Féile Weekend
A great weekend of football held in Kerry over the weekend. Spa started their campaign at home on Friday with the opening game against Gneeveguilla. Next up in our group was Shondonagh, Co. Westmeath. On Sat 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. A credit to their families as all players behaved impeccably throughout the weekend. The parade on Saturday evening throughout the town was a brilliant experience with a great atmosphere. Huge support for all teams. Sunday ended with a great surprise when President of the GAA Aogán O'Fearghaíl visited the clubhouse to meet the teams. A great success with huge thanks to the players, organising committee, Coiste na nOg, 11 host families, parents, coaches, volunteers at the BBQ, First Aiders, Officers, referees, East Kerry, Kerry GAA. Special mention to Donal Barry, secretary of Feile South West and Mike Piggott for fixtures. Well done to all involved.
Minor East Kerry League
Spa 3-11 Beaufort 3-5
Spa played Beaufort away in the first round of the minor east Kerry league with the away team starting off the brighter with Stephen McKenna outstanding at full back rushing into a 4 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.
U-21 County Championship
Spa 1-13 Dr Crokes 2-12
Spa put in a great performance 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 (2), Mike McCarthy, Conor Kearney and Dan O'Donoghue and Spa trailed 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. Wishing a speedy recovery to our injured players.
Upcoming Fixtures
Senior Co. League Rd 7: Spa v Waterville (in Spa) on Saturday July 2nd at 7.30pm.
Junior Co. League back game Spa v Beaufort (in Beaufort) on Monday June 27th at 7.30pm (Spa have already qualified for the finals stages- fixtures TBC after all back games completed).
O'Sullivan Cup East Kerry Junior Championship:
Spa v Rathmore (in Rathmore) on Wednesday June 29th at 7.30pm.
Senior Ladies: Mary Jo Curran Cup
Friday July 1st away to Annascaul/Castlegregory in Castlegregory.
U-16 Girls
Thursday June 30th: Spa v Currow at 7pm in Spa.
Minor East Kerry League
Spa 3-14 Beaufort 3-6
Our minors began the league with an away win to Beaufort last Thursday night. Fixtures for the next rounds TBC.
The Spa Review
A free publication covering all aspects of the club over the past number of years, 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.
Clothes Collection
It's summer time and a chance de-clutter those wardrobes and support the underage structure in Spa. We collect clothes, shoes, bags etc, all year round. Bags can be left in Spa during the after 5pm in the lobby under the stairs. Further information contact Anne Holland 085 7780883.
Community Notes
Sympathy is extended to Mary Counihan & 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.