The St Paul’s women’s and men’s teams are both in National League action this Saturday at Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre with their games tipping off at 4.30pm and 7.30pm respectively.

James Fleming’s ladies take on the Phoenix Rockets on the back of that disappointing cup exit at the hands of the Cavan Eagles a fortnight ago and they will be keen to get back to winning ways on home turf.

Paul’s have a perfect 100% record in Division 1 but they are sure to be tested by the Rockets, who gave a fine account of themselves over the course of the 2022/23 season.

They beat Paul’s in Lisburn last February, though the Killarney side exacted revenge in the playoffs in March. The Rockets have made an inconsistent start to the 2023/24 campaign picking up just two wins from the seven games played. The second of those victories came as recently last Saturday when they got the better of the Limerick Sport Eagles at home, but they fell to another defeat against the Huskies back up north the following day.

The Rockets are coached by former Ireland player Breda Dick, a woman who cites Killarney’s own Paudie O’Connor as her role model. Paudie was her first coach at international level and obviously left a huge mark on Breda.

Dick will be looking to the McGrath sisters Charly and Georgie to carry the torch for them as well as American signing Jay Ashby.

For Paul’s, Khiarica Rasheed has been building a good understanding with Sofia Paska and they will be keen to work on that partnership again on Saturday. In the absence of Lorraine Scanlon, who will be attending the LGFA All-Stars, Meabh Barry may be pushed up the ladder. Lynn Jones and Rheanne O’Shea will also be expected to play prominent roles.

LAKERS

Under the guidance of Coach Brian Clarke, Scotts Lakers have established a winning record of 4-2 and as a result they find themselves fifth out of 12 teams in Division 1 of the National League.

They claimed their latest win at home to the Dublin Lions last weekend (81-71) with Americans Braden Bell (26) and Terion Moss (25) accounting for the bulk of the scoring. Jamie O’Sullivan, Oisín Spring and Cian Forde also made their mark on the scoreboard.

Coach Brian Clarke was very pleased with the contribution of his subs on the night. “Our bench was ready to come on and make the difference and I can’t emphasis enough the importance of that,” he told club PRO Enda Walshe.

“Braden and Terion are great shot-makers but they also have a sharp eye for passes to their teammates. Oisín Spring, and Paul Clarke in previous games, are alive to that and make themselves available. It’s a great opportunity for our young players to make their mark and provided they continue to dedicate themselves to their craft, they will get to enjoy that.”

Next up for the Lakers is the visit of the Limerick Celtics on Saturday. The Shannonsiders are currently second in Division 1 having won five of their six matches to date.

by Adam Moynihan

The new Kerry GAA home jersey for 2024 was unveiled on Thursday morning with kit makers O’Neills opting for a more traditional, pared back iteration of the iconic green and gold geansaí.

Inspired by the shirt worn by Ambrose O’Donovan and co. when they defeated Dublin in the 1984 All-Ireland final, the 2024 version has been very warmly received by supporters, some of whom were underwhelmed by the 2020 and 2022 efforts.

Last year’s v-neck collar has been replaced by a ribbed knit crewneck while O’Neills’ stripes have been relocated from the sleeves to the sides of the body. Gone, too, are the sublimated patterns which proved unpopular in recent seasons, the end result being a classic yet modern garment that is sure to be a big seller in the lead-up to the busy festive season.

The jersey will be worn by all the county’s football, hurling and camogie teams in 2024 and presumably in 2025 (each of the previous three home shirts enjoyed two-year cycles).

Star players from all four codes were on hand to launch the jersey at Fitzgerald Stadium with photographer Diarmuid Greene capturing some stunning images at the famous Killarney venue.

Male footballers David Clifford, Paudie Clifford and Gavin White were joined by ladies footballer Ciara Murphy, camogie player Niamh Leen and hurler Fionán Mackessy to model the eye-catching new design, which is available to buy now at the Kerry GAA Store in the Killarney Outlet Centre. It can also be purchased online at kerrygaastore.ie.

“With this jersey, the classic green and gold colours have a deeper tone to intensify the importance and significance of these colours to the people of Kerry,” Kerry GAA said in a statement.

“Embracing the tradition of teams from years gone by and building on their success, ambition and glory, this jersey is deeply rooted in the jersey of the 1984 All-Ireland winning Kerry team who paved the way for so many more to follow. This statement piece combining the vintage elements with modern characteristics embodies the message of Kerry GAA – always building on tradition when moulding future vision.”

O’Neills added: “As the jersey is unveiled, we echo the pride of Kerry GAA, uniting the past, present, and future. It will no doubt be an exciting year ahead for Kerry GAA and we wish them the best of luck for the season ahead.”

Follow @AdamMoynihan on Twitter for a chance to win a Kerry 2024 home shirt courtesy of the Kerry GAA Store.