2020 INTERMEDIATE SEMI-FINAL SPA 1-14 DESMONDS 2-6
After defeating Laune Rangers in the Quarter Finals of the Intermediate Club Championship last October, the covid pandemic delayed this competition for almost a year. Spa and Castleisland Desmonds finally got to play their semi-final on Sunday afternoon in Kilcummin, with Spa winning by a 5-point margin to progress to the 2020 Intermediate Club Championship Final against Beaufort next Sunday. Although it was the second quarter before Spa really settled into the game, by the 58th minute they had worked up a 12-point advantage that was enough to withstand a late comeback from Desmonds.

It was an ideal start as Niall McCarthy opened the scoring with a goal in the 5th minute, collecting the pass from Mike Foley and finishing it to the net. After that, the Castleisland defence kept Spa very much at bay for the rest of the first quarter, while their own forwards were able to notch up four unanswered points in reply to the Spa goal - Michael Walsh (2), Adam O’Donoghue and a high curling shot from Luka Brosnan. At the first half water break, Spa were trailing by a point at 1-0 to 0-4.

On the restart, Evan Cronin split the posts with a well taken free to level the game, and that was quickly followed with Dara Moynihan making a run along the wing and punching over the bar. Castleisland’s Tomas Lynch got very close to the Spa goal, but his shot tipped the outside of the post. And Spa soon replied with their own attack on goal at the other end, the Desmonds keeper Steve Bartlett doing well to get a block on Mike Foley’s goal shot and Niall O’Mahony collecting the rebound and landing it between the posts. Then a burst forward from Shane Cronin was passed off to Niall McCarthy who added another point for Spa just before the half time whistle. At the break, Spa had moved in front at 1-4 to 0-4.

As the second half began, Shane Cronin made another run forward, his first effort hitting the post, and he caught the rebound and blasted towards goal again but the ball was deflected and out, with Gary Vaughan converting the ‘45. Evan Cronin (2), Michael Foley (2) and Niall O’Mahony all got their name on the scoresheet before Maurice Hickey kicked Desmond’s fifth point at the end of the third quarter. Another blistering sprint from Shane Cronin, and this time it was Evan Cronin that collected the pass and split the posts. By the second half water break, Spa were playing better football and were leading by 1-11 to 0-5.

There was some great teamwork among the players in setting up each of the Spa scores, and points from Evan Cronin and David Spillane soon followed. Spa almost had a second goal when the ball broke loose in the Desmonds defence, Mike McCarthy getting a touch but it came off the goal post. In response, Desmonds were straight on the attack, but same as Spa, the goal posts were again denying them their score. David Spillane kicked the final point for Spa but as the game was drawing to a close, Desmonds were grappling for each ball and clearly had only one target in mind. James Devane pulled off a great save on Tomas Lynch’s shot before the ball flew across the goalmouth and Adam O’Donoghue was there to tap it to the back of the Spa net in the 59th minute. O’Donoghue added a second Desmonds goal a minute later with Luke Lyons following up with a late point. There was one more attack on the Spa goal, but the ball was turned over in a scramble in the goalmouth and the final whistle blew as Spa emerged with the ball.

Final score Spa 1-14 Castleisland Desmonds 2-6.

Spa will play Beaufort next Sunday September 12th at 2.30pm in Fitzgerald Stadium in the 2020 Co Intermediate Final.

Spa: James Devane, Brian Lynch, Eoin Fitzgerald, Shane Lynch, Shane Cronin, Dan O’Donoghue, Gary Vaughan, Liam Kearney, Ciaran Spillane, Niall O’Mahony, Michael Foley, Dara Moynihan, Niall McCarthy, Evan Cronin, Cian Tobin. Subs: Mike McCarthy, Eoghan Cronin, David Spillane, Cian Murphy, Mikey Moynihan

 

2020 INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
The delayed 2020 Intermediate Club Championship Final between Spa and Beaufort will take place next Sunday September 12th at 2.30pm in Fitzgerald Stadium.

Wishing the very best of luck to our senior team and management.

 

SPA LOTTO RESULTS 30/08/21
Numbers drawn: 11, 12, 15, 21. No winner and €50 Lucky Dips to Moss Harmon, Cian & Oran Lynch, Julie McGowan and Niamh Fenton.

Next week’s JACKPOT is €5,200 and tickets are on sale online on spagaa.com or from Dalys Supervalu, Killarney Hardware, Centra Muckross Rd, Spa clubhouse or from usual sellers. 

Thank you to everyone for your continued support for our club lotto.   

  

CLOTHES DRIVE
Spa Coiste na nóg are doing a Clothes Drive fundraiser. Please drop any clean previously-loved clothes, bedding, handbags, shoes (in pairs) etc to the clubhouse before Saturday Sept 18th. All donations greatly appreciated! Any questions contact Anne 085 7780883.

U15 EAST REGION LEAGUE SPA V LEGION
Our U15’s travelled to our neighbours Killarney Legion last week for the rearranged East Kerry semi-final. This was a really entertaining game with both sides showing great score taking throughout the first half which saw Spa take a 5-point advantage at the break.

The second half saw more of the same and in the end our boys ran out eventual winners on a score line of 4:12 - 3:10.

Our lads are now through to the U15 East Kerry Final versus Keel / Listry on Monday September 13th at 6.15pm in Fitzgerald Stadium.

JUVENILE TRAINING
Juvenile training continues each week, with the ABC Academy every Saturday morning from 10am – 11am. Spa GAA is open to everyone in Killarney parish and new members are always welcome. Contact the coaches or Coiste na nÓg Secretary Denise on 0871385612 or spacoistenanog@gmail.com with any queries. 

 

NATIONAL RE-OPENING PLAN
Last week’s announcement from government on their plan for the re-opening of places across the country is good news for the GAA and the resumption of club activities. Full information and guidelines should be available shortly on gaa.ie

SPA MERCHANDISE SHOP
The Spa GAA merchandise shop (top of the stairs in reception) will be open on Saturday mornings from 10am - 11am. Any queries on gear for adults or juveniles please contact Mathilda on 087 6487356.  

WIN A HOUSE WITH KERRY GAA
Kerry GAA are giving one lucky winner a prize of a lifetime, a brand new 3-bedroom house in Killarney. This is the top prize in the April 2022 draw, but there will be several bonus draws for ticket holders between now and then, including cash prizes and match tickets!   

Tickets for the Draw are €100 and the link to purchase is on the Kerry GAA website, they can be purchased at the Kerry GAA Store in the Outlet Centre or hard copy tickets available from John O’Leary (0863026041). When entering your details don’t forget to mention your club SPA GAA in the ‘Additional Information’ section. NB: The sooner you purchase a ticket, the more draws you will be included in. 

UPCOMING FIXTURES 

• Monday September 6th: Ladies Intermediate Championship Rd1 Spa v Kilcummin (away, 7.30pm)

• Tuesday September 7th: U9 Go Games Phase 2 Spa v Rathmore (home, 6pm)

• Wednesday September 8th: U12 Girls Final Spa v John Mitchels (away, 7pm)

• Sunday September 12th: U13 East Kerry League Spa v BYE

• Sunday September 12th: 2020 Intermediate Club Championship Final Spa v Beaufort (Fitzgerald Stadium, 2.30pm)

• Monday September 13th: U15 East Region League Final Spa v Keel/Listry (Fitzgerald Stadium, 6.15pm) 

• Wednesday September 15th: U13 Girls Championship Spa v Dr Crokes (home, 6.30pm)

Best of luck to all teams and managements. In the event of any changes to fixtures, the most up to date list will be on the spagaa.com website calendar. 

BAKE SALE IN SPA ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
The Spa Academy are organising a bake sale in Spa on Saturday September 18th from 10am. Join is for coffee, cakes & chat and there will also be a raffle on the morning. If anyone would like to help out please contact Helena on 087 2613659.

 

ITEMS FOR NOTES
Any items for the club notes please contact pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or 0851216359 before 8pm on Sundays.