Local schools crowned champions in CU quiz

74 primary school quiz teams took part in the annual Killarney Credit Union School Quiz last weekend at the Great Southern Hotel.

Fossa National School claimed first place in the Under-11 category, with St Oliver’s National School finishing second.

In the Under-13 category, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Killarney won, while St Oliver’s National School secured second place.

All four teams will go on to represent Killarney Credit Union in the Chapter competition on March in Ballyroe Hotel Tralee.

This year, 295 primary school pupils participated in the quiz from over 25 schools from all over South & East Kerry.

Killarney Credit Union has been hosting the school quiz for over 20 years.

In the U11 category, Fossa National School was represented by Oisín Wilson, Keelan Swarbrick, John Larkin and Cian Ó Cléirigh.

Second place went to St Olivers NS with team members Hannah McCarthy, Fionn Delaney, Beatrix Gomez Keaney & Ollie Pyne.

Third place was awarded to Lissivigeen NS and the team members were Luke Sheehan, Jimmy Morrissey, Fionn O’Sullivan & Ailbhe O’Sullivan.

Gaelscoil Faithleann, who won the U13 category, were represented by Conn Ó Súilleabháin, Joanna Ní Chróinín, Conor Ó Domhnaill & Aideen Ní Bhuachalla.

St Olivers, who claimed second place, were represented by Amelia Angland, Liam Molokomme, Phillip Dian & Arran O’Sullivan.

Third place in this competition went to St Johns NS, Kenmare represented by Monty Read, Carter O’Neill, Róise Harrington & Sabina Coyne.

Board Director & Quizmaster on the day Joy Clifford-Vaughan congratulated and thanked all schools that took part.

Each of the winners received trophies and a perpetual cup was given to the first placed winning national schools.

Scorchers Killarney, a dedicated group of local cheerleaders, are preparing to take on one of the biggest stages in their sport as they head to the All-Star World Championships in Orlando, Florida this April and they’re calling on their community to help them get there.

The team, made up of athletes spanning a wide age range represents the very best in commitment, teamwork and ambition.

The athletes train for approximately six hours every week, balancing demanding practice schedules with school, work and family life.

Scorchers Head Coach, Katlyn Moynihan, has a long history in cheerleading as both an athlete and a coach and brings a myriad of experience and expertise to her role at Scorchers.

Speaking to Katlyn during the week, she discussed the training and sacrifice the team have made.

She explained: “It’s a huge commitment, not just for the athletes but for their families as well, these athletes show up week after week, pushing themselves to be better, and that dedication is what makes opportunities like taking a place on the stage at the All Star World Championships possible”.

The club boasts a growing membership of over 70 athletes and trains out of its own gym located on the Muckross Road, Killarney.

The facility caters for both gymnastics and cheerleading, welcoming children from as young as four years old right through to senior-level athletes.

This pathway allows young members to grow, progress and dream big with some ultimately earning the chance to compete among the best in the world.

Attending an international competition of this scale comes with significant costs, including travel, accommodation, uniforms and competition fees.

To help make the journey possible, the team is currently undertaking a range of fundraising initiatives and is seeking support from the local community.

“Community support means everything to us,” said Jackie Jeal, owner of Scorchers Cheerleading, “Whether it’s through donations, attending fundraising events or simply spreading the word, every bit of help brings these athletes one step closer to achieving their goal.”

The team have set up an iDonate page to help with their fundraising efforts and donations can be made through the following link https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/scorcherscheerleading .

The club are also hosting a Quiz Night on Friday, March 27 at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, keep an eye on the clubs social media pages for further details.

To keep up to date with the team’s journey to the All Star World Championships and their fundraising campaign follow them on Instagram at codeblack_scorchers or Facebook at Scorchers Killarney.