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“I expect Kerry to win… But the margin will be tight”
P
Provincial finals are special and the intense rivalry between Cork and Kerry over many decades makes the Munster football final extra special. Kerry will face Cork in the senior final tomorrow at 7pm in Páirc Uí Chaoimh while the minors will meet Clare at 4.30pm.
The date and timing of these games is a break with tradition. Normally these finals are played on the first Sunday in July and in the early afternoon. Apparently scheduling the finals on a Saturday evening facilitates TV coverage. It certainly makes it very awkward, especially for those fans who are travelling from such remote areas as Eyeries and Valentia. There is no indication from the Munster Council as to why the minor game is so early. That game should be finished by 5.45pm and the senior game will not be going ahead until 7pm. It certainly will present some supporters with a dilemma and they may not travel in such large numbers.
Kerry are favourites in the senior final after shooting 32 points against Clare in the senior semi-final played here in the Fitzgerald Stadium some weeks ago. I was very impressed by the forwards in particular in that game. However, Cork were also very impressive in their clear-cut win over a fancied Tipperary team. Kerry keeper Shane Murphy had little to do against Clare but this will be a much sterner test. He has proved his worth and his kick-outs are well varied to retain possession. I expect that he will be going short most of the time as Cork are very strong in the middle of the field, particularly Aidan Walsh. I expect Walsh to be the key player here and David Moran needs to up his game to nullify the expected Cork dominance in that area. Jack Barry will be taking up Ian Maguire.
Luke Connolly
If Kerry get enough of the ball into the forward division they will run up a big score. At the other end Cork have a match-winner in Luke Connolly who scored at will against Tipperary. He will prove a handful for Kerry corner backs Shanahan or Foley. They will be severely tested and if he is curbed Cork will be well down in scores. They will be without the talented Colm O’Neill who is most unlucky with injury. He had three cruciate operations and was just returning to top form when he damaged his cartilage in the Tipperary game. It will be interesting to see who Cork play in his absence.
They might give a starting position to Paul Kerrigan who is back after a long lay-off with injury. He is their most experienced player. He might be listed at number 14 but charged with a roving role outfield, hoping to leave plenty of room in front of the Kerry goal. That would give great space to their danger men Mark Collins and Luke Connolly. It would pull Peter Crowley far out from goal, although that would not be a problem for the Kerry full back as he has played most of his football for Kerry in the past in the half back line. Luke Connolly is very accurate so being isolated inside may well be the ploy Cork will use. The Kerry half back line has done well with Gavin White, in particular, catching the eye. He has great courage and tremendous pace. He may be picking up Jack O’Rourke who played a very defensive game against Tipperary, dropping out to midfield for the kick outs and back in his own half back line to crowd out the Tipperary forward division.
Kerry’s impressive forwards
I was very impressed with all of the Kerry forwards in the semi-final. 32 points is a massive score but we also need goals as goals often are the difference between victory and defeat. Paul Geaney is a key man on the edge of the square. While he won the man-to-man duel against Clare, Cork will crowd out the scoring area and scores will be hard to come by. James O’Donoghue showed no ill effects from his long lay-off and is one man who can knife through the opposition. He may well be the man to score goals against Cork’s new keeper Mark White.
I was also impressed by Kerry wing forward Micheál Burns in the semi-final. He has a great engine and has the pace and stamina to drop back to help out in defence. He is also well able to score.
Two former All-Ireland minor winners, Seán O’Shea and David Clifford, have fitted in very well. They will have to deal with a crowded Cork defence, which will be a big challenge for them in their first Munster senior final, but they deserve their starting positions. They are very exciting players and O’Shea is also very good at taking frees.
Mark Collins, Luke Connolly and Colm O’Neill scored 1-13 between them out of a total of 1-17 against Tipperary. That is impressive, but Cork won’t have O Neill tomorrow.
Teams have not been announced as we go to press, but I expect no change on the Kerry team from the Clare game. Cork will have one enforced change at least, with Colm O’Neill out of the reckoning. It will be very tough to beat Cork on their home patch and their new manager Ronan McCarthy has done a good job. He is giving youth its chance just like Kerry so it should be an interesting, tactical game. I expect Kerry to win but the margin will be tight.
Minor game
Peter Keane has done a great job with the minors. They were quite fortunate to edge out Cork by a late point in time added on in Tralee several weeks ago. They should have too much scoring power for Clare so I expect them to win with something to spare. These teams are now playing under 17 in place of the former under 18. Already an All-Ireland minor-winning manager, Keane is steadily building a successful portfolio to be the main contender for the senior job when Eamonn Fitzmaurice finishes his term of office.
The 2025 Killarney Historic Rally was officially launched on Sunday at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The event will take place on November 28–29 and will again be based at the Killarney Towers Hotel, which continues as the main sponsor. BG Motors has come on board as an associate sponsor for the first time.
Clerk of the Course Anthony O’Connor confirmed that the rally will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg. The event will move heavily into the Kenmare area with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
O’Connor said the 2025 edition marks a major change in the type of cars eligible for historic competition.
“With the change in the rules it has opened the event to a different category of historic car. You’ll see Alan Ring’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car entered, and we’ve two Ford Escort Cosworths as well. It has changed the whole dynamics of the event,” he told the audience.
He also stressed the work of club volunteers.
“Without the people who give their time every week, the event wouldn’t run. From PR work to stage set-up, they’ve put in huge hours,” he said.
Brian Lawlor, Group General Manager of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, highlighted the group’s continued support.
“On behalf of the O’Donoghue and Ring families, we are honoured to return as lead sponsor for a third year. This event is now in its 29th year and remains the only fully historic rally in Ireland. It draws huge numbers to the town and the businesses of Killarney are proud to welcome them,” he said.
He also referenced the move to honour the late Mike Gaine, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the motorsport community.
“It is fitting that so much of this year’s route is centred around Kenmare. Mick was a huge part of the rallying scene in that area,” Lawlor added.
The rally will be run in memory of Mike Gaine, with much of the competitive mileage based around his home area of Kenmare. The final corner of Moll’s Gap passes the Gaine family farm.
Kenmare driver Shane McCarthy said:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke about the rally’s longstanding significance to the town.
“This is one of the most important sporting events in Killarney each year. It brings value to the community and to local business,” he said.
He also reminded spectators to follow instructions.
“I want to emphasise one final message: safety. I urge everyone to respect the marshal team and Gardaí. Their work keeps this rally safe.”
KDMC Chairman Thomas Randles thanked the club’s sponsors and reminded spectators of their responsibilities.
“Listen to the marshals. Be careful where you go. We want everyone safe,” he said.
Leading entries confirmed
A number of high-profile entries were confirmed at the launch.
Kris Meeke and Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan will compete in a BMW M3. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers will also take part. The full entry list will be published later this week.
The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected.
Defending champions Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy will lead the field in his BMW M3 E3 as he bids for two wins in a row.
Local driver Alan Ring will debut a new Group A Subaru Impreza. Former winners Mark Falvey (Escort Mk1) and newly crowned Tarmac Historic Champion John O’Donnell (BMW M3) are also confirmed.
As many as ten BMW M3 E30s are expected, including cars driven by local crews Paul Ahern/Kieran Murphy and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Duggan.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney and will conclude with a finish celebration outside the Plaza Hotel on Saturday night just after the first of Killarney’s Christmas Parades.
Rally Masters organisers hand over €44k to two charities
The organisers of Rally Masters Ireland handed over a total of €44,444.15 to two children’s charities following a presentation at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, November 16.
The funds were divided between LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Both organisations support children with life-limiting and complex medical needs and provide vital assistance to families.
The handover followed the Rally Masters Ireland event held at Killarney Racecourse on September 27. The event drew a strong attendance of around 4,000 fans and received positive feedback from fans and competitors.
Siobhan Reen of Jack and Jill said: “Heartfelt thank you as these funds will help offset over 1200 hours of care, we only receive 20 percent funding from the government so you have no idea what this means.”
Elaine Bukley of the Laura Lynn Foundation added: “This money will go 100 percent to our Mallow Hub and will develop our Munster team of amazing nurses.”
Organiser, Killarney and District Motor Club along with event sponsor Eamon Long and Company along with a wide group of associated sponsors brought a wide range of historic and iconic cars to Killarney for the occasion.
“This event truly captured the heart of Irish rallying, not only through the iconic cars and talented drivers, but through the incredible sense of community that surrounds our sport. Seeing young fans meet the heroes they’ve only heard about in stories was something very special. I want to thank everyone who supported Rally Masters Ireland and helped us raise vital funds for two remarkable charities,” said Tim Clifford, Clerk of the Course, Rally Masters Ireland.
Killarney Historic Rally officially launched at the Killarney Plaza Hotel
The 2025 Killarney Historic Rally was officially launched on Sunday at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The event will take place on November 28–29 and will again be based at the Killarney Towers Hotel, which continues as the main sponsor. BG Motors has come on board as an associate sponsor for the first time.
Clerk of the Course Anthony O’Connor confirmed that the rally will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg. The event will move heavily into the Kenmare area with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
O’Connor said the 2025 edition marks a major change in the type of cars eligible for historic competition.
“With the change in the rules it has opened the event to a different category of historic car. You’ll see Alan Ring’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car entered, and we’ve two Ford Escort Cosworths as well. It has changed the whole dynamics of the event,” he told the audience.
He also stressed the work of club volunteers.
“Without the people who give their time every week, the event wouldn’t run. From PR work to stage set-up, they’ve put in huge hours,” he said.
Brian Lawlor, Group General Manager of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, highlighted the group’s continued support.
“On behalf of the O’Donoghue and Ring families, we are honoured to return as lead sponsor for a third year. This event is now in its 29th year and remains the only fully historic rally in Ireland. It draws huge numbers to the town and the businesses of Killarney are proud to welcome them,” he said.
He also referenced the move to honour the late Mike Gaine, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the motorsport community.
“It is fitting that so much of this year’s route is centred around Kenmare. Mick was a huge part of the rallying scene in that area,” Lawlor added.
The rally will be run in memory of Mike Gaine, with much of the competitive mileage based around his home area of Kenmare. The final corner of Moll’s Gap passes the Gaine family farm.
Kenmare driver Shane McCarthy said:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke about the rally’s longstanding significance to the town.
“This is one of the most important sporting events in Killarney each year. It brings value to the community and to local business,” he said.
He also reminded spectators to follow instructions.
“I want to emphasise one final message: safety. I urge everyone to respect the marshal team and Gardaí. Their work keeps this rally safe.”
KDMC Chairman Thomas Randles thanked the club’s sponsors and reminded spectators of their responsibilities.
“Listen to the marshals. Be careful where you go. We want everyone safe,” he said.
Leading entries confirmed
A number of high-profile entries were confirmed at the launch.
Kris Meeke and Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan will compete in a BMW M3. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers will also take part. The full entry list will be published later this week.
The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected.
Defending champions Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy will lead the field in his BMW M3 E3 as he bids for two wins in a row.
Local driver Alan Ring will debut a new Group A Subaru Impreza. Former winners Mark Falvey (Escort Mk1) and newly crowned Tarmac Historic Champion John O’Donnell (BMW M3) are also confirmed.
As many as ten BMW M3 E30s are expected, including cars driven by local crews Paul Ahern/Kieran Murphy and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Duggan.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney and will conclude with a finish celebration outside the Plaza Hotel on Saturday night just after the first of Killarney’s Christmas Parades.
Rally Masters organisers hand over €44k to two charities
The organisers of Rally Masters Ireland handed over a total of €44,444.15 to two children’s charities following a presentation at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, November 16.
The funds were divided between LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Both organisations support children with life-limiting and complex medical needs and provide vital assistance to families.
The handover followed the Rally Masters Ireland event held at Killarney Racecourse on September 27. The event drew a strong attendance of around 4,000 fans and received positive feedback from fans and competitors.
Siobhan Reen of Jack and Jill said: “Heartfelt thank you as these funds will help offset over 1200 hours of care, we only receive 20 percent funding from the government so you have no idea what this means.”
Elaine Bukley of the Laura Lynn Foundation added: “This money will go 100 percent to our Mallow Hub and will develop our Munster team of amazing nurses.”
Organiser, Killarney and District Motor Club along with event sponsor Eamon Long and Company along with a wide group of associated sponsors brought a wide range of historic and iconic cars to Killarney for the occasion.
“This event truly captured the heart of Irish rallying, not only through the iconic cars and talented drivers, but through the incredible sense of community that surrounds our sport. Seeing young fans meet the heroes they’ve only heard about in stories was something very special. I want to thank everyone who supported Rally Masters Ireland and helped us raise vital funds for two remarkable charities,” said Tim Clifford, Clerk of the Course, Rally Masters Ireland.
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