South Kerry Championship 1936

Skellig Rangers V Derrynane

The teams were of fine physique and were about evenly matched in this respect. Port broke away from the start per Con Devane for Rebel to force a fifty which Hartnett drove to the goalmouth but Jim Galvin cleared. Another Derrynane attack was cleared by Driscoll for Connell to place for Casey who was fouled. The free on the 21 was shot low for a goal, a scramble resulted and a free out was given. Brennan sent in a hot shot for Dan Devane to clear. His brother Con fielded and drove to John Casey who sent a rasper across the goalmouth which Patie Galvin banged into the net. Galvin sent his men away for two abortive attacks, a free on the 21 yard line was cleared by Kennedy for McGurnan to drive into the goalmouth where Rebel was fouled and got a point off the resultant free. After the Ferry lads had two more wides, Casey sent in a hot shot while Willie Connell stopped at the expense of a fifty. After the Ferry goalie has saved a hot shot from Barry Shine relieved the pressure with a long drive to Rebel who sent John Casey and Falvey attacking. Patie Casey tested the goalie with a hard shot which was cleared for Mike Galvin to send down field.

The sides turned over with Portmagee leading 1 goal 1 pt to 2 pts. Hartnett sent his side ways from the throw-in but Tailor Sullivan sent them back and Barry tested the goalie who cleared faultlessly. Galvin has a shot for the goalmouth which Dan Devane and Kennedy cleared. J.J. Sullivan sent in a ball and out of a ruck Derrynane were awarded a free which Michael Galvin drove over the bar for the Abbey’s third point.

Excitement now ran high and the followers of both teams shouted themselves hoarse. Con Devane cleared an Abbey rush but Tailor Sullivan sent in for Barry to bring the Ferry goalie to his knees. The goalie cleared to Hartnett who placed nicely for Casey to hit the crossbar. Falvey was fouled and Casey pointed the free giving the Ferry boys a lead of two points once more.

With only a point between the sides, both made herculean attempts to clinch matters as the time rapidly ran out. The Abbey boys several times lost their chance through looking for goals against a stonewall defense set up Dan Devane and Kennedy.

At the conclusion, the Port followers went mad and shouldered their men, and the Rev. H. Keane, President of the South Kerry Board, presented the Cup to Calmo Devane, the veternan Captain of the Portmagee club.

“The Rangers will be a force to be reckoned with this year.” James Calmo Devane at the South Kerry Board A.G.M. of 1936

John Keane Poem on the final

Whenever we watch a football game, we think of days of old; and the gallant men, South Kerry gave, who wore the green and gold. We think of brave Jack Murphy, who was long laid to rest. Jerome O’ Shea.O’Connell and Dwyer, who ranked among the best.

But the grandest game South Kerry saw or I think we will ever see, was on September ‘36’ tween Derrynane and Portmagee. Be sure that was a game of games for two Country teams to play at Con Keating Park you’d never see such dash or speed today. There were no fistcuffs or no fights, from the first kick to the last, they had no time for that at all with the leather flying so fast.

Those were the days, those were the men, no massage or no rub down; With salt-water shining through their hair, Portmagee sailed up to Town. All week before they fished each night from evening until dawn. Then they toed the line at Reenrusheen against the men of Derrynane.

Excitement now was running high as the ball was set to roll John Peter Neill took up his stand to guard the Kerry goal. Our full-backs were Mike Kennedy,John C.Driscoll and Dan Divine.Three trusty men with football skill and speed and brain and brawn . The O’Connell brothers from Ardcost with Pat Murphy grand to see. Those were the men that held the line that day for Portmagee.

Con Divane and Willie Hartnett they were our midfield pair and be sure they gave us thrills galore on the ground and in the air. Our sharp shooter Johneen Casey, T’was he won the day, When from fifty yards he scored a point before the end of lay. But the rebel Dan was the fastest man like lightning on the go and we can’t forget our civic guard Bill Mcgurren from Mayo

That great old sportsman James Divane full forward he did play. His tussles with Jim Galvin were the highlights of the day, And Eddie Falvey scarce sixteen we gave him many a cheer. When he outplayed that stalwart back young Falvey knew no fear. But when Patie Casey grabbed that ball I can hear the cheering yet When he burst through Derrynane’s defence and banged it in the net.

That was the team from Portmagee God bless and rest them one and all. They were the boys in former years who could field and play the ball. But to praise our brave opponents now t’was plain for all to see. They were just as good if not better men than the lads from Portmagee. And to prove my words I’ll tell you this there was scarcely any breeze. When Pat Casey with a bullet shot bought Connell to his knees.

When their goalie saved that brilliant shot, Derrynane swept down the field; They had to battle all the way, Portmagee would never yield They drove that ball with lightning speed, our supporters stated agast; But they came to grief, they could never break our back line from Ardcost.

So that free kick gave Derrynane their chance and the crowd began to bet Mike Galvin pulled his knickers up his face was black with sweat, A deadly accurate kick, this time he failed to score, for he drove the ball just inches wide and our lines were face once more. A long kick out by Dan Devane and the game was nearly done When John Casey drove across the bar the field was fought and won.

We will never forget that great fame but the men we most admire are the Galvin brothers from Derrynane close kin to Mike Dwyer. Another too is in my list, a fast and powerful man. You’d seldom see his likes today, they call him Tailor Dan.

We too had a tailor Dan he trained us how to play ,May God have mercy on his soul.  He now lies in the clay. So God bless those boys from O’ Connells home, and may we live to see A younger team line out again, Against the Youth of Portmagee.