2020 Garvey’s SuperValu Senior Football Championship SEMI-FINALS

2020 EAST KERRY v ST. ’S BOARD Dáta: Dé hAoine 11ú Meán Fomhair Réiteoir: Brendan Griffin (Clounmacon) Tosnú: 7.30pm • Extra Time & Winner on the Day DR. CROKES v MID KERRY Dáta: Dé Satharn 12ú Meán Fomhair Réiteoir: Paul Hayes (Kerins O’Rahilly’s) Tosnú: 7pm • Extra Time & Winner on the Day

Ionad: Park, www.kerrygaa.ie Fáiltiú an Chathaoirligh

Welcome to our online platform! We are delighted to give you free access to this digital programme which will keep you informed on team news as you watch this weekend’s two semi-finals in the Garvey’s Senior Football Championship. It is difficult for people to stay away from games particularly when it comes to the Garvey’s Senior Football Championship. However Kerry GAA has endeavoured to provide opportunities for you to support your team through using a range of media platforms. We are delighted that TG4 are in a position to bring you live coverage of Friday’s game and Saturday’s game can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your home as it is available to stream on the Kerry GAA website. I wish the players and management from all four teams the very best of luck this weekend. It is challenging to play such an important game in an empty stadium but the reward of bringing the Bishop Moynihan home is invaluable. I wish to sincerely thank the Garvey Group for their continued sponsorship of this great Championship. We have had some great games already in the Championship and these two semi-finals will be hard to call with evenly matched teams involved. I wish to thank Ger O’Mahony and the team at for having the grounds in immaculate condition. Wherever you are in the world, I hope you enjoy these games! Le Buíochas Tadhg Ó Murchú Cathaoirleach, Coiste Chontae Chiarraí 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County SFC SEMI-FINAL EAST KERRY v ST. BRENDAN’S BOARD O’Connor’s goal was crucial in getting past the However, it is up front that East Kerry can still pack men 1-12 to 1-10 but on this occasion, the power. Paudie Clifford in his two games to they proved comfortable eleven point winners and date has been outstanding with a return of 1-4 as certainly a more complete looking team. Darragh Roche and Evan Cronin continue to be a

thorn in opposition defences. St. Brendan’s to ask tough So what do we need to watch for in what should be a real championship battle? St. Brendan’s with Both managers will know that their sides are both Jack Barry and Diarmuid O’Connor contain well capable of booking a final spot, PREVIEW questions of East Kerry’s reign the most settled midfield left in the competition. the trick on this occasion for Jerry O’Sullivan and Seamus Murphy is to Churchill’s Eoghan O’Brien has been solid in goal. By DONAL BARRY spoke afterwards about how nonsensical it was make sure that their players know it He can also hit a long range free or two. Lawrence that teams were wrote off before they got to play. with no place for doubt as the two What a difference a year makes? Last season Bastiable has had two good outings at full back “East Kerry came here today with nothing with most in-form districts of recent times following East Kerry’s rise to the top of the pile, with Fergal Barry filling in for his brother, the respect for Feale Rangers and what they are trying look for that golden ticket. there were bombfires lit across the Kingdom injured Andrew at centre back. Trevor Wallace and to do. It is not easy but some of the headlines denoting that a new King was in place on the Thomas Kearns are earning ahead of today’s game were plain crazy,” he said Kerry throne. It was foretold that it would be reputations as tight markers in the aftermath of a 1-14 to 0-3 win in a very wet a long lasting reign and that the current crop while up front Ivan Parker’s Frank Sheehy Park in Listowel. would emulate their previous teams of 1968- scoring return will be vital 1970 and 1997-1999 with three in a row victories. Having dispatched South Kerry, St. Kieran’s showed with Alan O’Donoghue and

little respect for their tag as outsiders and put Michael Kelliher both happy They may well still achieve this but in a year when East Kerry to the pin of their collar to escape the to chip in when they can. it is back to straight knock out, East Kerry have clutches of Jimmy Keane’s men. In the end, it was a However, will it be enough to experienced the weight that come with the heavy moment of brilliance once again from trump the champions? mantle of champions. Kerry that got Jerry O’Sullivan has Their opponents St. Brendan’s have them to this evening’s game. Having successfully managed to already found the winning formula trailed by 3 points mid-way through Both managers embed his new arrivals from on one occasion to defeat East the second half and really struggling will know that Rathmore with Shane Ryan Kerry having completed that task to find a gear it was Clifford’s goal their sides are already earning his stripes with a in an earlier round of last year’s that brought his men to the semi- well capable penalty save against St. Kieran’s Garvey’s SuperValu Senior Football final. A semi-final that he misses which certainly kept the two championship. Question is can they of booking a having picked up a red card late on. in a row bid on the line. Jack do it again and do it now when it final spot... St. Brendan’s made their Sherwood, like he did matters most as they bid to get back championship exit at the hands of last season, has been to a final having last done so in 1992. East Kerry last season with David commanding in the full Their paths to tonight’s clash have told very Clifford scoring nine points in their semi-final back role and can prove different stories along the way. St. Brendan’s clash. All but two from play. So maybe it was an accurate when given growing in confidence, while East Kerry have left omen that St. Brendan’s opened their 2020 the chance to shoot on themselves open for some tough questions as campaign with Ivan Parker repeating the trick for a trip up the field. injuries and suspension begin to deplete resources. the divisional board men. He brought his shooting Paul Murphy has been solid boots to Austin Stack Park and opened his Drawn against rank outsiders Feale Rangers they in both his games to date as championship returns with 0-9 (0-7 from play) the ambled to a comfortable if somewhat costly win he adds to the East Kerry same as Clifford. It helped St. Brendan’s to a 1-15 to with the loss of Kerry midfielder Liam Kearney half back line with Spa 0-14 opening day win over West Kerry. through injury. Their manager Jerry O’Sullivan clubmates Shane Cronin The result also signalled a new day for football and Dan O’Donoghue Left: Diarmuid around the Tralee area with both Kerin’s ever reliable. O’Connor of O’Rahilly’s and Austin Stacks making their exits, Last time out Dan O’Brien St. Brendan’s which for the first time saw the collective of Na and Ronan Buckley were Board. Right: Gaeil, Churchill, St. Pat’s, John Mitchels and Paudie Clifford trying to form a new Ardfert flying the lone Tralee area flag. of East Kerry. partnership at midfield in the They flew it again a week later to good effect as absence of Liam Kearney but Kerry midfielder Diarmuid O’Connor turned in his they learned a lot from their battle most complete county championship performance with St. Kieran’s. as they dismantled with incredible ease the challenge of Killarney Legion. A year previously 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County Senior 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County Senior Football Championship SEMI-FINAL Football Championship SEMI-FINAL EAST KERRY ST. BRENDAN’S BOARD

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Eoghan Ó Briain Shane Ryan Eoghan O’Brien (Rathmore) FIR IONAID FIR IONAID (Churchill) 16. Mark Kelliher 16. Devon Ó Broin Devon Burns 2 3 4 (Glenflesk) (Na Gaeil) 2 3 4 17. Mike Foley 17. Pádraig Ó Cearnaigh Padraig Kearney Lúcás Maolagáin Lábhrás de Bastábla Treabhair de Bhailís (Spa) (John Mitchels) Chris O’Donoghue Pa Warren Luke Mulligan Lawrence Bastible Trevor Wallace (Glenflesk) (Firies) () 18. Brian O’Donoghue 18. Seán Ó Midhir Jack Myers (St. Pat’s) (John Mitchels) (Ardfert) (Glenflesk) (John Mitchels) 19. Niall Donohue 19. Mícheál Breathnach (Firies) Michael Walsh 5 6 7 (John Mitchels) 5 6 7 20. Padraig Doyle 20. Roibeard Ó Riagáin (Gneeveguilla) Bobby O’Regan (Ardfert) Tomás Ó Céirín Fearghal de Barra Ciarán Ó Duibhir Shane Cronin Dan O’Donoghue (C) Paul Murphy Thomas Kerins Fergal Barry Kieran Dwyer (Spa) (Spa) (Rathmore) 21. David Spillane 21. Caoimhín Ó Seanacháin (Spa) Kevin Shanahan (John Mitchels) (Na Gaeil) (St. Pat’s) (Ardfert) 22. Mark Ryan 22. Tomás Ó Leannacháin (Rathmore) Thomas Lenihan (Churchill) 8 9 23. Padraig de Brun 23. Seosamh Ó Leannacháin 8 9 Joseph Lenihan (Firies) Jeaic de Barra Diarmuid Ó Conchúir Dan O’Brien Ronan Buckley (Churchill) 24. Jeff O’Donoghue 24. Fearghal Ó Briain Jack Barry (C) Diarmuid O’Connor (Glenflesk) (Listry) (Glenflesk) Fergal O’Brien (Na Gaeil) (Na Gaeil) (St. Pat’s) 25. Brian Friel 25. Eoin Ó Cearbhaill (Rathmore) Eoin O’Carroll (St. Pat’s) 10 11 12 26. Eoin Fitzgerald 26. Liam Ó Domhnaill 10 11 12 (Spa) Liam O’Donnell (Churchill) Ian MacCarthaigh Daithi Ó Gríofa Cillian Mac Gearáilt Dara Moynihan Paudie Clifford Brendan O’Keeffe 27. Dan Murphy 27. Pól Mac Mathúna Ian McCarthy David Griffin Cillian Fitzgerald (Spa) (Fossa) (Rathmore) (Rathmore) Paul McMahon (St. Pat’s) (Na Gaeil) (Ardfert) (Churchill) 28. Patrick Darcy 28. Conchúr De Módhra (Glenflesk) Connor Moore (St. Pat’s) 13 14 15 29. Shane Courtney 29. Seoirse de Bastábla 13 14 15 (Glenflesk) George Bastible (John Mitchels) Ailín Ó Donnchadha Ivan Páircéir Mícheál Ó Céileachair David Clifford Darragh Roche Evan Cronin 30. Mike McCarthy 30. Siúrtán Ó Conbhuí (Spa) Jordan Conway Alan O’Donoghue Ivan Parker Michael Kelliher (Fossa) (Glenflesk) (Spa) (St. Pat’s) (John Mitchels) (Churchill) (John Mitchels)

BAINISTÍOCHT: BAINISTÍOCHT: Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna Jerry O’Sullivan (Manager), Bainisteoir: Séamus Ó Murchú (Naomh Pádraig). Traenálaí: Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath Arthur Fitzgerald (Trainer/Coach), Pádraig Ó Drisceoil (Ard Fhearta). Roghnóirí: Gearóid Ó Cearmada 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh Leath Ger O’Callaghan (Coach/Selector), (Cnoc na hEaglaise), Clive Ó Ceallachain (Na Mistéalaigh), Breandán 2 Adh Leath Iomlán Sean Cronin (Selector), Ruth Allen (Physio). Mac Carthaigh (Na Gaeil), Éamonn Mac Fhearaíosa (Ard Fhearta). Iomlán 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County Senior 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County Senior Football Championship SEMI-FINAL Football Championship SEMI-FINAL DR. CROKES MID KERRY

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Shane Stephen Cahillane Murphy (Keel) FIR IONAID FIR IONAID 2 3 4 2 3 4 16. Nelu O’Doherty 16. Sean Coffey David Michael Fionn (Beaufort) Kieran O’Sullivan Pa Wrenn (C) David Mangan Naughton Moloney Fitzgerald 17. Alan O’Sullivan 17. Jack Brosnan () (Milltown-Castlemaine) (Laune Rangers) (Glenbeigh-Glencar) 18. Cillian O’Regan 18. John Tyther (Laune Rangers) 5 6 7 5 6 7 19. Brendan Falvey 19. Sean O’Brien (Beaufort) David Gavin Michael 20. John Payne 20. Caolim Teahan Mike Breen Pa Kilkenny O’Leary White (C) Potts (Glenbeigh-Glencar) (Laune Rangers) (Beaufort) (Glenbeigh-Glencar) 21. Billy Courtney 21. Garry Sayers (Keel) 8 9 22. Brian Fitzgerald 22. Tomas Ladden 8 9 (Keel) Johnny Mark 23. Mark Cooper 23. Cathal Moriarty (Milltown-Castlemaine) Colin McGillycuddy Ronan Murphy Buckley O’Shea (Glenbeigh-Glencar) (Beaufort) 24. Jack O’Connor 24. Mikey Casey (Beaufort) 25. Sean Kelliher 25. David Shaw 10 11 12 (Beaufort) 10 11 12 26. Gavin Horan 26. Michael Lenihan Cillian Micheál Brian (Milltown-Castlemaine) David Roche Fiachra Clifford Ciaran Kennedy Fitzgerald Burns Looney 27. Daire Cleary (Milltown-Castlemaine) (Laune Rangers) (Beaufort) 27. Harry Potts (Laune Rangers) 28. Darren Houlihan 28. Lorcan McMonagle (Cromane) 13 14 15 29. Jonathan O’Sullivan 13 14 15 29. Sean Magann (Milltown-Castlemaine) Kieran Gavin Chris 30. Eoin Clifford Gavan O’Grady Liam Carey Darran O’Sullivan O’Leary O’Shea Doncel 30. Tony Brosnan (Laune Rangers) (Glenbeigh-Glencar) (Beaufort) (Glenbeigh-Glencar)

BAINISTÍOCHT: BAINISTÍOCHT: Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna Edmund O’Sullivan, Peter O’Sullivan (Glenbeigh-Glencar), Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna 1 Adh Leath Eoin Brosnan, Luke Quinn, Damian Murphy (Milltown-Castlemaine), 1 Adh Leath 2 Adh Leath Jamie Doolan. Kevin O’Brien (Beaufort). 2 Adh Leath Iomlán Medical: Amy Phelan. Iomlán 2020 Garvey’s SuperValu County SFC SEMI-FINAL DR. CROKES v MID KERRY club finalists Shamrocks in which they This time last year people were writing off Dr. proved that could change tact mid course with Crokes’ chances of making another final and an impact from their bench. most were not even putting Mid Kerry in the

same sentence as final but here we are just So as Edmund O’Sullivan will have to move sixty minutes away from at least one of them Brosnan loss opens around the kitchen furniture a bit for today’s proving a lot of people wrong. game, Damien Murphy will certainly be looking for more of the same from his charges. A half back line of Peter Crowley, Mike Breen and Pa the door for Mid Kerry Kilkenny will be key to stopping the Dr. Crokes supply line with Ronan Murphy and Chris By DONAL BARRY a side who for a decade were the standard by McGillycuddy more than capable of holding which teams set their bar. After all seven county Dr. Crokes hopes of reaching a fifth Kerry their own around the centre. titles in ten years is a record that speaks for itself. Senior Football final in five years has And while Murphy depends on no single certainly got a little bit tougher with the That confidence certainly took a battering forward for big scoring news that they will have to do it without at the backend of 2019 when East Kerry returns he knows that their ace marksman Tony Brosnan who defeated them by double scores in the Senior Gavin O’Grady will picked up a season ending injury at County Final. They were then defeated by their hold the forward training last weekend. town rivals Killarney Legion in the East Kerry unit together as championship and all that added to their loss in Brosnan has been the top forward in this players like Liam the senior club final to Austin Stacks, suggested year’s Garvey’s SuperValu Senior Football Carey, Fiachra that the tide was turning. Championship already with 2-18 Clifford and Darran in the competition but Edmund However, with the smell of O’Sullivan look to O’Sullivan will now reshape his championship, under the lights of press the issue. attack unit for the task of Mid Kerry. Menacing too Austin Stack Park and in front of With the absence of Brosnan, are District sides a live TV audience, it was back to In any other year Mid Kerry’s Crokes will again ask Micheál Burns, Brian that can find the business for the Killarney side as arrival at the semi-final of the SFC right form at the Looney and Kieran O’Leary to go to the well Brian Looney and Tony Brosnan would be one of the stories of the right time and Mid but form would suggest that all three are inspired a victory after extra time. championship. A side that exited Kerry certainly fit more than capable of carrying extra loads. Next up was , somewhat the 2019 campaign rather timidly to that category. Veteran Johnny Buckley might surprise winners over Dingle but Kilcummin a side that just avoided have lost a yard of pace but his there was no surprises in store relegation have in two perfect judgement is still sound around in front of the empty stands of performances found themselves just one more the middle and he showed as Gavin White made a perfect game away from a county final. The four signs against Templenoe return from injury and it was business as usual. time winners, having lost finals in 2014 and 2011 that he is growing into the Even if they were slow to get out of the blocks to both Austin Stacks and Dr. Crokes. championship, as is Mark O’Shea

with more than menacing for the into the role of midfielder. And it was both Stacks and Crokes that served opening 25 minutes in which he hit 0-5. up a dynamite start to this year’s championship While when it comes to the defence Menacing too are District sides that can find and with the safety net of a back door removed; has adapted to the right form at the right time and Mid Kerry it proved to be a proper championship encounter the role of man marker with Kieran certainly fit that category. Few would have as the Killarney side won in extra time win. Donaghy and Killian Spillane already

been brave enough, outside their own camp, to matched up in previous games. Mike It was a result that sent the confidence back to reasonably believe that they would be in the final Moloney, the ever present rock at the four. However, their clubs have shown great form heart of the Crokes back line, never in their club championships. Laune Rangers, lets his side down as Micheal Potts Glenbeigh/Glencar and Beaufort are all still in and Gavin White look to add some the mix in the Intermediate championship and pace and attacking options, which that form and a new togetherness is evident could prove vital. from their recent performances. It’s funny how a year is a long time. First, an impressive dismissal of Kilcummin as PREVIEW they reversed last year’s result before producing a dominant final quarter to edge out senior Left: Liam Carey (Mid Kerry). Right: Mark O’Shea (Dr. Crokes)