U16 North Kerry League Div 2

Finuge U16s play Ballylongford/Asdee in Coolard on Monday May 5th @ 7:30pm in the Div 2 final.  Your support would be appreciated.

Juniors:

The juniors went down to a spirited Ballylongford side in their recent Rd4 game and must now await the outcome of their last game in the division to see if they qualify for a semi final spot.

County Intermediate Championship

Kenmare 2-06 Finuge 0-14

Played Saturday evening in Fr. Breen Park, Kenmare, Finuge took on the local side in Rd 1 of the 2014 County Intermediate Championship.  Flying high in Div 2 of the County League and having been defeated by St. Marys in last years Intermediate Championship, Kenmare didn't hide their ambition of going further in this years campaign and with the backing of many GAA pundits, Kenmare were favourites to advance from this tie and progress to Rd 2 where either Glenflesk or Annascaul would be waiting. Plans and ambitions however have a way of biting you on the proverbial and Finuge had plans of their own which would ultimately decide the faith of this game. Without the injured Maurice Corridan, Finuge were nonetheless still very much focused on this game but were dealt a major blow a few minutes into the first half when Raymond Galvin was forced off with injury. Regi was replaced by Jason Wallace and if ever a team needed a player to deputise, Jason would not be founded wanting.  In fact in many people's after match opinions, Jason was right up there for the 'man of the match' plaudits.

Kenmare set out their stall very early on a ran at the Finuge defence with intent, but even though they had the lions share of initial possession, the Finuge defence stood strong and resolute and kept Kenmare at bay time after time.  Finuge eventually settled and began themselves to run at the Kenmare defence time after time resulting in Kenmare giving away several frees which we took our scores from and kept in touch with the home side going in at half time on a score line of Kenmare 1-06 Finuge 0-07.

The second half started in light rain which along with earlier showers made the under-foot conditions treacherous. Finuge pressed hard and as they began to widen their attack to the wings and with Chris Allen, Keefer Roche driving from defence they began to put enormous pressure on the Kenmare backline.  Pat Corridan was in sublime form and kicked two of the sweetest points you will ever see on a playing field. The aforementioned Jason Wallace was a real thorn in the side of Kenmare's defence and with his never say die attitude, willingness to make productive and unselfish runs, Kenmare were at sea defensively. Finuge clawed back the lead and hit the front and even a contentious penalty awarded to Kenmare couldn't deter the Finuge defence who stood staunch ably assisted by every player on the pitch.

Certain individuals stood out in this game and they deserve credit but in absolute fairness, this was a gutsy, brave and committed performance from a team who just keep proving the doubters wrong. The referee blew the final whistle, Kenmare heads were down, but Finuge heads were held high.  For the neutral this was a fantastic game of football and credit must be given to both teams. The Kenmare pitch was in pristine condition and no doubt they will be in the shake up for promotion to the top tier come the Autumn. Kenmare may feel that luck deserted them on the day, but their 2 goals one from a goal mouth scramble and the other from (as previously mentioned) a contentious penalty would say otherwise.  Scores win games and with 14 scores to 8, Finuge deserved their victory and march on.

Final score Kenmare 2-06, Finuge 0-14

Finuge Team/Scorers:

Cillian Fitzmaurice, Keefer Roche, Decal McCarthy, Chris Allen, John Griffin (0-01) (Mike Stackpoole), Pat Corridan (0-05), Paudie Galvin, John McCarthy, Jack Corridan (Conor Fitzmaurice), Paul Galvin, Raymond Galvin (Jason Wallace), Fergus Fitzmaurice (0-04), James Flaherty (0-01), Ricky Heffernan (0-02), Gary Hogan (0-01) (Stephen Power)