MUNSTER U20 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS
A Man of the Match performance from William Shine was the cornerstone on which Kerry's latest Munster title win was built. Hitting six points he tormented the Rebels defence in a manner similar to that of his clubmate James O Donoghue in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 2014. Sligo now lie in wait in the All Ireland semi final to be played in Pearse Stadium next Saturday, May 6th with a 4.45 throw in. Brian Kelly is of course the teams goalkeeping coach while one hopes Darragh Fleming has recovered sufficiently from injury to play some part in the All Ireland campaign. Former Senior team trainer Pat Flanagan will be looking to have the team primed for action.


LADIES FOOTBALL UPDATE
The Legion U12 girls started off their season on a busy Wednesday in Direen with a friendly against our neighbours Dr. Crokes. The teams were evenly matched and it was great to see our Legion girls perform well in their first outing of the 2023 season. Both the girls and coaches benefited from the match with the game again refereed by the busy and obliging Oisin Fleming . A big thank you to Dr Crokes for coming to Direen for what was a sporting game.
On a perfect Monday evening for football, the U14 girls were in action against Currow in Direen .This Division 5 clash started brightly with scores at both ends and this pattern was to continue until the final whistle. On a perfect sod, both sides made use of the space to serve up a very open and fast paced contest. Two points separated the evenly matched sides in the end with Currow victorious on a 5-5 to 4-06 scoreline.
The Minor girls travelled to Kilcummin for the opening game in Division 3 of the County League. They started brightly and hit the opening four points but Kilcummin got into their stride and soon dominated the rest of the half to lead
2-4 to 0-6 at the interval. In the second half Kilcummin maintained the competitiveness , keeping the scoreboard ticking over but a strong Legion rearguard kept Kilcummin at bay. And in the process they combined for three fantastic goals at just the right time to have their noses in front in the end. Final Score. Legion 3-12 Kilcummin 2-13.


DONAL CURTIN LADIES CUP
Castleisland Desmonds were the visitors to Direen for Round three of the Donal Curtin Curtin Cup. Performing like a team who had spent a period of time at senior level, they were recently relegated, they possessed a clinical edge our Ladies did their best to combat but ultimately failed. A resilient first half show against a strong wind saw the visitors go in with a 1-5 to 0-2 advantage. The Legion Ladies battled hard in the second half, hitting the woodwork on three occasions with Ellen Coffey eventually finding the onion sack. Desmonds however cashed in themselves for two goals and when the final whistle blew it was the North Kerry side who emerged victorious on a 3-10 to 1-4 scoreline. Next up is an away date with Cloumacon.



JUVENILE BOYS UPDATE
Our U9 boys had their second Go Games outing last Wednesday in Kilcummin. We had great numbers again, 4 teams in action, which ensured all 26 boys had plenty of space, time, and touches on the ball. Thanks to a strong Kilcummin squad, the boys and parents made it a very enjoyable evening despite the unseasonal cold .
The Under 11 Boys hosted Milltown Castlemaine on Wednesday in Direen with Oisin Fleming and Nigel Shevlin refereeing on this occasion. This was our last home game of this series of games and thanks to Milltown for making the journey over for a very enjoyable hour.
Our U13 White Team travelled to Tralee for their final game in Div 9 of the County League against Na Gaeil. In a close game in wet conditions Na Gaeil eventually prevailed by three points. Well done to the boys for battling so hard throughout the game and well done to Na Gaeil on the win
The Under 15 White Team met neighbours Dr. Crokes in the County League in Direen on Wednesday night. The visitors got out of the blocks early but some great goals from Legion put us into a lead but we then lost tonight's Capt Sean Pierce to what looks like a bad arm injury, and Crokes scored 1-2 in that period to take a 1 point lead into the break. Crokes crafted a number of good scores and close in frees to surge ahead while Legion faded in the final quarter. The teams will meet again in the Feile this week. Final score Legion 2-6 Dr Crokes 2-13. We wish Sean a speedy recovery.
Our second team travelled to Listowel Emmets on Friday for a Division 9 county league clash. Looking to build on an impressive win over Kilcummin earlier in the week, the first half was an even affair with Emmets leading by a single point, 3-2 to 2-6 at half time. Our boys started the second half brightly and some swift foot passing and movement of the ball helped to open a lead midway through the half. Emmets pegged away but our boys held on for a 7-14 to 4-10 win. Both teams will progress to the semi finals of the County League.


DUNLOE CUP WINNERS
Congrats to St Brendans on their epic win over Tralee CBS in the showpiece final. Josh Bowler struck an all important goal while Oisin Fleming chipped in with five points. Brian Walsh was soundness personified in the backline while Brian O Shea was introduced to the fray in the opening half.

SENIOR TEAMS FIXTURES
A free weekend ahead for both our Senior Men's teams, they are back in action on the weekend of May 13/14th. In Division 1 Castleisland Desmonds are the visitors to Direen while the Division 6 team are on the road to Churchill.


MOTHERS AND OTHERS
Well done to our Mothers and Others Group who took part in what was a very enjoyable blitz in Ballyvourney on Saturday last. Best described as social football with a twist, they continue to meet every Wednesday at 8pm in Direen and new members are always welcome and 100% fun is guaranteed!!


DEEPEST SYMPATHIES
The Club extends its sympathies to the family of Billy Kenny who passed away last week. His son in law John Foran is our longstanding and ever efficient Club Treasurer. May Billy Rest in Peace.

LOTTO
Lotto results for Monday 30th April
Numbers were 9, 10, 14, 24 Bonus 8.
No Jackpot Winner.
Match 3s / Lucky Dips
1. Aidan Doyle + Grainne O Carroll .2. Dan Moynihan .3. Billy Hennigan .4. Mairead Brosnan .5. Caroline Fleming.