.Looking forward to Heritage Day at Churchill Forge are Michelle Burke, Niall Hickey, John Foley, Brendan Brosnan, Peggy Daly, Colette O’Sullivan and Dermot Crowley.
THE Spa/Fenit community will be out in force today when they celebrate Heritage week at Churchill Forge Heritage Centre.
Organised by the Spa/Fenit Community Council, the day will start with a Classic Vintage Car Run, departing the Forge in Churchill at 1pm, travelling to Kerry head via Ardfert and Ballyheigue and returning to the Churchill Forge again for Heritage celebrations.
This has become a very popular meet up for car enthusiasts, attending from all over the county. The annual Dog show is a great attraction, always well attended and you are sure to see an array of impeccably groomed pets paraded by their owners.
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Join resident Blacksmith at Churchill Forge and step back in time and learn the history and practices of life at the Forge.
Up to the middle of the 20th century, communities in rural Ireland were largely self sufficient and the Blacksmith not only shod horses, he made and repaired everything needed on the farm.
Displays of traditional skills of bygone times such as butter-making, sugán chair assembly, morse code and thatching, skills which have been passed from one generation to next.
Entertainment will include traditional music, song, storytelling and dance which will again showcase the amazing talent in our community.
.Jim Wrenn, Peggy Daly, Michelle Burke, John Foley, Grainne Landers, Nora Landers, Colette O’Sullivan and Dermot Crowley, at the official opening of The Forge at Churchill on Friday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE official opening of the Old Forge and Museum in Churchill was performed on Friday by Nora Landers and fellow members of the Spa Fenit Community Council.
The centre will be open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is free but they do welcome donations.
The opening is the culmination of years of work by the Council which was formed back in 1985 and the latest in a long line of projects they have brought to fruition as Nora Landers outlined in her address at the opening.
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“We have developed play areas in the Spa and Fenit, upgraded viewing parks in Fenit and Kilfenora, created a memorial monument in Spa to commemorate a famous sea rescue, initiated the Tralee Fenit Greenway, but the one project that we take great pride in is the renovation and restoration of the Forge and the addition of the Museum here in Churchill,: she said.
In 2001 the Krehbiel Family in Churchill House donated the Forge to Spa Fenit Community Council and with financial support from the Krebhiel Family and grant aid from Tuatha Chiarrai, the Forge was repaired and restored in keeping with its original format.
On October 26th 2002 the Forge was officially opened to the public by Flor O’Sullivan, nephew of Flor O’Sullivan Snr who was blacksmith in Churchill from 1919 to 1965.
In 2016 the Community Council added a Heritage centre and Museum with additional financial support from the Krebhiel Family, Kerry Group , Stan McCarthy and grant aid from NEWKD.
The project was completed in 2019 with the installation of 20 visually stimulating panels which supplement the display of restored equipment and tools in the Forge workshop. In 2020 the Forge Project won a National Rural Networks award.
“We believe we have created a novel amenity which will be an interesting attraction for our community and also for the many people who visit the area,” said Nora.
The Churchill Forge outlines in great detail the skills and traditions in the life and times of the blacksmith.
“I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of all who have contributed to the success of our project especially our sponsors, Kerry County Council, Clann Credo, our donors, graphic designers, word editor, contractor, engineer, blacksmith, our volunteers and our dedicated committee and anyone who has supported the project in any way,” Nora said.
.Sarah O’Sullivan with Sparky, John Joe Hannafin with Ollie and Grace Hamilton with Mylo at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather held, for the most part, at the annual Churchill Heritage Day at the Forge on Saturday afternoon.
This event organised annually by the Spa Fenit Community Council as part of Heritage week celebration is a major social attraction in the area.
The theme of the event is situated around the Forge and the central part it played in Irish rural life.
There was a big crowd present throughout the day for a range of events including arts and crafts, home baking, a dog show, music, dancing, storytelling, vintage tractors and so much more. Well done to all on a great afternoon. Scroll down for photos…
Seamus Collins and Alison McCleary at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Orlaith O’Sullivan Aoife O’Sullivan, Collette O’Sullivan and Michelle Burke at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanPeggy Daly and Debbie Quirke at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.The crowd at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanMusic at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.At the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanMaria Fleming from The Animal Roadshow with Gillian Lyons at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Anne Kiss and a reptilian friend at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanVintage tractors at the Churchill Heritage Day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.The organising committee of Tracy O’Sullivan, Derek Nolan and Aidan Murphy at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE inaugural Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ was a resounding success with over 550 people attending.
As we told you yesterday (click here for previous story), Ivan Parker and Katie McCarthy were deemed the winners but the judges, while the popular vote belonged to Garry Dillon and Eileen Moran.
We were snapping away and here we bring the second part of our photo coverage…
JJ Prior, Katie McCarthy, Brendan Kelly and Joanne O’Mahony at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Fiona Barry and John Keane at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJuliette Rolls, Niall Ó Loingsigh, John Carmody and Susan Farrelly at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Liam Brick, Mary Crowe, Claire Brick and Nigel Crowe at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanFr Eamon Mulvihill, Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gina Kelliher and Bernie O’Connell at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAnne Marie O’Sullivan, Mary Walsh and Jane O’Connell at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Jacinta Lawlor, Ronan Kelly, Damien Lawlor, Tim Lawlor and Anne Lawlor at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanTess Clifford, June McAuley and Helen Finn at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gary O’Driscoll, Noel Griffin and Kieran Finn at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRachel Brassil, Tracy O’Sullivan and Joanne O’Mahony at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Charlotte Griffin and Sinead McCarthy at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRoisin McCarthy and Jennifer Flaherty at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Nellie Carmody, Ann O’Connor, Angela Nolan and Anne Marie Herlihy at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJim O’Sullivan, Eugie O’Sullivan, Ted Shanahan, Mary Shanahan and Margaret O’Sullivan at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanThe dancers, MC Alison Nulty, choreographer Jackie O’Mahoney, judges Sharon Whelan and John Scroope and Tracy O’Sullivan and Aidan Murphy of the organising committee, at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE mustn’t have been a soul left in Churchill last night, such was the huge crowd in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel for the GAA club’s inaugural ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event.
Around 500 people were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment as the 11 couples danced the night away with Alison Nulty proving a great MC.
Jackie O’Mahoney had been putting the dancers through their paces for the past few months and all those rehearsals paid off with some stunning performances.
There has to be a winner though and Ivan Parker and Katie McCarthy were deemed the best by judges Martin Ferris, Sharon Phelan, Darragh Ó Sé and John Scroope. The winners of the popular vote were Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon.
The 11 couples taking part were; Sheila Fitzgerald and Fr Eamonn Mulvihill; Rachel Brassil and Jeremy Walsh; Joanne Crowley and Brendan Kelly; Katie McCarthy and James Allman; Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford; Niall Ó Loingsigh and Juliette Rolls; Catherine Walsh and Michael O’Brien; Katie McCarthy and Ivan Parker; Veronica Kelly and JJ Prior; Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon; Susan Farrelly and John Carmody. Scroll down for loads of photos from the event (we’ll have many more tomorrow)…
Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Niamh and Ger Carmody at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Mullins, Bernadette O’Brien, Anne Dunne and Kathleen Curtin at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Isabel Travers, John Joe Hannafin, Patrick Hannafin, Ann Marie Travers and Maeve Hannafin at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJeanette Riney, Mary Kearney and Mary Hannafin at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Margaret O’Sullivan, Samantha Hickey and Margaret O’Sullivan at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCora Carrigg, Rebecca Galway and Carol Anne O’Meara at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSian Clinton and Jennifer Burke at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Garrett Dillon, Kate Dillon, Brian Dillon, Jess Lawman and John Dillon at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanInta Logina, Kristine Sasko and Jelena Bogdanovic at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Dancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSinead Sweeney and Marie Dennehy at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Daniel Walsh, Grainne Murphy and Cathal Murphy at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCatriona O’Mahony, Celine O’Sullivan and Dolores Parker at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Margaret Quirke and Marie Hutchinson at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAlan and Lorraine Murphy with Maria and Philip Browne at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Amy Kelly and Tara O’Shea at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDancers taking part in the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot CreanThe dancers at the Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Diarmuid Herlihy scores a point in the first half. Photo by Dermot Crean
NA Gaeil showed they are serious contenders for the Junior Premiership title with a confident performance against local rivals Churchill in the quarter-final on Saturday evening in Killeen.
The Oakpark side did the real damage in the last 12 minutes of the first half when, from a level position, they pulled away from Churchill to lead 0-10 to 1-2 at half-time.
That left a five point gap that would never be narrowed for the rest of the game and Na Gaeil deftly kept the Churchill side at arms length.
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It started as a tight affair with the sides exchanging scores from Na Gaeil’s Diarmaid Herlihy and Churchill’s Cillian Fitzgerald, but the home side began to get the better of exchanges and points from Jack and Andrew Barry and Jamie Lowham had them three points ahead by the 13th minute.
Three minutes later though, it was level pegging as Ivan Parker weaved his way in to secure a well-taken goal and give hope to the underdogs.
Jack Barry takes flight. Photo by Dermot Crean
However, this was the cue for Na Gaeil to step up a gear. Three frees from Darragh Carmody and a point from Jack Barry put them four ahead in the next six minutes, while any Churchill attack was snuffed out by good defensive work or thwarted by stray passes.
Pa McCarthy brought the gap to three on 27 minutes, but two more points from Stefan Okunbor and Shamie O’Neill ensured a five point lead at the break.
Na Gaeil had to lose David Culloty through injury at the break but they carried on the momentum on the resumption with two quick points in as many minutes from the boot of Diarmaid Herlihy.
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Ivan Parker and Cillian Fitzgerald cancelled out those scores, but Na Gaeil were in control and two fine points from Michael Griffin restored the seven point lead, 0-14 to 1-4, by the 41st minute.
Matt Finnerty challenges Kieran O’Donovan. Photo by Dermot Crean
Despite a brace from Cathal Rogers and Michael O’Brien, Na Gaeil weathered any comeback and when the Barry brothers took powered through to score two points and Diarmaid O’Connor added another on 60 minutes, the game was up.
Fiachra Griffin managed to blast the ball to the net for the visitors four minutes into injury time, but it was a consolation score.
Na Gaeil will be happy to progress in what was a tricky proposition, but you feel they have the talent to go one better than their final appearance last year. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS
SCORERS
Na Gaeil: Darragh Carmody 0-3 (f); Diarmaid Herlihy 0-3; Jack Barry 0-3; Andrew Barry 0-2; Michael Griffin 0-2; Stefan Okunbor 0-1; Jamie Lowham 0-1; Diarmaid O’Connor 0-1; Shamie O’Neill 0-1.
Churchill: Ivan Parker 1-1; Fiachra Griffin 1-0; Cillian Fitzgerald 0-2; Pa McCarthy 0-1; Michael O’Brien 0-1; Cathal Rogers 0-1.
TEAMS
Na Gaeil: Tadhg O’Neill; Dylan Brassil, Kieran Dineen, Eoin Doody; Kieran O’Donovan, David Culloty, Andrew Barry; Jack Barry, Stefan Okunbor; Shamie O’Neill, Michael Griffin, Ian McCarthy; Darragh Carmody, Jamie Lowham, Diarmaid Herlihy.
Subs used; Daniel O’Connor, Eoin Walsh (David Culloty, Eoin Doody half-time); Niall O’Mahony, Diarmuid O’Connor (Shamie O’Neill, Ian McCarthy 4o mins); Ryan O’Neill (Michael Griffin 60 mins).
Churchill: Eoghan O’Brien; Austin Clifford, Mitchell Holland, Matt Finnerty; John Joe Prior, Garrett Walsh, Ciaran Carmody; Cillian Fitzgerald, Fiachra Griffin; Ivan Parker, Cathal Rogers, Sean Donnellan; Oisin O’Brien, Pa McCarthy, Michael O’Brien.
Subs used; Shane Crowley (Pa McCarthy 24mins). Alan McElligott
Kieran O’Donovan powers through. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ivan Parker (10) celebrates his first half goal. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Dineen gets past Sean Donnellan. Photo by Dermot CreanDiarmuid Herlihy gets past Mitchell Holland. Photo by Dermot Crean.Stefan Okunbor fields the ball. Photo by Dermot CreanJack Barry lets fly despite Garrett Walsh’s attempts to block. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn Joe Prior on the ball with Eoin Walsh looking on. Photo by Dermot CreanFiachra Griffin (centre) celebrates his goal in injury time,. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Na Gaeil team which beat Churchill on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThe Churchill team which lost to Na Gaeil on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S set to be a very busy weekend on the GAA championship scene with two local derbies taking place.
Austin Stacks and Kerins O’Rahillys will play at 6pm on Sunday at Austin Stack Park in Round 1 of the County Championship Relegation Playoff. Extra-time will be played if needed.
There’s bound to be a big crowd at this one with the winner securing senior status for next year. The loser will have one more chance to stay in championship for next year.
The day before sees another championship battle between two local clubs. Churchill will head to Killeen to face Na Gaeil in the quarter-final of the Junior Premier Championship and again it’s expected there will be a great atmosphere.
.Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Contestants. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
THE Oyster Tavern was the place to be for Churchill GAA faithful on Friday night, as their first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event was officially launched.
The dancers were introduced to those present, who had a chance to purchase tickets – which will soon be like gold dust – for the event which will be held in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday, April 30 at 8pm.
The 11 couples have been rehearsing diligently under the expert eye of choreographer Jackie O’Mahoney and will no doubt be in tip-top shape by showtime.
The winners on the night will be determined by public vote and judges marks, with the top couple winning €500 for the charity of their choice.
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The 11 couple taking part are; Sheila Fitzgerald and Fr Eamonn Mulvihill; Rachel Brassil and Jeremy Walsh; Joanne Crowley and Brendan Kelly; Katie McCarthy and James Allman; Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford; Niall Ó Loingsigh and Juliette Rolls; Catherine Walsh and Michael O’Brien; Katie McCarthy and Ivan Parker; Veronica Kelly and JJ Prior; Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon; Susan Farrelly and John Carmody.
Funds raised from the event will be targeted at the second phase of development of the clubhouse, parking and facilities at the new grounds at Churchill and also for equipment for the juveniles.
Sheila Fitzgerald and Fr Eamonn Mulvihill at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..Rachel Brassil and Jeremy Walsh at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.Joanne Crowley and Brendan Kelly at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..Katie McCarthy and James Allman at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..Niall Ó Loingsigh and Juliette Rolls at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.Catherine Walsh and Michael O’Brien at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..Katie McCarthy and Ivan Parker at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.Veronica Kelly and JJ Prior at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.Susan Farrelly (missing: partner, John Carmody) at the launch of Churchill GAA’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the Oyster Tavern on Friday night. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony..
.Tony Smyth, Oisin, Conor, Jessica and Oonagh McGibney and Clodagh O’Dowd at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
ABOUT 200 runners and walkers took part in the Churchill 6k run on Sunday, where there was a great family atmosphere at the Community Centre.
DJ Padraig played music to get people ready for the off while Ivan Parker got participants to limber up during the warm-upm, before they set off at 1pm.
The first man home was Adrian McCarthy, first woman home was Jessica McCarthy. while David Chute was the first Under 16 to cross the line.
There was sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee for all the runners afterwards in the Community Centre to cap off a great day. Scroll down for photos…
Noel Dillon, John Tuite, Padraig Ryan and Kieran Finn at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Rosarie, John Ciara and Tom Quilter at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mary and Therese Williams at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Eddie, Martina and Samantha Wadding at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ivan Parker gets participants warmed up at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanNoel Dillon, Jessica McCarthy and Peter Rolls at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Jack O’Connell, Charlotte Griffin, PJ O’Mahony and Ivan Parker at the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Setting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot CreanSetting off for the Churchill 6k on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
At the launch of Churchill’s Heritage Week celebrations were members of the Spa and Fenit community. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
TRADITIONS and skills of the past will take centre stage in Churchill on Saturday week.
Spa/Fenit Community Council will celebrate National Heritage week at the Old Forge, Churchill on Saturday, August 27.
This is one of the most popular social events in the area which will again showcase many arts and crafts skills from a bygone age.
Pride of place will go to the farrier who will demonstrate the ancient craft of shoeing horses in one of the few working forges in the country.
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Other skills on display will include bee-keeping, wildflower display, sugan chair assembly, spinning wheel, firelog making, pottery making and a knot making demonstration.
A vintage car and tractor run will take place on the day and other farm machinery will be on display. This year’s programme will include traditional music, song, dance and storytelling which which can be enjoyed in the comfort of a marquee.
The dog show which is one of the most popular event of the day will take place again this year. The organisers have again engaged a falconer with birds of prey which was also a special attraction last year.
The pupils of the local schools in the Spa and Fenit will display their artistic skills. All their entries, based on the theme Fenit Lifeboat, can be seen in the Marquee.
Judging of the art competition and presentation of the prizes will take place from 2.30pm to 6.00pm and all are welcome. A Tug of war competition involving teams from the locality will take place at 5pm. So it’s set to be a wonderful day of family entertainment and it’s all for free.
.Rehearsing for the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Show’ were, from left: Rhianna Clinton, Tam Lynch, Juliette Clifford, Ian Dillane, Ciaran Murray, Molly Savage, Chantelle O’Sullivan, Rachel Quirke and Elle Stewart. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
FOR the second year on the bounce the Churchill Drama Players theatre group will perform a ‘Springtime Variety Show’ for two nights in Siamsa Tire, but if you were hoping to get a ticket, you’re out of luck as they have all sold out!
The show will feature a cast of 100 from the Churchill and Spa areas on this upcoming Sunday and Monday nights.
Though the mood of the show is light and fun, because of the 1916 centenary, the group have decided to incorporate the events of the Rising into the performance.
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“The finale of the show will be a tribute to 1916,” said the show’s director, Oliver Hurley. “We will celebrate what the 100 years anniversary is all about and we have some wonderful singers in that for us,” said Oliver.
Because it’s a variety show, it will feature a wide range of performances from young and old from across the parish. These include tributes to musicals such as ‘Matilda’ and the Elvis-inspired ‘All Shook Up’.
Due to the group’s proximity to the ocean, a segment of the show called ‘Songs of the Sea’ will look at the close links to the maritime tradition in the area. The Churchill Drama Players, have been performing now for 26 years and are still a thriving focal point of the community in Spa and Churchill.
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.Rehearsing for the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Show’ were, from left: Deirdre O’Brien, Susan Browne, Mary Hill and Linda Browne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor..Rehearsing for the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Show’ were, from left: Aine Quinn, Rosie McGrath, Liz Browne, Mary Joe Daly and Breda Breen. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Rehearsing for the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Show’ were, from left, front: Chris Murphy, Eoin Fitzgerald, Neil O Loingsigh, Jim O’Sullivan and Dave Buckley. Back; Alan McElligott, Austin Clifford, Sean Donnellan, Donal Barry, Malachy Kelly, Shane Kenny and Michael O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
IT’S the weekend so you’ll be looking for stuff to do we presume. Here’s a few things you can get up to over the next two days…
Friday
1. Tuning up for quiz night
Calling all music fans! A trip down to the Manor West Hotel tonight is a must to test your knowledge of tunes all for a good cause.
Manus Leane will be the quizmaster and teams of four cost €40 all in aid of the Kerry Hospice. Registration is at 9pm and it starts at 9.30pm.
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Saturday
John Paul O’Connor, founder of Sasta Sausages, will be at Taste of Tralee this weekend.
2. A Taste of Tralee
Tasty treats await all those who enter the Manor West Retail Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Taste Kerry members will set up their stalls with everything from award-winning sausages to delicious home baking.
It takes place from 12 noon to 6pm on both days.
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3. Strictly good fun
Donal Flaherty and Joanne Coffey, contestants in the Kerry Hurlers Strictly Come Dancing event. Photo by Dermot Crean
The fleet-footed Kerry hurlers take to the stage in a specially erected marquee at McHales Stretford End for a team holiday fundraiser. They’ve had a great year so it would be great to send them off to trip to Orlando.
They’ll be loads of spot prizes and Best Dressed competitions on the night. It starts at 8pm.
Tickets at €20 are still available at Foley’s Gala Lixnaw, Dillane’s Maxol Station in Abbeydorney and Ross’s in Ballyduff.. Players also selling them.
Sunday
4. A centenary run
The people at Churchill GAA are getting set for a special 10k run as part of the centenary celebrations at the club.
It takes place at 10am from the clubhouse, with all proceeds from the event going toward the development of the dressing rooms at their new pitch, located at the top of Churchill, opposite the local church.
Registration for the run is set at €20 with a finishers medal on offer for all participants. If you’re feeling brave and up for it, then you’re encouraged to head on over to the Run The Kingdom site HERE and sign up.
Churchill Juniors had their first win of the campaign as they ran out deserving winners against a spirited St. Senans team.
Churchill started the stronger and built up a quick lead by scoring the first 3 points. St Senans then responded with their first score from a free.
Tommy McCarthy got the crucial score of half when he found the net from a hopeful kick into the box. However St Senans responded well and were the dominant team for the rest of the half leaving the the half time score, Churchill 1-05 – St Senans 0-06.
Churchill regained their dominance in the early part of the second half and built up a lead of 6 points with some quick points and a goal from Michael O’Brien.
St Senans again rallied and had the deficit down to a single point after scoring 2 quick goals either side of a Churchill point. However Churchill were able to bring on some fresh legs and finished strongly to pull away and win on a score line of Churchill 2-12 versus St. Senans 2-08.
Churchill Juniors will be playing their 3rd round league match on Friday next 29th May at 19:30 away to Kerins O’Rahillys.
Executive Meeting
There will be an Executive Meeting next Thursday May 28th at Spa Community Centre
at 8.30 PM. All Executive members are requested to attend.
Juveniles
Our U-10s hosted St Pats and Ballyheigue in a blitz in our new pitch last Sunday morning. There was a great turnout of players from Churchill – the players were split into 2 teams – a Community Games selection and an U-10 selection. Both the Churchill teams won their matches against St Pats and Ballyheigue and had a very close and competitive game amongst themselves, with the Community Games side just coming out on top. Well done to all the players and thanks to the teams and mentors from St Pats and Ballyheigue.
Community Games
The Community Games U-10 football tournament is on in Na Gaeil on Bank Holiday Monday. It will be played in a blitz format, and those eligible players from the Churchill U8s and 10s will be competing. Please come along to support next weekend.
ROUND three of the county league took place over the weekend, with the big winners being John Mitchels – who continued their unbeaten record – and Austin Stacks. Here’s a round up of results from Tralee area teams with action shots at the end of the reports…
Division 1
Killarney Legion 1-7
Kerins O’Rahilly’s 1-7
Kerins O’Rahilly’s travelled to Dirreen on Saturday night last hoping to keep their winning streak going.
The Blues were at full strength following the return of of David Moran, Barry John Keane and Tommy Walsh from inter-county duty.
Playing into a stiff breeze in the first half, they took the game to Legion and led 1-1 to 2 points after 12 minutes the goal coming from a David Moran penalty following a foul on Barry John Keane.
O’Rahilly’s were well placed heading into the interval until Legion hit the net just before the half time whistle. Leaving the scores 1-5 to 1-3 in favour of Legion at the break.
On resumption Strand Road poured forward in search of scores but a combination of wayward shooting and a massed defence by the opposition saw them trail by 1 point 1-7 to 1-6 with time running out.
A free from 45 yards following a foul on David Moran brought an equaliser from Jack Savage and a few minutes later the referee blew the full time whistle to give both teams a share of the points.
O’Rahilly’s will face Legion on Saturday night next at 6.30 in the First Round of the Senior Club Championship having home advantage.
Glenbeigh/Glencar 0-6
Austin Stacks 0-11
After going down, away to Kilcummin, in their first game, Austin Stacks came away from Glenbeigh on last Sunday afternoon with their first points of the county league.
The Rock got off to a perfect start with Shane O’Callaghan kicked the opening point of the game after 22 seconds. With the pitch a little soft after the overnight heavy rain, scores were scarce enough for the rest of the half.
By the 20th minute both sides had just two points on the board, Stacks finished the half the stronger scoring three more points from play from Fiachna Mangan and two by Greg Horan, Stacks leading at half time by 0-5 to 0-2.
A good start to the second half by the home side saw them wipe out Stacks lead in the space of seven minutes.
Wayne Guthrie was just four minutes on the pitch when he sent over a perfect 45 for Stacks first score of this half.
This was followed by one from play by Seán Ryan and then Shane Carroll pointed two frees in quick succession to give The Rock a four points cushion.
Towards the end of the match there were scores from Mikey Collins and Wayne Guthrie before Glenbeigh got one back in added time leaving a five point victory to Stacks.
Daniel Bohan made his first appearance since the All-Ireland semi-final. He steadied the ship when introduced for the last ten minutes.
Austin Stacks received a bye in the senior club championship so will have this weekend off.
Division 2
John Mitchels 0-16
Spa Killarney 1-8
Stevie O’Mahony of John Mitchels struggles with a Spa Killarney player. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Mitchels hosted Spa Killarney on Saturday night and maintained their 100% record in the league with another fine victory.
Alan O’Donoghue was once again in terrific form, notching up a remarkable 10 points in total on the night.
Mitchels started strongly getting two early scores from Alan O’Donoghue but Spa answered back and drew level. From then until the end of the half both teams traded scores, with Mitchels points coming from from Sean Moloney (2) and Alan O’Donoghue (3) to leave half time score John Mitchels 0-7 Spa Killarney 0-7.
On resumption, Mitchels attacked the game with intensity, adding three points from Alan O’Donoghue and points from Shane O’Connor and Jonathan O’Halloran.
But Spa hurtled back into contention with a goal leaving only two points between the teams. Mitchels dug deep and rallied by scoring a further four points finishing out the game with points from Alan O’Donoghue (2) and Sean Moloney (2).
Next up, is a clash with fellow table toppers, Kenmare, next month. (scroll to end of reports for more photos)
Division 3
St Pats 2-10
Annascaul 0-8
Liam O’Sullivan from St Pats in possession being chased by James Farrell and Kenneth Quirke of Annascaul. Photo by Dermot Crean.
This round 3 local derby proved to be the game of two halves with Annascaul dominating the first half.
It took St Pat’s 14 minutes to register their first score of the game until, Kieran Hurley opened his account with a pointed free on 17 minutes, with his brother Willie adding a further point a minute later to leave the minimum between the sides.
Annascaul dominated proceedings for the remainder of the half stretching forward with the mercurial Genie Farrell getting the last point of the first half, leaving the scores going in at the break, St Pats 0-3 Annascaul 0-7.
The turning point of the game came on the 10th minute of the second half when Michael O’Sullivan sent a high ball towards the Annascaul goal which was well fielded by Kieran Hurley who in turn passed to the in running Brendan Poff, Brendan made no mistake and hit the back of the net to put St Pats in front for the first time in the game.
The game was over when Hurley hit St Pats second goal. St Pat’s confidence was now showing as they pushed forward at every opportunity.
Adrian Greaney and Kieran Hurley added two pointed frees in injury time to leave the final score St Pats 2-10 Annascaul 0-8. (scroll to end of reports for more photos)
Beale 0-8
Ballymacelligott 1-6
Ballymac won their second Co. League game in a row on Saturday evening last in Ballybunion with a one point victory over Beale.
The home side had the better of the first half exchanges and led at half time by 0-4 to 0-3 with Ballymac scores coming from Luke Sweeney (0-2) and Daniel O Shea (0-1).
A feature of the first half for Ballymac was the excellent performance of Niall O’Shea at right half back.
Ballymac upped their game in the second half and the decisive score of the game came Aidan Breen scored a fine individual goal. This score allied to points by Luke Sweeney, Aidan Breen, and Padraig McCarthy saw Ballymac run out winners.
Na Gaeil 2-9
Beaufort 2-9
Darragh Carmody of Na Gaeil tussles with a Beaufort player. Photo by Dermot Crean.
NA Gaeil finally got their first point in division three with a hard earned draw with Beaufort.
Na Gaeil, playing at home, had the better of the opening exchanges with scores coming through Darragh Carmody, Mike Griffin and Shane Carey.
The visitors came back strong at the end however to take a two point lead into the break. It could have been a lot worse only for a flurry of exceptional saves from Tim Culloty. The half ending, Na Gaeil 0-5 Beaufort 1-4.
The second half was a more evenly contested affair with the lead exchanging hands on several occasions.
A Mike Griffin effort on the 20th minute got the home side’s second goal of the evening. When Rob Murphy scored a point it looked like Na Gaeil were on course to victory, but Beaufort equalised with the last kick of the game for a share of the spoils. (scroll to end of reports for more photos)
Division 4
Lispole 0-12
Churchill 2-14
Churchill had their first win of the County League campaign with a well deserved victory over Lispole in Lispole last Sunday.
Churchill went two points up after four minutes with points from play by Brian Hill and the impressive Conor Daly, but by the 11th minute, Lispole had scored three points of their own from play, to lead for the only time in the game.
The crucial period of the first half came in the next three minutes when Churchill added two further points from play from Conor Daly and a goal from the boot of Cillian Fitzgerald.
Lispole added another from play after 16 minutes. Churchill then added four more points to Lispole’s two and these came from Conor Daly (2), Cillian Fitzgerald and a brilliantly struck 45 from Ger McCarthy to leave it at half-time, Churchill 1-8 Lispole 0-6.
In the second half, Lispole were first out of the blocks and by the 6th minute had three points on the board. But by the halfway stage, Churchill had steadied the ship with points from play by Daly (2) and Fitzgerald to leave the score Churchill 1-11 to Lispole 0-9.
The turning point of the half came in the 17th minute with a goal from Ger McCarthy. Both teams added three points each to leave the full time score Churchill 2-14 to Lispole 0-12.
The result sets Churchill up nicely for their Junior Championship Match vs Na Gaeil in their new pitch next Sunday.
Division 5
Duagh 1-18
Austin Stacks 1-7
Austin Stacks B side were short a number of first choice players due to the clash of fixtures over the weekend, as they travelled to Duagh having won one and lost one in the league already.
It was a difficult afternoon for the Rock, who were beaten by the better side. It was all but over at the end of half time the score being 1-9 to 0-3 to the north Kerry men.
There was an improvement in fortunes in the second half with Stacks kicking one 1-4 to make the scoreboard look slightly more respectable.
Scroll down for photos from some of the games…
Michael O’Sullivan fielding the ball watched by teammates Liam Poff and Kevin O’Shea from St Pats and Emmet Kennedy and James Crean from Annascaul also in shot Photo by Dermot Crean.St Pats Corner Back Luke Mulligan is in possession, being tackled by Genie Farrell. Other players in the picture are Liam O’Sullivan from St Pats, James Farrell from Annascaul and Jeffrey Foley in the background. Photo by Dermot Crean.St Pats, Kieran Hurley is tackled by Annascaul’s Gerard O’Shea. Photo by Dermot Crean.Action from John Mitchels v Spa Killarney, Brendan O’Mahony challenges a Spa man. Photo by Dermot Crean.Action from John Mitchels v Spa Killarney, Alan O’Donoghue gets a shot away. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels Lawrence Bastible and Michael Deane rise up for the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels, Jonathan O’Halloran and Jake Moran contest the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.Action from John Mitchels v Spa Killarney, Micheal Wrenn attempts to block a shot. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s Shane Carey, lays off a pass. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s, Tim Lynch, attempts the block down. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s Shamie O’Neill, closes down a Beaufort player. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s, Emmett Curran, Shamie O’Neill and Eoin Walsh contest a kick out with Beaufort players. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s, Shamie O’Neill rises up for the ball with Beaufort players while Eoin Walsh looks on. Photo by Dermot Crean.
IT was the opening weekend of the Credit Union Senior Football League which saw Tralee town and area teams in action at home and around the county.
Below are brief reports and scroll to the bottom to check out photos from yesterday’s action…
Division 1 Finuge 0-8 – 3-17 Kerins O’Rahilly’s
Tommy Walsh played a big part in yesterday’s win for Kerins O’Rahilly’s. File Photo
Tommy Walsh, kicked a total of 1-6 from play as Kerins O’Rahilly’s cruised to an emphatic victory against a Finuge side without the services of Paul Galvin.
The former Sydney Swan, played the game at full-forward causing havoc for the North Kerry men who couldn’t get a handle on Walsh who kicked some fine scores from left and right along with having a hand in others.
Another returning player, Con Barrett, also impressed fielding some excellent ball in midfield alongside his partner David Moran. There will be tougher tests to come, but Strand Road will be pleased with their flying start to the league campaign.
Division 2 John Mitchels 0-10 – 0-06 Templenoe
Mitchels rally of points in the second half saw them past Templenoe in Ballyseedy.
Three points without reply from Alan O’Donoghue, Sean Moloney and Ciaran Deane, was the cushion which made sure Mitchels got the new campaign off to a winning start.
It was Mitchels also who had the better start to the game scoring three on the bounce, two from Alan O’Donogue and one from Sean Moloney.
On the day, Mitchels can be very thankful of goalkeeper Dermot Raggett who made two fantastic saves with the South Kerry men left to rue a few goal chances.
John Mitchels, Alan O’Donoghue, shoots for a score. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Division 3
St Pats 1-12 – 1-10 Na Gaeil
These two newcomers to Division 3 came up against each other for the first round game.
It was a hard fought victory for St Pat’s who will be glad to get off the mark early having been relegated from division 2 last year. Na Gaeil moved the other way, but despite a late goal couldn’t get one over on the Blennerville side.
At half time Na Gaeil lead by 0-7 to 0-6 points, after soaking up some pressure at the start of the second half St Pat’s took the initiative when Gary ‘Lar’ Savage’s punched the ball to the net.
With ten minutes to go St Pats kicked three unanswered points from David O’Callaghan, Kieran Hurley and Eoin Sayers. Na Gaeil rallied late with Ian McCarthy’s goal sparking the revival, but time ran out and St Pat’s were victors by two.
Na Gaeil’s Kerry U21 player, Jack Barry rises for the ball against St Pat’s. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Keel 1-12 – 1-6 Ballymacelligott
Four unanswered points by Keel towards the end of the match left Ballymacelligott in the dust.
The game had started well for Ballymac, with Vinnie Horan hitting the net for his side. The sides would then go on to trade points. The home side’s influence soon began to show, the half ending 1-6 to 1-6 in favour of Keel.
Ballymac came out fighting in the second half playing their best football in the third quarter pulling the game back to within two points of the Mid-Kerry side.
This moved Keel into action kicking four points on the bounce to win by a six point margin.
Division 4
Churchill 1-7 – 1-9 Cordal
Churchill will be disappointed as they get off to a losing start in division 4.
Staying with their opponents at the beginning, they were hit a blow right at the end of the first half when Cordal scored a goal to go in at the break 1-5 to 0-4 ahead.
At one stage in the second half Cordal led by seven points with Kerry senior panel member Phillip O’Connor in fine form.
Soon though, Churchill began to eat in to that lead, although fortuitously when the Cordal keeper made a howler dropping the ball into his own net.
An comeback was on the cards, when Ivan Parker scored from play to pull the deficit back to one, but it wasn’t to be, with Cordal, aided by some sloppy indiscipline from the Churchill rearguard, seeing the game out by a margin of two points.
Division 5
Sneem/Derrynane 3-6 – 1-6 Austin Stack B
A second half collapse by The Rock’s second string meant they came back from the trip down south empty-handed.
Aided by stalwart, William Kirby, in midfield, Stacks went in at half time five points up, 1-4 to 0-3.
In the entire second half, the Rock only registered two points, while their South Kerry opponents hit the net three times to take the points.
It was a shaky start to life back in the senior league for the B’s after an absence of 22 years, but still they will find something to build on and may have some more well known names run out for them over the course of the year.
Scroll down for images from some of the games…
William Kirby in action for the Austin Stack B’s in Sneem. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin.Action from the Austin Stacks v Sneem/Derrynane game yesterday in Sneem. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
John Mitchels, Ciaran Deane, attempts to get a handle on Templenoe’s, Killian Spillane. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels Sean Moloney and Alan O’Donoghue puts the Templenoe defence under pressure. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels Daniel Kerins, marshals a Templenoe attacker. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels, Stephen O’Mahony, gets on the ball against Temolenoe in the opening round of the county league division 2. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels Shane O’Connell, attacks the Templenoe defence. Photo by Dermot Crean.A Templenoe player attempts to block Micheal Wrenn. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Mitchels Michael Wrenn looks to get the ball in a dangerous area with teammate, Jonathan O’Halloran close by. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil get ready for their opening round game against St Pat’s. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Na Gaeil’s, Shane Carey, shoots at goal againstb St Pat’s in the opening game of the county league. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.St Pat’s Sean Hayes, gets a pass away against Na Gaeil. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.St Pat’s Willie Hurley on the ball while Na Gaeil’s, Ross Culloty attempts to shepherd him away from goal. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s, Dan O’Connor attempts to drive at the St Pat’s defence. Photo by Dermot Crean.Na Gaeil’s, Dan O’Connor and St Pat’s, Micheal O’Sullivan, contest a kick out in midfield. Photo by Dermot Crean.St Pat’s huddle around before throw-in of their opening county league game against Na Gaeil. Photo by Dermot Crean.Kevin O’Shea for St Pat’s shoots for goal with Na Gaeil’s, Dan O’Connor doing his utmost to put him off. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Ill-discipline cost Churchill at least a share of the points in their first outing in this year’s County League away to Cordal last Sunday.
With 5 minutes to go and Churchill a single point in arrears, Cillian Fitzgerald was awarded a free straight in front of the goals. In what can only be described as a rush of blood, he struck one of the Cordal defenders as he picked himself up off the ground. Following consultation with his umpires, the referee showed him a second yellow and a red and sent him to the sideline.
He reversed his decision and threw in the ball. With that went Churchill’s chance of getting something out of this game, as they were the dominant team at the time. On paper, Churchill, who welcomed back Peader Stack and Conor Daly to the starting 15 after a number of years’ absence, had a strong line-up, despite the absence of a number of regulars through injury. They got off to a great start and were 2 points up after 5 minutes, courtesy of a point from Ivan Parker and a free from Mike O’Brien. However, after this, Churchill were very wasteful, spurning point scoring opportunities for goal chances.
Cordal started to get on top at midfield and after 22 minutes, had built up a 0-5 to 0-2 lead. A couple of Cordal’s points were as a result of sloppy play or turnovers in the Churchill defence. It wasn’t until the 24th Conor Daly embarked on one of his trademark runs and finished with a point off his left leg. He repeated the feat 4 minutes later and the gap was down to a point. However, in added time at the end of the first half, Cordal hit the back of the net, with a great goal.
Half Time: Churchill 0-4 Cordal 1-5
Cordal continued where they left off after half time and scored three unanswered points to extend their lead to 7 points. Their tormentor in chief was their full-forward Philip O’Connor, a member of the current Kerry panel. With Churchill struggling for ideas, they got a slice of luck when a high ball in from Daly was fumbled over the line by the Cordal keeper. Churchill made a number of changes at this stage, replacing both wing backs.
Mike O’Brien doubled his tally with a volleyed point after Churchill had made hard work of scoring. The same player was black-carded a few minutes later for giving back-chat to the referee. Brian Hill, on as a sub, pulled another point back for Churchill, and an unlikely victory was on the cards. When Ivan Parker scored a great point from play, the margin was down to the minimum. Cordal’s wing back received a black card and Churchill were doing all the pressing. Then came Fitzgerald’s sending off. Try as Churchill might to get the equaliser, they couldn’t create an opportunity.
With time running out, Cordal were awarded a free after a late tackle on the Cordal corner forward. They duly converted and claimed the victory and 2 County League points. Churchill have an immediate chance to bounce back with a home match in The Spa vs Cromane next Sunday at 12 noon. If they can keep their discipline, there is no reason why they can’t register their first victory.
Full time: Churchill 1-7 Cordal 1-9 Churchill: P O’Sullivan, Mitchell Holland, Shane Crowley, Peadar Stack, PJ O’Mahony, Garrett Walsh, Matt Finnerty, Mikey Brennan, Ciaran Crowley, JJ Prior, Ivan Parker (0-2), Cathal Rogers, Conor Daly (1-2), Cillian Fitzgerald, Mike O’Brien (0-2) Subs: Ger McCarthy for PJ O’Mahony (40 minutes); Brian Hill (0-1) for Matt Finnerty (40 minutes); Fiachra Griffin for Mike O’Brien (Black Card, 46 minutes), Jack O’Connell for Ciaran Crowley (55 minutes)
Senior Membership: Senior membership is now due. Closing date is 31st March – please contact Registrar Derek Nolan or any member of the Executive. Anyone who pays membership after this date will not be eligible to enter a draw for All-Ireland tickets, should Kerry reach the knock out stages.
Juveniles: Thanks to everyone for a great turn-out for the Juvenile registration evening held on the 6th March. There were 116 juvenile Members registered on the night. Although the registration evening has passed the deadline for juvenile player registration is still open until 31th March so any parents still wishing to register their child with the club should make contact with Peter O’Brien (Juvenile Chairperson) or Aidan Murphy (Juvenile Secretary) or any lead team mentor as soon as possible.
The U10s started back with their first training session held in the Tralee Sports complex last Sunday morning. There was a great turn-out with the players showing a great eagerness for the new year ahead. Their next training session is on Sunday 29th March, again at the Tralee Sports Complex at 11AM.
As mentioned at the registration evening, the U6 & U8 panels will commence training on 29th March. They will also meet at the Tralee Sports complex for their session at 10AM.
In a few weeks we intend to be back training in our own facilities at the Spa with a set time to be communicated by the mentors.
The other juvenile age groups will be informed of their training schedules by their lead mentors.
Sympathy: On behalf of Churchill GAA, sympathy is extended to the Murphy family Fenit on the death of Patrick Murphy at the weekend. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
THIS weekend, the county league season gets underway with eight teams from the Tralee area looking to impress in 2015. Gavin O’Connor predicts how they’ll fare…
Austin Stacks, Division 1
Opening game – Kilcummin (Away) Sunday March 29, 2pm.
Season’s Key Man – Kieran Donaghy
Manager – Stephen Stack
In what’s become a bit of a regular shambles, Austin Stacks still have to play the 2014 county league final against Crokes, with the league fixture in May doubling up as the final.
It’s hard to see Stacks with as much conviction this year. With what the Rock have been through over the past six months it might be hard to focus themselves on the nitty gritty of club league football.
Still, they have the quality to stay well clear of danger and maintain their place near the front of the pack.
Prediction – 3rd
Shane O’Callaghan shoots against Ballincollig in the Munster Club Championship last year. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Division 1
Opening game – Finuge (Away) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – David Moran
Manager – Barry O’Shea
If the rumblings around town are correct, Kerins O’Rahilly’s are ready to give 2015 a serious rattle.
Ravaged by the emigration of 11 players last year, the Blues are boosted by the return of Tommy Walsh and former Kerry minor Danny O’Sullivan.
Another great addition is former Limerick manager, Maurice Horan, who could well be the key to success this year.
The league will be extremely important for Tommy Walsh’s Kerry aspirations. He badly needs games to come up to speed between the long layoff at the end of the NFL and the opening round of the Munster championship.
Prediction – 2nd
Jack Savage, will play an extremely important part in this year’s league. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Mitchels, Division 2
Opening game – Templenoe (Away) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – Alan O’Donoghue
Manager – Ger Dan Dennehy
Already this year there has been good news for the Mitchels; two current players have pulled on the Kerry jersey, Niall Sheehy for the U21s and Shane O’Connor for the seniors in the McGrath Cup.
Niall Sheehy performed very well for the Kerry U21s in the pre-season Hastings Cup tournament. Consolidating their Division 2 status last year, the Mitchels are bringing through some talent and will be looking to move up a grade.
Prediction – 5th
Room to improve for John Mitchels in 2015. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Ardfert, Division 3
Opening game – Annascaul (Home) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – Damien Wallace
Manager – Stephen Wallace
The 2015 All-Ireland Intermediate campions will be looking to build on their amazing year. Ardfert will be the only team in Division 3 which will take part in this year’s county championship. Time well tell if they can make the leap up.
Joining them in the division are Junior All-Ireland champions Brosna. It will be interesting to see if these two teams can maintain the confidence that comes from glory or if they’ll be suffering from All-Ireland hangover.
Prediction – 1st
Ballymacelligott, Division 3
Opening game – Keel (Away) Sunday 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – Aidan Breen
Manager – Stephen O’Brien
Rooted more to the bottom end of the table in last year’s county league, Ballymac will not want to spend 2015 worrying about the looming treat of relegation. Ballymac will be encouraged by their win over All-Ireland Junior champions, Brosna in last year’s campaign.
With the inclusion of former ladies All-Ireland winner, Bridget Leen as a selector, Ballymac can lay the claim for being the most progressive hinterland in this year’s county league.
Prediction – 7th
Na Gaeil, Division 3
Opening game – St Pats (Away) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – Darragh Carmody
Trainer – John Halpin
2014 was a terrific year for Na Gaeil, they won promotion to Division 3 and Andrew Barry collected the club’s first ever All-Ireland medal as part of the victorious Kerry minor team
Jack Barry also starred for the Kerry U21s at centre field and gained a lot of experience with UCD in the Sigerson Cup. Na Gaeil, were delighted to get out of division four after numerous attemps, if they hold onto their best players they could push for promotion again, but that may be be a big ask.
Prediction – 6th
Former Kerry minor, Darragh Carmody is Na Gaeil’s main man in the forward line. Photo by Dermot Crean.
St Pats, Division 3
Opening Game – Na Gaeil (Home) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Season’s Key Man – Kieran Hurley
Manager – Derek O’Sullivan
It was a year to forget for the Blennerville club in 2014. Getting relegated from division 2 was tough to take, St Pat’s hardly put up any resistance on the way down.
Although, there has been a positive note this year already with Paul McMahon starting a game with Kerry in the McGrath Cup. With Kerry Junior Kieran Hurley, they’ll be hoping he can get the scores that will stop the rot and keep them up.
Prediction – 8th
Paul McMahon in action for St Pats. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Churchill, Division 4
Opening game – Cordal (Away) Sunday March 22, 2pm
Key man – Ivan Parker
Manager – Shane Kelly
Churchill were very unlucky not to get promoted to Division 3 with local rivals, Na Gaeil, gaining promotion at their expense.
It wasn’t all heartbreak however. Kerry minor Ivan Parker won an All-Ireland medal which will be a fantastic boost to the club to see the hard work being done is paying off. There will be fire in their eyes out in Samphire island to right the wrongs of 2014.
Prediction – 2nd
Austin Stacks B, Division 5
Opening game – Sneem (Away) Sunday March 22, 2pm.
Season’s Key Man – Shane Guthrie
Management – Tim McMahon and Colm Mangan
This will be the first time since 1993 that Austin Stacks will enter a B team in the county league. It’s a sign of the times that the Rock can boast such a panel of talent that one team of senior players won’t suffice.
There’s the good news, that former League of Ireland soccer player, Shane Guthrie, has returned and will be back kicking ball in Connolly Park once again with the B’s.
At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: John Joe, Mary and Patrick Hanafin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
CHURCHILL Drama Players Group paid tribute to the late Tommy Brosnan on Friday and Saturday night.
The Group, celebrated their 25th anniversary, by bringing their “Springtime Variety Show” to Siamsa Tire and it was all in honour of Tommy, who was such a prominent member of the Group down the years.
The show was under the direction of renowned, award winning AIMS Director, Oliver Hurley and well known Musical Director, Noelle Barrett.
The show was a big undertaking for such a small organisation, but they showed great spirit and drew a great crowd on the nights.
Proceeds from the nights went to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Tommy died from the disease last summer.
Scroll down for photos…
At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Katie Ellard, Conor Ellard, Katie McCarthy, Clodagh Ellard and Micheal Ellard. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Edward Dowling, Eilish Dowling, Julianne Daly and Mike Daly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Carmel Broderick and Susan Sugrue. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Brian and Kate Dillon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Alan and Sally Scroope, Marian Sugrue, Caroline Scroope and Linda Sugrue. Front: Samuel Scrope. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Marian Williams, Bernadette O’Callaghan and June O’Donoghue. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Diarmuid Kelly, Michelle O’Sullivan, Caoimhe Ni Cthreinshir and Edel O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Eileen Dunne, Kathrine McCarthy, Marie Murphy, Sarah O’Sullivan, Mary Kelly, Eileen Goggin and Betty Slattery. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Churchill Players ‘Springtime Variety Show’ on in Siamsa Tire were, from left: David, Peggy, Sarah and John Chute, Maria and James Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Musicians who will be performing in the Churchill Drama Players Group “Springtime Variety Show” production are, from left: Killian O’Sullivan, Aoife O’Sullivan, Jack Dolan, Dara O’Sullivan, Micheal Dolan, Paul Buckley, Donnachdh O’Sullivan, Maeve Hanafin and Orlaith O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
CHURCHILL Drama Players Group will pay tribute to their great departed friend and colleague, the late Tommy Brosnan next weekend.
The Group, which is celebrating their 25th anniversary, is bringing their “Springtime Variety Show” to Siamsa Tire on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 and it’s all in honour of Tommy, who was such a prominent member of the Group down the years.
“We are donating the proceeds to The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, ,” said Veronica Kelly of the Churchill Drama Players Group.
Tommy sadly succumbed to Motor Neurone Disease last May.
“It is a great honour and privilege for the members of our parish and our schoolchildren to honour Tommy in this way. Over the years we have donated money to various charities and this year is no exception,” said Veronica.
This year, the show is under the direction of renowned, award winning AIMS Director, Oliver Hurley and well known Musical Director, Noelle Barrett.
The show is a big undertaking for such a small organisation, but they have great spirit and are sure they’ll receive the necessary support to achieve the success it deserves.
Tickets €15.00 Adult and Concessions €13.00 are available at Siamsa Tire Box Office -066-7123055
Austin Stacks and Dingle will renew acquaintances on June 14. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
THE County Football League fixtures draw has taken place for 2015 with round one scheduled to take place March 22.
The round 4 clash on May 10, between Austin Stacks and Dr Crokes will double up as the 2014 League Final.
Last year, Austin Stacks and Kerins O’Rahilly’s both consolidated their spots in Division 1 without too much fuss.
The Stacks were unbeaten in the competition while O’Rahilly’s were also on a similar path before they lost 11 players to emigration during the summer.
In Division 2, John Mitchels avoided the drop while St Pats weren’t as lucky.
The Blennerville side’s relegation means there will be three Tralee area teams in Division 3 this year. Joining St Pat’s, will be Na Gaeil who were promoted and Ballymacelligott who will spend another season in the division.
All-Ireland junior finalists, Ardfert will also play in Division 3. Churchill will play their football again in Division 4.
Austin Stacks will be doubly represented as their B team will play in Division 5.
Check out the full list of fixtures below for Austin Stacks A and B, Kerins O’Rahilly’s, John Mitchels, St Pat’s, Na Gaeil, Ballymacelligott and Churchill…
Division 1, Austin Stacks and Kerins O’Rahilly’s
Round 1, March 22 –Austin Stacks v Waterville, Finuge v Kerins O Rahillys
Round 2, March 29 – Kilcummin v Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys v St Michaels/Foilmore
Round 3, April 12 – Glenbeigh/Glencar v Austin Stacks, Killarney Legion v Kerins O Rahillys
Round 4, May 10 – Austin Stacks v Dr Crokes, Kerins O Rahillys v Glenbeigh/Glencar
Round 5, June 7 – Milltown/Castlemaine v Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys v Desmonds
Round 6, June 14 – Austin Stacks v Dingle, Dr Crokes v Kerins O Rahillys
Round 7, June 28 – Kerins O Rahillys v Austin Stacks
Round 8, July 26 – Austin Stacks v Killarney Legion, Kilcummin v Kerins O Rahillys
Round 9, Ausgust 16 – St Michaels/Foilmore v Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys v Waterville
Round 10, September 27 – Austin Stacks v Finuge, Milltown/Castlemaine v Kerins O Rahillys
Round 11, TBC – Desmonds v Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahillys v Dingle
Division 2, John Mitchels
Round 1, March 22 – John Mitchels v Templenoe
Round 2, March 29 – Tarbert v John Mitchels
Round 3, April 12 – John Mitchels v Spa Killarney
Round 4, May 10 – Kenmare v John Mitchels
Round 5, June 7 – John Mitchels v Listowel Emmets
Round 6, June 14 – Rathmore v John Mitchels
Round 7, June 28 – John Mitchels v Currow
Round 8, July 26 – Laune Rangers v John Mitchels
Round 9, August 16 – John Mitchels v Gneeveguilla
Round 10, September 27 – John Mitchels v Glenflesk
Round 11, TBC – St Marys v John Mitchels
Division 3, St Pats Blennerville , Na Gaeil and Ballymacelligott
Round 1, March 22 – St Pats Blennerville v Na Gaeil, Keel v Ballymacelligott
Round 2, March 29 – Ballymacelligott v St Pats Blennerville, Na Gaeil v Beale
Round 3, April 12 – St Pats Blennerville v Annascaul, Na Gaeil v Beaufort, Beale v Ballymacelligott
Round 4, May 10 – Brosna v St Pats Blennerville, Ballymacelligott v Na Gaeil
Round 5, June 7 – St Pats Blennerville v Listry, Na Gaeil v Annascaul, Beaufort v Ballymac
Round 6, June 14 – Skellig Rangers v St Pats Blennerville, Brosna v Na Gaeil, Annascaul v Ballymac
Round 7, June 28 – St Pats Blennerville v An Ghaeltacht, Na Gaeil v Listry, Ballymacelligott v Brosna
Round 8, July 26 – Ardfert v St Pats Blennerville, Skellig Rangers v Na Gaeil, Listry v Ballymacelligott
Round 9, August 16 – St Pats Blennerville v Keel, Na Gaeil v An Ghaeltacht, Ballymacelligott v Skellig Rangers
Round 10, September 27 – St Pats Blennerville v Beaufort, Ardfert v Na Gaeil, An Ghaeltacht v Ballymac
Round 11, TBC – Beale v St Pats Blennerville, Na Gaeil v Keel, Ballymacelligott v Ardfert
Division 4, Churchill
Round 1, March 22 – Cordal v Churchill
Round 2, March 29 – Churchill v Cromane
Round 3, April 12 – Lispole v Churchill
Round 4, May 10 – Churchil v Fossa
Round 5, June 7 – Ballydonoghue v Churchill
Round 6, June 14 – Churchill v Castlegregory
Round 7, June 28 – Churchill v Dromid Pearses
Round 8, July 26 – Dr Crokes v Churchill
Round 9, August 16 – Churchill v Scartaglin
Round 10, September 27 – St Senans v Churchill
Round 11, TBC – Churchill v Firies
Division 2, Austin Stacks B
Round 1, March 22 – Sneem/Derrynane v Austin Stacks B
Round 2, March 29 – Austin Stacks B v Ballyduff
Round 3, April 12 – Duagh v Austin Stacks B
Round 4, May 10 – Austin Stacks B v Knocknagoshel
Round 5, June 7 – Renard v Austin Stacks B
Round 6, June 14 – Austin Stacks B v Asdee
Round 7, June 28 – Tuosist v Austin Stacks B
Round 8, July 26 – Austin Stacks B v Moyvane
Round 9, August 16 – Kilgarvan v Austin Stacks B
Round 10, September 27 – Austin Stacks B v Ballylongford
Chairman of Munster G.A.A. Robert Frost presenting a Development Awards Grant to Peter Linehan, principal of Spa N.S. Tralee at the recent awards night in Cordal. Also present were Mr. Patrick O Sullivan Chairman of Kerry County Board and Mr Joe Crowley Munster C.C.C. delegate.
Club AGM
At the AGM of the club on 9th December, the following officers were elected:
President: JP Daly
Vice-President: Paul Dowling
Chairman: Mikey Moriarty
Vice-Chairman: Shaun Parker
Vice-Chairman: Peter O’Brien (Outgoing Juvenile Chairman)
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: David Rolls
Assistant Treasurer: Liam Harty
Co. Board Delegate: Ger Carmody
Registrar: Derek Nolan / Eugie Sullivan
PRO: Stephen Buttimer
Scor Officer: Dave Buckley
The following members were elected to the Executive also:
Aidan Harty
John O’Carroll
Peter Rolls
Joe Rogers
Further names will be added after the Juvenile AGM.
The following motion was adopted and passed at the AGM:
That only members of the club that are fully paid up by 31st March each year will be entitled to have their names included in a draw for All-Ireland Championship tickets.
The Chairman, Mikey Moriarty, thanked the outgoing Secretary, Tracy O’Sullivan and outgoing Treasurer, Liam Harty for their contributions to the club over the last number of years. Neither sought re-election. While David Rolls was selected as incoming Treasurer, there is a Vacancy for Secretary. If there is anyone interested in taking up this position, please contact the Chairman or any member of the new Executive.
It is great to see some new faces on the committee and it is important that further new volunteers come on board for 2015, the centenary year of the club.
The new field should be ready for play by late Spring but there is still a lot of work to do to prepare for Phase II of the project, which is the building of dressing rooms.
On the administration side, it costs over €30,000 for the day to day running of the club.
As was outlined by Liam in his report, without a vibrant lotto, it is extremely difficult to run the club. The club will probably end the year in a break-even position, thanks in no small part to a successful Race Night. It is imperative that a new impetus is given to the Lotto in 2015 and we would ask members to join the lotto via Direct Debit or via a once off subscription at the beginning of the year.
We are looking to grow our membership beyond the current 118 members, as we prepare to celebrate our centenary and move into the next significant phase of Churchill GAA.
The club would like to welcome our friends from Naomh Fionnbarra Cabra who will be on their 20th visit this weekend.They will be in Godleys Fenit on Friday night, the Oyster on Saturday and its hoped to play a veterans game on Saturday in the Field and then on Sunday they will be in the Tankard in the morning and the Oyster that night.
The lotto of jackpot £1100 will be held in the Oyster on Saturday evening.
Tickets for the National Club Draw are on sale now. The cost is £10 a ticket and can be got from any officer. All monies collect goes to the club.
Club membership is now due.As a motion passed at the agm says that if you are not a member by the 31st of March you do not enter the draw for All-Ireland Tickets.
At the AGM of the club on 9th December, the following officers were elected:
President: JP Daly
Vice-President: Paul Dowling
Chairman: Mikey Moriarty
Vice-Chairman: Shaun Parker
Vice-Chairman: Peter O’Brien (Outgoing Juvenile Chairman)
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: David Rolls
Assistant Treasurer: Liam Harty
Co. Board Delegate: Ger Carmody
Registrar: Derek Nolan / Eugie Sullivan
PRO: Stephen Buttimer
Scor Officer: Dave Buckley
The following members were elected to the Executive also:
Aidan Harty
John O’Carroll
Peter Rolls
Joe Rogers
Further names will be added after the Juvenile AGM.
The following motion was adopted and passed at the AGM:
That only members of the club that are fully paid up by 31st March each year will be entitled to have their names included in a draw for All-Ireland Championship tickets.
The Chairman, Mikey Moriarty, thanked the outgoing Secretary, Tracy O’Sullivan and outgoing Treasurer, Liam Harty for their contributions to the club over the last number of years. Neither sought re-election. While David Rolls was selected as incoming Treasurer, there is a Vacancy for Secretary. If there is anyone interested in taking up this position, please contact the Chairman or any member of the new Executive.
It is great to see some new faces on the committee and it is important that further new volunteers come on board for 2015, the centenary year of the club.
The new field should be ready for play by late Spring but there is still a lot of work to do to prepare for Phase II of the project, which is the building of dressing rooms.
On the administration side, it costs over €30,000 for the day to day running of the club. As was outlined by Liam in his report, without a vibrant lotto, it is extremely difficult to run the club.
The club will probably end the year in a break-even position, thanks in no small part to a successful Race Night. It is imperative that a new impetus is given to the Lotto in 2015 and we would ask members to join the lotto via Direct Debit or via a once off subscription at the beginning of the year. We are looking to grow our membership beyond the current 118 members, as we prepare to celebrate our centenary and move into the next significant phase of Churchill GAA.
The local branch of Saint Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank every body that supported their collection at all masses last weekend.Monies collected will go to local families who might be struggling coming up the Christmas.The total amount collected was £1,080.51
Teachers and students of Spa N.S. participated in the recent ‘National Hour of Code’. The aim of the programme was to promote an interest in coding amongst the studentsJunior Infants from Spa N.S. were delighted last week when Santa Claus paid a special visit to the school.
The cards continued in the Oyster on Sunday night with a huge crowd of 84 playing.The winners were 1st Jane Colfer and Jack Murphy,2nd Oliver Mawe and Brian Moran and 3th Mary Maunsell and Joe Lyons.A big thanks to Jim McGrath who sponsored,Mark,Larry Magerat who helped out on the night and all the card players who showed.The last night will be on Sunday night@ 9.30p.m.
The Lotto of jackpot of £1050 was held in the West End on Friday night.They was no winner of the jackpot the lucky dip winners were £50 Juillanne o Sullivan c/oThe Tankard and £25 were Michael Crean Fenit,Kenneth Lawler,and Allie Parker.Next draw of jackpot £1100 will take place in the Oyster on Sat the 10/01/15 when Naomh Fionnbarra of Cabra will be visiting for the 20th year.
Churchill’s slim hopes of promotion to Div 3 were extinguished in Castlegregory last Sunday with defeat to the home team. However, Churchill didn’t go down without a fight and the passion that was missing in recent games was seen in abundance. The result was in doubt to the very end, as Churchill went in search of the goal that would have won the points. It was not to be, as Castlegregory ran out 2 point winners. Castle played with the help of a very strong wind in the first half and built up a 1-5 to 0-1 lead by the minute. Only then did Churchill rouse themselves and finished the stronger of the teams with 2 20th pointed frees by Ivan Parker to add to the one he got in the 8th Half time: Churchill 0-3 Castlegregory 1-6 The second half was a different story, as Churchill came out intent on bridging the 6 point deficit. However, Castle were first to score in the 4th fired over a point to increase their lead.
Churchill then started to chip away, as they got the next 4 points, from Mark O’Connor (after great play by Mikey Brennan), Parker (2 frees) and Cillian Fitzgerald. Castle responded with a pointed free, awarded very unfairly after what seemed like a 50:50 challenge, and the point of the day from Kerry Senior panellist, Alan Fitzgerald. Churchill drove on again with points from Brennan, Benny Dillon and another free from Parker. At this stage, the lead was down to 2 points with 5 minutes left. However, Castle were always able to respond and got another point from play.
With time running out, Churchill surged forward again. Parker had a great point from play and following a high ball into the square, Brennan got his fist to it for a point, when it could so easily have gone under the bar. The margin was now down to the minimum, but as Churchill pushed forward for the winning goal, Castle broke away for a point (though it seemed that only the referee thought it was a point, as the umpire signalled it wide and to all in the stand it looked wide). There was time for one more attack, but though Churchill lay siege to the Castle goal, they held firm and the ref blew for full time.
Churchill retain their Div 4 status, while Castle are in a playoff for promotion to Div 3. It was a case of what might have been for the Churchill team, after their early season promise gave way to dropped points later in the year which ultimately cost them. However, this is a very young team and if they can maintain their performance and commitment levels for the entire league, they are well capable of Division 3 football.
Full time: Churchill 0-12 Castlegregory 1-11
Churchill: E O’Brien, Cathal Rogers, Shane Crowley, Ciaran Moynihan, JJ Prior, Matt Finnerty, Sean Brennan, Mikey Brennan (0-2), Benny Dillon (0-1), Noel Dillon, Mark O’Connor (0-1), Dara O’Shea, PJ O’Mahony, Cillian Fitzgerald (0-1), Ivan Parker (0-7, 6f) Subs: Chris Hurley for PJ O’Mahony (12mins, inj);Keith Rolls for D O’Shea (38mins); Kevin Dillane for N. Dillon (60 minutes)
Race Night:
The club held a very successful and well attended race night in the Oyster Tavern last Friday night. Guest of honour on the night was the Tom Markham Cup, won by the Kerry Minors recently, brought along by Ivan Parker.
During a break in proceedings, a presentation was made on behalf of the club to Eoghan O’Brien by Mikey Moriarty and to Ivan by Joe Rogers, for their exploits with the Kerry Minor squad during the year.
The club would like to thank all who supported this fundraising event, particularly those that bought horses in advance, those who sponsored races, those that participated in a very successful ‘auction’ race and everyone that attended on the night.
We would also like to thank Jim McGrath and the staff of the Oyster for hosting the event. We are also grateful to Emerald Racing, www.emeraldracenights.com, who organised the event for us (including a very popular snail race!).
Joe Rogers making a presentation to Ivan Parker on behalf of the club for his success on the All- Ireland winning Kerry Minor team 2014.
Juvenile Awards Evening:
Last Sunday evening, in Ballyroe Hotel, our Juvenile players, from U-6 to U-16, were presented with their medals by Paul Murphy from the Kerry Senior team and Ivan Parker, of the Churchill Senior team and Kerry Minors. The Tom Markham Cup was also in attendance. Paul stressed the importance of learning all the football skills at an early age so that players will eventually go on to play with success for their Senior team and hopefully, for the Kerry team.
The club would like to thank Paul and Ivan for taking the time to spend with our young players and would like to congratulate all the young players who participated throughout the year.
We would especially like to congratulate the U-16 team who were presented with their County League medals by Paul & Ivan. Remember, keep practicing through the winter and Up Churchill! Lotto Lotto will be held in the Oyster Tavern, next Friday night 14th Club Mass Club Mass will be held in Churchill on 23rd November. November @ 11:30.
Lotto
Lotto will be held in the Oyster Tavern, next Friday night 14th
Club Mass
Club Mass will be held in Churchill on 23rd, November @ 11:30.
Fishermans Memorial
Annual church-gate collection for upkeep of the Fishermens Memorial will take place at all masses on Sunday.
9.30p.m. Mass in Fenit will commerate all does lost at sea
St Brendan’s Championship, Churchill 1-4 Ardfert 1-13
Churchill took to the field for this Brendan’s Championship Semi-Final last Sunday in the Spa short a number of regulars. In fact, Churchill had only the bare ‘15’, with no subs togged out. Against the current County Intermediate Champions, this was going to be an uphill battle (though Ardfert rested a number of their regulars for the match). Nevertheless, the home team started brightly and didn’t let Ardfert impose themselves on the game.
Playing with a strong wind, Churchill opened the scoring with a pointed free by Cillian Fitzgerald. Ardfert had the next 2 points and crashed a goal chance off the crossbar. In the 9th minute, following a great diagonal ball by Dara O’Shea which was knocked down by Fitzgerald, Ivan Parker finished to the net in fine style to give Churchill the lead.
Ardfert were yet again guilty of poor shooting when their corner forward Barrett was straight through on goal, but blasted wide. However, they struck for a point when they punished a poor kickout. O’Shea restored the two point margin when he put over a good point after an interception as Ardfert tried to play it out of defence. Ardfert pointed again in the 25th minute, but Parker completed the scoring for the half when he pointed a fine ‘45’.
Half Time: Churchill 1-3 Ardfert 0-4
The second half was all one-way traffic as Ardfert upped the tempo. A two point lead was never going to be enough for the home team against a strong breeze and Ardfert were back on level terms within 2 minutes of the half. In fact, they had 5 points without reply in the first 7 minutes of the half.
Then a reckless challenge by O’Shea, which rightly earned him a Black Card, effectively ended the match as a contest, as that reduced Churchill to 14 men (though Selector Padraig Ryan restored the numbers to 15 later in the half). Fitzgerald had a goal chance for Churchill, which was well saved by the Ardfert ‘keeper. Churchill were doing their best to quell the constant wave of attacks, but in the 21st minute, Ardfert finally found the net with a well worked goal.
Churchill’s sole response of the half was a pointed free by Mark O’Connor. This was a disappointing end to a promising start and even more disappointing was the fact that we couldn’t field a full team for a Championship match. Having said that, the youngsters that came in more than held their own, particularly Jack Kelliher and Eoin O’Brien who can be satisfied with their performances. We wish Ardfert well in the final and in their Munster Intermediate campaign.
Churchill: P O’Sullivan, PJ O’Mahony, Shane Crowley, Shane Kenny, Cathal Rogers, Matt Finnerty, Ciaran Moynihan, Mikey Brennan, Ivan Parker (1-1), Dara O’Shea (0-1), Mark O’Connor (0-1), E O’Brien, J Kelliher, Cillian Fitzgerald (0-1), JJ Prior
Fixture:
Churchill are away to Castlegregory in the final Co. League game next Sunday @ 2pm. Please support the team as they still retain an outside chance of promotion to Division 3.
Juveniles
Our annual awards evening will be held in The Ballyroe Height Hotel on Sunday November 9th 3.00pm to 5.00pm. We will have the Minor ALL Ireland winning cup on the day. Sam Maguire is not available that Sunday. Could you let all fellow mentors know of this fixture.
Race Night:
The club’s Race Night takes place this Friday at 9pm in the Oyster Tavern. Please come along for a great night’s entertainment. If you would like to be an Owner, Trainer or Jockey in one of the races, there are still Horses for sale – please contact any member of the Committee or Juvenile Mentors.
Lotto
The Lotto of jackpot £850 was not won.The lucky dip winners were £50 Anthony Clifford Barrow and £25 Jim Wrenn Spa,Patricia o Mahony Kilfenora and John Moore Kilfenora.The next draw of jackpot £900 will take place in the Oyster on Friday night the 14/11/2014 @ 10p.m.
The club would like to send sympathy to the Hill Family Tralee on the death of Jenny Hill who is a grand-aunt of senior player Brian and to the Lawler Family Fenit on the death of Annes sister Cristina Leahy in Ballyheigue
To be held in Fenit Community Centre on Thursday, 30th October, from 5.30-8.00pm. Prizes for best dressed boy, girl and baby. There will be a disco and games with BIG Jim. Teas, coffees and treats will be available to buy on the night. Lots of fun guaranteed. Entry fee EUR2.00 per child and UNDER 2’s are free. All children must be supervised by an adult. Everybody welcome. Hope to see you all there.
The Fenit/Spa Parent and Toddler group would like to sincerely thank local parents who recently donated much needed toys to our group. Donations of unwanted clean toys (in good condition) gladly accepted. New members welcome.
Annual November Mass for those who have died since November last year will be celebrated in Churchill Church on Friday November 7th @ 7.30p.m.Families who have lost a family member and wish to have them included in the list please give name to Betty o Brien,Sinead Cotter or Anne Daughton as soon as possible
St Brendans Board Senior Champinship Semi- Final against Ardfert in Spa on Sunday @ 12 noon.
The Minors had great win in the Brendans Final on Monday against Na Gaeil and they had a win against John Mitchels in the semis.This win means a Churchill player will be captain of the Brendans minors next.Again we are very gratefull to Joe Rodgers and Aidan who look after this team.
Race night is on in the Oyster on Friday night the 7th November @ 8.30p.m..Horses cost £20 and can be got from any committee member.
MONDAYS
1. Language and play programme at 10.30 – 12.30- contact Mary Browne 0863048650
2. Irish Dancing 6;30-8pm- contact Micheal Murphy 087 2133866
3. Craft class 7:30 – 9:30pm- contact Mary O’Donnell 0876430513
4. Zumba 8pm – 9pm- contact Jerry 0872400782
TUESDAYS
1. Parent and Toddler 10:30 – 12:30- contact Mary Browne- 086 30486504.
2. Bowling 7pm-9pm – contact Pat O’Mahony- 0860566260
WEDNESDAY
1. Yoga Class 9:20 -10:20 (for adults) contact Amanda Friel- 0871612795
2. Fenit Craft Circle 10am-1pm – with Catherine Spangler- 087 2836255 or Sarah 0868185561
3. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (beginners and intermediate fitness classes) 6.30pm – 7.30pm with Trina Wallace – 087 288 2697
THURSDAYS
1. Yoga class 3pm – 4pm (for kids) contact Amanda Friel 0871612795 (back on the 6th Nov.)
2. Scouts 7pm-9pm contact Jim Fox 0876599647
3. Feetfirst specialist 6-9pm contact Hazel
Last Sunday, in glorious sunshine, the Juvenile club hosted the annual Siobhan Cotter Tournament. Teams from Ballymac, Austin Stacks and John Mitchels along with Churchill, competed for the Siobhan Cotter Cup, won last year by Ballymac. The U7s, U8s, U9s and U10s from each club played each other on a round-robin basis. The games were played in an excellent spirit and the skill levels on display by all teams were of an extremely high standard.
Once all the matches were completed, the points were tallied and for the second year in a row, Ballymac emerged victorious, with Austin Stacks picking up the Shield. Sinead, Siobhan’s sister, presented the Cup to the winning Ballymac captain, on behalf of the Cotter family.
The club would like to thank all the teams and their mentors for their participation and would like to congratulate Ballymac and Stacks on their success. We would also like to thank all the local mentors and volunteers who ensured yet another successful and enjoyable tournament. We look forward to welcoming back the teams next year and regaining the Cup from Ballymac! To all the young Churchill players from U6 to U10, we would like to say well done to you all for your commitment to training throughout the year – your skill levels are excellent, as could be seen on Sunday. While training is finished for the year, remember to keep practicing at home and we look forward to seeing you all back again next year.
Up Churchill!
Sympathies
It was with deep regret and sadness that the club learned of the death of Rose Morgan Tralee mother of Mary and grandmother of senior players Michael and Shaun.
Churchill Pages
MONDAYS:
1. Language and play programme at 10.30 – 12.30 with Mary Browne on 0863048650
2. Irish Dancing 6;30-8pm with Micheal Murphy 087 2133866
3. Craft class 7:30 – 9:30pm with Mary O’Donnell 0876430513
4. Zumba 8pm – 9pm, with Jerry 0872400782
TUESDAYS:
1. Parent and Toddler 10:30 – 12:30 with Mary Browne- 086 30486504.
2. Bowling 7pm-9pm – with Pat O’Mahony- 0860566260
WEDNESDAY:
1. Yoga Class 9:20 -10:20 (for adults) with Amanda Friel- 0871612795
2. Fenit Craft Circle 10am-1pm – with Catherine Spangler- 087 2836255 or Sarah 0868185561
3. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (beginners and intermediate fitness classes) 6.30pm – 7.30pm with Trina Wallace – 087 288 2697
THURSDAYS:
1. Yoga class 3pm – 4pm (for kids) with Amanda Friel 0871612795
2. Scouts 7pm-9pm
3. Feetfirst specialist 6-9pm
FRIDAYS:
1. Pilates 10 -12pm
2. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (beginners and intermediate fitness classes) 6.30pm – 7.30pm with Trina Wallace 087 288 2697
SATURDAYS:
1. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (Gymnastic, Dance)10 -1.30pm With Trina Wallace 087 288 2697
Our U17 team started their season with a good win last weekend. The weather was blustery with one or 2 heavy downpours in the second half but in the main it was a good day for a game. Killorglin provided the opposition and despite the scoreline the game was a good contest.
We started on the up and controlled the first 15 minutes culminating in a fantastic solo effort by left back Cormac O Brien who took the ball from his own half right to edge of their box and finishing off the run with a shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Our midfield of Bobby O Regan ,Thomas Lenihan, Oisin O Brien and John Dillane were in control for the most part and soon it was 2 when Darren Chester at right back played in John on the right wing who crossed first time to the near post.
Sean Higgins was the first to react and attacked the near post and drew the keeper. Neither got the ball which squirted across the goal to the onrushing Oisin who finished. We came under pressure for the remainder of the half but a strong performance by the back 5 of Brian O’Regan, Darren Chester, Antoin Stanton, Sean Donnellan and Cormac didn’t yield.
2nd Half – We continued on the same vein this half and had more of the play while being mindful of the threat posed by the counter attacking Killorglin side with 2 or 3 strong runners who threatened at times. Our front 2 of Christopher Murphy and Sean had quite a battle with the 2 opposing centre backs. While they rarely got in behind them our 2 lads set up quite a lot of play for our midfield who constantly probed down both flanks leading to many good chances.
We finally scored our 4th through Bobby after some good combination play with Thomas, Chris and Sean. We introduced U16s David Lenihan, Ciaran Carmody and Alan McEliggott in the second half. David linked very well on the right with his brother Thomas and the 2 front players. Ciaran played at right back and is developing strength to add to his skill. Great to see Alan back as well and he too got us out of a few holes late on in the game with his quick and incisive passing. Well done to all on the day – keep it up.
Fundraiser
Churchill club will hold a fundraising racenight on Friday Nov. 7th in the Oyster Tavern.To own a horse cost £20 and they should be bought a.s.a.p.
The annual club mass will be held on Sunday Nov. 23th @ 11.30am in Churchill
Community Games
The aim of the Spa-Fenit-Barrow community games will be held in the Spa School on Thursday night the 16-10-2014 @ 8p.m.
Martin Ferris Meeting With Fishermen
Local fisherman in Fenit met with Sein Fein M.E.P. Liadh Ni Riada last Friday in the local hall.She was joined at the top table by Sein Fein T.D. and fisheries spokesperson Martin Ferris who arranged the meeting. Topics discussed were quatos,discards and safety.She also offered to bring two of the fishermen out to Brussels to put their case to the commisioner.Talking to the fishermen afterwards,they said it was a very wortwhile meeting.
Fenit fishermen at the meeting with Liadh Ni Riada M.E.P. and Martin Ferris T.D.
Churchill made the trip north to Ballylongford on Sunday knowing their promotion destiny was in their own hands. Three wins from their three remaining games would ensure a return to Division 3 after a long absence.
From Bally’s perspective, they required a win to keep alive their hopes of staying in Division 4. In the end, a draw was the outcome, an unsatisfactory result for both teams.
Churchill raced into a 1-3 to one point lead, the goal coming courtesy of Cillian Fitzgerald. At this stage, you would have put your money on Churchill leaving with maximum points.
However, they couldn’t sustain the pressure and ended up trailing by a point at half time, as the home team picked off some good long range points.
Half Time: Churchill 1-3 Ballylongford 0-7
Ballylongford continued to pick off the points, but a goal by Benny Dillon kept Churchill in the match. With 15 minutes to go, Ballylongford led by 3 points, 0-13 to 2-4.
At this stage, Churchill were chasing the game and Cillian Fitzgerald had a number of goal-bound shots well saved by the Bally keeper. Bally seemed to have lots of time on the ball and were able to work themselves into scoring positions.
They extended their lead after 20 minutes to 4 points and at this stage, the home side looked likely to secure the win. In fact, had their full-forward not blazed wide when one on one with Paul O’Sullivan, it would have been game over.
To their credit, Churchill galvanised themselves for one final effort. A well worked move out of defence and carried on by Fiachra Griffin, resulted in Cillian smashing the ball to the net, his fourth goal in 2 games.
Benny Dillon followed this up with a close-in free and the sides were level again. With time running out, Ballylongford counter attacked and their dangerous corner forward, Kiki Mulvihill, swung over a lovely point.
From the kickout, Churchill moved the ball up the right wing and JJ Prior, operating as corner forward, kicked a wonderful point from a tight angle.
That was to be the last score and when the final whistle blew, the Churchill players fell to their knees – their effort had come up just short.
While we still need to win our final two games, promotion is now out of our hands and we will be relying on other results to go our way.
Any one of five teams is in the running for the third promotion spot. On a more positive note, while not mathematically safe, the draw should ensure we avoid relegation to Div 5. Our penultimate match is a home fixture vs Cordal on 28th September.
Full time: Churchill 3-6 Ballylongford 0-15
All-Ireland Tickets: The draw for All-Ireland tickets will take place in Spa Community Centre on Wednesday night, 17th September, at 9pm. Members must be there on the night to collect and pay for tickets – tickets will not be held for anyone.
Kerry Minors: Best of luck to Ivan Parker and the Kerry Minor and Senior teams in the All-Ireland Finals next Sunday.
Spa NS Ice Bucket Challenge
Staff Members of Spa N.S. get a soaking from the students as part of the school’s very own ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ last Friday. The event raised €350 for the Irish Motor Neuron Society. (see photos below)
Fenit Parish Hall
1. Transition Kerry workshops 2014 starting on wednesday 24th Sept. 2014 contact John 087 2055676
2. Language and play programme at 10.30 – 12.30 on mondays (funded and taught by HSE & its free course for parent and carers of children from 0-3) contact Mary Browne on 086 3048650
3. Scouts classes on Thursdays 7pm-9pm
4. Tai Chi classes at 9 -10am on wednesdays with Mike Allen 0871663386
5. Fenit Craft Circle 10am-1pm on Wednesdays – contact Catherine Spangler on 087 2836255
6. Bowling 7pm-9pm on Friday – contact Pat O’Mahony on 0860566260
7. Palates starting soon with Emer Clifford contact her on 0872261057
8. Believe Dance and Fitness Academy (beginners and intermediate fitness classes, Gymnastic, Dance) with Trina Wallace starting on the 22nd Sept 2014 (mon, tue, wed & sat) contact her on 087 288 2697
9. Parent and Toddler on Tuesadays at 10:30 – 12:30 contact Mary Browne on 086 3048650
11; Zumba with Jerry on mondays 8pm – 9pm all welcomed contact Jerry on 0872400782
12. Kids Yoga on thursdays with Amanda Friel 0871612795 (registration day on the18th sept. 2014 from 1.45-3.30)
Plaque Unveiling
A plaque was unveiled last Saturday in Fenit Church to honour former P.P. Eugene O’Connor.
Born in no. 1 Courthouse Lane, Tralee, on August 4, 1910, Eugene was the fifth of eleven children born to parents James O’Connor of Lisnanoul, Castlemaine and Mary Foley of Boolteens, Castlemaine.
Attending Tralee CBS, young Eugene excelled not only academically but also at hurling and football. Continuing his education in St. Brendan’s College, Killarney.
He enter Maynooth Collage in 1930,and conferred with a Bachelor of Science Degree on 8th November 1933. He was ordained to the priesthood on the 20th June 1937.
Fr. O’Connor taught mathematics in St. Brendan’s Seminary, Killarney from 1937 to 1938, following which, he transferred to Caherdaniel Parish.
He actively partook, as a crew member of a rescue boat together with four others, during the winter night of 26th February 1941, in rescuing 14 crew members from sinking lifeboat from the S.S. Nailsea Lass which had been torpedoed two days previously durning World War 2.
The 40s, 50s and 60s saw Fr. O’Connor serve in Sneem, Dingle and Boherbue parishes finally ending up in Spa/Churchill in 1964 were he remained until his retirement in 1986 (age 76years).
A passionate GAA follower and a noted player especially hurling and football in his youth, he rarely missed an All Ireland semi final or final.
He also assisted the local GAA club in acquiring its current playing and community centre at the Spa. (The latter was named after Fr. O’Connor).
He was also a guiding influence in the formation of the original Tralee Bay Fishermens Co-op, which he chaired. A wizard at crosswords, Fr. O’Connor completed them daily to keep his mind challenged and active and loved good company especially at a game of cards or billiards.
He was a gentleman and a perfectionist and most welcoming to all. During his time in Churchill he carried out extensive repairs to the Church of the Purification Churchill, and built a new school in Fenit.
He also personally gave considerable financial aid towards the building of St. Josephs Oratory in Fenit.
Fenit Samphires
Seniors: We got off to a great start to the season with an 8-0 win over Ballyhar Dynamos. Daniel Clinton scored a brace, Ger McCarthy, Bill Mullins and Darren Lynch all scored in the first half and the points were ours by then.
However Ray Walsh scored a couple in the second half and Ciaran O’Mahoney made it 8. A great kick off to the season and lets hope that we can carry on from here and keep climbing the table.
Schoolboys: The schoolboys/girls season starts next Saturday. All players need to be registered before then and it is very important that anyone that hasn’t brought back their registration forms do so at their next training session.
The St. Brendans Board u-16 had a great win over Mid Kerry in the semi-final of the Kerry County Champinship played in Mitchels on Monday night on a score line of 2-11 to 0-15.
The Churchill players who played were Sean Mortimer,Sean Donnellan and sub Thomas Lenihan who had an excellent game when he came on. Kenneth Lenihan was our selector.
They now go on to meet the much fancied East Kerry in the final.Again this highlights how important the Board is to the clubs in the area as it showcases our players to the county selectors.So we would like everybody in the clubs to come out and support the boys in the green and white.
Sympathy
We would like to send sympathy to the O’Donoghue family and the St. Pats Club Blennerville on the death of great clubman Tony O’Donoghue.
All-Ireland Tickets
As the demand for All-Ireland Final tickets is likely to exceed supply, a draw amongst members of the club will be held to allocate tickets. Only those that have already paid membership of the Senior club for 2014 will be included in the draw. If you would like to be included in a draw for tickets, please give your name to Club Secretary, Tracy O’Sullivan, 087-6323206.
County League
Churchill play Ballylongford next Sunday @ 2pm in Ballylongford in a back game in the County League. Please come along and lend your support to the team. If Churchill win all their 3 remaining games in the League, they will be promoted to Division 3, so it is vital that we have as much support as possible.
Fenit Samphires
Academy: Our academy for U8s and U10s is beginning this week at 2.00 on Saturday at our pitch in Fenit. All are welcome to come along. Training continues for our older age groups on Tuesday and Thursday nights and for our U13s and U14s on Wednesday nights from 7.00 to 8-15.
All players have to be registered before the season starts on September 20th so please bring your registration fee and forms to your next training session.
We are also selling tickets for the FAI club draw. This draw has amazing prizes to be won and tickets are on sale from Fenit Samphire personnel at a price of 10 euro.
All monies raised will go straight to our club and this is a valuable fund raiser for us so all support would be much appreciated.
Comhaltas
Enrolment for music lessons & AGM will take place on Tuesday 16th September in Cuil Mhuire (beside Ardfert Church) at 7:30pm. €55 for 10 lessons plus €6 Comhaltas Membership. Lessons will begin on Monday 29th September in Ardfert Community Centre. Any queries contact 085-2813879.
Fenit Parent and Toddler Group
The group, in conjunction with the Kerry Children’s Services Committee, are holding a free Language and Play Programme for 6 weeks beginning on Monday, 15th September at 10.30am.
This Programme is aimed at parents & carers of children aged 0-3 years. It encourages parents to interact and play with their children in a positive way to promote and stimulate their child’s language and numeracy development, including increasing their range of words and vocabulary.
The group meet in the community centre every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30am. Pre-school children, toddlers and babies and their parents are very welcome. EUR2.00 per session per family. New members welcome.
Please contact Mary on 086 3048650 or Sandra on 086 8405063 if you have any queries.
Raffle
Local lady Linda Browne is raffling one of her paintings in aid of Cystis Fibrosis.This raffle will take place @ the coffee morning in Fenit Parish hall on Sunday between 10.15a.m. and 12 noon.
The last two weeks have been very successful for both our u-16 and u-14 teams.Firstly the u-16swon the Div 5 County league after a replay out in Ballyduff against Moyvane/Tarbert. This team was captained by Thomas Linehan.They won on a score-line of 4-12 to3-14.
Again the scoring in chief was Oisin o Brien with 2 goals and 1 each from George Downing and Jason Mortimer. The excellent coaches on the night were Kenneth Lenihan,Owen Gleeson and Peter Rolls.
The u-14s had a good win over Na Gaeil in the St. Brendans Board Final played in Blennerville on a score line of 3-11 to 2-06. Churchill played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half and raced into a lead of 3-10 to 0-02.Best were Bryan Murray, Sean Hamilton,Liam o Donnell,Brendan Walsh and Jason Mortimer.
The skill level of this team was excellent and is down to all the hard work put in by coaches Peter,Jim and Dave. This team owes us nothing and had a wonderfull year compeating in Div.1, but the highlight must be getting to the final of div.3 of the National Feile up in Kildare. This showed that not alone could we compete with the best in Kerry but Ireland.
The St. Brendans u-16s had two huge wins in the Kerry County Champinship over West Kerry and Feale Rangers and now play Mid Kerry in the semis on Monday night at a venue to be decided.Churchill players on the panel were Sean Mortimer, Sean Donnellan,Thomas Lenihan and Oisin o Brien and selector is Kenneth Lenihan.
Raffle Tickets
The Kerry County Board are selling tickets for a car raffle and these can be got from Mikey Moriarty.
Its All-Ireland time again and Kerry compete in both the Senior and Minor against Donegal. It is great to see our own Ivan Parker part of the Minor panel and everybody in the club wishes him well. Names to go into the draw for tickets must be given to Tracy as soon as possible.
Everybody must be a fully payed up member payed by the 31st March 2014 to go into the draw.
Kerry Emigrant Support would like to thank everybody that contributed to there church-gate collection on Sunday. This was to help homeless Kerry Emigrants in England. Also they are very grateful to Mikey Moriarty and Jim Healy for taking up this collection.
Fenit Samphires:
As the new season begins later this month is it very important that all players turn up to training and register for the new season.
Training times are Tuesday and Thursday 7-8.30 for Under 16s, 17s and 18s.
Wednesday 7-8.30 for Under 13s and 14s.
All players need to fill out registration forms so that we know what teams we have available. Fenit Samphires is also selling tickets for our FAI Club Draw. Tickets are on sale from our trainers and also at Gala in Fenit. There are fantastic prizes to be won including a Ford Fiesta and all funds raised go direct to the club.
