Connect with us

News

Killarney Celtic all set for historic FAI Cup bow

Published

on

K

KILLARNEY CELTIC will make the relatively short trip down to south Cork to face Cobh Wanderers in the opening round proper of the FAI Cup tomorrow. The FAI Cup first-round game takes place at 4pm at Old Church Park, Cobh.

The Hoops earned their place in the prestigious competition thanks to their remarkable run to the last four of the FAI Junior Cup and subsequent qualifier victory over Boyle Celtic of Roscommon.

The club would have been hoping for a home draw against a League of Ireland side like Dundalk, Cork City or Shamrock Rovers but for that kind of dream tie to materialise now, they’ll have to see off Cobh first. Eoin Donnellan’s men will be well aware that they’ll have their work cut for them.

Cobh Wanderers currently operate in the Munster Senior League where they were runners up in the 2016/17 campaign. They also reached the final of the FAI Intermediate Cup and were unlucky to lose out to Liffey Wanderers (Dublin) in a penalty shoot-out.

They have a number of ex-League of Ireland players in their ranks and there will be at least one familiar face in their line-up: former Tralee Dynamos star Brian Fitzgerald is likely to feature in defence.

Celtic will be underdogs but that tag has suited them all year, and captain John McDonagh is confident that his team are ready to do battle. They’ll have to do it without their skipper, however, as he serves a one-match ban following his red card against Boyle.

“Preparations have been going well enough,” he said. “There are good numbers at training. It’s kind of hard because we only finished the season three weeks ago but it has been going well. I’m suspended but everyone else should be available.”

“It’s a massive game,” he continued. “It’s a League of Ireland cup and it’s a competition the club has never played in, so it’d be nice to get to the next round.”

The team has had great travelling support all year and McDonagh is hoping that the green and white faithful can help them to another famous win on Saturday.

“They have a supporters bus organised and there’s only a few seats left so that’s good to hear. It helps when you’re playing away. It makes a big difference when you get people up watching it. Hopefully we get the same support the next day.”
 


 
Above: Killarney Celtic striker Cathal O'Shea in action against Killarney Athletic in the Kerry District League Final last month. PICTURE: PAUDIE HEALY

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport