Wednesday 10 June 2009

**Match Report** Kevin Barry's vs. Eire Og(Bill Drake Cup: Sun June 7th)

Last Sunday the Barry's were up against Eire Og in the Bill Drake Cup. Both sides fielded strong teams on another warm afternoon at Cardinal O'Doherty. The first half started brightly for the Barry's who were on the offensive right from the get go, with Brendan Trainor, Petey McElhill and Bobby Ray leading some fine breaks from their own half. Eire Og were battling hard but the Barry's short passing game was stretching their defense to the limit. Patsy Quinn opened the scoring with a fine solo point and this was followed in quick succession by well taken scores from Ozzy McKernan (2), Gavin Smith (1), "Wee" Dave (1), "Big" Dave (2) and Ronan McDaid (2).  This early sustained pressure rocked Eire Og but they continued to battle on and started progressing the ball much better later in the half. Two great first half saves from Barry's utility player Marty Gallagher kept the Barry's on the front foot, and with vocal leader Ozzy McKernan making his long awaited comeback from a long injury, the Barry's ended the half well on top and seemed to be cruising.
The second half was a completely different affair with Eire Og coming out very fired up. They started the half well and got back into the game with 2 quick goals. This stunned the Barry's into life and they finally got their short passing game going again. The Barry's should have really killed the game off, but a series of wides were giving Eire Og a glimmer of hope. Points were traded midway through the second half by both teams with Bobby Ray and "Wee" Dave taking fine scores for the Barry's.  The game was finally killed off by the Barry's super sub Abbey who picked the ball up at corner forward, beat his man, and then sold an outrageous dummy to the Eire Og keeper before tapping into an unguarded net. A fine solo effort which completely dashed any hopes of an Eire Og comeback. The rest of the game played out with more Barry's pressure and in the end they ran out comfortable winners.

Final Score:
Kevin Barry's: (1-11)
Eire Og: (2-2)

Barry's Scorers: Patsy Quinn (0-1), "Wee" Dave (0-2), Bobby Ray (0-1), Ozzy McKernan (0-2), Gavin Smith (0-1), Ronan McDaid (0-2), "Big" Dave (0-2), Abbey (1-0)

Wednesday 3 June 2009

**Match Report** Kevin Barry's vs. Young Irelanders (Bill Drake Cup: Sun May 31st)

Sunday May 31st saw the Barry's take on Young Irelanders on a very warm day at Cardinal O'Doherty. Tensions were high from the previous encounter where Young Irelanders ran out victorious, so the Barry's had it all to do and a point to prove. The game started brightly with both teams exchanging early scores. The tackles were flying and tensions were running high on the side lines. The Barry's made the key break through midway through the first half with two well engineered goals from Brendan Trainor and Franko McBennett. Midfield powerhouse and team manager, Gerard Dillon, was introduced midway through the half and together with center half forward Gerard Regan, the Barry's were holding their own against the younger, stronger, Young Irelanders midfield. The first half ended with the Barry's leading the scoring.
The second half started with strong winds blowing against the Barry's. Young Irelanders started brightly and ate into the Barry's lead with a couple of scores, it was all to play for now!! Strategic kickouts from the Barry's keeper "Big" Dave, and the intricate short passing game along the back line by Landers, Harkin and McElhill, continued to frustrate the Young Irelanders. Throughout the game Patsy Quinn continued to be the Barry's main target man, and he did not disappoint slotting over points from all angles, in what proved to be man of the match performance. Quinn continued to keep the Barry's on the front foot with help from big corner forward Gavin Smith, who plucked one out of the air and took a fine score. The turning point in the game came midway through the second half when Trainor was fouled in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped that man Quinn again to cooly send the Young Irelanders keeper the wrong way and keep the Barry's ahead. This was a hammer blow for the Young Irelanders, and frustration grew deeper due to the free flowing short passing game implemented from the sideline by the Barry's coach Gary Rocks. Young Irelanders mounted a spirited fight back and rallied to within two points in the second half, but the Barry's held on for what proved to be a deserved victory. The Barry's got their point across and stage is now set for another mouth watering encounter!!

Final Score: 
Kevin Barry's: (3-6)
Young Irelanders: (1-10) 

Barry's Scorers: Patsy Quinn (1-5), Gavin Smith (0-1), Brendan Trainor (1-0), 
                             Franko McBennett (1-0)

Kevin Barry G.F.C Prize Draw

Draw will be held Sunday June 28th @ 7pm in Tir Na Nog

Tickets cost $25

Prizes: (1st) $1250
             (2nd) $500
             (3rd) $250

Contact any Kevin Barry's member to purchase tickets.