.Launching the Lee Strand Austin Stacks Tournament were young players David Ahern, Danny Lane, Darragh Moriarty and Noah Reidy. Also included is Dan Ahern, Michael Lynch, Tom Breen, Gearóid Linnane,Richie Conway and Dave Scanlon. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE 37th edition of the Austin Stacks / Lee Strand Invitational Football Tournament will take place this Saturday at Austin Stacks club grounds in Connolly Park, Tralee.
There are 12 teams taking part providing a feast of football in the Under 14 tournament. They are Austin Stacks, Kerins O’Rahillys, John Mitchels, Na Gaeil, Ballymac, An Ghaeltacht, Churchill, Oranmore/Maree, Salthill/Knocknacarra, Nemo Rangers, Na Piarsaigh and Clontarf.
The matches will be played on the Main Pitch and on the Nuns Field, with group games commencing at 10.30am. Teams will compete for the Billy Breen Memorial Shield Final, the Abie Allen Plate and Denis O’ Connor / Lee Strand Cup.
Continued below…
.
This popular event, which is an important landmark in the club calendar, started out in 1986 as a 4-team competition for Under 13 football.
The tournament attracted widespread interest and soon expanded to eight teams. Then, in 2001, the tournament widened further to 16 teams and the Billy Breen Memorial Shield and Abie Allen Plate Competitions were added to the Lee Strand Cup Competition.
In re-launching the tournament in 2022, the Tournament Committee decided to change the competition to U14 and to proceed with a 12-team format.
Austin Stacks would like to thank Lee Strand for their continued support over the last 38 years.
.The Blazing Bikers are holding an event from The Meadowlands Hotel on October 5 in aid of Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind.
THE Tralee Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind are supporting the Blazing Bikers’ South West Motorbike Run.
Bikers will be spending the weekend at The Meadowlands Hotel but local bikers are being invited to join the Motorbike Run on Saturday, October 5.
Registration takes place 9am-10am at The Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee before the run commences. Donations to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Continued below…
.
The Motorbike Run will set off from Meadowlands Hotel and will take in Stradbally, Dingle, Inch Beach, Kerry Bog Museum, Molls Gap, Clounts Cross and will finish back at Meadowlands.
All donations will go directly to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to support their work changing the lives of those who are visioned impaired and the families of children with autism.
.Fermanagh star Eimear Smyth, second from left, is presented with the 2024 ZuCar Golden Boot award by Allyson McCarthy, ZuCar Marketing Manager, left, and Kerry goalkeeper Ciara Butler, second from right, is presented with the 2024 ZuCar Golden Glove award by LGFA President Mícheál Naughton. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
KERRY goalkeeper Ciara Butler is the winner of the 2024 ZuCar Golden Glove award.
Ciara’s outstanding save to tip over a blistering effort from Meath’s Marion Farrelly in the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final in Tralee on July 6 won the popular vote hosted recently on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association website.
Ciara, from the Castlegregory club, was one of five nominees for the prestigious individual honour, along with Michelle Monaghan (Leitrim), Rebecca Lambe Fagan (Louth), Dearbhla Gower (Galway) and Monica McGuirk (Meath).
Continued below…
.
The ZuCar Golden Glove award for Ciara crowns a magnificent individual season for the 20-year-old goalkeeper, who was the last line of defence as Kerry claimed the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship title with victory over Galway at Croke Park on August 4.
Having suffered back-to-back final defeats in 2022 and 2023, the Kingdom recovered in style to land the Brendan Martin Cup for the first time in 31 years, with Ciara playing a huge role between the sticks.
Almost 3,500 votes were submitted for the Golden Glove award and Ciara’s save accounted for 1,583, well clear of her nearest challenger, Leitrim’s Michelle Monaghan (891).
Ciara was presented with her award at Croke Park today by Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, and Allyson McCarthy, ZuCar Marketing Manager.
Following the conclusion of the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, Fermanagh’s Eimear Smyth was the leading scorer across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades and won the Golden Boot Award.
Eimear’s incredible tally of 8-48 (72 points) was 39 points clear of her nearest challenger, Louth’s Kate Flood. Eimear was also present at Croke Park today to collect her award.
.Eibhlín Ní Bhric (seated fifth from left) with Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn staff on the occasion of her retirement on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
DECADES of teaching came to an end this week for a much-loved and respected member of the Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn staff.
Ballyferriter native Eibhlín Ní Bhric has been at the school for 22 years and staff and pupils bid a fond farewell to her as she embarks on her retirement.
Having graduated from St Pat’s teacher training college in Dublin, Eibhlín first taught in gaelscoileanna in Dublin from 1989, staying for 10 years, before moving to Skibbereen in 1999.
Continued below…
.
A job came up in Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn in 2002 and she came home to Kerry. Eibhlín said she has really enjoyed her time at the school where she taught infants, second and special education.
“I’ve absolutely loved it here. Great school and great colleagues — a lot of them re very good friends so we’ll stay in touch. The kids and the parents are great so it’s been a privilege to be here, but I’m ready to move on now while I feel young and energetic.”
Eibhlín still lives in her native Ballyferriter and said the only thing she won’t miss is the daily commute to Tralee.
Married to Dubliner Mick Davis, they have three children, Faolán, Oscar and Finn. Eibhlín has loads of plans for retirement involving her hobbies including cycling, hill-walking and travelling. We wish her well in her retirement.
Eibhlín Ní Bhric (centre) with Principal Liam Ó Chonchubhair and Deputy Principal Olive Ní Ghearain on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot CreanEibhlín Ní Bhric (centre) cuts a cake to mark her retirement, with Principal Liam Ó Chonchubhair and Deputy Principal Olive Ní Ghearain on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
THE MTU N-TUTORR programme has introduced fully accessible group study pods designed to support student collaboration.
These pods are supported through a partnership with MTU Libraries. This initiative emphasises the commitment to create welcoming, inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The group study pods have been carefully designed to prioritise comfort, accessibility, and student collaboration. These innovative spaces provide an ideal setting for group work, whether students are discussing class projects, preparing for exams, or simply sharing ideas.
Continued below…
.
The pods are fully accessible to students with disabilities, offering easy entry and use, ensuring that all students can benefit from these new spaces.
Ergonomically designed seating and spacious layouts make the pods comfortable for all students, creating an environment that encourages focused study and collaboration.
Each pod is soundproof to minimise noise, allowing groups to work without interruptions and distractions.
Students can easily reserve the study pods through MTU Libraries’ booking system, ensuring flexible and convenient access to the spaces throughout the academic year.
This partnership between MTU N-TUTORR and MTU Libraries represents a shared dedication to supporting student success by providing spaces that accommodate diverse learning needs.
By offering fully accessible, collaborative study environments, MTU and N-TUTORR are helping to ensure that all students have the tools they need to thrive.
The N-TUTORR programme is designed to transform learning, teaching and assessment by focussing on transforming the student experience and developing the capabilities of all staff to address a sustainable pedagogical and learning environment with particular and critical focus on digital transformation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
.‘Well, Well, Well?’ opens at Siamsa Tíre in October. Photo by Pauline Dennigan.
A NEW contemporary artwork series, inspired by four of Ireland’s premier holy well sites — Lady’s Well, Rockspring and Tubrid Well, Millstreet in County Cork and St Michael’s Well, Lixnaw and Tobar na Molt, Ardfert in County Kerry — will be exhibited in Siamsa Tire next month.
Artist Marie Brett and blogger/author Amanda Clarke have partnered with a diverse community of holy well custodians, farmers, healers, historians, folklorists, scholars and interested neighbours in creating ‘Well, Well, Well?’ a body of artwork celebrating the role holy wells play in modern-day health and wellbeing.
The artwork spans dance, music, song, photography, print and film and will be premiered at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, opening on October 3rd with Emmy award-winning poet Alan Cooke, and famed traditional singer, Sonny Egan.
Continued below…
.
The artwork tells the story of a local lad who visits a holy well in curiosity and encounters its guardian.
Accompanied and guided across three sites, he makes votive offerings, enters into the water and receives elemental healing. He returns fundamentally changed.
The work explores wellbeing, and questions how individuals, communities and governments are meeting contemporary healthcare needs.
The series combines factual community experiences of healing water and earth energy, with reimagined folklore and traditional customs.
The free exhibition will run from October 3 to October 30.
Ivan Hurley previews Friday night’s game at Mounthawk between champions Cork City and Kerry FC…
With the destination of the title decided, it’s easy to know the countdown to the end of the season is fast approaching.
Cork City, who were crowned SSE Airtricity First Division Champions last Friday night are the visitors to Mounthawk Park on Friday night on Matchday 31 (kick-off 7.45pm).
Cork City, who were well deserving of the league title, will pose a difficult opponent to Kerry FC on Friday night.
With just one loss on their way to victory, it has been a dominant display by the Leesider’s in the division and have earned themselves a direct call up back to Premier Division football at the first time of asking.
Continued below…
.
Kerry will be looking to add further points to the table in the club’s just second ever campaign in the League of Ireland. A disappointing defeat to UCD the last time out in Tralee was backed up by last gasp draw away to Treaty United last Friday night.
Fans and players alike will know a Kerry FC victory was deserved in that game. Kerry dominated possession for 100 minutes but a last-gasp goal earned the Limerick outfit a share of the spoils.
But Kerry FC can bring some confidence into this game in Mounthawk Park tomorrow night. The last time Cork came to town an early penalty was all that separated the two sides in Tralee.
Kerry had a number of chances throughout the game and on another occasion could have earned at least a point against the would be champions.
So the scene is set for the visit of Cork City to Mounthawk Park tomorrow evening. With a good weather forecast and strong ticket sales, this is sure to be a game not to be missed.
Kerry’s sole signing of the summer transfer window has come from our Cork neighbours. Oran Crowe signed for the Kingdom from Cork City just a couple of weeks ago and has made two appearances in the Kerry green to date.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy issued no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game against Cork City.
Oran Crowe did require stitches after getting an elbow to the face against Treaty United last time out but he should be fit and ready by kick off.
Recent absentee’s Antonio Tuta, Andy Spain and Valerii Dolia have all minutes back under their belts and remain available.
“We are looking forward to it. It’s an exciting game for us to play,” said Conor. “They’ve signed some very good players during the window so it’s a brilliant test and challenge for us to play against a team like that. So like that myself, the players, the club as a whole are looking forward to it 100%”.
.Jer O’Connor from Lixnaw, who is living with Friedrich’s ataxia, achieved a scuba diving qualification in the Red Sea.
A LIXNAW man is encouraging the public to get behind Enable Ireland’s Life With No Limits Campaign this month.
Jer O’Connor from Lixnaw is one of Enable Ireland’s 2024 Life With No Limits Champions.
Jer attends Enable Ireland Adult Service in Tralee. At the age of 18, he was diagnosed with Friedrich’s ataxia (FRIDA), a genetic, progressive movement disorder.
Continued below…
.
Since then he has embarked on some incredible physical adventures which have seen him soar through the sky (he’s jumped out of a plane – twice) and dive to great depths in the ocean, despite having had a life-long fear of water.
“When I was young, I was terrified of the water,” said Jer. “I remember going to Ballybunion Beach with my family. Even trying to dip my toes in the water gave me motion sickness.”
“After I was diagnosed, I spent a long time putting off certain things. However, I realised that my condition was getting worse and that my time was becoming limited to do the things I wanted to do in life.
I wanted to try and conquer my fears and not let anything hold me back. I told Conagh, my key worker at Enable Ireland services in Kerry, about my phobia of water.
Continued below…
.
“She introduced me to Kerry Passion of Diving by taking me to one of their open days. They are a voluntary organisation that specialises in making scuba diving accessible to everyone. That’s when I decided I wanted to overcome my fear and achieve a diving certification.
My first day of training with Passion of Diving was at the Aqua Dome. I was so afraid. But the team there are amazing. They didn’t force me to do anything I didn’t want to.
“I was slowly introduced to the water and got familiar with the equipment. Passion of Diving were very methodical and good at slowly building your confidence. Now I trust them with my life. However, back then, my fear was getting the better of me.
But on the third day, something clicked in me. I realised that I was in no danger. I was surrounded by scuba diving instructors who would quickly pull me up if anything went wrong. I found that the fears which were limiting me were all in my head.
“It was so freeing to have conquered my fears and be able to dive. I don’t feel disabled when I am under the water. It’s like my disability fades away.
To achieve the practical part of my qualification, I was fortunate to take a trip to Egypt and go diving in the Red Sea. We went for a week and spent four days diving. 20 people of mixed abilities went from Passion of Diving and they are the some of the best people I’ve met in my life.”
It was a scary transition going from a still pool to the open sea where you can be thrown around by the waves. However, having my friends from Passion of Diving around me boosted my confidence.
I reminded myself of my training and I was able to push those fears aside. The diving was stunning. Being among the corals, the fish and the different sea life was beautiful.”
“I would love to get more people with a disability interested in scuba diving, simply for the freeing feeling it gives you. I’ve learnt it’s important to be open to new opportunities in life and to not let fears or self-doubts restrict you.
As well as scuba diving, I try to go skydiving at least once a year. There’s a great sense of exhilaration and freedom to do something where your disability is not a factor.
When the parachute opens you get to see the world from a different perspective. It’s made me realise how small my problems are. I’m very proud of myself for taking on these challenges.”
Enable Ireland’s ‘Life With No Limits’ campaign takes place during September each year.
It provides a platform for children and adults with disabilities who use Enable Ireland services to share their life experiences. The campaign also aims to raise much-needed funds to support the charity’s work.
Every year, Enable Ireland needs over €2 million in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering their services.
Support the ‘Enable Ireland Life With No Limits’ campaign this September by making a purchase in one of their charity shops or donating online at www.enableireland.ie.
The public can also support Enable Ireland by giving to volunteers collecting for the charity throughout the month.
Or drop a bag of quality pre-loved items into their local Enable Ireland shop or clothing bank or into any TK Maxx store nationwide as part of their Give Up Clothes For Good campaign.
.Damien Bourke and Diarmuid O’Connor cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday.
THE official opening of a new service for Na Gaeil took place last Sunday. ‘Na Gaeil Abrew’ is their new coffee dock situated on its grounds in Killeen.
The project was realised thanks to the huge support and sponsorship from the people of Na Gaeil and has been going from strength to strength since opening its hatch in July this year.
The official opening began with a special blessing by Fr James Walsh followed by some proud words from chairperson of Na Gaeil, Conor Kavanagh.
Continued below…
.
Kerry players Diarmuid O’Connor and Damien Bourke cut the ribbon and declared Na Gaeil Abrew officially open much to the delight of present and past members of Na Gaeil who gathered to celebrate this special occasion.
Musicians Maura Begley, Mary Conroy, Nicholas Long and Philip and Avril Doyle treated the crowds to some heartwarming Irish music before Helen Tansley finally let them in on the amusing tale of Na Gaeil Abrew.
Na Gaeil Abrew has become much more than the selling of tea and coffee. It is a social outlet, a place to chill out, to catch up with friends at half time, a place to take the weight off your feet, listen to a bit of music, have a bit of banter with fellow members and people from different clubs, such simple concepts and yet so vital within a GAA club setting.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this initiative which has brought out the absolute best in our club and its members,” said Helen.
“Na Gaeil Abrew is such an integral part of our club now and has created a very special sense of community spirit and belonging. We are blessed to have such a wonderful team of people behind this venture to ensure its smooth running at every game since its opening.” Scroll down for photos…
Conor Kavanagh with Helen Tansley at the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday..An aerial view of the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday.Enjoying the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday..At the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday.At the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday..Musicians at the official opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday..
DINGLE Lit Festival, the annual celebration of literature, has unveiled its 2024 edition.
Scheduled to take place from Friday, November 15th to Sunday, November 17th, this year’s festival promises a compelling literary experience that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
This year’s festival will offer a diverse range of events in English and Irish, including author readings, panel discussions, and workshops tailored for all ages.
Continued below…
.
The 2024 festival will feature an lineup of established guests, including Roddy Doyle, Oliver Jeffers, Donal Ryan, Diarmaid Ferriter, Róise Ní Bhaoill, Muireann Ní Chíobháin, Oein deBairduin, and Natalie Ní Chasaide, Peadar Ó Riada, Cecelia Ahern, Barbara Scully, Ann Marie Flanagan and Felicity Hayes McCoy.
Dingle Lit Festival 2024 will also showcase the winners of the Dingle Lit Short Story Competition. The competition was open for short story writers to submit work in Irish or English. The winning authors will be reading out from their work in The Green Room.
The festival will feature two unique events dedicated to translated fiction, supported by the European Prize for Literature, an annual initiative to recognise the best emerging fiction writers in Europe.
Dingle Lit will showcase three leading poets from The Gallery Press, Ireland’s premier publisher of contemporary poetry and drama.
On Sunday, November 17th, “Poetry in Motion”, will feature a scenic bus trip from Dingle to Krugers Pub, hosted by Emer Fallon. The event, includes a coffee stop and offers a distinctive blend of poetry and sight-seeing.
Sheila O’Reilly, Festival Director, remarked, “We are proud to see how far Dingle Lit Festival has come since its inception. Each year, the festival grows and evolves, and we are excited to continue our tradition of celebrating the best of Irish literature in such a vibrant and picturesque setting. We look forward to welcoming everyone for another engaging and enriching experience in November.”
Dingle Lit Festival 2024 is hosted with the support of Associate Sponsor Dingle Distillery; Grant organisations: Arts Council, Kerry County Council, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, and Foras Na Gaeilge and Failte Ireland; and supported by RTE Supporting the Arts.
.Siamsa Tíre performers in rehearsals prior to the US trip.
TEN Siamsa Tíre community cast performers take flight today, travelling to the U.S.A to perform at the annual Big E Festival in Springfield, West Massachusetts.
They have been in rehearsals for the last few weeks in preparation for this exciting opportunity to perform for over 250,000 visitors on the opening weekend.
The festival runs from the September 13th – 29th, attracting over 1.4 million visitors across the week. In addition to the one hour performances daily from the 13th – 15th, the performers will provide Munnix Dance workshops to showcase and pass on this traditional dance to American visitors over the course of the weekend.
Continued below…
.
The opportunity was made possible following a Siamsa Tíre performance representing life on the Blasket Islands at the anniversary celebrations of the Blasket Centre last year and through connections between the Dingle Peninsula and Springfield and its sister city West Springfield (location of the Big E).
Natives of the Dingle Peninsula emigrated to Springfield throughout the early 1900’s, as did inhabitants of the Great Blasket Island, and the connection has continued with Dingle based producers selling their products at the Big E fair since the year 2000.
The performance opportunity was developed through Jamie Ó Flannúra (a Siamsa Tire performer and Dingle native), who has travelled to the Big E Fair for the past two years promoting the Dingle Peninsula.
He initiated discussions for Siamsa Tíre to perform on this international stage, showcasing the iconic traditional Munnix style of Irish dance, Irish music and song and all that Siamsa Tíre has to offer as a vibrant Theatre and Arts Centre in the heart of Kerry.
Three of the performers are west Kerry natives and the rest hail from Tralee, Killarney and across the county.
This follows a long history of Siamsa Tíre performers touring internationally, with performances representing Ireland across Europe, United States and further afield.
.Students of Presentation Secondary School Tralee learning about the Think Before You Flush campaign on Banna Beach on Monday.
THINK Before You Flush, a campaign operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, joined Presentation Secondary School, Tralee students on Banna Beach on Monday to discuss the environmental issue of sewage-related litter.
Think Before You Flush aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing sanitary products and other damaging items down the toilet and to promote responsible waste management practices.
The campaign has asked the students to help spread the Think Before You Flush message throughout their community.
Continued below…
.
The students of Presentation Secondary School Tralee also learnt about the Think Before You Pour campaign that looks at the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink.
Students and staff of Presentation Secondary School Tralee learnt about the Think Before You Flush campaign on Banna Beach on Monday.
Instead of flowing freely, FOGs cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network. When FOGs combine with sewage related litter fatbergs can form.
Uisce Éireann clears thousands of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater and sewage networks every year. The Think Before Pour campaign urges everyone to avoid washing FOGs down the kitchen drain and, instead, dispose of them in the bin once cool.
The Think Before You Flush campaign emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable.
KILLORGLIN-BASED rower Monika Dukarska, a PhD researcher at Munster Technological University, expressed her delight at winning the gold medal at the World Coastal Rowing Championships, which took place last weekend in Genoa, Italy.
Racing in the Coastal Women’s Solo final, Monika clinched the top spot with a time of 20:39.51.
The 34-year-old said she is “over the moon” to win the title for a second year in a row. It is her fifth world championship gold and ninth medal overall since she began coastal rowing in 2008.
Continued below…
.
Speaking following her victory, Monika said, “This year’s championship was particularly unpredictable and challenging, with the location and weather playing a major role. My heat on Saturday was incredibly tough. The waves were large, making it difficult to control the boat. I anticipated slightly better conditions for the final, but I knew I’d have to work hard to battle the waves, especially with the course consisting of eight turning points.”
During the race, Monika found herself in second place, working hard to close the gap with Dymchenko of Azerbaijan, who led. Midway through the race, Dymchenko incorrectly rounded one of the buoys, which led to her automatic disqualification.
Until Monika reached the beach, she thought she had finished second and was content with that given the challenges of balancing her PhD, work, and training over the last year.
She said; “When I reached the beach, everyone was congratulating me, telling me I’d won. I was absolutely thrilled!
She added; “Coastal rowing is all about navigating an open sea course, where you face whatever challenges Mother Nature throws at you. That’s my favourite part of this sport—the combination of physical effort, mental toughness, bravery, stamina, course knowledge, and the strategic thinking required to succeed. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and enabled me to compete and defend my title. It’s truly a team effort.”
.Sharon Roche (right) read a poem at Pearse Park at the candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held in Pearse Park on Tuesday night to remember those lost to suicide.
Organised by Sharon Roche, the vigil is held annually in Tralee to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
People gathered in the park at 8pm where candles were lit and there was a minute’s silence to remember loved ones and friends and to pray for anyone struggling.
Sharon Roche also read a poem, ‘The Dash’, while Eileen McSweeney sang ‘Amazing Grace’ at the end of the vigil.
Gathering at Pearse Park at the candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gathering at Pearse Park at the candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.At the launch of Culture Night were Bridget Fitzgerald,Director of Service Niamh O’Sullivan, Acting Chief Executive Martin O’Donoghue, Arts Officer Kate Kennelly, Cathaoirleach Cllr Breandan Fitzgerald, Hannah Pinckheard. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean
KERRY Culture Night promises to be an exciting night with over 50 events planned for Friday, September 20.
Kerry County Council Arts Service has worked closely with many artists, arts venues, and communities to bring the people of Kerry a night filled with fun, creativity, and culture.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Breandán MacGearailt stated that ‘This nighthas become a cultural ‘must attend’ event for many of us! Kerry County Council has launched its brochure, it is available throughout the library service as well as being available online on arts.kerrycoco.ie’, he further stated, ‘We are very proud of the arts and culture in Kerry, this night celebrates a very special part of Kerry, and of being from Kerry’.
Continued below…
.
There are over 50 events happening in many venues across the county. These events showcase our living culture in Kerry, people can enjoy music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, historical talks, street spectacle, circus art, fashion, theatre and much more.
All events are detailed on the national website www.culturenight.ie and on arts.kerrycoco.ie please be sure to tag #onenightforall and the @KerryCoArts platform as you wish. If you want to share the magic of your experience on this nightwith family and friends, so that creativity across Kerry can be shared across the world on this special night!
Arts Officer Kate Kennelly stated, ‘Our artists and arts venues need your support year-round, as they are the foundation of creativity in a local area’.
The Cathaoirleach invites everyone to enjoy this ‘#one night for all’ and urges people to keep in touch with arts and cultural events throughout the year.
SATURDAY last saw the first ever L’Étape Ireland transform Killarney into a Tour de France experience, bringing over 1,800 cyclists the area, eager to conquer the iconic views and take on mountain passes along world-class routes that echoed those completed by legendary Tour de France champions.
The overwhelming success of the event has led to the possibility that the Tour de France official L’Étape Grand Depart could come to Ireland in the coming years.
When looking to bring LÉtape by Tour de France to Ireland, official Tour de France scouts singled out Killarney for its similar terrain to the Grand Depart, and approached Killorglin based Elite Events Management to manage and host the event.
Continued below…
.
As organisers of iconic Irish cycles like the Ring of Beara Cycle, Ride Dingle and the Wicklow 200, Elite Events Management are the market leaders in cycling events in Ireland, and so were perfectly positioned to deliver an event of this scale and reputation.
Shane Fleming crosses the finish line.
L’Étape Ireland 2024 started and finished in Killarney town centre with a choice of two routes developed in conjunction with Tour de France: an 135km and a 98km route, both designed to showcase the best of the Kerry countryside and mountain passes.
The overall winner of L’Étape Ireland 2024 men’s race was John Dowley who finished in 3 hours 36 minutes 02 seconds, and the winner of the women’s race was Sara McGeough who finished in 4 hours 9 minutes 36 seconds time.
Greg O’Shea and friends.
They were each presented with an iconic Tour de France coveted yellow jersey, a place at L’Étape du Tour de France 2025 and a limited edition Tour de France branded Tissot watch. See full race results below.
L’Étape Ireland was delighted to welcome official charity partner Down Syndrome Kerry in 2024, due to receive a significant donation from contributions by participants when they registered for the event.
Cycling L’Étape Ireland this year were former pro-cyclists Dan Martin and Imogen Cotter. Dan represented Ireland at the Olympic Games and won stages of the Tour de France, and Imogen Cotter is a former professional cyclist who raced at elite level.
Greg O’Shea a former Irish rugby international and TV’s Love Island winner also completed the cycle.
Imogen Cotter at L’Etape.
Supporters, family members and locals were able to join participants at the finish line to enjoy the L’Étape Ireland event village on Cathedral Green. Refreshments, music, stalls and cycling memorabilia were open to everyone and free to enter.
Anyone interested in taking part in L’Étape Ireland 2025 can register their interest on the official event website or email info@eliteevents.ie and the link will be sent onto them.
.Anila Mucaj, Maeve Rogers and Rose Brosnan at the start of the Born To Run Club’s Couch To 5k Programme on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
AN enthusiastic bunch of new runners turned up in the Brandon Car Park on Monday evening to start a journey which will see them run a 5k in two months time.
The Born To Run Marathon Club started its Couch To 5k Programme which will run for the next nine weeks and over 40 people signed up to challenge themselves.
The programme is a great way to get or stay active as the autumn evenings are upon us, while the social aspect can’t be under understated.
There were plenty seasoned Born To Run Club members there to help the newcomers who are in for a fun time over the coming weeks. Scroll down for photos…
Emer Patterson, Deirdre Young and Lillian McMahon at the start of the Born To Run Club’s Couch To 5k Programme on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gail Kelly, Sinead Fitzgerald and Lorraine Connor at the start of the Born To Run Club’s Couch To 5k Programme on Monday night. Photo by Dermot CreanThe newcomers in the Born To Run Club’s Couch To 5k Programme on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Susan Tearle, Nora Begley, Rita Ryan and Tom Foley at the start of the Born To Run Club’s Couch To 5k Programme on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Coimisiún na Meán has today announced the awarding of over €10.1 million of funding under the latest round of the Sound & Vision Scheme.
Round 53 will fund the production of 91 projects across TV and radio by independent producers and broadcasters around the country, including nearly €45,000 for six new projects for Radio Kerry.
95% of total funding as part of Round 53 has been provided to independent producers and 30% of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual.
Continued below…
.
The six projects for Radio Kerry to receive funding are…
• €8,997 for Echoes of the Past and Present: The Family Names of Kerry – Radio Kerry (Mairéad Ní Mhathúna)
• €8,304 for Finscéalta Chiarraí: Scéalta Miotasacha ón Ríocht – Radio Kerry (Mairéad Ní Mhathúna)
• €7,905 for Creameries of Kerry: A Dairy Journey – Radio Kerry (Keeshla Communications Limited)
• €7,923 for Voices of the Future in Kerry – Radio Kerry (Keeshla Communications Limited)
• €6,744 for Binneas: Music, Song and Stories of the Iveragh Peninsula – Radio Kerry (John O’Shea)
• €4,925 for Old Killarney Town – Radio Kerry (John O’Shea)
LEE Strand has officially launched the 2024 Lee Strand Homework Journals with an Ardfert pupil having the honour of designing the front cover.
Once again over 10,000 hardback homework journals will be distributed to national school pupils in Kerry.
Pupils were invited to design the front and back cover of the Lee Strand Homework Journal. Millie Lyons, Ardfert NS was announced as the Front Cover Winner 2024 and won €750 for her school and a trophy.
Continued below…
.
Sara Prieto, Barraduff NS was announced as the Back Cover Winner 2024 and won €250 for her school and a trophy.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Lee Strand Homework Journal, Gearoid Linnane, CEO stated; “Lee Strand is delighted to offer complimentary homework journals to national school pupils over the past thirteen years. Once again, this year we invited pupils to get creative and design the front and back cover.”
“We were delighted with the response, with over 1,000 fantastic entries. We would like to congratulate Mille & Sara this year’s winners of our homework journal competition. Lee Strand takes great pride in supporting the local community and what better way to support our community than by supporting our local schools with over 10,000 complimentary homework journals.”
“The homework journals are one less expense for parents to incur when their children return to school. We would like to wish pupils, teachers and parents a safe return to school and wish everyone the very best in the academic year ahead.”
Schools can receive further information on the Lee Strand homework journals by contacting Lee Strand on 066 7121084.
.Ciara O’Sullivan with Course Instructor at Kerry College Tara O’Halloran Cronin.
A CASTLEISLAND woman is one of 18 young people travelling to Lyon, France this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.
The WorldSkills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas.
Ciara O’Sullivan, who is part of Team Ireland will be competing in Beauty Therapy after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event.
Continued below…
.
Ciara is from Castleisland and attended Kerry College. She will be pursuing a degree in Munster Technological University (MTU) after the competition in Lyon.
Commenting on her journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, Ciara said: “I’m honoured to be part of Team Ireland, representing my country, doing my passion. Being part of this team is inspiring and fulfilling to say the least. Upskilling, travelling and inspiring younger generations drive us on. Beauty therapy as a skill has changed my life, and I am delighted that our teams’ various skills represent that skills really do change lives.”
Team Ireland will compete in areas including Industrial Mechanics, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, Food and Hospitality, Cybersecurity and Construction.
Ireland’s team was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin.
KERRY clubs and organisations involved in community climate action projects are to receive over €700,000 in funding.
The money is coming from the national Climate Action Fund to help sports clubs, tidy towns groups, arts groups and others to pay for climate actions that they feel will improve their communities.
Around 27 Kerry clubs and organisations are in line to share in €738,000 in funding as a result. Tralee Tidy Towns, St Brendans Park FC and Banna Community Rescue Boats Ireland are among those receiving funds.
Continued below…
.
Brosna GAA club is in line to get funding of €75,000 from the Government’s Shared Island Fund, which is supporting cross-border and all-island projects that contribute to climate and energy targets on the island of Ireland.
There is also further funding of €663,000 available for 26 other Kerry organisations and clubs (see list below) from the Climate Action Fund.
The funding is paying for initiatives like the installation of renewable energy systems, the development of community gardens, or the installation of EV chargers, bike racks, water refill stations, composting, lighting upgrades or rainwater harvesting to name just a few of its purpose.
Welcoming the news, Minister Norma Foley said: “I welcome this funding for Kerry clubs and organisations which is being provided from the Climate Action Fund and the Shared Island Fund. This is a recognition of a great work that they and their volunteers do every single day.”
Kerry organisations in line to benefit from funding of €663,000 from the Climate Action Fund:
• Sneem Development Coop/Sneem TidyTowns
• Kenmare Tidy Towns
• Dingle food Festival
• Non Faction Arts
• Ballyduff Tidy Towns
• Comhlacht Forbartha an Ghleanna
• Banna Community Rescue Boats Ireland
• Lixnaw Development Association
• Tureencahill Community Group
• Maharees Conservation Association
• Cahersiveen Tidy Towns
• Beaufort GAA Club
• Torc (formerly Ballyspillane Community & Family Resource Centre)
• Asdee Community Development Association
• Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge / Ballinskelligs Tidy Towns
PEIL FAOI 7/8/9: Our Under 7/8/9 footballers played great and brilliant football last Sunday morning in Caherslee. More of the same next Sunday at 11am…15th! Newcomers most welcome!
PEIL FAOI 11: (i) More Football-for-Fun will take place in Connolly Park at 10.50am on Sunday next (15ú Meán Fómhair). (ii) And the U11 Boys Central League promises more exciting Gaelic this Thursday (19th).
PEIL FAOI 13/14/15: (i) We look forward to the Lee Strand Football U14 Tournament on Saturday next (14th). Many top-class teams will participate in the procedings. Our Rock representatives ar pháirc na himeartha: Alex O’Flaherty, Billy Kirby, Blake Bowler, Conor Murphy, Conor Maguire, Danny Lane, Darragh Moriarty, David Ahern, Diarmuid Hennessy, Dylan McEvoy, Ediart Topali, Eliot Caleja, Harry Maguire, Jayden O’Dowd, Joe O’Halloran, Kian Cronin, Liam Swords, Mark Foley, Mark Riordan, Matthew Murphy, Michael Carmody, Noah Reidy, Oisín Horan, Oran O’Regan, Ryan O’Flaherty, Séamus Keenan, Shane Carey, Shea Horan, Tadhg Ó Luasaigh, Tadhg Ó Riagáin! Best wishes to our 30 Rock stalwarts and good luck to the organisers.
(ii) ‘Well done’ to our U15 players who contributed significantly to the minor team’s County Championship victory over North Kerry in the semi-final and to that truly spirited performance v Bordcheantar Naomh Ciarán on Monday last’s final i Staid an Ghearaltaigh. Good experience gained in the county’s biggest stadium! We look to the future with delightful anticipation!
(iii) Training sessions on Wednesday and on Friday evenings in preparation for the Lee Strand competition and for the U15 Central League final. We await confirmation of the date of this final….hoping that it will be played in the coming weeks…táimid ar bís agus ag feitheamh go mífhoighneach don chluiche sin! The Central League final v Na Gaeil is on the horizon! A big challenge and the Men of The Rock love big challenges! Up The Black‘n’Amber!
(iv) What about a Town League? We’re also hoping and praying that a Town League will be held in the coming weeks. So, plenty of football still to be played! So, lads, let’s ‘keep the commitment going’ as we head into the final stages of the season. Ar aghaidh linn! (Ger Hobbert, Dan Ahern)
The Austin Stack Club minor team that played the Naomh Ciarán Divisional team in the Kerry County Final on Monday last i bPáirc Aibhistín de Staic. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
MINORS: (i) ‘Well done’ to our minors who did us proud in the Keanes Supervalu Minor County Championship with their great victory against a powerful North Kerry combination in the semi-final i bPáirc Aibhistín de Staic on Monday the 2nd September…. 3-10 to 1-9. Not a bad day’s work! Semi-final team: Oliver Lata, Eoin Mangan, Fionán Ryan, Aodhán Horgan, Jayden Moriarty, Gavin Casey, Darragh Lyons, Alex Tuohy, Ben Murphy, Rory Lynch, Ronan Carroll (0-2), Harry Murphy, Max Maszorak, Ryan O’Driscoll (capt)(1-7; 4f), Cormac Bastible (1-1). Subs a d’imir: Jack Diggin, Ben Litchfield, Adam Johnston (1-0), Jake Carmody.
(ii) And mór-chomhghairdeachas to them on another fine performance in Monday’s minor county final (9th) v St Kierans in Fitzgerald Stadium. Great effort, boys! St Kieran’s prevailed on the night to win the cup.
Our finalists: Oliver Lata; Eoin Mangan, Fionán Ryan, Aodhán Horgan; Jayden Moriarty, Gavin Casey, Darragh Lyons; Alex Tuohy, Ben Murphy; Rory Lynch, Ronan Carroll, Harry Murphy; Jack Diggin, Ryan O Driscoll, Cormac Bastible; Jake Carmody, Jamie Casey, Ben Litchfield, Conor O’Regan, Adam Johnson, Leon Sweeney David Mullins, Jack Shanahan, Max Gryzbowski, Jayden O’Dowd, Gabriel Maszorak, Tadhg Falvey, Brian Kavanagh.
CLUB GEAR: Club merchandise: log into www.austinstacks.ie (under ‘shop’).
CLUB LOTTO: Thanks once again to all club lotto supporters and promoters and especially to (i) O’Flynn Interiors, Sráid na Carraige, (ii) Hussey’s Deli and Newsagency, Cé an Phrionsa, (iii) Carmel Cuiltéir, AdeS, (iv) The Burger Shack, Móin an Bhealaigh, (v) The Brogue, Sráid na Carraige, (vi) Siopa Chaoimhín de Barra, Ollmhargadh, Sráid na Carraige Uachtarach agus (vii) Commanes Bookshop (PC Books), Sráid na Carraige.
FOIREANN na mBAN: We eagerly look forward to a visit from the Kerry Ladies, All-Ireland champions 2024, on September 22nd in Connolly Park.
THE ROCK STILL IN THE RACE: ‘Well done’ to our club senior team that drew with Raonaithe na Leamhna in the Intermediate Club Championship County Final on Sunday last i gCill Airne. Best wishes for the ath-imirt! Up The Rock!
THE WALK TO THE WELL: At the dawn of day on Sunday last (8th September) as several Rock walkers headed to Ballyheigue Well, the Rock footballers were classed as ‘intermediate.’ At midday, the Well-wishers wished and prayed and hoped! In the afternoon, a battle took place in Fitzgerald Stadium and as the sun was setting behind Oileán na mBairneach, The Muclach and The Seven Hogs, The Rock players were still ‘intermediate’ (and are) but eagerly looking forward to an exciting and entertaining replay!
The senior county championship kicks off next weekend and for the first time in our history we will play with the St Brendans board alongside Austin Stacks, John Mitchels, Ardfert, St Pats & Churchill.
The opening game takes place on Sunday 15th next when South Kerry will be the opposition in Austin Stack Park – the game throws in @ 3 pm – this has been changed from the original throw in time of 4 pm.
We would like to wish all our players the very best of luck as they embark on this new journey.
Junior:
Our junior team will play in this year’s McElligott Cup on Sunday next 15th Sept when they travel to Castleisland to take on the local Desmonds side – throw-in is @ 12.30 pm
Community:
Louise Quill was this week named Kerry person of the year for 2024.
It’s a richly deserved award recognising the work that Louise has done for the past 17 years when she founded the Tír na nÓg Childrens Foundation in Tanzania.
In her own tribute to Louise, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan, praised everything the Tralee native had achieved:
“This award is presented in recognition of Louise’s exceptional work in leading Tír na nÓg to provide essential services and infrastructure to those in need in Tanzania.
In what is an unique family association the Kerry ladies football team, co-managed by Declan ( Quill) have been selected to receive the Laochra Chiarraí award.
It promises to be a night to remember for the Quill family on Sat 19th October when the awards will be presented at the Association’s annual Oíche Chiarraí which will be held in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin on Saturday, October 19.
Comhghairdeas ollmhór le Louise agus Declan as an éacht seo.
Juvenile:
Juvenile academy continued Sunday morning as usual for all age groups in attendance. It was great to see such high numbers in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a fun filled session with their coaches while learning key skills as well.
U11 Boys with the All Ireland Ladies Trophy
U11 Boys:
What a brilliant training match our U11s had Thursday night. Massive numbers in attendance added to a great quality game. The boys had a special visit from the All Ireland Ladies trophy also. They continued their training on Saturday morning.
U11 Boys with the All Ireland Ladies Trophy
Ladies Notes:
U13 Girls:
Huge congrats to our U13 girls who won their Plate Final in the Sandra Keane Under 13 Blitz Saturday, captained by Sennait Forster.
U13 girls who won their Plate Final in the Sandra Keane Under 13 Blitz
All the girls played extremely well in all 5 games against Southern Gaels, MKL, Moyvane, Na Gaeil and John Mitchell’s and came out deserving winners of the Plate Final against John Mitchell’s.
Lexi Keane was named player of the match. Each and every one of the 20 girls that played gave it their all and it paid off.
Thank you to their coaches Deirdre, Edel, Trisha, Richard, Ricky and Tommy for all their time and training.
U13 Girls Management team (missing from picture Edel O’Sullivan).
Thank you to all the parents who came to support the girls all day. Well done girls everyone in the Club is very proud of you all. Thank you to North Kerry Ladies Football for a very enjoyable day.
The draw has been made for the U13 Club Championship. We play Rathmore next Sunday 15th September in Rathmore at 4.30pm- this is a knock out competition.
We wish the girls and management all the best.
U14 Girls: Our Kerins O’Rahillys U14 team continue in the North Kerry Competition this Thursday at 6.30pm where they will play Annascaul/ Castlegregory. This game will determine who we play in the final.
Training continues for both U14 teams this Tuesday at 5.30pm. Full attendance is required in preparation for future games.
U16 Girls:
Wishing our very talented U16 girls and management the best of luck in the North Kerry Clanmaurice Medical Practice Under 16 Division 2 Cup Final where they will play Listowel Emmets on Wednesday 11th September at 7.00pm in Ballyrickard. Extra time to be played in the event of Draw. All support is welcome to cheer on the girls.
Your Club, your voice:
We would love to hear from you with any items of interest or suggestions – you can contact us on 085 2095001 or via Messenger on Facebook.
Lotto results: Lotto Tue 3rd September 2024. Numbers drawn were 4, 14, 23, 24. No winner. Lucky dip winners of €20 were Jack Harty, Pat Fitzgerald, Marie & Peter O’Connor, Phil & Alan Casey, Myra Daly. Our next draw will be tomorrow night (Tuesday) and the jackpot will be €2,700. Why not try your luck in our lotto. The links is as follows:https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Na%20Gaeil%20CLG/lotto
Bingo: Tonight, Monday 9th, our Mini Accumulater Jackpot House will be worth €240 in 44 calls. We also have Split-the-Bucket and a raffle at half time. Starting time is 8pm sharp. Bus available on (087) 2817577. Over 18s only. Hope to see you all there for an excellent night out.
Volunteers: The club are looking for people to help out at bingo on Monday nights. If you can spare 2 hours every 5 or 6 weeks then Niamh (087-9863667) would be delighted to have you on board.
Hospice Coffee Morning: Margaret Doody has advised that a coffee morning in aid of Kerry Hospice will be held in Na Gaeil on Sunday 29th Sept. from 10am to 12pm. Please support this very worthy cause.
The opening of Na Gaeil Abrew on Sunday.
Na Gaeil Abrew: The offical opening of Na Gaeil Abrew took place yesterday and was marked by an hour of music, dancing & craic. Fr. James Walsh was on hand to bless the coffee dock before Damien Bourke & Diarmuid O’Connor cut the ribbon.
Then it was the turn of Helen Tansley to regale the crowd with the hilarious “Tale of Na Gaeil Abrew” which outlined the various stages of the project from her original idea as well as the many people who got behind the project and drove it on to be the wonderful facility it is now for all club members.
Our Chairperson Conor Kavanagh spoke and paid tribute to Helen for her determination to get the coffee dock up-and-running and he thanked the countless people who helped out in any way over the past few months.
Fé 5: Our u5s continued their good work yesterday morning, training in Killeen.
Fé 7: Our u7 group travelled to St. Senans last Friday. The group played great football with all players putting in a massive performance. Well done to everyone for making it a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to St. Senans for hosting us.
Fé 9: Na Gaeil hosted a Tralee U9 7-a-side blitz last Saturday. The teams who competed were Ballymac, Austin Stacks, Na Gaeil, John Mitchels and Churchill. A big thanks to Bryan O’Mahony for organizing the event.
Fé 10: Well done to our u10 boys and their coaches who travelled to Celbridge, Co. Kildare last Saturday for the Gary Kenny Invitational Tournament and came home with the cup.
Na Gaeil Under 14 team that beat Churchill.
Fé 14 cailíní: Well done to our u14 girls who defeated Churchill last night.
Fé 15: Mí ádh ar the St. Brendans Board u15 team who were defeated by East Kerry in the District Championship County Final last Wednesday night in Austin Stacks Park.
Senior Men: Round 1 of the Garvey’s Supervalu Senior Men’s County Championship goes ahead next Saturday. Na Gaeil will play Shannon Rangers. The games will throw in at 5pm in Austin Stack Park.
Senior Ladies: Unfortunately our Senior Ladies bowed out of the Bons Secours County Championship yesterday when they will lost to Finuge/St.Senans in Killeen. Final score: Na Gaeil 0-10, Finuge/St.Senans 2-9.
Changes to Car Park: We would like to make patrons aware of the new wheelchair accessible parking bays and the yellow box for ambulance parking which have been added to the club’s car parks recently. Please keep them free at all times for people who need them.
Sponsorship Opportunity: If you have a business and would like to promote it with Na Gaeil we have various sponsorship packages available to suit all budgets. Enquiries to Donal (087-2577729) or Terry (086-8293261) or Colm (087-9080465) or Mike (086-2440158) or any member of the club Executive.
Club History: During the year Michael Golden spent many hours putting together a list of notable club results & other information about the club since its foundation in 1978. This can now be found on our website (www.nagaeil.ie). Click on “Club News” then “Weekly notes” and select ”Old results by Michael Golden”.
Hire the Hall: The hall in the clubhouse is available for parties or other events. Please emailnagaeilclubhouse@gmail.com if you’d like to make a booking.
Na Gaeil cycle club: Cycle each Saturday at 9.30am and Wednesdays at 6.30pm from Na Gaeil club. Everyone is welcome to come for a nice friendly cycle.
Cards: The weekly 45 card game is held every Wednesday night starting at 9pm. Everyone is welcome.
Notes: If you’d like anything included in the club’s weekly notes please send it to me at pro.nagaeil.kerry@gaa.ie before 9am on Monday and I’ll do my best to include it.
There was no winner of our club lotto of €2700 on Sunday night last the numbers drawn were 01,02,03 & 15. The five €30 euro consolation prizes went to:
1. Tommy Brosnan Lohercannon
2. Keeley O’Shea c/o Texaco
3. Patrick Dillane Clahane
4. Nettie Dowling c/o Byrnesworth
5. Imelda O’Sullivan Curraheen
Next week’s Lotto will have a Jackpot of €2800 and the draw will take place on Sunday Night 15/09/2024 at 9pm in Keane’s of Curraheen club lotto can be played online through the club website www.stpatsgaaclub.com online at https://www.locallotto.ie/play.asp?LL_ID=1328&PC=0 from any club officer, or at the following outlets:
O’Shea Shop and Service Station Blennerville
Poff Motors Dingle Road
Seamus O’Sullivan Master Butchers Manor
Noyeks Mile Height
Byrnesworth
Skelper Quane
Keane’s Of Curraheen
Betty’s Bar The Rock Inn
Many Thanks to all who contribute to our weekly club Lotto. The club cannot emphasize enough the importance of our members promoting the club Lotto among family, friends, and work colleagues. The lotto is now a critical source of funds for the club. We are appealing to all club members to promote our Lotto at this time to ensure our club’s future viability. Please have your Lotto entries in by 7pm, every Sunday night.
Family Fun Day
Our healthy Clubs committee are delighted to announce their Family Fun Day for this year, will take place on Sunday 22nd of September at 12 noon.
There will no training on that day so come and enjoy the fun, competitive obstacle course and games with Kenny the Clown entertaining the youngsters.
We ask families to bring a contribution for lunch / healthy snacks / fruit etc. Many hands make light work so please help out where you can with catering / obstacle stewarding/ supervision / set up etc.
Bikes required again where possible for the annual slow bicycle race… get practicing and keep your fingers crossed for the forecast!
Please spread the word, we encourage all age groups to attend this event including the obstacle course!
Juvenile Academy
St Pats Football Academy took a well-deserved break but is now back, it takes place every Sunday Morning in St Pats Blennerville V92 RH98 from 10.00am-11.00am. Open to all boys and girls from Under 5 to Under 13. Contact Michael for further information on 086-3855428. Come along any Sunday, All New Members welcome!
U5
Well done to all the boys and girls who had a fun session on the astroturf practicing all their kicking and running skills. Roisin and Katie earned players of the week for their enthusiasm and kicking skills. We have a normal training session next Sunday and look forward to our family fun day on the 22nd of September. Up St Pats!!
U7
Well done to Tadgh who was player of the week. He wasn’t feeling it at the start but really got into it after that and played really well in the game. We will organise a game for later in the week.
U8 Girls
Great blitz in Na Gaeil Sunday morning which was very well organised, we played four games, and our girls were very competitive and showed off all their skills and the coaches were delighted with them. Keep up the practice at home and we will see them again next Sunday morning.
U9
Our U9 boys had a great session on Sunday morning. Great effort from all the boys and we finished up with a super game against our u10 girls. We are at home to Austin Stacks this Tuesday at 7pm.
U10
Another great turnout for an early morning session this morning, great to see all the girls showing great enthusiasm, skill and having fun. Today we focused on passing and shooting, two very important parts of the game, the girls did very well and showed it in a tough game at the end against the boys U9’s.
This week’s player of the week was Sophie, who showed great skill and enthusiasm as she does every week. Well Sophie. See you all next week girls!
U11
St Pats U-11’s had a busy week of games. We played An Gaeltacht last Thursday in a back game in the Central league and then Sunday we hosted our neighbours Churchill. Both games were very entertaining competitive games.
We were slow out of the blocks in both games but eventually our players settled into the game. We showed good composure in possession, great skills tackling, blocking, hand passing and accurate kicking.
Well done to all our St Pats future stars who played in both games. We are due to play a challenge game Thurs 19th of September but we will be on contact with parents with details of same during the week.
Training continues Sunday mornings. There has been a great turnout of late but It is really important all our players continue to attend and most importantly keep practicing the skills at home during the week. Naomh Pádraig Abú!!
U12 Girls
Our U12 girls plays in a rescheduled U12 Go Game this evening vs Shannonside/Tarbert at 6:45pm in Blennerville. Our U13 girls club championship draw was made last week. We received a bye to the semi-final where we await the winners of Duagh and Milltown/Castlemaine. That semi-final is scheduled for Sunday September 22nd with the final a week later.
St Brendan’s Board
St Brendan’s Board are playing South Kerry on the Sunday 15th of September at 3pm in Austin Stacks Park.
St Brendan’s U15’s
St Brendan’s U15’s played against East Kerry on 28th of August in Austin Stacks, unfortunately with three goals scored in quick succession St Brendan’s could not closed the gap.
East Kerry were winners of the match. Well done to all involved especially Rodan Culloo, Stephen Enright, Aiden Berry, Jake Kelly, and Derek O’Sullivan Manager.
Senior B’s
Our seniors have a game in the Junior Cups, our seniors are in the Kerry Cup. They are scheduled to play Cromane in Cromane on Saturday. Time to be confirmed.
Congratulations
Congratulations and Best of Luck to our own James Costello who will be a selector on the Kerry senior football management team for 2025. The management team will be put forward for ratification at the next County Board meeting.
To Brendan (Ovens) and Joanne O’ Connor who got married recently.
To Katie O’Sullivan and Robert Powell who also got married recently.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the families and friends of Donal Sheehy Ballyheigue and Margaret de Lacy Dingle/Tralee.
The Kerry Petroleum Junior Premier Championship Semi Final
Ballymacelligott 1-21
Firies 1-21
Firies 4 g Ballymac 2 G after penalties .
Losing a Championship semi-final is hard, and losing on penalties makes it even more difficult. Ballymac and Firies played a thrilling game of open football in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. The match was a roller-coaster of emotions, with both teams giving their all. Sadly, Ballymac lost on penalties, adding to the drama of the game.
Despite the loss, Ballymac’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the game. Ballymac led by two points, 1-10 to 0-8, at halftime, playing against the wind. Both teams were level at full-time 1-16 each at full time. It was 1-19 each at half time in extra time and 1-21 each at full time after extra time.
This game had everything open football: two great goals and two saves by both keepers, which kept their teams in the game. Ballymac hit the crossbar twice… it was tit for tat right to the end. Ballymac were down to 14 for ten minutes at the end of the second half of full time.
They showed great grit and determination to stay in the game. Both veterans Aidan Breen and Daniel O’Shea were colossal for Ballymac. They led by example and never let off.
The teams were separated by penalties when Firies scored four goals and Ballymac 2 goals. It was a heartbreaking loss for Ballymac, but their performance was commendable.
We are deeply appreciative of all the squad players, the management team, and their commitment to Ballymac GAA.
This includes training on cold, wet nights, training on other pitches, and travelling to training and games. The personal sacrifices made by the players – nights away from home, missed social events, and the physical toll of tough games and injuries, you have shown remarkable resilience and commitment.
We are also inspired by the dedication of the personnel behind the scenes for their sacrifices all year. We are grateful to each and every one of you.
We are also grateful to our supporters for all their support throughout the year. Your support has been marvellous in numerous ways, and it was particularly heartening to hear such vocal support from both the young and old fans at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. Your passionate cheering added an extra layer of excitement to the game
Ballymac team and scorers: Christy Leen; Josh O’Keeffe, Daniel O’Shea, Eoin Creedon; Micheál Reidy (0-1) Tadhg Brick (0-1) Daragh Sweeney; Aidan Breen (0-4 -3f), Brian Lonergan (0-1) Adam Sheehy, Vinny Horan (0-4- 1F 1 45), Daire Keane (0-4) Donal Daly ( 1-2, ) Niall Collins (0-3,) Daragh Regan (0-10)
Substitutes used: Cian Counihan, Sean Rice, Cathal Dunne, James Kenny, Daragh Broderick
Full panel for Championship 2024. Mike Herlihy Andy Rogers, Maurice O’Connell, Cathal White , Brian Cassidy, Tomás O’Connor, Cathal Dunne, Shane Gilroy , Gene O’Keeffe, Dylan Dunne Barry Lyons Conor Brick Jamie Burke Shane McGillycuddy, Jonathan Brick. Skye Lynch, Ciarán Brosnan Diarmuid Lynch Micheál Savage
Manager: Ian Blake
Selectors: Tony Silles, Gene O’Keeffe, Mike Broderick, Pádraig Laide
Physical Trainer: Anthony O’Leary
Physio: Mark Thompson
Stats/Logistics: Aidan Savage and Bridget Leen.
Senior Ladies
Bons Secours County Junior Premier Championship
Round 3
Inbhear Scéine Gaels v Ballymacelligott
On what was a lovely evening for football, our Ladies played a lovely brand of football to take home all three points and a victory from our long journey to Kenmare.
However our first half performance was a continuation of the second half from Fossa, where we dominated play went one point up from Roisin Rahilly, but failed to score for another 20 minutes, despite continuing to dominate play.
In the next 7 minutes though we turned the screw with points from Sarah Scanlon, Kate Collins (2) and Roisin Rahilly again.
Our defence was very strong in those 20 minutes where we turned over ISG numerous times and denied them any real sight on goal and we led 0-5 to 0-3 at half time.
We started the second half with quick points from Lisa Curran(2) and Kate Collins third of the evening.
This had us up by 0-8 to 0-3 with just six minutes gone and a commanding lead that was never to be lost. In fact we went onto score another 1-5, the goal coming from a penalty by Sarah Scanlon to just 0-3 from ISG.
Squad was as follows,
Robyn White, Kerry Hennessy, Grainne Galvin, Anna Collins, Emily O’Brien, Una Morrissey, Jaime Lee O’Connor, Ashling O’Connell, Roisin Rahilly (0-3), Eve Creedon, Sarah Scanlon (1-1), Rachel Creedon, Kate Collins (0-5), Rachel Griffin (0-1), Lisa Curran (0-2), Ella Quirke, Emma Daly (0-1), Aoibhinn Broderick, Clare Kenny, Kate O’Connor, Tina Quinn, Aoife Galvin, Ellie McElliogott, Caoimhe Carroll, Emma Leen, Keelin Enright, Laura Kelly, Ciara Kerins.
This result now gives us a home quarter final v Spa of Killarney on September 15th, at a venue and time to be confirmed. #ballymacabu
The Brendan Martin Cup visits the schools of Ballymac
On Monday morning 2nd September, all the schools of the parish welcomed a special visitor – our very our Kerry Senior Lady Róisín Rahilly who brought with her a trophy that hasn’t been around our parts for 31 years, the Brendan Martin cup.
The kids were delighted to have an opportunity to hold the trophy and ask some very tough questions to Róisín about her toughest opponents, how she trained when she was younger and what it was like when the final whistle blew when Kerry won the All Ireland.
Thank you to all the students and staff of Clogher, O’Brennan, Flemby and Nuachabháil schools for the wonderful welcome, and to Róisín for being such a wonderful ambassador for the Club and Community.
U12 girls
The U.12 girls played their final phase 2 Go Game on Thursday evening at home to Laune Rangers.
Great to see the girls in great spirits as always, after fine performances all round.
St Kierans Minors
Best of luck to our minors tomorrow night with St Kierans when they play Austin Stacks in the final of the Keane’s Super Valu Minor County Championship in Austin Stacks Park at 7pm
Academy
A hard first week of school and preschool didn’t stop our U5s squad showing up with loads of energy for Academy this week.
They had a brilliant time playing a match with coaches Stephen, Larry and John, practicing their soloing and scoring with coach Paudie and assistant coach Tommy, and working on fundamental movement, gross motor and basic skills development with coach Cat.
It’s wonderful to see the confidence in our youngest players grow each week. Keep up the practice at home!
Our Academy training will be in the training pitch at 11am every Sunday see you there
.
Under 9 Boys
U9 boys Well done to our u9 boys who competed in The Tralee Town Blitz this Sunday in Na Gaeil. A Brilliant day was had by all. Thanks to Na Gaeil for hosting and a special mention to Brian o Mahoney who organised the day. Well done all.
Also a big thanks to Jack and Finn from the u7s who stepped in at the very last minute .
.
U15 D5 Central Region
Champions!!
Ballymac 4-6
Ardfert 2-10
From 5 points down at halftime to win by 2, our boys showed great character and skill to come away with the spoils of victory.
Both Shane Cassidy and Harvey Leen raised green flags in the 1st half, on very limited supply.
2nd half, with the wind behind us, we pushed on.
Points from Eric Quirke (2) , Adrian OConnor, Patrick Leen, and an impressive 1-2 from Tadhg OConnor put us right back in the game. Harvey sent a rocket low to the corner of the net for his 2nd of the night.
A tense final couple of minutes was spent repelling Ardferts attacks, with both Gearoid Joy and Gearoid OConnor immense.
Cathal Carr accepted the trophy on behalf of his team and on the day of his birthday too!
Well done to all our panel of players, including our 6 u13s, who played big parts when called upon, throughout the campaign.
U13 boys
Our U13 blue came out on top in Div 8 of Central Region on Sunday 1st Sept. They played Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane in Milltown/Castlemaine. The boys played with great grit and determination and were always in control of the game. The final score was Ballymac 2-7 to 1-1.
Thanks to the parents of u13 and u11 players for all the support this year. Well done boys on a great win!
Lotto
Ballymacelligott GAA Lotto Results from Monday 2nd September 2024
The Ballymacelligott GAA Club weekly Lotto draw took place this evening in the Half Way Shop, Ballymacelligott.
John Rice, Chairman of Ballymacelligott GAA Club, Thomas McQuinn and Paddy O’Sullivan from The Half Way Shop and Bar conducted the draw live on Facebook. Maureen O’Shea was on camera.
The numbers drawn were 2, 18, 19 and 23.
There was no winner of the Jackpot of €2900.00
Congratulations to the lucky dip winners this week:
€30.00 – Ann Ferguson who purchased her ticket from Paula Silles.
€20.00 – Jerome Leen who bought his ticket at Ballymac V Annascaul.
€20.00—Pat McCarthy Kells bought his ticket in The Half Way Shop.
The Next Jackpot is an exciting opportunity to win €3000. The draw, which will be live on Facebook from The Half Way Bar & Shop on Monday, 9th September 2024, at around 7.00 pm, is something to look forward to.
On September 23rd, all the Quick Pick winners from tonight and the next four weeks will be entered into a draw to win a € 50.00 Voucher for The Half Way Shop.
Play Ball Lotto Ticket sales close at 6 pm sharp online. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here: https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2258&PC=0&RP=#Anchor.
Or from our regular sellers, Paula Silles and Maureen O’Shea.
Quick Pick Envelopes are available at The Half Way Shop, O’Riada’s Bar and Restaurant and Glenduff Manor.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our three local businesses for facilitating the sale of the lotto tickets and for their continued support. To enable all the entries in the draw, the closing time for Quick Pick (paper) entries is Sunday nights at Glenduff Manor and 4 p.m. on Mondays from The Half Way and O’Rioda’s Bar and Restaurant.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your contributions are invaluable for our club’s day-to-day running costs, and we truly appreciate it. Your support is what keeps us going.
Check out all the latest news from Ballymac GAA Club by clicking here: https://ballymacgaa.com/category/s1-news/c38-weekly-notes/
.Tralee Parnells Camogie Squad who won the U16 Division 1 County League
U16 Camogie
Tralee Parnells achieved history with a win over Cillard in the U16 County League final. This is the oldest age group that have won a County League for the club, a fantastic achievement for all of these young ladies which is something they should be very proud of.
Huge work has gone into this group over the last number of years, well done and congratulations to all the players involved and especially to the coaches David, Brian, Sinead and Natalie.
Siobhan Herbert from Kerry Camogie Co Board presents the Div1 League Cup to Tralee Parnells U16 Captain Anna Chute
Parnells led from start and showed their quality as the game progressed, winning comfortably in the end. Thank you to Cillard for a sporting game, to referee Mike Hennessy and to Siobhan Herbert (Co Board) for presenting the Cup to Captain Anna Chute. Special mention to Joe Wallace for having Caherslee pitch in pristine condition!
Tralee Parnells U11s who had a fantastic game against Abbeydorney
U11 Hurling
Well done to all our u11 boys on two excellent games at u10 and u11 against Abbeydorney in Caherselee this during the week. It was great to see the continued improvement and a special well done to those who played their first game of the season. A special thank you to Donnacha Buttimer for refereeing the matches.
Tralee Parnells U10s who enjoyed a fantastic game against AbbeydorneyLeahys Pharmacy with Juvenile Chairperson Dermot Reen (centre) win the Tralee Parnells Golf Classic for the second year in a row
Golf Classic
Tralee Parnells held its 2nd Golf Classic last Friday, 6th September in Beaufort Golf Club. Twenty six teams took part on the day and a very enjoyable day out was had by everyone. The course was in superb condition and the weather conditions were very favourable. This led to some fine scoring by all the teams. When all the scores were added up the following were the results:
1st Prize: 4 Ball in Dooks Golf Club – Leahys Pharmacy (John Slattery, Eamon Fitzgerald, William O’Connor, Jim Crowley) – 104 points – winning it for the second year in a row
2nd Prize: 4 * €100 Topline Vouchers – Fexco (Denis Cleary, Barry O’Sullivan, Andrew McCarthy, Ivo O’Sullivan) – 91 points (best back 9)
3rd Prize: 4 Ball in Beaufort Golf Club – Kerry Group (John O’Brien, Conor McGibney, Oisin McGibney, Bobby Byrne) – 91 points
4th Prize: 4 * €50 Ryles / Sean Hussey Menswear Vouchers – Morgan O’Connell / Haulie Kerins (Morgan O’Connell, Liam Kingston, Haulie Kerins, Anne Kerins) – 91 points
5th Prize: 4 * Bottles Wine – Bons Secours (Emma Leahy, Tim Leahy, Dermot Healy, Pat Williams) – 90 points
6th Prize: 4 * Golf umbrellas – Cadogan O’Regan (Jim Donovan, Brendan Long, Dermot O’Connor, Con O’Connor) – 89 points
Nearest the Pin: Dermot O’Connor -Rose Hotel Lunch Voucher for 2
Longest Drive: Tim Leahy – Lunch for 2 in Kirbys Brogue Inn
The club would like to thank all our teams & hole/tee sponsors, as well as our Prize sponsors. Also a big thank you to Horans Fruit & Veg & Cliffords Cash & Carry for the treats on the day and Barry Print for supplying the bags.
We are very appreciative of all the sponsorship we received which will help us to continue to upgrade our facilities at our new Academy pitch, Pairc na Darach, at the Tralee Sports Complex and make it a centre of excellence for Juvenile hurling in Tralee.
Lotto
Our club lotto takes place every second Monday evening at 8pm. For just €5 players have three changes of winning the jackpot. If nobody wins the jackpot we will have a lucky dip winners of €25. Play at https://traleeparnells.clubforce.com/products/tralee-parnells-gaa-lotto
.Pictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Shani Lonergan, Eileen Austin and Phil Fitzgerald. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
A FUN morning was had by all at the Phoenix Women’s Shed Welcome Back Hat Party last Thursday in their HQ in the Pipe Band Hall on Matt Talbot Road.
Ladies strutted their style and creativity on the ‘Hat Walk’ and there were prizes on offer, with the competition judged by Diane Jeffers and Margaret Hayes.
They had eight finalists and the winners on the day were…
1st prize – a special headpiece donated by Diane Jeffers went to Catherine O’Brien whose hat was worn by Maura Dutton.
2nd Prize – €50 voucher for Carraig Donn went to Miriam Owens
3rd prize – €35 voucher for Just Perfect went to Ellen Hurley
4th Prize – €25 voucher for Just Perfect went to Patricia O’Sullivan. Scroll down for photos…
Judges Margaret Haynes and Diane Jeffers pictured with Maura Dutton who won a prize for her headpiece at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Judges Margaret Haynes and Diane Jeffers pictured with Miriam Moriarty who won a prize for her creative headpiece at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyJudges Margaret Haynes and Diane Jeffers pictured with Ellen Hurley (centre) who won a prize for her creative headpiece at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Patricia O’Sullivan, pictured with judge Diane Jeffers, won a prize for her headpiece at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyPictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Catherine Reidy, Mary Mullins, Joan Broderick and Noreen Healy. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Pictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Mary Meade and Annette O’Sullivan. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyPictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Mary Mahony and Sheila O’Driscoll. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Pictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Anne Burnett, Mary Cahillane and Marion Nugent. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyPictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Fionnuala Lynch (Killarney) and Audrey Mullen (Tralee). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.Pictured on Thursday morning in the Pipe Band Hall, Tralee at the Phoenix Women’s Shed ‘Welcome Back Hat Party’ after their summer break were: Patsy Clifford, Stacey Joy and Anne Dennehy. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.
.Into the Woods..Amano Miura, left, An Cailleach – goddess of the winter months and mythical hag, Julí Ní Mhaoileoin, Dingle Druid, Dee Tierney and Malachy Kelly, performers, with Patricia Greaney, Kerry County Council, and Eibhlis Maher, Fáilte Ireland, at the launch of Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween. The launch of the festival took place at Ballyseedy Wood, Tralee, on Monday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
THE Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween is a county-wide initiative to bring home our Kerry Diaspora during the month of October this year.
It is presented by Kerry County Council as part of the Global Irish Festival Series, which is a joint initiative between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Kerry Homecoming Festival is a call home from all aspects of Kerry business, tourism, sports and cultural organisations to come and enjoy close to 50 events and activities such as Samhain spectacles, storytelling, Jack-o-Lantern carving, genealogy workshops and heritage talks, star-gazing, a celebration of the centenary of the closing of the Lartigue Monorail, an American Wake at Kerry Writers Museum and much, much more.
Continued below…
.
The legendary Cailleach (Hag / Witch), will be the centerpiece of a thrilling Samhain spectacle in Listowel, Dingle, Kenmare and Tralee.
The Cailleach is the goddess of the winter months. Her season begins on Samhain (the origin of Halloween), October 31st, when the Goddess Brigid hands her staff over.
In Kerry she has given her name to the Hag’s Glen in the MacGilliycuddy’s Reeks mountains where the Hag of Corrán Tuathail (Carrauntoohill) plunged to her death in the lake known as Hag’s Lake.
Into the Woods..Amano Miura, performing, An Cailleach – goddess of the winter months and mythical hag, being followed by Dee Tierney and Malachy Kelly, stilt performers, for the launch of Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween/ The launch of the festival took place at Ballyseedy Wood, Tralee, on Monday. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
The Samhain Spectacles will be supported by a series of family friendly workshops in 16 towns and villages, in the run up, led by Juli Ní Mhaoileoin, the Dingle Druid, in which people of all ages will learn how to make traditional Samhain masks and Jack-o-Lanterns and they in turn can take part in the spectacles wearing their masks or bearing their lanterns.
Genealogy and family research feature heavily in the programme with talks and workshops being presented by experts Kay Caball in the Killarney and Tralee libraries and Tom Dillon in Castleisland and Killorglin.
Kerry’s tradition of storytelling, particularly of the otherworldly kind at Halloween is also honoured through a number of storytelling sessions from Seán Ó’Laoghaire, Niall de Búrca and Tom Dillon throughout the county.
The programme also features the Global Gaelic Games Social Festival, in Killarney on October 18th and 19th.
Amano Miura, performing, An Cailleach – goddess of the winter months and mythical hag, at the launch of Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween. Included from left, Julí Ní Mhaoileoin, Dingle Druid, Kerry County Council, CEO, Martin O’Donoghue, Fáilte Ireland Head of Festivals and Events, Ciara Sugrue, Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr., Breandán Fitzgerald, Kerry County Council Director of Economic and Community Development, Niamh O’Sullivan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
This celebration will bring together Gaelic Football enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to take part in non-competitive 9-a-side Gaelic games that emphasise inclusiveness and integration.
All of the existing seasonal Kerry festivals and some new ones, including and Féile Eile in Killorglin will also be joining in the fun – Kenmare Halloween Howl, the Patrick O’Keeffe Music Festival in Castleisland, the Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival the Kerry International Film Festival celebrating its 25th anniversary and Oireachtas na Samhna, both taking place in Killarney, as well as Tralee’s annual National Circus Festival and The Tralee Half Marathon.
The Homecoming Festival provides a unique opportunity to deepen our linkages with the Kerry Diaspora, Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán MacGearailt stated.
“Despite being a small country on the edge of Europe, on the edge of the Atlantic, we have, over many generations developed a global network of Irish-diaspora, who are embedded into business, culture and society across the world. This is our way of welcoming our first, second, third and fourth generation of Irish back home, and showing them our culture and history.”
Coimisiún na Meán has today announced the awarding of over €10.1 million of funding under the latest round of the Sound & Vision Scheme.
