Normal service was resumed within GAA circles this weekend with both Kerry and Tyrone advancing to the All Ireland final.
Kerry were given yet another fright against Cork. The Leesiders trailed by nine points early in the second half, but then put in a rousing third quarter and had drawn level with just five minutes to go. Kerry rallied, and a late goal and a point saw them through – but it was too close for comfort!
Tyrone also had to endure a second half fight back against Wexford, but the wily northerners had a bit more in hand and ran out eventual winners by six points.
So the stage is set for an intriguing final. Kerry are going for three-in-a-row titles, but Tyrone seem to have their measure in recent years.
Paddy Power goes 4/7 Kerry, 7/4 Tyrone. Draw 8/1.

Kilkenny play Waterford in the hurling final next Sunday

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*And so to the unfortunate Kerry supporter who, a few years ago, found himself attired in his green and gold gansey, stranded on Hill 16 in the middle of all the blue-clad Dubs. His first thought was to turn and run, but he was hemmed in on all sides and he figured that if he showed fear they would tear him to bits. So he held his ground.
But, as Kerry piled on the pressure, the crowd on the hill became more aggressive, until a six foot Dub turned to the Kerryman and, in a threatening manner, said.
“Hi culchie! Go up to the chip van and bring me down a bottle of coke.”
The Kerryman turned to make his escape but was hauled back by the collar.
“Take off your shoes,” ordered the Dub “and leave them here in case you decide to do a runner.”
The Kerryman reluctantly removed his shoes and handed them to the Dub, before going up to the back of the stand and purchasing the plastic bottle of coke as requested. He returned and handed the bottle to the Dub who gulped down the lot in one huge swallow. He then handed the Kerryman back his shoes which, by this time were emitting an unmentionable odour, possibly because he has pooed copiously into both of them.
“Put them on!” he ordered the Kerryman.
The Kerryman did as he was bid, and stood there in abject misery for the rest of the match while the circle of space around him grew gradually larger as the crowd retreated from the smell.
Later, as he squelched his way down O’Connell Street feeling decidedly sorry for himself, he was accosted by an RTE film crew who were doing a documentary on the great rivalry that existed between Dublin and Kerry fans. He was asked for a comment.
He grasped the microphone and, looking straight into the camera, he said;
“There will always be trouble between Dublin and Kerry, as long as they keep shitting in our shoes – and we keep pissing in their coke!”

SCHOOLS

Schools in the parish re-opened last Monday following the summer holidays. Unfortunately, the weather has been very poor over the past couple of months. However, students will have benefited from the break and will return refreshed to face the new academic year.

LIGHTS;

The pedestrian traffic lights in front of St Joseph’s Boys’ School in Church Street are now in operation to facilitate the easy crossing of this very busy road.

VISIT

Home from Boston for a family get-together last weekend was John Quirke, formerly of St Ita’s Road. John played a few rounds of golf with the local hackers and took in the Young Munster v Abbeyfeale rugby match. He returns to America on Tuesday and predicts a very close contest between Obama and McCain for the presidency. Paddy Power goes 1/2 Obama. 6/4 McCain. Lal Browne will lay you 1/1 the field.

KNOCK:

A night vigil to Knock takes place on Friday 5th September. Details from Peg at 068-31232.

PASTORAL;

The next meeting of the Pastoral Council takes place on this Wednesday evening 3rd September.

GAA:

Fr Casey’s will meet Pallasgreen in the quarter-finals of the senior football championship. The minors are through to the county final and await news of their opponents.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Ladies are through to the final of the FAI Women’s Junior Challenge Cup following a comprehensive 5-0 win over Tombrack of Wexford at the weekend. Abbeyfeale Utd A drew 0-0 with Killeaney. Abbeyfeale Utd B lost 6-2 to St Ita’s.

RUGBY:

Abbeyfeale were beaten 31-5 away to Young Munster in the Cyril McMahon Memorial Cup on Sunday. The Fealesiders had a good first half and trailed 10-5 at the break with a try from Michael Reidy. However, Young Munster finished strongly and ran out convincing winners. Next Sunday Abbeyfeale are away to Garryowen in the first round of the Transfield Cup.
Training continues every Tuesday and Friday night at 7.30pm for the 1st. and 2nd teams and the U/18′s. Training at 7pm on Thursday nights for U/13 and U/14′s. Mini Rugby for all children from U/6 to U/12 commences on Sunday, September 7 at 11am with registration for all under age players taking place on the same day.

GOLF:

Abbeyfeale Golf Club will host an open 9-hole weekend from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September.