Connect with us

News

Killarney Athletic awarded prestigious FAI Mark

Published

on

MAKING THEIR MARK: Killarney Athletic members, back row: Martin Muldoon (Juvenile Secretary) and Basil Sheerin (Treasurer). Front row: Diarmuid O'Mahony (Senior Secretary), Ger Nagle (Club Chair) and Mike O'Shea (Vice Chair), celebrate their news this week.

 

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Athletic Football Club has been awarded the coveted FAI Club Mark.

 

The distinction is awarded, by the governing body, to clubs that meet criteria like off field management, promotion and growth of the sport within the club’s communities and high standards of achievement and best practices.

The Killarney club was commended for its children’s academy where coaches are training youngsters to EUFA standards.

The Academy has grown substantially in the recent past and caters for large numbers of children who enjoy superb facilities on two grass pitches and the addition of an astro training pitch in 2018.

The Woodlawn-based club follow their cross-town rivals Killarney Celtic Football Club which was awarded the FAI Mark this time last year.

“We are thrilled,” Club Chair Ger Nagle told the Killarney Advertiser. “I took on the role of Chair last year and I made it my target to get this award. It is a testament to the hard work of the entire club. We are a collective committee and this rewards the efforts of everyone.”

The club has over 360 members on its books and as recent as the 2017 season it won both county League and Cup double. Last season the club had 17 different teams competing in various competitions across all age and gender groups. Despite COVID-19 bringing an early end to the season, club teams won the U12 and U13 County Premiere League titles.

Historically, Killarney Athletic organised the first ever FAI Summer Soccer Schools in Kerry in 1992, which was held in the hallowed grounds of the Áras Paidraig pitch.

Irish Internationals Paul McGrath, Mick McCarthy and Alan McLoughlin visited the ground at the time to add their support of the event.

While the club is steeped in history, former players were capped for Ireland and played to Premiership level in England. A recent drive by the current committee resulted in several past players returning to the fold with their children and that youth academy is the ethos of the current club management.

“It shows what the club is about, the fact that they came back to us and now they are creating a club for their children," she added.

The club was founded in 1965 by Garda Don Harrington, a young Garda from Cork City who was stationed in Killarney. This came about after Don observed youngsters from various parts of town playing soccer on the streets of Killarney.

In 1993, the club moved to Woodlawn where their scenic grounds have continued to develop.

Advertisement

News

New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

Published

on

By

A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

Continue Reading

News

Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

Published

on

By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport