KERRY FC has confirmed the signing of Jack Kavanagh from Athlone Town ahead of the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season.
Kavanagh, who is 21, signs for the league’s newest club from the oldest and makes the switch from Athlone Town to Mounthawk Park for 2024.
Jack plays in the left-back role but has also adapted into the centre-back position when required. Jack played for Dundalk FC from the age of 16 to 20 at Academy level.
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He signed for the Midlanders in August 2022 where he went on to play 8 games in the second half of the 2022 campaign. Kavanagh re-signed for Athlone Town ahead of the 2023 season where he featured in 33 games in a year Athlone reached the play-offs.
Jack also featured on the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division Team of the Week on 3 occasions in 2023.
Speaking following his switch to the Kingdom, Jack Kavanagh told kerryfc.com; “I’m buzzing to have signed for Kerry FC. From the start, after talking to the lads it was something I really wanted to be a part of and they’re building the club the right way.
The support for the team is huge and I can’t wait to get playing in front of a packed-out Mounthawk Park. Just for me personally, I feel like I can really kick on and with all the things the lads have put in place I think we’re going to have a really good season.”
Also speaking after Jack’s move to Kerry FC, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy said; “We are delighted to sign Jack for 2024. Jack played against us a couple of times last year and always stood out so we are delighted to have him down with us this season. He’s got a brilliant attitude and is exactly the kind of player we want down here. We are all looking forward to seeing him in action very soon”
Jack becomes the second new signing ahead of the new season, with Andy Spain having been announced as the first just two weeks ago.
SATURDAY looks like another blustery and showery day.
Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Wind and Rain warning for Kerry for tomorrow from 2am. The rain warning will end at 11pm, but the wind warning will remain in place until 5pm on New Year’s Eve.
Southwest winds will be strong and gusty at times coupled with heavy rain and thundery showers. Potential Impacts include surface flooding, wave overtopping, loose debris, objects displaced and difficult travelling conditions.
Continuing our review of 2023 we look back at some of the news we brought you in August…
• A WOMAN from the Spa was celebrating some good luck as she won a Radio Kerry Bingo Jackpot worth €28,200.
Kathleen O’Brien, from The Spa, bought her winning book in Hartnett’s Costcutter in Ballyheigue. Speaking about her win Kathleen said she has been playing the new Radio Kerry Radio Bingo game since it began in May 2021 and has not missed a week.
The Cashel Ward who won the Team of the Year at UHK. Photo: Domnick Walsh
• THE Ballygarry Estate played host to the People of UHK Awards at the start of the month.
Orchestrated by University Hospital Kerry (UHK) to celebrate the exceptional individuals and teams shaping lives within their care, the event shines a spotlight on those who exemplify the essence of compassion, dedication, and innovation within UHK, leaving an indelible mark on patients, families, and colleagues alike. (see full story).
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• IT was a day to forget for the Kerry ladies team once again in Croke Park on August 13.
Never before was there such support for a Kerry ladies side at Croke Park, with thousands taking to the roads —mainly by bus — hoping to see the Kingdom bridge that 30 year gap and bring the title home. Alas it wasn’t to be, with the Dubs once again foiling Kerry celebrations winning by 0-18 to 1-10.
• THE new Rose of Tralee was announced as Róisín Wiley from New York. She was announced on the stage at the Kerry Sports Academy by hosts Daithi Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas.
The 27 year old lives in Manhattan and is VP of National Sales at a consumer marketing company, managing a territory of OTC and Pharmaceutical accounts.
This was the fifth win for New York. Previous winners from the Big Apple were Maggie Flaherty in 1974, Marie Soden in 1976, Roisin Egenton in 2000, and Lisa Murtagh in 2007.
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• THE new Féile Thrá Lí was a great success with super entertainment on the streets throughout the five days to coincide with the Rose of Tralee festival.
ABBA and Queen tribute acts as well as local and national artists drew thousands of people into the town to enjoy the fun which benefitted local businesses.
• THE Irish Academy of Management (IAM) announced an Abbeydorney man as the recipient of the Whitaker Award for 2023.
The accolade, which is awarded annually, acknowledges those the Academy believes have made an exceptional and life-long contribution to Irish business and society.
The award was presented to Martin Shanahan at a ceremony at J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway.
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• IT was a hectic August Friday morning for the Leaving Cert Class of 2023 as they celebrated their results.
While the traditional gatherings at schools to receive the brown envelopes is a thing of the past thanks the availability of results online, there were still a few who turned up at Tralee schools on the morning to meet with friends.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley, visited each school in town to meet with the happy teenagers.
• GREAT credit was due to the staff Woodies Tralee as their efforts helped raise €10,770 in this year’s Heroes Campaign.
The campaign came to an end in August after four weeks of fundraising activities which included raffles, bric-a-brac sales and a table quiz. Woodies colleagues all over Ireland have raised more than €300K this year for Heroes, the biggest amount ever.
Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell vs. Tralee Magic
On the 6th of January Tralee Magic U18 Girls team will travel to Corks Parochial Hall, one of Irelands most iconic basketball venues, to meet Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell in the home court.
The stage is set for an intense battle in the U18 Women’s National Cup 2023-24 semi-finals.
Both teams come into this match with impressive records, having won incredibly tough previous games in the competition. Both teams enter this semi-finals clash with confidence, having won their last matches.
Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell emerged victorious against Kilkenny Stars with a convincing 77-53 scoreline, while Tralee Magic overcame Flomax Liffey Celtics in a close encounter, winning 60-57.
Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell has been dominant in the group stage, scoring an average of 77 points per game while conceding only 53 points.
Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, with seventeen 2-point shots and eleven 3-point shots made per game. However their free throw scoring only hits 47.6% and could be an area of improvement.
The standout performers for Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell have been Mia Lynch,, who scores in their last cup game included five 3 pointers, and Abbie Lyons, who have been consistent in scoring and making significant contributions to their team’s success.
On the other hand, Tralee Magic has also been in fine form, scoring an average of 60 points per game and conceding 57 points.
Their strength lies in their ability to move the ball quickly and convert 2-point shots, with an impressive 21 shots made per game. However their 3-point shooting could be a concern, having made only 3 shots per game.
The free throw percentage of 75% showcases their efficiency from the line. Holly O’Brien who scored an impressive 23 points in their last cup game, and Capped Irish International Lucy O’Connor have been the key players for Tralee Magic, displaying their scoring prowess and making crucial contributions to their team’s victories.
In this highly anticipated matchup, Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell’s offensive firepower will be a significant advantage, but Tralee Magic’s strong defense and efficient 2-point shooting cannot be underestimated.
The key to victory for Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell will be their ability to maintain their scoring momentum, but they are up against Tralee Magic’s proven intensive defense which should limit Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunells scoring opportunities.
The unquantifiable influence of an enthusiastic home crowd could be the difference in this game.
With three Tralee team’s competing in 3 different national cups on the same weekend in Cork, we would encourage the notoriously loyal Kerry basketball community will travel Cork to drown out the notoriously vocal Cork support.
Get ready for an exhilarating contest as these two talented teams battle it out for a spot in the U18 Women’s National Cup.
.Cast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
TEN performances, ten sell-out shows.
It’s no surprise that families are flocking to The Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre’s latest production after their super successes over the years.
They have been preparing for months to put on ‘Beauty and the Beast’ which began with two shows on Thursday, continuing Friday and Saturday and next Tuesday and Wednesday, with two performances daily.
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Directed by Oliver himself, backed by a talented production team, it features local panto veterans and some new faces who will provide fantastic entertainment over the coming week.
While the performances have sold out, contact the Siamsa Box Office if you would like to be placed on a waiting list. Scroll down for photos…
Cast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanCast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members Aaron McLarnon John Drummey and Marcus Nolan before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanCast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members before going on stage for the opening show of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanOrla, Aoife and John Drummey who are performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Siamsa Tire on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Continuing our review of 2023 we look back at some of the news we brought you in July…
• THE Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle was another massive success in early July with around 4,500 setting off from early in the morning on the route.
Thankfully, the sun was shining for the most part and there was a carnival atmosphere at the Beech Road Car Park in Killarney as cyclists arrived home after the gruelling event.
One of them was Anthony ‘Anto’ Cronin, a teacher in CBS The Green, who participated on a penny farthing bicycle in aid of Kerry Mountain Rescue, one of the main beneficiaries of the 41st edition of the event.
• THERE was a great turnout early in the month for the launch of a book from a first-time local author.
‘What Anna Did Next’, was the debut novel by Denise Brassil and her late sister Martha. Denise’s family and friends gathered in The Rose Hotel where she launched the book and was interviewed on stage by Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella.
It was an emotional afternoon for the Caherslee woman who explained the novel has been over two decades in the making.
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• TRUE golfing royalty was present in Tralee Golf Club when Gary Player paid a visit to the Barrow course to play a bit of golf and meet members.
The winner of nine majors also posed next to the statue of the Tralee course’s designer, Arnold Palmer, a friend and contemporary of the South African legend.
• IT was announced a new humanitarian scheme agreed by Government ministers would provide up to €200,000 for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies who, through no fault of their own, had been unable to obtain flood insurance and were affected by recent floods in Kerry in June.
Flooding occurred in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel and other parts of Kerry last month due to freak rainfall amounts over a short period.
This new scheme will provide much-needed funds to these organisations to carry out essential repairs to their businesses and to return premises to their pre-flood conditions.
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.Mairead Fernane.
• THERE was great sadness in Tralee in mid-July at the news of the passing of Mairead Fernane. Mairead was a former Chairperson of Austin Stacks GAA Club and a true Rockie to the core growing up in Rock Street.
Mairead was also a Fine Gael Councillor elected to Tralee Town Council in 2009 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2009/10 and 2013/14. Mairead was a prominent local activist for the Tralee Community Hospital and also served with the Kerry Hospice Foundation committee for 15 years, retiring in 2021. In 2005, Mairead founded Victim Assistance, a voluntary organisation which helps victims of crime.
• PLANS for a new five-day festival of family fun and street entertainment in Tralee in August were at an advanced stage.
The name and branding for the new ‘Féile Thrá Lí’ were unveiled on July 17. Féile Thrá Lí, the Tralee StreetFest would take place between August 18-22 to coincide with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
• THE County League Division 1 relegation playoff battle between Austin Stacks and Kerins O’Rahillys was held on Sunday, July 23 and it was the Blues who prevailed after an epic battle in difficult conditions at Austin Stack Park. They retained their Division 1 status while the Rockies headed down to Division 2.
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• RTÉ announced that Kathryn Thomas would join Dáithí Ó Sé as co-host for the Rose of Tralee 2023.
The pair would make history as the first ever joint presenters of RTÉ’s coverage of the Festival, broadcasting live from the Kerry Sports Academy at the Munster Technological University (MTU) on August 21st and 22nd.
• SOMEONE scooped the €1 million top prize in a Lotto Plus 1 draw in late July after purchasing their ticket in Murphy’s Supervalu on Railway Road in Kenmare.
Store owner Derry Murphy was delighted to hear the good news: “It really could be anyone who’s won, since we have a real mix of locals and tourists who shop with us every day.” It later emerged that it was a European tourist who won the prize.
• LOUISE Ní Mhuircheartaigh produced a stunning display and shot 1-10 as Kerry ladies took another major step towards ending their famine as they booked their place in the TG4 All-Ireland final for the second year in a row.
There was a huge Kerry crowd in Semple Stadium in Thurles for the semi-final against Mayo which they won by 1-16 t0 1-11.
• THE Kerry footballers suffered heartbreak against Dublin once again as they were beaten in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on July 30.
A rainy day in Dublin was the setting for Kerry’s defeat at the hands of our great rivals and there was disappointment on the faces of the many, many thousands of Kerry fans who made the trip to the capital.
SATURDAY looks like another blustery and showery day.
• THE Kerry footballers suffered heartbreak against Dublin once again as they were beaten in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on July 30.