half.
Spa had a goal effort bounce back off the post on the resumption, but they were immediately rattled when Rangers found the net. Spa’s keeper had to gather a hopeful Conor Horgan punt at the second attempt but he was deemed to have stepped behind the line.
Dara Moynihan and Ciaran Spillane pulled points back and Evan Cronin and Micheal Foley continued to make surging runs on Spa’s behalf.
Spa: Michael Kearney, Eoghan Cronin, Eric O’Donoghue, Eoin Fitzgerald, Mikey Moynihan, Aidan Fleming, Fionan Walsh, Ciaran Spillane (0-1), Mike McCarthy, David Spillane, Dara Moynihan (1-3), Dion Marcos, Fergal O’Donoghue (0-1), Micheal Foley (0-1, Evan Cronin (0-4).
League: The Spa minors had a busy week of football and they lost the East Kerry Division 1 final to Dr Crokes on a 1-9 to 2-11 scoreline
David Spillane scored Spa’s opening point followed by two points in succession from Michael McCarthy. A great run through the centre by Dara Moynihan set up Dion Marcus for another point.
Ciaran Spillane scored a stunning long-range point to bring the score at half time to 0-5 each. Both goalkeepers pulled off great saves.
In the second half Crokes made a few positional changes and it certainly put pressure on our defenders. David Carroll was outstanding in goal and but he couldn’t keep the black and amber at bay when they scored two goals in quick succession. A great game was anticipated and, indeed, it lived up to expectations.
Jack Griffin and Michael Casey both got injured on the night and we wish them well.
Ladies: In the under 12 girls’ East Kerry league it finished Spa 1-5 Scartaglin 3-11.
The girls played well throughout the game and was level until the last 15 minutes when the Scart girls chipped in some goals which made it impossible for Clodagh O’Connor to reach. Erin Holland was solid in defence and equally impressive were Sarah O’Sullivan, Aisling Cahill, Leah O’Donoghue, Aoibhe O’Doherty and Eimear Cronin.
Midfield was solid with the great hands of Grainne Spillane and Sarah Fleming. Up front the forwards were on song with great performances from Jenny Cronin, Liadh Beazley, Elana O’Donoghue, Laura O’Carroll, Elaine Kelly and Louise Fleming.
The next game is on this Tuesday at 6.30pm v Rathmore in Spa.
Under 14: The under 14 girls played two games this week and pulled off two great victories against Legion and Kilcummin in the East Kerry League.
Senior: Spa’s senior ladies lost comprehensively to Kilcummin. Their next game is away to Fossa this Tuesday at 7.00pm.
Tickets: Club secretary Marie Courtney is now taking names of members for the All-Ireland ticket draw. Please email secretary.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or text 087-6332773. No calls please. Only names received before September 4 will be included.
Awards: Keep the date free for out annual awards night in the Torc Hotel on November 28.
Scór: Club members under the age of 17 years on 1 January next who may be interested in participating in the forthcoming East Kerry Scór na nÓg competitions are invited to contact Spa Scór officer Sheila McCarthy on 087-7614847.
Scór categories are figure dancing, solo singing, recitation/storytelling, instrumental music, léiriú/drama, Ballad group, set dancing and quiz
Dancing: Irish dancing classes will resume in the Spa GAA hall on Friday next at 5.15pm. Children from three years upwards, both girls and boys, and new beginners will be very welcome. Contact Mary O ‘Leary on 064-6634186 or 087-6863254.
Merchandise: Please contact Mathilda McCarthy on 087-648 7356 to purchase our new range of club gear.
Rental: Please contact Eileen Casey by text on 087-6577312 to book the indoor meeting rooms or hall.
Death: Sympathy is extended to the relatives of Nora Mai Reen, Iron Mills, who died during the past week. May she rest in peace.
