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Tom Crowley and John Joe Crowley presenting Mark O’Brien with his Outstanding Contribution Award.
THE Spa-Fenit-Barrow-Kerries community gathered on Sunday in Ballyroe Heights Hotel to celebrate their community games achievements and honour Mark O’Brien, a driving force who kept the community games spirit alive in the area for many years as secretary.
Mark O’Brien was one of the founding members of Spa/Fenit/Barrow Community Games in May 1975 and served as an officer from that time up until he reached the age of 90 when he was still secretary.
He is highly regarded in the local community, throughout the county and beyond and was given an award from National Level for his remarkable contribution to the games.
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Guest speakers at the event were Irish Rugby and Kerry GAA star Louise Galvin as well as former Kerry GAA star Donnachadh Walsh.
Both speakers spoke passionately about their love of sport and encouraged the large audience of children and parents to stay active and get outdoors as often as possible.
The Kerry Community Games has 36 areas and this year the Spa-Fenit-Barrow-Kerries area were the top athletics team in the county for the 4th year-in-a-row, led by head coach John Joe Crowley. They also had success in Gaelic football, cycling, swimming and singing.
County winners progress to regional and national finals and the area also enjoyed the following impressive successes at national level:
• Luke McCann won gold in the u8 80m sprint.
• The U16 Tag Rugby team won gold.
• LilyMay O’Gara won silver in the u16 50m freestyle.
• Grace Reilly was part of the girls u16 Kerry Marathon team that won gold.
• Conor McGibney was part of the boys u16 Kerry Marathon team that won silver.
• Anna O’Sullivan and Abby Stephenson were part of the girls u14 Kerry Cross Country team that won silver.
• Dara Harty and Billy Naughton were part of the boys u14 Kerry Cross Country team that won gold.
• Evie O’Sullivan and Gary Parker were part of the mixed u13 Kerry Cross Country team that won silver. Scroll down for photos…
Spa-Fenit-Barrow-Kerries children celebrating their 4-in-a-row.
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All Ireland u16 Tag Rugby Champions.
Grace Reilly and Conor McGibney – part of the Kerry u16 marathon teams that won gold and silver.
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Evie O’Sullivan and Gary Parker – part of the Kerry mixed u13 cross country team that won silver.
Anna O’Sullivan and Abby Stephenson – part of the Kerry girls u14 cross country team that won silver.
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Dara Harty and Billy Naughton – part of the Kerry boys u14 cross country team that won gold.
Irish Rugby and Kerry GAA star Louise Galvin speaking to the audience.
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Kerry GAA star Donnchadh Walsh speaking to the audience.
All Ireland Champion Luke McCann receiving an award from head coach John Joe Crowley.
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All Ireland u16 50m freestyle silver medallist LilyMay O’Gara.
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