Senior Football League
Division 1 – Round 2
Kenmare Shamrocks GAA v Killarney Legion
There is a well-known saying that “goals win games,” but on this occasion, it might be more fitting to say that “goalkeepers win games.”
Kenmare Shamrocks welcomed Killarney Legion to Fr. Breen Park on Saturday evening for our first home league fixture of the season, played in near-perfect conditions. The pitch was in excellent condition and looked superb. There were two late changes to the starting line-up prior to throw-in, with Liam O’Sullivan replacing Donal O’Sullivan, and David Grembowiec coming in for Pearse O’Brien.
Jack Tangney opened the scoring for Kenmare in the 3rd minute, but this was quickly cancelled out by a Legion point two minutes later. David Grembowiec restored our lead shortly after with a well-taken score, only for the visitors to respond with an impressive two-point effort. Legion then extended their advantage to three points with another score from outside the arc.
Tangney added his second point of the match to keep Kenmare in touch, but Legion continued to apply pressure and pushed their lead back out to three points with a converted free.
Midway through the half, goalkeeper Kieran Fitzgibbon stepped up to narrow the gap, calmly converting a long-range free to leave just two between the sides. This was soon followed by Tangney’s third point, also from a free, which brought the sides level at six points apiece with 26 minutes played.
Both defences were working tirelessly, with Kenmare particularly well organised and showing great determination in the tackle. Lead by James McCarthy, Tommy Cronin and Darragh O Connor, Legion found it very hard to break through the middle. However, just as it looked like we were gaining a foothold in the game, Legion struck twice from distance, registering two two-pointers in quick succession before the break, aided by a strong breeze.
As a result, Kenmare went in at half-time trailing by four points, a margin that did not fully reflect the effort and quality of the performance in the opening period.
Half Time
Kenmare Shamrocls 0-06
Killarney Legion 0-10
A strong start to the second half was essential, and Kenmare delivered exactly that. Club captain Stephen O’Brien led by example, striking an excellent two-point score early on. Kevin O’Sullivan quickly followed with a well-taken point from play, reducing the deficit to the minimum.
On the 40-minute mark, Cian O’Sullivan was introduced in place of the hard-working Tommy O’Sullivan. Momentum continued to build as the outstanding James McCarthy added a fine point to leave just one between the sides. It was also encouraging to see Dara O’Shea make his return, coming on for the impressive David Grembowiec.
By the 44th minute, the ever-lively Tommy Cronin had his name on the scoresheet, bringing the sides level. This was followed by two excellent points from Jimmy Lehane, giving Kenmare a valuable advantage. Legion responded with a free before edging ahead once more in the 50th minute with a two-point free.
David Hallissey, making his return from injury, replaced Jack Tangney on 54 minutes and immediately made an impact, coming close to a goal with an effort that rattled the side netting.
As the game entered its closing stages, James McCarthy stepped up again to score a crucial point with four minutes remaining, levelling the match at 14 points apiece and setting up a tense finish.
Kenmare’s defence showed great resilience in the closing moments, earning a vital free in their own half with just a minute remaining. When the Legion defender delayed the restart, referee Brendan Brosnan advanced the ball to outside the arc. Kieran Fitzgibbon once again took responsibility and calmly converted the free, putting Kenmare two points ahead as the game entered injury time.
Legion did manage a late point, but time ultimately ran out, and Kenmare held on for a deserved victory.
Overall, this was a strong and determined performance from Kenmare Shamrocks. The defence was particularly solid, with Jack Sweeney, Tommy O’Sullivan, and Liam O’Sullivan all impressing. At midfield, David Ciuciu made a significant contribution, notably with some excellent fielding. Up front, the experience of Kevin O’Sullivan and Stephen O’Brien proved vital in leading the attack.
This was a closely contested encounter throughout, and Kenmare’s perseverance ultimately proved the difference.
Full Time
Kenmare Shamrocls 0-16
Killarney Legion 0-15
Kenmare Shamrocks Team
- Kieran Fitzgibbon
- Jack Sweeney
- Tommy (Arthur) O’Sullivan
- Darragh O’Connor
- Zack O’Shea
- James McCarthy
- Tommy Cronin
- David Ciuciu
- Tommy O’Sullivan (Atlantic)
- Jimmy Lehane
- Liam O’Sullivan
- Kevin O’Sullivan
- Jack Tangney
- David Grembowiec
- Stephen O’Brien (Captain)
Subs:
17. Shane O’Sullivan
18. Pearse O’Brien
19. Cian O’Sullivan
20. Dara O Shea
21. David Hallissey
