A TRALEE woman is one of five recipients of sports scholarships from Mary Immaculate College.
The College today announced the five recipients of its annual Elite Sports Scholarship Scheme in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements.
Austin Stacks and Kerry Senior Ladies Footballer Aoife Dillane, is this year’s Gold Scholarship recipient, valued at €4,000.
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Aoife Dillane, is a Third Year Bachelor of Education student at MIC and this is the second year she has received the scholarship; she was awarded a Silver Scholarship in 2023.
She was a member of Kerry’s All Ireland-winning Senior Ladies Football team in 2024—playing a key role in defeating Galway in a thrilling encounter to help Kerry to a 12th championship win in that code.
In its fifth year, MIC’s Elite Sports Scholarship—offered in memory of former MIC staff members and sporting stalwarts, Noreen Lynch and Leonard Enright—continues to support students who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen discipline.
MIC are proud to announce 2024’s Elite Sports Scholarship awardees ✨
🏅 Kerry Senior Ladies Footballer Aoife Dillane is this year’s Gold Scholarship recipient. @kerryladiesfoot
🥈 Clare Senior Hurler, Shane Meehan and Clara Barrett of Ireland Women’s Rugby have been awarded… pic.twitter.com/tyYHdDgNf0
The Kerry Masters competition took place this past Sunday in the Presentation Gym Killarney.
The competition was open to all the youngsters of Kerry badminton over the age of 40. We had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed playing a few games to get the season started.
We had 32 players throughout all divisions and the competition was played in a round robin format of doubles with mixed doubles finals.
There will be plenty of badminton played over the next number of months from here until next May. This fun competition was a great way to get the ball rolling on the new season. A big well done to all involved in the organizing of this competition and to all those taking part as well.
Results:
Division 5:
Winners: Mary McNeer (Killarney) & Dwaine Mullins (Tralee)
Runners Up: Cindy Walsh (Ballybunion) & Jason Meade (Killarney)
Division 4:
Winners: Kayreena Morrisey (Tralee) & Mike Reardan (Kingdom)
MOTORSPORT Ireland Rally Academy driver Aoife Raftery will be a special guest at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Tralee on Monday, November 4.
The event is timed to coincide with The Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Rally which takes place on Sunday.
The event’s service park is based at MTU for the first time.
Earlier this year MTU’s North Campus in Tralee was selected as one of three locations to host the potential return of the World Rally Championship to Ireland.
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Sunday’s rally and Monday’s guest lectures are all part of an extended collaboration between Kerry Motor Club and MTU management as efforts continue to potentially bring the WRC to Tralee.
Raftery, the first and only female driver in the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, will share her experiences in the Junior FIA European Rally Championship – a series just one step below the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The Craughwell, County Galway-based driver’s recent third-place finish on the Junior British Rally Championship element of the Cambrian Rally in Wales underscores her growing international reputation as a driver to watch.
The visit to MTU offers a unique opportunity for students to learn from a top-level athlete as Raftery’s skills align with the university’s three schools.
“I’m really excited to be talking to the students at the MTU about rallying and what’s involved mechanically and technically behind the scenes,” she said.
“A lot of work goes into the engineering side rallying and I’m looking forward to being able to give an insight to the students what’s involved.
Students from the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will hear about Raftery’s understanding of engineering, data analysis, and how mechanical knowledge is crucial to her success.
On events, she works closely with teams of engineers from PCRS Rallysport and Broderick Motorsport to optimise her Peugeot 208 Rally4’s performance.
The logistical challenges of international rallying, including event management and business acumen will be of special interest to students from the School of Business, Computing and Humanities.
Sports science, fitness, and nutrition are integral to Raftery’s daily routine, making her an ideal role model for students in the School of Health and Social Sciences.
Anne Looney, External Services Manager at MTU said: “We are delighted to welcome Aoife to MTU and appreciate her time in delivering this guest lecture. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear from a professional driver on all the aspects involved in motorsport, from data analytics to engineering and event management, and physical fitness and sports psychology, all of which closely align with our course provision.”
On the day, Raftery will engage with students through a series of lunchtime talks and she will also participate in a photo opportunity at the Kerry Sports Academy in the mid-afternoon.
Raftery will also visit the University’s virtual reality suite where she will be introduced to the school’s road safety demonstrator.
Raftery serves as a road safety ambassador for Motorsport Ireland and the Road Safety Authority and is a champion of the sport’s “Keep the Race In Its Place’ slogan.
Her 2024 season has been marked by impressive performances, including a fourth-place finish in Rally Hungary and strong showings in the Rally Islas Canarias, Rally Latvia, and the Royal Rally of Scandinavia in Sweden. On the home front, she enjoyed a class win on the Ulster Rally in August.
Ahead of Sunday’s rally, clerk of the course Sean Hegarty said he was looking forward to bringing a new element to the already popular end-of-season event.
He said: “I’m just delighted to be welcoming Aoife to Tralee for The Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Stages Rally. And we’re looking forward to hearing about her journey with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, and her experiences in the Junior FIA European Rally Championship.”
THE Kerry Senior ladies will be presented with their TG4 All Ireland Medals for 2024 at a gala event in Killarney in December.
Held in the Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Friday, December 13, this black tie event is a night not to missed and promises to be a historic occasion as it’s been 31 years since Kerry last won the Brendan Martin Cup.
Also on the night the players will be presented with their TG4 Munster Senior Championship medals for 2024. They last won the Munster Championship in 2017.
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It has been a historic year for Kerry LGFA and the LGFA as both organisations celebrate fifty years in existence. The night will kick off with a drinks reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm. Music on the night is by “The Pearls Wedding Band” with DJ to follow.
All are welcome to join the celebrations on the night by purchasing tickets from any of the executive members or by emailing secretary.kerry@lgfa.ie Tickets cost €100 per person. See www.kerryladiesfootball.com for more
ANOTHER fantastic evening was had by Kerry’s most faithful GAA fans at the 2024 Kerry GAA Supporters social held at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Sunday night.
Guest speakers included Patrick O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Kerry County GAA Board, who shared his vision for the future of GAA in Kerry.
Colm Cooper was presented with a special appreciation award from Donal O’Leary Chairman Kerry Supporters Club at the the night .
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Joining him as special guests were legends of the game Donie O’Sullivan and Johnny Conway.
Their stories and experiences resonated deeply with those present, reminding all of the passion and spirit that defines Kerry GAA.
Alan Cantwell reports on Garvey’s Tralee Warriors Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League 2024/2025 – Round 6 game at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday…
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 96
Belfast Star 73
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors have continued their perfect start to the season by adding Belfast Star to the list of teams they have seen off to make it six from six in their best ever start to a League campaign.
An incredible display of three point shooting, in particular Daniel Jokubaitis with 7 and Brandon Mahan with 6, and 13 of 18 majors scores, helped the Warriors to comfortably account for one their keenest rivals.
The Warriors looked prepared to take care of business from the moment Rap Buivydas fired in two major efforts either side of another from Eoin Quigley and when Brandon Mahan got in on the act the lead was out to 12-7.
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Conor Quinn, his brother Aidan and Max Richardson hit a three each to keep the Warriors in check but when Mahan’s hot hand landed another pair of majors the Warriors led 23-20. Richardson edged Belfast ahead with his second three but Buivydas drove to the board to square the game at 25-25 at quarter time.
Mahan’s long range radar was back in play early in the second when he shot on sight for another quick double and with Marquavian Stephens in range and Josh Osayanrhion with a spectacular dunk the Warriors blew the lead out to 40-27.
The Warriors continued to seek out open looks and when they got them they simply couldn’t miss. Quigley added his second before Daniel Jokubaitis turned on the style with three absolutely cracking threes and despite Tamyrik Fields landing from either side of the arc, the Warriors were comfortable at 55-37 up at half time.
The Warriors onslaught showed no sign of relenting in the third when they continued to land scores from beyond the arc with another hat trick of trademark Jokubaitis threes added to by Stephens and Virgin Media MVP Brandon Mahan.
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Belfast’s resistance was too little and too infrequent but Maurice Jones did manage a quick fire 10 points. However, the Warriors had the League points in the bag when Osayanrhion was again on the mark as they stretched their advantage to 76-59 at three quarter time.
Belfast Star had no answer to the Warriors offensive threats and struggled to summon the reserves to mount any sort of a comeback. Cian Sullivan came to add a double under the board and Jokubaitis couldn’t resist another swish finish to bring his personal tally to seven from distance.
Young guns Zigi Kaletka and Olaf Michalczuk entered the fray late on with Michalczuk knocking down a brilliant long range effort to bring the Warriors three-point tally to 18 for the game.
Max Richardson and Max Cooper fired in from outside with a pair of consolation scores but the gap was still out to 89-69.
The Warriors saw out the win in style with Sullivan and Osayanrhion landing efforts from close range as Belfast were showing clear signs of fatigue from the previous night’s win over Killorglin, but truth be told, this game was over a long time before the final buzzer sounded.
THE Tralee Marathon series of runs came to a close for the year this morning with the Half Marathon.
The event was another huge success with 335 participants setting off on the route from outside Cliffords Cash and Carry on Basin View and finishing on Neil Armstrong Way near the Town Park.
Race organiser Jim McNeice was delighted with the day and the success of the series in general this year.
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“We had 460 registered and 335 turned up this morning. It was pretty windy out there but 1:11 was the winning time which is phenomenal. We’ve had a great series all year and we’re up on last year,” said Jim.
“I want to thank the Brogue Inn for allowing registrations there and Paul from The Huddle Bar for the use of the toilets this morning for runners before the off. Martin Brosnan and the team of volunteers were fantastic too,” he added.
As for the results, Paul Moloney in 1:11:32 was first, next was Eoin Dowling in 1:18:21 and third was Kris Foster in 1:18:45. Shona Keane was the first woman home in 1:29:05, second was Lisa Crowley in 1:34:50 and in third was Roisin Doran in 1:36:27. Full results will be on myrunresults.
Next year sees six races in the series with the first, the 10 Mile Road Race on February 8. Check out the website for more. Scroll down for photos…
Alan Cantwell reports on the Garvey’s Tralee Warriors first game of a busy weekend last night in the Tralee Sports Complex…
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 100
Energywise Ireland Neptune 94
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors took the outright top spot on the Super League table with a 100-94 win over Energywise Ireland Neptune at the Tralee Sports Complex on Friday night.
The game ended in dramatic fashion and with just 6 seconds on the clock a fracas involving a number of players from both sides overshadowed what was a cracking Super League game between two very good sides.
Killester’s win away to Griffith College Éanna ensured that the Warriors are now the only unbeaten team in the League after 5 games of action going into Sunday’s clash with Belfast Star.
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In a lively opening quarter Rap Buivydas continued his rich vein of form to fire down three scores and with Marquavian Stephens and Eoin Quigley in range the Warriors led 12-7 early on. Neptune replied with a quick fire 12 point volley from Jaska Sola including two major scores to tie up the game.
A quick double from Cian Sullivan and threes from James Fernane and Jokubaitis were countered by another from Sola and a baseline and one from Jahmal Wright saw Pat Price’s side a 27-26 lead at quarter time.
The sides went literally score for score in the second quarter with the lead changing hands no fewer than 8 times.
Buivydas continued to torment the Neptune defence to add another hat trick of scores along with effort from inside and out from Jokubaitis but Conor O’Sullivan, Wright and Ar’mond Davis with two each kept the sides deadlocked late in the quarter. Buivydas struck again and when Brandon Mahon and Stephens followed his lead the Warriors led 50-46 at half-time.
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The Warriors took flight early in the third quarter and the peerless Buivydas with two, Mahan with two and Jokubaitis pushed the Warriors 10 points clear to lead 58-48.
Despite efforts from Wright and a major from Davis, four baskets from Stephens either side of another from Jokubaitis maintained the Tralee side’s double digit advantage.
However a hat trick of threes late from Kelvin O’Donoghue, Wright and Davis saw the Warriors take a slender one point lead into the final quarter.
The game remained firmly in the balance with the early exchanges in the final quarter with scores from Jokubaitis, Stephens, Quigley and a three from Adon negated by efforts from Davis, Wright and another major from Conor O’Sullivan.
Neptune foul trouble allowed Stephens and Adon to capitalise from the line before Buivydas again powered to the basket to edge the Warriors 93-86 ahead.
Davis knocked down a stunning effort from distance to keep the game alive but Jokubaitis who was a threat all night hit the score of the game from the corner to effectively seal the deal.
With the game all but done and dusted a fracas in midcourt tainted a truly memorable game between two sides that chased the game all the way to the final buzzer. In the end the Warriors held their nerve to seal a fifth win from five games and put clear water between them and the rest of the League.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Rap Buivydas 25, Daniel Jokubaitis 23, Marquavian Stephens 21 Energywise Ireland Neptune: Jahmal Wright 21, Ar’mond David 20, Jaksa Sola 19
• The Warriors face into their second game of a double header weekend on Sunday afternoon when they entertain Belfast Star at the Tralee Sports Complex with a 1.30pm tip off.
THERE was a large crowd in attendance on Wednesday night for the official launch of the 2024 Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Stages Rally.
Further details of the event were revealed at the launch. The rally will be held in the Castleisland area on Sunday, November 3, with a centralised service area in the North Campus of the Munster Technological University in Tralee.
The rally will be based out of the Rose Hotel in Tralee which is also providing title sponsorship of the event. Organisers Kerry Motor Club confirmed that a capacity 140-car entry will contest the event and released the seeded entry list.
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Returning to defend his crown is Richard Moffett, who won the last running of the event back in 2022.
Top local crews who will be attempting to win bragging rights include the 2023 Killarney Historic Rally modified winner Rob Duggan, and the 2024 Rally of the Lakes modified winner Colin O’Donoghue.
The top Kerry Motor Club seed is Conor Murphy in another Ford Escort Mk2.
They will all face stiff competition from the likes of Rob Duggan and former winner Mike Quinn while Limerick’s Chris O’Callaghan could also be in with a shout following the day’s six tricky stages.
Interesting entries include Declan Wilmott, who won the event in 1991 he returns to the Kingdon for the first time in nearly 30 years. Three generations of the Costello family from Ballybunnion will tackle the event.
Joe Costello will mark his first start since the 1985 Rally of the Lakes in the same Ford Escort he parked up 39 years ago. His son Jason is also on the entry list, and Jason’s son and daughter Mossie and Megan are also competing.
Speaking at the launch, 2024 Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Stages Rally Clerk of the Course Sean Hegarty said: “We are now in advanced preparations for the event time. There has been a lot of work put into the event for a large number of people and I’m grateful for everyone’s help in putting the rally together.
“It should be a great day’s motorsport, with a tricky route that should test driver and machine.”
The Clerk of the Course also thanked the rally’s sponsors The Rose Hotel along with associate sponsors Kelliher’s Toyota and Kerry Motor Works as well the staff at MTU Kerry and Shannon Commercial Enterprise for the use of the area for service.
“Safety is our top priority and I plead to spectators to co-operate with the rally officials and marshals, heed warning signs and respect the residents on the stages because without their co-operation the event could not take place,” he added.
The rally is a counting round for the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, Moriarty’s Central Car Sale Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship, and the Ace Signs Southern 4 Rally Championship.
A YOUNG Ballymac man will feature on an RTE programme tonight.
RTE 1’s Nationwide will spotlight the remarkable achievements of young people in their hobbies and sports.
Reporter Mary Fanning will introduce viewers to 17-year-old Daniel O’Rahilly from Ballymac who accomplished the extraordinary feat of winning the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial 2024 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium with his greyhound, Knockeen Dazzler back in April.
Viewers will see and hear all about Daniel’s love of the sport and how he achieved the win. The programme will be broadcast at 7pm on Wednesday, October 23.
Alan Cantwell reports on Warriors win away on Saturday night…
UCD Marian 87
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 101
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors sit proudly on top of the Super League table alongside the only other unbeaten team in the League, Griffith College Éanna, after making it four from four with a 101-87 win over UCD Marian at the Belfield Sports Centre on Saturday night.
The Warriors led from start to finish and kept their former arch-rivals in check throughout the contest and to see out a 14 point win in the end.
In a lively opening quarter Eoin Quigley wasted no time to fire in from distance and Rap Buiyvdas followed suit to strike twice from beyond the arc.
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At the other end the dynamic Jonathan Jean with a double and a major from Matthew McGrath saw Marian bridge the gap to 15-10 but when Daniel Jokuabitis and Marquavian Stephens combined the lead blew out to double scores.
However, a major score each from Colm O’Reilly and Tanner Graham helped keep the lead to 29-21 at quarter time.
The second quarter was a scrappy affair with neither side managing to get any offensive momentum going.
Defensively both sides dominated with the Warriors limited to scores from Stephens and Gregorio Adon and Marian through Cian Tiernan, Jean and Guillem Bigas. Quigley and Graham exchanged scores before Adon launched a cracking effort from outside to put 10 between the sides.
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But Graham replied in kind for Marian to pare the Warriors lead back to 42-35 at the long break.
The Warriors asserted early in the third quarter and a scoring blitz that saw them build on their halftime advantage to ease 20 points ahead.
Four baskets from Stephens, two from Buivydas and efforts from inside and out from Adon threatened a Warriors blowout. But Marian to their credit chipped away and when the impressive Jonathan Jean found both his rhythm and the Warriors basket and with Eoin Nelson also in range the hosts stayed in the game.
Major efforts from Buivydas, Jokubaitis and James Fernane edged the Warriors further ahead but Jean continued to threaten and finished the quarter with 16 points to keep the game alive at 71-60 at three quarter time.
The visitors pushed on again early in the final quarter and with Jokuabitis, Stephens and Fernane combining for 16 points and despite scores from Jean, Bigas, Nelson and Oscar Blanco the Warriors were in full control up 87-61 midway through the quarter.
A Jokubaitis double from distance were the insurance scores but Marian played all the way to the buzzer and Nelson, McGrath, Ronan Byrne and O’Reilly keeping John Dowling’s side honest.
Cian Sullivan got in on the act late on for the Warriors with a double and Joshua Osayanrhion had the honour of laying up the score that pushed the Warriors over to 100 point mark to seal the win and secure a share of top spot on the Super League table after four rounds of action.
UCD Marian: Jonathan Jean 33, Tanner Graham 16, Eoin Nelson 11
• The Warriors face into a huge double header of home games next weekend at the Tralee Sports Complex beginning with the visit of the Pat Price coached Energywise Ireland Neptune on Friday night with an 8.00pm tip off. Following that is another home fixture on Sunday afternoon when they entertain fierce rivals Belfast Star with tip off at 1.30pm, slightly earlier than previously arranged.
David Moriarty reports on Kerry FC’s final game of the season at Mounthawk Park last night…
KERRY FC 2-0 ATHLONE TOWN
Friday night saw the last SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division action of the 2024 season as Kerry FC took on Athlone Town in Mounthawk Park.
After last week’s results it was confirmed that Kerry FC would finish bottom of the league table, whereas elsewhere, Athlone Town secured themselves a spot in the playoff places.
A fantastic start to the season from Kerry FC saw the performances slip away from them at the beginning of the Summer with their last league win coming on the thirteenth of June.
Athlone on the other hand had a chance to finish second in the league table if results could go their way on the evening.
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A return to Mounthawk Park came for two former Kerry FC players on the evening with Lee Axworthy and Leo Gaxha in the squad to face their former team in Tralee.
Both players have had successful seasons at Athlone and would hope to come away from their former stomping ground with a win. For Kerry FC it was important to finish the season on a high note and put in a good performance for the home faithful to round out the season.
The game started quickly in Kerry FC’s favour by dominating possession in the opening few minutes. They got their reward in spectacular fashion in the ninth minute thanks to Cian Brosnan.
Sean McGrath won a free kick about twenty-five yards out for a push in the back and Brosnan stepped up and struck the ball with pure venom, power and precision to direct the effort into the top left corner giving the hosts a dream start.
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It was all Kerry at this point and they had some fantastic chances to put themselves two goals ahead.
Finn Barrett took a corner from the left side and nearly managed to bend it into the far corner. Unfortunately the set piece was slightly too high and went wide by hitting the roof of Enda Minogue’s goal.
Sean McGrath was the latest to have an effort on goal and another Cian Brosnan free kick went over the bar this time. The opening half an hour from Kerry FC was splendid to watch.
Fluid football which has slightly been lacking over the past few weeks. It was shown in abundance on the evening in a packed out Mounthawk Park.
Five minutes before halftime, Athlone were under more pressure as Kennedy Amechi and Cian Barrett both had goal bound opportunities cleared off of the line. Athlone were finding it tough to create many chances of their own, but full credit went to Kerry FC for a truly dominant first half display.
Kerry seemed to have a knack for scoring after the start as they doubled their lead just five minutes after the restart of the second half.
A great over the top pass from Finn Barrett found Ronan Teahan on the right wing, a decent bit of trickery from Teahan found Sean McGrath inside the area who played in Amechi first time who finished the ball into the bottom left corner.
The first goal displayed individual ability, whereas the second showed great team work to find Kerry FC’s second goal of the night.
It was seven minutes later that Athlone Town found their first big chance of the evening. Gideon Tetteh took on a shot from a tough angle outside the area which was sure to go into the top right corner, but a stupendous save from Antonio Tuta kept Kerry FC to a two goal lead.
With just a couple of minutes remaining, Tuta was called into action after a great piece of individual skill from Brian Torre opened up a shot on the volley just inside the area. Once again Tuta was on hand to ensure he kept his clean sheet.
The game finished in a convincing 2-0 win for Kerry FC and even though the side had gone without a league win since the thirteenth of June, it was brilliant to finish off the season with a win at home in front of the Mounthawk Park faithful.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 23. FINN BARRETT, 24. CIAN BARRETT, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 4. ORAN CROWE, 13. NATHAN GLEESON, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 7. SEAN MCGRATH, 17. CIAN BROSNAN (GOAL ‘9), 12. KENNEDY AMECHI (GOAL ‘50).
SUBS: DAIRE FOLEY, VICTOR UDEZE, VALERII DOLIA, ANDREW KERINS, BOBBY AMADASUN, ORAN HORGAN, TOM HEALY, ROB VASIU.
ATHLONE TOWN TEAM: 1. ENDA MINOGUE, 4. NOAH VAN GEENAN, 5. DANIEL MCKENNNA, 11. KYLE ROBINSON, 12. MICHAEL MCHUGH, 14. AMARDO AKEEM OAKLEY, 15. SHANE FORBES, 17. MARK HUYNH, 18. OISIN DUFFY, 19. PETER MCGREGOR, 27. KYLE MARTIN-CONWAY.
SUBS: LEE AXWORTHY, GIDEON CAMPION-HINDS, AARON CONNOLLY, LEO GAXHA, BRIAN TORRE, GIDEON TETTEH, ROSCOE RUBINSTEIN, AGBO BABATUNDE.
Ivan Hurley looks ahead to Kerry FC’s final game of the season tomorrow night at Mounthawk Park…
And so we’ve reached the season finale! Just 90 minutes of football remain in 2024 for the Kingdom, with play-off placed Athlone Town the visitors to Mounthawk Park on Friday night to round out the campaign.
After 41 competitive games since the 10th of January, 10 long months of hard work and commitment have now passed and everyone is looking forward to a long earned break ahead of the Christmas period.
But all focus is on the clash against Athlone Town on Friday night before we go our separate ways. For Kerry, it’s been a somewhat disappointing finish to the years campaign.
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After breaking the duck of winning at home early this campaign, Kerry have gone on to some big achievements in 2024.
The club reached their first ever final in the Munster Senior Cup back in June while a solid cup campaign saw the Kingdom knock Cobh out of the FAI Cup before bringing Premier Division side Bohemians all the way to penalties.
For Athlone, a very successful season has seen the Midlanders finish in the play off spots with a game to spare. Kerry supporters will be hoping they have one eye on the playoffs.
But no doubt, Athlone will want to finish as high as possible in the league table given seeding comes into who they will face off in the play-off semi-finals.
Only a single goal has ever separated these two sides in the previous meetings. The two draws this season being the exception, wins for both Kerry and Athlone have been by the narrowest possible margin over the last 2 seasons
Kerry FC have a number of injury concerns ahead of the season finale on Friday night. Ryan Kelliher will sit out the final game as will Daniel Okwute who has an ankle injury.
Ethan Kos and Samuel Aladesanusi will have to be assessed this week to see if they can make the matchday 20.
“The young players have done really well since coming in. They’ve been professional and are well up to the standard. I’m looking forward to seeing what these boys can do with a full pre-season under their belt. Obviously we need supporters to come in big numbers now Friday night. The final game of the season and the boys deserve the support and a good send off before they return next year. We’ve a couple of injury concerns, but we really want to go out on a high in front of our home supporters.”
The basketball season tipped off this week, with two of our three teams securing victories. U18 Boys Div 1 dominated St. Brendan’s 87-61, U14 Girls Div 1 triumphed over Rathmore Raven 39-34, while U16 Girls Div 3 were narrowly defeated by a strong St. Paul’s team, despite a tremendous effort.
U18 Boys Div 1 Victory Tralee Magic’s U18 boys kicked off their County League campaign in style with an 87-61 win over local rivals St. Brendan’s. Oisín Sookary and Fionnan Ryan shone, leading to a 42-39 halftime advantage, while Johnny Dawson’s 26 points and tight defense sealed the victory.
Forthcoming Fixtures
U16 Girls Div 1 vs. Killarney Cougars, Mounthawk School Gym, 12th Oct, 8 PM
U18 Girls Div 1 vs. Glenbeigh Falcons, Mounthawk School Gym, 15th Oct, 8:15 PM
U16 Girls Div 3 Group C vs. St. Paul’s, Kilcummin School Hall, 16th Oct, 6:30 PM
U16 Girls Div 3 Group B vs. St. Michael’s Lixnaw, Lixnaw Community Center, 18th Oct, 5:30 PM
Come out and support our teams!
Fundraising Table Quiz – October 27th at Quanes Join us at Quanes on October 27th, 6:30 pm, for a Fundraising Table Quiz in support of Tralee Magic’s National Cup teams.
€40 per table (teams of 4). You can also donate spot prizes for a social media shout-out and inclusion in our sponsors round! To donate, contact 087 9833882. All proceeds support our players.
Get Your Tralee Magic Gear! Our new leisure wear line is available exclusively through MFC for 7 days only. Order now for guaranteed Christmas delivery! Visit www.traleemagicbc.ie to shop.
AUSTIN Stack Park will host one of Kerry GAA’s showpiece games of the season when Dr Crokes play Dingle on Sunday week.
The Garveys Supervalu Kerry SFC final has a throw-in time of 2.30pm on Sunday, October 27. It will see a large crowd from both Killarney and Dingle in attendance, while many Tralee and north Kerry GAA fans will people are likely to head along.
The evening before that sees another title decider in Tralee when Ardfert play Firies in the Kerry Petroleum Junior Premier Club Championship with a 5pm throw-in on Saturday, October 26.
THE Quinn family will present the Katie Quinn Tarmac Queen Perpetual Cup at the Kerry Winter Rally in Tralee on November 3.
This fitting tribute honours the memory of Listowel woman Katie, who tragically passed away on June 13, this year. The trophy will be awarded to the highest-placed all-female crew in the Kerry Motor Club event.
So far, three female crews have entered the rally. Katie’s sisters, Michelle and Tina, will drive her Honda Civic, while Grainne Caplice and Lauren Doherty are also entered in a Vauxhall Corsa.
Cathrine Walsh and Angiee Michniewicz will compete in another Honda Civic.
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Katie’s untimely departure left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the entire Kerry Motor Club community.
Born into a family with a deep-rooted passion for motorsport, Katie’s love for rallying was evident from a young age. Growing up alongside her well-known rally driver father, Mike Quinn, she was immersed in the world of motorsport.
Katie’s competitive journey began in hot-rod racing before she transitioned to rally navigation alongside Mike in a Single Stage event in Cork
In 2017, she took the wheel herself in the Garda Mini Stages rally, securing an impressive finish in her class.
In 2018, Katie found a formidable partner in Ciara O’Connell.
One of Katie’s proudest moments was in 2019 when she and Ciara were crowned Top Part West Coast overall Ladies Champions.
Another proud moment was in 2021 when her younger sister Michelle navigated her in the Kerry Winter Rally.
In 2023, Katie began a new partnership with her cousin Caz Somers as co-driver. This led to Katie being crowned West Coast Rally Championship Ladies Champion for the second time.
The official launch of the Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Stages Rally will be held on Sunday, (October 20) at 3pm at the event’s headquarters.
The launch will provide details about the rally, which forms rounds of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, Moriarty’s Central Car Sale Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship, and the IPS Packaging Southern 4 Rally Championship.
This year’s rally will take place in the greater Castleisland area, with the Service Park located at the north campus of Munster Technological University in Tralee.
Members of the Kerry Motor Club’s organising committee and local competitors will attend the launch to attend the event.
David Moriarty reports on Kerry’s game against Wexford last night…
WEXFORD FC 4-0 KERRY FC
Kerry FC travelled to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night to take on Wexford FC in their final away game of the 2024 League of Ireland season.
Kerry looked to bounce back from last week’s narrow defeat in Cobh whereas Wexford FC were looking to secure their place in the promotion spots for a second successive season.
Wexford FC enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening ten minutes although they were not able to create anything concrete.
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The Kerry FC defence were under pressure from the early stages with a lot of crosses into the area but they were able to deal with them quite easily.
The pressure was increasing as the half went on. Kerry FC were finding it hard to get out of the Wexford FC box but managed to deal with said pressure as we drifted into the half an hour mark.
James Crawford had Wexford’s first big chance of the game in the thirty-fifth minute. A free kick in a central area was struck by Crawford just outside the eighteen-yard box looked to be going in but a deflection steered the ball away from goal and out for a corner which subsequently led to nothing.
Crawford had another big chance just five minutes later as a half-cleared cross by Andy Spain found its way to Wexford’s number thirteen at the back post. He had time and space to find the target but was unable to do so and struck the effort wide of Antonio Tuta’s right-hand post.
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Half time brought a special moment for young Kingdom player Oran Horgan who became the youngest player to play for Kerry FC at sixteen years, eleven months and four days.
As the game went into the hour mark, possession stats were heavily in favour of the home side. It was hoped that if Kerry FC could frustrate this Wexford FC side as they were attacking that they might go the other way and create chances.
Wexford were on top of this threat though and in the sixty-first minute a corner delivered on the left side by Darragh Levingston was met by captain Ethan Boyle at the near post to put the home side a goal to the good.
In an attempt to threaten Wexford FC in an attacking sense, Conor McCarthy made his second change of the evening as he swapped Kennedy Amechi for Tom Healy to introduce further pace into the Kerry FC attack.
Aaron Dobbs a few minutes later had a glorious chance to double Wexford’s lead. Dobbs received the ball in space inside the box but a great block on the shot by Kerry FC captain Andy Spain diverted the ball out for a corner which was then cleared away.
Wexford FC’s constant pressure became a burden and the yellow bellies would double their lead nine minutes after the first goal. Another corner from Darragh Levingston was delivered into a dangerous area. The ball could not be cleared by Antonio Tuta and the ball which was around a sea of players was eventually finished by Sean McHale into the back of the net.
Kerry FC were unable to create many chances going forward due to a compact Wexford defence. The possession was slightly more even in the closing stages of the game but with that Kerry could not break down their counterparts.
Wexford FC found the third goal in the eighty-sixth minute when a great cross into the area by Cian Corbally was met and converted by Divin Isamala with a glancing header.
Before Kerry FC could get themselves back up after the restart the home side added a fourth through Cian Curtis just a minute later. Darragh Levingston was in on the action once again as a through pass into the channel was delivered to Curtis who finished the opportunity with ease.
There was four minutes added on at the end of the second half and with that brought the final whistle and ended Kerry FC’s 2024 away season with a tough loss in Ferrycarrig Park.
Kerry FC will try to end the season on a much needed high note as they take on an Athlone Town side in Mounthawk Park next Friday who have already secured a playoff berth.
WEXFORD FC TEAM: 21. CONOR WALSH, 2. DARRAGH LEVINGSTON, 5. ETHAN BOYLE (C) (GOAL ‘61), 6. DIVIN ISAMALA (GOAL ‘86), 8. KIAN CORBALLY, 9. THOMAS OLUWA, 10. AARON DOBBS, 12. LUKA LOVIC, 13. JAMES CRAWFORD, 16. LEWIS TEMPLE, 17. SEAN MCHALE (GOAL ‘70).
SUBS: ALEX MOODY, BENJAMIN LYNCH, CIAN O’MALLEY, MARK HANRATTY, ADAM LENNON, KAYLEM HARNETT, CIAN CURTIS (GOAL ‘87), REECE WEBB, CONOR CROWLEY.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 23. FINN BARRETT, 6. ETHAN KOS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 4. ORAN CROWE, 37. TOM HEALY, 24. CIAN BARRETT, 13. NATHAN GLEESON, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 7. SEAN MCGRATH.
SUBS: DARRAGH FOLEY, VICTOR UDEZE, VALERII DOLIA, ANDREW KERINS, KENNEDY AMECHI, BOBBY AMADASUN, ORAN HORGAN.
Ivan Hurley previews Kerry FC’s last away game of the season as a trip to the south-east beckons…
And then there were two. A long and winding season has the finish line now firmly in sight and just 180 minutes of football remain in 2024 for Kerry FC.
The final away trip of the season has the Kingdom in the not so sunny south east to take on an in-form Wexford FC side who will be looking to book their place in the Play Off places with a game to spare.
It’s back to back away games for Kerry in the closing stages of the campaign. Last time out, the side went down by 2 goals to 1 in St Colman’s Park in horrendous conditions last Friday night.
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Cian Brosnan will carry some confidence following a well taken goal to draw the sides level midway through the first half. But a late winner for Cobh Ramblers means Kerry went back over the county bounds empty handed.
Wexford on the other hand have had a memorable few weeks. They fought to the very end against Premier Division side Drogheda United in the semi-final of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup, coming up just short in a 3-2 defeat away from home.
Eight wins from their last 10 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division games has our hosts 5 points clear in 5th with 3 games to play. With Finn Harps behind them with also 3 games to go, a point tomorrow night will be enough to see Wexford secure in the play off places.
Kerry will be somewhat buoyed by the last meeting of the sides. Ryan Kelliher scored a 92nd minute equaliser for 10 man Kerry in Mounthawk Park in what was a dramatic night in Tralee.
So it’s a final away trip for the Kerry FC players, staff and supporters and one to be enjoyed before the off season kicks in!
This will be the first year in the club’s history that our penultimate game of the season is an away trip. Last season, the Kingdom faced Waterford FC in Mounthawk Park before travelling away to Cobh Ramblers for the final game of the campaign. Kerry will host Athlone next week to close out the 2024 season.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy issued a few injury concerns ahead of the game. Daniel Okwute is out for the weekend with an ankle injury and hasn’t trained this week.
Ryan Kelliher also remains absent. Kennedy Amechi who has been struggling with injury is a potential absentee for this one as well. Ronan Teahan will return to the squad following suspension.
Conor McCarthy said; “We always try to put our best foot forward in every game. Wexford will be no different on Friday. We know it’s an important game so we will go there and be positive and try our best to get a result. The same story goes for the following week. It’s important to end the season with good, positive results in both games.”
We had a busy weekend on the Boys front. On Saturday our U-8 & U-10 Boys kicked off the weekend with our in house league games. Super effort by everyone.
The in house games will continue every Saturday for the boys but times may change due to hall availability so please keep an eye on the what’s app groups.
Our Girls in house leagues start next Sunday.
U-8 Girls (Born 2017/18) 10-11am
U-10 Girls (Born 2015/16) 11am-12pm
Also Saturday morning our U-15 Boys hit the road to Limerick bright and early. The boys had a great day playing games vs Limerick Celtics, Galway Titans and Clare Area Board.
Results
Game 1 :-
St Brendan’s 39 – 33 Limerick Celtics
Game 2 :-
St Brendan’s 46 – 39 Galway Titans
Game 3 :-
St Brendan’s 49 – 29 Clare A.B
Many thanks to the parents that travelled and coach Dymitri. Congratulations to the boys on a great days play.
On Sunday our U-12, U-14 & U-16 Boys travelled to Cork by bus to face Blue Demons and to take in the Warriors Superleague opener vs Blue Demons.
What a great day out and won’t be the last of the season. The boys were a credit to the club and represented themselves greatly. Thanks you to coaches & parents for their efforts. Thank you to Blue Demons for their hospitality.
Mothers & Others 🏀
What a great turnout for our very first night of Social Ball last Tuesday in presentation. Fergal & Aaron put the girls through their paces.
Plenty of fun with some fundamentals & skills with some fun games thrown in. See everyone next week.
Alan Cantwell reports on the Garveys Tralee Warriors opening game in the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2024/2025 season…
UCC Demons 80
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 93
After weathering a first quarter onslaught by the reigning National Cup champions, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors completely turned the game around from trailing by 30-16 at quarter time, to leading 52-47 at half time before going on to secure a comfortable 93-80 win over UCC Demons at the Mardyke Arena in the opening round of the InsureMyVan.ie Mens Super League on Sunday.
The Warriors had to withstand an all-out attack by Demons in the opening quarter that yielded the Cork side 30 points with the Demons dangerman Elijah Tillman, Toby Christensen and Roosevelt Davis all in range.
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The Warriors resistance came in the form of scores from Eoin Quigley, Daniel Jokubaitis and new American point guard Marquavian Stephens who was impressive early on.
A late major effort from Stephens cut the Demons lead to 30-16 at quarter time and seemed to spark a Warriors revival.
Warriors new American guard Brandon Mahan, who hardly had an open look in the opening quarter, lit up spectacularly in the second quarter to fire in 15 points from inside and outside the arc.
Rap Buivydas, Gregorio Adon and Stephens also found scores easier to come by as Demons defensive effort struggled to contain the Warriors offensive threat.
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Major scores from James Hannigan, Christensen and American Sean Clancey kept Demons in the game but at half time the Warriors assumed control to lead by 52-47.
Mahan continued to torment the Demons rearguard with a huge three early in the third and when Gregorio Adon and Stephens also found the basket from close range, the Warriors advantage was out to double digits.
The Demons cause suffered a double blow midway through the quarter when a lack of discipline by Sean Clancey saw him ejected with Toby Christensen fouled out soon after.
However the Cork side rallied with threes from James Hannigan and Carlton Cuff and with Warriors losing captain Eoin Quigley with his fifth foul, the game was back in the melting pot with Tralee leading by just 70-63 at three quarter time.
A hat trick of major scores from Buivydas, Jokubaitis and Mahan restored order for the Warriors early in a scrappy fourth quarter as the visitors regained control of the contest.
Demons again struggled to create anything to seriously challenge the Warriors dominance and were limited to scores from Lehane, Davis and Cuff that simply added respectability to the scoreline.
Another trademark three from Jokubaitis and a late volley from the outstanding Gregorio Adon eased the Warriors to a comfortable 93-80 win in the end.
UCC Demons: Elijah Tillman 14, Sean Clancey 13, Roosevelt Davis 11
Next up for the Warriors is their first home game of the campaign when they host former arch rivals Templeogue in the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night with tip off at 7.30pm.
THE draw for the 2024 Tralee/St Brendan’s Senior Football Championship took place in Meadowlands on Friday afternoon last.
John Murphy of Sponsor Lee Strand welcomed everyone to the draw and wished all participating clubs the best of luck in this year’s championship.
Tralee District Board chairman John Rice thanked Lee Strand for their continued support of the Tralee/St Brendan’s Championship.
The draw sees two clashes where the town teams face each other. Na Gaeil are home to Kerins O’Rahillys and Austin Stacks host John Mitchels.
Elsewhere, Ballymac will travel to Churchill while St Pat’s will face Ardfert in Blennerville. Fixture details will follow at a later date.
First named has home venue, extra time, in all quarter-finals. Churchill v Ballymacelligott, St Pat’s v Ardfert, Na Gaeil v Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Austin Stacks v John Mitchels.
David Moriarty reports on Kerry FC’s away game against Cobh Ramblers last night…
COBH RAMBLERS 2-1 KERRY FC
Kerry FC travelled for their penultimate away game of the season as they travelled to St. Colman’s Park on Friday evening to take on Cobh Ramblers.
Kerry FC were looking to improve on the point they took away from Finn Harps last week and Cobh were looking for their second win on the bounce as they beat Athlone Town last Friday night.
With just a couple of games left in the season, both sides wanted to finish the season on a high which started with a wet night in Cobh.
Cobh took the lead early on through a penalty from Jason Abbott. Matthew McKevitt was played through on goal and tried to go around Antonio Tuta.
McKevitt won the duel with Tuta as the Croatian took him down with referee David Dunne having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Abbott stepped up and placed the ball into the top right corner to give the hosts the lead.
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Kerry had their first real chance on goal in the nineteenth minute when Nathan Gleeson had possession of the ball just outside the eighteen yard box.
A flick up had Kerry FC looking for a penalty which was waved away, Nathan continued with the ball and got his shot off but it did not trouble Darragh Burke in the Ramblers goal who claimed the ball with ease.
The first sight on goal was a sign of more to come for Kerry FC as shortly after Cian Brosnan got the equaliser. A great ball through the channel into Brosnan was timed perfectly and Cian had no trouble in finishing the opportunity into the bottom left corner.
McGrath and Brosnan linked up once again seven minutes before halftime as a low cross into the area by Sean McGrath was met by Cian Brosnan at the near post but he could not get enough on the effort to divert it towards goal as Kerry FC finished the first half in a strong position.
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Kerry FC had a decent amount of possession at the beginning of the second half and Oran Crowe got the first real chance of the second forty-five.
A long shot from Crowe outside the area nestled off the side netting and from some angles it looked like it may have gone in but it was not to be for Kerry FC’s number four.
On the hour mark a nice bit of play from Nathan Gleeson led to an over the top pass to Sean McGrath. Just before Sean was able to pull the trigger the ball was cleared away by Cobh in a good piece of defensive play from the home team.
Although Kerry FC had the better chances and the most possession of the second half it would be Cobh who would regain their lead.
Dale Holland took a shot from just inside the box and was saved well by Antonio Tuta who put the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was swung in and Jason Abbott rose highest and got his second goal of the night from a lovely header.
The game was then controlled by Cobh from there on out and they went away in the end with all three points. A special mention must come the way of Rob Vasiu who came on as a second half substitute to make his first appearance of the season after injury.
Now for Kerry FC they still sit ninth with Longford Town to still play at the weekend and Kerry look ahead to next week’s final away game of the season as they travel to Ferrycarrig Park to take on Wexford FC.
COBH RAMBLERS TEAM: 1. DARRAGH BURKE, 2. MICHAEL MCCARTHY, 5. BRENDAN FRAHILL, 10. JACK LARKIN, 16. DAVID BOSNJAK, 20. CHARLIE O’BRIEN, 27. DAVID EGUAIBOR, 28. DALE HOLLAND, 33. REGIX MADIKA, 38. LUKA LE BERVET, 39. JASON ABBOTT (C) (GOAL ‘ 7 PEN, ‘71).
SUBS: CATHAL O’HANLON, L. CURTIN, JUSTIN EGUAIBOR, DEAN LARKIN, PIERCE PHILLIPS, JAMES O’LEARY, NOLAN EVERS.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 23. FINN BARRETT, 6. ETHAN KOS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 24. CIAN BARRETT, 7. SEAN MCGRATH, 13. NATHAN GLEESON, 10. VALERII DOLIA, 17. CIAN BROSNAN (GOAL ‘22).
SUBS: DAIRE FOLEY, VICTOR UDEZE, ROB VASIU, TOM HEALY, ANDREW KERINS, KENNEDY AMECHI, BOBBY AMADASUN
Paralympics Ireland are running an event at MTU this month focussed on learning more about para sport and what opportunities are in the local community following the Paralympic Games in Paris.
NextGen, which takes place at the Kerry Sports Academy on Friday, October 18 between 3.30pm and 5.30pm is open to people ages 10 and older that have a physical,intellectual or sensory impairment, with or without previous sport experience.
Current or former athletes from all levels aiming to discover a new sport that can complement their main discipline are also welcome to attend.
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Following participation at NextGen events participants will be signposted to connect with the closest local sport they are interested in or to National Governing Bodies to learn more and develop their skills within a chosen sport.
There will be opportunities to connect with local sports clubs to begin or continue the para sport journey. To attend, registration is essential: you will need to register your interest through the sign-up form (by clicking HERE ) they will then ask that you fill in additional information through your smartabase account.
With just three games remaining in the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season, the Kingdom go to Cobh for the club’s penultimate away match of the season.
A comeback draw against Finn Harps in Mounthawk Park last Friday night has moved the Kingdom off bottom spot and into 9th place on the table, level on points with Longford Town in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.
But trips to Cobh and Wexford followed by a home tie on the final day against Athlone Town, McCarthy’s men will need to pick up another couple of points to ensure the Kingdom’s fate stay’s in our own hands.
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After a tough couple of weeks results wise, the draw against Play-Off chasing Finn Harps was well welcomed by the Mounthawk faithful who have something to be cheerful about ahead of the trip to St. Colman’s Park.
A win at the famous aul ground back in July in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup are grounds for optimism ahead of Friday night’s clash.
A string of 5 straight defeats for Ramblers was stopped with a fantastic away win against Athlone Town last Friday night away from home. They will be looking to put a recent run of poor home results behind them tomorrow night against a Kerry team in much need of an away win.
It’s a game that has yet to produce no goals so buckle up for an end of season classic!
Kerry are aiming for back to back away wins in St Colman’s Park for the very first time. The Kingdom won here last time out in the Sport’s Direct Men’s FAI Cup but have yet to secure all 3 points on the road this season.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy gave a number of injury concerns ahead of the game. Ryan Kelliher will be absent for the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to injury. Meanwhile, Cian Barrett and Samuel Aladesanusi are being monitored this week with niggling injuries and will battle through late fitness tests for this one.
Conor McCarthy said; “Cobh’s results of late may not appear the best but that doesn’t paint the full picture. They are a very good side, they’ve been to Athlone recently and got a great result. We know they are a very good side, well organised and great talent so it’s a tough task. We will need to be disciplined like we were against Finn Harps last week to get any sort of a result up there. We are looking forward to the trip but will have to be at our very best to come out of Cobh with a positive result.”
Alan Cantwell previews this Saturday’s game in Cork as Garveys Tralee Warriors get their Superleague campaign underway…
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors get their 2024/2025 Super League campaign underway this weekend when they take the trip to the Mardyke Arena in Cork to take on the reigning National Cup champions UCC Demons on Sunday at 4.00pm in the season opener.
Into the Warriors roster comes 6’3’’ point guard Marquavian Stephens from Flint, Michigan, playing out of the University of Saskatchewan who has played in Europe in both the Luxembourg and Portuguese Leagues and 6’5’’ guard Brandon Mahan from Birmingham, Alabama playing out of the University of Central Florida who played last season with the Bristol Flyers in the BBL.
They are joined by former Killester 6’8” Spanish centre Gregorio Adon who most recently played with Titanes Del Licey in the Dominican Republic.
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Warriors stalwart Eoin Quigley will again assume the captaincy of the team for the season ahead and there is a familiar look to the local contingent in the squad with Kieran Donaghy, Ryan Leonard, Joshua Osayanrhion, Daniel Jokubaitis, Steven Bowler, Cian Sullivan, James Fernane, Zigi Kaletka, Keelan Crowe, Olaf Michalczuk and the Super League Young Player of the Year award winner from last season Rap Buivydas all back to bring their collective wealth of skill and experience to the squad.
The Warriors are coached again this season by John Dowling, assisted by Gareth Moore along with new addition to the coaching set up Luke O’Hea who successfully steered the Warriors U20s to back to back National League titles in the last two seasons.
Jimmy Diggins will oversee the Performance Management of the squad and the team will be managed again this season by Anne Connolly and Ursula O’Keeffe.
The Super League format reverts to the traditional home and away for all 13 teams rostered for the 2024/2025 competition with a total of 24 games for each team in the regular season.
The top eight teams will contest the League playoffs while the bottom two teams will be relegated to National League Division One. This format replaces the North and South Conference model that was in operation for the last few seasons.
The Warriors first home game of the campaign is set for Saturday 12th October when they welcome Templeogue to the Tralee Sports Complex with a 7.30pm tip off.
Season tickets are currently on sale at €130 for adults and €65 for juveniles (U16s) with discounts available for multiple purchases on the Tralee Warriors website – www.traleewarriors.com
ALL-Ireland Senior Champions Kerry lead the way on the list of nominations for coveted 2024 TG4 All-Star Awards.
The Kingdom, who won the Brendan Martin Cup at Croke Park on Sunday August 4, make up one-third of the 45-player long list, with 15 players in the running for the prestigious individual gongs.
Runners-up Galway have nine players nominated, Lidl National League Division 1 Champions Armagh are next in line with eight, Dublin have five players nominated, Cork have four, while players from Meath, Kildare, Tipperary and Waterford have also been included in the list compiled by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s All-Star committee.
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Kerry captured their 12th TG4 All-Ireland Senior title, and first since 1993, this year and that landmark success is reflected in the list of TG4 All-Star nominations.
The 2024 list also includes six players who received TG4 All-Star Awards in 2023 – Kerry trio Eilís Lynch, captain Niamh Carmody and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, and Dublin’s Leah Caffrey, Jennifer Dunne and captain Carla Rowe.
Along with Lynch, Carmody and Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Kerry also have goalkeeper Ciara Butler, winner of the 2024 ZuCar Golden Glove Award, defenders Ciara Murphy, Kayleigh Cronin, Aishling O’Connell, Aoife Dillane and Deirdre Kearney, midfielders Anna Galvin and Mary O’Connell, and forwards Niamh Ní Chonchúir, Síofra O’Shea, Danielle O’Leary and Emma Dineen nominated for 2024 TG4 All-Star Awards.
On the 2024 TG4 All-Star team, one goalkeeper will be chosen from the shortlist of three, with three players selected from each of the full-back, half-back, half-forward and full-forward lines for inclusion, along with two midfielders from the six nominated.
The 2024 TG4 All-Star team will be announced at a gala banquet at The Bonnington Dublin Hotel on Saturday, November 16.
The 2024 TG4 Junior, Intermediate and Senior Players’ Player of the Year Award winners will also be revealed on the night, while the 2024 inductee into the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Hall of Fame will be acknowledged.
2024 TG4 All-Star nominees:
Goalkeeper
Anna Carr (Armagh), Dearbhla Gower (Galway), Ciara Butler (Kerry).
Full Back Line
Grace Ferguson (Armagh), Clodagh McCambridge (Armagh), Melissa Duggan (Cork), Leah Caffrey (Dublin)*, Kate Geraghty (Galway), Sarah Ní Loingsigh (Galway), Kayleigh Cronin (Kerry), Eilís Lynch (Kerry)*, Ciara Murphy (Kerry).
David Moriarty reports on Kerry’s game against Finn Harps last night in Tralee…
KERRY FC 1-1 FINN HARPS
Kerry FC returned to Mounthawk Park in League of Ireland action for the first time since a tough 4-1 loss to Cork City two weeks ago. Kerry FC have faced a tough few weeks in the League of Ireland with just five points in their last eleven league games.
Harps on the other hand are giving themselves a great chance at finishing in the promotion places with ten points out of a possible twelve, most recently drawing 2-2 away to Cork City last week in Turners Cross.
A win in Tralee would put themselves in the conversation for a promotion place with just three games remaining.
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First Team Head Coach Conor McCarthy would be without Ryan Kelliher for the game on Friday as he picked up a slight injury in the game away to Bray Wanderers last Friday
Although the results on the pitch haven’t been the best, there was great news for the club on Wednesday as Kerry FC received funding of €387,983 from the community sport fund. This will further escalate Mounthawk Park for supporters and players in the coming future.
The first half was a very cagey affair with neither side really getting many opportunities to get themselves ahead. Kerry FC had an attempt early on with a ball being whipped into the area by Kennedy Amechi towards Cian Brosnan but seventeen year old goalkeeper Oisin Cooney was well out to claim it.
Success Edugon had the first chance on goal for Finn Harps by getting past Sean O’Connell on the right wing and getting his shot off with his left foot. It was looking like it was on target but rose in the end and went over the crossbar clear of any danger for the Kerry FC defence.
Kennedy Amechi was in the action once again and had possibly Kerry FC’s best chance of the first half when he got into the area and had a shot with his right foot low and hard into the side netting. It was much better from Kerry FC compared to previous games in an attacking sense.
Kerry FC were fantastic in nullifying any Finn Harps attacking attempt with the midfield working tirelessly in getting the ball back. Kerry turned over the ball numerous times from Finn Harps attacks and the work off the ball was exceptional throughout. Half an hour in, Ethan Kos headed over the crossbar from a corner and the home side were getting closer and closer to taking the lead.
Cian Brosnan got a shot away in space just inside the box nine minutes before the final whistle of the first forty five minutes but with little power Cooney gathered it easily. Kerry FC put in a great first half performance and all they were lacking was a goal. It was important that Kerry FC started the second half the same way they finished the first because a drop in performance would be easily punished by Finn Harps target man Success Edugon and the pace he possesses.
Kennedy Amechi came close again eleven minutes into the second half. He put a great ball into the six yard box but unfortunately there was nobody there to get on the end of it.
Oran Crowe leaped high to get on the end of a Cian Brosnan cross and it was cleared off the line by the Harps defence and nearly put into their own net. It eventually came to nothing. As the game wore on it felt like it would be another night for Kerry FC in front of goal as they could not get one over the line, figuratively and literally.
Nine minutes after that golden opportunity for Crowe, completely against the run of play, Finn Harps would take the lead. Good work between Success Edugon and Sean Patton opened up a pass for Patrick Ferry who took the shot on first time on the edge of the box and he slotted it into the bottom left corner past Antonio Tuta. A golden goal in the stage of the game by Harps who were far from their best on the evening.
Eleven minutes later Kerry FC would equalise through Sean McGrath who bagged his tenth goal in a Kerry FC jersey. Brilliant work once again from Nathan Gleeson on that left wing opened an opportunity for himself who toe-poked a shot at goal. Cooney did very well to get down to it but McGrath was there to tap in the rebound and get the home side level.
In the first minute of additional time Oran Crowe had an unbelievable opportunity to win it but his shot was equalled by Cooney who prevented his side from falling to a double blow in the late stages. It ended in a draw and Kerry FC showed positive signs as they head into the final three games of the season. They travel to Cobh Ramblers next Friday in their penultimate away game of the league season and look to improve even further on their performance from Friday night. The draw brings Kerry FC back to ninth on the table, ahead of Longford on goal difference
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 23. FINN BARRETT, 6. ETHAN KOS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 4. ORAN CROWE, 7. SEAN MCGRATH (GOAL ‘81), 13. NATHAN GLEESON, 11. DANIEL OKWUTE, 17. CIAN BROSNAN
SUBS: DARRAGH FOLEY, VICTOR UDEZE, ROB VASIU, TOM HEALY, ANDREW KERINS, KENNEDY AMECHI, BOBBY AMADASUN, VALERII DOLIA
FINN HARPS TEAM: 25. OISIN COONEY, 2. JAMIE WASTON, 3. KEVIN JORDAN, 5. MATTHEW MAKINSON, 6. NOE BABA, 7. PATRICK FERRY (GOAL ‘70), 8. MAX HUTCHINSON, 9. SUCCESS EDUGON, 10. SEAN PATTON, 22. DAVID CAWLEY, 26. TONY MCNAMEE.
SUBS: COREY SHERIDAN, LUKE O’BRIEN, MAX JOHNSTON, GAVIN GILMORE, BRUCE STRACHAN, AARON MCLAUGHLIN, GAVIN MCATEER. LUKE O’BRIEN
DESPITE the horrible weather, there was still a decent turnout at The Klub in Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Thursday night to help send the Kerry Ladies Senior Football team on a well-earned holiday.
A fundraising table quiz was held and some of the All-Ireland winning team present to test their general knowledge with quizmasterPhilip Dewey delivering the questions.
There were loads of spot prizes donated by local businesses and hopefully the money raised will contribute towards sending the champs off to the sun. Scroll down for photos…
It’s the penultimate home game of the season for Kerry FC as Donegal’s Finn Harps make the long and winding journey to the county capital tomorrow night.
Kerry come into the game in a poor run of form, most notably without a win since July and without a league win since mid-June. With just 3 draws in that space of that time,
Kerry find themselves stuck in a small bit of limbo as the season draws to a close. With a final home game against Athlone to come, which is sandwiched by away trips to Wexford and Cobh in the coming weeks, Kerry will be desperate to get some points on the board before the season draws to a close.
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The visitors Finn Harps, on the other hand, are in a right battle for the play-off places.
Currently in 6th, the North Westerners are 3 points adrift of the coveted places with 4 games to play. Every result and point will be vital if they are to leap ahead of the likes of Bray, Wexford and Athlone ahead of them in the race.
3 wins and a draw in the last 4 games has seen them put a stop to a 6 game-losing streak and will be full of confidence ahead of their trip to the Kingdom.
Very little has separated the sides in the 7 meetings to date. In fact, Kerry’s 2-0 win over Harps earlier this season was the biggest winning margin for either side in the clubs short history. The game has produced 3 draws to date, 2 of which ended scoreless, both in Ballybofey.
Two of Kerry FC’s main men in 2024 played for the Donegal side in 2023. Winger Daniel Okwute played for Harps on loan from Stockport County for the opening months of last season and even faced his home town club Kerry twice while playing for Finn Harps before he secured a move home in July last year. Kerry’s shot-stopper Antonio Tuta also played for Finn Harps last term.
Thankfully, no fresh injury concerns have been reported by the management team ahead of this one. Everyone made it through Monday night’s Friendly fixture against the Munster FA so the management team have a full deck of cards to choose from.
Conor McCarthy said; ‘For us, it’s trying to get the best team on the pitch to win the game. Sometimes, certain games require different personnel and each game has its own story. We’ve looked at Finn Harps and there is no doubt they are a very good side. Very good physically, a direct team and there is no denying their quality in the middle of the pitch. Our team will be picked on what we think is best for us to get 3 points’.
THE weather held out at St Pats GAA club grounds in Blennerville on Sunday for a great family fun day out.
The Healthy Clubs committee organised the event where families came together for a competitive obstacle course, games and much more with Kenny the Clown entertaining the youngsters.
There was a great turnout for the fun showing the wonderful community spirit in the club. Scroll down for photos…