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New blood needed if Sam is to be retained

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By Eamonn Fitzgerald

Kerry v Roscommon NFL preview

All-Ireland champions Kerry have the ultimate goal of retaining the Sam Maguire well in train.

It becomes serious on Sunday at 2.30 pm when they meet Roscommon in the first round of the National Football League at Fitzgerald Stadium.

They are the NFL champions of 2025 and hope that by winning their four home games in 2026 that there will be no worries about possible relegation and they will be able to trial new players.

Even though the oldies have not officially retired I contend that Kerry will not retain the Sam Maguire if they start with the same 15 as last year.

They need up to three new players to freshen up the bid for Sam and to provide competition for any established players who may be expecting to retain their places automatically.

I expect Kerry to have a strong team to collect the first points and not to have to worry about that expected revenge game away to Donegal in round two.

Certain key established players are unavailable for the next few months, recovering from injuries or being rested and minded to be fresh for the championship.

Paudie Clifford and 2025 captain Gavin White are in these categories.

The Kerry team has not been announced as this column goes to press so I expect new players who have been training and participated in the McGrath Cup to start along with established players who missed most of last season’s championship such as Diarmaid O’Connor and Dylan Casey. I expect Kerry to win.

Cash is not king
The match is scheduled as all-ticket. I don’t have a problem with that but have campaigned through this column for special arrangements to be available for people who are not tech savvy or are not near retail outlets.

For the McGrath Cup final in the Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday last most patrons had bought tickets online and there was one entrance where a credit card was accepted, but no admission by cash.

That is an improvement, but I still feel strongly that the famous ticket van should be open to purchase tickets by cash.

That same bus is available so why not use it for games such as next Sunday’s league opener.
This is not criticism of Kerry County Board or the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee. It is not their gig.

Last week I saw just one strong Kerry supporter well advanced in years unable to enter the McGrath Cup final.

His cash would not be accepted, and he did not have a credit card, by choice.

He had to wait too long for a friend who had a credit card.

He paid for two and was refunded by the uneasy waiting supporter.

Now if it was blowing storm and a down pour how awful and embarrassing that wait might have been.

What is the forecast for early afternoon on Sunday next?

If it is a bad one, then mo dhuine and probably some more will have to rely on Tim and Ambrose on Radio Kerry or online via (the paid for) Clubber to follow the fortunes of the team he loves so well.

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Rotary Club distributes €21,000 to local causes

Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries. […]

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Killarney Rotary Club members gathered at the Great Southern Killarney this week to present the proceeds from their annual Wine and Art Night to a wide range of local beneficiaries.

The event, which is the club’s primary fundraiser, raised a total of €1,000. These funds were distributed among several local schools and community organisations during a celebratory luncheon.
The schools benefiting from the night include Faha, Fossa, Gael Scoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane, and St. Brendan’s College. Other organisations receiving support include Kerry Hospice, Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley Athletic Club, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, and the Rise & Shine Trust.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan praised the collaborative effort that made the fundraiser possible. “The success of this event is a direct result of shared commitment and community spirit,” she said. She thanked the hands-on involvement of the beneficiary groups, who worked alongside Rotary members to manage the night.
The club also acknowledged key partners Daly’s SuperValu and Killarney Credit Union for their ongoing sponsorship. Additional thanks were extended to the Great Southern Killarney and the Scally Hotel Collection, while Cronin’s Cider was welcomed as a new contributor this year.
A significant portion of the total was raised through an art auction, where local artists and crafters donated 100% of the proceeds from their work to the fund.

Following the success of last year’s fundraiser, Killarney Rotary Club has confirmed the provisional date for the 2026 event.

The 25th annual Wine and Art Night is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The evening will once again feature a showcase of local art and crafts, alongside the popular wine and cheese reception.
Organisers are encouraging artists, sponsors, and community groups to mark the date in their diaries early. Further details regarding venue and ticket sales will be released closer to the event.

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club charity weekend for Jack and Jill

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May […]

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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice have announced that the upcoming Open Captains’ Charity Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

This year’s event will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The event is sponsored by Truffle Honey.
The weekend will feature a Team of Four competition. Entry is €40 per person or €160 per team. Online entry is available through the club’s booking system at www.killarneygolfclub.ie. A dedicated fundraising page for donations has also been set up at www.idonate.ie.
A charity raffle will also run throughout the weekend, featuring green fees for top golf courses and various prizes donated by local supporters.
“The work Jack and Jill do for families in Kerry and across Ireland is extraordinary,” Captains Tomás Kelliher and Annette McNeice said in a joint statement. “We are proud to play our part in helping them continue that mission and look forward to welcoming members and visitors for a fantastic weekend of golf.”
Siobhan Reen of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation thanked the club for their support.
“Every euro raised helps us provide vital home nursing care, giving children the chance to be cared for at home, where they belong,” she said.
The foundation currently supports over 490 families across Ireland, including many in County Kerry, providing up to 100 hours of home nursing care per month.
Those looking to enter a team can visit the Killarney Golf Club website (
http://www.killarneygolfclub.ie/), while those wishing to donate can do so via the iDonate fundraiser page for the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club Open Captains’ Charity Weekend.
Further information on the services provided by the foundation can be found at www.jackandjill.ie.

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