Killarney

There was cause for celebrations on the double for Killarney Athletic this past week following two impressive cup final victories at schoolboy level.
The Blues prevailed at both the U13 and U14 grades after two hard-fought deciders against tough opposition, with high drama at the climax of the U14 contest in particular.
Athletic were up against Killorglin for this one and the match at Celtic Park appeared to be heading for extra time with the sides deadlocked at 0-0. But then, in the final minute of normal time, up stepped Brían O’Shea to deliver a corner that deceived the Killorglin defence and found its way into the back of the net. The Blues held on for a memorable 1-0 win over a valiant Killorglin outfit.
Meanwhile, Athletic’s U13s got the better of MEK Galaxy in their final with goals from Szymon Jasinski and JJ O’Donoghue sealing a 2-0 victory at Kilbrean Park. Some fine goalkeeping by Evan McCrohan kept Galaxy at bay in the second half, and the Blues took home the trophy.

CELTIC GIRLS

Athletic’s crosstown rivals, Killarney Celtic, also had reason to celebrate over the weekend as their U13 girls team defeated Listowel Celtic in the final of their Summer Cup competition at Christy Leahy Park. After a tense match which finished 0-0, Celtic’s Emma Daly came into her own, hitting an incredible hat-trick to all but seal the win. Credit to Listowel, they stuck at it and pulled one back via Fiona O’Brien. The Killarney side were not to be denied, however, and they secured a brilliant 3-1 victory.
These matches marked the end of the summer action and Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League Secretary David Slattery expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped to ensure that the competitions were a success.
“We played hundreds of games over all the ages and the players certainly loved being back on the field. While it was outside our normal season all the clubs and coaches bought into the idea of the competitions and we had some wonderful games.
“Everyone will take a short break now until pre-season will start towards the end of August.”

Double Summer Cup success for Athletic

DOWNLOAD AND XPLORE