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Ireland’s own Lakers-Celtics rivalry is heating up

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National League Div 1
Scotts Lakers v Limerick Celtics
Saturday at 7.30pm
(Killarney Sports Centre)

In America, the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics have been basketball’s fiercest rivals since the 1950s. The NBA’s two most successful franchises have won 27 championships between them, facing off in the Finals on no less than 12 occasions. Their Irish namesakes have a long way to go before they reach those heights but if their last meeting is anything to go by, Ireland’s version of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry could be heating up nicely.

 

The sides clashed as recently as two weeks ago when Limerick dumped their Killarney counterparts out of the President’s Cup after an OT classic at the Auracle. Séamus Brosnan thought he had won it for the hosts in regulation but his buzzer-beating “three-pointer” was actually ruled to be a two. Unfortunately for Brosnan and the Lakers, that toe on the line proved to be crucial.

 

A superb showing from Ohio guard Turrell Morris (39 points) helped the Celtics to a memorable win in overtime and the Lakers’ National Cup dreams were crushed in the cruellest fashion. What made the win all the more remarkable was the fact that Cormac O’Donoghue’s team had hammered the Celtics in the league just six weeks previous, Seán O’Brien leading the way with 29 points in a comprehensive 98-73 win.

 

The Celtics exacted their revenge a fortnight ago. Can the Lakers return the favour on Saturday night?

 

Form

Last weekend was a mixed bag for the Lakers as they followed up their defeat to first place Ballincollig on Saturday with a comfortable win over IT Carlow on Sunday.

 

Ballincollig’s perfect record appeared to be in jeopardy late in the third when the Lakers led by four but the runaway leaders fought back in the final quarter and eventually won by five, 79-74. Mark Greene had the hot hand the following day against Carlow (see p3) and the Lakers won comfortably to get their playoff drive back on track.

 

The Limerick Celtics improved to 9-5 last Sunday as they defeated the Portlaoise Panthers by 96-79. American star Morris chipped in with 22 points, two of which came via a spectacular alley-oop dunk off a clever inbounds pass (follow @AdamMoynihan on Twitter to check it out). Fabio Hernandez scored 18 and former Limerick footballer John Galvin added 16 for the Celtics, who now find themselves in a tie for third, three wins behind the Lakers with a game in hand.

 

The Lakers will be keen to keep the Celtics at arm’s length heading into the Christmas break but it will take a big effort to keep Morris and co. quiet. If Seán O’Brien can cancel his fellow American out, or at least come close, the Lakers should have enough to get over the line.

 

Verdict: Lakers by five.

 

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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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