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Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring presents a framed certificate to mark the civic reception for Garvey’s Tralee Warriors to team captain Darren O’Sullivan, with Club Chairman, Cllr Terry O’Brien in the background. Photo by Dermot Crean
NOT before time.
All involved with Garvey’s Tralee Warriors gathered at Council Chambers at Kerry County Council to honour a club which has taken basketball to new heights in this town.
What the Warriors have done for Tralee in three years (and not just in sport) is nothing short of amazing. As Tralee Municipal District Manager, Michael Scannell, said at the civic reception on Friday evening, they have provided a sporting team that the whole town can get behind.
The effect they have had on young people is extraordinary with Mayor Graham Spring explaining that Warriors fever had invaded his own household with his son shooting hoops all the time now.
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But Warriors have also instilled in young people, a pride in Tralee that will hopefully be nurtured over the coming years.
Mayor Spring said he was delighted to host the reception which would be his last as Mayor since he is stepping down from the role soon.
“You’ve had such a positive effect on the next generation, there’s a buzz around Tralee for basketball. When you won the Superleague, it was evening all enjoyed, a fantastic show put on by everybody involved. It was a rollercoaster ride throughout the season but your dreams came true in the end,” he said.
Cllr Terry O’Brien, who is Chairman of the club, said when out canvassing for the local elections he was astounded by the amount of basketball rings in the gardens of houses in estates.
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Cllr O’Brien said he was thrilled that Warriors were honoured with the civic reception. He said it was a phenomenal team effort to win the Men’s Superleague title and that he was so proud of everyone — the team, coaching staff, volunteers and sponsors — who made it possible.
He said the fans are the best in the country, something that has been acknowledged by every other club and have become the sixth man on the court over the past three seasons.
Team captain Darren O’Sullivan thanked all who have helped out over the years to ensure the side’s success and emphasised the bond that exists in the team.
“We have become part of a family. We’ve had blood, sweat and tears, nearly killing each other in training and that’s why we’re here today. I don’t think any other team could replicate the bond that we have created this year. Roll on next year!” Scroll down for photos…
Warriors Darren O’Sullivan and Kieran Donaghy make a presentation to sponsors Kevin McCarty and Tomás Garvey of the Garvey Group. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Garvey’s Tralee Warriors captain Darren O’Sullivan makes a presentation to Alan O’Donoghue of O’Neill’s Sports. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Warriors with Tralee Municipal District Manager Michael Scannell, Mayor Graham Spring, Chairman of Warriors Cllr Terry O’Brien and Coach Pat Price. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The Warrior family with Tralee Municipal District Manager Michael Scannell and Mayor Graham Spring. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Warrior family with Tralee Municipal District Manager Michael Scannell and Tralee MD Councillors. Photo by Dermot Crean
