The Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, where members officially elected Derry McCarthy to the position of Club President.

The role had remained vacant following the passing of the highly respected Kay O’Sullivan in October 2024. McCarthy, a long-standing member of the club, will also continue his work as the Grounds Chairman for the 2026 season.

In one of his first official duties as President, McCarthy made a special presentation to Club Secretary Damien Fleming to recognise his significant playing achievements throughout 2025.

The evening also saw the presentation of the Utility Trust Doubles Matchplay prizes to the various winners.

The club also confirmed the addition of Niall O’Loughlin and Michael Cronin to the committee, who will take up the roles of U16 Officers to oversee the development of the club’s younger members.

The 2026 officer board was finalised during the meeting, with Sean Kelly continuing as Chairman, Damien Fleming as Secretary, and Jason O’Connor as PRO.

While several key positions were filled, including Bobby Kelly as Registrar and Gearóid Cronin as Club Captain, the vacancies for Vice-President, Vice-Chairman, and Treasurer were deferred.

These roles are expected to be filled by co-option at the first scheduled committee meeting of the new year.

The outgoing committee thanked everyone who attended the meeting and expressed their gratitude to the local community for their continued support of the club.

Work is now beginning on the course and competition schedule in preparation for the upcoming spring season at the Killarney venue.

By Eamoon Fitzgerald

The influence of Killarney soccer continues to grow at Mounthawk Park as Kerry FC ramps up preparations for the 2026 Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1 season.

Local star Luke Doolan made a significant impact in the first competitive action of the year, starting in the 2-0 victory over Cobh Wanderers in the Grandon’s Toyota Munster Senior Cup.
The win, secured by outstanding strikes from Sean McGrath and Sean O’Connell, earns the Kingdom a place in the quarter-finals.
Manager Colin Healy is utilising the provincial competition to integrate new signings and welcome back key figures.
Perhaps most significant for Killarney supporters is the return of prolific scorer Ryan Kelliher. The striker missed the majority of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament. His return to fitness is seen as a massive boost for the club’s attacking options.
The squad is also bolstered by new signing Kieran Cooney, a defender who arrived from Finn Harps, while Cian Brosnan remains the cornerstone of the group as the club’s most experienced player with 40 appearances to date.
Kerry FC opens their league campaign away to UCD on February 13. Following the massive success of providing buses for the 1,000 fans who travelled to the FAI Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers in 2025, the club has confirmed they will again provide spectator transport for away fixtures this season.
The first home game at Mounthawk Park is scheduled for Friday, February 20, against Athlone Town FC, with kick-off at 7:45pm.