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Memories are made of this! For evermore Fergal Cronin will remember the opening score of this years South Kerry minor final when he slotted home a tremendous goal after just 30 seconds to send his side into a shock lead.
At the end of the game Denis Donnelly had the task of converting a 45 to ensure victory with the last kick of the game, which he did with consumate conviction and secured the Eugene Ring Trophy for Waterville for 2005.
Grown adults were seen to shed a tear or two, but these were tears of joy as the next generation of senior footballers demonstrated they know a thing or two about this wonderful game of Gaelic football. With full backs of the calibre of Daniel and Alan O’Dwyer, half backs like Kevin O’Dwyer and Seán Brain, midfielders like Denis Donnelly and Cormac O’Sullivan and forwards like Brendan Dennehy, Ger Grady, Fergal Cronin, Donncha Fenton and Patrick Curran, not forgetting the netminder supreme Ciarán Dennehy, the future looks promising for the club.
Credit to Renard though, each of their players performed with honour and are a credit to their club. Another day might well have seen the spoils go their way but on this occasion the gods favoured the reds.

After Fergal Cronin’s dream start Liam O’Sullivan pulled a point back for Renard through a free but within a minute Denis Donnelly had restored the margin. The game was nip and tuck but Renard through the boot of Rory O’Sullivan had the ball in the net with just five minutes gone in the game and the sides were level.
Renard took the lead in the eight minute when the towering Eoin O Neill kicked over a fine point. It looked like the blues were going to stamp their authority on the game and but for the agility of Waterville keeper Ciarán Dennehy in the eleventh minute the advantage might well have gone Renards way. He pulled off a save that would have done justice to the likes of Newcastle United’s Given or Kerry’s Diarmuid Murphy.
Renard kept piling on the pressure but Waterville backs were resolute to a man. However, it was Renard’s Liam O’Sullivan who stretched his side’s leads to two points with a free in the twelfth minute. The standard of football was vintage from both sides but we had to wait till the twenty third minute for the next score when Ger Grady was awarded a free near to the town sideline, close to the corner. Up Stepped Denis Donnelly and split the posts with style. Five minutes later Stephen O’Sullivan kicked over a difficult point for his side and again Renard had a two-point cushion.
With just a minute left in the half defender Kevin O Dwyer got possession around midfield, rode a number of tough but fair challenges and kicked over a memorable point. This player was to have a huge bearing on the destination of the title and just about shaded the honour of “Man of the Match” from Denis Donnelly who had a storming game at midfield. The sides went in at half time with just a point advantage to Renard.
Denis Donnelly had the sides level within four minutes after a foul on Kevin Dwyer and the same player sent Waterville into the lead soon afterwards. Renard’s Stephen O Sullivan kicked a glorious left footed point in the tenth minute to level the scores again and we were now heading for a hectic final twenty minutes.
Waterville introduced the injured Patrick Curran and he immediately had a positive affect with a beautiful point from the left corner and two minutes later Brendan Dennehy kicked a heart stopping point from all of 45 m.
Waterville had gone into a two point lead with less than fifteen minutes left of play but Renard were not about to lay down and pulled level through Brian and Liam O’Sullivan.
It was substitute Patrick Curran who repeated his earlier score from about the same spot and again Waterville were in front.
With less than five minutes left in the game the next score was going to be crucial but both teams served up classic fare and it looked like it might take another outing to settle the contest.
A minute into injury time Waterville’s Donncha Fenton made an incisive run through from midfield and his shot was defected out for a 45. Denis Donnelly took on the challenge with the full knowledge that it was the last kick of the game. Would he? Could he? He answered the questions with a quality kick that sailed between the posts, over the bar and that elusive minor title was at last headed for Waterville.
All players played their part in this glorious victory (without exceptions), not forgetting our substitutes who are every bit a part of this achievement. Renard, for the their part were sporting right through and it was heartening to see them afterwards mix with their opponents and sincerely congratulate them. That sportsmanship was so evident in the words of their captain Eoin O’Neill in the Waterville dressing room after the game when he complimented the Waterville team and said that despite his huge personal disappointment he acknowledged the friendship that exists between the players. His words were spoken with the air of a true sportsman and he earned the respect of all who heard him. This was sport at its very best.
Congratulations to the mentors on both sides for preparing their respective teams so well.
Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Daniel O’Dwyer, Alan O’Dwyer, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seán Brain, Denis Donnelly, Cormac O’Sullivan, Brendan Dennehy, Gerard Grady, Fergal Cronin, Donncha Fenton.
Subs: Patrick Curran, Adrian Walsh, Sheera O’Connell, Shane Curran, Dean Murphy.
Scorers: Denis Donnelly 0-05 (all frees), Fergal Cronin 1-00, Patrick Curran 0-02, Kevin O’Dwyer 0-01, Brendan Dennehy 0-01.

Dromid Pearses 0-12 Valentia 3-07

Few neutral observers of South Kerry football gave Valentia a real chance of overcoming Dromid Pearses in the final of the South Kerry championship played at the Con Keating park on Saturday 17th of December.
While Valentia had dealt comprehensively with the Renard challenge in the semi final, Pearses had come through what seemed the tougher side of the draw and had a more experienced side.
Pearses played into the town goal in the first half and Kieran ‘ Bobby’ opened the scoring within two minutes when he slotted over a free from a tight angle near the town sideline. A minute later Valentia’s John Shanahan had his team’s only point of the half. A poor Valentia pass saw Declan O’Sullivan get possession and he kicked his side into the lead again with a clinical point.
Both teams were taking some time to settle but the play was open and the football was good. But then the lightning fast Daniel Falvey raised the green flag for his team when he finished the ball to the net after just eight minutes of play. Pearses didn’t panic and notched up five points without reply by the twenty second minute and might even have had one or two more. They were now three points in front and looking extremely threatening in attack with a lot of ball being channelled through Declan O’Sullivan. Had Valentia given it their best shot and were the holders going to turn the screw in the second period? With four minutes left in the half it was Shanahan again who finished to the net and the teams were all square again. This was a crucial score and kept the islanders in touch with the champions at a vital stage of the game.
Seasoned campaigner Fionan Murphy who was introduced by Valentia at half time edged his team in front within a minute of the restart with a classy point and then lively corner forward Paul O’Connor added further to Pearses woes when he cheekily deflected the ball to the net.
Shortly afterwards Fergal O’Connor kicked a sweet point with his left foot to reduce the margin to three points. The Falvey brothers, Daniel and Seán were linking up well in the Valentia forward line and caused some difficulties in the Dromid defence and it was Daniel who extended the Valentia lead to four points again in the tenth minute. For Pearses Fergal O’Connor again reduced the margin to just three points with fourteen minutes of play left.
Then came Valentia’s golden five minutes when they kicked three points without reply and their cushion became six points. With time ticking away Pearses threw everything into attack and had three points for their efforts but needed a goal to force a draw. It was again Valentia’s Paul O’Connor however who assured victory for his side when he kicked over the final score of the game and wrenched the Jack Murphy trophy from the Pearses.
Twelve points at this time of year would normally be enough to win a championship game and Pearses will be disappointed at giving away three goals. But fair play to the islanders, they showed they have cute natural forwards who took their opportunities without fuss. Their defence never panicked in spite of the presence of Declan O’Sullivan one of the most adept ball carriers in the modern game.

A minute silence was observed at the start of proceedings in Portmagee to mark the untimely passing of Bernard Donovan, son of G.A.A. stalwart P.J Donovan from Cahersiveen. The game had earlier been switched from Con Keating Park as a mark of respect.
After more than 119 minutes of tough, fair and competitive football it looked like we would have to go to added time to try to separate these two fine footballing sides but a superbly taken chance by Kerry captain Declan O’Sullivan was finished to the Waterville net to send his side into the South Kerry Final for the second year in a row.
With Dromid playing into the sea goal, the first opportunity fell to Thomas Curran in the first minute but fortunately for Waterville the ball went wide. Declan O’Sullivan for Pearses, got the scoring under way after two minutes via a free and shortly afterwards keeper Bernard Murphy saved the day when again Dromod’s Tom Curran seemed to be through for a certain goal.
Waterville settled after this shaky start and started to play more incisive football. Denis O’Dwyer kicked a free from the stand sideline, found Patrick Curran who returned it to O’Dwyer who opened Waterville’s account. We were treated to good entertaining football with both sides giving it their all in true sporting manner.
Patrick Curran had the next score after a foul on midfielder Seamus O’Sullivan who had made a telling dash through the centre and was fouled. It was Curran again a minute later who kicked the “reds” into the lead after some good interplay by Waterville and Denis O’Carroll in particular. Like the previous encounter scores were going to be hard won and we had to wait ‘till the twentieth minute for the next score which came from a Declan O’Sullivan free and Fergal O’Connor followed up with another Pearses score after some careless play around midfield by Waterville.
Waterville suffered a devastating blow in the twenty second minute with the premature retirement of Patrick Curran, who was having a fine game, through a leg injury and was replaced by John D. O’Shea. Pearses took the lead with five minutes left in the half through the boot of Kieran “Bobby” and Waterville drew level shortly afterwards when Michael Curran sent a long ball to Alan O’Shea in the corner who kicked over from an impossible angle and the sides retired all square at half time with four points apiece.
Waterville played into the sea goal in the second half and John D. O’Shea sent his side into the lead after five minutes of play with a free but again Dromod were awarded a free and referee Lyons moved the ball forward twice after some Waterville disagreement with the decision.
It was Denis O’Dwyer who put Waterville ahead again two minutes later with a classic free kick from the stand side, about forty metres out. Again Dromod levelled through Fergal O’Connor who took his opportunity well.
It was end-to-end stuff with the minutes ticking away and any score from now on could be the match winner. It was Brendan O’Shea who came on for the injured Denis O’Carroll who nudged Waterville in front again with a terrific strike with his left foot after taking a pass from Haulie Courtney. Just like last week Padraig Sheehan rushed forward and popped over his point for Pearses to level matters again.
With thirty seconds left in the game added time seemed inevitable. Then a long low ball out of the Dromod defence, when Waterville were throwing everything into attack, found the Kerry captain Declan O’Sullivan who finished to the net…….Game Over.
Both teams deserve credit for providing top class football over two thoroughly entertaining games. Again the result could have gone either way but lady luck favoured the Pearses on this occasion. We congratulate our fellow parishioners and wish them well in the final against Valentia.

Team: Bernard Murphy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Michael Curran, Brendan “Buddy” O’Shea, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Paul Galvin, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer, Denis O'Carroll, Alan O'Shea, Patrick Curran, Keith Moran
Subs Used: Brendan O'Shea, John D. O'Shea
Subs: Ciarán Dennehy, Fenton Daly, Fergal Cronin, Darren Riordan, Mike Shea, Niall Moran, Dan Fitzpatrick.
Scorers: Alan O'Shea 0-01, Patrick Curran 0-02 (1 free), Denis O'Dwyer 0-02 (1free), John D. O'Shea, Brendan O'Shea 0-01.

Note: Remember the effort these players have put in over a long year. . Many personal sacrifices have been made. Students who live far from home gave up a huge chunk of their time to line out for their club and sometimes at a considerable financial loss. Social life had to be measured and controlled and many nights were spent training under harsh wintry conditions when we the spectators could stay at home in front of a cosy fire.

Waterville and Dromid Pearses met at Con Keating Park on Sunday 4th December 05 to earn the right to participate in this years South Kerry Final. Dromid Pearses are current holders and weren’t about to relinquish their crown easily.
The day was bitter as befits this time of the year but underfoot conditions were good and the gods spared us from the rain. Dromid Pearses won the toss and elected to play with the assistance of the breeze, which blew from the sea end.
Dromid Pearses were first to register through a Declan O’Sullivan point from a free after a foul on John Curran with less than a minute of play gone. Scores were always going to be at a premium and we had to wait ‘till the ninth minute for the next score, again through a free, which put Dromid Pearses two points ahead. Waterville were finding it hard to settle and Dromid Pearses looked far more determined. To add to Waterville’s woes Kieran “Bobby” O’Sullivan had Dromid Pearses’ third point midway through the half from another free close to the sideline. This was a wonderfully executed score and the omens looked poor for Waterville. Dromid Pearses players, John Curran and Kevin O’Sullivan were proving difficult to handle. It was Bobby again who kicked an inspiring score to put his side into a four point lead but this proved to be Dromid Pearses’s final score of the half. Waterville had a number of decent chances but failed to capitalise.
Waterville began to settle, if a little belatedly and the seasoned warrior Denis O’Dwyer began to stamp his authority on proceedings. It was this player who chalked up Waterville’s first score. He took a free 45 metres out on the stand side and hit an upright. The ball came to the vigilant Denis O’Carroll who returned it to O’Dwyer who slotted it over for Waterville’s first point. Three minutes later the second point was on the board when the ball was well worked out of defence and Patrick Curran’s name was on the score sheet. It was Waterville’s turn to apply some pressure and the final score of the half fell to Denis O’Carroll who collected a pinpoint pass from Alan Shea. There was just a point between the sides at the break and Waterville were to have the assistance of the breeze for the second period.
The second half started with Dromid Pearses taking control of the early stages. They played possession football to great effect but luckily were unable to penetrate the Waterville defence. Seamus O’Shea was commanding at full back for Waterville but frustratingly for the red supporters the forward line seemed to lose its shape and when needed on a number of occasions the ball was kicked to unmarked Dromid Pearses players.
Still the margin was just one point and a through run by Seamus O’Sullivan after fifteen minutes found Alan O’Shea who levelled the scores. A minute later Patrick Curran lifted Waterville hearts with the lead score via a free from the stand side after a foul on himself.
The tenacious Pádraig Sheehan however, was having none of it and kicked a confident point four minutes later. Again it was all square. With seven minutes left in the game county captain Declan O’Sullivan converted a free and again the men in maroon were in front. Dromid Pearses defended with passion and in particular Aidan “Shine” O’Sullivan but a long ball in to the Pearses area found Patrick Curran who fell to the ground but passed to Keith Moran. He was immediately surrounded but somehow managed an overhead kick and again the game was tied.
It seemed as if the game was destined for a draw but there was yet a twist or two left in the drama. On the stroke of full time Denis O’Dwyer, the undisputable “Man of the Match” kicked in a sideline ball from the town sideline, Alan O’Shea collected, might have rattled the Dromid net but opted for a point and Waterville were ahead again. Were the champions out? Two minutes into added time a foul on Declan O’Sullivan gave Dromid Pearses a lifeline and they gratefully accepted their opportunity.
The whistle sounded and the sides must meet again. Both teams will justifiably feel they could have taken the spoils but in truth a draw was fair. Neither side deserved to lose. The quality of football was intense as befits this competition. It was a fair sporting contest and we look forward to another one next weekend.

Team: Bernard Murphy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Michael Curran, Brendan “Buddy” O’Shea, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Brendan O’Shea, Denis O’Dwyer, Denis O'Carroll, Alan O'Shea, Patrick Curran, Keith Moran
Subs Used: Paul Galvin, Eoin Moriarty, John D. O'Shea
Subs: Ciarán Dennehy, Fenton Daly, Fergal Cronin, Darren Riordan, Mike Shea, Niall Moran, Dan Fitzpatrick.
Scorers: Alan O'Shea 0-02, Patrick Curran 0-02 (1 free), Denis O'Carroll 0-01, Keith Moran 0-01, Denis O'Dwyer 0-01.

Waterville 0-09 St. Michael’s / Foilmore 1-05

The scoreline was a repeat of the previous game between Waterville and Cahersiveen with Waterville again edging it by the slimmest of margins.
The setting was Ballinskelligs, a first for this venue for championship fare. The surface was good in spite of recent bad weather and the local club did everything possible to make the occasion one to remember. Much talk beforehand was how Ronán Ó’Connor and Seán Fogarty would effect the outcome.
St. Michael’s / Foilmore won the toss and elected to play with the advantage of the slope. St. Michael’s / Foilmore controlled the early period of the game and but for erratic shooting might well have been four or five points ahead. All the pressure was on the Waterville backs but they held out resolutely.
It was Patrick Curran who opened the scoring in the tenth minute via his left foot after a pass from Alan O’Shea but within a minute Bernard Kelly had the teams all square again. In spite of being on top in the earlier part of the game St. Michael’s / Foilmore hadn’t the advantage on the scoreboard where it really matters.
Midway through the half a terrific through ball by Patrick Curran found Keith Moran who might have had a goal but elected to take a point. The Waterville half back line was playing with authority with Buddy O’Shea on top of his form ably assisted by Seamus O’Shea at full back. Scores were always going to be at a premium and Patrick Curran slotted over a free for Waterville when a St. Michael’s / Foilmore player was pulled for over carrying in the twenty third minute. Almost immediately Buddy O’Shea found himself in space and surged forward through midfield, offloaded to Alan O’Shea who popped the ball over without difficulty. Waterville were on a high during this period where control and patience was first class. St. Michael’s / Foilmore pulled a point back just before half time when a high ball was deflected over the Waterville bar to leave score 0-04 to 0-02 at the break.
Waterville had the advantage of the breeze and the slope after the break and it seemed more of the same would suffice. Hearts were lifted three minutes in when Patrick Curran converted a free after a foul on Keith Moran. Then some foolish indiscipline resulted in a St. Michael’s / Foilmore free. Ronan O’Connor collected and kicked over an excellent point. This gave new impetus to St. Michael’s / Foilmore and they took over for the next fifteen minutes. It was O’Connor again in the seventh minute who kicked a fine point and two minutes later the same player sent a hopeful ball from the right corner, found an unmarked St. Michael’s / Foilmore player on the edge of the square and the ball was finished to the net.
An upset was definitely on the cards and the excitement was palpable. From being out of the game St. Michael’s / Foilmore were now in the driving seat and had a two point advantage. We still had twenty minutes of play left and every ball was vigorously contested with skill, honesty and determination. It was true championship fare and it would have taken a sage to predict the final score.
The introduction of Paul Galvin helped Waterville’s cause and gradually the boys in red gained the upper hand again.Finally the scores were level after two Patrick Curran frees with five minutes left of play.
It took the tenacious play of Keith Moran to give Waterville the advantage in the last minute of normal time with a hard earned punched point and a minute into added time Patrick Curran kicked a huge point from near the stand, about forty five metres out with his left foot to double the cushion to two points. The spoils were in the bag but the whistle had still to sound and St. Michael’s / Foilmore got the ball upfield, were awarded a free and Ronán O’Connor drove hard shot over the bar. The ball was kicked out and the whistle sounded for the final time.
St. Michael’s / Foilmore will regret the wasted opportunities, especially in the first half. Waterville will take heart from their defensive play but have to improve immensely if they are to. progress in this competition
Team: Bernard Murphy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Michael Curran, Brendan “Buddy” O’Shea, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Brendan O’Shea, Denis O’Dwyer, Alan. O’Shea, Patrick Curran, Denis O’Carroll, Keith Moran
Subs Used: Paul Galvin
Subs: Ciarán Dennehy, John B. O’Shea, Eoin Moriarty, Fenton Daly, Fergal Cronin, Darren Riordan, Mike Shea, Niall Moran, Dan Fitzpatrick.
Scorers: Patrick Curran 0-06 (4 frees), Keith Moran 0-02, Alan O'Shea 0-01

Waterville 0-09 St. Mary’s 1-05

A large crowd flocked to Waterville sportsfield on Saturday 19th November to witness the much anticipated clash between last year's finalists St. Mary’s and Waterville. Though this was a preliminary round it attracted huge interest from all parts of South Kerry. It was heartening to see some former Waterville players make long journeys from their current places of abode to lend their support to the current crop of men in red and white.
Conditions were ideal if crisp for the time of year and Waterville played with the assistance of the slight breeze into the lake goal in the first half.
With less than two minutes played, wing back Haulie Courtney was called on to convert a free from the right side near the stand, which he did with ease. Bryan Sheehan for St. Mary’s levelled matters within a minute when two Waterville players were adjudged to have fouled the ball between them.
The experienced Denis O’Dwyer took a quick free to Patrick Curran in the fourth minute after a foul on Gearoid Ó’Sullivan and Waterville were again in front. Keith Moran who started in the corner forward position got his name on the score sheet in the seventh minute after a good pass from John D. O’Shea.
From an early stage it was obvious that the O’Sullivan brothers were getting the upper hand at midfield which was to prove crucial to the eventual outcome. Waterville were getting on top in most sectors but Bryan Sheehan kept is side in touch with another free in the tenth minute. This was to be their final score of the half.
Waterville piled on the pressure and midway through the half John D. O’Shea split the posts with a precision free after a foul on Gearóid O’Sullivan who was winning everything that came his way. Keith Moran, who was having a fine game, had the ball in the Mary’s net two minutes later but referee Lynch (correctly) blew for over carrying.
Waterville should have been much further ahead but some careless shooting meant the margin was only three points. Keeper, Bernard Murphy who had little to do up to now, pulled off a terrific save with four minutes left in the half. Just before half time John D. O’Shea cheekily nicked the ball from a Mary’s back and tapped it over the bar.
Waterville retired to the dressing room at the break with a three point lead and were by far playing the better football.
St. Mary’s introduced Maurice Fitzgerald for the second half to try to stem the Waterville dominance and put some scores on the board. However, it was wing forward Brendan O’Shea who took a pass from the in form Michael Curran and kicked a heart lifting point to extend Waterville’s lead six minutes into the second period. Gearóid Ó’Sullivan topped off a wonderful performance with another point a minute later after an intelligent pass from Keith Moran and two minutes later the tireless Denis O’Dwyer who was giving everything for his team punched a point from the right hand side when a less wily player might have tried for a goal. Almost immediately Patrick Curran had the white flag raised again when he shot the best point of the game, from thirty five metres near the lake sideline. This proved to be Waterville’s golden scoring period. Suddenly, Waterville were coasting with a seven point cushion. Then a long ball from the boot of Bryan Sheehan seemed to be going over the bar, hit the upright, came down and ended up in the net.
What seemed like a comfortable situation for the lakesiders now became uncertain with foolish mistakes resulting in two more Mary’s frees and the difference now only two points.
Mary’s got the whiff of possible victory and raised their game considerably with still nine minutes of play left. Waterville defended resolutely, none more so than young Kevin O’Dwyer who fielded two balls with the composure of a seasoned campaigner when failure to do so would have resulted in certain disaster.
Bryan Sheehan kicked a terrific point from play with four minutes left and the margin was down to the minimum. St. Mary’s had a chance to draw level when a long high ball looked certain to go over the bar but keeper Murphy stretched to haul it back down to earth to the relief of the Waterville supporters.
Waterville were deserving victors and really should have won by much more. All players did well but there’s a lot more to do if St. Michaels / Foilmore are to be overcome. It was encouraging to see Waterville have seven different scorers on this occasion and long may that continue. Midfielder, Seamus O’Sullivan was deservedly named “Corcoran’s Furniture” “Man of the Match” with brother Gearoid not far behind.
While matters got a little heated for a period in the first half, in truth this was a sporting encounter as has always been the case when these two sides meet.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Michael Curran, Brendan “Buddy” O’Shea, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Brendan O’Shea, Denis O’Dwyer, John D. O’Shea, Patrick Curran, Denis O’Carroll, Keith Moran
Subs Used: Alan O’Shea, Paul Galvin
Subs: Ciarán Dennehy, John B. O’Shea, Eoin Moriarty, Fenton Daly, Fergal Cronin, Darren Riordan, Mike Shea, Niall Moran, Dan Fitzpatrick.
Scorers: John D. O’Shea 0-02 (1 Free), Patrick Curran 0-02, Haulie Courtney, Brendan O’Shea, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Keith Moran, Denis O’Dwyer, a point each.

Waterville 2-09 Ballinskelligs 0-09

The South Kerry Minor League final between Waterville and Ballinskelligs was played at noon on Sunday 9th October in Renard. Conditions were damp and heavy but both teams served up an enthralling game of football.
Almost straight away Waterville lost Brendan Dennehy, one of their midfielders through injury and was replaced by Adrian Walsh.
Ballinskelligs were first to get on the score sheet after two minutes with a free but Waterville’s Patrick Curran had a point for his side after riding a few tackles and almost immediately the same player had the ball in the net after a good pass from midfielder Denis Donnelly. Ballinskelligs’s David King had a fine long range point for his side in the tenth minute. From the kick out the ball arrived to Donncha Fenton who took on his opponent but his shot hit the crossbar to the relief of the Ballinskelligs supporters.
It was end to end stuff with every player giving his best. Denis Donnelly was covering acres of space around the middle. Patrick Curran showed some deft touches and in the seventeenth minute after a classy pick up he rifled his shot over the bar. Five minutes later it was Patrick Curran again who got a good pass to Donncha Fenton. He in turn sold a few dummies and got in a strong shot which was parried by the agile Bally keeper but the inrushing Fergal Cronin finished the ball to the net. Waterville now had a five point lead and were looking good. Ballinskelligs were not about to give up easily and the Waterville backs were to absorb some intense pressure for the remainder of the half but the O’Dwyer brothers, Kevin and Daniel were more than able for their task. Cormac O’Sullivan caught every high ball with confidence and Alan O’Dwyer mopped up all around while Ciaran Dennehy in goal was the essence of certainty.
Ballinskelligs had two quick points before the break and Donncha Fenton finished Waterville’s scoring with a point in thirtieth minute which left the half time score …Waterville 2-03…..Ballinskelligs 0-05.
Waterville had the first two points of the second half through Patrick Curran and Fergal Cronin. David Kelly had had a fine point for Ballinskelligs but straight away Patrick Curran had another for Waterville. Gerard Grady on the wing delivered good ball and linked up well with the other forwards.
Midway through the half sub Adrian Walsh collected a good ball in space and confidently sent his shot over the bar. This score gave his team a great lift and they played with renewed vigour from then on.
Ballinskelligs again applied some intense pressure to try to turn the game in their favour but staunch defending and intelligent use of the ball relieved the siege time and time again.
This was a well-deserved victory but more work needs to be done if the team has championship aspirations. There may have been six points in it at the end but in truth the teams were much closer. We must also remember that Ballinskelligs will have the assistance of Foilmore for the championship. Our numbers are extremely limited as was evident at this game with just two subs to call on and that’s no smokescreen. Full credit to team mentors John O'Dwyer, Haulie O'Dwyer & John "Super" O'Sullivan
Well done to referee Tim Dennehy, Cahersiveen who did his job well and with authority eventhough at times his task was challenging.
Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Daniel O’Dwyer, Cormac O’Sullivan, Alan O’Dwyer, Denis Donnelly, Brendan Dennehy, Donncha Fenton, Gerard Grady, Fergal Cronin, Patrick Curran
Subs: Adrian Walsh, Shane Curran
Scorers: Patrick Curran 1-06 (4 frees), Fergal Cronin 1-01, Donncha Fenton 0-01, Adrian Walsh 0-01

South Kerry 2-07 Dr. Crokes 0-07

The ghost of losing last years minor final was put to rest when South Kerry emerged victorious in a hard fought final at Killorglin on October the first. Much was expected of this team and they certainly didn't disappoint their loyal followers from the south. Huge credit goes to the Dr. Crokes club from Killarney for their contribution to a game that could have gone either way until Patrick Curran rifled in his second goal of the day with just six minutes of play left.
It was the same player who got the scoring started in the seventh minute of the game when a good ball in from centre forward Gary O'Driscoll (Skellig Rangers) was clinically sent in to the left corner of the net. Crokes opened their account in the eleventh minute when a quick free was taken to an unmarked player and cooly slotted over the bar. A minute later South Kerry had an excellent chance of adding a point but Liam O'Sullivan missed from close range. The same player however made amends a minute later with a fine effort from a tight angle and sent his team into a a three point lead.
The South Kerry defence, while playing well were causing huge frustration among their supporters by not releasing the ball earlier to their forwards. A number of defenders were dispossessed and had Crokes been more accurate in their shooting they may well have been ahead at the break. South Kerry were particularly lucky in the twenty sixth minute when a bullet like shot went just over the bar. Cian McCrohan (Renard) had South Kerry's other point just on the stroke of half time and the boys from the south had a one point margin advantage at the break.

Team captain David King (St. Mls / Foilmore) added a point within thirty seconds of the restart. Crokes had a point from a free after four minutes and drew level three minutes later. The game was now well and truly poised and it would take brave punter to pick a winner. The South Kerry management team however must have had severe words with their charges at half time and we now saw the ball being used to better effect. Tthe next score came in the fourteenth minute through the boot of Cian McCrohan who was having a fine game at corner forward. Patrick Curran followed up immediately with a terrific point from distance with his left foot. Crokes missed a simple free in the sevententh minute and it was Patrick Curran again in the eighteenth minute who stretched the lead for South Kerry. The ball was being sent in to much better effect and when Curran rattled the net in the twenty fourth minute the advantage was well and truly with South Kerry. It was Patrick Curran again who finished the scoring with a glorious point in the twenty seventh minute after riding a number of difficult challenges to bring his personal tally for the day to 2-03.
Well done to all concerned in this fine achievement, especially Brendy Donnelly (Coach), Paul "Inchees" O'Sullivan, and Johnny Coffey not forgetting the panel members who didn't get to play in the final.
Scorers: Patrick Curran 2-03, Cian McCrohan 0-02, David King 0-01, Liam O'Sullivan 0-01.

Waterville 1-13 Ballymacelligott 2-03

Waterville rounded off their County League campaign for 2005 on a positive note with a well deserved win over Ballymacelligott at Waterville.
Playing into the wind in the first half Ballymacelligott were first on the scoreboard with a goal within two minutes and it looked as if they were going to spoil the party. However, it would be twenty six minutes before they would register again. In the meanwhile Waterville steadied their game and picked off some excellent scores. By the eleventh minute Waterville were level and then John D. O’Shea showed a flash of brilliance and finished a pinpoint pass from Denis O’Dwyer to the net. By half time Waterville were ahead by 1-07 to 1-02.
Waterville faced the stiff breeze for the second half and immediately extended their lead through the boot of John D O’Shea again. The Waterville backs defended resolutely and cleared their lines with authority but a lapse in the twelfth minute allowed Ballymacelligott in for a second goal.
Waterville replied immediately with a wonderful punched point and the result was never really in doubt from that moment on and the margin was seven points at the end.
Waterville will again compete in division two of the league.
This was a good team effort and the last competitive game before meeting St. Marys in the South Kerry Championship.
Unfortunately, centre back Gary Galvin suffered a knee injury and had to go off. We hope it turns out to be minor and look forward to his early return to training.
Waterville were best served by Gearóid O’Sullivan at mid field, Shane Coffey in defence and the ever youthful John D O’Shea and Patrick Curran up front.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Shane Coffey, Seamus O’Shea, Eoin Moriarty, Kevin O’Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Brendan O’Shea, Denis O’Dwyer, John D. O’Shea, Patrick Curran, Keith Moran, Alan O’Shea
Subs Used: John B O’Shea, Ciarán Dennehy, Niall Moran, Fenton Daly, Denis O’Carroll
Scorers: John D O’Shea 1-07 (4 frees), Patrick Curran 0-02 (1 free), Gearoid O’Sullivan, Alan O’Shea, Keith Moran & Denis O’Carroll, a point each.

St. Michaels/Foilmore 1-09 Waterville (B) 0-13

The Waterville B team advanced to the next round of the McElligott Cup at Ballinskelligs on Friday 26th August.
Bally/Foilmore made the more promising start and Niall Galvin had a point within thirty seconds. There was huge pressure on the Waterville back line until Dan Fitz relieved the pressure in the fifth minute with a fine point. Bally/foilmore however, were getting the upper hand and an intercepted pass in the twentieth minute allowed Bally/Foilmore in for a goal and they followed wirh a point. This opened up a five point gap and the signs weren't good for Waterville but the goal seemed to raise their determination and they pulled back three points without reply through Fenton Daly, Donncha Fenton and Kevin O'Dwyer. At the break the deficit was down to a manageable two points.
The second half was a cracking affair with the Waterville backs tightening up much more on their opponents. The switching of Buddy O'Shea to full back and Fenton Daly to centre back had the desired effect. Waterville's midfield began to finally get the better of their immediate opponents and the forward line got a better supply of good ball whic they used effectively. There was fair amount of pulling and dragging in this half and marksman Dan Fitz converted most of the resultant frees.
St. Michaels / Foilmore were held to just three points and when Dan Fitz pointed a free to draw his team level in the twenty seventh minute the game was well and truly on. With a minute left to play Waterville were awarded another free, well out on the right and again it was Fitz who stepped up and split the posts with a superb kick and send his team into the lead for the first time.
This was a great recovery with the backs getting to grips in the second half and the forwards combining well to eke out a victory.
Team: Brian Moran, Cormac O'Sullivan, Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O'Dwyer, Fenton Daly, Buddy O'Shea, Daniel O'Dwyer, Paul Galvin, Denis Donnelly, Feral Cronin, Dan Fitz, Donncha Fenton, Paudie Dennehy, John B. O'Shea, Alan O'Dwyer.
Scorers: Dan Fitz 0-08 (7 frees), Donncha Fenton 0-02, Alan O/Dwyer 0-01, Fenton Daly 0-01, Kevin O'Dwyer 0-01

Gneeveguilla 0-13 Waterville 0-12

Playing division two leaders Gneeveguilla on their home patch was always going to be a daunting task but Waterville seniors, playing with passion and committment, showed they are a match for the best when they get their act together. Though losing by a single point the team and management can take great heart from this display.
The midfield pairing of Seamus O'Sullivan and Paul Galvin were well on top in that sector with the latter in particular giving a display of high fielding that would do justice to an All Ireland Final.
Gneeveguilla are a fine team and kicked some outstanding scores but Waterville stuck to their task with Alan O'Shea picking off some classic scores from what seemed like impossible angles.
At half time Gneeveguilla had a two point advantage and in a thrilling second half with just three minutes left in the game the sides were level and all present felt a draw was a fitting result. But then an extraordinary decision allowed Gneeveguilla to take the lead through a free and the final whistle sounded shortly afterwards.

John D O’Shea got the scoring started after five minutes with a free after a foul on midfielder Seamus O’Sullivan. The pace was fast and furious and in the eleventh minute St Michaels / Foilmore evened the scoring with a well-taken point from play, after a mistake in the Waterville back line.
Haulie Courtney made an incisive run along the stand sideline in the thirteenth minute but was fouled and John D O’Shea converted the resultant free kick. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides displaying some good skills in spite of the greasy ball.
With fourteen minutes left in the half an unforced error around the centre allowed St Michaels / Foilmore get possession and the ball was sent towards the Waterville goal. An uncharacteristic error by a Waterville defender enabled St Michaels / Foilmore in for a goal. To make matters worse, a minute later the ball was in the net again when a lapse of concentration allowed an unmarked St Michaels / Foilmore forward through from close range.
Suddenly, from being a point in front Waterville found themselves five points in arrears.
John D scored a free in the twenty-second minute and with five minutes remaining in the half midfielder Seamus O’Sullivan collected a pass from Brendan O’Shea around midfield. He looked up and unleashed a massive kick which split the St Michaels / Foilmore posts and drew the admiration of the supporters from both camps.
At this stage Denis O’Dwyer had been switched from centre back to midfield and his tenacity and never say die attitude allowed Brendan O’Shea in for a goal on the stroke of half time. Earlier errors were forgiven and there was just the single point separating the sides at the interval.
Seamus O’Sullivan levelled the teams three minutes after the restart with another long-range point and John D sent Waterville into the lead with a free two minutes later after a foul on Denis O’Dwyer. St Michaels / Foilmore upped their game and put enormous pressure on the Waterville defence. The backs withstood the onslaught manfully and none more so than “Man of the Match”, Eoin “Murty” Moriarty. St Michaels / Foilmore were awarded a free in the twelfth minute when a Waterville back was adjudged to be holding and again the sides were level.
John B O’Shea edged Waterville in front again with a well measured left footed strike but again St Michaels / Foilmore were on level terms three minutes later and took the lead with an excellent score from the lake side a minute later. Again it was Seamus O’Sullivan with an enormous kick from at least fifty metres that levelled for Waterville after tireless work by Denis O’Dwyer. John D put Waterville into the lead with less than ten minutes left in the game. This proved to be Waterville ‘s final score in spite of numerous opportunities. It appeared as if the spoils would stay in the village but with seconds left in the game St Michaels / Foilmore were awarded a free which was converted and again the sides were level.
A draw was a fair result with both sides serving up some good passages of play in spite of the greasy conditions and will be happy enough with a point apiece.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Kevin O'Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Mike O'Shea, Eoin Moriartyr, Denis O'Dwyer, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O'Sullivan, Alan O'Shea, Brendan OShea, Fenton Daly, John B O'Shea, Keith Moran, John D O'Shea,
Subs Used: Brendan "Buddy" O'Shea.
Scorers: Seamus O'Sullivan 0-03, Brendan O'Shea 1-00, John D. O'Shea 0-05 (5 Frees), John B O'Shea 0-01

Waterville 2-08 Beaufort 0-09

Waterville 5-19 Dromid Pearses 5-12

Thrilling, exciting, competitive and heart-stopping are barely adequate to describe this under 14 "A" final replay between Waterville and near neighbours Dromid Pearses. The setting was Páirc an Phiarsaigh and conditions were perfect with a large crowd of supporters in attendance.

Full credit is due to both sets of players for such a fine sporting spectacle. Skill levels were of the highest calibre with scores that came fast and furious and would do justice to players of far more mature years. The game produced forty one scores and very few wides in an exhilariting fifty minutes of football.
In the first game the result was on a knife edge right up to the final whistle but most spectators agreed that a draw was the fairset result on that occasion. What would the replay throw up was the question to be answered. Would it be as entertaining as as the first game and who would finally take the silverware ? Yes, all questions were answered and the only regret was that one team had to end up losing out--such was the contribution of every young player in both the red and the maroon jerseys.

Dromid missed a few early chances but it was Dominic O'Sullivan who opened the scoring with a Dromid point in the third minute but within another minute Barry O'Dwyer levelled for Waterville after receiving a good pass from cousin Stephen O'Dwyer. Sean Cathal O'Sullivan put Waterville ahead with an excellently struck free kick. It wasn't long before Dromid were back on level terms with an equalising point from the classy boot of Niall O'Shea and the same player kicked another wonderful point from all of thirty five metres with his left foot to send his team into the lead again. Dromid had the upper hand in these early stages and capitalised when some clever interplay between Gearóid O'Sullivan and Christopher Farley saw the latter finish the ball to the Waterville net. With just seven minutes played Dromid had raced into a four point lead and were playing with supreme confidence.

Eight minutes in Waterville captain Greg Gibson delivered a pinpoint pass to the alert Micheál Cronin who popped over a neat point from twenty metres. Stephen O'Dwyer had another after good teamwork involving a number of players. This seemed to settle Waterville with Seán Cathal O'Sullivan growing in stature by the second. This player sent the ball to Barry O'Dwyer who spotted Stehen O'Dwyer in space. In the twink of an eye the ball was in the net and Waterville had a one point lead. Dromid's Niall O'Shea restored his team's advantage with two well struck frees but in the seventeenth minute Stephen O'Dwyer showed skill and strength to score his second goal. Dromid were not to be outdone however and within another minute they had a goal of their own through the boot of pacy forward Gearóid O'Sullivan. The response was again immediate with points from Muireann McAuliffe and Stephen O'Dwyer and it was O'Dwyer again in the twenty third minute who netted his hat trick after a long clearance out of defence. Before the half time whistle Waterville had two more points while the ever dangerous Niall O'Shea had one for Dromid.
It was only half time and the score stood at Waterville 3-09......Dromid 2-06. Eventhough there was a six point margin the game was still in the melting pot. Dominic O'Sullivan was working tirelessly for Dromid around the midfield area and Greg Gibson for Waterville demonstrated once again his agility and ball handling skills.

The second half contiued in the same vein as the first with Niall O'Shea the first to raise the white flag within two minutes. Two minutes later Waterville had their first point of the half. Then between the sixth and ninth minute Waterville effectively secured victory with lethal marksman Stephen O'Dwyer bagging two more goals in quick succession and opening a margin of twelve points between the teams. The Dromid boys are made of stern stuff and were not about to throw in the towel and answered with three quick, top class points, one of which came from Dromid captain Paul Hogan from distance, who tried valiantly to rally his side by example. Both teams exchanged points but with ten minutes left in the game Niall O'Shea rattled the net again for Dromid and followed with a free a minute later. Waterville remained composed and added five more points without reply before the tireless Dominic O'Sullivan drove another bullet to the Waterville net with his left foot from an acute angle and from the kick out followed up with another. Barry O'Dwyer had the final score of the game before referee Tim Dennehy, Cahersiveen blew his final whistle with Waterville having a seven point advantage in the end.

All players on both teams contributed to hugely to this terrific game. For Waterville Oran Clifford, Stephen Donnelly, Seán Cathal O'Sullivan and Maeve Dineen were solid from start to finish with Greg Gibson and Niall Fitzgerald working tirelessly around the midfield area. Up front Stephen O'Dwyer had a game that will live long in his memory and he was well supported by Muireann McAuliffe, Barry O'Dwyer and Micheál Cronin. Brian O'Carroll was confident minding the net and couldn't be faulted for the goals. Every Dromid Pearses' player worked very hard, some of whom are very young and no doubt have a great football future ahead of them.
Both teams were a credit to their clubs and mentors and while the game was competitive it was nevertheless sporting and fairly contested from start to finish.

Scorers: Stephen O'Dwyer 5-09, Barry O'Dwyer 0-05, Micheál Cronin 0-02, Muireann McAuliffe, Oran Clifford and Seán C O'Sullivan a point each.

Team: Brian O'C'arroll, Stephen Donnelly, Oran Clifford, Seán C O'Sullivan, Maeve Dineen, Greg Gibson, Niall Fitzgerald, Barry O'Dwyer, Muireann McAuliffe, Stephen O'Dwyer, Micheál Cronin.
Subs: Micheál Curran, Seán Morris, Sinéad O'Sullivan, John V O'Dwyer, Paua O'Sullivan, Eoin O'Sullivan, Laura Dennehy, Josh thompson, Annette Donnelly, Jason O'Sullivan, Sam O'Dwyer, Fionán Clifford.
Team Mentors: Darby Clifford, Timmy Curran, Michael Curran & Damien Duff.

Waterville  4-06     Dromid Pearses  3-09

St Pats 1-12 Waterville 1-09

Waterville made the long trip to Blennerville on Sat evening, June 4 th to take on the St. Pats in round 6 of the County League.

Waterville got off to the better start and were two points in front after just two minutes of play through the boot of John D O’Shea. St. Pats converted a free in the sixth minute after Paul Galvin was adjudged to have fouled his immediate opponent. Within a minute the teams were level after an excellent long-range point by St Pats from the right hand side of the pitch.

Waterville continued to take the game to their opponents but wasted numerous scorable chances. These were to prove extremely costly in the end. Pats’ midfield were beginning to get the upper hand while Waterville seemed to lack any purpose or pattern to their play. In the space of four minutes St. Pats drove home their superiority with three outstanding points, all scored from distance and added another through a free in the twentieth minute. John D pulled one back for Waterville after a foul on Brendan O’Shea near the Blennervillle goal area but a minute later Pats midfielder Tom Greaney kicked a huge score to restore their four point lead.

With two minutes left in the half Buddy O’Shea sent in a forty five, which was fielded wonderfully by Paul Galvin about thirty metres out from the Blennerville goal. Galvin quickly passed to cousin John D who neatly tipped the ball over the bar. Before the half time whistle John D converted two more frees to leave St Pats with a one point lead at the break.

A feature of this first period was the accurate long distance shooting by St. Pats. The switching of Seamus O’Sullivan from full forward to midfield helped to some degree but St. Pats were very solid right down through the middle.

St Pats had the first score of the second period and continued to dominate in most sectors. A number of positional switches were made by Waterville but to little avail. Between the tenth and the thirteen minute St Pats turned the screw by converting two frees and blasting to the Waterville net. The visitors pulled a point back but the gap between the teams was now six points with St Pats looking like likely victors.

Fair play to Waterville though, they played with far more compassion and commitment in the final moments. In spite of fighting an uphill battle they managed to score 1-02 before the final whistle but it was too little too late as St. Pats deservedly took the spoils by a margin of three points.

Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O'Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, , Buddy O'Shea, Eoin Moriarty, Denis O'Dwyer, Mike Curran, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Paul Galvin, Brendan O'Shea, Keith Moran, John D. O’Shea, Paddy Curran, Seamus O'Sullivan, Alan O'Shea
Subs Used: Mike Shea
Scorers: John D O'Shea 0-08 (6 frees), Paddy Curran 1-01

Waterville 2-08 Spa 1-10
He had little to do for sixty three minutes but in the remaining four Waterville keeper Bernard Murphy had to pick the ball out of the net after Spa player Mike Donoghue crashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net. Two minutes later it could and should have been the same story but Murphy demonstrated an alertness and agility rarely seen at this level of football and got a hand to the ball which had goal written all over it and deflected it over the bar.

From the kick out towering Paul Galvin fielded majestically in the air and the final whistle sounded. Waterville players and mentors were relieved to have survived a stunning final seven minutes display by Spa who had pulled out all the stops in an attempt to retrieve what seemed like a lost cause. Had their revival started a little earlier they may well have had at least a share of the spoils.

Waterville lined out without some of their regulars for this important game and the replacements, to a man, fulfilled their duty with confidence and authority. The home side had wind advantage in the first half and in the early exchange the likes of young Kevin O’Dwyer and Gearoid O’Sullivan showed they are rapidly maturing players and lifted the hearts of all around them.

Spa were dealt a cruel blow in the fourth minute when a defender conceded a penalty for handling the ball in the small area and Denis O’Dwyer who was playing at centre back, walked up and blasted with precision to the left corner of the net. Within two minutes John D O’Shea fielded a good ball out on the wing and delivered to cousin Paul Galvin who in turn passed to Paddy Curran. The latter, from a tight angle managed to punch the ball between the uprights for the opening point of the game. Spa began to get more into the game and in the seventh minute Ross Donovan had a well-worked point for the visitors. The game continued to develop into a keenly contested affair with some good football from both sides. Waterville missed a number of scoreable chances however and with ten minutes to go Spa had reduced the margin to just one point. Four minutes later Fergal Cronin did some good grafting and got the ball to Alan O’Shea who was fouled in front of goal and Paddy Curran converted the free. A minute later John D O’Shea was through for a goal after a great pass from Paul Galvin but got a nudge and again Paddy Curran converted the free. Both sides had a point apiece before the break, which left the half time score… Waterville 1-04 Spa 0-04.

The second half got off to a whirlwind start with Keith Moran punching over intelligently after great fielding by Paul Galvin at midfield, who delivered a pass to Dan Fitz and he in turn found Keith Moran. Three minutes later Gearoid O’Sullivan punched another point after good combination play between Gary Galvin and Paddy Curran.

With just over 15 minutes left in the game Spa pulled two points back and had another in the twentieth minute. A minute later Waterville were awarded a free 35m out after a foul on Paddy Curran on the stand side near the sideline. Up stepped Denis O’Dwyer and kicked a peach of a point. Waterville now led by 1-07 to 0-07. With five minutes left the afore mentioned O’Dwyer dashed out of the Waterville defence with strength and passion and found Keith Moran in space. Keith soloed from the Waterville half back line, sold a number of dummies and released the ball to the inrushing Paul Galvin who rifled the ball to the Spa net to open his personal scoring account for the reds.

In the twenty ninth minute Alan O’Shea extended the lead to seven points with a wonderfully struck long range point and it seemed as if the brace of points were bagged. Three minutes into injury time Spa pulled back a point and a minute later Mike O’Donoghue left Waterville keeper Bernard Murphy with no chance. Waterville were weathering a ferocious Spa onslaught and conceded another point in the thirty sixth minute. Waterville remained dogged in the defence but could not prevent Spa getting in another pile driver on goal but hero of the day Bernard Murphy showed he’s as alert as ever and deflected the ball over the bar. Waterville had just survived but in truth they fully deserved this victory. It was a passionate team display and every squad member can take a bow on this occasion.
Best for Spa were Danny O’Sullivan, Ivor Flynn, Niall Mahony and Mike Donoghue.

Team: Bernard Murphy, Buddy O'Shea, Seamus O’Shea, Kevin O'Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Denis O'Dwyer, Brendan O'Shea, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Paul Galvin, Alan O'Shea, Keith Moran, John D. O’Shea, Fergal Cronin, Denis O'Carroll , Paddy Curran
Subs Used: Dan Fitzpatrick, John B. O'Shea

Scorers: Paddy Curran 0-4 (2 frees), Denis Dwyer 1-01 (1 free), Paul Galvin 1-00, Alan Shea 0-01, Gearoid O'Sullivan 0-01, Keith Moran 0-01.

Waterville 3-03 Legion 1-10
Waterville entertained Legion in the round two of the Intermediate Championship at the local sportsfield on Saturday 14 th of May. The visitors had the advantage of a cool, strong breeze which blew from the Beenbane end in the first half.
Straight from the throw in Waterville won possession and after some sharp interplay involving Paddy Curran, Keith Moran and Seamus O’Sullivan, John D O’ Shea finished the ball to the Legion net with just 30 seconds of play gone. Alas, for locals this was as good as it got in the first period as Legion settled the better and within five minutes they scored three points to level the account. While they faced a stiff breeze, the Waterville backs time and time again handed the ball to the Legion attack. The passing was as poor as we’ve seen in recent times and again as in previous outings, errors were rife. Legion on the other hand wasted little and with fifteen minutes left to half time they were two points in front. The Waterville forwards were unable to penetrate when they did get the ball and Legion backs ruled the roost, clearing everything that came their way.
Bad suddenly became worse in the twenty second minute when Legion rattled the net and by the interval they had notched up two more points while Waterville still had only their solitary goal. Haulie Courtney did have a chance with a free in added time but both the wind and angle made the shot difficult and Legion lead by 1-07 to 1-00 going in at the break.
Could Waterville use the wind and retrieve at least some honour was the question most spectators wondered. Again from the throw in Waterville gained possession and the ball was sent down the field where John D O'Shea was perfectly positioned but he was fouled and a penalty resulted. Midfielder Seamus O’Sullivan took the responsibility and left Legion goalie Justin Healy with no chance.
From the kick out Buddy collected the ball and delivered to the lively Paddy Curran who showed scintillating pace and again goalie Healy had to pick the ball from the net. Suddenly there was but a point separating the sides with just two minutes gone in the half. It seemed as if this game was finally going Waterville’s way but again Legion scored another point to double their lead. Alan O’Shea cut the deficit to the minimum in the tenth minute after a pinpoint pass by Paddy Curran but again Legion added one of their own. A quick free by Buddy O’Shea to defender Haulie Courtney saw the latter strike a long range kick which split the posts and this was followed by another from the boot of Paddy Curran after some good work by Keith Moran who came deep to help the defence. The sides were now level with seven minutes remaining. John D had a good chance to send Waterville into the lead a minute later but his shot went agonisingly wide. It remained all square until a minute into extra time when Legion were awarded a 45. Up stepped former Kerry keeper Peter O Leary and struck what turned out to be the winning score of the game and saw Legion emerge winners by the slimmest of margins. Waterville can have no complaints. They were defeated by a far superior side and few players can be happy with their contribution. Legion were well served by Eoin Carrol, Séan Hegarty, Michael O’Sullivan, David Murphy, Séan Culloty and Kieran o Neill.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Mike Curran, Seamus O’Shea, Haulie Courtney, Kevin O'Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Buddy O'Shea, Seamus O’Sullivan, Paul Galvin, Gearoid O'Sullivan, Keith Moran, John D. O’Shea, Alan O'Shea, Denis O'Carroll , Paddy Curran
Scorers: JD O Shea 1-00, Seamus O Sullivan 1-00 (pen), Paddy Curran 1-01, Alan Shea 0-01, Haulie Courtney 0-01.
Subs Used: Dan Fitz, Fergal Cronin

Waterville 1-06 Skellig Rangers1-09

In the penultimate stages of the South Kerry League played at Cahersiveen on Sunday 8th May, Waterville lost out to a well-drilled Skellig Rangers team.
Conditions were ideal for football and Waterville enjoyed the assistance of the breeze in the first period, playing into the town goal. The signs looked good for the lakesiders early on and they enjoyed a three point advantage. Failing to press home this advantage Portmagee settled down and by the break the sides were level at five points apiece.
The second half was going to be a stiff assignment. Waterville were finding it increasingly difficult to get to grips with the game. Few players were performing to their potential and errors were rife.
Portmagee on the other hand played with confidence and went into a four point lead. Waterville drew level again and momentarily there was a possibility that they could win. This was not to be and Portmagee took a three point lead and fully deserved their victory.
In the other semi Renard defeated Dromid Pearses.

It promised to be a titanic battle and that it proved to be. Waterville came off second best in the previous encounter when the teams met in the County League and wanted to turn the tables on their fellow parishioners.
Conditions had been perfect up to throw in time but then the rain came down and made the ball greasy for the first half. Waterville played in to the Beenbane goal in the first period but it was Dromid who drew first blood within a minute after a poor clearance out of the Waterville defence. A minute later Alan O'Shea got possession in the corner, turned his opponent and shot barely wide. Paddy Curran opened the scoring for Waterville in the fourth minute when he converted a free after a foul on Gary Galvin.
The tackles were tough and hard, as one would expect in such a contest. It was no place for the faint-hearted with already less than five minutes played.
In the seventh minute Dromid were awarded a close in free but failed to capitalise. A minute later it was John D O'Shea's turn to shoot but his effort from the Beenbane corner went agonisingly wide but he more than made up for it in the tenth minute when converting a difficult free after a foul on Paddy Curran. Paddy was causing major problems for the Dromid full back line along with his counterpart in the other corner Alan O'Shea. Shane Coffey was standing solid in defence and it was as a result of his cool, solid defending the ball made its way to Paddy Curran in the first place. Denis O'Carroll went close in the twelfth minute when his shot went just wide of the right upright.
Kevin O'Leary had a free for Dromid in the thirteenth minute which struck the inside of the post and over the bar to make the sides level and Dromid crept in front midway through the half via another free.
The hits were getting harder and the tackles were uncompromising. Matters boiled over in the nineteenth minute and referee Pigott had to take decisive action and both teams were reduced to fourteen players. The men involved can consider themselves unfortunate as the referee could have chosen from a number of players and invited them to take early showers. (Even the Waterville chairman tried to pour cold water on proceedings to try to cool matters down.)
Eventually play resumed and Colm O'Connor for Dromid, kicked a wonderful point straight between the posts from thirty five metres out to send his team into a two point lead. A heavy challenge by Kerry star Declan O'Sullivan on Gary Galvin in the twenty second minute earned him a yellow card and Seamus O'Sullivan kicked the free over the bar to reduce the margin to the minimum again. Paddy Curran was winning everything that came his way and had his jersey tugged in the twenty fourth minute. He took the free himself and the sides were level again. It was Shane Coffey in defence again who set up the next score, which resulted in a free by Paddy Curran, after another foul on himself.
Then came what turned out to be the score of the game. Seamus O'Sullivan at midfield kicked a free crossfield to fellow midfielder Danny Walsh who was on the stand sideline. He looked up, decided to have a go and the ball sailed between the posts from all of fifty five yards.
This was a great uplifter for Waterville and in the thirtieth minute the gods smiled on the men in red when Denis O'Carroll knocked down a ball to Gary Galvin who had gone forward with his man. Gary made no mistake and rifled the ball to the net. Waterville were in top flight now and it was unfortunate that the whistle sounded for half time. The lakesiders had a comfortable five point cushion at the break and the sizeable attendance were glad to get a chance to draw their breaths again.
Dromid came out in the second half with renewed vigour. Within three minutes they had notched up a goal and a point. The goal was due to some extremely sloppy defending by Waterville. The sides were level again after ten minutes when Tom Curran scored a fine point for Dromid.
It looked like the game was slipping away from Waterville but the old reliable John D O'Shea nudged them ahead again in the eleventh minute with a fine point from the gate corner on the right hand side. We then witnessed a great individual point by Paddy Curran when he showed a clean pair of heels to a number of Dromid defenders and made his way along the end line to cleverly fist the ball between the uprights. Dromid remained determined and with five minutes remaining the sides were all square once again.
Waterville had a number of good chances but failed to capitalise until well into added time John D O'Shea kicked a long range free to send the local supporters into ecstasy. Dromid had an excellent chance to draw when awarded a scoreable free but Declan O'Sullivan failed narrowly with his attempt to convert. The spoils went to Waterville and spectators' heartbeats could again revert to their normal pace. It certainly was rivetting stuff and no one could complain that they didn't get their money's worth. Roll on the next round!
Team: Bernard Murphy, Mike Curran, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Eoin Moriarty, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Gearoid O'Sullivan, Denis O'Carroll, John D. O’Shea, Alan O'Shea, Keith Moran , Paddy Curran
Subs Used:Buddy O'Shea, Dan Fitz, Brendan O'Shea, Denis O'Dwyer
Scorers Paddy Curran 0-04 (2 Frees), John d O'Shea 0-03 (3 Frees), Gary Galvin 1-00, Seamus O'Sulivan 0-01, Danny Walsh 0-01.

Currow 1-09 Waterville 0-11

In Round 4 of the County League Waterville travelled to Currow to take on the locals. Conditions while cool, were ideal for football.
Straight from the throw in Currow had a point on the board but within two minutes Paddy Curran levelled the scores through a free, after a foul on himself. Within a minute Gary Galvin made a critical interception at centre back and sent a long ball to John D O'Shea who was also fouled and the resultant free sent Waterville into the lead. Again a minute later it was young Curran who doubled the lead after good work by Alan O'Shea and Keith Moran.
Waterville were doing well now and it was the turn of centre forward Denis O'Carroll who rode a few tough challenges but managed to get in his left footed shot which sailed over the bar. The signs were good at this point but then a sally up field by Currow ended up with the ball going over the bar and four minutes later they had another via a free. The tide had suddenly changed and it was Currow who began to take control and had an outstanding point from the right corner in the fourteenth minute and the sides were level. John D sent Waterville into the lead again after a foul on himself and added another three minutes later. John D was playing out of his skin at this stage and won every ball that came his way. The team as a whole were doing reasonably well but were allowing Currow to attack at will out of their defence.
It was again John D who extended the lead to three points in the 22nd minute after some great outfield foraging by Denis O'Carroll. Play was end to end affair towards the final moments of the first half. Currow managed another point with two minutes left after a poor kick out of the Waterville defence. This was to prove costly later on. Paddy Curran finished the half scoring after Eoin Moriarty worked tigerishly and delivered a long ball to the afore mentioned Curran.
Waterville had a three point lead at the interval but would be facing the hill and slight breeze in the second half. There seemed to be greater urgency about the Currow play in this half and a few of the Waterville players were well short of their best form.
Mke Curran, who on more than one occasion had saved Waterville's bacon in the first half and was by far the most outstanding player, was adjudged to have committed a foul within a minute of the restart and the margin was down to two points. The Currow pressure was intense for the next ten minutes and made one wonder how they had just one point at this stage of the league. In the eight minute the pressure bore fruit and the green flag was raised and Waterville were in arrears by a point. Three minutes later this was doubled and the game was slipping away from the boys in red and white.
Then after good play by Danny Walsh and a terrific run through the middle by Keith Moran who was fouled, Paddy curran reduced the deficit to a single point. In the 18th minute again Paddy Curran converted a free and the sides were again level.
The game was finely balanced now but Currow took the lead again through an excellent long range effort. Currow could have wrapped up the game in the 21st minute when lax defending presented them with an empty goal but confusion as to who would convert the chance saw the ball being kicked harmlessly wide to the relief of the Waterville supporters. Two minutes later Keith Moran had a decent chance of goaling at the other end but unfortunately his effort went narrowly wide of the post.
With five minutes left in the game Paddy Curran latched on to a long ball and struck a a wonderful point and again the sides were level but Currow were determined and secured another long range point to again take the lead. Waterville tried valiantly to at least salvage a point. In added time the referee blew the final whistle just as Keith Moran struck the ball which sailed over the bar. The score was too late. It was a cruel blow but it was the ref's call and Waterville came away with nothing. It should be said that the standard of refereeing in this game was excellent otherwise. Currow ran out winners by the slimmest of margins in the end.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Mike Curran, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Eoin Moriarty, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Gearoid O'Sullivan, Denis O'Carroll, John D. O’Shea, Alan O'Shea, Keith Moran , Paddy Curran
Subs: Fergal Cronin, Brendan "Buddy" O'Shea, Dan Fitz, Denis O'Dwyer
Scorers: Paddy Curran 0-06 (3 Frees), John D O'Shea 0-04 (3 Frees), Denis O'Carroll 0-01

Waterville 0-07 Dromid Pearses 1-06

In blustery, cool conditions at Waterville, the local boys took on their fellow parishioners and current South Kerry Champs Dromid Pearses.
This promised to be a close encounter and it certainly lived up to this expectation. Dromid had wind advantage in the first half and but for some good defending by the likes of young Kevin O’Dwyer and erratic shooting by Dromid, Waterville could have been at least four or five points in arrears within ten minutes of the throw in.
Kieran Bobby O’Sullivan finally opened the scoring in the 13th minute through a free after Mike Curran was adjudged to have fouled his immediate opponent, John Curran. Paddy Curran levelled matters four minutes later with a point from play after some terrific work by Fergal Cronin.
Every ball was being eagerly contested and in spite of both teams having opportunities, we had to wait until the 25th minute for the next score when Colm O’Connor sent Dromid into the lead with an excellently struck shot after some intense pressure. In the last three minutes of the first half Dromid were awarded two frees which were converted by Kieran Bobby to leave them with a three point cushion going into the second half but they would be facing a stiff breeze.
Midfielder Danny Walsh had suffered an injury just before half time and was replaced by the ever-youthful Dan Fitz who showed he’s still got the touch as he had a point within 20 seconds of the restart. Buddy O’Shea who had been switched to midfield was having a huge bearing on the game and Waterville began to get the upper hand around the middle. It was Fitz again who got possession out on the stand sideline and his long in swinger went narrowly wide with four minutes gone in the half.
Then disaster struck when returned Aussie, Kieran Bobby made his way through the Waterville defence and the ball was in the net (5mins). This was a major body blow for the men in red and the score now stood at, Waterville 0-02 to Dromid 1-04. In spite of wind advantage it was Dromid who looked good for a win.
John D O’Shea reduced the deficit through a free in the sixth minute and a minute later Paddy Curran had a great point from the stand sideline after some great work by Buddy O’Shea who took a fair amount of hard tackles.
County star Declan O’Sullivan was introduced by Dromid after ten minutes but it was John D who had another point for Waterville. The Waterville backs were doing well and in particular Mike Curan who was having another stormer. With ten minutes left in the game Haulie Courtney won an impossible ball in his own half back line, rode a few robust tackles and got the ball to inside forward Paddy Curran who split the posts with style. The margin was now just one point and when John D converted a free from the sideline the sides were level with four minutes left in the game. It looked like a draw was on the cards but there was still a twist left in the game when Declan O’Sullivan kicked over a difficult long-range point into the wind to put Dromid ahead again. In their eagerness to retrieve the situation Waterville became porous and allowed Dromid in for another with a minute of play left.
Waterville missed a simple close in free before the end but it mattered little as referee Peter Lyons blew the final whistle and the laurels deservedly went to Dromid on this occasion.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Mike Curran, Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Kevin O’Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Eoin Moriarty, Brendan “Buddy” O’Shea, Keith Moran, Fergal Cronin, John D. O’Shea, Paddy Curran
Subs: Dan Fitz
Scorers: John D O’Shea, 0-03 (3 frees), Paddy Curran 0-03, Dan Fitz 0-01

Waterville were very fortunate to escape with the poihts in this entertaining game played in Waterville on Saturday evening, second of April. Conditions were ideal with little wind blowing. Both teams lined out without some of their regulars. Sad to say the football was very poor from both teams in the first half and some very bad wides were kicked. Waterville opened the scoring in the 6th minute when Fergal Cronin collected a quick free from Keith Moran and kicked a sweet point from 25 metres. Sean O’ Shea replied in the 10th minute with a point from a free for Bally/Foilmore.
Dan Fitz collected a careless kick out by the Bally goalie and passed to the inrushing Buddy who kicked a fine point in the 16th minute. Both teams continued to kick some dreadful wides in the next 10 minutes. We had to wait until the 25th minute for Sean O’ Shea to kick his second point from a free to make it 0-2 to 0-2. Play swung from end to end but no other score was recorded in the first half. Trainer Dan Walsh left the field of play in the 15th minute with a hand injury. . Half Time 0-2 to 0-2.
Waterville would have to up their game in the second half if they hoped to stay in the latter stages of the South Kerry League. Team manager Seán O’Shea had some home truths to tell his players at half time.
Waterville started the second half with Fenton Daly coming into the game at full forward. Daly made a big impression. In the 2nd minute a high ball into the square was knocked by him to Fergal Cronin and he rattled the net.(1-02 …0-2) Could Waterville lift their game now? Bally replied with a free in the 9th minute. Waterville eventually got on top now and were playing good football. Buddy O’Shea kicked his second point from play in the 12th minute, brother John D. followed up in the 14th minute with a pointed free to make it 1-4 to 0-3. Bally/Foilmore replied with a good point from play after 20 minutes. John D O’Shea kicked a good point from play in the 25th minute to make it 1-5 to 0-4. Waterville looked safe now, but fair play to Bally/Foilmore. They kept coming forward in droves. They scored two good points from play in the 26th and 29th minute to make it 1-5 to 0-6. They were also very unlucky to have hit the upright with an opportunity of a certain goal. Mike Shea got injured and was replaced by Dan Fitz who had shaken off his injury. Bally/Foilmore kicked another good free in the 32nd minute to make it 1-5 to 0-7. The referee then blew for full time and Waterville were lucky to survive. Final Score1-5 to 0-7

Although this was not a great display, each player dug deep in the last five minutes when Bally/Foilmore tried gamely to get an equalising point.
Ciaran Dennehy played very well in goal, Shane Coffey, Seamus O’Shea and Mike Shea did a lot of good work under intense pressure. Young Kevin O’Dwyer is settling in nicely and did a lot of good work in the half back line. Mike Curran and Haulie.Courtney steadied the ship in the second half. Seamus O’Sullivan and Danny Walsh played well at midfield. Gearoid O’Sullivan, Keith Moran and John D O’Shea played a lot of ball and worked very hard. Buddy O’Shea, Denis O’Carroll and young Fergal Cronin worked hard and chased down every thing. Subs Dan Fitz, Fenton Daly and Alan O’Shea also did their job when asked to. We have now qualified for the League semi final.

Team:.Ciaran Dennehy, Mike Shea,Seamus O’Shea, Shane Coffey, Kevin O’Dwyer, Mike Curran, Haulie Courtney, Seamus 0’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Gearóid O’ Sullivan, Keith Moran, John D O’Shea(0.2), Buddy O’ Shea(0.2), Denis O’Carroll, Fergal Cronin(1.1)
Subs: D Fitz,. Fenton Daly, Alan O’Shea.

Waterville 0-09 Rathmore 0-08
In round two of the County League, Rathmore made the long journey to Waterville. Conditions were ideal for football and both teams didn’t disappoint.
Waterville were first to score through the left boot of Paddy Curran after collecting a well delivered pass from Keith Moran in the fourth minute. A minute later it was Curran again who went close to raising the green flag but his shot went agonisingly wide. Careless defending by Waterville allowed Rathmore open their account in the sixth minute with an opportunist point.
Seven minutes in, Keith Moran made a terrific run through the middle but was fouled and Paddy Curran converted the resultant free kick. Rathmore were absorbing intense pressure but Waterville weren’t making the most of their many opportunities. Alan O’Shea fielded a terrific ball near the lake sideline and rode three or four tackles, twisted and turned and kicked an excellent point from distance.
In the eleventh minute a Rathmore defender allowed the ball to pass between his legs and again Paddy Curran was on hand to pick up the loose ball but was fouled in the process and he converted the free kick himself.
Waterville were well on top at this stage and could afford the luxury of a number of wides. Rathmore won a free midway through the half, about thirty metres out, right in front of goal but wasted the chance. They were coming more and more into the game and it was end to end stuff until the twenty third minute when Danny Walsh launched a long ball to his forwards. It was won by Alan O’Shea who found the unmarked Keith Moran who kicked a sweet point. Damien Casey (Rathmore) reduced the deficit with a free in the twenty sixth minute and straight away had one from play. Suddenly what seemed like a comfortable lead was down to two points and in the added time the lead was further reduced to the minimum when Gary Galvin was adjudged to have foul-shouldered his opponent. Rathmore had upped their game considerably and the signs pointed to an intriguing second period.
Half time score was Waterville 0-05…Rathmore 0-04.
Within a minute of the restart the sides were level through a free. There was some stern defending by both sets of backs with Michael Curran of Waterville putting in a particularly storming performance. That player collected a ball in his own corner and took off along by the stand sideline covering at least forty yards. He found team mate Alan O’Shea who was fouled and Paddy Curran converted the free. John D. O’Shea extended the lead in the eleventh minute but Rathmore persisted and pulled one back in the seventeenth minute with a well executed point from play. For the remaining ten minutes the game was on a knife edge but in the space of three minutes John D. O’Shea popped over two points and victory seemed assured for Waterville with normal time up and a lead of three points. Rathmore however, were in no mood to surrender and battled to the end, slotting over two points from frees in added time. When the final whistle sounded Waterville had the spoils by the narrowest of margins.
This was an honest, wholehearted contest and an entertaining game of football. The work rate of Man of the Match, Michael Curran, who was Waterville’s saviour on more than one occasion, was outstanding.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Seamus O’Shea, Mike Curran, Kevin O’Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Keith Moran, John D. O’Shea, Fergal Cronin, Alan O’Shea, Paddy Curran
Subs Used: Buddy O’Shea, Brendan O’Shea
Scorers: Paddy Curran 0-04 (3 frees), John D. O’Shea 0-03 (1 free), Keith Moran 0-01, Alan O’Shea 0-01

Waterville 1-05..........Skellig Rangers 0-06
Waterville got off to a good start in Division 2 of the County League with a hard earned victory in Portmagee on Sunday. Weather conditions dictated against good football, a strong wind blew into the harbour end goal and it made scores very hard to come by. Both teams gave it their best shot, but overall Waterville just about deserved to win. Portmagee had a few late chances but they missed them.
Waterville played with the strong wind in the first half and got off to a dream start in the fourth minute when a long free by Seamus O’Sullivan was gathered by brother Gearoid and finished to the net. Portmagee worked the ball upfield and kicked over a free in the sixth minute. Waterville replied swiftly with a good point from play by Keith Moran. In the tenth minute Sean Courtney kicked over another free for Portmagee to make it 1-1 to 0-2. At this stage the Portmagee backs seemed to be getting on top and were coming out of defence very easily with the ball. The Waterville forwards seemed to be standing off their opponents and not working hard enough. We had to wait until the 18th minute for the next score, a pointed free for Portmagee.Things did not look good for Waterville at this stage. Paddy Curran kicked a point from play for Waterville in the 19 minute and Keith Moran followed up with an excellent point from play in the 23 minute doubling his tally for the day. Portmagee got one back in the 28 minute but Gearoid O’Sullivan finished of the scoring in the 29th minute with another point from play. There was a chance of a goal but his shot just went over the crossbar.
At the interval Waterville had a three-point lead but the question on everyone’s lips was would this be enough, facing into a stiff breeze and continuing rain in the second half. Some straight talking was done in the dressing room and players were told what was necessary to bag the brace of points. It worked! .
Waterville’s second half display was of vintage quality with every player doing their utmost to overcome the elements and the opposition. Some robust tackles were made on both sides and some players were lucky not to have been invited to take an early shower. Portmagee pulled a point back six minutes in but some staunch defending by the Waterville backs stemmed the tide of attack and set up scoring chances for the forwards which unfortunately were not availed of. Seamus O’Sullivan was a colossus at midfield and ruled the roost in this department. The introduction of Buddy O’Shea at midfield before half time steadied the team and his mopping up around the middle sector of the park had a huge bearing on the final outcome.
Play swung from end to end, but no team were able to raise the white flag. Waterville missed three scoreable frees in this half, but the wind was very strong.
Half way through the half Portmagee were awarded a free right in front of goal, which baffled most observers and the margin was again reduced to the minimum. The omens at this stage tended towards a home victory but surrender was not in the Waterville vocabulary on this occasion and when young Paddy Curran split the posts victory was all but assured with a minute left in the game. Time was ticking away and we were still holding onto a very slender lead. Referee, Micheál Lyne (Valentia) correctly played three minutes extra time but this game was not going to be let slip. The final whistle eventually came and the points were headed Waterville’s way and a positive start had been made to this years campaign.
Waterville were well served by every player but as already mentioned Seamus O’Sullivan at midfield was again outstanding. Keith Moran showed he’s on his way back to playing his best football. Buddy O’Shea showed there’s plenty of life left in those legs yet. Seamus O’Shea, Mike Curran and Shane Coffey completed a solid full back line.
Team: Bernard Murphy, Shane Coffey, Seamus O’Shea, Michael Curran, Haulie Courtney, Gary Galvin, Eoin Moriarty, Seamus O’Sullivan, Danny Walsh, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Keith Moran, Denis O’Carroll, Niall Moran, John D. O’Shea, Patrick Curran.
Subs Used: Brendan "Buddy" O'Shea, Dan Fitz and Alan O'Shea
Scorers: Gearóid O'Sullivan 1-01, Keith Moran 0-02, Patrick Curran 0-02.