AFTER the Munster Championship win over Clare, the All-Ireland championship series begins this weekend with Kerry in action in their Group 4 opening game.
The Kingdom will play Monaghan on Saturday at 3pm in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney and the team has been announced.
The team captained by Paudie Clifford is as follows:
1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
2. Paul Murphy (Rathmore)
3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)
4. Tom O’Sullivan (Daingean Uí Chúis)
5. Brian Ó Beaglaíoch — (An Ghaeltacht)
6. Tadhg Morley (Kenmare)
7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes)
8. Diarmuid O’Connor (Na Gaeil)
9. Joe O’Connor (Austin Stacks)
10. Tony Brosnan (Dr Crokes)
11. Paudie Clifford (Fossa)
12. Dara Moynihan (Spa)
13. David Clifford (Fossa)
14. Sean O’Shea (Kenmare Shamrocks)
15. Paul Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
Subs
16. Shane Murphy (Dr Crokes)
17. Cillian Burke (Baile an Mhuillin/Caislean na Mainge)
HOLY Family National School caters for boys and girls from Junior Infants to 6th Class.
We currently have 280 pupils with 14 mainstream class teachers. We also have 10 support teachers who provide extra teaching and learning for pupils who need additional help.
We are very proud of creating an inclusive atmosphere where every child is treated with respect and care while receiving an extremely high standard of education.
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As a DEIS Band 1 school we are delighted to have a small pupil/teacher ratio which means an average of 19 pupils to every one class teacher. We also have a kitchen on site where fresh hot lunches are prepared daily for every child in the school – this is free of charge.
We also provide a healthy snack for each child every morning. All fruit and vegetables are sourced locally.
We are delighted to have dedicated staff members who always go above and beyond for the good of the pupils. Our after-school clubs are organised by staff members who are extremely generous with their free time. These programmes include Chess Club, Basketball, Soccer, Art Club, STEM Club, Football and Homework Club.
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We have an after-school facility onsite where pupils are collected at 1:40pm from the Junior and Senior Infant classrooms and at 2:40pm for 1st – 6th class pupils. This service remains open until 6pm each evening.
We are delighted to be opening a new classroom for pupils with Autism in September 2024. This is an exciting development for our school and helps our staff, pupils and parents to work together in recognising the importance of inclusivity.
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If you have any questions about Holy Family National School please do not hesitate to contact the school on (066) 7124161 or info@hfstralee.com.
Ivan Hurley previews Kerry FC’s upcoming Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1 game this Friday night…
KERRY FC make the trip to the sunny south-east on Friday night as they pay a visit to Ferrycarrig Park for the first time in 2024 on Matchday 16 (kick-off 7.45pm).
Kerry are currently on a run of five straight defeats in the league and will be looking to find some form before the summer break in a couple of weeks time.
Defeats on the road in Bray and Longford along with narrow losses against Cork City, Athlone Town and UCD in Mounthawk Park have been a disappointment to everyone having gone on a run of eight games unbeaten through the month of March and into April.
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But the narrowness of defeats will give the side some confidence that results can be found once the performance level remains in place for the 90+ minutes.
Three games in seven days last week took its toll on the squad and with a week gap leading up to this one, the team is once again ready and hungry to put more points on the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division table.
The last time these sides met was in Mounthawk Park during that run of results for the Kingdom. Sean O’Connell scored his first senior League of Ireland goal in a 1-1 draw in an emotionally charged night in Tralee.
Aaron Dobbs cancelled out Kerry’s lead early in the second half and despite a late red card for the visitors, the hosts couldn’t find a winner in the dying embers of the game.
The hosts tomorrow night Wexford FC come into the game off the back of four games unbeaten in the league and three draws on the bounce against Treaty, Cork and Athlone.
In their 14 games to date, Wexford only have one win at home to their name, that coming against Treaty United at the beginning of April.
But with their ability to eke out results, the ‘Wexicans’ sit in 6th place on the table and only missing out on the playoff places on goal difference.
Kerry have one Wexford man in the squad in Graham O’Reilly who will be looking for a return home to remember on Friday night.
Conor McCarthy has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip on Friday night. Kennedy Amechi, who exited the defeat to UCD early on Friday night due to a cut on his face has recovered and is in contention for a place in the Starting XI.
Ronan Teahan returned from injury and played 45 minutes against the students on Friday night. Captain Andy Spain will be assessed before making the journey on Friday to see if he is fit enough to warrant a place in the 20-man squad.
“Wexford are obviously a very good side, they did very well last year as well,” said Conor McCarthy. “They are unbeaten in their last four — three draws and a win — so it will be tough and as always going up there is very difficult.”
“But, like that when we played them at home I thought we played very well, we could have gotten more than a point out of the game. So we are looking to bring the same energy and intensity to Ferrycarrig Park as we did at home and hopefully, we can get three points as opposed to a point.”
KERRY Cycling Campaign will be hosting a Nature Cycle along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway to mark National Bike Week which is running until Sunday and also National Biodiversity Week which takes place from this Friday until Sunday, May 26.
Starting at the Greenway entrance opposite Casement Train Station, participants can take to the Greenway this Saturday to discover some of the wild plants and habitats along this rich ecological corridor.
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The event will be led by local experts Cathy Eastman of Biodiversity Partners and Niamh Ní Dhúill of Natural Wild Gardens/Transition Kerry.
This free event is suitable for all ages and abilities and will take place from 11am to 1pm. This event is presented with the support of the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and Irish Cycling Campaign.
.Heather McCann, Eva McCarthy and Taylor Stack at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S been another remarkable year for Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School with a number of notable achievements to look back on.
The annual awards ceremony at the school sports hall on Tuesday evening was the perfect place and time to do just that, with students and their families gathered for the event to honour academic, sporting, artistic, cultural and civic achievements.
The CEIST award this year went to Jack Murphy and Eoin Griffin, the Male Sports Personality of the Year went to Oisín McGibney and Odhran Ferris, while Cara Gannon won Female Sports Personality of the Year.
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Laura Reilly and Ryne Ybanez received the Board of Management award, the Principal’s Award went to Roisín Rahilly and Rachel Feely, while Kim McTigue and Ethan Fitzgerald received the Catherine McAuley Award.
Exceptional Contribution to School Life was awarded to Evan Boyle, Rohan Carter-O’Flynn, Gary O’Riordan while the Martha Brassil Memorial Award was presented to Josephine Carey and Pavlo Marin, while the Student Choice Award was give to Conor Costelloe.
There were numerous other awards presented in a host of other categories to very worthy recipients on a special night at the school. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS…
Niamh Ryan with Jerry Ryan and Lisa Ryan at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aine Walsh with Mary at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanEamon Kissane with Shane, Tom and Donal Kissane at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Oisín McGibney at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanRory Kearney with Stephen Kearney at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Elizabeth Burke with John Murphy and Patrick Burke at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanNiall Collins with Colette Collins at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Divine Itsede with Evangelista Itsede at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanAoife O’Connell and Keelin Enright at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aisling Browne with Jimmy and Joan Browne at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanRóisín Rahilly and Ryne Ybanez at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Noel Roberts and Favour Roberts at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanMohammad Abdalla and Ahmed Abdalla at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Clara O’Dowd with Clodagh O’Dowd at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanRowan Grattan with Suzanne Grattan at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanTymotusz Pieguza and family at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ava Flaherty with Kelly Flaherty at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot CreanEmily Flynn with John Flynn and Michelle Flynn at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Katelyn Savage, Zofia Lange and Aine Newsome at the Mercy Mounthawk Students Awards Night on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Anna Chute (Junior Sportsperson/Wellbeing/Attendance) and Jamie Lee O’Connor (Nano Nagle/Wellbeing) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE end of the academic year is nigh and that means it’s time for schools around town to hold their annual awards.
The Presentation Secondary School Tralee Awards were held on Wednesday and it was a vibrant celebration of the remarkable academic achievements and commendable attributes of the students.
“The ceremony featured a diverse array of award categories, each designed to recognise the unique strengths and contributions of our students,” said Principal Mairead Finucane.
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Among these were awards for Diligence, showcasing the persistent effort and dedication of the students ; Student Leadership, highlighting those who have taken initiative and guided their peers with integrity; the Nano Nagle Award, named after the school’s foundress, honouring a spirit of service and compassion; and the Ceist Award, celebrating their ethos and commitment to holistic education.
Deputy Principal Chrissie Kelly and Principal Mairead Finucane with winners Olivia Dillon (Ceist), Niamh Hennessy (Senior Achievement), Maiya Rivas McHugh (Leadership) and Niamh Lynch (Nano Nagle) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
“The atmosphere was electric as students from various year groups were honoured for their hard work, participation, and the endless efforts they have put into not only their studies but also their growth as individuals within our community,” said Principal Finucane.
“The joy and pride on the faces of teachers, and fellow students were a testament to the supportive environment that Presentation fosters.”
Grainne Bradley (STEM), Keelin Hickey (Diligence) and Ailisha Daughton (STEM) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
“As we continue to nurture and develop the potential of every student, days like today remind us of the bright future that lies ahead. Our students are not just learners but leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens of the modern world. We look forward to seeing all that they will achieve in the years to come,” concluded Principal Finucane.
Special mention was made for sponsor Lee Strand who once again provided a brand new laptop to one 6th year student (Saoirse Doyle) who won the Lee Strand Award. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS AND FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS…
Attendance award winners, In front; Zara Kirby, Maggie Scanlon and Narisara Janthong. At back; Saoirse Mehigan, Danielle Shanahan, Jane Cheng and Jane Lynch at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Favour Owoeye (Enterprise), Kate Fitzsimons (Wellbeing) and Claire McMahon (Wellbeing) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot CreanShauna Harris (Sports Volunteer), Emma Quirke (Senior Sportsperson), Nicole Walker (Senior Athletics), Jennifer Olanrewagu (Senior Basketball) and Lauren O’Driscoll (Senior Badminton) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Exchange students who received awards at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot CreanOlivia Crean (Arts winner) at the Presentation Secondary School awards on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean....................
UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry (UHK) is still looking for nominations in the People of UHK Awards for 2024.
These awards celebrate the contributions made by UHK staff across all departments and disciplines, recognising their dedicated to patient care and service.
With only two weeks left until the nomination deadline on May 30, they are encouraging the public to participate by nominating deserving individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on patient experiences.
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Whether it’s front-facing clinical staff or behind-the-scenes support service members, every contribution is valued and worthy of recognition.
They invite the public to cast their votes now and help the hospital recognise the compassion of UHK team members who work so hard to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
To nominate, simply click here or pick up a nomination form from the UHK main reception.
MUNSTER Technological University will lead a new first-of-its-kind decentralised green biorefinery demonstration initiative funded under the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).
The €8.7 million “Rural BioReFarmeries” project will advance the development of farm-centred bioeconomy approaches through the deployment of green biorefineries across grassland regions of Europe.
Two primary green biorefinery and anaerobic digestion demonstration sites in Ireland and Denmark will optimise the conversion of grasses, clover and green biomass residues sourced from local farms into value-added products such as human and animal grade protein, bio-based food packaging, flavours, anti-microbials, fertiliser and energy, in collaboration with upstream research and industrial sites in Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark and Poland.
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Speaking about the new initiative, Project Coordinator James Gaffey, Co-director, CircBio, MTU, said: “Grassland valorisation and emerging grass-based value chains represent a major strategic opportunity for the EU bioeconomy. By improving the efficiency and circularity of our vast European grasslands, we can produce, not only forage, but also food, high value materials and energy.
“Green biorefineries are a key enabling technology which can help rural grassland farmers to address challenges such as income diversification, accessing sustainable inputs for their farms, displacing unsustainable products and contributing to our climate and sustainability targets.
“Rural BioReFarmeries builds on the latest research of various EU countries to optimise green biorefineries by overcoming existing limitations and implementing these business models on the ground with farmers, cooperatives and other industries across multiple sectors”.
The project will work intensively with primary producer partners on the ground, including within the dairy and pig sectors, while also linking these farms to upstream industries (e.g., food and flavour, animal nutrition, packaging, microalgae, fertilisers) creating new value chains and replicable business models and training activities which will be transferred across rural regions of Europe.
Rural BioReFarmeries brings together 19 partners from eight countries including Munster Technological University, Aarhus University, Carbery Group, University College Dublin, Kilpatrick Innovation (Trading as NuaFund), Carbon Harvesters, Barryroe Cooperative, Farm B, Wageningen University, Carhue Piggeries, SEGES Innovation, PaperFoam BV, Alganed BV, Poznan University of Technology, Agricultural University of Plovdiv, Sapienza University of Rome, MTU Australo Alpha Lab, University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
PEIL FAOI 7/8/9: Our Under 7/8/9 outdoor academy was a great success last Sunday i gCathair Sailí! More of the same at 11am in Caherslee on Sunday next (18th May). Bí linn! Fáilte roimh chách!
PEIL FAOI 11: (i) Our trip to the U11 Kilmacud (Na Crócaigh) Tournament took place on Sunday last and what a great outing our youngsters and their mentors had! It was a wonderful festival of football involving many top teams from various GAA clubs around the country.
The games took place at University College Dublin; we wonder if some of our lads will enrol and study there in a few years! 25 of our boys made the journey, had a great time and played really great caid! All arrived home safely, TG….happy and tired! Buíochas mór leis na meantóirí flaithiúla cróga a thóg ár bpeileadóirí go Baile Átha Cliath.
(ii) Another enjoyable U11 GoGames session took place on Thursday last. We welcomed Milltown to our Connolly Park HQ. Brilliant football was played by our boys….skill, accuracy, combination play and determination were hallmarks of The Rock players! Well done, all! We look forward to another interesting outing on Thursday next at 6.30pm. Expect text!
(iii) Our usual Sunday session will take place this coming weekend…..11am ar an Domhnach. (Tim McMahon)
PEIL FAOI 13: Action resumed on Sunday last after our mini-break and we played in the County League Phase 2. Expect text, boys. Training will take place on Tuesday night at the MTU.
PEIL FAOI 15: Another positive week for this group of young men! (i) On May Day we welcomed An Ghaeltacht to Connolly Park for the semi-final of the County League (Division 2). A slow/poor opening few minutes by us allowed the Gaeltacht boys to take a 7 points to 2 lead in the opening quarter.
Then a well-worked goal by Harry Murphy brought us right back into the tie. Micheal Cotter pointed a number of well-taken free kicks which gave us the advantage as we approached half-time. The teams were evenly matched throughout the 2nd half and a mighty goal by Barry Laide gave us a nice lead entering the final stages. Thankfully, we courageously and determinedly withstood a strong late rally by imreoirí láidre na Gaeltachta and we took the win. An scór…AdeS: 2-13; Gaeltacht: 0-15. Bua breá agus…and with it a place in the Division 2 final.
(ii) On Friday evening last we travelled to Listry to take part in this year’s U15 Féile Peile. We were drawn to play against An Ghaeltacht (arís!) in our opening match. It was a 20-minute game that was played at a fast and furious pace and was a tense affair. Thankfully, we were strong, we played well and we grabbed the spoils again. This meant that we had qualified for the semi-finals. A coin was tossed to determine who would proceed to the semi-finals as group winners.
Unfortunately, Lady Luck didn’t smile on us as it was the Keel/Listry lads who headed for Austin Stack Park the following morning as group winners. Saturday was a positive experience for our young lads making their way in the game. We took to the playing pitch in Austin Stack Park as deserving runners-up in our group; we were among the top underage footballers in the county.
We faced Firies in the opening game of the day. The first half was ‘tight’ and, ag am sosa, Firies just edged it on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, in the second half we had some bad luck when the leather sphere that seemed to be goal-bound just deflected off the upright; then a few players suffered injuries; sometimes things just don’t go our way! Mí-ádh! Firies took the laurels….AdeS:1-1; Firies: 0-8. Congratulations to the final winners.
(iii) Our Division 9 team was busy training during the week in preparation for the County League semi-final v Killarney Legion. Good luck, boys!
(iv) The big one! The Division 2 final v the John Mitchel Club boys. Keep an eye out on Club website and social media for match details. Please come out and support this young Rockie team in a town derby County League final! Thanks to our faithful fans! (Ger Hobbert)
IOMÁNAÍOCHT FAOI 15: Though unsuccessful in Féile Peile Chiarraí, two Rock lads, Ben Litchfield and Haulie Cotter, will compete in the All-Ireland Féile Iománaíochta in Wexford on 22nd June. Go n-éirí go geal leo!
PEIL FAOI 16: The Rock was well represented by Alex Touhy and Rory Ó Loinsigh in the recent exciting Kerry U16 football squad game v Laois. Maith sibh, a leaideanna!
SCHOLARSHIP: Best wishes to our members who are preparing for their ‘cúpla seachtain ag labhairt na Gaeilge’ in the Gaeltacht. Guímid gach rath orthu.
AN GAELCHOLÁISTE: Gaelcholáiste juniors win Munster final! Éacht agus mórghaisce déanta ag foireann peile sóisearaí na mban i nGaelcholáiste Chiarraí! Buaicphointe na Mumhan bainte amach acu!
Thugadar Corn na Mumhan abhaile leo ar an 26ú Aibreáin. Ba bhua stairiúil é don scoil agus ceithre chúl agus naoi bpointe den scoth faighte acu in aghaidh fhoireann chumasach Chill Fhíonáin. B’iad Ellen Ní Luasaigh agus Emer Ní Dhuilleáin na Stacaigh bhródúla ar an bpainéal. Moladh mór tuillte acu agus borradh tagtha faoi spórt na mban i GCC! (Dáithí Ó Loinsigh)
FAOI 17: Our Minors (U17) played away to Laune Rangers on Monday last (6th) in the last group game of the Central League. Well done, boys, on a good performance! Panel: Olivier Lata; Leon Sweeney, Gabriel Maszorek, Max Maszorek; Rian Walsh, Adam Johnston, Alex Touhy; Cormac Bastible, Jack Diggin; Rory Lynch, Jack Shanahan, Tadhg Falvey; Brian Kavanagh, Jay O’Connor, Jayden Moriarty; Jake Carmody, David Mullins, Max Grzybowsky, Aodhán Horgan. Bainisteoir: Theo Ó Duigín. Roghnóirí: Liam Lynch, Frankie Murphy, David Courtney. An Charraig Abú! (T.Ó Duigín)
FAOI 21: Good wishes to our U21s in their first round game in the county championship in Connolly Park on May 22nd (Wednesday) v Rathmore.
CLUB GEAR: Club merchandise from O’Neills. Log into www.austinstacks.ie
GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH: Thanks to all club lotto supporters and especially to: (i) Hussey’s Deli and Newsagency, Cé an Phrionsa; (ii) The Burger Shack, Móin an Bhealaigh; (iii) The Brogue, Sráid na Carraige; (iv) Siopa Chaoimhín de Barra, Ollmhargadh Grósaera na Carraige; (v) PC Books, Sráid na Carraige (vi) O’Flynn Interiors, Sráid na Carraige.
KERRY SENIORS: Best wishes to Joe, Dylan, Armin, Joey and Kerry v Monaghan i Staid an Ghearaltaigh. Good luck to Aoife Ní Dhuilleáin agus Mná na Ríochta in their next important game.
CIARRAÍ FAOI 20: Mór-chomhghairdeachas le Michael Tansley (cúl báire), Daniel Kirby (10), Paddy Lane and their Kerry colleagues v An Mhí in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday last i Staid Semple. Our Rock boys did well agus b’iontach an bua a bhí acu…..le haon chúilín amháin! Go n-éirí leo sa chraobhchluiche v Tír Eoghain.
CIARRAÍ FAOI 17: ‘Well done’ to Wayne and his Kerry minors who gave of their best v Cork in last Monday’s Munster final. The Rock boys on the panel: Ben Ó Murchú (an captaen), Fionnán Ó Riain, Rónán Ó Cearúill, Gavin Ó Cathasaigh, Ryan Ó Drisceoil. Maith sibh!
AFTER the Munster Championship win over Clare, the All-Ireland championship series begins this weekend with Kerry in action in their Group 4 opening game.
Ivan Hurley previews Kerry FC’s upcoming Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1 game this Friday night…
KERRY Cycling Campaign will be hosting a Nature Cycle along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway to mark National Bike Week which is running until Sunday and also National Biodiversity Week which takes place from this Friday until Sunday, May 26.
