Coiste na nÓg
U-14 Div 5 East Kerry Final
Spa played a physically stronger Scart/Cordal Team in Fitzgerald Stadium last Monday night. Even though Spa conceded a couple of early goals they never gave in. Riain O’Neill defended exceptionally well winning most of the ball going down the middle. He linked well with Ethan O’Neill who fed some great ball into Cian Murphy who in turn crashed a couple of great balls to the net. In the second half Eoghan Mulvany got onto some great ball and made some surging runs up the pitch finishing a fantastic ball to the oppositions net. However on the night a much stronger Scart/Cordal Team won well in the finish. However it was very reassuring to note that many of the Spa team will be under age again next year, whereby they’ll be a year older and stronger.
U-16 Co League
Spa U-16s took to the field away against Ardfert in a top of the table clash last Wednesday night. Spa were missing a number of starters but played courageously. Ardfert grabbed the initiative early on scoring a brace of goals. Sean Cahill in midfield got on the end on a great move to crash a ball to the Ardfert net to keep the boys in blue in contention. Some great defending by Alan O’Sullivan kept the game tight. The introduction of the two Cremin brother Oliver and Connie brought fresh impetus in the 2nd half. However as the game wore on Ardfert scored some important points and were worthy winners. Spa now play Beale at home next Wednesday night at 7pm in the County League Semi final. Team: Adam Kelly, Alan O’Sullivan, Jordan Leahy, James Lynch, Michael Kearney, Stephen McKenna, Daniel O’Sullivan, Sean Cahill, Dara O’Leary, Tomas Cronin, Evan Jones, Keelan Deegan, Mike Horgan, Ian O’Connell, Cian Murphy. Subs: Oliver Cremin, Connie Cremin.
Minors East Kerry League
A very much depleted Spa team took to the field against Currow last Thursday night. Even though they were missing 5 regulars the Spa men put the home team to the pin on their collars for large periods of the game with Evan Jones and Eoghan Cronin excelling when moved to midfield. Niall McCarthy and Niall Moynihan scored some points in the second half to keep the Spa in touch but as the 2nd half wore on Currow ran out worthy winners. Spa will now play the winners of Rathmore/Cordal in the Semi Final of the East Kerry League.
Senior Co. League Rd 9
Spa 1-14 Glenflesk 5-12
The home side raced into an early lead and by half time were 3-9 to 0-6 ahead. Spa tried hard in the second half but Glenflesk ran out convincing winners.
Team: James Devane, Eric O'Donoghue, Matt Moynihan, Eoin Fitzgerald, Shane Fenton, Dan O'Donoghue, Mikey Moynihan, Andrew Fitzgerald, Michael McCarthy, Evan Cronin (0-2), Shane Lynch (0-1), Ciaran Spillane, Shane Cronin (0-1), Mike Stam O'Donoghue (1-8), Michael Foley (0-1).
Subs: Eoghan Cronin, Conor Kearney, Craig Hickey (0-1), Cormac Cronin.
Upcoming Fixtures
O'Sullivan Cup East Kerry Junior Championship Final Spa v Firies: Tuesday August 16th (time & venue tbc). McElligott Cup Junior Co. Championship Spa v Listowel Emmets: Friday August 19th in Spa at 7pm Senior County League Round 10 Spa v Finuge: Sunday August 21st in Spa at 2pm.
All Ireland Fleadh
Best wishes to all the competitors in the All Ireland Fleadh next weekend in Ennis. Special mention to the coaches also. It was great to see Spa dancers dancing at the Daniel O'Donnell Show with the brush dance Tom O'Sullivan, Noreen O'Sullivan, Killian O'Doherty and Tom Kearney.
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Eoin Cronin and Alma O'Mahony on the birth of their 2nd child Dylan. Ryan is delighted to have a younger sibling.
Congratulations also to Paul and Denise Russell on the birth of their 2nd child, baby girl, Caoimhe. Jamie is over the moon with his baby sister.
Community Notes
On last Thursday evening , surviving members of the Spa winning 1966 O'Donoghue Cup team travelled from Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Derry City to meet up with former colleagues and family members of those who had sadly passed away, in the interim period, Mass was celebrated by Father Michael O'Donoghue a playing member of this side accompanied by Fr. Tom Looney (whose late mother hailed from Knocknahoe) for all deceased club members and for those former deceased playing members ,Former playing members James Cahill and Anthony Morris and Dermot Moynihan currently recovering from illness were also remembered during the prayers.
Club chairman, Gerard Mangan, in expressing his gratitude for the large attendance extended a special welcome to the East Kerry Board chairman Tim Ryan (who kindly brought along the 1966 O'Donoghue Cup to join the current trophy) and also to Dan Dwyer and MEP Sean Kelly representing Kilcummin as well as Fr Paddy O'Donoghue whose late father Dr Paddy O'Donoghue the O'Donoghue Cup, commemorates and the aforementioned Fr. Tom Looney both Dr Croke members.
The panel members and representative of those sadly had passed away and others unable to attend were introduced by Donie O'Sullivan who captained that winning side and vice captain Jim Gleeson. Donie, also extended a special welcome to those attending from other clubs , which he stated, demonstrated the ethos of sport and what the GAA stands for adding "while we may have been rivals on the field we became life long friends when the game was over"
A special word of thanks to the organisers and to the club members who provided refreshments. All of whom contributed, to making it, a most enjoyable function for the large attendance.