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Spa/Fenit/Barrow athletes at the games on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
A FANTASTIC weekend of athletics and the very essence of community spirit was on display at An Ríocht athletics grounds in Castleisland.
The Kerry Community Games athletics finals was the occasion and while it was a ‘game of two halves’ in terms of the weather, the common thread was great sportsmanship and youngsters giving it their all on the track and field.
The games opened in blazing sunshine on Saturday morning with a colourful parade of the 41 areas with their banners.
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The flag bearers were Niamh Murphy and Caoilainn Culloo of Blennerville/Ballyard, while the county banner was carried by Cora O’Mahony of Ballybunion and Denis O’Mahony Milltown.
The pledge readers were Erin Murphy from Killorglin (as gaeilge) and Mairead Walsh of Firies read it in English.
The torch bearer was 2018 national marathon winner Niamh O’Mahony of St Brendans/Oakpark and Amhrán na bhFiann was sung by 2019 national solo singing winner Gearoid Meehan Boherbee/Cloghers Manor.
Taking off. Photo by Dermot Crean
Guest of honour was Gary O’Sullivan from Castleisland who won gold and silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
The action saw children from U8s to U16s compete in a variety of track and field events and while Saturday was dry, it was a very different story on Sunday as the rains came.
But it certainly didn’t damped the enthusiasm of the participants as they competed for glory and many Tralee area groups were among the medals. See the full list of results by clicking here. Scroll down for photos from Saturday…
Ardfert/Kilmoyley. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The Ballymac contingent. Photo by Dermot Crean
Blennerville/Ballyard. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Boherbee/Cloghers athletes. Photo by Dermot Crean
Spa/Fenit/Barrow athletes. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Spa/Fenit/Barrow athletes. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rock Street/Caherslee athletes. Photo by Dermot Crean
Off to a flyer. Photo by Dermot Crean
