Issue 2 January by TraleeAdvertiser

WE ARE HIRING!

JOIN OUR DENTAL TEAM

Busy general fully computerised dental surgery in Tralee requires an Experienced Dental Nurse (Full time)

Immediate start, late January 2022. Please email your CV to ﬁacloir@gmail.com

MONAVALLEY IND ESTATE, TRALEE

We are currently recruiting young people aged between 16-21 for QQI Level 3 and Level 4 courses

These courses are a pathway to further education or employment

n CATERING,

n CONSTRUCTION

n TECHNOLOGY

n HAIRDRESSING

A leading stainless steel fabrication company based in Co. Kerry has a vacancy for 2 general operatives.

Full training will be given to the suitable candidates. they should have an aptitude and willingness to learn all aspects of stainless steel fabrication, which will include welding & polishing.

TURN YOUR SPARE ROOM INTO CASH!

“Roisin, Tralee: A very positive experience hosting students from CSOE... school is so supportive and organised (guess I could also mention how handy the cash is!)

Anne B, Tralee: This was my first experience in hosting students . .. apprehensive at first but my experience has been a positive one. I have hosted students from, Spain, Germany and Italy. It has provided me with great insights and an opportunity to learn about different cultures.

Aileen, Kilﬂynn: Deﬁnitely the best company I've dealt with... professionalism and knowledge of what both the student and host family needs are... second to none!

Noreen, Tralee: Anne and the team at Celtic have been very ﬂexible with me, giving me students when suits us as a family, lovely having that little bit extra to get those treats we all deserve

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE

Photos by John Cleary

ABOVE: Phil Horgan organiser of the vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy in the Square Tralee, on Friday. Pictured a section of the large attendance.

ABOVE: Joining the vigil for Ashling Murphy in Tralee on Friday, left Anne O’Regan and Pat Roche, Tralee.

ABOVE: A large turnout for the vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy on Friday, from left Mary O’Grady, (Self Defence) Tralee, Mary Boland, Ballyduff and Annette Morrissey, Tralee.

ABOVE: Attending the vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy, in the Square Tralee, on Friday from left Maria Ferris, Ardfert, Brenda O’Connor, Ardfert and Pauline Hynes, Killorglin.

ABOVE: Breaking ahead Tadhg Buckley Kingdom Wheelblasters and coming through the opposition Limerick Celtics with speed at the IT Tralee on Saturday with his daughter Niamh Buckley, Paul Flaherty and Paul Ryan.

ABOVE: Breaking ahead Tadhg Buckley Kingdom Members of Tralee Chain Gang Cycling Club who cycled the canal bank Tralee early on Saturday morning in memory of Ashling Murphy, from left Clare Neenan, Patricia O’Neill and Grainne Brick.

ABOVE: Tadhg Buckley, Kingdom Wheelblasters, about to grab the ball under the net and waiting for it Paul Ryan No 5 Kingdom Wheelblasters, against Limerick Celtics at the IT Tralee on Saturday.

ABOVE: Pictured at the vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy in Tralee, on Friday, from left Sharon Roche, Marian Carroll and Philomena Duggan, Tralee.

ABOVE: Taken at the vigil in memory fro Ashling Murphy in Tralee on Friday, from left Mary O’Sullivan, Tralee and Caroline Flahive, Kielduff.

ABOVE: Pictured at the vigil for Ashling Murphy on Friday in Tralee, from left Margaret Boylan, Breda Walsh and Betty Jenneson, Tralee.

ABOVE: Phil Horgan on left who organised the vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy, in the Square Tralee on Friday, helping people with their candles on the platform.

NEWS

Tommy’s current market outlook...

Hi Tommy myself and my brother have a derelict property in North Kerry which is on approx 10 acres of land.

We have been considering selling for a number of years and also looked into grants to do it up but we hear there is now word of further grants being introduced for derelict homes. As a result would it be best to sell when this grant is finalised or wait until later in the year?

Maeve & Shane

How are you Maeve & Shane. A derelict property if priced right is always in demand. More so if there is land available with it. This, coupled with the soundbites emerging of grants becoming available of between €20,000 & €30,000 has essentially added considerable value to your property in the last week or so.

This grant will be available through the council and available to those interested in doing up a

derelict property in order to live in themselves.

You mentioned you looked into grants previously. I presume this was the Repairing & Leasing Scheme which can offer €40,000 towards moderisation if you are prepared to lease the property to a council or approved housing body for 10 years. With regards to when would be the best time to sell taking the new grant into account... I would say straight away. This is why - it takes a certain individual to take a project like this on (doing up a derelict property) as it will be drawn out process which will take a lot of patience, effort and time both with the refurbishment and paper work involved and there is

also a lot of uncertaintly re level of work required and ultimately overall costing is difficult to estimate.

Since the announcement has been made, it is highly likely, the limited number of people willing to take these projects on are already sitting in the wings waiting for the release of derelict properties to come on

the market. The more interested parties available to you when your property is marketed the better and will result in you obtaining the optimum price for your property. Remember this grant is intended for people looking for a home not an investment.

They cannot go buying 3 or 4.

According to the GeoDirectory Database there were 1,292 Derelict properties in Kerry in December 2021! This is the 6th highest county rate in the Republic. As is Kerry’s over all residenrial vacancy rate which they state stood at 9% in Q4 2021. If a large number of these properties are released to the market in a short space of time it will have an affect on the achievable price.

As always we are only a phone call away if you require more information or want to discuss the best marketing packages to take re launching your property on the market.

Speak soon, hopefully.

Cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, is reaching out to women experiencing cancer to join their dedicated cancer support group.

Facilitated by counsellor Kay Lynch, the free online group meetings offer a safe and friendly space for women experiencing cancer to explore issues affecting them, while also offering and gaining support from other women on their cancer journey.

Whether you want to share your own personal story or simply sit and listen to what is being discussed, the fortnightly group has proven to be a huge source of support and comfort to women dealing with cancer.

Recovery Haven Kerry deputy

manager, Katie O’Donoghue, explained that the group offers a safe place for women to avail of vital peer support from other women who are experiencing cancer and who have a deeper understanding of the issues women are going through.

“The group is open to all women who have had a cancer diagnosis, no matter what stage of their journey they are on,” Katie explained. “Some women don’t feel that they need or want counselling, so the real value of the group setting is the peer support and forming bonds with other women and exchanging experiences, ideas and advice on handling the challenges they face. It’s all about being with people with similar experiences and who have a

deeper understanding of what you are going through.”

The group meets fortnightly, with the next meeting taking place via Zoom on Friday, January 21st at 11am. If you feel you would benefit from this group meeting, please contact Recovery Haven Kerry on 066 7192122 to join the next or subsequent meeting.

Tommy

My skin always looks dull…I gave up the cigarettes in January and hope this will improve my skin. I was told I need to exfoliate more but I always forget to add this part into my routine or maybe just lazy! Any tips to get me motivated?

Mary replies..

Laura, congratulations on your New Years Resolution. This is a great time to start to get ready for great skin in time for the summer!

A lot of smokers nd a brightness to their skin within the rst few weeks of giving up cigarettes. You are completely right about exfoliation. It creates a radiant, glowing complexion .

When you remove dead skin all your other products work better including serums and moisturiser. It also boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage giving more even tone to the skin.

One the most popular products we have in CHRC is bright and clear solution from Alumier, our medical grade skincare range. This is ideal for anyone who forgets to exfoliate; you can use it daily and it becomes part of your routine.

It gently exfoliates the skin with lactic acid, salicylic acid and lime pearl. Superox -C , which is high in Vitamin C, provides anti-oxidant protection from free radical damage. After cleansing, apply solution to face and neck with a cotton pad. Unlike a lot of exfoliators, you do not rinse it o and it can be used morning and evening. Best of luck with your new year’s quitting resolution and quest for bright skin!

Available in CHRC ,RRP €49.

Mary O Donnell, Brand Representative

Nicole McElistrim, Client Liason

Alison’s positive waves over the airwaves!

‘As heard on Radio Kerry this week with Deirdre Walsh, Alison Boardman is running positivity workshops online and in the Meadowlands this February... ‘I am open to ALL good and prosperity’ Louise Hay www.alisonboardman.com Alison was a welcome breath of fresh air chatting with Deirdre, especially now.

Promoter Mark Leen gets the World Champions to Tralee!

Kerry Education and Training Board invites you to on

The Community National School An Informational Webinar

Pádraig Ó Donnabháin

Chairperson & Catherine Barry

Principal

Two Mile Community National School

Ann O'Dwyer, Director of Schools

Strand Road... Running (and Walking) in Memory of Marie

“On Sunday the 30th Jan Kerins O Rahillys 10K/5K Run takes place and this year we are honouring one of our dearly loved and sadly missed members Marie Nix. Having played and won senior championship with Austin Stacks Marie became more of a Strand Road supporter as the years went on, with Stephen and Katie becoming hugely involved with the club from a young age.

Marie realised the only way forward was Kerins O Rahillys. Marie became involved in all aspects of the ladies’ club, but her main interest was training the underage girls.

Starting out on Saturday morning for a number of years and moving on to under 10s, 12s and 14s. taking every opportunity to travel, entering tournaments such as Passage West and arranging challenge games to spend the day out with girls and theirfamilies. Ans so with Marie’s untimely passing on the 20th November 2020 after a long battle with illness a sense of shock and sadness engulfed our club and beyond. Club members often spoke of Marie’s bravery as she would sit in her car on the side-lines of pitches all over the county to watch her son Stephen and daughter Katie play in the blue of Kerins O Rahillys despite being gravely ill.

So, on the 30th Jan members and friends will get a chance to honour Marie, who’s funeral took place under Covid restrictions so the traditional Gaelic gathering could not take place.

So please come along on the 30th Jan at 11am to Run, Walk our 5K/10K to remember

Marie and let the Nix and Slattery families know how much we miss our Marie. A special commemorative medal featuring the as always smiling face of Marie will be presented to each participant in the event.”

From all the Kerins O Rahillys Committee, family & friends

Kerry Motor Club rallies together for James

Members of Kerry Motor Club are organising a static car show in Tralee town centre next month to raise funds for club member James Quinlan who faces a very difficult medical journey in New York. James, from Waterville, suffered a major brain haemorrhage on December 19 and remains in the intensive care unit in a Manhattan Hospital.

His family estimates that it will cost more than €250,000, possibly as much as four times that figure, to get James the treatment he needs. A GoFundMe campaign over Christmas raised €80,000 but more funds are urgently needed.

His friends in the Kerry motorsport community are running a series of events over the coming weeks including the car show at the Brandon Car Park in Tralee on February 13.

James, a car mechanic, was a popular member of Kerry Motor Club before he moved to New York around 17 years ago. He could always be relied upon to volunteer for club events and ran his own

rally cars on local rallies in the early 2000s. Now his clubmates want to help one of their own in his time of need.

Kerry Motor Club is asking anyone who owns interesting cars, rally cars, vintage and classic cars or motorcycles, to display their machines at the event in a few weeks’ time.

Members of the public will be invited to view the cars and entry to the event will be by donation to the James Quinlan Recovery Fund.

A series of raffles and spot prizes will also be on offer throughout the day – more side events are also planned to include a 5k walk from the Brandon Car Park along the canal, to Blennerville, and back.

The classic car show will run from around mid-day on February 13 and will take the format of a Cars’N’Coffee style event.

Owner of cars that wish to show off their pride and joy are asked to contact any member of the organising team (numbers listed below) or via a dedicated email: jamesquinlanfund@gmail.com

Kerry Motor Club’s John Liston is a close friend of the Quinlan family.

“We are inviting anyone in Kerry or beyond who owns an interesting car to bring it along on the day, we have secured permission from Tralee Municipal Council to use the car park,” he said. “James faces a long journey, from his current situation to full recovery and we are asking every car enthusiast to come and support us on the day

because James would always be the first to support or lend a hand to these kinds of events.”

Committee members are:

John Liston: 087 689 8530

Richard Talbot: 087

Or via email: jamesquinlanfund@gmail.com

Senior Champions winner Marie Nix (Slattery), back row, 2nd from left

FOR THE GOOD NEWS...

from The Tralee Advertiser Team and Tralee Chamber Alliance

Mc Caffrey’s... a New Hot Spot For Tralee!

It is so good to see a new bar opening up in Tralee, especially after two miserable years of restrictions and unprecedented pub closures, literal closures, as in going out of business, and no better man to cut the ribbon on this new hot spot than Johnny McElligott, owner of Sean Ógs. Not only has he breathed new life into an old building but he has brought an additional twelve jobs to the town in the process. Opening a new business during a world-wide pandemic had its challenges but Jonny pressed ahead with his plans which he’s been working on for over two years, and the result is a beautiful pub that looks as though it’s been here for ever. How did he get Mc Caffrey’s to look like it’s

always been here?

“it’s all down to our designer, Donal Daly,” Jonny tells me.

“He did Sean Ógs for me all those years ago. He has great ideas and knows how to pull everything together. We went for a 1950’s look and we’ll be serving every kind of cocktail you could possibly want.”

Patrons of a certain vintage will be delighted by the assortment of nostalgic pieces displayed on the wall, and no expense was spared on the seamless, curved cocktail bar.

Work is underway to get an adjacent room up and running so with everything complete, the pub will accommodate up to 150 people.

“We have three different areas now catering for three different client bases; McCaffery’s for cocktails

leading into the outdoor area where the younger folk like to go and then into Sean Ógs for music and a great pint of Guinness.” Johnny says. Hopefully, by the end of this week, the restrictions will

be lifted and patrons can enjoy a full night of craic in McCaffery’s/ The Shed/Sean Ógs. If you haven’t been there yet folks, check it out. It’s well worth the visit.

The O’Donoghue Ring Collection launches their Sustainable Tour & Taste Experience

Killarney Urban Farm is a sustainability initiative of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection. Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm, growing for and servicing bars, restaurants, and hotels in Killarney.

The collaboration of their renowned restaurant, The Tan Yard and Killarney Urban Farm, sees the creation of the

Killarney Urban Farm Tour & Taste experience.

The Tour & Taste experience includes a guided tour of Killarney Urban Farm with one of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection sustainability champions, as you sip on a hand-curated hyperlocal cocktail. The tour will explore the technology that powers the reclaimed space that is now

host to the hydroponic towers, Killarney Urban Farm. You will savour a taste of a plethora of hyper-fresh ingredients in the form of canapés, see first-hand all that the Killarney Urban Farm represents - hyper-local freshness, sustainability and innovation. The experience continues to The Tan Yard for a 3-course meal, exclusive only to the

Killarney Urban Farm Tour & Taste attendees. Each of the dishes on the menu features an array of ingredients produced in Killarney Urban Farm paired with local farmers and suppliers in the form of their local legacy. For more details and to book please contact the Events Team on enquiries@ odrcollection.com

Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee The Scotia Clinic, Tralee

EATING OUT IN TRALEE

Ballymac remembers Ashling

“On Sunday afternoon the Health and Wellbeing committee of Ballymacelligott GAA Club welcomed club members and the wider community to our club grounds where we remembered Ashling Murphy RIP.

We did so by having a minute silence and everyone placed a candle in her memory. We had beautiful music from Roanna O’Sullivan and Deirdre Millane.“

“SNAPPED ON SOCIAL MEDIA”

We pick out some great photos posted on social media each week ...if you have any good ones please send them in... email traleeadvertiser@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page... Enjoy !

Tralee’s MTU Seniors get the better of UCD in Sigerson first round .

Congratulations to MTU Senior Football team who defeated UCD in round 1 of the Higher Education Sigerson Cup last week Final score: MTU Kerry 1-13 UCD 0-11. Well done to Aidan O Mahony and his management team and Eamon Fitzgerald in the GAA Office!

Councillors give Green Light to additional Cockleshell Greenway

This week the Municipal District Councillors for Tralee approved the development of a further Greenway for Pedestrians and Cyclists extending 2km from Cockleshell along the seafront to the Spa .

Could the Air-Dome be the ‘new’ Dome? Jim thinks so!

Forward thinking Cllr Jim Finucane has proposed a visit to see the new AirDome in Mayo owned by Connaught GAA . The Air Dome cost in the region of €4.5 million and recently hosted the Galway v Mayo football game . As well as the pitch , its hosts a running track and other facilities and can also be used for conferences and exhibitions . Says Jim “ the long-time vacant site adjacent to the Rose Hotel ( The Fels Point site ) is in council ownership and such a useful site needs to maximise its potential ! “ ...So the Rose Ball might stay by the Rose Hotel after all ????

Na Gaeil secure Senior Status on the road to All Ireland

as Munster Champions! Congratulations to all involved!

No Munster title for Stacks, but Billy is very proud of players and supporters

Although Austin Stacks dream of winning the Munster Club Senior Football Championship came crashing down in Thurles last Sunday, Club Chairman, Billy Ryle lavished praise on the team and supporters. As he is coming to terms with the loss of the game and the disappointment of elimination from the All-Ireland senior club competition, Billy said that his overriding emotion is one of immense pride in the team and the colourful supporters, who travelled to Thurles in huge numbers.

‘Knocked back by the sucker punch of an early goal and being six points down at half-time, the lads turned in a superb second half to

come within one point of St Finbarr’s. Despite a great comeback our gallant side came up just short by 2-9 to 1-10 after playing their hearts out to the very end. Regardless of the loss in Thurles, our senior team has enjoyed wonderful success in 2021 – County Senior Club Champions and County Senior Football Champions. Congratulations to the team and mentors on a wonderful season and I’m very proud of each and every one of them,’ Billy added. Billy expressed his sincere thanks to Austin Stacks supporters who made the journey in large numbers to Thurles and really got behind the team.

‘The atmosphere in the

town square was electric and the parade to Semple Stadium was spectacular. The enthusiastic reception given by our supporters to our team after the final whistle brought a tear to my eye. Well done to the famous 16th Man,’ Billy said.

The Stacks Chairman congratulated St. Finbarr’s and wished them good luck in the All-Ireland series.

Billy also congratulated Na Gael, Gneeveguilla and Kilmoyley on their respective Munster title victories and hoped that they would go all the way to bring All-Ireland titles back to Kerry.

Tension is etched on the faces of Austin Stacks Chairman, Billy Ryle and his wife, Sheila as the team goes into all-out-attack for the equalising score against The Barrs in Thurles.

Pic: Adrienne McLoughlin

Barry Sugrue with his mother Helen Na Gaeil Supporters at the Na gaeil V Corofin in the Munster Intermediate Cup Final 2021 at Mallow GAA grounds on Sunday Photo Joe Hanley

Members of Na Gaeil victorious team celebration after their victory over Corofin in The Munster Intermediate Cup Final 2021 at Mallow GAA grounds on Sunday Photo Joe Hanley

Eoin Doody with his team mates after they defeated Corofin in the AIB Munster Intermediate Cup Final at Mallow GAA grounds on Sunday Photo Joe Hanley

Declan Cooney (Na Gaeil Senior Football player) with his daughter after Na Gaeil defeated Corofin in the Munster Intermediate Cup Final at Mallow GAA grounds on Sunday.

John Kearney, Seamus O’Neill and Paul Burke at the Na Gaeil V Corofin match in the Munster Intermediate Cup Final at Mallow GAA grounds on Sunday Photo Joe Hanley

Na Gaeil last weekend won the Intermediate Championship beating Clares Corofin, thus securing Senior Status

LAUGHTER ....THE BEST MEDICINE

A SELECTION OF ONE -LINER JOKES FROM YOUR FAVOURITE COMEDIANS!

“If I was an Olympic athlete, I’d rather come in last than win the silver medal. You win the gold, you feel good. You win the bronze, you think, ‘at least I got something.’ But you win that silver, that’s like, ‘Congratulations, you almost won! Of all the losers, you came in first! You’re the number one loser! No one lost ahead of you!’” –Jerry Seinfeld

“My star sign is Pyrex. I was a test-tube baby.” – Billy Connolly

“A man walks into a chemist’s and says, ‘Can I have a bar of soap, please?’ The chemist says, ‘Do you want it scented?’ And the man says, ‘No, I’ll take it with me now.’” – Ronnie Barker

“You know you’re working class when your TV is bigger than your bookcase.” – Rob Beckett

My phone will ring at 2am and my wife’ll look at me and go, “Who’s that calling at this time?” I say, “I don’t know. If I knew that we wouldn’t need the bloody phone.” – Lee Evans

“I used to work at McDonald’s making minimum wage. You know what that means when someone pays you minimum wage? You know what your boss was trying to say? ‘Hey, if I could pay you less, I would, but it’s against the law.’” – Chris Rock

I like an escalator because an escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. There would never be an ‘Escalator Temporarily Out of Order’ sign, only ‘Escalator Temporarily Stairs’.”

– Mitch Hedberg

“A spa hotel? It’s like a normal hotel, only in reception there’s a picture of a pebble.”

– Rhod Gilbert

“Apparently smoking cannabis can affect your short term memory. Well if that’s true, what do you think smoking cannabis does?”

– Mickey P Kerr

“The first time I met my wife, I knew she was a keeper. She was wearing massive gloves.”

– Alun Cochrane

“As a kid I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.” – Gary Delaney

““I saw a documentary on how ships are kept together. Riveting!” – Stewart Francis

“I’m sure wherever my Dad is, he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.”

– Jack Whitehall

TALKING SPORT WITH THE TRALEE ADVERTISER

FAI NATIONAl P.R.O. OF THE YEAR

CUP JOY FOR MERCY MOUNTHAWK:

Wednesday was a huge day in a huge week for Tralee basketball. And it got off to the perfect start with a win in the Pinergy All Ireland Schools u16A Boys final. They defeated Malahide Community College 56-39. Well done to all involved under the experienced coaching triumvirate of John Dowling, Jimmy Diggins and Lyndsey Moriarty. Paddy Lane was named the MVP of the final.

The trio led the u19’s into their A final straight after the 16’s win in the NBA in Tallaght where they took on St Malachy’s from Belfast. This game was a cracker and was level 51 points each with 1 minute left on the clock. Malachy’s scored but Mounthawk’s Daniel Bowler scored right back. Malachy’s went to the line with 16.2 seconds on the clock making 1 point. With 0.1 second left Mounthawk had a chance but their two free throws rimmed out to give Malachy’s a 54-53 win.

Not to be outdone the school’s Senior Girls won their All Ireland League quarter final 45-27 on the same day.

DERRY OPPOSITION NEXT UP FOR NA GAEIL:

Na Gaeil’s rise in the football world continues with the Ulster champions next up as the Tralee side looks to back up their Munster Intermediate title win by defeating Derry’s Steelstown Brian Og’s. The game will take place on Saturday January 29th at the Connacht Centre of Excellence near Ballyhaunis in County Mayo.

While the final score was a very comprehensive 6-15 to 1-12 win over Clare’s Corofin the early stages of the game were tight with Diarmuid O’Connor’s goal giving Na Gaeil a 1-03 to 0-04 win.

After Jack Bourke got the Tralee sides second goal they were 6 points up but Corofin hit three points to close the gap just three at the break 2-04 to 0-07. However following some clever switches by the management the Na Gaeil players began to dominate all over the pitch and needed only 30 seconds to get their third goal, from Jack Sheehan, and there was no way back for the Clare champions. By the water break they were 19 points ahead and they kept going all the way to finish with the concession of a penalty their only disappointment.

It was a great start to the reign of the new Munster vice chairman Tim Murphy as the former Kerry Chairman Tim Murphy presented the Cup to Na Gaeil captain Eoin Doody.

Having won the Junior titles a couple of years ago their progression continues

to impress and all eyes are now on their next All Ireland semi-final at the end of the month.

NO JOY FOR THE STACKS:

There has been plenty of reviews of the Stacks tough lost in their Munster Senior Football championship semi-final to St Finbarrs so there is no need to delve into the game again. Suffice to say everybody involved in the club both on and off the field have done themselves proud this season and they can now celebrate the Club and County Championship title wins.

ALL EYES NOW TURN TO THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ARENA:

Tralee and Kerry sports fans great start to 2022 continues this weekend starting on Saturday when six years of dreams and hard work by the Garvey’s Tralee Warriors comes to fruition as they will contest the biggest game of the basketball season – the Pat Duffy National Cup final. It was be the quintessential Kerry / Cork clash with C&S Neptune having a hugely successful history in the game. They are led by player/coach Colin O’Reilly, who led Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin a few seasons ago, and the fact that they had 6 players in double figures in their semi-final win where topped the 100 point mark.

However I believe John Dowling and Garreth Maher have the squad to win this game and in my opinion are favourites. They were impressive in their win over Eanna in the semi-final where they had the added pressure of not having gotten past that stage in their present incarnation. Their overseas players have all worked out well, which is where the contacts of team manager Jimmy Diggins comes to the fore, while the local players will love the big stage. And of course there is the evergreen presence of Kieran Donaghy who influence on this organisation on and off the court cannot be underestimated. The Warriors will travel in as big a number as is permitted – their fans are a huge part of the success of the club. Bringing the Cup home on at the weekend will be a just reward for all the hard work and dedication by everyone involved with the Warriors, including the volunteers who do such wonderful work at their home games in the Sports Complex. And as I said I expect them to win this final but there won’t be a lot in it.

The Warriors did go down in the SuperLeague at the weekend losing out 102-87 away to Killester where they probably had one eye on this weekend. Brandon Cotton and Daniel Jokubaitis led the Warriors scoring on 24 points with Eoin Quigley hitting 18. Huge weekend for Tralee Basketball:

By the time you are reading this Mercy Mounthawk will have completed in two Schools Cup finals with the u16 and u19 A’s having played on Wednesday. Amazingly both of these sides will have Dowling and Diggins on the line, alongside Lyndsey Moriarty, and the two will then team up with Garret Maher to steer the Warriors hopefully to glory. Not many coaches will have the experience of being involved in three National Cup Finals in three days.

THE OTHER KERRY CORK CLASH:

The other big Kerry/Cork clash of the weekend is the McGrath Cup final which sees the old rivals clash in the Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday with a 2pm throw-in. Jack O’Connor’s side have enjoyed two facile victories so will be very interested to see exactly where his side is at ahead of the League which will get underway in a few weeks. But Cork would like nothing more than claim early season bragging rights and take a win in Killarney. There is no final for the hurlers as they were thought a lesson by Limerick but that defeat will not define their season with the big games coming over the next few months.

BIG DAY DAWNS FOR KILMOYLEY:

This Sunday at the aforementioned Connacht Centre of Excellence the hurlers of Kilmoyley will be making their bid for All Ireland glory when they face Banagher of Derry. The North Kerry side broke the Kerry hoodoo when they won the Munster Intermediate title recently and hopefully their great season can continue.

TRALEE CBS INTO MUNSTER COLLEGES CORN UI MHUIRI SEMIFINAL:

Tralee CBS had a very impressive 4-13 to 1-07 win over Clonakilty in the Corn Ui Mhuiri quarter final. Coach Mike Tim O’Sullivan said the game was not as easy as the scoreboard suggested. “We asked the players to ensure we started well as we had not been doing that in some of our recent games as we did that. The two goals after half time seemed to take the sting out of the opposition and we pushed on from there. However there are lots of things to work on but it is great to progress to the last 4.” They will face Skibbereen in that semi-final. Sadly Mercy Mounthawk just lost out in their game with Hamilton HS of Bandon going down 1-10 to 3-05.

TRALEE PARNELLS NOTES:

This Saturday sees Parnells taking on Crotta O’Neills in the North Kerry u21 Hurling championship final throwing in at 2pmat Crotta’s pitch. Parnells defeated Ballyduff and Ballyheigue before Christmas and have been putting in the effort in training as they waited for their date with destiny. The Tralee side are hoping club members will come out and support the team.

The Every Step Counts Challenge started this week and runs until February 23rd. The aim is to get as many club members as possible to register and reach the target of 4000km in the four weeks. Members can join through the Munster GAA Challenge app selecting Tralee Parnells.

STACKS NOTES:

The clubs AGM is set to take place this Sunday morning from 11.30am.

Fitness classes continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm to 8pm in the Clubhouse and all are welcome. With the hoped for easing of restrictions the club hopes to begin its Card nights again early next month.

Lotto- there was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 21, 24, 26 and 27 and the next jackpot will be e3750.

KERINS O’RAHILLYS NEWS:

The senior AGM will be held this Friday from 7pm. On Sunday January the clubs 10km/5km run takes place honouring the late Marie Nix. Its planned to start at 11am and everyone is welcome with a special commemorative medal being presented to all taking part.

This Saturday is the first day back training for the u12 girls with the session starting at 10am. Details of the return of other age groups will be announced in the coming weeks.

Lotto: There was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 3,9,11 and 23 with the next jackpot being e3500.

NA GAEIL NEWS:

The club will hold its AGM virtually on Thursday January 20th at 8pm. Club members are asked to email the Secretary for the link.

Lotto: There was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 8, 11, 23 and 28 and the next jackpot will be e6250.

CARS’N’COFFEE

FUNDRAISER IN FEBRUARY:

The Kerry Motor Club are hoping for plenty of support as they stage a static car show in the town centre next month to raise funds for one of their members, James Quinlan, who is facing a tough medical journey in New York. The event will take place in the Brandon Car Park. James was a regular competitor and volunteer with the club in the 2000s before moving to New York 17 years ago.

As well as inviting in rally, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles on the day there will be a series of raffles and spot prizes on offer on the day as well as plans for a 5km walk from the Brandon car park along the canal to Blennerville and back.

ELAINE NEEDS YOUR VOTES:

Tralee lady Elaine Burrows Dillane needs your votes as she has been nominated for the Open Water Swimmer of the Year Award. She became the first women to complete the Triple Crown of open water swimming, swam the 21km Fastnet Swim, 13km Galway Bay Swim and the 35km North Channel crossing between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Voting is open at openwaterswimming.com

ON THE GREEN:

At the Tralee Golf Club the winners of the Men’s competition were Sean Walsh Junior and Tommy Walsh on 36 points followed by Brian and Daniel O’Loughlin on 35 points with Ger McNamara and Noel Barrett third on 34 points. 37 teams took part.

In the Ladies section the 9 hole AMAM went to Norah Quinlan, Karen Gearon and Philomena Stack on 41 points. The Ladies Scotch Foursomes went to Emma Morrissey and Faith Morrissey with Vera Tierney and Noran Shanahan in second.

with “The Voice” Pat Harnett