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You know summer has arrived in Killarney when people start talking about the 7-a-side and event organisers at Killarney Athletic are hoping that the 43rd annual tournament will prove to be as successful as ever.

This year’s competition, which will kick off on Monday, June 24, will be streamlined to run over a two-week period, explained coordinator Colette Casey.

“We are delighted to be celebrating our 43rd year and this year we are introducing some changes to the event,” she said.

“The competition will be run over two weeks with games taking place Monday to Friday and underage games being played on our new all-weather pitch. The finals are scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday, July 11 and 12. The tournament is open to all ages.”

Application forms are available from the Beech Road and Park Road branches of tournament sponsors Killarney Credit Union and at www.killarneyathletic.com.

The entry fees are as follows. Senior Men: €200. Over 35: €150. Ladies: €150. U10s/U12s: €75. U14s/U16s: €100.

“Killarney Credit Union is proud to be the main sponsor of this event, especially in light of its 43rd year anniversary,” a company spokesperson said. “We would like to wish the organisers and all participants the best of luck in this year’s tournament.”

As always, there will be a wide range of prizes handed out as part of the 7-a-side. In addition to the Premier and Reserve Cups, the Kieran Cahillane Senior Player of the Tournament Award will be on offer for the outstanding player on view. There will also be free entry to the 2020 tournament for the Premier Cup winners, while the Johnny Heffernan Underage Player of the Tournament Award will also be up for grabs.

The closing date for all ages (to be returned to the Credit Union) is Friday, June 7 before 5.30pm. The draw will take place on Monday, June 10 in The Shire Café at 9pm. Further information is available from www.killarneyathletic.com.

Last year’s senior competition was won by the Fáilte Legends while Four Star Pizza were crowned reserve champions after their MLS shootout victory over the Tatler Toffees.