Ballymacelligott GAA Club News

Ballymacelligott GAA is hosting Run Ballymac on Sunday 13th October.

Please tell everyone about “Run Ballymac” which has something for everyone..please share and retweet on your social media accounts so that as many people as possible know about this.

1/2 marathon 10k 5k and family fun run for you the kids and nan, grandad Registration to all races and the family fun run can be done online see below for details The 1/2 marathon,10k and 5k are chipped timed The 1/2 marathon and 10k include a Run Ballymac finishers t-shirt.\

To guarantee t-shirt size register before September 10th Medals for all finishers! Prizes Trophy Prize 1st 2nd 3rd Home in both male and female category in all three races Bib collection Will take place at the Ballymacelligott Community Centre on Saturday evening 7-9 and on race day Registration cutoff Online registration will close on Friday 11th October at 9pm Manual registration will be taken on Saturday 12th 7-9 at Ballymacelligott community centre and on the morning of the race Manual registration will incur a €5 administration charge.

Manual registration will close one hour before each race Race times 1/2 marathon 9.00am. €35 10k. 10.00am €25 5k. 12.00pm.€12.50 3k fun run. 1.00pm €20 per family All races will start and finish in the community centre area Parking No parking will be permitted in the vicinity of the community centre Parking to the east of the half way bar stewards in place to guide Parking to west of community centre after 10.30 stewards will guide Please respect residents and stewards Refreshments teas coffees and treats for all at the finish in the community centre

All routes will bring you through the beautiful parish of Ballymac All races are on road and suitable to all walkers joggers and racers Our 1/2 marathon will provide you with beautiful views over Tralee Bay ,Ballymacelligott and Carrantohill Our 10k takes you through the quiet back roads of the parish where you will enjoy a lovely downhill finish to the community centre The 5k route will take our runners up beyond St Brendan’s church before returning on the downhill a lovely route for all

Our family fun run will see our younger kids out on the road to Clogher school before returning to community centre for some well earned treats We look forward to seeing you on the day ! Click on Ballymac GAA web site or Run Ballymac web page/Facebook page to register.

Ballymac GAA Golf Classic 2019

Ballymac GAA is once again hosting its Annual Golf Classic. The proceeds from the Golf Classic go to help our boys and girls thrive in well maintained, safe and developed pitches. This year Castleisland Golf Course is the host and its going ahead on the 19th October 2019.

The Rules Two to score at each hole All four on 18th Entry Fee: €200.00 per team Prizes: 1st Prize : 4 Ball at Old Head of Kinsale (Sponsored by The Blasket Bar) 2nd Prize: 4 Ball at Tralee Golf Course 3rd Prize : 2 Nights accommodation and 1 round of Golf at Waterford Castle. 4th Prize: 4 Ball at Carton House Golf Classic PRIZE GIVING AT BLASKET INN (MAIN SPONSOR) ON THE NIGHT AT 9 PM Please contact the following if you wish to enter a team: Stephen O’Brien (086) 8376432 . Bernard Cassidy (087) 7973818 Pádraig Laide (086) 0441927 and Pádraig McCarthy (087) 9701687

Ballymac Community Walking Group Each Sunday morning at 11.15am a Community Walk will take place starting at St Brendan’s Community Centre. This walk is for all ages and fitness levels. This is a great way to get to know new people in our Community and the walk is lead by a Community walking leader. So join us each Sunday morning at 11.15am in St Brendan’s Community Centre.

Coiste na nÓg News:

The Eric Mason Tournament

Ballymac GAA Club hosted the Annual Eric Mason Blitz on Saturday last in their Club grounds.

With u12 teams from Kerry,Cork,Galway and Dublin participating,spectators were treated to a feast of Football.

In Group A Ballymac topped the group winning all their games over Firies,Glanmire and Moyvane.

Moyvane also progressed to the Cup semi-final.

Claregalway were the dominant side in Group B and qualified for the Cup semi-final alongside Austin Stacks with St Oliver Plunketts and Churchill playing for the Shield

Ballymac and Austin Stacks played a cracking encounter in the Cup semi-final with the host team just edging it by two points. Claregalway proved too strong for Moyvane in the other semi-final.

In the Shield semi-finals victories for Churchill(over Firies) and St Oliver Plunketts(over Glanmire)saw them progress to the decider.

The Shield Final proved to be a tight affair going to extra time before Dublin side St Oliver Plunketts prevailed on a 1-8 to 1-5 scoreline to take the Eric Mason Shield home to the Navan Road.

In the Cup Final Ballymac started the better and were fully deserving of their 1-3 to 0-2 half time advantage.

The Galway boys began the second half in determined fashion and early points brought them back into the game,full credit to the Ballymac lads who kept battling and fought back with points of their own but when the final whistle went it was Claregalway who were celebrating with a 0-10 to 1-5 victory.

Anna and Adrian Mason presented the Cup commerating their son Eric to the Claregalway captains.

Ballymac GAA Club would like to thank all who helped in any way to make the Eric Mason Blitz 2019 a success with all teams who attended this year already looking forward to 2020.

U16 Boys

On Sunday last Our U16 s travelled to Connolly Park to take on the locals in the first round of the Town League. Despite heavy underfoot conditions, Austin Stacks started the brighter and lead 3 points to 1 pt after ten minutes . Our defence were outstanding in the first half making it very difficult for the Rockies to get scores . Kieran Slattery’s kick outs were pin point accurate thus giving us a great platform to launch our attacks . Adam Kelly, Ryan McHugh, Daragh Sweeney ,Adam Walker and Denis Brosnan were outstanding in the first half and worked tirelessly to keep the Rockies at bay. Cathal Culloty and Captain for the day Adam Sheehy leading by example and can be very proud of their performance. Points from Maurice O’ Connell, Conor Brick & Adam Joy kept us in the game at half time . On the resumption Austin Stacks, County Division one champions took a strong hold of the game and made it difficult for our boys . Gary Lynch added a sweet a point early in the second half , but when Adam Sheehy had hard luck with a goal shortly after , following a great save from the stacks keeper and thereafter luck seemed to desert us on the day. Luke O’Connell, Donal Daly & James Kenny pushed hard in the second half. Mossie Brennan and Mark Brick impressed after coming on as substitutes early in the second half . Overall a great performance from the boys and now we look forward to playing Na Gaeil next weekend at home in round two of the Tralee District League.

Next game is on Sunday next at home at 11.00am V Na Gaeil.

Academy

Ballymac U10 Boys Ballymac U10 Boys took part in Castleisland District U10 Blitz in Currow on Saturday, we had 2 teams on the day Ballymac A and Ballymac B , Ballymac A reached the Group C final and lost by one point. Ballymac B reached the Group B final and won the Shield , all the Boys played very well. showing the skills they have worked on at training during the year. .Thanks to Currow for hosting the blitz. Ballymac Abú!.

Ballymac U8 Boys

U8 boys are keeping up a great interest as we come close to the end of the season. They are looking forward to The Sioban Cotter Blitz in Churchill next week. It should be a great day out. Well done to Regan who is our player of the week.

U6 Boys and Girls Despite the rain on Saturday we had a great turn out on Sunday morning for training. Under Head Coach Frank all the players honed the skills practiced all year and all were given homework. Congratulations to Jack O’Conell & Ashley Greer who were the players of the week!

On Sunday next the 6th October : We will be visiting the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence in Currans from 10.30am to 11.30am to play some games with other clubs. All the teams are 5 a side so its very important that all our players turn up on the day to ensure we give all our players a game. Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday where we will all see and play where our heroes the Senior Kerry team all train for their games.

Sunday 13th October: We will not have an academy as we hope you will join us at 1pm in St Brendan’s Community Hall for The Ballymac GAA Family fun walk. This walk is organised to help fundraise for our club and families can register on https://www.njuko.net/run-ballymac-2019/register/43344 or www.ballymacgaa.comhas full details All participants will receive a medal and a little bag of treats. Sunday 20th October: Our Academy ends for the year with a normal training session plus medal presentation by a very special guest!! We hope you can all join us until the 20th October. Ballymac Abú!!

Minor ladies

Ballymac minor ladies following their win over Glenflesk

Well done to our Minor team who defeated Glenflesk on Sunday 29th in the County Minor League final. A fantastic display of ladies football which ended extra time. Well done to all players and management.

Full Time score:

Ballymac 4-20 Glenflesk 8-05

U 16 girls

North Kerry League Division 1.

Austin Stacks 3-09

Ballymac 8-12

Played in Connolly Park on Thursday evening last the girls put on a great performance to win a very entertaining game to kick start the North Kerry League competition. From Lorna Daly in goals who brought off some great saves to Cora Savage and Yvonne Hurley in the full forward line, every player played their part. Roisin Long and Emma Leen in the full back line made some great blocks and interventions throughoutg, ably helped by Grainne Galvin and Shonagh Griffin in the half back line. Emily O Brien and Alyssa Leen dictated proceedings in mid field and our under fourteen girls Roisin Rahilly, Ella Quirke and Rachel Griffin made up the half forward line causing huge problems for the Stacks defence. Cora Savage ended up top scorer in the game , finishing numerous scoring chances with aplomb, probably the main difference between the two sides. Austin Stacks, even though trying to bridge a big lead on us , played out the game in a determined fashion to the final whistle . Well done to our girls and mentors.

U10 girls

The U10 Girls had the Annual Carmel O’ Connor Garda blitz on Saturday 21st September in Na Gaeil. 9 girls showed up and Ballymac gave a great performance winning all three of their games. Medals were presented for all participants at the end and donations on the day were greatly recieved by the Irish Red Cross.

Well done to all involved.

Ballymac GAA Lotto Results from Monday 23rd September

This weeks lotto draw took place in Ballygarry House Hotel. The Jackpot was €4,700.00. There was no winner. The Numbers drawn were: 5,8,11, & 22. Congratulations to the following Lucky Dip winners (€30 EACH) 1. Ava & Anna Leen C/O Maurice Leen 2. Mike Kelly C/O Paula Silles 3. Betty Keane C/O Paula Silles 4. Diarmuid Lynch, Kielduff. 5. Tom Reidy, Kielduff. Sellers prize: Maurice Leen (€30) We thank all our lotto sellers and supporters. All your support is greatly appreciated. Next Weeks Jackpot is €4800.00 and the draw will take place in Kielduff Community Centre , on Monday 30th September 2019. Tickets can also be purchased on line at www.ballymacgaa.com and you could win the €4,8 00.00 jackpot! Tickets for our Lotto are also for sale at The Half Way Shop & Bar, O’Riadas Bar,

Boyles Hardware Clash and Horan’s Fruit and Veg, The Horan Centre Tralee. We thank all our lotto sellers and supporters.

Sympathy

Ballymac GAA wishes to extend its sympathy to Tony Silles and all the Silles family on the death of Tony’s dad Silvie during the week.

We also extend our sympathy to John Lenihan and all the Lenihan family on the death of John’s father William last week. May They RIP.

St Pats GAA Club News

Lotto

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot on Sunday night last. The numbers drawn were 19, 21, 22 & 24. The five €30 consolation prizes went to Trevor and Thomas c/o Gerry Moriarty, Connie Morrissey Caherslee, Naomi McDonnell Ballyseedy, S and Y Quill Lohercannon and Julie Moriarty c/o Gerry Moriarty.

Next week’s Lotto will have a Jackpot of €2,100 and the draw will take place on Sunday night Oct 06th in Skelper Quane’s Bar. Lotto tickets can be purchased online, from any club officer or at the following outlets: Seamus O’Sullivan Master Butchers, O’Shea’s Shop and Service Station, Poff Motors, Noyeks, Byrnesworth, Rock Inn, O’Dwyer’s Bar, Skelper Quane’s, Betty’s Bar and Keane’s of Curraheen.

Academy

U6: We had 19 boys and girls training this morning, we avoided the showers & had a fun energetic session. Bringing back a few old favourite evasion games & obstacle courses worked well & kept the fun alive!
Well done to our player of the week Devran who joined the group with enthusiasm & great listening. We want to finish out our season with high energy & plenty of practice at home & on the pitch before our winter break. Great to have lots of youngsters joining our group, keep up any ball / balloon handling at home to help the hand eye coordination. See you all next Sunday 10.30am

U8: The academy for our U8’s continued last Sunday morning with a good turnout on the day and everyone had lots of fun learning their skills.

U10: Following the constant rain on Saturday last the under-10s arrived to a fairly sodden pitch for their Sunday morning session. Undeterred by the slippery underfoot conditions they were all soon into the warm up circuit, followed by some hand passing and kick passing exercises which took them over and back the width of the pitch a number of times.

Following a quick shooting drill they fully engaged in a very competitive game where we had some good scoring by Ródhan, Rhíana, Gearóid and Stephen, while James, Rian and Eddie were very strong in defence. Some very good ball winning and distribution were contributed by Sharon, Lainey and Tara and giving a great display of ball catching was Patryk. After such an action packed session it was hard to determine the player of the week with the decision going to a well deserving Patryk. Well done to Patryk.

Seniors

Our round 11 game in the County League against Firies which is a Division 3 home fixture has been confirmed for the first weekend in November after the completion of the County Championship.

Senior Football Championship

Hard luck to St Brendans Board who were defeated by South Kerry in round 2A of the Senior Football County Championship last Saturday evening in Austin Stack’s Park. Full time scores were South Kerry 1-12 St Brendans 1-09.

St Pats players who saw action were David O’Callaghan (stand in captain), Paul McMahon and Kieran Dwyer. Also Brendan Poff (c) and Willie Hurley came on as subs. They will now face Shannon Rangers in the 3rd round this Saturday, the 5th of October at 5pm in Austin Stacks Park with extra-time to be played if required.

Kerry College and the Kerry County GAA Board Producing Referees of the Future

This week saw the launch of another unique and innovative collaboration between  Kerry College and the Kerry County GAA Board.

To ensure a steady provision of professionally trained referees; the College has teamed up with the County Board to offer students studying on  the QQI GAA Coaching & Sports Development course an opportunity to undertake training and attain the GAA Refereeing certification as an integral part of their course.

According to Mary Lucey, Principal Kerry College, Clash and Denny Street Campuses: “Kerry College is delighted to be involved in the nurturing and cultivation of the future cohort of  GAA referees.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students as it will mean that they can offer their services as referees to the County.

To launch the new collaboration, St Pat’s GAA Club in Blennerville has offered a GAA Scholarship to cover the full cost of studying on the programme for the academic year.

As part of the scholarship the recipient will provide support to the sponsoring  club through the provision of refereeing services; enabling the student to gain first hand experience on the field.  Jimmy Mulligan, Chairperson of St Pat’s added  “Our aim is that other GAA clubs across the county will come on board  supporting students in furthering their education in the GAA Coaching and Sports Development arena.

Through this collaboration, the GAA will be sure of a constant stream of highly qualified referees to make consistent and informed decisions and act at all times with integrity both on and off the pitch. The County Board will provide expert training and workshops from top level national GAA referees tutors as part of the initiative.”

A limited number of places remain available on the course; apply now at kerryfe.ie.

Ardfert Retreat Centre

Hill of Miracles: Catholic Christian Prayer Fellowship: Fire Fall-Charismatic Prayer Meeting every Monday 7.30p and Lantern Night Holy Hour with Adoration, every third Thursday of the month 7.30pm.

An  Afternoon  of  Prayer, Praise  and Healing: Fr. John Keane, Sun. 6th Oct., 2.30pm – 6.00pm.

Self Care Day: Anna O’Donoghue, I.A.C.P. Practical skills to promote self-care and well being. Sat. 12th Oct. 9.45am-4pm. Contact: Anna 087 944 7105.

Be Still and Know: Fr. Louis Hughes OP, Silence, relaxation, breath awareness and visualization leading to a sense of  Divine Presence. Sat. 19th Oct. 10am-2pm.

Growing as Followers of Jesus Christ: Dr. Jessie Rogers, Sat. 16th Nov., 10am -2pm.

Listening to the word of God – Experiencing Life in all it’s Abundance: Fr. Patsy Kelly MSC, Sat. 23rd Nov. 10am-2pm.

Sympathy

The club would like to extend its sympathy to the families and friend of John Devane Monavalley and Lohercannon, James Hurley Abbeydorney and Mitchels Road, Tralee and Kitty Crean Camp.

Na Gaeil GAA Club News

Senior Football Championship Round  3     St. Brendan’s will play Shannon Rangers in Round 3 of the Senior Football Championship on Saturday October 5th at 5pm in Austin Stack Park. Extra time will be played if necessary.

County League The final round of County League games are scheduled for Sunday November 3rd.

Scór    We’re just starting to organise ourselves for the upcoming Scór season. Anyone interested in taking part, or helping out, please contact Margaretont 086 0855008

Na Gaeil Cycling Club    Na Gaeil Cycling Club summer schedule: Saturday mornings at 9.00am from the clubhouse. ALL ARE WELCOME, High Vis essential.

Fir Na Gaeil     Light Football Training for Men who have retired from playing football and for those that have not played and would like to try it out. Very little skill is required. This is a great way to keep fit with light training, ball games and a bit of a laugh. . Training is on Monday and Friday nights in Na Gaeil. Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info

Mná Na Gaeil     We are a Gaelic for Mothers and Others team who come together and do a bit of exercise, football training and socialising. Anyone who would like to join are most welcome, No skills are required, just a good attitude and a sense for fun. Training is on Wednesdays and Sunday evenings.  Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info.

Lotto   The draw for the jackpot of €1,800 took place on Thursday evening last. Numbers drawn were 2, 8, 17, 24. There was no winner. €50 winners were Kevin Woods, Liosdara and Trophy World, Tralee.

€25 winners were Kevin Donovan, Racecourse Lawn, Mícheál Herlihy, Clogherbrien, Frank Horgan, Shanakill and Barry O’Donnell, Derrylea. Next week’s jackpot is €1,900. All are welcome for the draw in the club each Tuesday night at 10.30pm.

Bingo   Bingo is on every Monday night at 8.30pm sharp. We have prize money of over €1,000 guaranteed every week with a mini jackpot that increases fortnightly when not won.  A door prize and a half-time raffle with lovely prizes will also take place every week. A bus service is available at 087 2817577.

You can ring this number for pick up and drop off.  100% of the funds raised go back directly into the club. The bingo is run on a totally voluntary basis by our club members.  A huge thank you to all the parents who offer their time to run this vital fundraiser for the club.

If anyone wants to donate a spot prize for our weekly bingo raffle, please leave it at clubhouse and mark it “Bingo”. Thanks to all our patrons who support this event on a weekly basis.

Cards   A card game is held every Wednesday night in the clubhouse. This is a very sociable occasion where you meet your friends for a great night’s entertainment and relaxation. Starting time is 9.30pm and everyone from novice to senior will enjoy a relaxing game of 45.

Clothes Collection    There is now a Clothes Collection Bin situated in Na Gaeil car park.

REPORT/PHOTOS: Warriors Back To Winning Ways

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Alan Cantwell on Warriors win at the complex on Saturday night…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 93

Belfast Star 86

Action from the game. Photo by Dermot Crean

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors opened their Super League account with a 93-86 win over Belfast Star at the Tralee Complex on Saturday night.

The reigning champions were anxious to turn around last weeks 73-72 defeat to Marian and in a game that saw both sides have periods of dominance the Warriors held their nerve late on to secure the valuable win.

Belfast Star opened proceedings with new signing Delaney Blaylock first on the mark followed soon after with another from Aidan Quinn. What followed was a stunning offensive display from the hosts that saw them land the next 17 points of the game.

Continued below…

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Rap Buivydas stormed into the contest with a three scores including an impressive three before Keith Jumper also hit a hat trick of baskets and when Ivan Bogdanovic opened his account the Warriors led by 12.

Back to back threes from Jonathan Lawton pushed the Warriors further ahead. However Star replied through Keelan Cairns and DJ Stancovic but when Jumper added another the home side led by 30-19 at the end of the first.

The second quarter started as the first had with two scores from the visitors this time through Cairns and Stancovic before Eoin Quigley, Paul Dick and Lawton combined for 8 points to push the lead out to 16.

Action from the game. Photo by Dermot Crean

Belfast responded through CJ Fulton, Quinn and Adam Ryan to cut the gap but two threes from Lawton and Darragh O’Hanlon either side of a trademark Keith Jumper dunk saw the Warriors maintain their sizable advantage.

Blaylock hit three from three from the line before Jumper powered in another typical score to see the sides go to the long break with the Warriors holding a 54-41 lead.

Belfast powered their way back into the contest early in the third with Aidan Quinn, Cairns, Fulton and Blaylock conjuring up a combined 9 points to cut the gap to 4.

Back to back threes from Paul Dick and Daniel Jokubaitis kept Star at arms length. Quigley and Buivydas added for the hosts before some Warriors indiscipline allowed Blaylock punish two indiscretions by calmly firing in four from four from the line and the sides turned for home with the Warriors 69-59 ahead.

Action from the game. Photo by Dermot Crean

Into the final quarter and both sides opened up to fire in some stunning scores with Fulton and Blaylock landing from distance and Blaylock also getting to the board from inside.

Bogdanovic, Buivydas and Jumper with a three were in range to maintain the hosts advantage. But the impressive Blaylock continued to steer Belfast back into contention and when he hit another three from three from the line the Warriors advantage was cut to just 6.

Darragh O’Hanlon and Quigley found big three point scores just when they were needed but CJ Fulton kept Belfast in with a chance of a second big League win in a row with a couple of brave drives to the board.

When Cairns arced in a stunning three for the visitors the Warriors faithful fans were left shifting in their seats. However their fears were allayed when a moment of class saw Paul Dick fire in a show-stopping three in the final minute and Lawton had the final word with two from two from the line to secure a hugely significant 93-86 win for the Warriors.

Scorers:

Warriors: Paul Dick 18 Jonathan Lawton 13 Rap Buivydas 13

Belfast Star: Delaney Blaylock 28, CJ Fulton 17, Keelan Cairns 15

Next up for the Warriors is a road trip to Dublin to face the unbeaten Eanna. Tip off in Colaiste Eanna is 7.00pm.

Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club News

Garvey’s Supervalu Co Senior Football Championship Round 2A

Dingle 2-09 Kerins O’Rahillys 1-11

A rain-sodden Pairc an Aghasaigh was the venue for this compelling Co Senior Championship tie in Dingle on Saturday evening last.

The visitors fielded with Con Barrett replacing the injured Gavin O’Brien and the match-ups saw Cormac Coffey picking up Michael Geaney with Ross O’Callaghan on Paul Geaney and Shane Brosnan as the spare man at the back.

O’Rahillys played into the wind in the first half but got off to a good start when David Moran won the throw-in and the ball was worked into the overlapping Karl Mullins who split the sticks from 40 metres.

Dingle replied when Paul Geaney retrieved a ball played into the corner and picked out Maitiu O’Flaitheartaigh who steered the ball over the bar.  Jack Savage restored Strand Road’s lead from a free in the fourth minute after a foul on Tommy Walsh, only for Dingle to square matters again when they worked the ball upfield from a kickout and from 13 metres out, Micheal O’Baoighill pointed from a tight angle.

Another long pass from Moran in the 13th minute drew a foul on Walsh and Savage obliged from 20 metres with the placed ball and four minutes later, another delivery from Moran broke for Mullins who had stolen forward and made his way along the end line before handpassing to Savage who converted to make it Dingle 0-02, O’Rahillys 0-04.

However, Kerry star, Paul Geaney was to play a crucial role over the next few minutes that put Dingle into the ascendancy.  Firstly, he got on the end of a long ball and jinked inside onto his right foot and pointed from 13 metres.

Then, a minute later, Geaney fielded a similar delivery, cut inside and hammered the ball past Gary Kissane at the near post to put his side two points up.

To their credit, O’Rahillys responded well and put together a flowing move involving Savage, John Ferguson and Shane Brosnan, which culminated in Barry John Keane blasting the ball over the bar from close range.

Paul Geaney almost made it a four-point game in the 22nd minute when he was picked out by a well-directed delivery, but this time he opted to shoot high and Kissane managed to get enough of a hand on the ball to divert it onto the crossbar and away to safety.

Maitiu O’Flaitheartaigh added a point shortly after though to add to the lead after Keane had a claim for a free in the opposite direction and Paul Geaney extended the lead to three points in the 29th minute when he converted a free with the help of an upright and the short whistle blew soon afterwards to leave the half time score at Dingle 1-5 O’Rahillys 0-5.

Dingle started the second period at a cracking pace and Conchubhar O’Geibheannaigh pointed after a pass from Paul Geaney and Barra O’Suilleabhain added another to put them five points ahead.  Jack Savage then saw his free kick come back off an upright, but in the fourth minute a hop ball broke to Cormac Coffey who charged through and fired over.

A poor kickout was then seized upon by Savage who drove at the heart of the Dingle defence before offloading to Walsh who guided the ball between the posts and the lead was reduced to three points.  However, two minutes later, the hopes of the Tralee men were dealt a real body blow when Dingle worked the ball latterly and stole in behind a static Strand Road defence to steer the ball into the net.

The visitors responded by introducing Gavin O’Brien and Conor Hayes for Shane Brosnan and Tom Hoare and in the 11th minute Ross O’Callaghan won possession on halfway and fed Savage who split the posts from 25 metres.

Then a fine move in the 14th minute involving Moran and Walsh saw Hayes pick out Keane with a super pass only for Deividas Uosis to dive low to his left to push out the goal-bound effort.  However, the Tralee men kept pressing and in the 18th minute O’Brien won a ball in midfield, linked with Ferguson and Coffey was played into space but his shot just cleared the crossbar to make it 2-07 to 0-09.

Dingle replied immediately with a fisted point, but Keane answered that from 35 metres after a pass from Moran and it was back to a three-point game when O’Rahillys won the kickout and Coffey kicked a monster point from way out on the left wing.  The momentum was now with the Blues but it was Dingle who remained more composed when in possession and they restored their four-point advantage with a good point in the 27th minute.

Then, two minutes later, a long Strand Road punt into the danger area eluded Tommy Walsh but broke for Conor Hayes who was bearing down on goals when fouled for a penalty.  Ryan Carroll stepped up to take the kick and made no mistake, hammering the ball low into the right-hand corner to make it 2-09 to 1-11.

With the game in injury time, the rain began lashing down and Savage had a chance from a 45-metre free but pulled it slightly to the right and Con Barrett was unable to keep the ball in play and the final act of the game saw Keane’s effort collected by the keeper and Dingle held on to win by the minimum margin.

They now proceed to the quarter final with O’Rahillys drawn to face East Kerry in Round 3.  That game is scheduled for Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening next, October 5th, at 7pm.

Kerins O’Rahillys: G Kissane; D Murphy, R O’Callaghan, C Coffey; R Carroll, K Mullins, D McElligott; D Moran, S Brosnan; T Hoare, J Ferguson, C Barrett; J Savage, T Walsh, BJ Keane.  Subs: S Foley, C Hayes, G O’Brien, P Griffin, S Walsh, D O’Sullivan, P Begley, G Savage, G Dillane, S Collins, Rory O’Connor, D O’Brien, A Roche, K Mangan, Rob O’Connor.

LADIES NOTES

U8 AND U10 GIRLS

Some of our U8 and U10 girls went over to Na Gaeil on Sunday last, where they had a wonderful morning. Thanks to Mike and everyone in Na Gaeil for hosting us.

We will have Go Games next Saturday afternoon, October 5th. More details to follow.

U12 GIRLS

Last Tuesday we were at home to Austin Stacks in round 3 of The Town League. Everyone enjoyed a good competitive game on a very wet evening with a final score of KOR 1-05 to Stacks 3-05. Well done to everyone!

We are home to Na Gaeil in the next round of the Town League. Throw in will be at 6.15p.m.  in Ballyrickard on Monday, September 30th. Best of luck to everyone!

U12 development continues in Ballyrickard next Saturday at 9.45a.m. for girls born in 2007.

U13 DISTRICT

Unfortunately, West Kerry can no longer enter this competition.  Therefore, there no longer will be a preliminary round.

The semi-finals will be in John Mitchels’ Complex this Saturday, October 5th. More details to follow.

U14 GIRLS

We meet Stacks again in a playoff in the North Kerry League to see who will meet Abbeydorney in  the Division 1 Shield. Throw in will be at 6.30p.m. this Tuesday, October 1st in Connolly Park.

U16 GIRLS

We played Castleisland Desmonds in round 4 of the North Kerry League in Pat Healy Park on Friday night last. This was really a game of two different halves, with a strong enough breeze favouring the team playing into the dressing room end.

As the opposition only had 13 players, we had to readjust our team from the start by dropping two players from the starting 15 and while we rotated players on and off throughout the game, unfortunately two players did not get any game time at all which is something we have tried to avoid with the U16 team since the beginning of the year.

Desmonds would be regarded as a strong enough team with some very good ball players, so the plan in the first half against the breeze was to kick in fast ball which at times created opportunities that we didn’t take full advantage of.  We probably overplayed the ball a few times as well with only Liana Williams , Aoibhín MacCarthy and Katie Nix scoring a point each in the first half – but it was into a stiff enough breeze.  We were creating a lot more opportunities than Desmonds, but their quick movement on the break allowed them to hit us for two fast goals and two points in the first half leaving us five down at half time.

We knew we had plenty in the tank here, playing into our preferred goals in the second half . As coaches we rarely get too much credit but we made two positional changes at halftime and specifically changed the play by changing the tactic to running with the ball into the wings and corners away from the centre where they were strongest.  This drew their backs out and in turn created more space for the forwards and midfielders to run into and attack in the second half which paid immediate dividends with Katie Nix picking off two goals and another point, Kate Kerins two points and Liana  Williams getting two goals and another point with the Desmonds scoring just five points in the second half. The overall team performance in that second half was really good and back to the level this team are well capable of producing.

The more games we are playing, the more we will improve and that showed in the second half the last night.  Best on the night were Kelly Fitzgerald, again making some great saves and kicking some great balls out.  Katie Dwyer, Eugenie Kerins, Hollie Leane, Meabh Hanafin and Lily O’ Brien were very steady all evening up against some very good footballers.  In midfield, Éabha Murphy and Keelan Coffey were up against two of their best players, but they played really well in the second half, attacking at every chance and setting up most of our scores.  Up fron,t Kate Kerins worked hard all night and Katie Nix, Liana Williams and Aoibhín MacCarthy did really well, especially in the second half.  While we scored four goals and three points in that half, it’s the team performance that matters to win games like these and the whole panel played their part.

Final score Kerins O’Rahillys 4-06 Desmonds 2- 07.

Our last match is coming up this week against Na Gaeil and it’s a game all of the players are looking forward to, especially as it has a local derby element to it  If we reproduce the second half performance we did the last night, any team will have their work cut out to beat us.

SENIOR LADIES

Our ladies had their day out last Saturday when they headed out to Killarney for the day.  An enjoyable day was had by all.

Texts will be sent with training times etc.

CÚINNE NA NÓG

Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip to Laune Rangers last Sunday as many of the girls and boys had a Communion Mass and we didn’t want them missing out.  We will reschedule our trip in the coming weeks.

Some of our Academy headed across town to John Mitchels. Thanks to Mitchels for hosting our U6s and our U8 and U10 boys who had plenty of fun games.

Academy continues next week, texts will he sent before the weekend.

We have plenty to look forward to over the next few weeks- a day out, Halloween party etc. Keep an eye on our Facebook page which will keep you up to date.

SNIPPETS from “top of the right”

·         Hard luck to our Senior panel who lost narrowly to Dingle on Saturday last in Round 2A of the Garvey’s Supervalu Co Championship.

·         Redemption beckons on Saturday next, 5th October, in a winner takes all “Shootout in the Sportsfield”, when we face East Kerry, conquerors of our town rivals Austin Stacks, in Round 3.

·         Throw-in at Austin Stack Park is at 7pm.  Remember the winners advance to the quarter final and the losers exit the championship.  All support is welcome.

·         Our game will be preceded by the clash of St Brendans and Shannon Rangers at 5pm.

·         Congrats to David and Angela Walsh (daughter of Club PRO Ger O’Brien and true blue Mary Hanafin) on the birth of their daughter Ríadh Mary.

CONDOLENCES

All at the club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of John Devane of Monavalley and formerly Lohercannon and Breda Clifford (née Ryan), The Kerries, (Clifford’s Cash & Carry and formerly the Brandon Hotel).  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

John Mitchels GAA Club News

UNDER 6 BOYS & GIRLS:

Our U6 boys and girls had a great day last Sunday. There was a huge turnout to greet the Kerins O’Rahilly club. Both teams did their clubs proud with fantastic performances from everyone. Thanks to Declan Quill for visiting us. Keep up the practice and see you all next Sunday. All newcomers welcome to join us.

UNDER 8s:

What a great morning of fun and football we had John Mitchel’s GAA on Sunday last.

Kerins o Rahillys brought their u8/10 boys who played on our main field and all of their u6s who played in our indoor hall

A feast of football was had, all the kids enjoyed the morning with some tremendous football displays on show – safe to say football is in good hands for both clubs going forward – huge thanks to KOR for making the trip & we look forward to a return visit.

Juvenile training continues every Sunday at John Mitchel’s 10.45am to 12.00pm Everyone Welcome.

UNDER 10 BOYS:

We hosted Kerins O Rahillys at our grounds on Sunday and it turned out to be a great match with Aaron, Eamonn, Darragh and Ronan putting in a huge effort to tackle and get on the ball and make some great plays. Cody, Daniel, Adrian and Jack put pressure on their opposite numbers and succeeded in getting a number of turnovers and kicked some great scores.

Rory, Sean, Tomas, Hugo and Donncha played very well and had a huge influence on the game, their passing, tackling and kicking was excellent. We played 3 periods and it was difficult to keep scores but it was an excellent game to watch well done to all and thanks to Kerins O Rahillys for coming it was a great contest. We have a busy schedule over the next few weeks so keep an eye out for texts.

UNDER 8 & UNDER 10 GIRLS:

Despite the threat of rain, there was a good turnout of U-8 and U-10 girls at Ballyseedy on Sunday morning for training.

We were delighted to welcome a new face to training. Karolina settled in immediately and watching her skills during the session, there is no doubt but that she will become an integral part of John Mitchel’s teams into the future.

Following a warm-up session, the girls moved quickly into drills, with the emphasis on keeping possession and fast hand passing in crowded situations. As ever, Ciara and Ella looked sharp, while Maddison, Leila and Hannah showed off their skills in accurately moving the ball around.
The girls then had a game to finish the session and it was clear to see that they had all been practicing their skills at home during the week.

Emily, Ciara, Ella and Ava worked hard at midfield, with Ava in particular covering a huge amount of ground and working hard at dispossessing the opposition.
Nicole, Zoe, Sophie and Karolina all showed well in attack, but they were made to work hard for their scores by  Leila, Maddison, Hannah, and Ella.

The team will be taking part in a blitz in Na Gaeil next Saturday, with further details being sent by text to parents. As ever, the girls are asked to continue practicing their skills with their families, at home during the week.

UNDER 12s:

Our U12 Green and Gold teams finished out the year at Laune Rangers on Tuesday night in the Central League. Both teams played fantastic against a very skilful Div. 1 outfit.  We were unlucky to go down in both games. Well done all on what has been a very rewarding year and has seen all the boys improving rapidly. Many thanks to all the parents throughout the year.

UNDER 13s:

Fantastic win by our U13s in the town league final V Na Gaeil this morning. In a tough and physical game, we came through in a score of 4-7 to 2-8. Super performances all over the field. A fantastic finish to the year for the combination of our U12s and U14s. Captain Fantastic Darragh O Callaghan accepted the trophy on behalf of his team. Well done all.

UNDER 16S:

Our Under 16 Boys had no match this week after our win last weekend, next up for us is the Town League match v Kerins O’Rahilly 11am Sunday who we will face in the final of the Town League the following week and we also have our Castleisland District Final to play. Mighty going to be coming into October and still going strong, training continues Monday and Wednesdays 6:30pm.

JOHN MITCHELS GYM

Oliver Coffey has now taken over the running of the Gym at John Mitchel’s Sports Complex. For more details regarding facilities, membership options, and fitness programs to suit all, contact Oliver on 086 1939534.

JOB VACANCY:

A position has become available at our sports complex in Ballyseedy for a general operative. This position is open to anyone who qualifies for a community employment scheme. For further details please contact reception on 066 7197070 or Dan Walsh on 087 9260988.

CLOTHES COLLECTION:

By donating your second-hand clothes and unwanted items, not only will you be freeing up space in your home, you will also be making a difference to people in need, in your community. We now have an SVP clothes bank in our car park at our state-of-the-art sports facility in Ballyseedy.

LOTTO:

Numbers Drawn 3, 14, 16, 21

Next Draw 01-10-2019

Jackpot €2,300

€50 Winner Helen Lyons c/o Bingo. €25 each to Rory O’Mahony c/o Patrons, Errol Rogers c/o Donal and Megan Noonan c/o Donal

Thank you for your continued support.

BINGO:

Our bingo continues on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights @ 8.30pm in our premises on the John Joe Sheehy Road. Bingo is a vital fundraiser for the club and all funds raised from the bingo goes directly back into the club and all support is greatly appreciated. Any member who wishes to volunteer can do so by giving their details to any club officer.

JOHN MITCHEL’S SPORTS COMPLEX:

Our sports complex at Camp Ballyseedy is available for bookings on the Sports Hall and All-Weather pitch. The complex is also open for children’s parties. For further information contact the club reception on 066 7197070.

MERCHANDISE:

Please note that all club merchandise is now available for purchasing only through Hennebery’s sports shop, Ashe St. Tralee and is no longer for sale at our complex in Ballyseedy. Please also note that our club colours are – green and gold jerseys, white togs and green and gold socks.

CONDOLENCES:

The Club wish to extend condolences to the family and friends of:

James (Jimmy) Hurley ‘Laccabeg House’, Abbeydorney, and Tralee

Hannah Nealon (née Lynch), Hillview Drive, Caherslee, Tralee

Silvie (Sylvester) Silles, Corraghlea East, Tralee

Peggy Mulcahy née O’Driscoll, St. John’s Park, Tralee

Anne (Hannah-Mai) Moriarty (née Hennessy) Casement’s Avenue, Tralee

John Devane of Monavalley and Lohercannon, Tralee

Breda Clifford (née Ryan), The Kerries, Tralee

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

Tralee Parnells GAA Club News

Excellent Parnells Family Fun Fair Evening:
FAMILY FUN-draiser, Friday 27th September 2019 in Caherslee.
We have some great photos of activities which included: space-hopper racing, tug o’ war, egg ‘n’ spoon , 3-legged racing, welly tossing, poc fada, cross-bar challenge.

The hospitality area was very well patronized, donations of home-baking for our bake sale went down a treat. Many thanks to all who contributed.

Some special guests and their silverware were also be on hand to make our final Split-The-Bucket draw of the season and to generously pose for photographs and sign hurleys and shirts for your young players.

Thank you very much to the representatives of the Kerry Camogie Adult Team and Management, to Ger McCarthy and Amy who represented theKerry Camogie County Board and the recently victorious Kerry under 14s who had their own silverware to show off to the large and enthusiastic crowd.

Finally, a huge thanks to the committee and volunteers who made this a very enjoyable night for Tralee Parnells Club to mark the coming end of our 2019 playing season.

Kerry Camogie Under 16 B County Final Winners:
Sliabh Luachra – Killarney provided the opposition to Tralee Parnells in the Under 16 Kerry Camogie B County Final Sunday the 29th at Dromakee, Crotta.
Congratulations to Tralee Parnells, County Kerry Camogie Under 16 League B Champions 2019.
As one mentor said on social media, excellent bunch of ladies and some serious talent on this team.  The skill level and commitment today was unreal.

We changed our six forwards at half time and still no let up on the amount of quality scores taken.  The future of camogie in Tralee is bright and in safe hands with this bunch of lunatics.
Team Emily O’Donoghue, Síle Lynch, Aoife O’Sullivan, Grace O’Brien, Ellen Cooke, Ella Breen, Karima Sultan, Katie Dwyer, Saoirse Maloney, Saorlaith Moore, Emma Fitzgerald, Clodagh O Sullivan, Aoibhin Corridan, Aoife Foran, Alice O’Connell.

Under 14 Hurling:
We wished good luck to our U14s who qualified for South Kerry Div 1 Championship Final Saturday with a come from behind win against Causeway.

Under 15 Camogie Blitzes:
We are looking forward to 2 upcoming Under 15 Camogie Blitzs. First we have the Tom Healy Memorial Tournament, U15 Competition: Wed Oct 2, 7 PM, Abbeydorney. Then the following weekend, the 2019 Veronica Stack Memorial Tournament, Sat Oct 5 (all day), Spa GAA Killarney.

Under 14 Camogie County Final:
Tralee Parnells Under 14s took on Killarney in the B County Final on Sunday the 22nd  This was a close and well matched affair, with little to separate the teams for most of the match.  Midway through the first half Killarney scored 2 goals, one passed through the forwards and another from a high ball that found the top of the net.  Tralee fount back well and got the scores to set up an exciting finish, where Killarney were ahead by a single point with a few minutes to go.  Parnells attacked repeatedly, but could not find the leveling score and Killarney at the other end got the vital couple of points to secure their victory and claim the title.  Well played all the Tralee Parnells players, this season was a good one for the development of the squad with the great excitement and great games during Féile and all the matches played all season.  That experience will stand to both those who will be over 14 next season and moving up to under 16s, as well as the younger members of the team who will be leading the charge at this grade in 2020.

Adult Camogie Junior Team Blitz:
Tralee Parnells play in the Tom Healy Memorial Tournament, Wed Oct 9, carpool from Caherslee 6 PM.
In preparation, we need players to attend our final 3x training sessions of the season: Mon Sep 30, Fri Oct 4, Mon Oct 7, all 6:30-7:30P @Caherslee.
Some of the other juvenile clubs in Kerry have been watching the progress of Camogie development in Kerry in 2019 and want to follow our lead by fielding Junior teams as soon as they can muster numbers.  Both Causeway and  CillArd will both field teams at the tournament. IT Tralee Camogie  will also play. There will be a meet and greet afterwards in the clubhouse.

Good luck Kerry Camogie:
All-Ireland Premier Junior champions Kerry receive two nominations in this year’s Camogie Soaring Stars Awards with defender Sara Murphy and Player of the Match in the Final, Patrice Diggin, nominated in midfield. The winners will be announced at the Camogie All-Stars Awards banquet, sponsored by Liberty Insurance Ireland at Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Saturday October 19th.

Good Luck Dynamic Powerlifting Club: 
Good Luck to Tralee Parnells volunteer coach and mentor and Diarmuid Brennan, setting up Dynamic Powerlifting Club, in their new location in Tralee.

Gardaí Investigate Burglary And Criminal Damage Incidents

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GARDAI in Tralee are investigating two separate incidents of a burglary and criminal damage over the past week.

On Saturday last, September 28, between 4.30am and 5.30am, a business premises at Princes Quay had a break-in. A number of items were stolen and a white Renault van was also taken.

The van was later found burnt out in the Doon area of town at around 7am. Gardaí are asking if anyone noticed anything suspicious in the Princes Quay area or at Doon between 5.30am and 7am to contact them at 066-7102300.

In the early hours of Monday, September 23, between 1.30am and 9am, damage was caused to a car parked in the Stacks Villas area of Tralee. The wing mirrors of the car were broken. If anyone saw the incident they are asked to contact Tralee Garda Station.

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Budget And Brexit Breakfast Briefing In Ballygarry

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Ballygarry House Hotel

A BUDGET 2020 and Brexit Breakfast Briefing will take place on Thursday, October 10 at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee

Kerry County Council Local Enterprise Office is hosting this in association with Peevers Slye Cotter (PSC Taxation Services) from 8.30am to 10.30am. People are asked to be in attendance by 8.15am.

The briefing will summarise the main points arising from the Budget announced on the 8th October.

There will be particular emphasis on the tax changes announced, including changes in tax rates, withdrawal of any tax reliefs, new reliefs introduced, etc.

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The briefing will also cover any tax planning ideas that arise from the Budget.  Finally, with the tax year end in mind, the briefing will remind you of some tax planning ideas that should be considered before 31st December next.  All taxes will be covered.

The seminar will be delivered by Francis Moriarty, Tax Director at PSC who will also be available to answer your questions on the day.

Keith Darcy Brexit Adviser for the Local Enterprise Office will outline the BREXIT supports available to small businesses.

Places must be pre-booked online through the Kerry Local Enterprise Office website as spaces are limited. The event is fully subsidised by Kerry County Council Local Enterprise Office. Breakfast will be served. Click here to register your place

Top Trad Musicians Set To Play Concert At Dúchas In Tralee

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Macalla na hEireann.

MACALLA na hÉireann, the 2019 Comhaltas Concert Tour of Ireland will perform in The Dúchas Comhaltas Centre in Tralee, on Wednesday October 16 while on this year’s 14 venue tour.

Sponsored by Bus Éireann this annual Concert Tour Bus features the best of traditional talent drawn from the four provinces of Ireland. Comhaltas also receives funding from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Each year the tour assembles a fine mix of established artistes together with up-and-coming young stars.

These are blended together into a fast-moving and exciting show of traditional Irish music, dance and song that appeals to both the connoisseurs and peripheral fans of Irish traditional entertainment.

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Macalla na hÉireann reflects the breadth and depth of traditional Irish music, dance and song and is produced by renowned musicians Cian Kearins and Niamh O’ Sullivan.

Local Kerry musician Timmy Flaherty joins the tour this year on Uilleann Pipes and Banjo. Twenty-one-year-old Timmy is a multi-instrumentalist who has impressive musical skills on banjo, uilleann pipes, mandolin, tenor guitar and tin whistle.

He regularly competes at Fleadhanna and has won five All-Ireland titles: Banjo U12 (Cavan, 2010), Mandolin 12-15 (Cavan, 2012), Banjo 15-18 (Ennis, 2016), Mandolin 15-18 (Ennis, 2016), Senior Uilleann Pipes (Drogheda, 2018).

His major musical influences are his former teachers, Aisling Neville and Willie Larkin. Timmy performs every summer with Siamsa Tíre in Tralee and is currently studying Primary School Teaching in Mary Immaculate College.

The remaining line-up includes a host of fine musicians, dancers and singers from all over the country.

Contact the Kerry Comhaltas branch to order tickets. Due to limited number of tickets available, tickets will be on a first come first serve basis. See the facebook page here

Four North Kerry Schools Showcase Project In Galway

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Cliona Fitzmaurice, Principal Scoil Mhuire de Lourdes, Lixnaw, Betty Stack, Principal Ardfert N.S, Marie O’Connell, Deputy Principal Ardfert N.S., Mary Brosnan, Principal  Tralee Educate Together and Conor Kearney, Principal  Abbeydorney N.S..

A LOCAL ‘Digital Cluster’ of four North Kerry Primary Schools showcased its virtual reality project at the Teaching Council “Féilte” event in N.U.I.G. on Saturday last.

The collaborative work of the four schools was on display and the demonstration on the use of Virtual Reality technology as a motivational tool for teaching and learning in the classroom attracted huge attention in the exhibition centre.

This year’s “Féitle” theme was “Education 360: Learning from Others”. The 50 showcase projects on display were chosen from 150 applicants and are exemplary of the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in teaching practice.

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Innovation within teaching and learning is core to the Féilte experience. The “Digital Cluster” is supported by Professor Joseph Walsh of IT Tralee.

The four schools  involved in The Virtual Reality Explores Digital Cluster were supported at Féilte by Conor Kearney, Principal  Abbeydorney N.S., Mary Brosnan,Principal  Tralee Educate Together, Cliona Fitzmaurice, Principal  Scoil Mhuire de Lourdes, Lixnaw, Betty Stack,Principal  Ardfert N.S. and Maire O’Connell, Deputy Principal Ardfert N.S. who is lead Co-ordinator of the project. Maire O’Connell gave an official presentation to all the teachers and educators in attendance.

For its collaboration between teachers and between schools, the “Digital Cluster” has been shortlisted for an award at the inaugural “Teachers Inspire” event sponsored by D.C.U. and the Teaching Council.  The Award Ceremony will take place at a Gala Ball at the Helix,DCU next Friday night October 4th.

Tralee Retains Tidy Towns Gold Medal

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TRALEE has once again retained its Tidy Towns Gold Medal for the eighth year in a row. It received 331 points, up eight on last year’s total.

Kenmare, Killarney and Listowel also retained their Gold status at the Tidy Towns competition awards at the Helix in Dublin today.

Bronze medal status has also been bestowed upon Sneem, Portmagee and Knightstown. Castleisland Community College won gold in the Climate Action competition. Sneem was also announced as winners in the Regional Pollinator Award.

It’s a testament to the great work being carried out by the local Tidy Towns group in Tralee, Team Bramble, Kerry County Council and local community groups.

Joe Moynihan  of Tidy Tralee Together wished to thank everyone involved in the Tidy Towns effort, all the voluntary groups and especially Kerry County Council for their co-operation over the past year.

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Students Collect Litter At Cockleshell

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Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai students collecting waste at Cockleshell.

ON Friday last, the students of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí joined in solidarity with their fellow students all over the world with a practical response to Greta Thunberg’s call for immediate and substantial action to deal with environmental degradation.

Teaming up with An Taisce on its greencoasts.org campaign, the Coiste Glas, a group of 21 environmentally conscious students, descended on Cockleshell beach in the Kerries, to tackle the regular build-up of beach litter there, collecting 13 large bags (160kg of rubbish) full in under an hour.

Interestingly, the most common items collected included plastic straws, cigarette butts and unsurprisingly, single-use plastic bottles.

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In another initiative of the Coiste Glas, the students of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí successfully took single-use plastic bottles out of circulation in the school replacing them with a biodegradable plastic bottle that lasts five years before itself being composted.

The Cost Glas group at Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai.

These re-useable and compostable plastic bottles are a sustainable solution to the conundrum of what to do with the re-useable plastic bottle itself once it reaches end-of-life.

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí had to look to Dutch bicycle company Tacx to find such a product as no Irish company currently fills this gap in the market, budding eco-entrepreneurs take note!

Kerry Airport Prepares For Brexit

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Kerry Airport

PASSENGERS travelling through Kerry Airport will experience the same efficient service from staff at the points of departure and arrival while flights are expected to continue to operate as normal in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to the CEO of the airport.

Kerry Airport has two destinations in the United Kingdom: London Luton and London Stansted.

The company has been preparing to ensure, as is feasibly possible, that it will facilitate a smooth transition if the United Kingdom exits the European Union.

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The CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said: “We share the same concerns as others in relation to the unknown and the threats posed by a United Kingdom exit from the European Union without a deal. The financial impact of Brexit is already being felt in terms of falling UK passenger numbers brought about uncertainty and the weakness of Sterling against the Euro. We look forward to continue working with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and, of course, the Minister of State, Mr Brendan Griffin TD.”

He said Kerry Airport is prepared to deal with any matters that may arise in the unlikely event of a change in the interpretation of the Common Travel Agreement, United Kingdom Passport Holders or Aircraft whose origin is from the UK.

UK passport holders arriving at Irish airports are currently processed through the ‘EU/EEA/CH’ channel. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) has confirmed that UK passport holders will continue to be processed through the ‘EU/EEA/CH’ channel – however, this ‘EU/EEA/CH’ channel will be re-designated as an ‘EU/EEA/CH and UK’ channel.

All necessary signage has been ordered and ready to be placed in the relevant areas at the airport should the United Kingdom exit the European Union.

Kerry Airport does not, under any circumstances, provide for the importation or exportation of cargo and does not hold the relevant licence to do so. Therefore, the airport will not be affected by any issues that will evolve in this area as a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

“Training of employees at Kerry Airport is up to date and ongoing but we suspect that every airport and other businesses in Ireland will encounter difficulties in UK-sourced training,” said John Mulhern.

Roger Harty: My Greatest Awareness

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AS you might well be aware that there is much talk about mental health of recent times as this is mental health awareness month.

My own dealings (I don’t like the words battle or fight) with anxiety/depression have been well documented and my main advice here would be to treat it like you would a friend.

A good friend is someone you would spend time with, get to know, and especially not judge particularly in times of difficulty.

Also if you had a particular nugget of wisdom you would impart that information to a good friend.

To that end I am going to write about something that was a huge help to me in this whole area.

A good friend (you see the chain continues!!) introduced me to a book called ‘ The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. In fact I could add that I would not be here today writing this article only for it.

I must have fallen on a nugget of gold for I later discovered that many other people have found the same gold as to my knowledge the book has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.

I was also very fortunate to download the audio version or the book as this gave me a chance to digest the wisdom and voice of the inimitable Eckhart Tolle.

The strange thing is that this book is all about embracing The Now, and then the realisation that ultimately all we have is Now. The past is gone and the future has not yet arrived so the only game in town is Now.

So if Now is all we have then we might as well embrace it and make it as good as we can.

According to Eckhart Tolle – Embracing the Now is the way.

My greatest awareness is the following when I came to realise that Jesus Christ preached the very same thing when He said — I Am (is) the way.

Note: I always include the word (is) in brackets as things can get lost in translation. Jesus never said “I Am the way” in English as He spoke in some form of Hebrew, which in turn was translated into Greek and then Latin and finally into English.

In any case the real question is…what is the difference between I Am and Now?

You can juggle your brains to eternity and I believe you won’t find a difference. You may as well be arguing over the difference between a tomato and a tomatoe – the same thing only a different pronunciation.

What Eckhart Tolle was saying to help release us from inner turmoil was exactly the same as what Jesus Christ was preaching two thousand years ago.

He didn’t say I Was (past) or I Will be (future). He said ‘I Am’ (The Now) (is) The Way.

He went on to say ‘Come follow me (take my advice) and I will bring you rest (freedom from turmoil).

So in summary  finding The Message of my greatest friend Jesus Christ (I Am (is) The Way to the best of my ability has been my greatest Awareness.

Like any good awareness I would like to pass it on.

• Next week I am going to write about — My Greatest Application

Kerry Sports Academy At ITT To Host ‘Pain To Performance’

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Kerry Sports Academy

KERRY GAA, in conjunction with The Bon Secours Hospital, will welcome world renowned applied sports scientist and S&C Coach, Professor Tim Gabbett, to deliver a performance workshop, entitled “Pain to Performance”.

This event will take place in the Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee on Thursday October 3 from 6.30 – 9.30pm. The interactive workshop will focus on the monitoring of training loads for injury prevention.

It is ideally suited for Coaches, Athletes, Physiotherapists, S&C Coaches and Teachers. Key themes will include:

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• The development of a greater understanding of load management
• How to prescribe and monitor athlete training loads for injury prevention and improved athletic performance
• Practical approach to interpreting data

It takes place in the Lecture Room, at the new Kerry Sports Academy building.  The cost to attend is €50. For further information, please email derekgriffinphysio@gmail.com or jmc_gahan@hotmail.com

PHOTOS: Tralee Parnells Hosts Family Fun Evening At Caherslee

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Mary Barrett and Eileen Brick with Noah, Danny and Eoin at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT’S been a good season so it was time to relax at the Tralee Parnells GAA Club Family Day on Friday evening.

There was a great turnout and the weather held off on the evening with activities enjoyed including space-hopper racing, tug o’ war, egg ‘n’ spoon, 3-legged racing, welly tossing, poc fada, cross-bar challenge and more.

There was also a hospitality area where people brought donations of home-baking for the bake sale. The money raised on the evening will help fund the Club-Schools Link, their Youth Coaches Programme and the Coach-the-Coaches Programme in 2020. Scroll down for photos…

Carmel O’Shea Moloney, Martha Spangler and Seamus Cadogan at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Susan Shanahan, Adrienne O’Halloran and Jean Ronayne at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Brian Sergeant, Brendan Cullinane, Kieran Fitzgerald, Morgan O”Connell and Ger Donnellan at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Mary Barrett and Eileen Brick with Noah, Danny and Eoin at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fun at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Aoife O’Sullivan and Ruth O’Connell at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Kerry Camogie U14 and Junior Cups were on show at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Diarmuid Trant, Stephen Buttimer and Dermot Reen at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Majella O’Sullivan and Katie Trant at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Claire Salmon and Suzanne Chute at the Tralee Parnells Family Fun Day at Caherslee on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

Foodshare Kerry Launches First Community Fridge In Tralee

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Launching Foodshare Kerry’s Community Fridge at St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre in Hawley Park were Courtney Sheehy (Foodshare Kerry), Maureen O’Sullivan (St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre), Rose O’Reilly (Foodshare Kerry) and Brian McCannon (Foodshare Kerry). Photo by Dermot Crean

FOODSHARE Kerry launched the county’s first ever ‘Community Fridge’, with the support of St Brigids Family Resource Centre and Kerry County Council’s Community Enhancement Fund, in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

The fridge, located at St Brigids Family Resource Centre, Hawley Park, will be open Monday to Friday to enable residents and businesses to share surplus food and for anyone to help themselves to quality food that would otherwise be wasted.

Foodshare Kerry is calling all local food businesses in Tralee and surrounding areas to donate surplus food at the fridge.

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Courtney Sheehy, Foodshare manager said: “Food waste is a big economic and environmental problem in Ireland. The average household throws away an estimated €700 worth of food every year, while at the same time 1 in 6 people are living below the poverty line. Most food waste in Ireland is avoidable and could have been eaten had it been better managed.”

The fridge will be open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 5.00 pm. The fridge is one of a growing number opening up across the UK and Ireland, the first ever in Munster. The concept first arrived in the UK in 2016 with Community Fridges opening up in Swadlincote, Frome and London. Now over 50 projects are running across the country.

Maureen O’ Sullivan, St Brigids manager said:  “We are delighted to pilot this new initiative. It is a great opportunity for families to respond to two very important issues – food waste and food poverty. By donating or using food from the community fridge less food is going into land fill.  If it can also save a family some money then it’s a win win!”

To find out more about the Foodshare Kerry Fridge, donate food or volunteer contact: Courtney Sheehy Tel: 0858813001 or email manager@fsk.ie

Foodshare Kerry, an initiative of North, East and West Kerry Development and Saint Vincent de Paul, is a not-for-profit organisation set up to combat both food waste and food poverty throughout Kerry. We rescue quality surplus food from supermarkets and food producers, and along with FEAD (food from the European Unions Fund from the Most Deprived), make it available to organisations who know how best to redistribute it to those in need.

Know Your Rights: Shopping Online After Brexit 

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Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…

Question: If the UK leaves the EU, what changes can I expect when shopping online from a UK retailer?

Answer: EU consumer law will not apply to UK sales, including online sales, after it leaves  the EU. Therefore, your current consumer rights as provided for under EU consumer law will no longer be available.

For example, if you are in a dispute with a UK-based trader, you may not be able to avail of the European Consumer Centre network or the European Small Claims Procedure.

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However, consumers in Ireland can take individual action through the Irish courts if they have purchased online from UK traders who do business in the EU.

You should also be aware that following Brexit, you may have to pay certain taxes and duties when buying from the UK. You may have to pay customs duty, excise duty and VAT.

These charges are calculated according to the value of the item and can include the transport costs.

You can find detailed information about your consumer rights and Brexit on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website, ccpc.ie and on your consumer rights in the event of a no-deal Brexit on the europa.eu website.

• Contact us in Tralee on Tel: 0761 07 7860 Killarney 0761 07 7820, Listowel 0761 07 7840 Kenmare 0761 07 7810, & Caherciveen 0761 07 7780. Outreach Services; Killorglin weekly, Dingle monthly, please call Tralee for more information.

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000

Blennerville Threshing Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Sunday

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THE 30th annual Blennerville Windmill threshing festival takes place this Sunday and there’s a wonderful line-up of entertainment for the day to celebrate the anniversary.

This is one of the oldest steam threshing and vintage car display in Kerry running since 1989 and there’s something for all the family.

Starting at 1pm, there’s a large model train exhibition, bouncy castle, dog show (2.30pm), cinema with Thomas, a parade through the village at 1.30pm along with stalls set up in the car park.

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Blennerville windmill threshing was started by Mike Curran the miller at the windmill for 32 years with Billy Mason, Timmy Kerins and Paddy O’Shea.

Also, tomorrow evening (Saturday) sees the Blennerville Vintage, Tractor and Honda 50 Run leave the village at 6pm. Registration is from 5.30pm and costs €20 with all proceeds going to Chernobyl Children’s Fund.

Saturday Not Looking Good As Met Eireann Issues Warning For Kerry

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IT’S been a bad week weatherise and it’s not going to let up until Sunday.

Me Eireann have just issued a Status Yellow – Rainfall warning for Kerry , Cork, Wexford and Waterford for tomorrow until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Heavy downpours of rain expected with totals 30-40mm with spot flooding likely especially near the coast.

The warning is valid from Saturday at 2pm until 5am on Sunday. However, looking at the Met Eireann rainfall radar, it looks like Tralee and north Kerry will escape the worst of the heavy rain until late on Saturday evening. Sunday looks like it will be mainly dry with showers in the afternoon.

Ballymac GAA Prepares For Running Event Next Month

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Members of Ballymacelligott GAA Club looking forward to ‘Run Ballymac’ next month.

BALLYMACELLIGOTT GAA club is hoping as many people as possible turn up in their running shoes for an event next month.

The inaugural ‘Run Ballymac’ will be held on Sunday, October 13 and will feature a half marathon 10k, 5k and family fun run. All money raised will go to the Ballymacelligott GAA Football Club

It’s going to be a fantastic community occasion which will see all ages come together for an active, healthy morning, with all races starting and finishing in the community centre area.

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The 1/2 marathon,10k and 5k are chipped timed, with the 1/2 marathon and 10k participants receiving a ‘Run Ballymac’ finishers t-shirt. There will be beautiful crafted medals for everyone.

Online registration will close on Friday, October 11 at 9pm. Manual registration will be taken on Saturday October 12 from 7pm to 9pm at Ballymacelligott Community Centre and on the morning of the race.

Manual registration will incur a €5 administration charge and will close one hour before each race.

The Race times are;
• 1/2 marathon 9.00am — €35
• 10k. 10.00am — €25
• 5k. 12.00pm — €12.50
• 3k fun run. 1.00pm — Family €20

To register click here. Further information is also available on the Run Ballymac Facebook and Instagram pages.

Kirby’s Brogue Inn Hosts Coffee Morning For Kerry Hospice

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Fiona Kirby of Kirby’s Brogue Inn with Frank Sugrue and Mairead Fernane of Kerry Hospice at the fundraising coffee morning on Friday in the Brogue. Photo by Dermot Crean

WHILE the official date for Ireland’s biggest coffee morning took place last Thursday, Kirby’s Brogue Inn kept the funds rolling in for the Kerry Hospice today.

The Rock Street hostelry hosted the fundraiser where customers could avail of a coffee and some goodies in return for a donation to the charity which helps raise vital funds for the palliative care unit at UHK.

Mairead Fernane of Kerry Hospice thanked the Brogue for hosting the event and Fiona Kirby said they were delighted to support the charity.

Mairead Fernane of Kerry Hospice with Eileen and Aidan O’Carroll at the fundraising coffee morning on Friday in the Brogue. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kathleen Browne and Celine Slattery at the fundraising coffee morning on Friday in the Brogue. Photo by Dermot Crean

‘Great Irish Marathon’ Runners Present Cheque For Thousands To Kerry Hospice

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Joe Hennebery accepts a cheque of €12,815 from Niamh O’Carroll (seated) and some Karen Condon, Conor Cusack, Caroline Corkery, Sharon Condon and Andrea Thornton of the Great Irish Marathon runners, back from left; Felicity Sheehy, Patrice O’Mahony,

A CHEQUE for €12,815 was presented to Kerry Hospice Foundation on Thursday evening thanks to the efforts of 12 charity runners.

The participants in the ‘Great Irish Marathon’ took on a unique challenge of running one mile in each of the 26 counties in the Republic on the longest day of the year, June 21. They started in Mitchelstown and finished their final mile in Killarney in what was a fantastic effort for the charity.

It’s the second time that such a unique event has taken place as in 2013, the Great Irish Marathon event raised €6500 towards the building of a 15 bed Specialist Inpatient Palliative Unit in Kerry, at University Hospital Kerry.

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They were running in memory of Killarney native, Patsy O’Keeffe, mother of GIM runner Niamh O’Carroll, who sadly passed away from cancer in November 2018.

Niamh said it a fantastic experience and thanked everyone involved. “We were blessed with the weather on the day. It was amazing how much was raised through both the Everyday Hero page, collections and a table quiz. We especially want to thank O’Callaghan Coaches who drove us around, Keatings Coaches for sponsoring the fuel and all who contributed.”

The twelve runners who took on the challenge were Niamh O’Carroll, Andrea Thornton, Eoin Murphy, Declan and Patrice O’Mahony, Colm Murphy, Conor Cusack, Felicity Sheehy, Dee Keating, Karen Condon, Sharon Condon and Caroline Corkery.

Mountain Biking Event In Town Park This Saturday

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SOMETHING different in the Town Park on a Saturday.

As part of European Week of Sport 2019, Mountain Biking Kerry will be holding a mountain biking experience day in Tralee Town Park in conjunction with Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership.

On the day, two local mountain biking clubs will be there to answer questions, perform some bike demonstrations and tell people everything about the sport in the county.

The event, which takes place at 11am from behind Siamsa Tíre, is accessible to all ages and abilities and designed with children of all ages in mind (but adults can have a go too!).  Helmets are required.

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Remember, it’s not a race so everyone can take it easy. Younger children will need to be accompanied by an adult around the course.

Parents/guardians are required to complete a consent form and bikes have to be in working condition and will be checked before this free and fun event. For more, check out the website

UHK Experiencing Overcrowding In Emergency Department

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UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry management has asked the public not to attend the Emergency Department unless it’s a genuine emergency, due to significant overcrowding this morning.

They say the ED is currently very busy, with increased patient attendances with a variety of complex needs.

Management says it wants to keep ED services for patients who need them most, and is asking people to consult with their GP before attending. People will be treated as a priority if they are seriously injured, or concerned that their life is at risk.

A small number of elective procedures have been cancelled and the hospital say they will contact the people involved to reschedule the procedures.

Gardaí Carry Out Operation In Kerry To Target Prostitution

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GARDAI carried out operations in nine Garda Divisions, including Kerry, last week relating to prostitution offences.

During the week of the September 16-21, An Garda Síochána conducted intelligence led operations across nine DMR North, DMR East, DMR South Central, DMR West, Kilkenny/Carlow, Cork City, Kerry, Galway and Donegal Garda Divisions in both rural and urban areas targeting the demand for prostitution and to enforce legislation which criminalises the purchase of sexual services.

During the course of this intelligence led operation, thirty-eight (38) individuals where stopped and spoken to by members of An Garda Síochána, arising from suspicion of having purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.

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A number of files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to establishing if any criminal prosecution should be initiated, arising from the ‘Days of Action’.

These Days of Action were coordinated by the ‘Operation Quest’ team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, in liaison with local Detective Units and took place in furtherance of an enforcement strategy to target persons involved in the purchase of sexual services.

This is the second national operation targeting the demand for prostitution in 2019 and further operations are planned.

Nine All-Star Nominations For Kerry Players

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David Moran on the attack during the All-Ireland final replay. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE PwC All-Star football nominations have been announced and Kerry has nine players in contention for the awards.

David Clifford and Sean O’Shea have also been nominated for Young Player Of The Year.

The Kerry nominations are;

Goalkeeper: Shane Ryan. Defenders: Paul Murphy, Tadhg Morley, Tom O’Sullivan. Midfielder: David Moran. Forwards: David Clifford, Paul Geaney, Seán O’Shea, Stephen O’Brien

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The Dublin trio of Stephen Cluxton, Jack McCaffrey and Con O’Callaghan are the contenders for Footballer of the Year, while Rian O’Neill of Armagh joins Clifford and O’Shea as nominees for Young Player of the Year.

Dublin have obviously received the most All Star nominations at 13 with Donegal receiving six, Mayo four, Tyrone three, Meath three, Armagh two, Roscommon two and Cavan, Clare, and Cork  with one each

The winners will be announced on Friday, November 1 at a gala black tie banquet at Dublin’s Concention Centre on Friday, November 1 – an event which will be shown live on RTÉ TV.

The full list of nominees is as follows;

Goalkeepers
1. Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
2. Shaun Patton (Donegal)
3. Shane Ryan (Kerry)

Defenders
1. David Byrne (Dublin)
2. Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
3. James McCarthy (Dublin)
4. Mick Fitzsimons (Dublin)
5. John Small (Dublin)
6. Paul Murphy (Kerry)
7. Tadhg Morley (Kerry)
8. Tom O’Sullivan (Kerry)
9. Colm Boyle (Mayo)
10. Paddy Durcan (Mayo)
11. Chris Barrett (Mayo)
12. Stephen McMenamin (Donegal)
13. Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
14. Donal Keogan (Meath)
15. Conor McGill (Meath)
16. Conor Moynagh (Cavan)
17. Ronan McNamee (Tyrone)
18. Niall Daly (Roscommon)

Midfielders
1. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
2. Michael Darragh Macauley (Dublin)
3. David Moran (Kerry)
4. Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)
5. Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh)
6. Bryan Menton (Meath)

Forwards
1. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
2. Brian Howard (Dublin)
3. Paul Mannion (Dublin)
4. Dean Rock (Dublin)
5. Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)
6. David Clifford (Kerry)
7. Paul Geaney (Kerry)
8. Seán O’Shea (Kerry)
9. Stephen O’Brien (Kerry)
10. Jamie Brennan (Donegal)
11. Michael Murphy (Donegal)
12. Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)
13. Cathal McShane (Tyrone)
14. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)
15. Conor Cox (Roscommon)
16. Rían O’Neill (Armagh)
17. Brian Hurley (Cork)
18. Jamie Malone (Clare)

Report Shows Average Monthly Rent In Tralee Is €792

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THE average monthly rent in Tralee is now €792 according to the Rental Tenancies Board report for the second quarter of this year.

The average monthly rent in Killarney is €902, in Listowel it’s €666 and in Kenmare it’s €746. The average rent in Kerry now stands at €792, up from €749 during the same period in 2018.

The data is based on actual rents paid on 19,000 tenancies registered with the RTB. The average rent in Dublin is €1,713, increasing €114 on the same time last year.

Nationally the average rent, in the period from April to June this year, was €1,202, up from €1,123 a year earlier, a 3% increase.

Local Supermarket Supporting Tralee Becoming Autism-Friendly Town

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Supporting Tralee becoming and Autism-Friendly town at Supervalu Tralee were; Edel Randles of Institute of Technology, Tralee, Jean Foley Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley Tralee, Liz Maher Chamber Tralee and Inspired Tralee, Ken Tobin Chamber Tralee, Sandra Lynch Garvey’s SuperValu and Cllr Pa Daly Tralee. Front from left; Amber Moriarty Garvey’s SuperValu, Jack Downey from Tralee, Kevin McCarthy Garvey’s SuperValu Kerry and Karen Ivers Keohane Autism Kerry.

TRALEE is amongst 11 Irish towns on the journey to becoming autism-friendly.

That’s according to Supervalu, who in partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity and advocacy organisation last year announced Clonakilty as Ireland’s first Autism-Friendly Town. Now 11 towns, including Tralee, are now on the journey to join them.

In conjunction with the announcement, a survey conducted by AsIAm showed that presently, the autism community does not find society accessible, understanding and inclusive – but that simple steps could be taken to help change this.

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A total of 240 people were surveyed who either have autism or know someone closely who does. Those surveyed were asked several questions about their perception of how autism is recognized and understood in retail and in the wider community.

Despite the majority of those surveyed claiming that the public do not understand enough about autism, 71% believe awareness and understanding of autism has increased in Ireland in the last year. On this, AsIAm CEO Adam Harris says that “awareness and understanding of autism needs to shift to acceptance and support”.

Simple measures can be the difference between exclusion and inclusion, and the survey showed it wouldn’t take a lot for people with autism to have their experiences improved. For example, 50% of respondents said that even if staff were understanding of autism it would greatly improve their experience.

SuperValu is pioneering these changes in-store, and they have also been the enabler in trying to make communities autism-friendly in general through their Autism Friendly Towns campaign.

In its first year, the campaign has grown significantly in scale.  Having begun as one town in Clonakilty, Co Cork it is outstanding to now welcome Tralee, as well as 10 additional towns.

The aim of this campaign is to communicate the message that communities fully accessible for autistic people are stronger, more sustainable places to live.

Jim Garvey, Owner of SuperValu Tralee commented, “SuperValu Tralee is delighted to be on a journey to help make our community more autism-friendly. As well as autism-friendly shopping in our store we’re working with organisations and businesses throughout the community to make Tralee inclusive and autism friendly. We have a fantastic Autism Friendly Committee here in Tralee. I am confident that our journey to getting accreditation will be a successful one!”

AsIAM CEO Adam Harris added, “As Ireland’s National Autism Organisation we are proud to have developed a robust but achievable framework for communities to become autism friendly, in partnership with our colleagues in SuperValu.”