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Celtic 90 minutes away from perfect season

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Kerry Premier A League Final

Killarney Celtic v Dingle Bay Rovers

Friday, June 8 at 7.45pm

(Mounthawk Park)

As they face into tonight’s league final against Dingle Bay Rovers, Killarney Celtic’s players know that they are just 90 minutes away from completing the perfect season.

The solitary black mark was the second half collapse against Killarney Athletic where they let a three-goal lead slip to draw 3-3. Apart from that they have been utterly dominant, winning every single game and registering a whopping 75 goals in the process. Celtic were obviously very hungry for success after what happened last year and it has really showed in their performances thus far.

As I’ve said before, this league final business is a bit of a joke. Last season it actually made sense because Athletic and Celtic finished joint top with identical records. This year Celtic finished 11 points clear of second. They have been the best team in the division over the course of the past nine months, but one bad 90 minutes (or one bad half, even) and they could end up with nothing. It’s not a fair way of doing things in my opinion.

Although anything can happen in one-off game, I still think Eoghan Donnellan’s side will be massive favourites and anything other than a Celtic win would be a major shock.

Dingle are a good team with some great players but the 11-point gap tells its own story. The fixtures between the two during the regular season tells an even bigger one. On the opening day, Celtic went back to Gallarus and whacked Dingle 7-0. In March, they put seven past them again in Killarney. An aggregate score of 14-1 doesn’t exactly bode well for a competitive fixture in Tralee this evening.

But look, you never know. Dingle have ball players like Luke Burgess, Joe Sheehy and Adam O’Rourke in midfield but they can actually be quite direct at times. That particular tactic worked well for us in our league finals against Celtic and if Dingle can get it right, Seán Fitzgerald and Paudie Quinn are more than capable of nicking a goal or two.

As for Celtic, centre half Jamie Spillane recently moved to Japan but Chris Brady is a very good replacement and they should be solid enough at the back. Gary Keane and Matt Keane will look to dictate the tempo in midfield and feed their dangerous wingers, Danny Roche and Wayne Sparling.

If Celtic score early, I would fear for Dingle to be honest. Dingle’s best hope is to start well and get in at half time level. Obviously, if they could sneak a goal that would be the ideal scenario for them. If Celtic take the lead early it could kill Dingle’s confidence, especially considering how the earlier encounters have panned out.

Having said that, the last time these two met in the final it was the men from the west who came out on top (4-3 in 2016). The same outcome in this particular decider is unthinkable for the Hoops; if they were to lose it would be their third consecutive league final defeat. When you take into account the excellent season that they’ve had to date, it would be cruel in the extreme if they were to fall short once again.

Personally, I can’t see that happening.

Prediction: Celtic 3-1 Dingle

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Boxing brothers aim for European Championship

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring. Both national champions for […]

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Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring.

Both national champions for 2025, the talented siblings are in preparation for crucial national competitions. Pa is gearing up for the junior cadets in three weeks, while Jamesie will compete in the under-18 championships in July.

Victory in these national events would automatically earn both boys an invitation to the high-performance unit, bringing them a step closer to being selected for the Irish team heading to the European championships.

Both Jamesie and Pa follow a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week, twice a day – before school and work in the morning, and again every evening.

They are currently in camp, preparing for their respective national competitions.

The brothers understand the commitment required at this level of boxing, describing it as a lifestyle demanding 100% dedication, including twice-daily training, healthy eating, weight management, strength and conditioning, running, sparring, and technical training.

The Casey brothers thanked Bobby Enright of Peak Performance Academy for strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance, ProActive Physiotherapy for their support and the coaches and volunteers at Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club

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Killorglin’s RDI Hub to hosts open week

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. They are encouraging people who are curious […]

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The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.

They are encouraging people who are curious about what the hub offers, or anyone needing a different place to work for a day, to come and visit.
During the week, people can use a desk for free at any time. They can also stay for just an hour or for the whole day. There will be lunchtime events each day featuring guest speakers. On Friday, visitors can try out the Media Lab with free podcasting sessions, but booking ahead is needed for this. The hub offers a lively space where people can work together.
The lunchtime events include Chris Barrett talking about his Arctic journey on Monday, John Ryan from Gigable on business growth strategies on Tuesday, Gavin Henrick from Brickfield Labs discussing accessibility on Wednesday, Hugh Reynolds from the RDI Hub talking about online marketing on Thursday, and a VHI Wellness Station on Friday. The Media Lab will also be open on Friday for podcasting sessions.
Anyone interested in attending the Open Week is asked to sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/4jlJlD3.

Lunchtime Events During Open Week:

Monday 19: Chris Barrett – Journey to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar Expedition
An incredible story of resilience, adventure, and pushing boundaries.
Tuesday 20: John Ryan, Gigable – Go-to-Market Strategy Session
Practical strategies for launching and growing your business.
Wednesday 21: Gavin Henrick, Brickfield Labs – Tearing Down the Accessibility Barriers
Why accessibility matters and how to build inclusive digital experiences.
Thursday 22: Hugh Reynolds, RDI Hub Entrepreneur in Residence – Zero to Online Hero
Explore what happens when a community experiment meets digital marketing.
Friday 23: VHI Wellness Station
Close out the week with the VHI Wellness Station which will give you insights into Body Composition, Diabetes Risk and More!
Bonus Friday Activity:
🎙️ Open Media Lab Access and Complimentary Podcasting Sessions
Explore our new Media Lab and try out a mini podcasting session with expert support.
Sessions are free but must be pre-booked in advance – limited slots available!
For more information, you can contact Megan Daly Tyrrell at megan.dalytyrrell@rdihub.com.

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