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Global success for marathon man Conor

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HE LACED on his running shoes for his very first marathon in March 2014 and just under three years later Kerry man Conor Cusack has distinguished himself at some of the world’s most famous athletic events.

Tralee native Conor, who works in the Department of Arts in Killarney, completed his 50th medal in Clonakilty in December. “My sister Catherine, who lives in the UK, is also a runner, and I have her to thank for putting the idea of running into my head,” Conor told Killarney Advertiser.

While completing the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, Conor met Boston Marathon icons Bobbi Gibb, Amby Burfoot and Adrianne Haslett. “I’m a proud member of the Born to Run marathon club in Tralee and Marathon Club Ireland who have helped me immeasurably to get to where I am today,” said Conor.

“I am now a running mentor to a ‘Couch to 42’ training group who will complete their first marathon in Tralee next March.”
Conor’s dazzling medal comes from across the globe. “I’ve run in 15 different countries: Ireland, UK, Portugal, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, USA, Morocco, Turkey, Netherlands, Sweden, Malta, South Africa and Poland,” he said.

Among the highlights of his running career to date are the 56k Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa.

Conor also ran with the famous Team Hoyt, from Boston, when they were in Courtmacsherry, west Cork, in 2015. “Dick Hoyt has pushed his son Rick in over 1,000 races including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (six of them being Ironman competitions),” said Conor. They use a specially designed “Hoyt Running Chair” which is now used by assisted running families all around the world. “It was an honour to push Rick at the Courtmacsherry race.”

Conor added: “I have made so many lifelong friends both in Ireland and abroad through running, it has truly been a life-changer.”
The Kerry runner also has medals from the Berlin and Paris marathons as well as from the 60k Ultra Marathon in Central Park, New York, and the 100k Tralee Ultra Marathon. “I will be competing in two of the marathon ‘majors’, Boston and Chicago, this year,” he added.

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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