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Sadness at the death of popular local man

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NEILIE GRIFFIN: Former Gleneagle Lakers team manager Neilie Griffin with his wife Mary and grandson Kai Tangney at a Scotts Lakers match in Killarney Sports Centre earlier this season. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

By Eamonn Keogh

Killarney bid a fond farewell to popular local man Neilie Griffin, who passed away last weekend after a brave battle with illness. Neilie, from Pinewood Estate and formerly of Moulagh, Fossa, Killarney, was a familiar face in Killarney town through his dedicated work with the local Council.

Since the sad news of Neilie's death last Friday, there have been many warm tributes to the popular man on social media. The words 'True Gentleman' feature prominently by several people recalling their fond memories of Neilie.

At Neilie's Funeral Mass on Monday, Fr Jim Linehan described him as a great family man and recalled his outstanding work with the Council and his wonderful commitment to St Paul's Basketball Club.

Neilie's former work colleagues in Killarney Town Council and members of St Paul's Basketball Club provided guards of honour as they escorted the funeral cortege from O'Shea's Funeral Home through Killarney town on Sunday evening, and at The Church Of The Resurrection on Monday.

Neilie was also well-known in sporting circles where he gave tremendous service to St Paul's Basketball Club for several years. During the ‘90s and noughties, Neilie was the team manager with the St Paul's Senior Men’s National League teams that played under the Kerry Spring and Gleneagle Lakers banner. He travelled the length and breadth of the country with the team and was a popular and respected figure among the players and officials. Always reliable and obliging, no job was ever too big or small for Neilie, who was also very instrumental in spearheading various fundraising initiatives for the club.
Neilie, and all the Griffin family, have given St Paul's excellent service on and off the court over the years. His wife Mary was a very active member of the club's juvenile committee for many years and one of their proudest moments in basketball was to witness their daughter Diane representing Ireland on the international stage. Their son John was also an outstanding player winning an U19 national cup with St Paul's in 1997 and played in the SuperLeague for several years with Gleneagle Lakers. Their other daughters, Siobhan and Aislinn, also represented St Paul's at various levels.

Neilie's interest in basketball never waned and he was delighted to see the return of national league basketball to Killarney two years ago after an absence of nearly a decade. Despite battling an unfortunate illness, he was a regular at Scotts Lakers home games in Killarney Sports Centre and always had a kind word for everyone.

Neilie is survived by his wife Mary, son John and daughters Diane, Siobhán and Aislinn, and extended family.

 

[caption id="attachment_26250" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] St Paul's Basketball Club and staff from Killarney Town Council providing guards of honour for the funeral cortege of popular local man Neilie Griffin through Killarney town on Sunday evening. Picture: Eamonn Keogh[/caption]

 

 

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New, smash-hit comedy play by Killarney Theatre Company

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A new comedy play by Glengariff playwright Ray O’Sullivan will come to Killarney next month as part of a regional tour.

Robbed! will be staged at the Gleneagle Club on Saturday, February 7, at 8.30pm, presented by the Killarney Theatre Company.

The production is the group’s fifth in a popular series of homegrown plays and follows the success of The Rise and Rise of the Healy-Raes, A Papal Blessing, Weight Watching and Stones.

The play centres on a failed GAA player who finds himself caught in a series of misunderstandings involving relationships, bingo balls and a robbery that quickly spirals out of control.

As events unfold, nothing goes to plan and the situation descends into chaos.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since October and the cast includes Ray O’Sullivan himself alongside Rosie Healy and DB O’Connor. Robbed! is O’Sullivan’s fifth full-length play and is expected to attract strong audiences across the tour.

Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ray O’Sullivan on 087 2279657 or from the Gleneagle on 064 667155.


The tour begins in Scartaglen Hertiage Centre on January 17, The Ivy Leaf Theatre Castleisland, on January 29, The Glen Theatre Banteer on January 31, Foilmore Community Centre Sunday February 1, Killorglin CYMS, February 5, Abbeydorney Community Centre February 12 and Bantry Westlodge Hotel February 21.

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Kerry FC take unusual step with Killarney friendly

By Luke Managan Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised […]

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By Luke Managan

Kerry FC took the unusual step of playing a pre-season friendly in Killarney during the week as they faced local club Killarney Celtic in a match organised to raise funds for Palliative Care.

It marked a rare appearance in the town for the county’s League of Ireland side and drew strong local interest.
Kerry started brightly and were ahead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for an open and competitive contest. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 21st minute when Ballyduff native Sean McGrath doubled the lead. The game was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances and enjoying spells of possession.
Luke Doolan was central to Kerry’s play throughout the first half, linking defence and attack and providing energy in midfield. Kerry continued to threaten down both flanks, while Killarney Celtic responded with a series of corners and set pieces, delivered with pace into the penalty area.
Celtic reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a well-taken free kick from just outside the box, bringing the score back to 2–1 and lifting the home support. Kerry responded in the 36th minute with a powerful strike to restore their two-goal advantage, but Celtic continued to press and were rewarded again shortly after. Debutant goalkeeper Harry Halwax produced an excellent save, with the ball coming back off the crossbar, but the rebound was turned in to make it 3–2.
Kerry looked unsettled for a brief spell as Celtic pushed forward, but just before half-time Doolan struck again with a composed finish to give Kerry a 4–2 lead at the break.
The second half saw Kerry take greater control of the game, keeping possession well and limiting Celtic to crosses from wide areas. While the home side increased their physical approach, the match remained free of disciplinary issues. Kerry made several changes in the 78th minute, including the introduction of Daniel Okwute, who impressed last season.
Halwax was forced off through injury and replaced by Killorglin native Darragh Foley, who settled quickly. Kerry added a fifth goal late on to seal a 5–2 win, though Killarney Celtic continued to compete until the final whistle.
After the match, both Okwute and Foley spoke positively about the season ahead, expressing confidence in the squad and belief that Kerry FC can challenge any opponent.

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