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Kieran Donaghy poses for a ‘selfie’ with some of the kids at the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
OVER 80 boys and girls from across Kerry took part in the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’ in Mercy Mounthawk during the week.
The camp which is in its sixth year prides itself on its high coach to player ratio, with one coach for every nine players. Ages of participants went from five all the way to 15.
The young hoop stars were given a treat on Friday when Kieran Donaghy called in to shoot a few baskets with them.
“It’s a great buzz to see kids learning basketball and getting a bit of craic out of it as well,” said Kieran.
Team Kerry, was formed ten years ago to bring smaller clubs together to form a stronger unit, to act in much the same way as Gaelic Football districts teams do in the county. The team takes part in underage national basketball tournaments.
Chief organiser, Billy McGaley, maintains the ultimate aim would be to some day enter a Kerry team in the national league, which would fill a void in the town left by Donaghy’s former club Tralee Tigers.
For now, Kerry is the main focus for the 2014 All-Star, but is the door still open for a return to the court when he hangs up his football boots?
“Possibly when I finish playing football at the highest level, I might see myself going back. I love the game and wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” said Donaghy.
The week also coincided with a referee’s course where 13 referees were qualified, which was a first for the camp.
In total six courts were used, five outside and one inside, thankfully for organisers the week was mainly dry so they were able to avail fully of the facilities at their disposal in Mounthawk.
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Some of the junior kids at Team Kerry Basketball Camp. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the kids who enjoyed the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’ in Mercy Mounthawk, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the kids who enjoyed the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’ in Mercy Mounthawk, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the kids who enjoyed the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’ in Mercy Mounthawk, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the kids who enjoyed the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’ in Mercy Mounthawk, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the people who took part in the referee training course at the ‘Team Kerry Basketball Summer Camp’. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
