Skellig Rangers 1-12
Beale 0–10
Even though Paul Murphy’s side didn’t play as well as they can – Beale have to take a lot of credit for that Rangers were still worth their victory over their North Kerry opposition, though they left it late to pull away. In the last quarter of this engaging decider in Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney , Rangers outscored Beale by 1-4 to 0-1, and this, quite simply, was where this match was won.
Up until Skellig’s late scoring burst, the sides had been level on six occasions, including 0-6 apiece at half time and on four separate occasions during the first 13 minutes of the second half. That’s a sign of how close this final was. There was, quite literally, nothing in it.
But as the game headed towards its finale, the toll and exertions of having to play almost the entire match with 14 men, after James Buckley’s sixth minute red card, certainly told on Beale. Considering the mammoth effort they gave to the cause, the final result was cruel on Beale, but when the game was there to be won, or lost, it was Skellig that took on the challenge.
With light-footed corner forward, Seán Courtney, in super form, kicking 0-5, including four in the second half, Bernard Casey scoring 04, Rangers full forward line weighed in with 0-9 of their total.
And while some of Skellig’s bigger names failed to shine, the likes of Kevin Martin was immense throughout the game, and the impressive wing back kicked 0-2. Looking at the game, former Kerry star , Stephen O’Sullivan , kicked off proceedings for Skellig with the final’s opening point, but just 60 seconds later, Beale’s Barry O’Mahony blazed over the equaliser, when a goal was also a possibility.
Three points on the trot two from Bernard Casey and one from Seán Courtney saw Skellig take hold of the game, and it was also in this period that Buckley was dismissed for Beale, in what seemed a really harsh decision. But instead of taking advantage of their extra man, Skellig just sat back as Beale thundered into the game, showing plenty of heart and passion.
And, though the trailed 04 to 0-1 after 11 minutes, Beale were, to their credit, level within six minute as Ian Blake, who looked lively, and two Ogie Horan frees dragged them back into the contest.
Not content with that, another Horan free- all three were fine kicks from nearly the same spot – pushed Beale in front after 26 minutes, and it’s what they deserved as Skellig were guilty of wasting their numerical advantage.
Just before the break, Skellig’s Bernard Casey conjured a up a fine equaliser as he dispossessed a Beale back, before popping over a nice point. The sides were level, 0-5 each, at half time. Four times in the opening 13 minutes of the second half, the scores were tied.
Courtney, with three exquisite scores, and one from Casey were counteracted by points for Beale, from Jeremy King, Tom Hayes, Brian Horgan and Barry O’Mahony. At this stage, it was hard to pick a victor and you just felt the team that could put some daylight between them and the other was going to emerge with the county junior title. It could have gone either way.
But it was Skellig that took their chances when the game was on offer, and after Courtney, even though he was under pressure, kicked them into a 0-10 to 0-9 lead with 11 minutes left, Kevin Martin soon doubled the advantage.
James McMahon did pull one back, but as the game drifted into time added on, a surging Skellig move saw Seamus O’Sullivan pass to Declan O’Sullivan, who, in turn, found sub, Brendan O’Sullivan, and he fisted the ball past the keeper and into an empty net. That was game, set and match. Bernard Casey added a late free for the winners, who won in the end by five points, and that was probably harsh on 14-man Beale who gave it their all.
But it’s Skellig that now march on to represent Kerry in the Munster junior championship.
Skellig Rangers: M Brennan; B O’Sullivan, W O’Sullivan, C Martin; K Martin (0-2), C O’Sullivan, Seamus O’Sullivan; A O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Sullivan (0-1); J O’Driscoll, B Hickey, B ‘Driscoll; S Courtney (0-5), C ‘Driscoll, B Casey (0-4, 0-2 frees)
Subs used: P McGill for J ‘Driscoll; Declan O’Sullivan for C O’Sullivan; B O’Sullivan (1-0) for Stephen O’Sullivan; Dan O’Sullivan for B O’Driscoll.
Beale: S Dee; J Buckley, C Kissane, P Collins; S O’Sullivan, B Browne, B Horgan (0-1); M O’Connor, J King (0-1); T Hayes (0-1), O Horan (0-3 frees), J Griffin; J McMahon (0-), B O’Mahony (0-2), I Blake (0-1).
Subs used: J O’Connell for I Blake; G Hannon for T Hayes.
Referee: Aidan Mangan (Austin Stacks),
Wides: Skellig Rangers: 6 Beale: 10
Yellow Cards: Skellig Rangers: none Beale: Maurice O’Connor, Tom Hayes
Red Cards: Skellig Rangers: none Beale: James Buckley
Main Moment
WHILE Brendan O’Sullivan’s late goal did decide this game, the complexion of this county junior final was changed when James Buckley was harshly sent off just six minutes into the game.
There was confusion over the reason for his dismissal but Beale certainly felt the effect of having to play almost the entire match with just 14 men.
Main Man
Seán Courtney (Skellig Rangers) SKELLIG’S number 13 was in magical form on Sunday as he kicked 0-5 from play, including 0-4 in the second half and all his points were fine scores, oozing with class.
It was a day to remember for Courtney and his Skellig Rangers team mates.
Skellig Rangers GAA 