Kerry Girls claim All-Ireland title

Kerry’s U14 Girls brought the first All-Ireland of 2014 back home to the Kingdom as they beat a fancied Mayo by 6-8 to 4-9 last Sunday, claiming the title for the first time since 2008.

Kerry had their mettle severely tested when Cork beat them well in the first round but the girls’ character showed as the avenged that defeat in fine style in the Munster Final.

That put them into a semi-final against Cavan, where Kerry won out by 5-7 to 4-3 to set up a date with Mayo and destiny. After a long, tough, and thrilling hour of football, it was Kerry’s Erica McGlynn and her team-mates who lifted the trophy.

Assistant manager Rory Kilgallon was delighted with the result.

“It was an absolutely pulsating contest, a great game on a very hot day. Mayo made the better start but we settled and converted a penalty to come back into it.

“We were on top but a Mayo goal just before the break meant that we were just two in front.

“Mayo came out with all guns blazing and went five in front, but the girls responded magnificently.

“Their character really showed as they turned it around by ten points. Mayo attacked in waves for the last ten minutes but our defence kept them out.

“It was a fantastic display by the girls, we really had heroines all over the field. They are a brilliant bunch to work with and they have a fantastic bond.”

 

Christy Leahy nominated for FAI Award

Christy Leahy, the Kerry’s Eye columnist and a founder/member and president of both his beloved St. Brendan’s Park and the Kerry District League itself, has been nominated for the prestigious FAI Communications Award.

FAI Director of Communications Peter Sherrard said that, “So much work is done every year by PROs, journalists and photographers to bring the drama of Irish football to a wider audience. The standard of entries in recent years has been exceptional and these awards honour the volunteers and professionals who deliver coverage for the sport with such determination and passion”.

Nobody could deny that Christy absolutely fits the description, as St. Brendan’s Park chairman Martin Conway explains.

“Christy is a man in a million. He has been involved in this club right from the start back in 1971, he has held numerous Kerry posts, and he is always there for anything that we are doing.

“We named our ground after him with very good reason. A club is like a family, and Christy is the head of our family.”

It is a tribute both to the passion of those involved in Kerry soccer and those who report on it to note that Christy is Kerry’s second nominee, with Kerry Schoolboys/Schoolgirls PRO Padraig Harnett winning the award in 2012.

The awards will be presented at a formal dinner in Athlone this Friday 25th, prior to the Association’s AGM.