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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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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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