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At the launch of Kieran Donaghy’s Be A Star Bsketball Camp, were from left, front: Mark Stephenson, Liam Kingston, Danny Kingston and Donna Stephenson. Back: Vinny Murphy, Ricardo Leonard, Muireann Kingston, Kieran Donaghy and Alan O’Donoghue. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
WITH his tenure as Kerry captain now over, Kieran Donaghy is facing into a winter away from Kerry football and going back to the sport closest to his heart.
Along with hosting a juvenile basketball camp (see details below), the former football player of the year will be returning to competitive hoops action with St Brendans Basketball Club.
“I’m looking forward to that, it’s a change of scene and a change of focus,” said Kieran Donaghy, speaking to TraleeToday.ie on Tuesday.
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“I’ve been doing a bit coaching around Kerry with clubs in promotion of the camp. I got the itch back to play again, so I’m looking forward to it.”
“It takes a bit of adjusting, I’ve not played now in a good few years, so I’ll probably be a bit rusty. I’ll put in a bit of work over the next few weeks and see how good my game can get”
Kieran first made his name playing in the basketball Super League with the Tralee Tigers. Could there be return to those days around the corner?
“That’s the aim,” said Donaghy.
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With the return of former Tigers coach, Mark Bernson, could there be plans to bring all the Tralee teams together, the Imperials and St Brendans all playing under one Tralee banner?
“If this town wants to get back in playing in the top division, going in under the umbrella of a Tralee basketball club would be huge. It would bring the Saturday nights back and the big crowds because it has been missing here certainly since the Super League finished. We’ll work on that over the next year and hopefully make it happen,” he said.
Switching codes, though 2015 ultimately ended in disappointment, it’s still a year Donaghy can look back on with pride having led out the Kerry team as captain on four occasions in the championship.
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Kieran Donaghy, turns his back on his job to concentrate on football. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
“It was great to be captain of Kerry. Unfortunately we didn’t get the result in the end, but I was very lucky to have those four days leading the team out and coming on in the final.”
“Not many people get the chance to captain a winning team in an All-Ireland final, but that’s life and that’s sport. It will be some other guy’s turn next year because we’re out of the county championship.”
Donaghy is still weighing up whether to come back for his 12th season with Kerry. As often is the case when a player is on the wrong side of 30, supporters and pundits can be very quick to retire him.
“It’s a natural part of sport, especially after a loss. People will look and say maybe this fella’s time is up. But it’s every fella’s own decision and his own right to wait until he wants to make that decision. I’ll be busy with the basketball and club commitments over the next couple of months so we’ll see what the new year brings.”
‘The Kieran Donaghy Be A Star Basketball Camp’ is for kids between 6 and 14 and runs from, October 27 to 30 at John Mitchels GAA Complex in Ballyseedy. Price €75.
For information and bookings call 086-1918368 or email kierandonaghybasketball@gmail.com
