Greyhound Bar KO Cup Final

Killarney Celtic 1 Camp United 0

Mounthawk Park

Killarney Celtic continued their remarkable run in Kerry District League competitions on Wednesday night as they defeated a spirited Camp side in the final of the Greyhound Bar KO Cup.

Brian Spillane’s outfit were overwhelming favorites for this end-of-season clash having powered mercilessly through the Premier A division en route to yet another league title, but their opponents held firm for longer than expected.

Fittingly, it was top scorer Stephen McCarthy who eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Celtic held on to run out 1-0 winners and capture another piece of silverware. Incredibly, the victory marks their fourth league and cup double on the bounce.

Massive credit is due to this bunch of Celtic players who have propelled the club to an unprecedented period of success over the past five years or so (one season was curtailed due to the pandemic). Their domination is surely unparalleled in any era of Kerry soccer; to win the league several years in a row is one thing but to continuously win the cup as well is testament to their consistency and their professional approach.

Long-serving veterans John McDonagh and Gary Keane, both of whom are now in the over 35 category, are perhaps deserving of special praise for their contributions over the years. Whether or not they return for another season remains to be seen but whenever they do retire their rivals will be glad to see the back of them, that’s for sure.

Of course, Celtic’s seemingly never-ending reign of terror poses serious questions about the current state of senior soccer in Kerry – one team dominating in this fashion is surely not a sign of a healthy league – but those questions can be tackled another day.

For now, the club from Derreen can bask in the glow of another major trophy. Four doubles in a row. We’re well into August now so the 2022/23 season is just around the corner. Can anyone stop them from making it five?