Beale seniors have secured a semi-final spot in the County Junior Club Championship after a comprehensive win over Knocknagoshel. Both teams were well up for the quarter final in Finuge on Saturday afternoon. Played in ideal sunny conditions, very little separated them for most of the game on the field of play and it was tit for tat on the scoreboard until the last quarter. While we ended with a flourish, it was not really until the final quarter that we put our stamp on the game. Both teams played free-flowing football and the limited number of spectators witnessed an enjoyable, competitive game.
We registered the first point from the throw-in. Knocknagoshel replied and pointed a free to take the lead. This was indeed the story of the first half with the teams taking turns edging ahead and been pulled back. No more than a point separated us at any time until close to the interval and we went in two points to the good, 0-9 to 0-7. Both defences had stood firm as swift forward movements came fast and furious from both squads.
Knocknagoshel meant business on the changeover. We began to lose shape and Knocknagoshel came more into the game with two fast points. We tried to steady the ship with a superb point. Then it was Knocknagoshel who fell ragged and were wasteful upfront, hitting three wides on the trot while we took the lead once more. The turning point of the game came when we rattled the net, won the resulting kick-out and worked the ball through for another point. We now had a four-point advantage. However, again our opponents pulled us back and a kick of the ball separated us at the water break, 1-12 to 0-12. We then hit a purple patch. A goal and a point sent on our way. Knock kept in touch, pointing two frees. But the writing was on the wall for them when we struck our third goal. There was no way back now for Knock and we ran out comfortable winners by 3-17 to 0-14. We play Castlegregory in the semi-final on Saturday, Oct 4th.
Beale lined out as: Seán Dee, Paul Collins, Jeremy King, John Griffin, Fionnán Toomey, Seamie O’Sullivan, Killian Walsh-O’Boyle, Neilus Mulvihill, Phillie Blake, Barry O’Neill, Ger O’Gorman, Johnny O’Sullivan, Cormac Linnane, Ian Mannix and Eric Daly. Substitutes who played: Conor Toomey for Ian Mannix(inj.), Diarmuid O’Mahony for Paul Collins, Cillian Courtney for Ger O’Gorman, Daniel Hayes for Johnny O’Sullivan and Bernard O’Callaghan for Barry O’Neill.
The teams have to do it all over again this Saturday when we meet in the quarter final of the North Kerry Championship. A game not for the faint-hearted! We play Knocknagoshel in Duagh at 4 o’clock. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the maximum number of spectators is 100 - giving Beale GAA just 40 tickets for supporters on Saturday evening. These measures are to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing during the current health situation and to ensure GAA action can continue in a safe and appropriate manner. Beale GAA Club would appeal to you to comply fully with the Public Health advice currently in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Only fully paid-up members will be considered for any of the limited match tickets. Club members who wish to be in with a chance of a ticket, please TEXT chairman, John Dee, on 087 7534393 by noon on Thursday, Sept 24th. Tickets cost €10. No price concessions or concessionary tickets while limited capacity is in place. North Kerry Board will live stream the match, giving the many supporters at home and abroad an opportunity to watch.
We await details of the North Kerry Minor Championship and Junior Cup.