Tralee Parnells at our First Ever National Féile:
It was amidst gathering excitement and anticipation that the boys of the Tralee Parnells under 14 panel turned out for their final training session on Wednesday, prior to departing for the biggest hurling weekend of their lives.
The weekend turned into a fantastic milestone and a great achievement for such a young club.
Reviving an old club that represented Tralee almost a century ago, Tralee Parnells Hurling and Camogie Club was reestablished in 2012 around a small but dedicated nucleus of players and their families and supporters.
In the past five years the club has gone from strength to strength, growing player numbers and competing at a growing number of age groups, to the point where Parnells now boast boys teams from under 6 to under 16, with some minors who came through the Parnells ranks now combing with neighbours Abbeydorney to compete at under 18. Parnells also now have representation on the Kerry county Hurling and Camogie development panels, including boys under 17, boys and girls under 16, boys and girls under 14.
The latest Parnells success story began in April with an encouraging showing at the county Féile qualifiers against opposition from Kilmoyley, South Kerry and Abbeydorney.
The margin over South Kerry on this occasion was wafer thin, so it was with some trepidation that the team learned they would face the same opposition in the regional final, where the prize would be a first ever place at the National Féile na nGael tournaments.
The regional final, played on an excellent playing surface in ideal conditions at Abbeydorney, drew a strong contingent of Parnells supporters and families. In jubilant scenes, Parnells lifted the trophy and parents marked their calendars for the 16th of June. On the Wednesday the final preparation was a coaching session with National Hurling manager Martin Fogarty.
Martin was a selector/coach with Brian Cody and Kilkenny senior teams from 2005 to 2013, during which Kilkenny won six All Ireland Senior titles. He also managed Kilkenny U21s to two All-Ireland championships in 2003 and 2004. On the night, it was clear that Martin made a great connection with our players and afterwards they commented on how useful and enjoyable the session had been.
To round off the evening, the players were presented with their Féile gear by Martin and he sent them off with a great description of the excellent experience awaiting them at National Féile.
In Carlow, Parnells began against Fenians who came out ahead in a competitive match and next up Parnells overcame Buncrana.
Saturday concluded the group stage when Parnells defeated Setanta Hurling Club by a single point.
In the knockout stage, St Kevins of Cork had the win, leaving Parnells with a very respectable 2 wins to show for their first ever National Féile outing.
In tribute to the players, Tralee Parnells Chairman Dermot Reen told supporters he was very proud of the team, from their preparation through to delivering strong performances he witnessed them produce at Féile.
Club secretary David Brick said the players did everything that was asked of them and he was delighted to have been there to witness their historic journey.
Parnells Summer Hurling and Camogie Camp 11-13 July:
A great way to advance your skills and meet new friends. Boys and girls 7 to 13 years old.
Camogie County League:
Best of luck to our under 12 Camogie panel who are representing us in the
Camogie County League.
Under 15 Camogie:
Girls are now preparing in weekly training for our chance to compete in the nearby cork divisional games
