GAA CLUBS

Kerins O’Rahilly’s Club News 16/06/14

Strand RoadJuveniles

U6/8/10 Our U6s trained as usual on Saturday last in Healy Park. There are very large numbers turning up to this age group every Saturday and this is a testament to the expert coaching they are receiving from the lads. Well done to all.
Our U8s and U10s travelled to Killarney for the annual visit to Dr Crokes for some Challenge games. They played some very skilful games and had a great day and look forward to the return visit from Dr Crokes. U8s have their “Go games Blitz” on Thursday 19th in Na Gaeil. Text will be sent out to confirm time.

U8/10 Girls U8/10 Girls went to Killarney on Saturday last where they played some challenge games against Dr Crokes. They took part in the North Kerry Ladies Blitz on Sunday last where they played games against Abbeydorney, Austin Stacks and Finuge/St Senans. The girls were a credit to the club and their families and played some really skilled football. Well done to them and their mentors. They are playing a “Go Games Blitz” this Thursday the 19th at 6.30 in Healy Park Ballyrickard.

U12s U12 Teams play Ballymac in Ballymac on Wednesday 18th at 5.30.
U14s U14 Central League got up and running this week and they played Milltown/Castlemaine on Monday. Results next week. They play An Gaeltacht on Monday next the 23rd at 7pm in Strand Rd.
U16s U16 Co League starts this week. Our first game is at home to Listowel. It will be played in Strand Road at 7.30pm.

Senior Football
14th June 2014 Credit Union Co. League Rd 6

We were well beaten by Dr. Crokes in this Credit Union Co. League played at the Caherina grounds in ideal conditions on Saturday evening last. With an exodus of players to America it was a mixture of old and young that took to the field with a lot of players making their debut. It was an uphill battle from the throw in but the writing was on the wall after ten minutes when Dr Crokes led by 0-06 to Kerins O’Rahillys 0-02 coming from Timmy Sullivan who came out of retirement to help the cause and played a fine game throughout.

Our second point was put over by Declan Quill who showed that he still has great football where he was the one thorn in the Crokes side throughout the game. John O’Connor had our third point from play and a great save by Garry Kissane in this half prevented a certain goal. But it was Dr Crokes who dominated and a string of points and a goal before half time left them ahead at half time by 1-12 to 0-04 and the game as good as over.

Dr Crokes dominated the second half and though we had points from Declan Quill, Timmy O Sullivan and Rory Molloy Dr Crokes ran out deserved winners at the final whistle.

Junior Football League Group 1 As the notes went to print Strand Rd were due to play Rathmore. Result next week.

Junior Football League Group 5 Charlie Kerins played St Pats on Friday last in Blennerville and were beaten by a stronger side on the night. Charlie Kerins play Churchill in a back game on Friday the 20th at 7.30 in Churchill.

All fixtures are subject to change so keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for changes.

Mouth-Guards: As you may be aware it will be compulsory for all players senior right down to juvenile to wear mouth-guards at training sessions and when playing games. This comes into effect for seniors from 1st January 2014 and has been in effect for all others since last January. If players fail to wear mouth guards they will not be permitted to participate in football training or matches. No mouthguard No game! Further information on this rule can be found online at http://www.gaa.ie.

Club Membership
Senior Committee will be in contact with you shortly about your 2014 membership. We will be asking that you consider putting your membership on direct debit to help cut down on administration. Please contact any committee member for details.

Ladies Football
U14/U16 U14 and U16 Ladies train every Tuesday at 6.15 in Ballyrickard.
U12 Girls U12 girls didn’t have a game last week. It will be played this Thursday the 19th of June at 7.30 in Ballyduff.
Congratulations to the U14 Kerry Ladies team who have qualified for the All Ireland “A” final against Mayo. Our own Frank McLoughlin is involved with the team. Well done to all.

Congratulations.

Congratulations to Seán Murphy who plays with our U12s. Seán co captained the Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn school team to win the Féile Peile Gael Linn to become the 2014 Munster Champions. Our own Declan Quill was also involved with the team. Well done to all involved.

We have a very talented all round U12 team. Congratulations to Ciarán Commane and Connor O’Brien who both won medals in the HWA-Rang Cup last weekend in Lixnaw.

Donal’s Message
Donal’s message is leaving Tralee on Wednesday the 18th for Rome.

This epic journey begins on the 18th of June where the scroll containing his message will be brought by his family to Saint John’s Church Tralee. At 3pm that evening Tom Foley, Maurice Brosnan and Tony Galwey will begin their 2060km cycle to Rome, before the cycle begins, the focus on Saint John’s Church Tralee where after a short ceremony the Walsh family will hand over the scroll to the people of Tralee who will carry it in relay to Donal’s resting place in Rath Cemetery where there will be a minutes silence. Donal’s family will hand over the scroll to the cyclists who will carry it to Rome. This is where you come in.

We are asking that the Club get behind this and that as many as possible be in St Johns Church on Wednesday at 2.50. We will help relay Donal’s scroll to Rath. Please do your best to be there.

Lotto
The Lotto takes place in Charlie’s Bar every Monday. The Lotto results for Monday the 9th of June were 1, 8, 13 and 14. There was no jackpot winner; the next jackpot will be €5,500. There was no match 3 winner. Five entrants for December draw were Agnes O’Connell c/o Fred, Teresa Stack c/o Ann, Ger c/o Noel, Eileen Hegarty DD A
And Alan O’Sullivan DD. To play the Kerins O’Rahillys Lotto, four numbers are selected from 1 to 28. If anybody matches the four numbers selected on the night he/she wins the Jackpot. Match three numbers to win €25. Tickets cost €2 each. The Kerins O’Rahillys Lotto can also be played online at www.korgaa.com

Lotto Sellers The club needs lotto ticket sellers. It can be worth your while. If you are interested contact any member of the Senior Committee.

Charlie’s Bar
Club Lotto on takes place in the bar every Monday night with a special in house raffle if you are present so why not pop along. Why not treat yourself to lunch in Charlie’s. There’s something to please everyone. Weightwatchers takes place in the Healy Room every Thursday and have now changed to “winter” times. Classes now take place at 9.30am, 12.30 and 5.30pm. The Active Retired Coffee Morning Group meets every Tuesday morning in Charlie’s. Come along and keep in touch with old friends and make new friends. All welcome. “Dance for Fun” has finished for the summer but will make a return in the autumn. Keep an eye on the notes for dates and times. We have many different size function rooms and cater to all types of function. We also have Barbecue facilities so with beautiful summer weather why not consider having a barbecue at Charlies. Contact Tom or Eileen or any member of staff at 7124956 if you have any queries.

Card Drive
Attention card players there will be a “Whist drive” on Thursday the 19th in the club and the “45” card drive in club house on Friday the 20th of June. Tables of 6. Bring a friend. All welcome.

Sympathies
Sincere Sympathy is expressed to the family of Margaret Ahearne London and Urban Terrace Tralee. May she rest in Peace.

P.R.O Contact
If you have any thing you feel is of interest for the Kerins O’Rahillys notes please get in touch. You can contact me at pro.kerinsorahillys.kerry@gaa.ie. Why not join our Facebook group to keep up to date with all fixtures and what is going on in the club. Just follow the following link https://www.facebook.com/groups/Narries/ or follow us on Twitter @korgaa

GAA CLUBS

Austin Stacks Club News 16/06/14

Austin StacksSENIOR FOOTBALL

Austin Stacks 0-15; Dingle 0-7.

Our previous trip to Dingle, five weeks ago, ended in a six points defeat for us, in the quarter final of the Club Championship. But our journey back west on a glorious summer’s evening last Saturday (14th June), for round six of the Co. League, reversed that result, thereby continuing our unbeaten run in this season’s League.

The first half ended all square on four points each with Shane Carroll contributing three from placed balls and our only score from play coming from David Mannix in the 24th minute.

stacks_1
Mikey Collins’ first half pointed effort went just left and wide of the upright. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin

Four minutes after the resumption Dingle went ahead again. But we were defending in numbers, as we did in the first half, soaking up all the pressure that Dingle threw at us and we now started to attack in droves. And this included almost everyone from Ciarán O’Connell, wearing the unfamiliar number two jersey, out.In the space of five minutes (from the 35th to the 40th) we went into a three points lead (0-8 to 0-5) with four great scores from David Mannix, Darragh O’Brien, Fiachna Mangan and Greg Horan.

In the next ten minutes two points for the home side and one for us by Mikey Collins left us ahead by two with ten minutes remaining (0-9 to 0-7). But we took complete control in those remaining minutes, scoring a further six points without reply. Two of these came from two more Shane Carroll frees with the other four coming from play by David Mannix (his 3rd of the day) and three brilliant points from two of our outstanding defenders – Conor Jordan with two and the other one by corner back Ciarán O’Connell.

rsz_stacks_sean_ryan_1
Minor, Sean Ryan, had his first full senior match in the Black and Amber. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin

Our display, especially in that second half, was as good as we have seen all season. Jonathan’s kick-outs almost always found a Rock man, as they normally do. Team captain, Barry Shanahan, launched many a Stacks attack. Seán Ryan, playing his first full game (he made his debut the previous week when coming on as a sub) was very impressive. Wayne Guthrie won a lot of ball around the middle and the evergreen Kirby got a standing ovation when coming off after playing 58 of the 60 minutes. Up front all our six forwards scored.

Team: Jonathan Conway, Ciarán O’Connell (0-1), Barry Shanahan (Capt), John Dennis, Pa McCarthy, Conor Jordan (0-2), Seán Ryan, Wayne Guthrie, William Kirby, Michael Collins (0-1), Greg Horan (0-1), Fiachna Mangan (0-1), David Mannix (0-3), Shane Carroll (0-5 frees), Darragh O’Brien (0-1).
Subs: Darragh Long (54m), Darren Tiernan (58m).

SF CO. CHAMPIONSHIP: We have drawn Rathmore in the next round (last 15) of the Co. Championship. This will only be the second meeting between the sides in this competition. Our only other meeting was at the quarter final stage of the 2010 Championship when we had eight points to spare (1-13 to 1-5) over the East Kerry side.
There is a possibility, if so desired, that the game could double up with the round 4 Co. League game, as both ties are home games for us.

SENIOR HURLING: Austin Stacks 2-9; Kenmare 2-9.

So far, this season, it has been impossible to separate these sides. When they met at the end of April in the first round of the South Kerry League it ended in a draw. Both teams ended up on seven points each in the League table at the end of the round stage of the League. So last Wednesday evening’s (11th June) game, played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park, doubled up as a play-off in that South KerryLeague (with the winners to go through to the final and the losers contesting a semi final against Duagh) and as round 1 of the County SH League (Div 3).

We had a very good first half. We defended very well, with Peter O’Regan and Andrew Morrissey clearing their lines on numerous occasions and Kevin O’Leary, Paudie Bradley, Jim McCarthy and Seán King as solid as ever. Michael O’Leary was soundness personified in his unusual position in goals.

Upfront the scores were coming as well with goals by John McCarthy and Joe Brennan and points from Ronan Gilsenan, Paul Daly ( 2 frees) and Danny Maguire and one also from Joe Brennan. New man, Aaron Barry was also catching the eye with good incisive play as was Brian Meehan. Shane Fitzgerald was doing well in the centre also. The one concerning factor was the number of wides we had in that first half – 11 in all – which was most uncharacteristic for our lads, especially on a glorious summer’s evening.

So at half time things looked comfortable enough when we led by 2-5 to 1-1 after playing well within ourselves.
A win for us looked odds on eight minutes into the second half when we had extended that lead with two more points from John McCarthy and Danny Maguire But gradually Kenmare edged themselves back into the game, scoring six points without reply between the 40th and 56th minutes to leave just three between the sides at that stage (2-7 to 1-7). Paul Daly converted a 65 in the 58th minute to put us four up again, but in the space of a minute Kenmare added a goal and a point to see the sides level for the first time in the game.

In the 61st minute Paul Daly put us in front again with a pointed free after Brian Meehan was fouled but on the stroke of full time the visitors equalized and that’s how it ended.
The result meant a point on the Co. League table for both sides but it also necessitates a replay to determine who goes where in the South Kerry League (winners to the final, losers to the semi final).

As we said it was good to see Aaron Barry making his Senior debut – he did play Juvenile Hurling with the Club in the past. It was also good to welcome new-comer Stephen Pierce to the squad and also good to welcome back Ross Long after an absence.

Team: Michael O’Leary, Kevin O’Leary, Peter O’Regan, Paudie Bradley, Andrew Morrissey, Jim McCarthy, Seán King, Shane Fitzgerald, Joe Brennan (1-1), John McCarthy (1-1), Danny Maguire (0-2), Aaron Barry, Paul Daly (Capt) (0-4 – 3 free, one 65), Ronan Gilsenan (0-1), Brian Meehan.

Subs: David Field (45m), Kieran McCaughley (50m), Damien McCarthy (51m).
Our round 2 Co. League game, against St. Pats (East Kerry), is due to go ahead in Fossa on this Wednesday evening (18th June) at 7.30pm.

CONGRATULATIONS: to Club Hurler Seán King and Eva Corcoran on the recent birth of their son, Michael.

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL: Our B team were due to play their penultimate round of the Co. League away to Legion on Monday evening (16th June). With both teams topping the League Table on five points each a win will put us in the League final for the second year in succession. In the competition so far we had good wins over O’Rahillys (4-13 to 0-9) and Mitchels (1-17 to 0-7) and a draw away to Rathmore (1-10 each).

PÁDRAIG LYNCH: All in the Club extend congratulations and best wishes to Pádraig Lynch as he takes up a new jobs position in Kildare. While dual player Podge will not be severing his ties totally with the Club (he will be commuting down for the occasional game when time permits) his loss, nonetheless, will be felt by both Hurlers and Footballers alike and also by the Club Executive of which he was a loyal and valued member. Best of luck again Podge.

CONGRATULATIONS: to Tracey Nelligan (former Bar Manager) and Louis Heaphy (former Club footballer) who were married recently

CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. Phone Ian from 7pm at 066 7126942 for bookings.

BINGO: The Bingo session will continue on this and every Saturday night at 8.30pm in our Clubrooms.

SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Margaret Aherne, London and late of Urban Tce., Boherbee; and Gerry Smyth, West Belfast (brother of Pauline Barrett, Ballyard) who died during the past week.

GAA CLUBS

Austin Stacks Juvenile Club News 16/06/14

Austin StacksFAOI 6: (i) Under 6 football will be in CONNOLLY PARK at 7pm on Thursday next. (ii) Sunday morning football as usual at 11.00am in CAHERSLEE.

FAOI 8: (i) The ‘GoGames’ for our Under 8s will take place at 7pm on Thursday at Na Gaeil Club and (ii) we’ll have our usual football at 11am in CAHERSLEE on Sunday.

FAOI 10: (i) Thursday football for our Under 10s will be in CONNOLLY PARK at 7pm and (ii) CAHERSLEE will be our venue for Sunday morning…ag 11am.

FAOI 11: Our Under 11s won a hard-fought match Sunday evening at Na Gaeil pitch. Early points from Jack Duggan and Brian McElligott had us leading by a single point…0-2 v 0-1…but, as the first half wore on, Na Gaeil came more into the game and finished the first half stronger than our boys…2-2 v 0-4. The Rock started the second half with gusto; they were on fire and within 5 minutes of the restart James Charles had rattled the net for 3 goals.

In the 32nd minute Robert Morrissey pointed a free and when Jordan Kissane drove forward for a goal in the 40th minute our boys looked comfortable as they led by leading by 0-7! Ach ní mar a shíltear a bítear! Na Gaeil fought back and cut the deficit to a point. Joe Reidy, flanked by Jack Twamley and Ruairí Ó Conaill, gave a ‘master class’ dispaly at full-back. We hung on for a breath-taking and heart-throbbing one point victory…in true Rock style! Maith sibh, a leaideanna! Our next encounter will be on Sunday next, 22nd, when we’ll travel to Killarney to take on The Crokes. Good luck, boys!

FAOI 12: (i) Our Under12s had to live with being second best against a spirited Na Gaeil team at Cillín on Sunday last. We started well and controlled the early exchanges with Shane Bastible, Cian Purcell and Owen Healy putting us in a commanding position. Some lax defending, however, let our opponents back into the contest and, despite the assistance of a stiff breeze, we led by a mere 0-3 ag an mbriseadh…3-5 v 2-5. In the second period, we never adapted to the extremely warm conditions and Na Gaeil ran out comfortable and deserving winners. If past experiences of this panel are repeated, one may expect a huge performance against Dr. Crokes on Sunday next. How about it, boys? (ii) Training continues on Monday and on Wednesday…6pm to 7.30pm. See you all then, lads!

FAOI 15: Best wishes to our Under 15 Supertouch Blitz, boys!

FAOI 14: (i) Our pre-Féile training is going nicely…we’ll keep in touch per text re dates and times. We are really looking forward to Féile Náisiúnta Pheil na nÓg in Bearna na Gaillimhe on 27th, 28th and 29th June…an tseachtain seo chugainn! (ii) Austin Stack Club’s Under 14 Féile na nÓg Family Fun Quiz was a great success on Friday night in Connolly Park. It was well attended by our young footballers and their families. Thanks to all who were involved and who participated.

The quiz was won by a brilliant answering team comprising of Mike Fitzgerald, Marina Barry-Walsh, John Walsh and Anne Fitzgerald…the brains of The Rock! They pipped 2 other highly motivated and intelligent teams in a three-way play-off at the top. (Perhaps, we’ll have a quiz team for Scór ’15!) The tension was nerve-racking! B’é Ciarán Ó Muircheartaigh an quizmháistir to whom the organising committee extends great appreciation. Thanks to all the local business people for their kind sponsorship and generous raffle prizes. Galway/Mayo, here we come!

FAOI 16: (i) ‘Hope you’ve all survived the exams! Well done and don’t be too worried about results….enjoy the fine weather and the long summer ahead! (ii) We started our county league campaign this Wednesday evening, 18th, at home to Dr Crokes…ag 7.30pm.

IMPROVE YOUR IRISH: Teenagers between 12 and 16 years of age are invited to join the Ógras summer camp in Mounthawk from 7th to 18th July…spórt agus spraoi using a little Irish. Fón: 0872194992.

IOMÁNAÍOCHT IDIRNÁISIÚNTA: Éire v An tSeapáin: In a recent hurling game, played in Dublin, Nihon/Japan Gaels (students from Japan who are studying in DCU) defeated Gaeil Óga Setanta (Baile Munna) in an exciting match….3-5 v 4-1. The winning point…cúilín gleoite, de réir dealraimh…was scored by the captain of the Japanese students, Mr Yushi. Will Tokyo yet become a hurling stronghold?

News

Is Your Estate Worthy Of A Tidy Tralee Prize?

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Blasket ad 4

IS your estate worthy of a Tidy Tralee award?

That’s the question the people at Tidy Tralee Together are asking of estates, homes and businesses as they invite entries for this year’s competition.

Criteria and applications forms are now available from traleetidytowns@gmail.com and must be returned by email by Monday, July 14 for those wishing to be judged for the local competition. As the format of the competition has some changes it is advisable to apply early.

The categories and prizes include:

• Private Residences: Gold standard x 10 awards x €50
• Estates, Compact/ Terrace, Small, Medium, Large, 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in each category, €250, €150, and €100 respectively.
• Best Municipal Facility, 1st Place Trophy
• Best Public Community Service building/facility 1st Place Trophy
• Best Community Service facility, 1st Prize €200
• Best Youth Group Project, 1st and 2nd place trophies and medals
• Previous Winners Category, 1st Place Trophy
• Business up to 05 employees,1st Place Trophy
• Business up to 20 employees, 1st Place Trophy
• Business up to 60 employees, 1st Place Trophy
• Business over 60 employees, 1st Place Trophy
• Casual trader, 1st Place Trophy

The Award Ceremony for the Tralee Tidy Towns 2014 will be held on Tuesday, October 14 in Ballyroe Heights Hotel.

Tralee Tidy Towns volunteer participation certificates will be available on the night to all  volunteers who have signed in for work projects throughout the year.

GAA, GAA CLUBS

Kelliher’s Sponsors Under 13 Football Championship

KELLIHER’s Mills Farm, Garden & Pet Supplies of Boyle Business Park, Clash, Tralee are sponsors of this year’s Coiste Thra Li Under 13 Football Championship. This competition will take place in early July, after the Under 12 competition has concluded.

A cheque was presented by Edward Kelliher of Kellihers Mills to Pat McAuliffe, Chairman of Coiste Thra Li on Saturday 14th June at Boyle Business Park.

Kellihers 1
Kelliher’s are sponsoring the U13 football championship. Pictured (left to right) Tim Slattery (Kellihers Mills), Pat McAuliffe(Chairman, Coiste Thra Li), Giles and Edward Kelliher (Kellihers Mills) and John Slattery (Vice Chairman, Coiste Thra Li. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
GAA CLUBS

Ballymacelligott Club News 16/06/14

BallymacLOTTO
Heartiest congratulations from all at Ballymac GAA Club are extended to Madeline O Connor of Clogher on her winning our Lotto jackpot of €12,400. Her numbers 1,2,8 and 23 were drawn at O Riadas on the 9th June 2014. Madeline purchased her ticket from Brendan Mannix at Ballydwyer Post Office. The lotto jackpot is now €2000 and can be played at ballymacgaa.com . It is imperative that the lotto is continued to be supported as it is the main income stream for the day to day running of the Club .

SENIOR TEAM
Ballymac played Glenflesk in round 6 of the county league last Saturday night in Glenflesk.

Glenflek opened the scoring in the first minute with a point from their centre forward Dara Roche. Ballymac were quick to respond with two points in succession from Gene Griffin and Dermot Leen. However this was the finish of our scoring in the first half. In the next 20 minutes Glenflesk scored seven points . Jeff O Donoghue at full forward and his brother Lee at corner forward provided the majority of these points. The killer blow came in the 25th minute when Lee O Donoghue goaled for Glenflesk. Another point for the home side on the 30th minute left the half time score at Glenflesk 1.9 Ballymac 0.2

Having made a few changes Ballymac started the second half with a point from Aiden Breen in the 2nd minute. Glenflek responded with 3 points in the following 3 minutes. Aiden Breen added to Ballymac’s tally with a point from a free. Daniel O Shea and David O Donoghue exchanged points. Glenflesk scored 4 more points before Daniel O Shea registered 2 for Ballymac. In the last five minutes Ballymac scored three points through Matthew Galvin, and Gene Griffin. Glenflesk added 1 more to leave the final score at Glenflesk 2.17 to Ballymac 0.10.

Ballymac Team; Padraig Laide Kevin O Shea , TJ Casey Michael Leen, Cian Counihan, Brendan O Donnell, Matthew Galvin, Philip Galvin, Con Reynolds, Daniel O Shea, Gene Griffin, Eanna Reidy, Padraig McCarthy, Aiden Breen, Dermot Leen.
Subs: Denis Leen for TJ Casey, Luke Sweeney for Padraig McCarthy, Michael Herlihy for Cian Counihan.

Ballymac U15s alongside Adrian and Anna Mason parents of Eric with the Eric Mason Memorial Cup which they won last Saturday June 14th in Ballymac Gaa Grounds defeating a gallant Ballydonoghue team in the Final. Other teams to compete on the day were Kenmare, Kilcummin, Miltown/Castlemaine and Castleisland Desmonds.
Ballymac U15s alongside Adrian and Anna Mason parents of Eric with the Eric Mason Memorial Cup which they won last Saturday June 14th in Ballymac GAA Grounds defeating a gallant Ballydonoghue team in the Final. Other teams to compete on the day were Kenmare, Kilcummin, Miltown/Castlemaine and Castleisland Desmonds.

JUNIORS
Our Juniors complete their Co. Junior League campaign when they take on Desmonds on this coming Friday night in Castleisland.
ERIC MASON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT 2014
The Third Staging of this Invitational Tournament in memory of Ballymacelligott Juvenile player, Eric Mason who passed away over three years ago took place at the Ballymacelligott GAA grounds on Saturday last, June 14th.

Blessed with fine sunny weather on the day, it was a well-run and exciting competition with clubs from Milltown/ Castlemaine, Ballydonoghue, Kenmare, Castleisland Desmonds, Kilcummin as well as Ballymac partaking in this 11 aside U-15 Blitz. We were very fortunate with the fine dry weather on the day as this six team tournament took centre stage. After a series of round-robin games Ballymacelligott emerged as Group 1 Winners with Ballydonoghue finishing Runners –Up and in Group 2, Kenmare were table-toppers with Miltown/Castlemaine in second place. There was some fine attacking and flowing football in evidence on the day and it was very entertaining for the large crowd in attendance.

In the semi-finals, Ballymac overcame the Mid-Kerry side with a hard fought victory with possession football to the fore by the hosts and Ballydonoghue proved too strong and too physical for a very slick Kenmare side in the second semi-final. It was a showdown between too evenly matched teams in the final with play swinging from end to end, but eventually Ballymacelligott possessed too many ace players and ultimately emerged as winners of the Eric Mason Memorial Cup at the third time of asking with great footballing flair.

Players such as Josh O Keeffe, Tadhg Brick, Liam O Brien, Cathal Dunne and Eddie Rogers in defence stood out as did Liam O Malley, Darragh Regan, Cillian Gallagher and Daire Keane in attack. ‘Keeper Brian Lonergan was sound throughout all four games, with a spectacular penalty save at one stage; and David Rogers and captain fantastic Keelan Brosnan contributing to some outstanding football last Saturday. There was also a Player of the Tournament and this honour went to Eoin O Malley from Ballymac with some scintillating performances right throughout the day and his never say die attitude was so admirable for all to see.

Others on the squad were Darragh Clifford, Barry Lyons and Kieran Coggins but all three were unable to play due to long-term injury. Coaches Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe and Roland Rogers were well impressed with all four displays in the competition and are so proud of their charges. Understandably, it was an emotional day for the Mason Family and all involved in the organisation of the event were very proud of how the day went.

The club would like to offer their appreciation to the Mason Family for allowing the competition to take place in memory of Eric and all would agree that it was a huge success. It is hoped that this blitz will continue from year to year and grow from strength to strength in the forthcoming years.

Ballymacelligott GAA Coiste na nÓg would like to extend their gratitude to all who made the event possible, including parents, catering staff, referees George O Donnell and Pádraig Laide, and we would like to thank all the participating teams in the blitz for such a wonderful day. Míle Buíochas do chách !

U12: Under 12 Co League Division 3A Kilcummin 1 – 7 Ballymac 5 – 8. A fine win for our lads played in very warm conditions at Kilcummin. The boys knew going into this game they had to win to retain their chance of winning the league. They didn’t disappoint and all played their part in ensuring we came away with the points. Dylan Dunne Moriarty showed for everything in the forward line, Jack Tobin in goals is developing with every game. Our final games sees us play Kerins O Rahillys at home on Wednesday 18th June 2014

Division 3 B : Kilcummin 0-10 Ballymac 1 – 1. Our younger squad had a tough game against a very well drilled Kilcummin outfit. Despite not conceding any goals, the lads were outdone by a slicker side. Daragh Sweeny and Cathal Culloty worked hard to bring Ballymac into the game however they had to settle for second best on the evening.

ACADEMY: It was clear skies and sunshine Sunday morning for our budding stars. Darragh McMahon, Conor Lynch, Daniel Creagh, Sean Martin and Cian Gilroy had a great training session for the U6 boys. The u8 boys were also in flying form with Con Sheehan, Tom Long, Matthew Rogers and Eoghan Joy and Luke Griffin impressing their mentors.

U10 boys who shown included Javkaloav Orgonbagor, Diarmuid Galvin, Luke Horgan, Michael Prendergast, Andy Rogers and Oisin Shanahan. The u10 girls took part in a blitz in Abbeydorney. Well done to all the girls who played and showed great team spirit on the day.
U14: Congratulations to the U14 girls on reaching their first County final. They defeated Firies with a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-6. Well done to trainers Donal Rahilly and Ted Murphy.

FAMILY FUN DAY: A meeting to organise the Family Fun Day for 2014 is to be held at the Club Rooms on Thursday June 19th 2014 at 8.30pm. All welcome to attend.

CUL CAMPS: This year’s Cul Camps are due to commence on Monday 28th July and run until August 1st at Ballymac GAA grounds. These have been an unqualified success in the past number of years. Registration can be completed on the Club Website www.ballymacgaa.com

St Kieran’s Leisure Cycle Tour on July 20th.

The St Kieran’s district has a fund raising Cycle Tour on July 20th. There is a short route of 45km and a longer route of 80Km for the more ambitious cyclists. The routes go through all seven clubs geographical areas, starting in Castleisland Desmonds pitch and taking in Ballymac;Currow;Scataglin;Cordal;Brosna and Knocknagoshel and finishing in Castleisland.

Registration is open on Saturday evening July 19th at Desmonds pitch between 7 and 9 pm and on Sunday morning the 20th between 8 and 9:45AM. It is a good idea to register on the Saturday evening to avoid the rush on Sunday.

The Tour starts at 10 am and has a full safety plan and stewarding process in place for the routes and refreshments on the day. Entry fee is €25 and €20 for Cycle Ireland members. Juveniles get going for €10 but must be accompanied by an adult. See Stkierans.ie for the map of the routes and for further details.

SYMPATHY: The Club wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the Brick family of Ballyseedy on the death of Mrs Eileen Brick.

GAA CLUBS

St Pats Club News 16/06/14

St PatsLotto:

There was no winner of last week’s jackpot of €11,000. The numbers drawn were 06, 10, 18 & 23. The five €30 consolation prizes went to Rita Gleeson, Listellick; Niamh O’Connor, Curraheen; Paudi Bailey, Tonevane; Tom Diggins, Abbeydorney & Richard Williams c/o Rock Street PO. This week’s jackpot will be €11,100 and the draw will take place this Sunday night June 22nd at 10pm in Skelper Quane’s Bar. Lotto tickets available from the usual outlets or any club officer.

Juvenile Academy:

Our Juvenile Academy have begun training twice a week, on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings as usual. We were very lucky with the weather conditions last week so we saw our players turning up in large numbers.

Under 12’s:

Our u12’s played at home on Sunday evening against Cordal. It was a very exciting first half seeing plenty of scores from both sides. We saw goals from Oisin Tobin, Liam O’Sullivan, Cormac Lynch and a lovely soccer style goal by Martin Laucher and points by Tomas O’Sullivan, Martin Laucher, Sean Crowley and Cormac Lynch leaving the half time score St.Pats 4-5 Cordal 5-6. However, in the second half we failed to take our scoring opportunities kicking numerous wides and missing goal chances seeing only 3 scores.

We saw 2 points from Danny Greaney and a lovely goal by Tomas O’Sullivan with a fine ball kicked in from Martin. Cordal took advantage of our misses and popped the ball over the bar repeatedly. Our defence Matthew Quilter, Danny Greaney, Mikey Healy, Michael Doody, Cillian Lynch, Oisin Murray and Sean Fitzgibbon were kept busy in the second half and Mario Ilavsky made some great saves in goals.

Final score St.Pats 5-7 Cordal 5- 16.

Team: Mario Ilavsky, Matthew Quilter, Danny Greaney, Mikey Healy, Michael Doody, Tomas O’Sullivan, Cormac Lynch, Oisin Tobin, Sean Crowley, Liam O’Sullivan, Martin Laucher, Cillian Lynch, Oisin Murray and Sean Fitzgibbon.

Under 14’s:

Finally after a tough county league and a hard brendan’s league, we have got our first win of the year in the central league. We started off with Patrick Dowling in goals and put Tristan centre-field with Shane. Supporting them on the centre lines were Martin, Ali, Cian, Brian, Adam, Ciaran with Damien and Cathal in the full back line, James & Fergal up front. The sub bench of Aaron and Tomas and Darack all played their part well when they came on.

It was great to see everyone trying so hard but man of the match must go to Brian Teahan. Final score St Pats 3-11 Stacks 1-07. Our next central league is away to Laune rangers and on the 23rd we will have a challenge game against the New York Feile team.

Internal blitz:

Our internal blitz continued last Wednesday evening in beautiful weather conditions. This week our coaches Mono Ryle, Maurice Quirke, Dan O’Sullivan and Brian O’Grady focused on passing skills, to include at least 6 players on the field before a score is taken. After 2 rounds Leinster are on 10 points, Ulster are on their backs with 8 points, Connacht are on 4 points and Munster are trailing on 2 points.

Under 16’s:

Our u16’s played a challenge game at home last Saturday evening against Castlegregory. St. Pats dominated the first half seeing some lovely scores from Gearoid Dillane, Joshua Laucher and Shane Jordan. Kieran Dwyer played an outstanding game in midfield winning possession of numerous balls. half time score St.Pats 1-7 Castlegregory 0-3.

In the second half we rotated our players, playing most players in different position. This gave Castlegregory a chance to get into the game scoring 3 consequyive goals including a penalty.Final score St.Pats 1-7 Castlegregory 4-6. Team: Patrick Dowling, Mikee Cahill, Joe O Connor, Brian Murphy, Eoin Murphy, Joe Quilter, Cian Ronan, Kieran Dwyer, Joshua Laucher, Shane Jordan, Gearoid Dillane, Eoin Greaney, Jack Lynch, Martin Savage and Damien Quirke.

Juniors:

Junior County League Group 5:

St Pats 1-17 Kerins O’Rahillys 1-02

We had a good win against Kerins O’Rahillys last Friday in the County League played in Blennerville. In a game where we were always in control, we held a lead at half-time by 12pts as we were dominant all over the field. In the second half, we closed the game out to run out winners on a score of 1-17 to 1-02. This win will guarantee us a home semi-final with one round to play. We will play Duagh in the last round to be played.

Team-J Fitzgerald, K Quirke, Joe Costello, S Dowling, J Foley(1-00), James Costello, S Daughton, J Foley, A O Callaghan(0-01), D Kerins (0-05), B Savage(0-03), J Conway(0-01), E Sayers(0-02), T O Sullivan(0-01), S Hayes(0-04), P O Sullivan, A O Halloran, B Boyle & T Farmer.

Fixture- St Pats vs Duagh on Thurs June 19th in Duagh at 7:30pm. Keep a look out on our Facebook Page for any changes to this fixture.

Seniors:

County Senior Football League Div 2 Rd 6:

Listry 1-13 St Pats 1-10

Our seniors made a return to competitive action last Sunday after a break for the early rounds of the Senior County Championship. Listry were the opposition and the game was played in perfect conditions in Listry. St Pats started brightly with two early points from their best player on the day, Kieran Hurley. Listry quickly cancelled out these scores in the 8thand 10th minute of the game with two well worked scores of their own. For the remainder of the half, Listry were in total dominance as St Pats lost their way, particularly around the middle of the field.

The Listry forwards tacked on 1-6 in this period to have a commanding lead of 7 points at half time. In truth, they had the St Pats defence in 6’s & 7’s and could have been ahead by a lot more but took the safe option with one on one goal chances by fisting over the bar. HT Score Listry 1-8 St Pats 0-4. St Pats made a few substitutions at half time and they started the half in whirlwind fashion with the two Hurley’s and in particular Brendan Poff, tormenting the Listry rearguard.

Two points from Kieran Hurley in the 35th & 39th minute reduced the deficit to 5 points as St Pats were in control of the game from midfield up. A fantastic incisive run by Brendan Poff drew the Listry defence, he laid off to Willie Hurley and his goalbound shot was flicked outside the post by the Listry keeper. His brother Kieran converted the “45” and added another point from play to bring the scoreline 1-8 to 0-8 in favour of the home team.

Listry made some tactical switches and it had an immediate effect and they tacked on two points in the 42nd and 46th minute. In between these scores, St Pats wasted another guilt edge goal opportunity. Liam Poff made a great run and put Willie Hurley threw and his shot was again saved by the Listry keeper. St Pats eventually scored the goal they so badly needed in the 50th minute.

Another fantastic run by Brendan Poff saw him lay off to Kieran Hurley. Kieran’s shot was saved by a Listry defender but Willie was on hand to finish to the net. This made it a two point game with ten to go with St Pats in the ascendency. However, Listry fought back well and scored three unanswered points in 5 minutes to negate the earlier goal from Willie Hurley. St Pats tried their best to score another goal to set up a grand stand finish but it wasn’t to be. Two shots from substitute David Kerins went over the bar to reduce the deficit to 3 points just before the final whistle from referee Cathal O’Dubhda.

Final Score Listry 1-13 St Pats 1-10.

The second quarter performance was what cost St Pats this game but they showed good spirit in the second half to fight back and will possibly rue the missed goal opportunities in this half. However, overall, Listry were the better team on the day and we wish them well for the remainder of the season.

Full Back Kieran O’Sullivan came off during the second half with a suspected dislocated shoulder so we wish Kieran a speedy recovery. Best for St Pats on the day were Liam O’Sullivan, Brendan Poff & Kieran Hurley.

St Pats: P Bailey, P O’Connor, K O’Sullivan, S Dowling, T O’Connor, L Poff, L Mulligan, M O’Sullivan, P McMahon, B Poff, K Hurley (0-09), Jake Foley, A Byrne, W Hurley (1-0) & L O’Sullivan (0-01 c). Subs: Joe Costello for T O’Connor (28mins); E Sayers for S Dowling (HT) & D Kerins for K O’Sullivan (inj).

Due to St Brendan’s playing Currow on Saturday June 26th in Round 2 of the Senior County Championship, our round 7 County League game versus Legion has been brought forward to this Saturday night. Throw in is at 7:30pm in Blennerville.

Cúl Camps:

The Kellogg’s GAA Football Camp will take place in Blennerville from July 28th to August 1st . The camp is for boys & girls aged 6 to 13. We would hope to increase on the huge numbers that we had last year. Each child will be given free sports gear. GAA players will teach the skills of Gaelic Football in a safe and fun filled environment from Monday to Friday10am to 2.30pm.

New York Feile Team:

On Monday 23rd of June, we welcome former stalwart Kevin Moriarty and the New York Feile team. Our Juveniles will play the New York selection and afterwards we will have a BBQ followed by entertainment by our young musicians. It promises to be a great evening and all are welcome. The match will start at 6.15pm. If you would like to help with refreshments, please contact Mary Wallace.

Blennerville/Ballyard Community Games:

County Finals will take place this weekend in An Riocht, Castleisland. It will start at 10:00am with a parade of all the areas and then begin immediately after with the U10 boys &girls 200m. The programme for SATURDAY is ALL U8/10/12 & 14 qualifying races, (including hurdles), Ball throw final boys and girls, relays U10 mixed and U12 boys & girls. SUNDAY competition starts at 10:30 Sharp with Discus & Javelin, Shot Putt U14 and Long Jump U14, Hurdles and relays (order to be decided). All U16 track and field events take place and track finals. Our final training session will take place on Friday at7:00pm in St. pats Gaa pitch. If you have been selected for a relay please try and attend for practice.

Derryquay NS:

Thanks to locals Michael Wall and Christy Murphy who gave educational talks to our pupils, staff and parents on the beautiful Derrymore beach last week. Christy gave a talk on the history of Derrymore Island while Micheal shared his knowledge of sea-angling in Tralee Bay.
Our school tour was a great success and thanks to everyone who helped with our barbque on Friday last. It was a great social occasion and gave us all a chance to catch up.

Curraheen Community Council:

Curraheen Community Council will hold a clean-up of Derrymore Beach on Friday, June 20th at 7pm. Bags and gloves will be provided. We will meet at Derrymore Beach car park. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Congratulations:

Congratulations to all the students of the club and community who did their Junior & Leaving Cert exams recently. Also, a huge well done to Fergal O’ Brien who qualified to play in the 6th class Kerry Primary school team and to Ellen Wallace who made it to the last 30.

Sympathy:

The club would also like to extend its sympathy to the families & relatives of Shirley Quane, Blennerville. May She Rest In Peace.

GAA CLUBS, Uncategorized

Tralee Parnells Club News 16/06/14

traleeparnells 2Camogie:
Tralee Parnells were narrowly defeated by Causeway, 6-3 to 5-0, on Saturday the 7th in their final game of the first round of the U-12 Kerry County Camogie League. All players pulled together in a tenacious display of teamwork that resulted in goals for Hannah Sharkey (2), Eimer Ni Shuilleabhan (2) and Clodagh Begley. While Clodagh B’s “puc fada” kept much of the play in the opposition’s half, solid defenders like Katie O’Dwyer shut down many dangerous moves in the Parnells half. To witness in person the 200% improvement in this team, come along on Sunday, June 29th at 12 noon when all 4 Kerry camogie clubs meet again as a warm-up for the Kerry v. Carlow championship game; North Kerry venue TBD.

On Saturday, June 7th, Tralee Parnells U8/10 camogie players travelled to Causeway to participate in the first of 4 summer blitzes. The girls had no problem racking up scores with Lana O’Connell’s superb goalkeeping skills keeping opposition scores at a minimum. Welcome back to Ciara Casey and Ciara Palmer who weren’t long blowing the cobwebs off their hurleys and getting “stuck” in with Jessica O’Loughlin! It is a testament to the tireless efforts of the U6 and U8 coaching staffs that such young players demonstrate such proficiency with a hurley. Tralee Parnells will be hosting the next blitz on Saturday, July 12th at 10:30 a.m. Venue TBD.

Generous Donor:
Thanks a million to the Tralee business(who wish to remain anonymous) that paid for 40 hurleys used by Parnells coaches in the local primary schools. Its donation like this that will help the club develop and help attract new members. The club wants to get coaches into over 20 primary schools with over 10,000 kids in the Tralee area so contact 085-1355566 if your business wants to help the club achieve this.

Tralee Parnells u12 Camogie
The Tralee Parnells U12 Camogie team who were defeated by Causeway
GAA CLUBS

John Mitchels Club News 16/04/14

MitchelsCounty League

John Mitchels 2-11
Spa 3-12

With a very much under strength side we staged a strong rally in the second half only failing by
four points in the end. In the first half we were all at sea in defence and Spa scored three goals two from play and the other from a penalty. Dermot Ragget made a great save for the penalty only for Spa to score on the rebound. Half time score Spa 3-6 John Mitchels 0-4.

The second half performance was much improved and we were clearly the better team to pull back a deficit of eleven points to just four in the end. Considering how many players we were missing our second half performance gives a certain amount of hope going forward.

Our next game is away to Ardfert in the Intermediate Championship next Sunday June 21st 2pm.

UNDER14 BOYS

We played our first central League division one game on Friday last and suffered a heavy defeat to Churchill. We were without a lot of our regulars but even allowing for that we put in a very lacklustre display. This was our final game before our trip to Feile on Friday week so hopefully we can put it behind us and train hard over the next two weeks.

Table Quiz

We are hosting a table quiz on Thursday 19th June as part of the ongoing fundraising efforts for Feile. Start time will be 8pm in Boherbee with an entry fee of €40 per table. Please come along and support the night , there will be spot prizes and plenty of fun to be had.

Under 12

Training is on every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6.45pm. It is important that the entire group bring gum shields. For more information phone Brendan Dillane on 086 1742604.

UNDER 8

Another great Sunday morning of enjoyment, thanks to everyone involved, see you next Sunday.

Under 6

We are training on Sunday mornings in camp Ballyseedy. Under the watchful eyes of John, Sean, Tim and Susie and it is great to see such a large number of children who are eager to learn the skills of the game.

UNDER 8 and 10 GIRLS

Training continues on Thursday between 6 and 7.

UNDER 10, Boys

Training is on Sunday mornings and great effort is being made by all the players. Training is at 10:30 sharp.

Under 12 Girls

The girls played Kerins O Rahillys and Kilcummin in the county league over the past two weeks.Due to injury and players unavailable because of holidays were well under strength on both occasions but the girls that were available gave it their best. Next up we have the back game against Firies in the county league and then our remaining North Kerry and the town league fixtures so there’s plenty of football on the way.

The girls that played last week were as follows; Mikayla Marshall, Nicole Heaphey, Clara O Callaghan, Erica O Connor, Amy Somers, Julie Foley, Melissa Dennehy, Semi Ogungbsa, Elisabeth Zarane, Kerry Oba,Caoimhne Leahy, Rachel Kilgallen, Amee Kerins, Kate Ross, Lauren Smullen, Nicola Anrezejozyk, Lynda O Connor, Holly Arnopp,Molly Brosnan, Ornau Costello, Lea Jones, Angel Quilligan, Aibhne Ryle, Muireann White and Laura Fitzgerald. Training continues at Camp Ballyseedy from 6pm to 7pm on Monday and Thursday evenings – any new players are more than welcome to attend.

John Mitchels sports complex.

Our Sports Complex at Camp Ballyseedy is available for bookings on the Sports Hall, All Weather Pitch. The Gym, Sauna and Steam rooms are open from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Friday. Cost €3 per session for members and €4 for non members. Complex also open for children’s parties. Further information contact Humphrey Shanahan on 0877740275

Champers Restaurant – John Joe Sheehy Road

The John Mitchels Club House and Restaurant on the John Joe Sheehy road is opened to serve the community with good food and warm Hospitality . Our Restaurant is opened daily. Opening hours are from 09.30 to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and Sunday 9.30 to 3.00pm.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is now well overdue for some and your subscription can be given to Club Registrar Cora McElligott or any other officer.

COST
Adults €40
Juveniles €20
OAP and unwaged €20

BINGO
Our Bingo continues on Wednesday and Friday nights. Bookings for Parties etc can be made by
phoning 066 71 26300.

Lotto
10/6/2014
No winner
Numbers 3-10-14-22

€100 Tim Leahy c/o Mickey.
€25 Anne O’Donoghue c/o Juveniles.
€25 Patrick Creagh c/o Paddy.
€25 Mary Comerford c/o Bingo.
€25 Vera Quirke c/o Brendan.
€25 Mary Kerins c/o Bingo.

Next draw 17/6/2014
Jackpot €4,600-00

SYMPATHIES

To the Family of Paddy Mc Carthy Mitchels Avenue and formerly St. Brendans Park Tralee.
To the Family of Breda Bullman (nee Walsh) Ard Na Li Tralee and formerly Cork City.
To the Family of Catherine Smith (nee O’Carroll) Greenlawn Curragraige Tralee.

News

St John’s In Bloom For Festival Of Flowers And Music

OVER the weekend the first ‘Festival of Flowers and Music’ took place in St John’s the Evangelist Church on Ashe Street to celebrate the successful restoration of the organ at the church.

The restoration cost a whopping €100,000 and took the best part of year to dismantle and restore the organ once again to its former glory.

The festival took place between Friday and Sunday and included a number of events such as a performance by Tralee Choir Opus 96 on Saturday and an organ recital by Fermanagh native Glenn Moore who came down especially from the North to perform at the event.

Scroll down for more…

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At the Festival of Flowers and Music at the St John’s the Evangelist church on Ashe Street was from left: Victoria Moore, Glenn Moore, Adale Moore and Joanna Moore. Photo by Gavin O’Connor

“It’s a very nice organ to play. It was built by a very reputable company in England and has been restored wonderfully. It has a beautiful tone,” said Glenn Moore.

“It’s been lovely, the weather has been great and we’ve got to see a lot of the beautiful scenery in the area,” Glenn said of his brief visit to Tralee.

“The festival has went well people have been coming and going throughout the weekend,” said church warden Susan Keating.

“We’re delighted with the different arrangements of flowers around the church. The people who contributed drew inspiration from the words from hymns and they incorporated them into the pieces,” said Susan.

Scroll down for more pictures…

At the Festival of Flowers and Music at the St John's the Evangelist church on Ashe Street was from left:
At the Festival of Flowers and Music at the St John’s the Evangelist Church on Ashe Street were Margaret and Pat Gleasure. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
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At the Festival of Flowers and Music at the St John’s the Evangelist church on Ashe Street were, from left: Kay Connell, Aileen O’Shea, Helen Martin and Bill Connell. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
church_1
At the Festival of Flowers and Music at the St John’s the Evangelist Church on Ashe Street were church wardens Susan Keating and Niall Groves. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Soccer, Sport

St Brendans Park Club News 16/06/14

ParkOur Club website is available on www.stbrendansparkfc.com . All the latest club information can be found here . All coaches are asked to submit match reports and squad photos as soon as they can after matches so that they can be posted on the site. We can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @_ParkFc.
NEW COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS WANTED;
As the football season is starting to near it’s conclusion, now might be a good time to ask parents and supporters to think about what you can do to help our club now, during the summer and next season.
You might like to join our many coaches and help out kids from six years up but you might not want to coach, but might see a need for better organisation, better equipment, better communication, more and better match reports, more and better club photographs etc … we’d love you to be the person to help us get better. Remember, we have multiple teams at all levels, U6, U7, U8, U9, U10 in the academy, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16 in the schoolboys league, U17, Youths, Senior in the KDL and even the Over-35′s.
Every committee member, coach, photographer, facebook, website, twitter and text administrator are all roles filled by volunteers and we always need and welcome more. If you would like to see where your help can make us that bit better, please email info@stbrendansparkfc.com to start the conversation.
FUNDRAISER;

We will hold a scrap Metal collection on Saturday June 21st at Christy Leahy Park from 10am to 5pm . Bring all unwanted scrap metal, batteries, electrical goods and disposed of them for free ( No Tv’s or Fridges Please ) . By doing so you will help the club raise much needed funds . Full information about all items can be found on our web site .
 
REPORTS ;
Senior A , Greyhound Bar 2nd Round
Ballymac Galaxy 1-2 Park Fc .
We move into the 3rd round of the Greyhound Bar KO Cup after a tough battle against Ballymac Galaxy . Con Barrett and Antony Murphy put us two goals ahead before Ballymac pulled one back late on . On the night Ballymac could have got more from the game but for some fine saves from 16 year old Conor Hurley making his senior debut in goals .

Senior A , Greyhound Bar 3rd Round

CSKA Tralee 1-4 Park Fc .
The senior A team move into the 1/4 final of the Cup as they try to retain it after winning it last season . Adam O’Rourke put us ahead in the first half but it was all level by half time. The game was secured in the second half with goals from Pa McCarthy , Fergal Maunsell and David Doyle who score the goal of the game with a tremendous volley. We now are away against Castleisland Fc in the 1/4 final.FIXTURES;
Saturday 21st June,
Dominos U17 Cup
Park Fc  v  Fenit Samphires   2,30pm .
Sunday 22nd June ,
Greyhound Bar KO Cup 1/4 Final
Castleisland  v  Park Fc   11.30am .
Entertainment, News

Great Night For Tralee People At AIMS Awards

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Tim Landers with his AIMS award on Saturday night.

IT was a great night for the Hurley and Landers families on Saturday as they picked up awards at a ceremony in Killarney.

The annual Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards took place in the INEC and were attended by just under 1,100 people representing societies throughout the country.

Tralee native, Tim Landers won best comedian for his role in Tralee Light Opera Society’s production of ‘The Producers’, in the Light Opera category.

“I’ve been going to the awards for 25 years and this was the first time I was nominated,” said Tim, who won the award for his portrayal of Franz Liebkind. “To hear my name called out was unbelievable, it was the greatest moment of my life. The reaction from the crowd was amazing and I was in floods, of course!” he added.

There was a double celebration in one household as Oliver Hurley and Geraldine Heaslip both claimed accolades.

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Tralee couple Oliver Hurley and his wife Geraldine Heaslip who won AIMS awards on Saturday night. Photo by Don MacMonagle

Oliver won Best Director for his work with the Killarney Musical Society’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ while Geraldine won Best Ensemble, ‘Annie Christmas/No Matter What’ scene, for Tralee Musical Society from their production of ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ in the Gilbert Section, where she was Chorus Mistress.

Tralee Musical Society also had runners up in a number of categories; Alan Teahan for Best Male Singer; Janna Foley for Best Actress and brothers Des and John Hurley both took the stage for runners-up for Tralee MS and Killarney MS respectively.

Also a very moving and fitting tribute to Bryan Flynn – writer of ‘Michael Collins’ who passed away some weeks ago – societies from Tralee M.S., Teachers M.S. and Kilkenny M.S. performed a number from “Michael Collins, A Musical Drama,” bringing all those present to a standing ovation and recognising his immense contribution to musical theatre here in Ireland.

Over 90 musical societies are affiliated to the Association of Irish Musical Societies across the country and the awards celebrate the musical performances of the year.

News

“Érin’s Just A Normal Seven-Year-Old Girl…But With Limitations”

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Paul and Caroline O'Sullivan with their three children, Louise, Erin and Megan at their home in Gort na Greine. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paul and Caroline O’Sullivan with their three children, Louise, Érin and Megan at their home in Gort na Greine. Photo by Dermot Crean

By Dermot Crean

YOUNG Érin O’Sullivan looks like an ordinary, fun-loving seven year old girl who enjoys school and playing with her sisters, Louise and Megan at her home in Gort Na Greine near Gallowsfield.

But for Érin, life isn’t always ordinary and easy-going. She suffers from a condition, Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), which affects only about 500 people worldwide. It combines the worst symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, immune system disorder and sufferers have a 1,000 times greater chance of getting cancer.

Her parents Paul and Caroline, who have been through hell over the years, before, and since, she was diagnosed, have decided to give something back to the organisation which has helped them so much.

Paul will take part in ‘The Big Grizzly Head and Beard Shave’ at Woodies DIY on July 26 in aid of the A-T Society, which helps families with children who have A-T and promotes and funds research to find a cure for the disease.

I visited the family at their home and spoke to Paul and Caroline about how Érin was diagnosed with A-T.

“When she started walking at about a year old, everybody said she looked like she was drunk,” said Paul. “She was wobbling, found it hard to keep her balance and fell over an awful lot.”

They took her to a doctor who said that it something that she would grow out of. But soon after, at her two-year evaluation, the public health nurse referred her to the early intervention group in April of 2009. Dr Sharon Condon, the paediatrician in the group, saw that something wasn’t right.

While they were waiting for an appointment with a physiotherapist that May, Érin went downhill fast with a fever.

“She had a fever one Monday morning and then she just deteriorated within two days,” said Caroline. Érin had a CT scan in Kerry General Hospital which came up normal so the family was sent to Cork Hospital for a series of tests.

“We thought we were going up for a day, we ended up staying a week. We call it the ‘week of hell’,” said Caroline. It came down to one test in the end, the Alpha Fetoprotein test.

“Normal levels are between 1-7 but Érin’s was in the 90s,” said Caroline. “This meant two things; A-T or neuroblastoma, which is cancer.”

A test found that she didn’t have neuroblastoma and the subsequent genetic’s test confirmed she had A-T. It turned out that Paul and Caroline are carriers of the A-T gene.

“The odds of the two of us getting together and having children are about 3,000,000 to one and the chances of us having a child with A-T is one in four,” said Caroline.

The A-T Society got involved straight away after diagnosis and have been incredible to the family ever since. There is no specific clinic in Ireland to deal with A-T sufferers, so they have to travel to England every so often with Érin for treatment.

“When Erin was first diagnosed we went over to the A-T Society and we thought her life was after ending. ‘That’s it, she’s going to have no life’ we thought. We met a lady there who put us in touch with a support group who helped us deal with the Erin’s disability. Because A-T is so rare, we couldn’t talk to anyone here about it or get advice,” said Caroline.

“It’s also given us hope for the future. We saw that a woman in her 20s with A-T in South Africa has cycled for her country in the Special Olympics,” she said.

Looking at Érin it’s hard to see that she is suffering from such a condition. She is thriving at her school, Scoil Eoin, thanks to a Special Needs Assistant whom Caroline describes as like “a second mother” to her and she loves playing with her sisters and friends.

“People look at her and think ‘there’ nothing wrong with her’, but when she gets tired she loses her balance. She needs to take a special drink to boost her weight because she wouldn’t eat as much as a normal child. Her immune system isn’t as strong, but she has been very good for the past year and a half and she’s as smart as any other girl her age,” said Paul.

“A simple cough for Érin could turn into pneumonia in a few days. She’s on a preventative antibiotic every two weeks since diagnosis and we think that’s what’s helping her. She’s a normal seven year old, but with limitations…and we live around her limitations,” said Caroline.

Now the O’Sullivan’s have decided to help out the A-T Society with a special fundraiser.

“We decided we wanted to give something back to the A-T Society for all they have done for us over the years. And it’s not just for what they’re doing for us as a family, they also provide funding for research to find a cure,” said Caroline.

Paul has been growing his beard for a year now and said his colleagues in Woodies have compared him to Tom Hanks in ‘Castaway’. Joe O’Brien of The Barber Shop will be doing the shaving on the day and they are looking for people to volunteer their services to do face-painting as well.

For more information on how to donate or for sponsorship cards, go to Caroline Cronin O’Sullivan’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/caroline.cronin2?fref=ts&ref=br_tf . You can also donate to an account BIC/’SWIFT aibkie2d IBAN no is : IE09AIBK93621983241184 or donate here at
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PaulOSullivan2

 

 

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

A Brilliant Ballyheigue Festival Is On The Way

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At the launch of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival on Ballyheigue Stand on Friday were members of the Organising Committee, from left Michael Leane, Brendan Kenny, Clr. John Brassil, (Mayor of Kerry and Chairman of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival), Laura Dineen, John Healy, Mike Nilsson and Fiona Moriarty, with front, Model Kinga Granau. The 12th annual Ballyheigue Summer Festival is on from Sunday 6th to Sunday 13th of July. This year’s programme is packed with lots of fun for everyone of every age, including Ball Roll, Pig Racing, Fashion Show, Human Drag Racing, live music at the Festival Marquee, plus lots more. For more information, and a full programme of events, visit their Facebook page Ballyheigue Summerfest, or website www.ballyheigue.ie . Most events are FREE. Photo Credit. Pawel Nowak
At the launch of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival on Ballyheigue Stand on Friday were members of the Organising Committee, from left Michael Leane, Brendan Kenny, Clr. John Brassil, (Mayor of Kerry and Chairman of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival), Laura Dineen, John Healy, Mike Nilsson and Fiona Moriarty, with front, Model Kinga Granau. Photo by Pawel Nowak

A FANTASTIC family fun festival will take place in Ballyheigue next month with loads of free entertainment and a fashion show extravaganza.

The 12th annual Ballyheigue Summer Festival takes place from Sunday, July 6 to Sunday, July 13. This year’s programme is packed with lots of fun for everyone of every age, and one of the numerous highlights will be the Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday, July 9.

Themed on both Summer Style and Getting Racy, the show will feature the latest looks from all of Kerry’s top boutiques and designers and admission is only €10 including complimentary drinks reception.

With two Best Dressed Ladies Prizes, spot prizes and the finale of Ballyheigue’s Best Male Stylist 2014 it promises to be a great night. Both the fashion show and the raffle are in aid of Jackie Crowe.

Participating shops include Carraig Donn, Friendex and Miss Captain (Claire Murphy), JJam headwear, Divas & Dudes, Nuala McCarthy Womenswear, Shaw’s Department Store, D3 Menswear Tralee, Rockalilly, So Elegant HeadPieces, Emer O Mahony Millinery, Aoife Hannon Millinery, Jasmine of Killarney & Tralee, Annburys Boutique, Pamela Scotts, DV8, Ryles Menswear and Michael Guineys. Hair is sponsored by Colette’s Salon and make up by Doon Beauty.

There will be two Best Dressed Lady Competitions on the night. The first, judged and sponsored by Linda Murphy from Rockalilly Boutique Tralee, will be for the most original and glamorous Summer Style!

The second, judged and sponsored by Diane Jeffers from Jasmine Boutique Tralee, will be for the lady with the most Racy style! Also well known fashionista, style icon and TraleeToday.ie fashion columnist Orlagh Winters will be there on the night to give tips on what to wear to win at the races this Summer.

Of course, no fashion show in Ballyheigue would be complete without showcasing the style of its most famous fashion designer, Don O’Neill, who is creative director of THEIA in New York.

The night will also feature the finale of the Search for Ballyheigue’s next Top Male Stylist. Four well known men from Ballyheigue will each style a top model from the Kerry’s top award winning agency, Upfront Model Management, using the latest collections for the Summer from Carraig Donn.

Each budding male stylist will then present his model on the runway and talk through his look. The audience will decide who wins. It promises to be unmissable and lots of fun too. Ballyheigue native and top DJ, Ray Stack, will both MC and produce the fashion show. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are only €10 and will be available on the night.

“Ballyheigue Summer Festival is in its twelfth year and has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2003,” said John Brassil, Mayor of Kerry, and Chairman of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival.

“This year promises to be another exciting and fun filled event with a programme of activities that caters for the tastes of all ages and interests. The festival is family centred with activities running throughout the week for children, teenagers and adults. We make the most of our natural assets and this means that Ballyheigue’s beautiful Blue Flag beach accommodates an array of events including sand castle competitions, Kids Fun at the Beach and Beach Treasure Hunt, plus the King of the Beach 5km Run and the Slip to Shore 2km swim for adults,” he said.

For more information, and a full programme of events, visit their Facebook page Ballyheigue Summerfest, or website www.ballyheigue.ie.

DINING OUT, Entertainment

Out To Lunch: Dining Al Fresco In The Sunny Square

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The Square

YOU know, when we get the weather there’s no place like home.

I walked into the Square on Thursday afternoon to a drumming exhibition from a local school who entertained shoppers and al fresco diners from nearby cafes. It really did have a (cliché alert) continental atmosphere about the place.

The Square is lovely on a warm, sunny day with benches to take in the sun and places to sit out and eat, whether it’s fast food from Hillbilly’s and Subway, or somewhere for a more leisurely lunch like Aine’s Cafe or Nightjar, where I decided to stop off.

I hadn’t eaten in Nightjar yet – although I’ve had lunch in its previous life as Ruairi’s some years ago – and was tempted by the daily specials.

I took my seat outside in the blazing sun alongside many other tables occupied by a clientele in their early 20s – coffees and pint bottles of Bulmers being their refreshments of choice.

I had to go inside to order – thus risking losing my precious seat – but emerged after ordering a ‘shredded duckling salad with potato fritters’ (€7.95) with my chair still vacant.

Other specials on the menu included ‘fillet steak and onion panini, salad and fries’, ‘king prawn penne pasta with garlic cream sauce’ and ‘cajun chicken ad cheese wrap with salad and fries’ to name but three.

They also have a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches on the regular menu.

The duck salad waddled into view within minutes and was very good with a nice salad and slightly spiced dressing to complement it. The only quibbles were the portion was a bit small and there was too much stringy fat on the duck.

A decent cappuccino washed it down and I went on my merry way replete with farmer’s tan after sitting out for too long in the sun.

The bill came to €10.35 and I’d go back again.

3.5/5

 

 

 

News

New President Takes The Reins At Tralee Rotary Club

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New Tralee Rotary Club President Derry O’Sullivan.

THE annual Tralee Rotary Club dinner took place at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night which saw a new President take the chain of office.

John Moriarty’s final official function as President of the Rotary Club was to hand over the chain of office to incoming President elect for 2014/2015 Derry O’Sulllivan.

John Moriarty was very proud of the club’s achievements over the past year. The club assisted a variety of causes including Kerry Hospice, Kerry Cancer Support, St Vincent de Paul, Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.

The club also organised the inaugural Rotary May Bank Holiday 10k run which raised funds this year for the Tralee Rowing Club.

The club also contributed to promoting and supporting the various causes and projects supported by Rotary International throughout his year of office, specifically the Pat Healy Orphanage in India and Shelter Box appeal for the Philippines.

Incoming President Derry O’Sullivan, a native of Killorglin, has plans for a number of events for the coming year including “Movember” and the annual Gala Ball as well continuing the club’s involvement in the annual projects and some new projects to raise funds and promote awareness that will benefit our community.

“I want to continue the good work John has done and if I have half the  year he has had, in terms of the success of the charity events, I’ll be very happy,” said Derry.

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Outgoing President of Tralee Rotary Club, John Moriarty (second left) hands over the chain of office to incoming President, Derry O'Sullivan, at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Also included in front is Sinead Moriarty (left) and Brigeen O'Sullivan (right) and Tralee Rotary Club members. Photo by Dermot Crean
Outgoing President of Tralee Rotary Club, John Moriarty (second left) hands over the chain of office to incoming President, Derry O’Sullivan, at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Also included in front is Sinead Moriarty (left) and Brigeen O’Sullivan (right) and Tralee Rotary Club members. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sharon Hayes, Susan Kelly, Patricia Burley, Anne Marie Philip and Grace O'Donnell at the Rotary Dinner in Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sharon Hayes, Susan Kelly, Patricia Burley, Anne Marie Philip and Grace O’Donnell at the Rotary Dinner in Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ed Kelliher, Ann Hanbidge, Margaret Kelliher and Niall Hanbidge at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ed Kelliher, Ann Hanbidge, Margaret Kelliher and Niall Hanbidge at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Louise and Michael Slattery at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Louise and Michael Slattery at the Rotary Club dinner at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Health&Fitness, Lifestyle

Roger Harty: Let’s Make Sense

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TRULY living in ‘The Now’ is a most wondrous and rewarding way to live life.

It might sound strange to speak the obvious to people, but the only time you can truly live is Now. Have you ever managed to live five minutes ago or in five minutes time?

It is impossible, for the only time we can experience now is Now. That being said 90% of people spend most of their lives not living in the Now – worrying about things of the past or anxious about what might happen in the future.

The breath is an obvious porthole (passageway) into the Now but so are our senses i.e. what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell. When we pay real attention to these five senses it helps to develop what is known as the 6th sense; Our intuition or gut/survival instinct.

This attitude to living can really enhance the quality of our lives and removes so much unnecessary suffering. Many people will say it is difficult to do but I don’t agree. With a little daily practice, the desired result can be achieved in a relatively short space of time. Moreover the practice of coming to our senses can be a very pleasant experience.

Sight: Look at a beautiful mountain view. Realise that you can only see it exactly as it is just now as, perhaps when you look at it in five minutes time, the sun may have disappeared behind the clouds – it is an ever changing vista.

Really appreciate that you have the gift of sight and what it means to you and also to close your eyes and consider the less fortunate who are without this precious gift. Admire them for the way in which they face daily struggles with such bravery.

Hearing: Listen to the sound of the birds chirping in the morning. Pay attention to different array of sounds emanating from each species.

Listen to the joyous sound of children laughing and be grateful to have such a wondrous gift. Take a walk on one of our glorious local beaches and listen to sound of the waves as they finally reach the shore. Think of the difficulties faced by people who do not have the gift of hearing and who will go through life never hearing those sounds.

Taste: Think of your favourite food and what joy it brings as you truly savour the flavour in your mouth. Eat slowly and really appreciate the moment chewing the food and allow your taste buds to do the work that they were created for. Appreciate the hands that made the food and that the food came from an ethically sound production line.

Touch: Hug a friend or a family member. Take time and feel the warmth and genuineness of the embrace and realise that you can only truly appreciate that feeling right now.

Think of the children and people who might have to go through the whole of their lives without feeling loved. We truly are emotional human beings and we need the connection which touch can bring to our lives for our survival.

Smell: Go into the woods and appreciate the various aromas that are readily available. Take time to smell a wild flower or a rose and realise how empty and dull your life would be without this sense. I recently spent some time in Ballyseedy woods and the scent of the wild garlic was overwhelming.

The best things in life are free but do we take the time to appreciate them.

Next week I will write about the power of gratitude.

• Roger Harty is a life coach and can be contacted on 087-6128336, on twitter at @Innerjoyz1 or by email rogharty@gmail.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle

Niall Hobbert: A Healthy Body Can Help Towards A Healthy Mind

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rsz_niall_hobbert_gym_1FINALLY the sun has decided to tog out for Kerry.

Long overdue if I may say. There’s nothing like getting up early to open up at 6.30am and the sun is there to greet you. It’s a brilliant feeling and you start the day with a smile on your face.

Then your dog lets you know he’s awake and he wants some of the Kerry sun while going for his walk!

Physical activity plays a huge part in minimising and preventing both physical and mental health issues. How many of us can honestly answer this question: Have I ever been affected by physical or mental health issues directly or indirectly?

Are we still afraid to talk about how we feel? How we look? What we do?. My question is: Do you know where to go or know what to do if we are not feeling 100% for a period of time?

Last year I ran a weight-loss program, where participants had to put pen to paper telling me about themselves and why I should pick them.

There was one letter that stood out from the rest as it wasn’t a weight loss letter.  It was all about how this guy wanted to break the cycle of  depression and substitute it with healthy eating and exercise.

When I first met him, there was a man who was totally unassuming, introverted and had little weight to lose. What do I do, or what can I do I asked myself?

I set him a challenge and in doing that, I set myself the challenge of helping this guy help himself for his family. What better motivation to succeed in anything you do when it’s for a greater cause than yourself.

So the journey began for us both. Every day that I was training him I always asked this simple question: out of 10, how are we feeling today?

No matter what the answer was (1-10) my reply was: is that a good (1-10) or is it a bad (1-10) and walked away before he could answer it, as it was for him to decide if he is will to make it a Good (1-10) or not.

Always, he chose it to be a good (1-10). In the process he still lost 40lbs in 8 weeks, Ran 10km under 60minutes and most of all he and his beautiful family were very grateful for what just happened.

For me it was all worthwhile to see the relationship develop and go from strength to strength within his own family and when both his wife and himself came to me and just said; “Thank you for everything you have done” that’s what makes me want to be the very best at what I do.

I know there’s plenty of males and females out there questioning themselves; “Would I be able to make those changes?” The simple answer is you will never know until you “Accept” and “TRY”.

Please don’t get me wrong as I am not preaching that exercise and healthy eating will “Fix or Cure” you. What I am saying is that both the GP’s and Exercise Specialists like myself can work together for the better of clients and patients. There is no one way that is the best.

Entertainment

Movie Review: Angelina Can’t Save This Fairytale Flop

 

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Angelina Jolie in Maleficient.

Maleficent

By John Lyons

EVEN though Angelina Jolie is one of the biggest movie stars in the world, she’s been out of the spotlight since she starred in Salt and The Tourist in 2010.

She’s since directed two films, 2011’s in the Land of Blood and Honey, and Unbroken – which will be released later this year in time for Oscar season. Until then however, we have Maleficent, which opened very strongly in the States recently.

Like most remakes, re-boots, spin-offs and what-not these days, Maleficent takes something that we’re all familiar with, and tries to give us that same thing again but with a slightly different twist on it this time.

In the case of this film, we have the villain from Sleeping Beauty – Maleficent – and we’re given an in-depth origin story and character study on her.

The opening sequence of the film has a gentle folkloric quality to it. We’re introduced to a young Maleficent, a fairy who lives in a magical forest with other fairies and creatures known as the Moors. The Moors live opposite to a human kingdom. Both species have an agreement to keep their distances from each other, as they cannot co-exist peacefully.

A boy from the human kingdom, Stefan, wanders into the Moors forest one day, and befriends Maleficent. As they grow up, the two slowly fall in love. However, their relationship becomes more strained over time because of Stefan’s greed, and the duo soon reach a grotesque scene that turns Maleficent evil, and permanently separates the couple.

After this backstory, we’re told the same story that we’ve heard before – Maleficent casts an evil curse on the baby princess of the nearby kingdom. The curse predicts that on the princess’ sixteenth birthday, she’ll prick her finger on a spindle of a spinning wheel and drift into an eternal sleep. The only antidote being true love’s kiss.

The film does exactly what it says on the tin… but not much else. Angelina Jolie gives a very good performance as Maleficent, the film does give the character depth and an interesting backstory, but the supporting characters are either downplayed or simply used as a plot device.

One of the more interesting characters in the film was Stefan (played by Sharlto Copley) who seemed to be corrupted by greed as he aged.

However he seemed to get less and less screen time as the film went on, which was a real shame because Sharlto Copley is probably the best actor in the entire thing.

There’s plenty of other actors in the film, such as Elle Fanning and Juno Temple, who are normally wonderful, but they’re just given so little to do that they’re not interesting.

What mostly annoyed me about the film was that it tries to put a modern twist on the classic Disney idea of ‘true love’s kiss’. It also tries to ask the question ‘what is the nature of true evil?’

Even though these are two interesting ideas which are worth exploring, Disney has already successfully explored both of them in great detail a couple of months ago… with Frozen. Why are they trying to do it again? And why are they trying to do it more poorly and predictably this time around?

Maleficent is a wonderful character study of its titular character, but it doesn’t do anything else to make it worth our time. I’d only recommend Maleficent to die-hard Disney fans. Otherwise, you’re better off giving it a miss.

5/10

News, Sport

VIDEO: Michael’s In Soccer Legend Heaven In Rio

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Michael Griffin making new friends wearing the green and gold on the streets of Rio.

ON Monday we featured a video of Tralee man and Na Gaeil player Micheal Griffin speaking with former Liverpool FC striker Dirk Kuyt on a Brazilian beach.

Well he has upped his game spectacularly since then!

Michael has been bumping shoulders and snapping pictures with the stars of football, one of them none other than the ‘Hand of God’ himself, global icon Diego Maradona.

Other names such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Ian Wright, Roberto Martinez and Danny Murphy have also been on Mike’s radar.

It’s safe to assume the Oakpark native is making the most of his trip to the World Cup. While over there he is hoping to get as many superstars to sign a Na Gaeil GAA shirt as possible so he can auction it off for charity.

Not content with just snaps, Michael got BBC Pundit and former Premier League stalwart  Robbie Savage to interview him on a Rio street.

Traleetoday.ie has been in touch with our man in Rio.

“It’s been fantastic. Last week I was one of the very few people speaking English around here but now a a lot more have arrived,” Micheal said.

“I went to see the opening match in a local area of Rio. It was all Brazilians, no tourists, that’s what I wanted and it was unbelievable. Around 10,000 people were there, the atmosphere was unreal,” he said.

Story continues below…

Michael, who is travelling alone, was only a mere inches from immortality when he met one of the greatest players of all time, Diego Maradona who signed a Na Gaeil shirt for him. We’ll keep you updated on his quest to get more signatures for that Oakpark jersey.

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Micheal Griffin gets World Football legend Diego Maradona to sign a Na Geail GAA shirt which he will be auctioning off for charity.
Michael Griffin gets Diego Maradona to sign a Na Geail GAA shirt which he will be auctioning off for charity.
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Michael Griffin gets a snap with Real Madrid old boys Santiago Solari and Ruud Van Nistelrooy plus Everton manager Roberto Martinez
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Michael Griffin with former England and Liverpool FC player Danny Murphy

 

 

News, Sport

VIDEO: Shane Arrives In Tralee After 11th Marathon In 11 Days

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A DINGLE man who is expected to complete the remarkable achievement of 12 marathons in 12 days on Saturday afternoon, finished his 11th in Tralee on Friday.

Shane Finn has been running since Tuesday, June 3 when he set off from the Phoenix Park in Dublin and has made his way down home to Kerry over the past 12 days.

He is expected to get a rapturous welcome when he heads home to Dingle today (Saturday). Shane completed the 26 mile route from Killarney to Tralee (with a few diversions to make up the miles) on Friday and there was a special welcome in Garvey’s Supervalu of Rock Street because Shane is a former employee of the Garvey’s chain.

Shane is doing the event in aid of the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) because his cousin, Mary, in Celbridge suffers from the condition.

For more information on the event click here.

In the video below, we asked his uncle, well-known Tralee-based taxi driver, Kevin Finn, to interview him about the experience so far.  Later in the video, Shane tells newly-elected Mayor of Tralee, Jim Finucane, about the inspiration for the marathons effort; his cousin Mary who suffers from Spina Bifida.

News, POLITICS

Fine Gael Cllr Is First Mayor Of Tralee Municipal District

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Mayor of the new Tralee Municipal District of Kerry Couny Council, Jim Finucane.

FINE Gael councillor Jim Finucane said he was honoured to be the first Mayor of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council.

Cllr Finucane was elected Mayor at the first meeting of the District on Friday morning.

He was proposed for the position by Cllr Terry O’Brien (Lab) and seconded by Cllr Pat McCarthy (FG).

“It’s a great honour to be Mayor at a crucial time for the town. We need to harness what we have and to drive forward a growth agenda from the point of view of business and job creation. I hope to focus my 12 months on that particular agenda. Tralee is a great town and we need to believe in it and work for it,” Mayor Finucane told TraleeToday.ie after the meeting.

Mayor Finucane earlier addressed the meeting and outlined his objectives for the coming year.

These included the finalisation of the ITT’s purchase of the Technology Park and getting Technological Status for the ITT; to bring the Regional Rose of Tralee finals back to Tralee and the development of a permanent home for the Festival; the development of the Denny Factory site; resolving parking issues and enhancing the attractiveness of the town centre and focussing on job creation by meeting with the IDA, hosting the American Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the town and bringing the Shannon LNG matter to the Taoiseach.

Cllr Terry O’Brien is the Deputy Mayor after being proposed by Cllr Graham Spring (Lab) and seconded by Cllr Pat McCarthy.

Entertainment, News

‘Carnaval’ Time For Brazilians In The Huddle

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THE sights and sounds of the samba boys and girls echoed across the bottom of Strand Road last night as the town’s Brazilian community gathered for their nation’s opening World Cup game.

About 50 Brazilian students from the ITT packed into the top of the Huddle Bar in a sea of yellow and green as Neymar and company took their first steps onto the field of play in this World Cup…and it was noisy!

“Of course Brazil are going to be the next champions, because we’re hosting the World Cup. We have a good team and we know how to play beautiful football, we’re going to beat Argentina 5-0 in the final!” said Matheus Castro.

“I really wish I was at home at the moment as I was talking to my brother on the phone and he said it was madness,” he added.

“We’re so excited about the World Cup and I’m pretty sure we’re going to win” said Hrenan Hribearo.

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Tralee’s Brazilians show their colours in the Huddle Bar before their opening World Cup match against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Although all were not as enthusiastic about the ‘Samba Boys’ chances. “I don’t think we have many chances, I know our team, but I hope we go as far as possible obviously,” said Fredirico Humberto.

Brazil got off to a good start anyway with a 3-1 win against Croatia with talisman and face of the World Cup Neymar netting twice.

In the lead up to the World Cup there have been demonstrations protesting the World Cup right across Brazil. How did the Huddle customers feel about it?

“I don’t agree with the demonstrations, the World Cup is a time for celebration, people can demonstrate after,” said Matheus Castro.

As far as Brazilians in Tralee go its ‘Carnaval’ time. Perhaps if the weather and their chances keep up they will turn Banna strand into our very own Copacabana.

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Brazil fans take their place right in front of the big screen in the Huddle Bar for their opening game of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo Gavin O’Connor
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Getting ready to cheer on the Samba Boys in their opening match of the World Cup against Croatia were from left: Elizabeth Nenno, Raylla Araujo, Samua Kelne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
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Flying the flag for Brazil’s opening match of the World Cup against Croatia were from left: Matheus Castro and Hrenan Hribearo
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A see of yellow as Brazil fans get ready to roar on their side in the Huddle bar before the opening match of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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‘Carnaval’ in Strand Road as Brazilians dance a Samba beat before their opening match of the World Cup against Croatia. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

 

 

 

News, Sport

Fantastic Five Take Part In Special Olympics Events

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By Danielle Courtney

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Members of the Special Olympics Tralee Together Team in Limerick on Thursday morning. Photo by Danielle Courtney

FIVE very excited athletes set off bright and early on Thursday morning to represent Munster in the 100m, 500m and Shot-put in the All Ireland Special Olympics Games 2014 in Limerick.

Hugh O’Brien, Liam Purcell, Maurice Moriarty, Eoin O’Sullivan and Christopher Courtney all had their new Munster red uniforms and enthusiasm for this weekend’s events in the University of Limerick campus.

This is another brilliant year for local club, Tralee Together, who have been hugely successful in the past with several other players representing Munster, and Mark Bolger returning with a gold medal from 2010’s European Games in Warsaw.

This is the first time the club has five athletes representing Munster at the same time, and all were hugely excited for the four day event as they met on the morning.

Our boys, along with 1,500 other athletes paraded through Limerick on Thursday afternoon to the People’s Park to open the 2014 games, and the opening ceremony took place at 6.30pm featuring a performance from Paddy Casey and rugby star David Wallace took part in the flag ceremony.

Best of luck to our own stars, we’re immensely proud and can’t wait to see them in action.

News, SCHOOLS

VIDEO: School Drumming Session Livens Up The Square

Spring Clinic Details

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Drummers from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s at the Square on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

LUNCHTIME in the Square was sunny enough on Thursday, but the pupils from a local school managed to brighten it up even further with a drumming exhibition.

The pupils from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School in Balloonagh were joined by teachers and class-room assistants in a lunchtime show where they also raised money for the school.

“We did a drumming workshop with Martin from the Dingle Drumming Group a few times so we said we’d do a bit of fundraising for the school today,” said Louise McCarthy, a teacher at the school.

“The kids really enjoy it. We did a performance for the parents about two months ago and it went really well, so Martin suggested we move it into the town. It makes people more aware of the school and the activities we put on there,” she said.

“It’s great fun for them because they get to make loads of noise. It’s only one of many activities like surfing, horse-riding, basketball, swimming and soccer that we do at the school and on excursions,” said Louise.

The pupils and teachers certainly seemed to enjoy themselves as can be seen in the video and photos below…

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Drummers from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s at the Square on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The group from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s at the Square taking a break on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Drummers from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s at the Square on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Drummers from St Ita’s and St Joseph’s at the Square on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

News, SCHOOLS

Brookfield College To Have New Home By September

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Principal of Brookfield College, Elisha Dowling, outside the building in Monavalley which is to be the new location for the school come September. Photo by Dermot Crean

BROOKFIELD College students will be moving to a new school come September if all work is completed on schedule according to the Principal Elisha Dowling.

Their new home will be at the large, modern structure at the entrance to Monavalley Industrial Estate which has been unused for the past eight years.

Kerry County Council granted planning for change of use of a 1,026 sq metre unit in the building, from warehousing and light industrial use to educational use, at their meeting last Friday.

“We’re just taking the bottom floor of the building,” said Principal Elisha Dowling. “There’s a lot of work to do but the plan is that we’ll move in in September so it’s all systems go.”

“We’re based in Collis Sandes, which has served us well, but this is a new, more modern, fit-for-purpose building with up-to-date facilities and it’ll be more comfortable for us,” said Mr Dowling, whose private college has 110 students enrolled.

Many of the students are doing the Leaving Certificate at the moment.

“The students are doing fairly well I’m told. The papers have been fair – obviously it’s been challenging – but they’re coping well. Some students are even finished today [Thursday], while some are drawn out until next week,” he said.

Mr Dowling said the move will be entirely, privately funded with no Government monies used.

Brookfield College was established in 1988 and now enrols 5th Year, 6th Year and Repeat Leaving Cert students with grinds, supervised study, revision courses and art and design portfolio preparation service also catered for.

News, Sport

VIDEO: Park Youngsters Rise To Our ‘Crossbar Challenge’

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WE’VE gone soccer mad this June on TraleeToday.ie and to show off the talent we have in this town, we’ve started our own ‘Crossbar Challenge’ to test the local clubs on their shooting skills.

First up are members of the St Brendan’s Park U16/17 teams and what a start they’ve made…

If your soccer, GAA or rugby club (in Tralee) wants to get involved in the challenge, call us on 087-9384810 between 9am-6pm.

Health&Fitness, Lifestyle, News

‘I Feel Ostracised From Society’ Says Crohn’s Sufferer

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Finbarr Griffin at home in St Brendans Park
Finbarr Griffin at home in St Brendan’s Park.

By Gavin O’Connor

A TRALEE man who has felt ostracised from society in the past because of suffering from Crohn’s Disease, has started his own Facebook page and blog to act as a support network for fellow sufferers and to break down the stigma surrounding the condition.

Finbarr Griffin of St Brendan’s Park, who has the disease which effects the gastrointestinal tract which, without treatment, can lead to bowel cancer or death, said the condition has left him depressed at times and prevents him from forming new relationships.

Finbarr spoke to TraleeToday.ie at his home in St Brendan’s Park about how he was diagnosed and the way the disease has affected his life.

“It all started in 2002 when I lost the use of my legs one night after a table quiz. I was brought into Kerry general and the doctors didn’t have a notion what was wrong with me. So from there I was sent to Cork. Within three days I was diagnosed with Crohn’s. I didn’t have a clue what it was,” he said.

In September 2002 Finbarr went to train as a nurse and was fully qualified in 2004, despite going for his first Crohn’s operation in 2003.

“I thought that everything would be OK and they got rid of the diseased part of the bowel. When I went back to Cork for a check-up, I was told my Crohn’s was out of control. The doctors said if I didn’t act I’d have to get a colostomy bag.

“I tried all the medication there was, but it got worse and worse. I eventually went down to six stone, until I was told I had no choice I had to have surgery to get a bag fitted. All told, I was a year in hospital,” he said.

Through Finbarr’s experience of living with Crohn’s and the stigma that surrounds having a colostomy bag, he decided to set up a support group on Facebook.

Finbarr set up the page ten days ago and since then his posts have reached 3,500 people and have been liked 350 times.

“I can’t get over the response, my phone and emails have been hopping since. I tried to set up a group before, but it was difficult. There was too many people from outside of town or people had work commitments. Also when we had meetings, people were sometimes too embarrassed to speak about what they were suffering,” Finbarr said.

“One day I had a brainwave and realised there’s nothing in Tralee about Crohn’s on social media, so I setup a Facebook page. There’s a lot of people private messaging me because of the stigma around it, which is sad really, but now I feel they have an avenue where people can talk about it,” he said.

“There is a huge benefit with talking to someone who has the same thing as you, for people not to suffer alone. Only in the last six months have I realised no one has a clue about Crohn’s. I’ve been asked to leave people’s company because I have a bag. I feel like I’m ostracised from society,” he said.

Finbarr has a seven year old daughter, Isabelle, and is single. Due to having a colostomy bag it has made it very difficult for him to pursue a relationship.

“I get depressed because I’m on my own. I’m only 44, when you meet someone how do you tell them you have a bag?”

“You can put on a smile and go downtown and have a pint, but as soon as someone comes up to you and is interested in you, you run a mile because you can’t face telling them you have a bag,” Finbarr said

“Yesterday I spent all day in bed because I was just shot mentally and physically, I’ll be honest I get depressed over having a bag and I get depressed because nobody cares,” Finbarr said.

Finbarr is able to manage because of the medication he takes which comes at a huge cost, even still he only sleeps on average two hours a night because of the pain he suffers when his bowl flares up.

“My medical card is up for review next year and I know there’s going to be difficulties with it. If I lost my medical card in the morning I would be finished because of the amount of stuff I need. One of the medications I get is €3,500 every six weeks, I simply would not be able to cope,” Finbarr said.

For information you can get in touch with Finbarr by clicking here on Crohn’s Support Tralee Facebook page and his blog.

 

News

Tidy Towns: ‘We Need More Help To Keep Our Gold’

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Dan Galvin, PRO of Tralee Tidy Towns.

A CALL has gone out for volunteers to help out in the Tidy Towns effort as there are fears Tralee could lose its Gold Medal Status.

At this month’s meeting of Tralee Tidy Towns committee, it was decided to ask the public for help in getting the town into shape for the upcoming judging by the National Tidy Towns judges.

“Judging for the National Tidy Towns competition has begun and it is vital to get Tralee into shape as soon as possible if we are to retain our Gold Medal status,” said Dan Galvin, PRO of Tralee Tidy Towns.

“This achievement over the last two years has been hard won and it would be a shame if we let things slip now.  Standards nationally are rising so we will need to improve on previous marks to keep ahead of the rest,” said Dan.

“The group meets regularly to target specific areas of the town and this week we will be meeting near Tralee Garda Station at 7pm on Thursday evening. The area to be cleaned is all the adjoining streets, so if people have one hour to spare, the extra pairs of hands would be greatly appreciated.”

“Litter picking is a common feature of these clean-ups.  It is a shame that some people still drop litter on our streets and roadways. The task of the volunteers would be much easier if the general public were more aware of the consequences of such actions and used litter bins or brought the litter home for disposal.  We appeal to everyone to make a special effort over the next few weeks so that Tralee can keep its status as Gold Medal winners,” said Dan.

Business/Property, News

Does Your Local Pharmacist Deserve An Award?

 

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Pictured at the launch of the 2014 Helix Health Pharmacist Awards were Chairman of the organising committee, Fintan Moore, Marketing Executive at Helix Health, Julie O’Halloran, Head of Pharmacy Sales at Helix Health, David Graham. Photograph by Naoise Culhane.

IS your local pharmacist deserving of a national award?

That’s the question healthcare software solutions company, Helix Health, is asking, as it calls on the people of Tralee to nominate local pharmacists in the ‘Patient Nominated’ category ahead of the 2014 Pharmacist Awards.

The call for Kerry people to nominate their local pharmacists comes as Helix Health, sponsors of the awards, released the results of a recent survey which focused on the issues concerning pharmacists in Kerry and throughout the country.

The results revealed that 86 per cent of pharmacists surveyed believe government cutbacks have directly impacted on their ability to look after patients.

More than 100 pharmacists responded to the survey, with the largest cohort of respondents (74 per cent) based in community pharmacy settings. Key results from the survey were as follows:

· 86 per cent of those surveyed recently believe government cutbacks have directly impacted on their ability to look after their patients.
· 74 per cent said they had patients who had lost their medical cards recently, despite poor circumstances or severe illness.
· 64 per cent said the biggest challenge facing pharmacists today is government cutbacks, with 28 per cent believing the biggest challenge to be the increase in the number of customers in financial difficulty.

To nominate a pharmacist you know, simply visit the website, www.pharmacistawards.com and complete the online form.

The closing date for receipt of nominations to the 2014 Helix Health Pharmacist Awards will be on July 30, and this year’s awards ceremony will take place at the Mansion House in Dublin on November 29.

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