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Killarney Celtic boss reflects on “crazy” FAI Youth Cup final

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Killarney Celtic have reached the Promised Land. After years of close calls and hard luck stories, at both senior and underage level, The Celts have finally secured the national soccer title that they craved so badly. And they couldn’t have done it in more spectacular circumstances.

Sunday’s FAI Youth Cup final was played behind closed doors in line with COVID-19 restrictions but everyone watching online was treated to one of the most dramatic games of football you are ever likely to see.

Celtic came from behind twice and then took a 3-2 lead late on before their opponents, Douglas Hall, snatched an equaliser in the 94th minute to force extra time.

After two goalless 10-minute periods, the match went to penalties and the Killarney side eventually emerged victorious thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Adam Carey, who made three saves, and Emmett O'Shea, who coolly stroked home the winner.

It was an unforgettable game and Celtic manager Matt Keane says he went through “every emotion under the sun” over the course of a gripping 110 minutes plus penalties.

“It was unbelievable. It must have been the best game of soccer ever played in Mounthawk Park in Tralee. It was up and down, we were behind and we were ahead… It was crazy. When we conceded that 90th-minute goal, I felt like crying myself.

"But we got the boys in and we tried to pick them up, and luckily we got over the line in the end.

“It was great to win the shootout because we’ve been unlucky as a club with penalties in the last few years.

"If anyone deserves the credit, it’s Adam Carey. That man is training seven nights a week. He hasn’t missed a session all season and he has been doing extra training with Mike Gustafik. He’s a great lad.”

Keane also revealed that a crucial last-minute change led to Emmett O’Shea taking the match-winning penalty.

“Emmett was actually supposed to be third and someone else was fifth, but I switched them because I just knew Emmett would score the last one.

"He’s as cool as a breeze. You could even see it with his celebration. Not a bother to him.”

Most of this talented squad will now move on to adult football and while Keane would like to see them graduate to the Celtic A team (where he could play alongside them), he feels as though they should have loftier aspirations than that.

“I would be hopeful that they go on to pay for Celtic of course – in one or two years you could put that entire team in for the seniors – but I can see some of them doing more than just playing for Celtic. Some of these guys could easily play League of Ireland.”

But that’s all ahead of them. For now, Keane, his players and his backroom team of Jerry Falvey, Conor McCarthy, Diarmuid Daly and Stefan McMahon will bask in the glory of the club’s first ever All-Ireland crown.

“We sat down at the start of the year and we set ourselves the goal of winning a national tile. We’re delighted that we managed to achieve it and I think it was well-deserved.

"This is a phenomenal group of lads.”

 

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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