THE YEAR PAST – SENIOR HURLING: Mike O’Halloran (former Club player) and Michael O’Leary (brother of current player, Kevin) took charge of the team in 2015 and, as usual, got a great response from the 28 man squad who lined-out at one time or another during the year..
It has to be regarded as a very successful season when you win the premier competition of your grade. And that’s what our Hurlers did in winning the Co. Championship (at JH level) for the 2nd time in four seasons. In addition they also won the South Kerry JH League and took part in the Munster JH ‘B’ Championship for the first time. They were also runners-up in the Co’ League (Div 3) going down to a strong Ballyheigue team in the final.
We played 12 games in total (including one walk-over which we received), winning 7, drawing one and losing 4. Paul Daly and Michael O’Leary registered the most appearances with 10 each, followed closely with nine games played by Andrew Morrissey and Danny Maguire.
One of the season’s new-comers, Colm Ó Giollagáin was chief scorer with a whopping 12-40 to his credit. Next in line were Ronan Gilsenan (3-19), Danny Maguire (3-12) and Michael O’Leary (0-17).
THE YEAR PAST – U21 FOOTBALL: Like our Minors, our U21s also had to witness an unfinished season. We reached the Club Championship Final (Shield Section) but this game (against Templenoe) had not been played by year’s end. Of the 4 games played during the season we won 2 and lost 2. A total of 33 players lined out in those 4 games, with five players lining out in all four games – Patrick Fitzgibbon, Colin Griffin, Barry Walsh, Alan Duggan and Seán Dukes. Alan (the team captain) was also top scorer, followed closely by Ferdia O’Brien and Greg Horan. Greg and Conor Jordan were also part of the Kerry U21 team earlier in the year.
2015 – OVERALL SUMMARY: In the five grades covered (SF, SH, JFB, U21 and MF) a total of 127 players lined out during the course of the season. The player with the most appearances was Seán Dukes (32) followed closely by Jack O’Shea (31) and Barry Walsh (30). We had only two dual players (those who played hurling and football) – Andrew Morrissey and Breandán Caball, Four players played with four of the five teams under review – Calvin Foley, Colin Griffin, Michael O’Donnell and Seán Dukes – all four played at one time or another with the A team, the B team, the U21s and the Minors.
And if there was a Player of the Year Award it would be hard to overlook Seán Dukes as, in addition to the above achievements, he also broke that all-time record for the most appearances at Minor level, (38 appearances over his Minor career, since making his Minor debut on the 2nd February 2013)
Matters run so smoothly on match days that the work of the people who make it happen can be easily overlooked. But the contribution made by people like John Breen, Noel O’Connell, Kevin O’Leary and Denis O’Connor is invaluable.
CLUB SOCIAL: The Club Social is moving closer now. It takes place on Saturday week (30th January) at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel. It will include a Champagne Reception and the facility to watch Kerry .v. Dublin NFL game live in the hotel bar. The match will be followed by dinner, band & disco ’til late. Tickets at €30 are available from the Club Bar from this weekend or you may pre-book by texting 087 0559455 or 087 2461732. Always a great night.
BINGO: continues in our Clubhouse on this and every Saturday night commencing at 8.30pm.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. For Bookings phone Des Griffin at 086 402 0808.
CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse on every Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 9.30pm each night.
All at the Cards extend sincere sympathy to Anne O’Connor and Pat Joyce on the death of their sister, Mary Bennett in Claremorris (see sympathy)
LOTTO: Last week’s (11th Jan) Jackpot, worth €5,000, was not won. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 17 and 23.
The €20 Winners were: Katie Leen, c/o Tom Leen; Josephine Casey and Cathal Healy, both c/o Richard Healy; Jackie Keating, c/o Carmel O’Neill; and Pat Kissane, c/o The Club.
Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the following who died recently – Seán O’Donnell, Blennerville; Mary Dwyer (nee O’Brien), St. John’s Park and late of Doon, Listellick; Mary Bennett (nee Joyce), Claremorris (see Cards); Joe Flynn, Rahoonane; Seamus Dowling, Stack’s Villas (father of former Club Hurler, Pat); and Catherine Irwin (nee Keane), Basin View.
.John Mitchels James Duggan attempts to past Spa’s Andrew Garnett and Alfie Giles. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Gavin O’Connor was at the Senior County League Division 1 Promotion Playoff Final in Brosna yesterday…
John Mitchels 1-15
Spa 1-15
TWO unanswered points well into stoppage time in extra time by Spa, means both sides will have to go again for a place in this year’s Division 1 of the County League.
John Mitchels James Duggan was the star of the show, scoring 1-5 from play and 1-8 in total at a blustery and bleak Brosna on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the final 15 minutes of the second-half in normal time, it looked like the Tralee side had done enough, but Spa pulled the game back scoring five on the bounce to force extra-time.
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Mitchels were just about the better side, they will rue missing two handy chances in front of goal in the dying moments of the 60 that would have surely seen them over the line.
A huge factor in the match was a strong gale that perpetuated throughout. The Tralee side, opted to play with the breeze in the first half after winning the toss.
The advantage showed, they kicked eight points in the half. Spa got a vital goal with three minutes left from Craig Hickey, to keep them in touch.
In the final minutes of the half, Spa were cut open on three occasions where the ball was unlucky not to finish to the net – one of them a cracker of a shot from the outside of the boot by George Bastible, which rattled the post.
The half finished John Mitchels 1-6, Spa 1-3.
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Spa’s, Evan Cronin, is hounded by the Mitchels defence. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Now it was the turn of the East Kerry side to gain the wind advantage, but it was Mitchels who had the better of Spa on the scoreboard. That was until Shane O’Connor got his marching orders for a tackle off the ball on 49 minutes.
Confusion reigned as referee, Brendan Griffin, first produced a black card, then a red. O’Connor walked off and Mitchels were down to 14.
With the wind and momentum now behind Spa, they began to attack the Mitchels goal. Midfielder Andrew Garnett was getting the better of things around the middle and the industrious Evan Cronin was proving a handful.
Bit by bit, Spa clawed back the lead and a point with two minutes left from the excellent Michael O’Donoghue, brought the game to extra-time.
The match finished 1-10 apiece.
Story continued below…
John Mitchels George Bastible lays off a pass for Niall Sheehy, Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
With Mitchels returning to the full complement of players, Spa once more had the benefit of the breeze for the first half of extra time, which finished with Spa one point in front – Michael O’Donoghue putting them ahead for the first time since the 16th minute.
Mitchels made a switch, putting half back Stephen O’Mahony, who was seeing a lot of ball, into the forward line and it instantly paid off. O’Mahony scored a point a minute into the final half of the match.
A point by James Duggan and another from Alan O’Donoghue, put Mitchels ahead by two once more.
It looked like Mitchels were going to do it, but unfortunately for them, a melee that stopped the game for seven minutes put a halt to their gallop.
Ugly scenes developed outside the Spa dugout with both teams involved and even, at one stage, a few supporters.
It got so bad that it looked as if Spa manager, Pat Cronin, was calling his players off the pitch, but finally order was restored and we were in for a nail biter of a finish.
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With the match well into stoppage time, Spa fought hard to claw it back. Mike Foley brought it to within a point and with the last kick of the game, Shane Cronin fired a shot off the inside of the post and over the bar.
Mitchels will feel they left this game behind them, but credit must be given also to Spa’s battling spirit.
The replay will be played, Sunday, January 24 at 1:30pm. Venue to be confirmed.
More photos below…
Scorers
John Mitchels: James Duggan 1-8 (3f), Alan O’Donoghue 0-3 (1f), Shane O’Connor 0-1, Niall Sheehy 0-1, Sean Moloney 0-1, Stephen O’Mahony 0-1
Spa: Michael O’Donoghue 0-6 (3f), Craig Hickey 1-2, Evan Cronin 0-1, Mike Foley 0-3 (1f), Dan O’Dononghue 0-1, Alfie Giles 0-1, Shane Cronin 0-1
Teams
John Mitchels: Dermot Raggett, Daniel Kerins, Brendan O’Mahony, Cian Sheridan, Stephen O’Mahony, Laurence Bastible (Capt), Frank O’Donnell, Ciaran Deane, Mike Deane, Sean Moloney, Shane O’Connor, George Bastible, Niall Sheehy, James Duggan, Alan O’Donoghue
Spa: James Devane, Paul Russell, Michael, Finnegan, Shane Lynch, David Spillane, Dan O’Donoghue, Shane Cronin, Matt Moynihan, Andrew Garnett, Mike McCarthy, Alfie Giles, Michael O’Donoghue, Craig Hickey
John Mitchels Alan O’Donoghue, attempts to go past Spa’s David Spillane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.John Mitchels Cian Sheridan lays off a pass. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.John Mitchels Mike Deane ready to get on the ball. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Spa’s Mike Foley gets ready to attack with John Mitchels Daniel Kerins standing by. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorSpa’s Shane Cronin closely marshaled by John Mitchel’s Shane O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.John Mitchels George Bastible comes away with the ball. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.President of IT Tralee Students Union, Ben Slimm.
ALTHOUGH the General Election hasn’t been called yet, IT Tralee Students Union have invited all candidates to take part in a debate at the college early next month.
President of the Union, Ben Slimm, has invited all candidates to take part in a debate on the topic of education at the Solas Building of the North Campus on Thursday, February 4 at 6.30pm.
“The hustings will deal with education issues and will be independently chaired. This is an opportunity to receive feedback and also engage with the student body of the IT Tralee on the issues that face them as they pursue their education,” reads the invitation from the Union.
.(click to enlarge photo) Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, presenting the SuperValu Fáilte Ireland, South West & Mid-West Region TidyTowns Awards Ceremony, at the Listowel Arms Hotel, with Grace O’Dwyer (standing 4th left) Supervalu, Brand Manager, in association with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to Tralee Tidy Towns. Sitting from left, Josephine Griffin, Mary O’Brien, Joan O’Regan, back row from left Kevin McCarthy, Cllr Pat McCarthy, Mayor of Kerry, Julie O’Sullivan, Cllr Sam Locke. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
THE awards for SuperValu TidyTowns winners in the South West and Mid-West region for 2015 were presented on Friday at a prize-giving ceremony in the Listowel Arms, Listowel.
SuperValu TidyTowns winners, including Tralee, were presented with their awards by Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Disapora Affairs, and Grace O’Dwyer, Community and Sponsorship Manager at SuperValu, proud sponsors of the competition. Also joining the Minister on stage was Siobhan King of Fáilte Ireland.
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The overall winner for the region is Listowel. Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Deenihan said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity this evening to acknowledge the efforts of TidyTowns groups across this region, and to pay tribute to the very many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who get involved in this great competition every year.
“The unselfish effort and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really does make a difference to our communities. The result of their hard work is evident across the region in towns and villages that are inclusive, better cared for, better places to live and more attractive places to visit.”
The Minister also thanked TidyTowns’ main sponsor SuperValu. “I thank SuperValu for their continued sponsorship of this competition. This is SuperValu’s 25th year of involvement in the competition at local and national level and they have helped this competition to flourish and grow and continue to demonstrate a real commitment to supporting local communities”.
Interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been stronger than ever in recent years and for the fifth year running over 800 communities entered the competition, a record 862 participating in 2015.
Other Kerry towns and villages presented with awards were Kenmare, Killarney, Sneem, Knightstown, Kilgarvan and Portmagee.
Joe’s dog Sparky is walked ahead of the hearse with Leeds United fans, Tralee Dynamos and the Kerry darts community. Photo by Dermot Crean
“Legends never die, they only sleep on.”
THE above words, from Fr Mossie Brick, were delivered towards the end of the Joe Flynn’s funeral service on Saturday morning.
Apt words on a day that Tralee and Kerry said farewell to a man who touched the lives of so many during his 58 years and, through going public with his positivity in the face of terminal illness, inspired so many.
Joe Flynn.
Joe, a Killorglin native, who made Tralee his home after meeting his wife Breda over 35 years ago, was buried in Rath Cemetery yesterday. But what a send-off he got.
Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church was packed on a day of heartbreak – interspersed with moments of laughter – as mourners heard stories about a man whose exploits in soccer, GAA, fishing, darts and so many more corners of his life endeared him to so many.
Fr Brick remembered how he met Joe 40 years ago. “He was 18, full of life and enthusiasm, 6 ft with long hair,” said Fr Mossie.
He recounted his experiences with Joe on the soccer field and later revealed how he unveiled his plans for marriage.
“One day, when walking off the field he asked if I would marry him [laughing from the congregation]. ‘Jaysus Joe’ says I, ‘I’ll have to think about that one’. Of course I said I’d be delighted to officiate,” said Fr Brick.
Fr Brick detailed what Joe went through fighting cancer and the ordeal he suffered in chemotherapy, the strength he received from his faith in Padre Pio, his love for his family and his vehement defiance and brave battle against cancer.
Later during the service, there were a number of symbols of Joe’s life brought to the altar.
A set of darts was brought up to reflect his passion for the sport. His talent for sign-writing – examples of which can be seen all over Kerry and far beyond – were signified by brushes brought to the altar.
A Tralee Dynamos shirt, a club which he served with great distinction, was brought up to show his service to the famous town institution.
His great love of his dog Sparky was recognised by a dog lead and a Padre Pio prayer book was laid at the altar to signify the inspiration the saint had on Joe.
A framed montage of photographs displayed his greatest love – his family and a fishing rod was brought up to acknowledge his love of the hobby.
Lastly, a Leeds United shirt was brought up, worn by his great friend and staunch Manchester United fan, Seamie Mahony, while, according to Joe’s wishes “we are Leeds, we are proud, standing singing loud, there is nothing you can do against the yellow, white and blue” was read out much to the laughter and applause of the mourners.
His daughter Joanne, whom a proud Joe walked down the aisle for her wedding in November, read out ‘The Broken Chain’ and she did him proud.
In fact, considering Joe had a lot to do with the planning of the service, he could be proud of pretty much everything that went on in the church on Saturday.
Lastly, Joe’s daughter Bernie spoke about her father’s life.
She described his upbringing in Killorglin where he was mother Kitty’s “blue-eyed boy who could do no wrong”. Joe called to his mother every week right up to the end.
Bernie described how Joe met Breda.
“They both had a very special connection, friendship and love for each other. They were always, always, together. She loved him with all of her heart. She really became the strongest woman I know.”
Bernie also told of how Joe and Breda faced heartbreak in their early years together burying four children, Catherine, Elizabeth, Angela and Timmy, but were eventually blessed with Bernie and Joanne.
“Dad always said his greatest achievement was becoming a father,” said Bernie who went on to describe Joe’s love for Joanne and herself and the pride he took in both their careers and the lives they led.
She described his skill at sign-writing, his illustrious soccer career with Callinafercy and Tralee Dynamos, his passion for darts which he excelled at, winning many competitions.
Bernie described Joe’s fight against cancer and his positive attitude and sense of humour throughout in the face of such suffering.
When they got the news that Joe’s illness was terminal, there was tears and anger but Bernie said Joe reflected on the life he had, the fact that he had a loving wife and family whom he was so proud of and “had the pleasure of seeing me and Joanne grow up and marry two great men.”
Bernie said Joe’s greatest joy was his granddaughter Caitlin. She described how Joe would jump in puddles with her – despite Bernie’s protestations.
When Joe became very ill and needed a walking stick when out and about, he made a miniature one for Caitlin, who developed a limp in sympathy with her grandad.
She told how Joe went public about his illness on TraleeToday.ie, in Kerry’s Eye and on the Ray Darcy show on RTE Radio 1. He wanted to highlight the issue of men’s health and his message of mind over matter in the face of terminal illness.
“Be aware of your health. If something doesn’t feel right get it checked out,” was his message Bernie said.
She told of how proud they were of him towards the end. “He fought very hard. We were so proud and totally inspired with his determination, his pride, his strength and his heart.”
When a priest came to him in Kerry General Hospital on Sunday and said he had put up a great rest and it was time to rest, Joe responded immediately; “Father, I’m very sorry, I can’t die on Sunday, Fr Brick is the only parish priest in Lixnaw and he’s completely flat out.”
On behalf of the family, Bernie thanked all the medical staff in Kerry General Hospital, Dr Brian Kelly, the Kerry Cork Health Link Bus, Breda, Bernie and Joanne’s employers and many, many more people who helped them through this difficult time as well as the clergy in St Brendan’s and Fr Mossie Brick.
Bernie finished with this;
“Finally, I say to the man who painted that gorgeous sign, that finished that impossible double, that scored that winning goal, that put a smile on faces, that always had a listening ear and a huge heart – til we meet again dad, I love you always.”
Applause rang out long and loud as Bernie made her way back to her family.
Tralee Dynamos, members of the Kerry darts community and Leeds United fans formed a guard of honour to lead Joe to his resting place in Rath Cemetery, while Joe’s dog loyal dog, Sparky, was walked ahead of the hearse. Sleep on legend.
.Captain of the 2015 Kerry County Championship winning team Sean Maunsell, Chairman of Kilmoyley GAA Club Joe Walsh and captain of the Kerry team Daniel Collins with the Neilus Flynn Cup, the Division 2A League trophy won by Kerry, the Christy Ring Cup and the Minor B All-Ireland trophy at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was a lot of silverware on show at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night.
The occasion was the Kilmoyley GAA club social and they had much to celebrate as county senior and intermediate hurling champions.
Not only was the Neilus Flynn county senior championship trophy present, but the Christy Ring and Division 2A League trophies won by the Kerry seniors were also on show, as well as the Minor B All-Ireland hurling cup.
With Daniel Collins captaining the Kerry side in the coming season there was a lot to look back on, and indeed forward to, in 2016.
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“We’d a fantastic year really,” said Chairman of the club, Joe Walsh. “We won the intermediate championship, which is a great feat in itself as we had about 27 players used already for the seniors. If we only won that we’d be celebrating anyway, but then the seniors won so you can imagine the type of year we’ve had,” said Joe.
Joe felt having the county championship matches held around the clubs in north Kerry brought something special this year.
“It was great, you’d be travelling only a short distance to a game and the different clubs were well able to facilitate the games. First round games can still be held in the clubs this year, but Austin Stack Park will be up and running and that’s the place for the semi-finals and final. We’re looking forward to it being open again,” said Joe.
And what of 2016?
“Hopes are high for this year but after tonight there’s no looking back at the past. The rest of the teams in the county will be going hammer and tongs for the title and we wouldn’t expect anything less from them…and that’s what we’ll be doing as well,” said Joe.
Of course there were a number of presentations on the night.
Kerry Senior Championship, Intermediate Championship and North Kerry Junior League medals were given out, while individuals were also honoured.
The Hall of Fame award was presented to Willie O’Leary, Intermediate Player of the Year was Brendan Harris, while Senior Player of the Year was given to Daniel Collins.
A great night of celebrations, but you got the feeling that laurels will not be rested upon in Kilmoyley for 2016.
Scroll down for photos…
.Norette Casey, Clodagh Walsh and Kristen Curran at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Richard and Phil Flaherty, Margaret Carroll and Trish O’Connor at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanClaire, James, John and Agnes Godley at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Kevin Burke, Louise Ryan, Róisín O’Regan, Niamh Leen (“Causeway!”) and Shauna Crowe and Robert Collins at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gillian and Richard Gentleman, Kathleen and Paddy O’Sullivan, Liz O’Sullivan, Ollie and Eilish Diggins and Paudie O’Sullivan at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mary, Declan and Aislinn Dowling at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSheila Ann Dee and Caroline Corridon at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanGavin Dooley, Billy Stack, Erin Stack, Triona Curran, David Godley and Shayne Stack at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAoife Godley, Sarah McCarthy, Caitlyn Brick, Sarah Walsh, Saoirse Sheehy at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanChristy Walsh, Hurling Officer with Kerry County Board Ger McCarthy, Stephen Brick, captain of Kilmoyley team Sean Maunsell, captain of the Kerry team Daniel Collins, David Brick, Billy Brick, Jimmy Brick, Ian Brick and Joe Walsh, Chairman of Kilmoyley GAA club with the Division 2A League trophy won by Kerry, the Neilus Flynn Cup, the Christy Ring Cup and the Minor B All-Ireland trophy at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDoreen, Douglas and Jessica Fitzell at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSarah Collins, Orla Young, Mairead O’Mahony, Aine Brassil and Gráinne Leen at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanLuke Fitzell, Sean Dowling and Sean Nolan at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Brick, David Brick, Wiliam Brick and Clara Leahy at the Kilmoyley GAA social at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Club senior players Jack Savage, David Moran and Cormac Coffey with club members launching the Kerins O’Rahillys 10k which takes place on Sunday, January 31. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERINS O’Rahilly’s are looking forward to their second 10k Run at the end of the month and this time finishers will be presented with a special 1916-themed medal featuring one of the men whom the club is named after.
With 400 taking part last year, organisers are hoping to exceed that number this year to raise funds for the club on January 31.
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“The medal commemorates Michael O’Rahilly who fought in 1916. There’s a lot things happening this year in the GAA around the country to do with the Rising and this is our event to commemorate one of the men whom the club is named after,” said Peter Nolan, one of the organisers of the event.
“It’s a unique medal and everyone who finishes, running or walking, will receive it. It’s a real collectors item,” said Peter.
There is also a competition where clubs are invited to enter teams of four. Last year Kerry Crusaders won the men’s race and Na Gaeil ladies taking the women’s crown.
“There are seven football and running clubs entering teams so far, so it would be great to get the local clubs around town to enter team of four, with the first three home times to count. We also welcome walkers to take part in the event. At the end of the day it’s about exercise and keeping fit,” said Peter.
There will be refreshments after the event at about 12noon in the clubhouse along with the presentations.
The run takes place at 10am on Sunday, January 31 from the Clubhouse.
Registration at €20 is open now online at the Run The Kingdom website by clicking here
Registration and number collection will be open on Saturday, January 30, between 12pm and 8pm at the clubhouse and again on the day of the run between 8am to 9am in the clubhouse.
OUR conditioning – What is it? I suppose a good place to start is to firstly declare the type of conditioning I am referring to.
As the title suggests, I am not referring to hair, nor am I referring to the physical attributes of our bodies.
The specific type of conditioning I am concerned with here is our psychological conditioning.
This psychological conditioning is obviously connected with our thought processes and how we continuously repeat similar thought processes, right throughout our lives particularly when we are unaware or doing just this.
We are told that up to 90% of our thoughts are repetitive and useless to begin with. That would surely suggest that there is a lot of wasted energy going on here.
Long ago if a child asked his father – Who is God ? His father would more than likely reply – ‘Ask your mother’. Nowadays if a child was to ask his father the same question – Who is God? The answer would be ‘Google it!’
So when we ‘Google’ psychological conditioning we find – a response that occurs with increasing regularity in a well-specified and stable environment.
It gives the classic example of ‘Pavlov’s dog’ whereby a dog responds to the regular ringing of a bell by salivating as he knows that the bell is connected with food. Even when the food isn’t present the dog continues to ‘salivate’ as he connects the ringing of the bell with the supply of food. (Sidenote: that is why such fabulous smells emanate from many restaurants e.g. the smell of garlic cooking in order to whet our appetite!)
Thus it is an automatic associative response within the dog. This was first discovered by a Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov (1849 – 1926), whose experiments earned him the 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.
As human beings we have a distinct advantage over animals in that we have the ability to control our own thought processes. But to do this we must firstly become aware of the repetitive and useless nature of our thought processes.
As I said above even the useless waste of energy that results from this should be enough to spur us on to take action.
Furthermore on examination we should become aware of how enslaved we are as human beings to these repetitive useless thoughts. This is where our habits arise from and it is these very habits that are now being tried and tested in every fitness class and dieticians course every January.
It might seem like I’m being negative but I’m not – I’m simply pointing out that if we don’t take control over our own minds and thought processes to create positive habits then all of these ‘New year fads’ are as useful as ‘an ashtray on a motorbike’!
All of this has to do with our mental conditioning and when we realise this and take action to change it, then it can be the best life-changing decision that one will ever make.
The next obvious question I can hear you asking is – Roger – ‘how do I do this?’ Yes again you’ve guessed it – the easiest and most accessible way to do this is Meditation.
Meditation firstly makes us aware of our own thought processes and how jumbled, uncontrolled and random our thought processes are.
This is commonly referred to as ‘The Monkey Mind’ Once we become aware that this is going on inside us we can begin to control it.
Firstly there is awareness and then there is action – very simple – thus we being to take control of our own conditioning and our own minds!
The man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled. – Andrew Carnegie
• Next week I am going to write about – The Monkey Mind
THIS is GAA ‘silly season’ with the National League weeks away and the All-Ireland Club Championships on a break until February.
Well the national GAA journalists have a bit of downtime these days, so one of them has picked his top 50 full-backs of the last 50 years.
Martin Breheny of the Irish Independent made his selection in today’s paper and it’s an Austin Stacks man who takes the No.1 position.
Here’s what he has to say about John O’Keeffe…
“Those who claim that previous generation full-backs would be unable to adapt to the modern game clearly know nothing of O’Keeffe. Whatever the age or era, he would have been the ultimately authoritative No 3.
Equally effective in air and ground wars, his approach was invariably positive, operating off the basic policy that if he beat his opponent to the ball, he was in control.
O’Keeffe started as a centre-back, where he won the first of seven All-Ireland senior medals in 1970. By 1972 (when Kerry lost to Offaly in a replayed final) he was at midfield, before taking over at full-back for the glory run under Mick O’Dwyer.
He is a member of the exclusive five All-Stars club, having won four at full-back and one at midfield (’73, ’75, ’76, ’78 and ’79).”
Other Kerry players featuring in the list are Sean Walsh (12), Seamus Moynihan (14), Paudie O’Donoghue (19), Tom O’Sullivan (33).
Marc Ó Sé and Mike McCarthy were excluded on the basis that while both played at full-back at various times, they mostly played in other positions, where they gained most of their accolades.
THE printed Kerry 2016 programme is now available at local libraries, area offices, Kerry County Museum, and from Kerry County Council at County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee.
The programme was launched last month at Tralee Library by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Pat McCarthy.
The website www.kerry2016.ie also shows a full list of events and up to date information will be added there.
“The plan is full of community events, artistic events, state ceremonial events and much more,” says Cllr Pat McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council. “The people of Kerry have got behind these centennial celebrations and are contributing to them in so many ways. The programme has something for everyone.”
.Liam Maguire (right) presents a painting of old Blennerville to Principal of St Brendan’s NS Blennerville, Terry O’Sullivan at the school on Friday. Also included is Liam’s wife Sinead and sons Harry and Jack.
YESTERDAY was a landmark day for St Brendan’s NS in Blennerville, as the old school was demolished after 84 years of educating generations of locals.
A former pupil decided to mark the opening of the new school with a presentation which, no doubt, will find a place in the great new building.
“My sisters, Michelle and Aisling and I were past pupils at the old school in Blennerville, and have great memories,” said Liam Maguire of Maguire’s Butchers in Caherslee.
“Our two sons Jack and Harry are attending the school so we decided to present the school with a painting of Blennerville in the old days before the windmill was restored and showing the workhouse plus the seven arches in the old bridge. It was painted by a Lohercannon artist Florence O’Connor,” said Liam. A nice gesture during changing times in St Brendan’s.
.Owen O’Shea with Radio Kerry colleagues Fiona Stack, Jackie Carlos and Deirdre Walsh at Owen’s farewell dinner in Bella Bia on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
FRIDAY was a sad day for staff in Radio Kerry as a popular member of staff finished up at the station.
Journalist Owen O’Shea, who has been bringing the people of Kerry the news for the past two years, is set to take up a new role as Communications Officer with Kerry County Council shortly.
“It’s exciting and challenging after eight years in journalism, so I’m looking forward to it,” Owen told us on Friday evening, at a farewell dinner thrown by workmates at Bella Bia.
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Prior to joining Radio Kerry, he spent five years at Kerry’s Eye and found the time to write a book, ‘Heirs To The Kingdom – Kerry’s Political Dynasties’ back in 2011.
It won’t be the last you’ll hear from Owen on Radio Kerry though. Whenever there’s a weather crisis or the Council is contacted about news stories it’s likely to be Owen’s voice you’ll hear on the radio.
Best of luck in the new job!
Radio Kerry staff Marie Sweeney, Treasa Murphy, Aisling O’Brien, Elaine Kinsella and Melanie O’Sullivan at Owen O’Shea’s farewell dinner at Bella Bia on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Assistant Principal of Coláiste Gleann Lí, Maryanne Lowney (left) and Principal Richard Lawlor (right) with award-winning students Michaela Hrachovinova, Paul McCarthy, Aisha Hassain, Snjezana Herbsts, Mistura Bukky Oyebanji at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
OVER 200 people attended the Kerry Education and Training Board Annual Student Awards event held in the Institute of Technology Tralee, North Campus, on Friday night.
The guest of honour was Tralee native and major figure in women’s rugby both in Connacht and Ireland, Ruth O’Reilly.
Ruth was one of the Irish women’s rugby team who won the Six Nations last year and she presented the awards to 58 exceptional students on the night.
It was also an occasion to remember a former teacher who passed away in 2012. Paul Lucey husband and the family of the late Kathleen Lucey a former Irish teacher of Tralee Community College kindly commissioned a special award for Oral Irish in Kathleen’s memory.
This is now an annual award for the student who achieves the highest results in the Optional Oral Irish in the Junior Certificate.
The award winners on the night came from the Kerry ETB schools; Coláiste Gleann Lí, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Castleisland Community College, Causeway Comprehensive, Coláiste Na Ríochta, Killorglin Community College, Killarney Community College, Coláiste Na Sceilge and students from Youthreach programmes in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel.
Colm McEvoy CEO Kerry ETB emphasised that; “This is one of the most important annual events for all involved in Kerry ETB. It is an opportunity for the organisation to celebrate and highlight the achievements of students in Kerry ETB schools and in Youthreach Centres.”
“The awards presented are very reflective of these core values and the organisation’s holistic approach to education provision. Two new awards were introduced this year “Transition Year Award” which encourages and motivates Students to make the most of their Transition Year Experience and a “Peer Mentor Award” which acknowledges the contribution of Senior Cycle Students to the integration of First Year Students in our schools.”
3,179 students attend Kerry ETB post primary schools and 120 participants attend Youthreach centres.
According to Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer “This awards event celebrates both academic achievement and also awards personal growth and leadership development which is strongly emphasised in each school and Youthreach centre.”
Cllr. Jim Finucane Cathaoirleach Kerry ETB highlighted “our student leadership award which is designed to recognise and encourage the very significant leadership role played by our students in our Student Councils. The students nominated for this award are chosen by their own peers for their loyalty and commitment in their role on the Student Council.”
Cllr. Jim Finucane as Cathaoirleach of Kerry ETB presented the Gold Medal Awards for best overall Academic Achievement to Alexander Mantel Killarney Community College who achieved 600 points in his Leaving Certificate in 2015. Alexander is currently taking a Gap year.
This year Kerry ETB is looking forward to a very memorable year of 1916 Commemorations. Planned events include; public speaking, art, drama, creative writing, film and music composition. Events will take place in each school and will culminate in an overall ETB event on the 7th April.
Scroll down for photos and further down for the full list of winners on the night…
.Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí students, at back; Barra Ó Siochrú, Ríona Breathnach, Caoimhe Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Róisín Ní Churraí, in front, Máire Ní Threantaigh with Principal Austin Ó Seachnasaigh and Deputy Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, special guest Ruth O’Reilly and Colm McEvoy and Ann O’Dwyer from Kerry ETB at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Students from Coláiste na Sceilge with staff, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Students from Causeway Comprehensive with staff, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Castleisland Community College Students with staff, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Students from Coláiste na Sceilge with staff, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tammy McCarthy and Rachel McCarthy of Listowel Youthreach, Aileen McKenna and Tim O’Connor, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer from Kerry ETB at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanKillorglin Community College students with Principal Con Moynihan, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer from Kerry ETB at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanStudents from Killarney Community College with Principal Fiona O’Brien, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanKerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy, Eva Enright of Coláiste Na Ríochta Listowel, Kerry ETB Education Officer Anne O’Dwyer, award winner Philomena Hickey of Coláiste na Ríochta Listowel, special guest Ruth O’Reilly,and Stephen Goulding, Principal of Coláiste na Ríochta, Listowel at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAward winners from Youthreach programmes with staff and special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanColáiste Gleann Lí students Michaela Hrachovinova, Paul McCarthy, Mistura Bukky Oyebanji, Snjezana Herbsts with Principal Richard Lawlor, Asst Principal Maryanne Lawlor and Paul Lucey, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy and Education Officer Ann O’Dwyer at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAward-winning students from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Micheál Ó Moráin, Jane D’Altúin, Róisín Ní Churraí, Barra Ó Siochrú, Ríona Breathnach, Máire Ní Threantaigh and Caoimhe Ní Mhuircheartaigh at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAward winners, special guest Ruth O’Reilly, Colm McEvoy and Ann O’Dwyer from Kerry ETB and Chairman of Kerry ETB Jim Finucane at the awards in IT Tralee on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry Education and training Board
Student Awards 2015
CERTIFICATE AWARD WINNERS
Exceptional Involvement in the Life of the School at Junior CYCLE
Castleisland Community College Padraig O’Connell
Causeway Comprehensive School Matthew Pike
Coláiste Gleann Lí Snjezana Herbsts
Coláiste na Ríochta Amy O’Connor
Coláiste na Sceilge Stephen O’Sullivan
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Máire Ní Threantaigh
Killarney Community CollegeRory Carroll
Killorglin Community College Shane Ahern
Junior Certificate Academic Award
Castleisland Community College Anita McCarthy
Causeway Comprehensive School John Crowley
Coláiste Gleann Lí Paul McCarthy
Coláiste na Ríochta Mark Fealey
Coláiste na Sceilge Dervla Donegan
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Róisín Ní Churraí
Killarney Community CollegeSarah O’Riordan Clifford
Killorglin Community College Jesse O’Connell
Exceptional Leadership in the School Council/Youthreach Centre
Castleisland Community College Tara O’Shea
Causeway Comprehensive School Olivia Stack
Coláiste Gleann Lí Mistura Bukky Oyebanji
Coláiste na Ríochta Ciaran O’Connor
Coláiste na Sceilge Garrath Burke-Weigt
Gaelcholáiste ChiarraíBarra Ó’Siochrú
Killarney Community CollegeBrian Kelleher
Killorglin Community College Suzanne Murphy
Listowel Youthreach Tammy McCarthy
Transforum Alley Youthreach Stanislav Mika
TY Achievement Award
Castleisland Community College Rachel O’Connor
Causeway Comprehensive School Alana O’Connor
Coláiste na Sceilge Donna Fitzgerald
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Ríona Breathnach
Killarney Community College Mutaz Almusawi
Peer Mentor Award
Castleisland Community College Ashling Moriarty
Causeway Comprehensive School Solas O’Halloran
Coláiste Gleann Lí Michaela Hrachovinova
Coláiste na Sceilge Linda Ní Néill
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Caoimhe Ní Mhuircheartaigh
Killarney Community College Grainne Dineen
Killorglin Community College Sinead Hyde
MEDAL AWARD WINNERS
Silver Medal
best youthreach student
Killarney Youthreach Jonathan O’Connell
Listowel Youthreach Rachel McCarty
South Kerry Youthreach Conor Scanlon
Tralee Youthreach LCA Sherban Seif
Transforum Alley YouthreachHatim Seif
Best lca student
Killarney Community College Fiona Tangney
Tralee Youthreach LCA Paulina Mroczek
School Academic Excellence Award
Castleisland Community College Erin O’Connor
Causeway Comprehensive School Jack Goulding
Coláiste Gleann Lí Aisha Hassain
Coláiste na Ríochta Philomena Hickey
Coláiste na Sceilge Kevin O’Sullivan
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Jane D’Altuin
Killorglin Community College Ciara Wakefield
GOLD Medal
Béaltrialacha roghnacha sa Ghaeilge an Teastais Shóisearaigh
Coláiste na Sceilge Aoibhín Ní Choileáin
Silver Medal – Best Science Student
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Micheál Móráin
Silver Medal – Best Technology Student
Castleisland Community College Cian Lonergan
Silver Medal – Best Languages, Arts & Social Sciences Student
.Presentation Secondary School students who have started a campaign to end dog waste in public places. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
PRESENTATION Secondary School students are calling for an end to owners not picking up after their dog has done its dirty work in public areas.
The transition year class have started the campaign ‘If Your Dog Poops, You Scoop’.
The aim is to promote the picking up of dog waste and to have more dog waste bins available in Tralee.
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The class also hope that the project will inform people about the environmental dangers of dog waste.
The idea for the campaign came about after science teacher, Rita O’Donoghue, took her students on a stroll by the Lee Valley Walkway, which runs along the back of Fels Point and the Aqua Dome.
“As we walked every ten steps there was a pile of dog waste,” said Presentation student, Emma Sheehy.
“We thought it was a big problem so we looked into it, first we emailed the council about a dog waste warden and we got no direct reply”.
“We then looked around and found there isn’t a lot of bins in the park and not a lot along the canal either where most people walk their dogs”
This year, the council will spend over €150,000 on the dog warden service.
The money will go towards the cost of four dog wardens, a pound keeper and the operation of a dog shelter and pound in Tralee.
The girls are planning to have a meeting with the council about the relatively small amount of bins and issues around who is policing the areas so the area will be dog waste free.
An awareness day for the cause takes place next Friday, January 22. Where they will head into town and try to encourage owners to pick up after their dogs.
You can check out the Pres girls campaign on Facebook – HERE
.David Moran returns to midfield for Kerry on Sunday.
THE Kerry team to face Tipperary on Sunday will see David Moran and Tommy Walsh pair up in midfield with their club mate Barry John Keane in the forward line.
Killian Young will captain the side which features eleven of the match day squad for last year’s All Ireland Final in the panel, while nine of those start.
Kerry play Tipperary in Round 2 of the McGrath Cup in Tipperary Town on Sunday at 2pm.
Just four of last week’s starting fifteen which took on Clare retain their place, with Austin Stacks’ Wayne Guthrie on the subs bench.
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Here’s the team…
1 Brendan Kealy Kilcummin
2 Briain O Beaglaoich An Ghaeltacht
3 Mark Griffin St Michaels-Foilmore
4 Fionn Fitzgerald Dr Crokes
5 Paul Murphy Rathmore
6 Killian Young (Captain) Reenard
7 Padraig O’Connor Killarney Legion
8 David Moran Kerins O’Rahillys
9 Tommy Walsh Kerins O’Rahillys
10 Philip O’Connor Cordal
11 Johnny Buckley Dr Crokes
12 Jamie O’Sullivan Killarney Legion
13 Barry John Keane Kerins O’Rahillys
14 Alan Fitzgerald Castlegregory
15 Stephen O’Brien Kenmare
Fir Ionaid:
16 Brian Kelly Killarney Legion
17 Jonathan Lyne Killarney Legion
18 Tom O’Sullivan Dingle
19 Paul O’Sullivan Valentia
20 Wayne Guthrie Austin Stacks
21 Conor Cox Listowel Emmets
.Bulldozers levelled the old Blennerville school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT was a sad day for many in Blennerville on Friday as the bulldozers moved into St Brendan’s Blennerville old school.
They started work demolishing the 84 year old building before 9am and six hours later the school was levelled.
Many past pupils looked on as they collected their children from school and no doubt remembered the good times they had in the building.
The demolition was necessary to create a badly-needed car park for staff and to allow the construction of a looping laneway so parents can drive up to the front of the school and drop the children off.
Not all the old school will be dumped though. The plaque which adorned it, marking the date of its construction in 1932, is now at the entrance to the new school to remind all of it’s rich past.
.Votes being counted at the John Mitchels GAA Complex during the 2014 local elections. File Photo
A RECOUNT of local election votes from the 2014 Listowel Electoral Area will take place at the John Mitchels GAA sports complex on Wednesday, February 10.
This comes after former Fianna Fáil senator Dan Kiely, challenged the outcome of the election and was successful after the case went before the Supreme Court in Dublin.
Kiely demanded a recount after losing the election by just two votes.
The John Mitchels venue was chosen this morning for the recount at Limerick Circuit Court by Judge Tom O’Donnell.
In total, 14,929 ballots in the seven-seat Listowel area will be recounted, almost 21 months since they were cast and then counted at the John Mitchels venue.
PETROL prices have seen a sharp decline in the last week and Tralee is no different.
The price of petrol has now dipped below €1.20 a litre.
The price of crude oil combined with fluctuations in currency markets are contributing factors and to fill up your tank now costs less than it did last year when petrol prices hit a six year low nationally.
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The cheapest price in town is €1.19.8in the both Applegreen stations in Manor Village and Fairies Cross.
Just behind Applegreen, as they were last month, are Inver on the Castlemaine Road with a price of €1.19.9.
The joint third cheapest stations on €1.20.9 are – Top Horan Centre, Esso Clash, Esso NCR. The most expensive place to get your petrol is, Texaco, Oakpark – €1.24.9
.At the presentation of the proceeds of a fundraiser for Kerry Hospice in memory of Mike Dillon at O’Riada’s Bar were, front from left; Kathleen Dillon, Micheál Dillon, Dan Galvin (Kerry Hospice), Sean Dillon and Mary Shanahan (Kerry Hospice). Back from left: Maureen Duggan, Eilish Lyons, Anne Marie Dillon, Eileen Walsh and Mary Lynch. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE may have been a Status Red Rainfall Alert, but that didn’t stop throngs of people packing into O’Riada’s Bar back in early December to honour the memory of a Lyreacrompane man.
The huge crowd turned out during Storm Desmond on Friday, December 4 to support Kerry Hospice in memory of the 10th anniversary of Mike Dillon’s passing from cancer.
Mike Dillon was diagnosed at the age of 36 with a rare form of cancer called multiple myeloma. At the time he was one of the youngest men in Ireland with the disease. He fought the illness with great courage and always remained positive. He passed away in December 2005 at the age of 44.
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At the cheque presentation to Kerry Hospice on Thursday night – which would have been Mike’s 55th birthday – the Dillon family expressed their gratitude to all those who supported the worthy cause.
“It was packed and that was the night of the big storm, so it was a great turnout,” said Mike’s son Micheál. “At the start of the night we were expecting a small crowd because of the weather, but in fairness then people showed up. So a big thanks to everyone who made the effort, to Spáilpín who provided great entertainment and to Mary and John from O’Riada’s,” said Micheál who, on behalf of the family, also thanked those who donated or sponsored prizes at the event.
As Spailpin played in the bar, the raffles and auction were a huge success with everyone digging deep on the night to raise a total of €9,045 for Kerry Hospice.
Dan Galvin, Vice-Chairperson of the Kerry Hospice committee expressed the organisation’s gratitude for the Dillon family’s gesture.
“The funds are vital as we’ve started Phase 2 of the Palliative Care Unit which, overall, will cost around €6m. We don’t have all that funding yet but, thanks to the efforts of all the fundraisers throughout the county, we’ll get there by the time the building is finished in 12 months time. We’re delighted with the Dillon family and all they’ve done over the past few months in raising this money,” said Dan.
.John Mitchels Sean Moloney in action. File Photo.
John Mitchels v Spa, County League Division 1 Promotion Playoff Final, Sunday 1:30pm, Venue TBC
THE Mitchels can make a huge leap forward on Sunday when they take on Spa, aiming for a place in the County League Division 1 for the first time in 12 years.
They upset the odds last weekend – a dramatic late goal in extra-time against a fancied Rathmore side booked Mitchels place in the play-off final.
A venue has yet to be decided, but it is expected that a Mid-Kerry venue will be chosen.
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On Sunday they will once again be underdogs against Spa who defeated Munster Intermediate Champions, St Mary’s, in the other semi-final.
Despite the extra-time heroics, John Mitchels are happy to report a clean bill of health for Sunday. Traleetoday.ie, spoke to selector, Eoin Kelliher, about the big test ahead.
“We showed great heart and courage against Rathmore, the whole team played very well and we were very happy with outcome,” he said.
“It would be unbelievable for the club to get back into Division 1. We haven’t been there 12 years so it would be great for the supporters and the underage structure. It’s a long time not being there.”
In the past 12 months, both teams can claim victories against each other.
In the County League last April, Mitchels secured a four point home win, but in September, Spa ran out nine point winners in the Intermediate County Championship semi-final.
“We know we take it up it a few notches to compete with Spa the next day, but we’re hopeful of putting up a good performance,” said Eoin Kelliher.
LAST night’s Premier League match at Anfield was a great game with Liverpool and Arsenal playing out a 3-3 draw.
One Tralee family who won’t forget it in a hurry are the McCarthys from Cois Lí, Ballyvelly.
Dad Simon took his sons Sam and Jamie across the Irish Sea for the clash and Liverpool-mad Sam, a pupil in Holy Family School, captured the moment Roberto Firmino scored the opening goal.
Cue mayhem on the Anfield Road end where the lads were seated. Great timing to get dad’s phone out Sam! (see below)
.Ms. Aine Knightly (coach) with Séamus Bradley, Séan Kennedy, Kevin Griffin, David Smith of the CBS The Green Badminton team who won the U14 county title this week.
THE CBS The Green under – 14 school badminton team won the Kerry school boy’s badminton competition in Killarney on Tuesday.
It was a tough day of competition, with the U14 team playing 18 games in total, winning 16, and bringing home the U14 shield.
Congrats to the boys and their teacher Ms. Áine Knightly. the team put in great commitment to training at lunchtime and after school.
The team will now contest in the Munster finals at the University of Limerick on Thursday, January 28.
TUI members on the IT Tralee academic staff will take part in a one-day strike on Wednesday, February 3.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland members are taking industrial action over a number of issues within their sector.
In December, third level members voted in a national ballot by a margin of 92% in favour of a campaign of industrial action up to and including strike action.
Key concerns for IT staff, include what they see as chronic underfunding of the sector and the precarious employment status, income poverty and associated exploitation of many academic staff.
“Every day, Institute of Technology lecturers see first-hand the damage that an era of austerity cuts wreaks on the student experience of higher education,” said TUI President Gerry Quinn.
“The Institute of Technology sector has been brutalised by an era of anti-educational cutbacks and the latest figures speak for themselves. Funding was cut by 35% (€190m) between 2008 and 2015,” he added.
“Over the same time period, student numbers rose by a staggering (32%) 21,411 while lecturer numbers actually fell by 9.5% (535). This has had a direct, detrimental effect on the quality of service to students and the working conditions of academics.”
In the absence of any move towards remedying this situation, academic staff in the institutes feel they have been left with no option but to take strike action.
HE may have lost out on a Golden Globe at the weekend, but Michael Fassbender has a chance at winning at an Oscar next month as the nominations have just been announced.
The Killarney man will face off against Bryan Cranston (Trumbo), Matt Damon (The Martian), Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl) and the hot favourite Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant.
Many commentators feel it’s Di Caprio’s year after being overlooked so many times, but Fassbender’s performance as Steve Jobs has also been universally acclaimed.
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Other Irish interests include Saoirse Ronan nominated in the Best Actress category for her turn as Eilis in Brooklyn, Lenny Abrahamson for Best Director for Room, which was also nominated for Best Picture, and author Emma Donoghue nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for the same film.
JOE Flynn, who inspired many with his courageous battle against cancer, has died.
The Rahoonane resident was told his cancer was terminal in August and he fought it every step of the way. By sharing his story online here and in other media he inspired many to stay positive in the face of what lay ahead.
Just a few weeks ago I met him as he watched his beloved Leeds United on TV in the Castle Bar. He had just come out of hospital and was in great spirits. I’m sure all who were present will cherish the memories of the time they shared with him that evening.
Even though I only met the Killorglin native a few times, he left a lasting impression as I’m sure he has on everyone else who has had the good fortune of spending time with him.
Sincerest sympathies to his family wife Breda, daughters Bernie and Joanne, mother Kitty, granddaughter Caitlin, sons-in-law Karl and David, brothers Teddy, Pat, James and Gerard, sister Kathleen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Funeral arrangements:
Reposing at Mc Elligott’s Funeral Home, Tralee on Friday evening from 4.00PM to 6.30PM followed by removal at 6.30PM to Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Parish Church.
Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at 11AM followed by burial in New Rath Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to The Palliative Care Unit, Kerry General Hospital.
THIS past week has seen a drop in temperatures which have brought with it icy conditions coming into Tralee particularly in the morning.
AA Roadwatch reported that the roads were icy on the Tralee/Dingle road this morning and a stretch of road near the Connor Pass had to be closed for a time due to a crash.
Met Eireann, are reporting no real let up in the cold conditions even though Kerry still remains one of the milder parts of the country at the moment, but the message to motorists to take care while driving.
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In general, it’s been a bad week for morning crashes, as in the past few days Gardaí have been dealing with incidents on the Castlemaine/Tralee and Tralee/Abbeydorney roads.
@countykerry were any of the roads gritted last night? Several cars spun off the road between faranfore and tralee this morning!
.The Volvo car that has been parked on Rock Street since July. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A CAR left abandoned on Rock Street, for what locals say is seven months, will be towed away by the end of the week.
The car was brought to the attention of Radio Kerry’s, ‘Kerry Today’ programme who contacted Kerry County Council about it.
The marooned-coloured Volvo has been parked outside the old Galvin’s shop on Rock Street since July.
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On the dash there is a note, that reads “broken down, waiting to tow”. Underneath that is a mobile phone number which appears to be one digit short.
The car was NCT’d and taxed until the end of July and insured to September 2015.
On the window of the car their remnants of old parking tickets that have begun to degrade and one of the rear tyres is flat.
A spokesman from the council informed Radio Kerry that the environmental department of the council are taking steps on the matter and it should be removed by the end of the week.
A flat rear tyre on the abandoned car on Rock Street. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.The maroon coloured Volvo outside Galvin’s old shop on Rock Street. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.Two year old Róise McBride from Donegal helping promote Lollipop Day in aid of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.
THE Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) needs your help next month.
With weeks to go until the 15th annual Lollipop Day, the OCF is calling for more volunteers in Kerry on Friday, 26th and Saturday, 27th of February to help raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer.
Lollipop Day involves thousands of people selling lollipops (€2) nationwide.
Without the generosity and support from volunteers, the OCF would not be able to provide the vital role it does in terms of awareness, research and better outcomes for patients and their families with this cancer in Ireland.
If you have a few hours to spare on Friday, 26th and Saturday 27th of February, pop down on your own or with friends, have some fun and help the OCF!
“We are very fortunate to have an ever increasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day possible and a success every year,” said Noelle Ryan, OCF chairperson. “But we still need more volunteers so if anyone or any group is interested in helping out, please contact us on www.lollipopday.ie.”
For more information on Lollipop Day; to volunteer, to make a donation, go to www.lollipopday.ie or to volunteer in Kerry please call Anne on 086 4542713.
THE Department of Social Protection are advising customers living in Tralee and surrounding areas that, due to a fuel spillage, the Intreo Centre located at Godfrey Place, Tralee will be closed to the public for the remainder of this week.
It will not re-open before Tuesday, 19 January at the earliest. The Department apologises to customers for any inconvenience this may cause.
The spillage occurred last Friday at a premises adjacent to the building and work is ongoing to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
The Department will be in contact with customers who are due to sign for Jobseekers’ payments and customers who are due to attend for Public Service Card appointments at the Intreo Centre, Godfrey Place on Thursday and Friday, to make alternative arrangements with them.
The Intreo centre located at Edward Street, Tralee remains open.
.The new extension at St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School. The school will benefit from this year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle. Photo by Dermot Crean
A TRALEE school and the Recovery Haven in Killerisk are two of the ten chosen beneficiaries of this year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle.
It’s a huge boost for St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School in Balloonagh – which has recently been extended – and the cancer support facility at Killerisk to be included in the list of ten announced today in Killarney.
The 10 Kerry based charities are South West Counselling services, St Joseph’s Nursing Home, Killorglin, Aras Mhuire Listowel, St Ita’s & St Joseph’s Special School Tralee, Pieta House Kerry, Kerry Branch Irish Kidney Association, Recovery Haven Cancer Respite, St.Francis Special School, Derrynane Inshore Rescue, Talbot Grove, Castleisland.
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Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle PRO Cathal Walshe said; “The charities were chosen after an application process that began before Christmas, and we were genuinely overwhelmed with the number of submissions received. It was hard to choose from so many deserving causes and we would like to thank all the unsuccessful applicants for their efforts.
The chosen charities provide fantastic support to the people of Kerry and will benefit hugely from the money they receive from this year’s Fundraising effort. Last year over €1.85 million was raised and shared amongst the 9 chosen charities as well as 28 smaller charities in Kerry”.
Now in its 33rd year, this fundraising cycle to date has raised over €10.6million for charities that benefit all the communities across the county of Kerry.
Reminding interested participants how this year’s registration process will work, Cathal continued: “This year the charities will have a limited amount of places to fill and we cannot reiterate enough that the best chance of getting a place is to register your interest online. Registration for the lottery closes on the 31st January, leaving less than 3 weeks for people to register, I would suggest that all interested parties get moving and get registered!”
This year’s Cycle will take place on Saturday July 2.
THE YEAR PAST – SENIOR HURLING: Mike O’Halloran (former Club player) and Michael O’Leary (brother of current player, Kevin) took charge of the team in 2015 and, as usual, got a great response from the 28 man squad who lined-out at one time or another during the year..
