While Muckross Rowing Club prepares to honour the legendary Olympic achievements of its past members this coming Sunday, the next generation of rowers proved over the weekend that the club’s future is in very capable hands.

In a historic first for the club, a massive squad of 54 junior athletes travelled to the Sligo Head of the River, returning to Killarney with an outstanding haul of seven victories.

The journey to the Garavogue River represented a significant step forward in the club’s development.

Under the guidance of ten dedicated junior coaches, the squad, ranging in age from 12 to 1, braved bitter cold and unfamiliar freshwater conditions to compete against 26 crews from top-tier clubs including Enniskillen Royal, City of Derry, and Belfast Boat Club.

For many of the young Kerry athletes, the 3km non-tidal course provided their first-ever taste of competitive racing.

A club spokesperson highlighted that the trip was designed to build resilience and provide the juniors with experience outside their usual racing circuits in Cork and Limerick.

The success in Sligo, combined with the upcoming celebration of the club’s Olympic heritage, shows a thriving rowing culture in Killarney.

With participation numbers continuing to grow, the Junior Club remains open to new members, holding training sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:00 am at the boathouse.

Killarney Judo Club hosted a successful day of sport on Sunday, February 15, as nearly 90 young judoka gathered at Lissivigeen National School for the Munster Mini Mon development competition.

The event drew competitors under the age of 13 from across the province, with athletes travelling from Cork City, Limerick, Waterford, Macroom, and Tralee.
As a development-focused event, the competition used a unique format where players were grouped by age and ability rather than traditional weight categories. This ensured a fair and competitive environment for all participants. Killarney was represented by 26 competitors, including 13 children who were stepping onto the competitive mats for the first time.
Among those making their competition debuts were Tobin and Cullen Kelliher, both of whom impressed the crowds with confident performances. The club also highlighted the leadership of Patrik Polubnak and James Maher, who served as referees and role models for the younger athletes throughout the day.
The local club finished the event with a total of 26 medals, consisting of four gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. The coaches noted the excellent determination and sportsmanship shown by the entire squad, ranging from the youngest seven-year-olds to the 13-year-old debutants.
Following the success in Lissivigeen, the club is now preparing for the Galway Open on March 7, where they will compete against some of the top young talent in the country. While children’s classes are currently at capacity, enquiries for the waiting list can be made via Killarneyjudo.com or by contacting Tim on 086 260 1591.