A great start to the North Kerry Championship – Beale seniors are through to the quarter finals. We defeated reigning champions, St Senans, dashing their hopes of 3-in-a-row and retaining our unique status. Played in good conditions in Páirc de Staic on Saturday evening, we claimed victory by the slimmest of margins, 1-8 to 1-7.   

While it took us a while to settle into the game, we came good when most needed. St Senans pointed from the penalty spot in the eighth minute and our defence foiled any other scoring chances, holding them scoreless for the remainder of the fist half. Both teams were guilty of wayward shooting and we went in at the short whistle four points to the good, 0-6 to 0-2.   

Our opponents hit a purple patch on the changeover, kicking over two fast points and raising the green flag.  At the water break, we trailed by three points, failing to have registered a score so far in this half.  We pointed and the goal gave us a one-point advantage. We tagged on another point and Senans pulled one back. In a nail-biting finish, a great goal mouth clearance saved our day and we emerged victorious. 

Beale lined out as: Seán Dee, Paul Collins, Jeremy King, Killian Walsh-O’Boyle, Fionnán Toomey, Seamie O’Sullivan,   Johnny O’Sullivan, Phillie Blake, Neilus Mulvihill, Conor Toomey, Diarmuid O’Mahony, Ian Mannix (capt), Tom Joy, Cormac Linnane and Darragh Buckley. Substitutes: Eric Daly for Tom Joy (inj.), John Griffin for Conor Toomey, Barry O’Neill for Johnny O’Sullivan, Cillian Courtney, Daniel Hayes, Bernard O’Callaghan, Fintan Linnane, Rory Mulvihill, Jake O’Connell, Jack O’Sullivan, Seán Malone, Cathal Farrell, Callum McSweeney, Conor Breen, Philip Hornyak, Paddy O’Rourke and Dan Ellis.  

Knocknagoshel will be our opponents in the quarter final. Details of date and venue yet to be confirmed. The two teams will get to know each other before that game as we meet in the quarter final of the County Junior Club Championship on Saturday at 4 o’clock in Finuge. We regret that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the game will be played behind closed doors and spectators not allowed.  

These measures are to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing during the current health situation and to ensure GAA action can continue in a safe and appropriate manner. Beale GAA Club would appeal to you to comply fully with the Public Health advice currently in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We look forward to welcoming you back to Páirc de Staic and to games in the future, but for now, stay safe at home. 

We await details of the North Kerry Minor Championship and Junior Cup.