.Ireland manager, Martin O’Neil, speaking at the launch of the new all-weather pitch in Mounthawk Park. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.
THE Republic of Ireland manager, Martin O’Neill and Chief Executive of the FAI, John Delaney, were in Mounthawk Park on Wednesday evening to officially open the Kerry District League’s new all-weather pitch.
The Ireland boss, had previously visited Mounthawk Park in March 2014 and he was delighted to see the progress that has been made by the Kerry District League in the time since.
The development was secured with a €200,000 grant from the government.
Delaney had a special word for KDL Secretary, John O’Regan, who has worked tirelessly for Kerry soccer down the years. Delaney joked “I got five million off Blatter, if we had sent John O’Regan we’d have got ten!”
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In attendance were members of the KDL teams that recently won the Kennedy Cup and Galway Cup, national tournaments. Martin O’Neill was in high praise of their achievements which have broken the mould of what Kerry soccer can achieve.
“To get support is one thing, to actually do it is quite something else,” said Martin O’Neill.
The two-time European Cup winner was especially impressed with the heroics of the Kennedy Cup winning captain, David Dineen, who scored a penalty in the semi-final shootout in the competition, despite having to be carried to the penalty spot by his teammates because he was suffering from cramp.
O’Neill remarked “I must keep that in mind the next time Robbie Keane is playing!”
John O’Regan, who has been Secretary of the KDL since 1976, said; “When we started on this journey it was the kids we were thinking of. No one deserves more praise and more thanks then John Delaney. He turned every stone to make sure we got what we duly deserved.”
From the efforts of volunteers in the KDL, they have turned what was a turnip patch into a state of the art all-weather surface, . With underage success to build on, the facilities are now there to push Kerry soccer forward to greater things.
Martin O’Neil and John Delaney cut the ribbon. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.John Delaney and Martin O’Neill, with KDL youth players in Mounthawk Park. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.Rep. Of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, tests the new all-weather surface in Mounthawk Park with Chairman of KDL Sean O’Keeffe. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.At the official opening of the new all-weather pitch in Mounthawk Park were, from left: Dylan Murphy, John Delaney, David Dineen and Mark Kelliher. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.Martin O’Neill signing shirts for kids in Mounthawk Park. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.At the official opening of the new all-weather pitch in Mounthawk Park were, from left: George Dineen Senior and Junior with John Delaney and Martin O’Neill. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.At the official opening of the new all-weather pitch in Mounthawk Park were, from left: Paula O’Regan, Evie Lynch, Jamie O’Regan, Donna O’Regan. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.At the official opening of the new all-weather pitch in Mounthawk Park were, from left: Claudia Rzeznik, Jack Paul Enright, Kyle Bustard and Laura Dunkova. Photo by Galvin O’Connor.Presenting Martin O’Neill with a special memento of the evening were Kerry Distrct League Secretary, John O’Regan and KDL Chairman Sean O’Keeffe: . Photo by Galvin O’Connor.
.Kids who took part in the St Brendans Park FC Summer Camp, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
AlMOST 100 kids took part in soccer camps in Christy Leahy Park and Mounthawk Park this week.
Both camps are up on numbers and it’s no surprise after an incredible season for Kerry that saw Dynamos become the second ever club from the county to compete in the Munster Junior Cup final and Kerry winning an unprecedented Kennedy Cup title that kids took up the camp places.
The two Dennehys, Billy and Darren, are the two most famous current proponents of the beautiful game in the county and they would have come through camps just like the two that took place at the hub of soccer in the town this week.
Fifty-four kids attended the Park FC camp in Christy Leahy Park. Organisers were encouraged by the addition of a number of girls to the camp this year, which they hope to build on to form girls’ teams in the future.
A stone’s throw away in Mounthawk Park, a group of 47 kids, mainly made up of Tralee Dynamos players were taking part in the FAI summer camp that make their way around the county during the summer.
That camp can also report that it’s up on numbers countywide, showing that soccer in Kerry is growing.
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Kids who took part in the St Brendans Park FC Summer Camp, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Kids who took part in the St Brendans Park FC Summer Camp, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Kids who took part in the FAI Summer Camp in Mounthawk Park, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Kids who took part in the FAI Summer Camp in Mounthawk Park, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Kids who took part in the FAI Summer Camp in Mounthawk Park, during the week. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.Secretary of the Kerry District League, John O’Regan, holding a plank of wood which was thrown through the cab window of one of the machines by vandals. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
OVER €10,000 worth of damage was caused when vandals broke into the Kerry District Grounds in Mounthawk Park in the early hours of Monday morning.
The damage was done to machinery and is a setback to the work currently ongoing at a new all weather pitch which is close to completion.
“Mindless thugs is what they are,” said Kerry District League Secretary, John O’Regan, speaking to TraleeToday.ie on Thursday morning.
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“We haven’t been the same since. When we open the place up in the morning we’d be wondering if the place will be all right, it’s demoralising,” said John.
To gain entry to one of the machines on the grounds, the vandals threw a large plank of wood through the cab window shattering the glass on all sides.
The break-ins occurred at approximately 4:50am on Monday morning. While there, vandals smashed every window in the three machines. They also broke into offices making off with cash along with jerseys.
It had been intended that the Denny Premier Division 1A final this weekend would be the first game to be played on new all-weather pitch, but those plans have been set back due to the damage.
€500,000 had been raised for the project, which is supported by local businesses and the FAI. The incident has meant that further efforts will have to go into fundraising.
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John O’Regan, on top of one of the machines which was damaged by thieves during a break in at the grounds of the Kerry District League in Mounthawk.
CCTV in Mounthawk Park captured the break ins, although the thieves were wearing hoodies to obscure their faces.
“There is too much of this stuff going on and it needs to be tackled. The good thing is we have CCTV here, so these people will be caught. They might have their hoodies up in one place, but they’ll drop their guard in another,” said John.
In a week of great celebration following the unprecedented victory of a Kerry team in the Kennedy Cup on Friday last, the incident has put a dampener on the mood in Mounthawk Park.
But as John O’Regan assures us, it’s a case of whatever doesn’t break them will make them stronger.
The KDL are not the only sporting organisation to be hit by vandals across town recently.
The John Mitchels bar on John Joe Sheehy Road was been targeted last week with alcohol stolen from the premies on two occasions (see story here), while on Wednesday, June 10, up at the Pitch and Putt Club in Collis Sandes, €200 worth of damage was caused but nothing taken in an attempted break-in.
If you have any information or think you may have saw something suspicious to do with any of this incidents, contact Tralee Garda Station on – 066 71 – 02300.
Gintaras Paketuras, in possession for Dynamos in the Munster Junior Cup final against Carrick United in Mounthawk Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Munster Junior Cup Final, Mounthawk Park
Tralee Dynamos 0
Carrick United (Waterford) 3
TRALEE Dynamos fell at the final hurdle to an excellent Carrick United team well worth their victory.
Dynamos, who were playing in their first final in this competition and were became the second Kerry team ever to get to the final, never got going in the match. An early injury to Derek O’Brien didn’t help their cause.
Carrick United’s fantastic pressing restricted Dynamos and was key part of the Waterford side’s victory.
Jamie Waters, opened the account for Carrick in the 13th minute of the first half and right before the end of the period, Carrick hit Dynamos again to make it a very difficult task for the Tralee side.
Anthony O’Donnell was the scorer, as he got on the end of an exquisitely hit corner kick which had the Dynamos defence at sixes and sevens.
Try as they might, Dynamos, just couldn’t get a goal back in the second half and had to contend with having Maurice O’Rahilly sent off. The final nail in the coffin was hammered home on 90 minutes, when Glen Keane finished off a great move and scored Carrick’s third goal of the game.
Dynamos can feel disappointed that nothing went right for them on the day. No silverware, but the run to the final will live long in the memory for players and fans alike.
Photos and video highlights from the match below…
Video from Irishsoccerleagues.com
Tralee Dynamos, Danny Roche in possession against Carrick United. Photo by Dermot Crean.Gintaras Paketuras, attacks the Carrick United defence. Photo by Dermot Crean.Action from the Munster Junior Cup final between, Tralee Dynamos and Carrick United. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tralee Dynamos, Danny Roche, takes on the Carrick United, defence. Photo by Dermot Crean.Action from the Munster Junior Cup final between, Tralee Dynamos and Carrick United. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Gavin O’Connor meets former League of Ireland player, Derek O’Brien, who came home to give something back to his boyhood club, Tralee Dynamos, as they bid to make history this Sunday…
Former League of Ireland player, Derek O’Brien, in action earlier this year against Park FC. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
BACK in November, Kerry soccer pioneer Derek O’Brien, returned home to Tralee Dynamos with the expressed goal of finishing up his career winning a trophy with his boyhood club.
Derek O’Brien, holds the record for appearances by a Kerry player in the League of Ireland and also has the honour of being the first Kerryman to play in European club competition.
There are now just two games left to play in that career, the league final which Derek describes as the team’s ‘bread and butter’ and also something truly special – a shot at the Munster Junior Cup this Sunday, a competition no Kerry team has ever won before.
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“The club was incredibly good to me when I was younger. They gave me a great platform to launch myself, so I always had it in my head to return home and help them,” said Derek, when we met him earlier this week.
O’Brien is a former winner of the ‘Galway United Player of The Year’. He was also picked alongside the best players in the domestic game when he was selected on ‘PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year in 2007.
Derek tasted European competition in 2008 by playing in a St Patrick’s Athletic side against a Hertha Berlin in the UEFA Cup.
This season, the Shanakill native has gone the extra mile for Dynamos, quite literally. He has been commuting from Galway, where he has two daughters and works in Elvery Sports.
“To be honest, people seem to make a bigger deal out of it than it is. I’m well used to travelling. I was playing in the League of Ireland for 15 years, which is basically like a Discover Ireland tour, so I’m well used to it. The travelling is helped if you have a great bunch of lads to play with,” he said.
Getting to the final, Dynamos beat Limerick City side, Janesboro, 3-1 away from home. It was a match they were not expected to win.
“We weren’t given much of chance, but we absolutely played them off the park. As a team I think we really came together that day,” he said.
After the final on Sunday, win or lose, Dynamos will have to focus immediately on the Denny Premier A league final against Castleisland, this will be Derek’s final game of his career. Whatever happens, there won’t be any sleepless nights with nerves.
“Some might see it as a blessing, but I never get excited about games until the day of the game. During the week I’m never that bothered. Unless I don’t get my night sleep before, then I get very cranky!”
Tralee Dynamos v Carrick United, Munster Junior Cup Final, Mounthawk Park, 2pm
Tralee Dynamos v Carrick United Munster Junior Cup Final, Mounthawk Park, Sunday 2pm
TRALEE Dynamos are on the verge of making history this Sunday when they play their first ever Munster Junior Cup final against Waterford side Carrick United.
Only once before has a Kerry team made the final of this prestigious competition, but despite the home draw, Dynamos, will be going in as underdogs.
They will relish the underdog tag, having already taken one or two notable scalps on the way to the final, which they have made despite only once being afforded the privilege of a home draw.
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Tralee Dynamos celebrate their 3-1 victory in the Munster Junior Cup semi-final over fancied Limerick City side, Janesboro, in Jackman Park, Limerick.
Dynamos manager, Mark Fitzgerald, is looking forward to Sunday’s showdown, but is working to keep his players focused.
“It’s obviously a huge occasion for the club. There is a great buzz around the place, but ultimately this is just another game. All the buzz and excitement will mean nothing unless we can win it,” said Fitzgerald.
Tralee Dynamos player’s, Gintaras Paketuras and Derek O’Brien.
“This is the biggest moment for the club and also for a lot of the players. Some of the players have played in the League of Ireland and picked up Irish junior caps, but to play in a game with guys from your home club is a bit special,” he said.
In an great show of commitment, two of the side’s key-men have been commuting from outside the province for games at the weekend and have even attended training sessions.
Striker and native of Lithuania, Gintaras Paketuras, has been making the journey from Dublin while former Galway United player, Derek O’Brien has been travelling from Galway.
Dynamos captain, James Sugrue, is a man who has played in the League of Ireland and ran out for his country at under-age level.
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James Sugrue for Dynamos looks to control the ball in a match against St Brendan’s Park FC earlier this year. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
“I love playing with the club I grew up with. Being able to do this with your friends, it means a lot to me and it would really top off the season if we win on Sunday,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to it, keeping players fresh now is the main thing, everyone is on a high at the moment,” said James Sugrue.
Another man with League of Ireland experience is Shane Guthrie, who was once on the books at Shamrock Rovers among others.
It has the making of a successful couple of weeks for Shane, who only last Sunday switched codes and starred in midfield for Austin Stacks in their county league final victory over Dr Crokes.
Guthrie will be at the heart of defence for Dynamos against Carrick United and will be relishing the chance to add a Munster Junior medal to the Munster Senior one he won with Limerick City in 2012.
“It was really nice to win with the Stacks and it would be great to add to that with Dynamos. But there is nothing done and dusted. We’re confident about Sunday, but not over confident. We still have to go out and beat them,” said Guthrie.
“It’s a massive game for me because this is with my buddies. I’d rather win this then anything I’ve ever won in soccer,” he said.
Dynamos, will need every advantage for this final and have already secured one of them with the home draw.
“Some people might say there is a bit more pressure playing at home, but it will be the same out on the pitch for both teams. It’s good because we can have all our family there and hopefully, if we win, we can all celebrate on the pitch together after the game,” said Guthrie.
Tralee Dynamos and Carrick United, paths to the final…
Tralee Dynamos
1st Round
Dingle Bay Rovers 3-4 Tralee Dynamos
2nd Round
Tralee Dynamos 2-0 Fenit Samphires
3rd Round
St Brendans Park 1-2 Tralee Dynamos AET
4th Round
Drinagh Rangers (West Cork) 0-1 Tralee Dynamos
5th Round
Park United (Cork) 0-1 Tralee Dynamos
Quarter Final
Balingarry (Limerick) 0-2 Tralee Dynamos
Semi Final
Janesboro (Limerick) 1-3 Tralee Dynamos
Carrick United
1st Round
Crussaders 1-4 Carrick United
2nd Round
Carrick United 6-1 Kilmacow
3rd Round
Tremore FC 0-2 Carrick United
4th Round
BT Harps (Tipperary) 1-4 Carrick United
5th Round
Hibernians (Waterford)0-1 Carrick United
Quarter Final
St Michaels (Tipperary) 0-0 Carrick United. Carrick United win 4-3 on penalties.
Semi Final
Carrick United 3-0 Newmarket Celtic (Clare)
Park FC players celebrate Sean Maunsell’s goal in the first half. Photo by Gvain O’Connor.
Denny Premier A Division, Mounthawk Park
Tralee Dynamos – 0 St Brendans Park FC – 3
TWO first half goals were the launchpad for victory for St Brendan’s ParkFC in the ‘Tralee Classic’ against Dynamos on Sunday morning.
Park’s first goal came after twenty minutes when centre-half, Martin Bowler, headed in from a Fergal Maunsel corner.
After the goal, Park sat back looking to exploit Dynamos on the break, this tactic worked a treat because it wasn’t long before they had the ball in the net once more, this time from the boot of Fergal Maunsell.
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Maunsell used his pace getting onto a fine ball over top from Ryan Downey burning the Dynamos defenders to coolly drive the ball home.
Tralee Dynamos tried in vain for the remainder of the half to create a clear cut chance, but the Park defence was in its house, comfortably dealing with their neighbors had to throw at them.
It didnt help either for Dynamos that when they did test the Park goal they found goalkeeper Jamie Kelly in good form also.
In the second half, the game was put to bed when David Courtney and Maunsell combined for Park’s third goal.
Courtney set Maunsell away and from Maunsell’s shot Courtney rebounded the ball to the net. It sparked celebrations that would later see Courtney booked for taking of his shirt.
So, bragging rights will go to Park from the latest instalment of one of Tralee’s greatest sporting rivalries.
The defeat means Dynamos spurn a chance to go top in Premier A, while Park move up into fourth.
Tralee Dynamos – Josh O’Reilly, Maurice O’Rahilly, Stephen Conway, Jonathan Burrow, Mark Fitzgerald, Jamie McIntyre, James Sugrue, Danny Roche, Derek O’Brien, John Farragher, Gintarias Paketgras
St Brendans Park FC – Jamie Kelly, James o Sullivan, David Magee, Martin Bowler, Graham o Leary, Jesse o Sullivan, Mark O Sullivan, Mike Conway, David Courtney, Ryan Downey, Fergal Maunsel
Scroll Down For Photos…
Former League of Ireland player, Derek O’Brien, gets on the ball for Dynamos. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Fergal Maunsell fires Park’s second goal passed Dynamos keeper Josh O’Reilly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Action from the Tralee Dynamos v St Brendans Park FC match. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Dynamos striker, Gintaras Paketuras, was closey marshalled by the Park defence. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Park FC defend a Dynamos corner in the Denny Premier A clash. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Stephen Conway for Dynamos looks to fire a shot towards goal. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Action from Park FC v Dynamos in the Kerry District League Denny Premier A. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.James Sugrue for Dynamos looks to control the ball. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Action from Park FC v Dynamos in the Kerry District League Denny Premier A. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Action from Park FC v Dynamos in the Kerry District League Denny Premier A. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
