Connect with us

News

New tournament will celebrate Niall’s love of football

Published

on

HONOUR: Niall McGillicuddy’s sister Jane, father Daithi, mother Sheila and sister Ellen with Kerry Football Manager Peter Keane at the launch of the ‘Niall McGillicuddy Memorial Cup’. Photo Sean Moriarty

 

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

A brand new football tournament is planned to honour the late Niall McGillicuddy, who was one of Kerry’s finest young football players.

Yesterday (Thursday), Kerry Manager Peter Keane launched the ‘Niall McGillicuddy Memorial Cup’ at 4pm on the balcony of the International Hotel.

Killarney Legion GAA plan to run the football tournament on Saturday, August 17 in memory of Niall, a former player with their underage academy, who died of Leukaemia last October, aged just 16.

The club said it’s not a fundraiser, but more a celebration of Niall’s love of football.

“Last October the McGillicuddy family suffered an incalculable and devastating loss with the untimely passing of their much loved son and brother Niall,” Pat Moynihan, a member of organising committee, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“The entire community of Killarney and beyond was overwhelmed with sadness and disbelief when this earth-shattering news broke. Nowhere outside of the family was this loss more keenly felt than in Killarney Legion GAA Club.”

He explained that Niall had been a constant presence in Derreen since a very young boy and they had all watched him develop into a talented and dedicated Gaelic footballer, but more importantly into a hugely popular, kind and considerate young man.

“We were all looking forward to sharing in what was destined to be an honour laden and successful future both on and off the field of play.

“As family, friends and club colleagues of Daithi, Sheila, Ellen and Jane, we all wished there was something we could do in any small way, to ease the pain of their unspeakable loss. In truth of course there really isn’t much one can do except offer friendship and companionship which comes naturally in the GAA where club truly is family.”

However, he added that when the family indicated that they might like to do something to commemorate Niall’s memory, they didn’t have to ask again.

“A small committee was set up initially to explore various options, but really it was always going to be football, and following consultation with the family, the ‘Niall McGillicuddy Memorial Cup’ was conceived. This is an U16 competition, the age Niall will always be now, and is a one day competition taking place on August 17. Niall had friends in many clubs through his involvement in school teams, divisional sides and development squads and it was these friendships and indeed great rivalries which dicated the teams to be invited this year,” he said.

 

“The whole club is involved in the organisation of the event and we are confident that the tournament will be a fitting tribute to a very special and much missed son, brother and friend.”

 

 

Advertisement

News

Dr Crokes team of 2000: The reunion

Published

on

By

Recently, the Dr Crokes team of 2000, who won the Kerry senior football championship of that same year, re-united and looked back on fond memories of their glory days and that very special year when they beat An Ghaeltact in the final at Austin Stack Park.

On November 26, 2000, Dr Crokes faced An Ghaeltacht and defeated the Dingle-based side.

It was no easy task making the final for the Killarney side, despite having talent such as captain Roland Neher, Eoin Brosnan, and a 17-year-old Colm Cooper at the start of his illustrious career.

Before the final, Crokes defeated Killarney Legion (preliminary round), South Kerry (round-one), Rathmore (quarter-final), and narrowly defeated West Kerry by a point in the semi-final (1-08 – 1-07).

It was the first time An Ghaeltacht had qualified for the final, but this was no happy welcome for the Dingle side, as the Killarney-based side won their ninth title.

Like in the semi-final, Dr Crokes won by a point as they scarcely won by 1-04 – 0-06.

Despite Dara Ó Cinnéide ending the tournament as top-scorer with 3-20, he was unable to carry his Dingle side to victory with the Killarney side being superior.

Neher led his team out onto the pitch, and he inspiringly helped push his team to victory.

This ensured Harry O’Neill’s versatile and developed squad deserved every bit of praise for them.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Killarney real estate agent, DNG Ted Healy wins national award

Published

on

By

Killarney estate agent DNG Ted Healy won the DNG Branch of the Year 2025 Award in the South West Region at the DNG National Awards Ceremony which took place at The Curragh Racecourse last week.

The Awards Ceremony brought together over 150 delegates from DNG offices nationwide. It was a vibrant day of celebration and connection; while recognising excellence, dedication and professionalism across the DNG network.

From insights into the future of Ireland’s property market, to the latest developments in the DNG exclusive partnership with Hamptons International, the event delivered a dynamic mix of knowledge, innovation and inspiration.

Established in 2005, DNG Ted Healy is a recipient of previous awards, having secured the DNG Small Branch of the Year award in 2003, in recognition of its high standards of service, and extensive local property knowledge across Killarney & Co. Kerry.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ted Healy, Managing Director, DNG Ted Healy, said: “As we approach 20 years in business, it’s a real honour to see our growth and commitment to Killarney recognised. From expanding our new homes offering to embracing new technology, our focus has always been on delivering the highest standards of service while staying rooted in our community. This award is a credit to our loyal clients and the trust they continue to place in us.”

The awards continue to highlight DNG’s commitment to excellence in estate agency and recognises offices and individuals who consistently deliver results and outstanding client service.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport