South Kerry Championship 1904

The first championship draws were made on 21st June 1902. However, this championship was not completed until May 1904. There were many reasons for this and no fault can be laid at the hands of the Board. Indeed the South Kerry Board received much praise both in the media and also at County Board for the wonderful work it was doing and the success it was having in the promotion of the games in Iveragh. No, the reasons for the delay are more to be found in the poor economic circumstances which prevailed at the time, where travel facilities were practically non existent, emigration was rampant and fishing was the most important industry in the area. There were over 500 people along the coastline from Derrynane to Coonana employed in the Seine Boats with many more working ashore curing and barreling the fish. From September on, many games were either postponed or conceded.

In one of the first games of the championship, Cahirciveen played Valentia in Portmagee but match ended prematurely. Ballinskelligs defeated The Glen by 1-1 to 0-1 and Ballycarbery defeated Aghatubrid by 1-10 to 0-0. In September Ballinskelligs drew with Cahirdaniel 0-2 to 0-2 while Valentia conceded a walk-over to Cahirciveen because most of the team had to go fishing. Renard drew with Cahirciveen in November but the replay fixed for 14th December at Ballycarbery was never played. Ballycarbery were drawn against Bahaghs at the beginning of 1903 and Ballinskelligs defeated Cahirdaniel at Waterville in May 1903 by 1-3 to 0-3

There were many other games played in 1903 and the first South Kerry Championship final was fixed for May 1904 with Cahirciveen taking on Portmagee. The Kerry Sentinel carries the following report of the game …..

“The day was beautifully fine, the sun shining with all his power and splendour and a fine regaling breeze blowing from the Atlantic. The Sports field is situated quite convenient to the town and within a short distance of the birthplace of the great Tribune, Daniel O’Connell, and commands a view of the historic peninsula situated on the north side of the Cahirciveen River, with its bold and precipitous mountains; of Ballycarberry Castle; of the valley of Filemore, with the high and romantic mountains which divide it from Glenbeigh and Glencar, and of Valentia Island with its beautiful land-locked harbour.

Large contingents of people from Portmagee, Waterville, Valentia and Filemore were present at the manly games, while the districts surrounding the town of Cahirciveen were fully represented. Hencean immense concourse of spectators were at the playground long before the proceedings commenced.”

On the throw up of the ball Portmagee pressed along the shore side of the field where a strong breeze blew reducing admirable chances of scoring. The Cahirciveen backs however returned and for some time the ball travelled rapidly up and down, both teams warming to the game with much spirit. An organised rush along the lines helped much by the grounds brought first blood for Cahirciveen through Healy, the white flag being raised at 10 minutes from the start. This seemed to rouse Portmagee a good deal and seeing that they were playing with a strong breeze, they played now with great dash and invaded Cahirciveen territory, Butler and Devane being conspicuous. Doyle here showed himself splendidly; being repeatedly attacked, he saved his side in fine form. It is not too much to say for the sound defence Portmagee would have scored often. . At 20 minutes from the start Portmagee were rewarded by a minor per O Shea. Both sides now played in fine form and very good play was witnessed. Portmagee attacked again and again but were every time repulsed. Portmagee were allowed a ffity a few minutes before the the expiration of half time but nothing resulted. At the whistle teh score stood:

Cahirciveen – 1 point Portmagee – 1 point

After afew minutes time play was resumed. Caherciveen attacked with the wind but O’Shea, O’Connell and O’ Driscoll defended bravely and the leather was seen in front of the Cahirciveen goal where things looked for a while dangerous. Doyle again relieved and O’Sullivan getting charge dribbled on and at 5 minutes from the start the white flag was raised. At the kick-out Sheehan got hold and passed to O’Connell who scored another point. Portmagee now played fast but the Cahirciveen backs were not properly tackled and had things pretty much to themselves. Sheehan transferred to O’Connell who saved his name as a fine “Ornament” to a football field by putting in an easy goal at 15 minutes from the start. This put Cahirciveen in extra good humour and stirred Portmagee as well, for they now made a fine dash and had hard luck in not scoring. O’Connell’s kick going inches wide. Play now rested in the centre, the wind having abated. The evening turned out beautiful and a fine rattling game was witnessed. It was difficult to say which team had the advantage but Cahirciveen cheered by the big score kept pressing and placed the ball once more between posts. Portmagee now pressed and were awarded a free kick within the 21 yards’ line. But again nothing came of it. Play was now keen, the O’Connells for Portmagee doing splendid work, while Daly for Cahirciveen was plying a sound game in defence. Things were going fast when the whistle sounded, the scoring being: Cahirciveen 1-6 Portmagee 0-1

The members of the Cahirciveen team were: J.D. O’ Sullivan R.D.C. (captain), D O’Connor, D Doyle, T Quirke, M O’Connell, D Daly, D Sheehan, Healy, J O’Connell, J Sheehan, D M O’Connor, T Griffin, T Hussey, P Casey, J Donovan, D Murphy and M Murphy.

The Portmagee team were: D O’Connell (captain), J O’Connell, M O’Connell, M O’ Driscoll, T O’ Driscoll, T O’ Shea, P O’Shea, J O’Shea, T McCarthy, J Devane, C McCarthy, P O’Sullivan, J O’Sullivan, M O’Connell, M O Connor, D Butler, P Devane.

Mr D O’Sullivan Sec. South Kerry Board refereed the match and gave the greatest satisfaction.