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THE Munster Final is a glorious occasion for fans of Kerry and Cork fans and – let’s not be coy here – there’s a lot of socialising and carousing to be done before and after the game.
So if you’re heading over to Killarney tonight or tomorrow, you could do a lot worse than a visit to these great watering holes for a bit of craic…
The Speakeasy.
1. The Speakeasy Bar, High Street
A bolthole away from the tourist centre, this is a proper locals’ GAA bar famous for being a Dr Crokes haunt. Major crowds before a Munster final here.
Do Say: “Johnny Buckley should be playing and they’ll miss Gooch!”
Don’t Say: “Yerra Jamsie is better than Gooch anyway.”
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Tatler Jack.
2. Tatler Jack, Plunkett Street
Ostensibly a Dr Crokes pub, but it’s pretty much owned by any GAA fan at this stage, such is its popularity.
A must stop-off point, even if it’s overflowing on Munster Final day.
Do Say: (enthusiastically, after a ‘few’ pints) “We’ll bate them out the gate!”
Don’t Say: “Lads, I’ve a bad feeling about today.”
Teddy O’Connor’s.
3. Teddy O’Connor’s, High Street
A favourite of many Tralee and north Kerry people (judging by my experiences over the past 20 years) this pub is also a favourite for trad music lovers.
There’s a great, spacious alleyway adjacent to it to allow al fresco imbibing.
Do Say: “Jaysus, I love a bit of trad before a match!”
Don’t Say: “Can you stop playing that shite music please?”
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Fáilte Hotel.
4. The Fáilte Hotel And Bar, College Street
This is ‘Botty’s’ manor, so this big long bar is bound to see a fair amount of action over the weekend.
It’s been the scene of some craic for Kerry v Cork clashes over the years as it’s well known to the Rebels and a favourite for tourists.
Do Say: “The Killarney crowd really know how to do things right.”
Don’t Say: “Seriously though? A July 4 parade? For the Yanks?!”
Jimmy O’Brien’s.
5. Jimmy O’Brien’s, Fairhill
Still a go-to spot for the purists and people who know their football, it’s a pub steeped in the tradition of Kerry football with many a great session had by GAA royalty over the years.
Do Say: A lot about tactics, old stories from the glory years, derision of blanket defences, how things used to be etc. etc.
Don’t Say: “So what time is kick-off then in the footy game?”
