Connect with us

News

Lakers strengthen squad ahead of new season

Published

on

F

Following a successful debut season, Scotts Lakers St Paul’s are looking forward with optimism to the new basketball campaign which is only weeks away. After an absence of nearly a decade, top flight National League basketball returned to Killarney last season and the Scotts Lakers attracted record crowds to the Killarney Sports Centre for their home games.

It was a case of Saturday Night Fever in Killarney as the biggest crowds in the division flocked to see their heroes play. Indeed, the attendances were consistently larger than any Super League venue in the country, apart from the ones attracted by our neighbours the Tralee Warriors. The Killarney Sports Centre hosted a crowd of 950 people for the Lakers’ clash with Killorglin last October. This was a record crowd for any National League or Super League game in the history of Killarney basketball.

Scotts Lakers didn't disappoint in their opening season, enjoying a good cup run before bowing out at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Ballincollig. They then went on the secure the Division 1B Shield title.

Team coach Cormac O'Donoghue is in charge of the Lakers again for the new campaign and his squad has been boosted by some exciting new signings.

American Harrison Deneka is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and has just graduated from Birmingham Southern College, Alabama. At 6’7” he is very versatile and can play the shooting guard or small forward role. In his final season, he led the Birmingham SC Panthers in total points (474), total rebounds (250), points per game (17.6) and rebounds per game (9.3). He also dominated the conference in rebounds and finished top 10 in five categories, recording 13 double-doubles and scoring a career-high 37 points in one match.

Another significant new signing for the Scotts Lakers is Dutch power forward Papito Hersisia, who has experience from playing in Holland and Germany. His huge 6'8" frame and ability to dominate under the boards will give the Lakers extra strength this season.

Exciting point guard Dailian Mason from Birmingham is back with the

Scotts Lakers again after joining the squad during the middle of last season. An outstanding three-point shooter, Mason will give the Lakers that extra outside scoring threat.

Cormac O'Donoghue and his squad of players have been in pre-season training for a number of weeks and it has been announced that Mark Greene will captain the side this year. The Killarney native was the Lakers most consistent Irish player last season and will have another huge role to play in the campaign ahead.

 

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport