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Sun smiles on Killarney Athletic's milestone celebration KILLARNEY ATHLETIC AC paid tribute to its founder, Don Harrington, on a sun-splashed evening at its club grounds at Woodlawn. Don unveiled a commemorative plaque in a picture-perfect setting on the banks of the River Flesk. The plaque acknowledges him as the man who founded the club in 1965. Don also presented the Monica Harrington Memorial Cup to Colette Casey for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the club. The cup is dedicated to the memory of Don’s wife Monica. “I will never forget the kindness and support I received from the club and all of you at the passing of my dear wife Monica last year. It is hard for me to feel that over 12 months have gone by since then,” said Don. Donagh Gleeson, Pat Doody and John Sparling, who were part of the Athletic teams in the early years, attended as well as members representing all five decades of the club thereafter. Mike O’Sullivan recalled the significance of what Don had done and achieved in forming a soccer club in Killarney in 1965 as a 19-year-old garda. “I would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement that Don must have received from his colleagues in the Killarney station at the time,” said Mike. Mike also acknowledged the generosity of spirit shown by the late John McShain (RIP) through his solicitor Michael Casey (RIP) in granting Don permission to use a part of his land in the HalfMoon field for a soccer pitch. “That link still
Killarney Athletic unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of founding member Don Harrington at the Killarney Athletic Club grounds in Woodlawn. Pictured is Killarney Athletic Chairman Mike O'Shea displaying the plaque with Don Harrington, who also presented the memorial cup in honour of the late Monica Harrington to club officer Colette Casey. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH
remains there today through the support of the Killarney National Park as the club continue with the use of a pitch in the Knockreer playing field,” said Mike. Club chairman Mike O’Shea said he was delighted to honour Don with the unveiling of
‘Scandalous that Kerry sports clubs are missing out on essential funding’ SPORTS clubs across the county are missing out on important funding, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil, who described the situation as “scandalous”. Deputy Brassil claimed clubs are losing out because the Sports Minister has not announced the next round of the Sports Capital Grant. Minister Shane Ross has confirmed that no decision has been taken on when the next round of the grant will be made, added Deputy Brassil. The Kerry TD said: “It is scandalous that there has been no Sports Capital Grant announcement for 2016. Even if a decision is made in the next few months, the fact of the matter is no money will be drawn down at all this year. This money is extremely important for sports clubs and communities across the country with many depending on this funding to buy new equipment and upgrade and improve facilities." Deputy Brassil added: “There appears to be no credible reason as to why this year’s announcement has not been made, but it is not acceptable that clubs across Co Kerry are being left high and dry. The last round of applications for the scheme was in 2015 and an announcement for this year is long overdue. I am worried by Minister Ross’ lax attitude, and particularly his comment that “no decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds of the SCP.” This scheme “should not be allowed to fall off the Minister’s agenda”, added Deputy Brassil. “It is a vital resource for communities the length and breadth of the country, who are now missing out on essential funding.
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Killarney Advertiser 26.08.16
the plaque. Mike presented Don with a keepsake award sponsored by Tom Tobin, another former member of the force and chairman of the club. Don later worked with the West Yorkshire Police force where he served for 35 years, reaching the rank of superintendent.
Get on your bike for Killarney Cycling Festival PUT your pedal power to the test at the Killarney Cycling Festival which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, August 27. If the climbs don’t take your breath away the scenery certainly will! Cyclists can choose from two tantalising routes, the Wrong Way Round or the gruelling Hard Way Round. Both routes circle the spectacular Iveragh Peninsula, taking in some of the most spectacular vistas on the planet. The Donal Walsh LiveLife Foundation is the official charity of the Killarney Cycling Festival. Cyclists have the option of donating directly to the charity when registering. Registration costs €55 and includes access to the food stops and the post cycle party at The Gleneagle Hotel with live entertainment and a barbeque.
The Wrong Way Round is 160km long. It departs from The Gleneagle hotel and tackles Molls Gap first before heading for the scenic South West via Sneem. From there on the route is familiar passing Waterville, Caherciveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin. The more challenging Hard Way Round is 180km long and diverges from the Wrong Way Round by taking a right for Ballaghbeama through the heart of Kerry to Ballaghoisin, then there’s a further detour around the stunning Skellig Ring before rejoining the main troop on the road to Caherciveen. Bring the cycling season to a close with either one of these truly rewarding cycles. To register visit www.killarneycyclingfestival. com for more information email info@killarneycyclingfestival.com
Fionbarr Walsh and Maureen Cournane launch Killarney Cycling Festival.