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Cokes win: The five biggest talking points
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1. Crokes’ attacking efficiency the difference
It’s no secret that the Crokes have an abundance of talent in their forward division but Sunday’s exhibition in point-kicking was a joy to behold. Incredibly, they managed 17 scores from just 20 shots on goal, and one of those missed opportunities was Shane Murphy’s 45 that struck the post.
Captain Daithí Casey kicked some lovely points, including one exceptional strike off his left and a raking 45-metre effort with the outside of the right, and Kieran O’Leary and Micheál Burns also chipped in with some impressive scores of their own.
South Kerry, on the other hand, had ten wides in total and ultimately that profligacy cost them.
2. Star turns from Kerry hopefuls
In 2017, their success at club level actually worked against some of the Crokes players who would have been hoping to break into the Kerry set-up.
They were occupied with the All-Ireland series at the beginning of the year and it seemed as though Eamonn Fitzmaurice wasn’t too keen on introducing certain players to the fold when he wasn’t able to blood them first in the league.
Crokes will be favourites to win Munster again this time out and could well be busy throughout the spring but Fitzmaurice is unlikely to overlook Crokes’ young stars for another year.
Gavin White in particular has a lot of people talking. He was outstanding again on Sunday, breaking forward at will from defence and deservedly picking up the man-of-the-match award.
3. History makers
Following Sunday’s triumph, Crokes are now tied with Austin Stacks and Laune Rangers as the most successful team in the history of the County Championship (twelve titles).
For many players involved, it was their sixth final win in eight years and veterans Colm Cooper and Eoin Brosnan, who both made cameo appearances against South Kerry, lifted the Bishop Moynihan Cup for a record seventh time.
4. No rest for the winners
They’ve hardly had a break in the past 18 months and there’s no sign of any respite just yet for the reigning All-Ireland champions. On Sunday they travel to Tipperary to face Clonmel Commercials in the Munster quarter final and, should they win, the semi-final is scheduled for two weeks later against the Clare champions (Clondegad or Kilmurry-Ibrickane).
In between, they’ll take on Kilcummin in the O’Donoghue Cup. It has been a gruelling run but, at times like these, I’m sure the players don’t mind too much.
5. Gooch’s injury
Cooper was Crokes’ top scorer in the Championship heading into the final but a hamstring injury meant he was unable to start last weekend. He did manage the last 15 minutes, however, so he could feature in the big Munster Championship games over the next couple of weeks.
In truth, they realistically might not need him against Clonmel, who will be big underdogs on Sunday, and Kilcummin so it’s possible that he might be kept in cotton wool until the semi-final.
Above: Dr Crokes captain Daithi Casey and teammates celebrate with the Bishop Moynihan Cup after the Kerry Senior County Championship Football Final at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sunday. Picture: Eamonn Keogh (macmonagle.com)
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Carols by Candlelight
St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas […]

St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be filled with music and glowing candles, as choirs from all over Killarney Parish gather for a community of voices together to celebrate Christmas 2023, December17, at 7.00pm. Admission is free.
Ten Choirs from Killarney parish will join together and sing some of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols.
The carol service is directed by accomplished Musician and Choral Director, Paula Gleeson. Originally from Cork, her family have been involved in all aspects of choral and church music for 50 years.
“This is the best experience as director, working with Fr. Kieran O’Brien, and St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, I get to work with so many talented people in Killarney. The commitment of Teachers, Principals, and the hundreds of students from the Primary and Secondary Schools is inspiring. The generosity of our sponsors, who were so willing to contribute has helped to make this night a reality. We are all so truly grateful,” she said.
Choirs include:
St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Choir, organist Anita Lakner
Holy Cross Mercy School Choir
St. Oliver’s Primary School Choir
St. Brigid’s Secondary School Choir
St. Brendan’s Secondary School Choir
Killarney Harmonisers
Killarney Community College School Choir
Lissivigeen National School Choir
Gaelscoil Faithleann School Choir
Presentation Monastery School Choir
News
The same but different – A tribute to three great Irish musicians

Driving home from work last Friday, tributes for Shane McGowan were pouring out across the radio stations and while listening in, I got a strong sense of déjà vu.
It was only a few months earlier that we got the sad news that the talented Aslan front man Christy Dingham had passed away, and a short few weeks after that – Sinéad O’Connor. The loss of three iconic Irish musicians that left music fans across the country reeling.
When I think about each artist individually, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Yet, for days after the passing of the Pogues frontman, I found myself wondering why I was so drawn to all three.
And then, over the weekend I stumbled across a completely unrelated article which led with a headline:
“In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and disingenuity, “authentic” has somehow emerged as Merriam-Webster’s word for 2023.”
And there was my answer. The one characteristic that embodied all three of these great Irish musicians.
It was my mother that first introduced me to Aslan’s music. She grew up during their peak and loved all sorts of rock music. I regularly watch their Vicar Street performances back on YouTube and still get mesmerised by Christy’s intense stage presence. Using elaborate hand gestures to evoke a greater meaning behind the words, he always looked like he was away in his own world. Off stage, and particularly later in his career, I admired him for his honesty when talking about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He was talking openly about these issues long before it was the norm.
Sinéad O’Connor was another original soul who, because of her talent, was catapulted into a music industry consumed by artificiality; she was almost too pure for it all. I always admired her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Her authenticity was evident in every aspect of her artistry. The way she unapologetically embraced her shaved head and boy-ish style, she challenged conventional opinions around beauty. Her music reflected her personal struggles and she never shied away from addressing issues of social injustice, religion, and gender equality. Her stances often drew criticism and controversy, but she always remained true to herself.
Shane MacGowan will always be remembered for his unfiltered nature, and while the lyrics of many songs were dark and gritty, there was also an element of empathy and compassion in what he wrote. Like Christy, he too struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his career. While his demons sometimes spilled over into the public eye, his honesty and vulnerability just endeared him even more to us Irish.
So isn’t it apt in a year we lost three great musicians, the word of 2023 happens to be the one undeniable trait that they all shared. Thank you Christy, Sinead and Shane for showing us that authenticity is not just about being different to everyone else; but also about possessing the courage to challenge the established, to question the norms, and to keep going, even when the going gets tough.