MET Éireann has issued Status Yellow wind and rain warnings for Kerry at different periods on Wednesday.
There will be strong west to southwest winds and spells of rain on Wednesday morning with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h, especially near the coast. The wind warning is valid from 8am to 12 noon.
It will remain windy for the rest of the day with heavy rain on Wednesday evening and possible spot flooding. The rain warning is valid from 6pm to midnight.
THE Department of Transport recently invited interested parties to put forward any opportunities they wish to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.
Consideration may be given to reinstating the Public Service Obligation contract on route between Kerry and Dublin Airports as part of the review process if at any stage the route becomes commercially non-viable for Ryanair.
In a letter to various local business representative organisations the CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said; “Passenger growth on all routes, in particular on the Kerry-Dublin route, since the pandemic confirms demand and underlines the airports’ importance in providing connectivity to the region.
Continued below…
.
“Although at different scheduled times of operation, Ryanair have made every effort to recover the Kerry-Dublin route and recent passenger numbers exceed even the numbers experienced in 2019 when it was at its most successful. We must not take this for granted and therefore the Government needs to commit to reinstating the PSO contract on the Dublin-Kerry route if Ryanair decides to cease providing the service in the future.”
The mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme will consider how it is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of supporting balanced regional development. It will also explore how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions, can be maintained and enhanced.
Kerry Airport acts as an economic driver for the region and has a major impact on the social and economic infrastructure of the surrounding area.
John Mulhern’s letter to local stakeholders urges them to remind the Government not to “overlook the considerably lengthy journey times that still exist for people traveling between Dublin and many parts of Kerry”.
The Government’s continued support for Kerry Airport represents major support for rural Ireland and is helping to sustain jobs and create new ones.
Submissions to the mid-term review of the Regional Airport Programme should be made via email to airportsdivision@transport.gov.ie by 31st January 2023.
Results
Sunday 8th Am Am (4 person Am Am)
1. Conor Foley, Brian Lennon, Kieran O Donnell, Cianan Ferris 58pts
2. Ella Moynihan, Sophie Moynihan, Cliona Murphy, Lucy Grattan 58pts
3. Gorretti O Connor, Jim O Connor, Jim O Donovan, Michael Lawlor 58pts
Fixtures
Sunday 15th – 4 person Am Am, any combination, 12 holes
Sunday 22nd – 3 person waltz, any combination, 12 holes.
UNDER 7 FOOTBALL: Boys born in 2016/17/18 will begin their 2023 season on SUNDAY NEXT at 10am in the Mercy Mounthawk Gym. Fáilte roimh chách….everybody welcome. Just come along…and bring a friend, if you wish. Be part of the rolling Rock!
PEIL FAOI 9 All boys born in 2014/15 are invited to come along to the new season’s Gaelic football activity which will begin at 11am in the Mercy Mounthawk Gym on Sunday NEXT. Everyone welcome! Tosach maith, leath na hoibre!
UNDER 11 FOOTBALL: To all boys born in 2012/13…welcome back, lads! The Green CBS Astro is the venue for you all on Sunday NEXT at 11am…and bring a friend or two!
PEIL FAOI 13: We look forward to meeting our U13s (lads born in 2010/11) on Friday evening at 7pm at the MTU Sports Academy, Munster Technological University, Dromtacker, Tralee, V92 CX88. What a venue! Can’t wait to begin the new football season! Tús maith, leath na hoibre! Here comes The Rock!
BACK TO SCHOOL: Good wishes to all our players and supporters as they commence another school/college term….give it your best shot, lads, and work as hard as you can at the books! ‘Twill be worth it in the long run! Aoibhinn beatha an scoláire!
CRUINNIÚ CINN BHLIANA (Roinn na nÓg): Yet another juvenile section AGM took place in Páirc Uí Chonghaile on Monday last. A good crowd of the faithful attended. Many important topics were debated, the past year’s activities were discussed and plans have been hatched for a most successful Rock 2023! Dul chun cinn na Carraige, a dhuine!! Comhghairdeachas lenár gcathaoirleach nuacheaptha, Richie Conway, agus lenár n-oifigeach scileanna nuatofa, Tim McMahon.
Tribute was paid to our outgoing chairman, Tim, who led our juvenile section committee with great success over the last 15 years or so.
Best wishes to both Richie and Tim in their new roles and the best of luck to The Rock juvenile meitheal of 2023.
SCÓR na nÓG: Please, feel free to be part of Scór na nÓg ’23? Items: a four-person table quiz team, a grúpa ceoil, solo singing, a five-person (boys or girls) ballad group, a figure dance, a set, a recitation/dán/scéal. Think about it! Don’t be shy! Plenty vacancies on the team!! Singers, quiz buffs, actors, musicians, dancers, etc, urgently required to represent The Rock!
COLÁISTÍ….ROCK PLAYERS IN COLLEGE GAMES: (i) The Mercy Mounthawk U19 senior boys will play Clonakilty Community College in the quarter-final of the Corn Uí Mhuirí competition at 1.30pm on Wednesday next (18thJanuary).
All Kerry GAA followers are hoping for a Tralee success in this very important match! Tá ardfhoireann ag Cnoc an tSeabhaic! Good luck to The Rock boys on the panel: Michael Tansley, Jack Murphy, Ben Murphy, Daniel Kirby, Cillian Litchfield, Paddy Lane, Noah Townsend, Liam Carmody.
(ii) Gaelcholáiste’s gaiscígh have a bumper series of matches ahead in the U16½ and Senior age groups: (a) na Sinsir (Faoi 19 ~ Corn Sheáin Uí Mhurchú) will meet Coláiste Rís, Inis, in Rathkeale at 12.30pm on Wednesday next (18ú Eanáir) in a much-delayed (and highly-anticipated) fixture in their Munster C quarter-final match agus (b) beidh cath eile i Cionn tSáile (1601) when the U16½ boys encounter Kinsale. The Sinsir, to test their skills, recently undertook a challenge match v Spanish Point (Scoil Naomh Iósaf) at the Sports Complex, Cluain Darach, and fantastic displays were given by Marc Ó Loingsigh (0-3), Gavin Ó Cathasaigh (0-1) and Cian Ó Duilleán. With wonderful flourishes of play and the creation of some spectacular opportunities, they’ve proven themselves to be more than ready to provide Coláiste Rís le cluiche iomaíoch spleodrach. Guímis, mar Stacaigh agus mar phobal scoile an Ghaelcholáiste, gach rath orthu! (D.Ó Loingsigh)
(iii) Good luck to the Tralee CBS (Faoi 16½) boys who’ll face Coláiste Bhréanainn in the final of the Dunloe Cup (Kerry colleges) competition. Dáta, am agus ionad imeartha le socrú fós. Best wishes to Ryan O’Driscoll, Rónán O’Carroll, Fionnán Ryan and Donnacha Horgan.
CLUB LOTTO: Thanks to all who continually support and promote our club lotto: (i) The Burger Shack, Monavalley, (ii) O’Flynn Interiors (Malachy Nagle), Lower Rock Street, (iii) Brogue Inn Uí Chiarba, Lower Rock Street, (iv) Deli Uí hEosa, Prince’s Quay, (v) Carmel Uí Néill and others, (vi) Maguires’ Butcher Shop, Caherslee, (vii) Ollmhargadh de Barra, Upper Rock Street, (viii) Paudie Commane’s Bookshop, Rock Street, (ix) www.austinstacks.ie (x) and/or on https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=X529#Anchor
FOIREANN FAOI 21 2002: Our U21 champions of 2002: Martin Moriarty; Brendan Smith, David Leonard, Nessan Crean; Conor Carroll, Alex Donovan, Timmy Lynch; Pádraig Sugrue, Jonathon Conway; Mike Finn (captaen), Kieran Donaghy, Dara Ó Lúing; TJ Hogan, Keith Greensmith, David Hennebery; St.John Hegarty, Anthony Morrison, Finbarr Smith, Mikey Collins, Brian Phelan, Martin Courtney, Brian Dennehy, Mark Bracker O’Regan, Alan Sheehan, Andy McAllen (RIP). Bainisteoir: John Joe Sugrue.
CLUB AGM (SENIOR): The club’s AGM (senior section) will take place on Sunday next (15th January) at 1.30pm in Connolly Park. Everybody is welcome. Is maith an fhaire an fhógairt!
SIOPA AN CHLUB: Our Club shop is open seacht lá na seachtaine. Official Austin Stack Club merchandise is only available to order on www.oneills.com
DID YOU KNOW? Since 2006 over 1,000,000 youngsters from ages six to 13 years have participated in the GAA Cúl Camps. These camps run for one week in the summer months.
The camp activities take a games-based approach which revolves around enjoyment and participation in Gaelic games. Each young person who takes part receives a geansaí, a zip top and a backpack.
The gear does not generally go on public sale which ensures that the people participating are part of an exclusive GAA group. With logos and different designs annually Cúl Camp gear is a ‘uniform’ that encourages the wearer to feel comfortable, confident, special and proud to play Gaelic games….caid, iománaíocht, liathróid láimhe, rounders.
Cúl Camps are among the most popular recreational settings i rith laethanta saoire an tsamhraidh. In 2019, Wexford GAA developed the first specialised camp for autistic children; it involved a more sensory friendly experience for attendees and their siblings (who also attended).
This idea has developed across the land; it encompasses the true spirit of community and of inclusion for young people of various abilities. And The Rock Club hasn’t been found wanting, thanks to an enthusiastic and very committed group of parents, coaches and helpers a bheadh molta dá mbeimis inár dtost!
DROCHSHEANS! Mór-chomhbhrón le peileadóirí sinsearacha K-O’R in their All-Ireland quest last weekend….ever so close!
PAINÉAL CHIARRAÍ: ‘Well done’ to Dylan, Jack’O and Greg who recently wore the green‘n’gold v Cork (bíonn gach tosach lag!) and v Clare (a nice win!).
THE first competition for many in 2023 took place this past Sunday the 8th of January in Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.
The Munster grade D & G closed competition took place here. It was great to see so many Kerry players taking part and of course doing well in this competition.
Kerry had a total of 35 player on the day through both competitions.It was a very long day for those in attendance with singles, doubles and mixed being played in both grades throughout the day.
Kerry was very well represented in both grades with players from many different clubs here in Kerry taking part. In grade D, Deina Vesko had a very successful day winning both the singles and the ladies doubles.
She beat her ladies doubles partner Jo Murphy (Waterford) in a close singles final going all the way to 3 sets. 22-24,24-22,21-10. In the doubles final, Deina and Jo beat their opponents from Clare in 2 sets the second being very closely contested. 21-9, 25-23.
Joan Murphy & Deana Vesko Listowel Badminton Club on their way to winning the Munster Ladies Doubles Grade D Championship. Photo: Thomas Bradley
Deina and her partner Ethan Tritschler also made it to the semifinal of the mixed but were beaten here in 3 sets. 15-21, 21-12, 16-21.
In the same grade, Kelvin McNally was also in the mens singles final losing out in a very competitive game of 3 sets to Micheal O’Loughlin of Clare. 19-21,21-15,19-21.
In the grade G competition also being played on the same day, once again Kerry were very well represented.
In the ladies singles, Kerry had players in both semi finals but unfortunately both girls just missed out on getting to the final after playing well in their respective games.
Michael Belov Flannagan & Mike Reardon Listowel Badminton Club who were runners-up in Munster Grade G Mens Doubles Championships. Photo: Thomas Bradley
Then in the mens doubles, Mike Reardon and Micheal Belov Flanagan both from Listowel did very well and made it all the way to the final where they came up against a very strong pair in which they lost out in 2 sets. 21-10, 21-8.
Alvin Rahman Fahad and Rahad Rahman both of Killarney also did very well in the opposite side of the draw, losing out in a very competitive 3 set semifinal which unfortunately went against them in the end. 16-21, 26-24, 10-21.
Kerry was also well represented in the ladies doubles competition with Ava MacKay and Jessica O’Loughlin making it all the way to the final after beating 2 pairs of their Kerry counterparts in the process.
The girls lost out in the final after playing very well throughout the competition. 18-21, 17-21. Finally in the last competition of the day, the mixed doubles Kerry players were again unlucky not to be in the final with pairs in both semifinals.
Both pairs played very well on the day, Alvin Rahman Fahad and Sara Hayes played out a very close game but unfortunately lost out in 2 sets. 24-26, 13-21. Jessica Galvin also played very well on the day with her partner from (Waterford) but they also lost out in the other semifinal to a pair from Limerick. 18-21, 13-21.
Leah O’Donoghue & Donie Enright who took part in the Grade D Mixed Championships. Photo: Thomas Bradley
It was great to see everyone back playing again after the Christmas break with competitions on most weekends from now on. Well done to all players who played on the day.
The Intercounty competitions are now also coming up in early February the grades are now starting to train and pick teams for this competition so keep an eye out to find out when your grade announces training for this competition.
.Kelly Robbins, Teresa Walker, Noranne Scollard and Ciara Herlihy at the Lee Strand Christmas Party in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
WHILE January is a usually a time for social hibernation, there was some unfinished party business for two well-known Tralee companies at the weekend.
Lee Strand staff gathered in Lotties at The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night for their Christmas party which was due to be held before Christmas, but had to be postponed.
There was a great meal followed by music from Sweet FA and some generous spot prizes were awarded at the fun night out for all.
Continued below…
.
Meanwhile, over in the Pavilion at Ballygarry Estate, the staff from CH Tralee gathered for a well-earned night out after a busy Christmas period.
They were greeted by a colourful balloon display courtesy of Balloons Le Grá, while inside there was a delicious barbecue followed by entertainment from ‘The Singing Chef’ Bryan Carr and ‘Quiz My Azz’ from Ray Stack.
A fun night for both companies and it certainly brightened up a Saturday in January. Scroll down for photos…
Kevin Reardon, Helen Lawlor Parker, Julie Cahill, Hannah O’Halloran, Peter Harty and Claire Harty at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Kasia Bella, Betesaida Hailegeorgis and Edith Veremejemko at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanHannah O’Halloran, Eilish Griffin and Julie Cahill at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Niamh Quirke, Valerie Behan and Emily Quirke at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPa Leahy, James Sugrue and Fergus Powell at the Lee Strand Christmas Party in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Lelia, Magda, Leslie Talbot and Katie at the Lee Strand Christmas Party in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Lyne, Amy Lawlor and Katie Ryan at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Lucy Spillane, Eva Kirby, Edith Veremejemko and Paulina Thornton at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanNicole O’Connor, Julia Lehane, Lily Ryan, Gemma Walsh, Sandra Kojic and Ephrata Yosef at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Luke Clapham, Chris Hegarty and Cian O’Connor at the Lee Strand Christmas Party in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCaroline Simpson, Margaret O’Brien and Mike Curtin at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Amy Lawlor, Clara Moran and Mary Lyne at the CH Tralee Christmas Party in Ballygarry House Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
A CROATIAN national has put pen to paper and will line out for Kerry FC in the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division Season.
Trpimir Vrljicak, who is 22 years old, will play an upfront role for Kerry FC, having signed from Killarney Celtic whom he’s been playing for since he made his move to Ireland from the Czech Republic where he last played football.
‘Tryp’ , from Medjugorje, went to football school in NK Neretva before signing for NK Istra 1961, who play in the Croatian First Division.
Continued below…
.
Trpimir went on to play first-team football for Junak Sinj, who play in the Second Division in Croatia. Standing at 6 foot 4, the Croatian attacker has an incredible stature.
Speaking on the announcement, Trpimir said; “To be honest, this is a new beginning for me, I really like Kerry. This is a great opportunity for my teammates and I to take a step forward in our careers, we are a young team with an excellent coach and his assistants who can help us a lot and show us many things. The only thing I want to say to the fans is that I will always give 150% of myself on the field and that I am hungry for victories and goals.”
First team manager Billy Dennehy said’ “’Tryp’ is a great guy and a great addition to our squad ahead of the season. We are delighted to give Tryp this opportunity to play at league of Ireland level. His experience is huge for us and with his height, he will be a huge threat in front of goal”.
.The Chinese New Year Festival in Tralee back in 2020 was a colourful affair. Photo by Dermot Crean
TRALEE Chamber is planning to bring back Chinese New Year celebrations for the town later this month.
They last held a festival to mark the event back in 2020, which proved an entertaining success with parades and events held over the course of two weekends.
This year’s Chinese New Year celebration in Tralee will take place on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29.
Continued below…
.
On the Saturday there will be ‘Dumplings, Dragons & Red Envelopes’ from 1pm to 5pm at The Square. There will also be Sights & Sounds of China also from 1pm – 5pm at The Square while ‘Mind & Body’ at 2pm in The Square.
Sunday will see ‘Make & Do Workshops’ from 1pm – 4pm at Ballyseedy Home & Gardens. People can get involved in the culture, history and traditions of China with traditional music, instruments and dress. More details of the events will be released in the coming weeks.
TRALEE came joint 21st out of 40 towns and cities surveyed in the last Irish Business Against Litter League table of 2022.
The town was deemed Clean To European Norms in the survey, the results of which were released yesterday. The result, though down from 14th in the June 2022 standings, was described by An Taisce judges as “another fine performance by Tralee”.
“The Square and The Mall were both exceptionally good sites – not only were they excellent with regard to litter, the overall presentation and maintenance of same was superb,” read the report.
Continued below…
.
“All approach roads surveyed were deserving of the top litter grade. Two sites brought down the overall result significantly. By far the most heavily littered site was Tralee Casement Train Station where ‘long-lie’ litter was in evidence. The ‘Bring Centre’ at Garvey’s also presented poorly – it needs better management and has been highlighted in previous IBAL surveys,” it stated.
Here’s what the judges had to say about different areas of town…
Bruach na hAbhainn:Grade A (river walk along the Lee) Attractive riverwalk amenity with signage and seating in good order. Humorous dog fouling notices and ‘Mutt Mitt’ facility. Despite some litter, the overall impression was a good one and deserving of the top litter grade.
N86 Castlemaine Road & Castlemorris Roundabout Approach:Grade A. Road surface, markings, signage were in good order and apart from some plastic ties on poles, this was a very clean and tidy site. Some planting at Castlemorris Roundabout took away the bare look.
Continued below…
.
Garryruth & Mitchel Road:Grade B. The overall impression was a somewhat littered one with concentrations of litter in the shrubs close to An Post Post Office. Main litter items were food related, along with plastic ties on poles and alcohol bottles – the broken glass was a hazard.
The Mall:Grade A. A very attractively presented and maintained town centre environment with all aspects in very good condition e.g., paving, large planter boxes, seating, street lamps, etc. – it was so fresh and welcoming. Chewing gum is beginning to appear on the lovely paving. Hopefully this doesn’t build-up.
The Square:Grade A. What a freshly presented and maintained environment. The paving looked great, seating, planting, bollards etc. were in very good order. Individual premises were well presented. An excellent site, overall.
Tralee Casement Train Station – Exterior:Grade C. This was by far the most heavily littered site surveyed in Tralee. Much of the litter at this site appeared to be ‘long-lie’ indicating a lack of thorough cleaning for quite some time. Heavy levels of sweet papers, coffee cups, mineral cans and fast-food wrappers were present, along with lower levels of cigarette butts, face-masks and alcohol bottles / cans. It was particularly obvious at the pedestrian entrance and all along the side of the car park.
Market Street:Grade B+. A much-improved site compared to previous IBAL surveys – this time around it just missed the top litter grade. Cigarette butts and vape related litter (vape boxes) were the most obvious types, particularly close to the betting shop. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the boarded- up property as there was no litter directly associated with it.
Recycle Facility at Garvey’s:Grade C+. The clothing recycle facility had items beneath and between the bin units. The bottle / can units were let down by a black sack which had been dumped.
Monavalley Business Park:Grade A. A freshly presented and maintained business park with no obvious litter issues. It was noted that there were a number of ‘seemingly abandoned’ cars i.e., flat tyres, untaxed etc
R878 Approach Road:Grade A. There was a virtual absence of litter along this attractively presented route – area was enhanced by some newly planted trees.
A NEW principal has been appointed at Presentation Secondary School in Tralee.
The Board of Management has announced the appointment of Ms. Mairéad Finucane as the new Principal. She follows on from Ms. Mary Kennelly, who recently retired from the post, and Ms. Chrissie Kelly who was acting principal.
Originally from Kilflynn, Mairéad is a former student of Moyderwell Secondary School. Mairéad has, for the past seventeen years, been working with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
Continued below…
.
“I am very humbled, honoured, and excited to be appointed to the position of Principal of Presentation Tralee,” said Mairéad.
“I look forward to continuing the great work and building on the proud tradition of Presentation Tralee. I look forward to meeting and working with all the students, staff, parents/guardians, the Board of Management, the Parents Association, and all groups that are part of school life in Presentation Tralee. Ní neart go cur le chéile,” she added.
Mairéad takes up her appointment on Monday, January 16.
Mairéad graduated from St. Catherine’s College, Sion Hill, Dublin (Trinity College) with a B. ED in Home Economics and Religious Education in 2001.
She graduated from the University of Limerick with a Master’s in Education (M. Ed) in 2013 and a Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) in 2022.
During her career to date, Ms. Finucane has been an Assistant Principal and Teacher of Home Economics and Religious Education at Vocational School Abbeyfeale/ Coláiste Íde agus Iosef from 2005-2019 and Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom from 2019-2023.
She has also worked as an Advising Examiner with the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and as a Lecturer with Mary Immaculate College (U.L) and St. Angela’s College Sligo (NUIG).
MET Éireann has issued Status Yellow wind and rain warnings for Kerry at different periods on Wednesday.
TRALEE came joint 21st out of 40 towns and cities surveyed in the last Irish Business Against Litter League table of 2022.
