Club News

Have you got news on hurling in the South Kerry region?

If so, email Michael at pro@southkerryhurling.com for publication on the website &

in the local papers. Deadline: Sundays, 9:00pm.

Schools Hurling / Camogie Coaching Fundraiser 2015

Over the past 12 months, the South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg have successfully introduced hurling / camogie coaching to the National School's in the greater Killarney / Rathmore areas. This year, the intention is to build on the achievement of last year and extend the scheme to involve more schools and finish the school year with blitzes and tournaments.

To sustain and expand the coaching, a school's draw was held where, once again, O'Sullivan Cycles, Killarney partnered with the South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg sponsoring a 2015 Trek 1.5 Road Bike worth €999. At the request of some of the school's, the draw date was pushed back due to the Easter break and took place on 25th April. The grand prize winners were Cullina NS, Beaufort with the second and third prizes of Kerry GAA Store Vouchers going to Presentation Monastery NS and Tommy Wallpool (Muckross) respectively. Congratulations to the prize winners but, most of all, sincere thanks to all the card sellers including the players, schools, teachers and parents and all the contributors for helping to raise €6,500 to continue the School's Hurling / Camogie Coaching Initiative.

Over the past two weeks, there have been three school's blitzes which took place in Rathmore GAA and Dr. Crokes GAA Clubs. The schools were divided into three divisions based on their capabilities and the final games will be taking place this week. Many thanks to all the schools for taking part and the coaches for their time and efforts.

The coaching initiative has been greatly received and the South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg will continue in their efforts to keep promoting and giving children the opportunity to play this uniquely Irish sport.

4th Annual South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓG Awards Night

On Friday, 28th November, The South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg will hold the fourth annual hurling awards night in the Killarney Plaza Hotel.

The past year has been an eventful one for hurling in South Kerry, with the first History of Hurling event being held in the Schoolhouse, Muckross in association with the South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg, the success of the School’s Hurling Coaching Initiative and a further All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship. On the night, there will be a special presentation to the South Kerry members of the victorious Kerry Minor Hurling Team who won that All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship title this year as well as members of the development squads who represented their South Kerry clubs with pride and distinction. The success of the South Kerry U12 Hurling Development Squad that travelled to the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick in August will also be acknowledged on the night.

As always, we will have a special guest speaker on the night. This current hurler has been a big talking point on the hurling field for the last two years. More clues on the identity of the speaker can be found on the South Kerry Juvenile Hurling website – www.southkerryhurling.com – on the weeks leading up to the awards night. You can now follow us on Twitter, @SKJuvHurling, for all the latest news and updates.

We will also be holding our famous raffle for a range of prizes during the course of the evening. We are very grateful to our main sponsors, O’Donoghue-Ring Hotels, for making this annual event such a success over the past four years.

Please join us in celebration of the achievements of these young hurlers on Friday evening, 28th November where proceedings will commence at 8:00pm. Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

South Kerry Juvenile Hurling 'Guess the Score' Fundraiser

The South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Board once again held their flagship fundraiser, the 'Guess the Score' Competition for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final between Kilkenny & Tipperary. This turned out to be a huge success with the help of the South Kerry Hurling Clubs.

As we all know, the final ended up a draw for the third year in a row; Kilkenny 3-22, Tipperary 1-28.

There was no clear winner and, in accordance with the rules set out, a draw between those who were one point off the correct score was held. Congratulations to the winners;

First Prize:- Sheila Sheehan, Rathmore

Second Prize:- Mary Collins, Rathmore

Third Prize:- Darragh Rahilly, Rathmore

Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial Hurling Tournament

The 5th Annual Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial U10 Hurling Tournament took place on the weekend of 30th /31st August and was the closing event of Heritage Week 2014 in Muckross House and Traditional Farms. This event was hosted and sponsored by the Trustees of Muckross House and organised in conjunction with the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg. This year, the tournament took on a different structure where there was a preliminary round of group games on Friday, 29th August at Dr. Crokes GAA Club on Lewis Road. The top two teams from both groups would progress to the Cup and Shield Finals on Sunday on the specially developed field at Muckross Traditional Farms. Group 1 saw Kilcummin/Legion, Tralee Parnells and Kenmare ‘A’ contest where Kenmare ‘A’ won both games and Kilcummin/Legion claimed entry to the Shield final with victory over Tralee Parnells. Group 2 consisted of Dr. Crokes, Kenmare ‘B’ and Rathmore. Dr. Crokes progressed to the Cup final with Rathmore making the Shield final.

On Sunday, the Shield Final was the first game contested. This was an entertaining contest between Kilcummin/Legion and Rathmore, played in front of an unprecedented crowd – the competition becoming more and more renowned each year. Kilcummin/Legion emerged the winners of the Shield for the first time, which was presented to them by Dr. Patricia Mangan.

Following a break for refreshments, the Cup Final took place where Dr. Crokes met Kenmare in what was a great sporting game with some beautiful hurling skills from both sides. Dr. Crokes emerged victorious, winning the Cup for the fourth time since the competition began. Once again, Dr. Patricia Mangan was on hand to present the Memorial Cup to the Dr. Crokes team and the runners-up medals to the Kenmare team.

Well done to all teams who participated in this year’s Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial Hurling Tournament for making it the success it was. Many thanks to the Trustees of Muckross House and the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg. Photographs of the teams who competed in tournament can be found here.

'A History of Hurling' - Our National Game

The Schoolhouse in Muckross, Killarney will play host to a series of talks and discussions about Hurling, our National Game, on Saturday April 26th 2014. The day starts at 10.30am and the Master of Ceremonies for the day is the voice of the GAA , Mr. Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. The first talk will be given by Mr. Seamus J. King , well known author from Cashel, Co. Tipperary, who has published a series of books on Hurling. Further talks will be delivered by former National Hurling Director, Mr. Paudie Butler and by Mr. Tomas Mulcahy of Cork hurling fame. The final talk of the morning will be delivered by GAA and Kilkenny Hurling Legend, Mr.Eddie Keher.

Following a break for lunch there will be a full panel discussion on:

‘The Future of hurling and its importance as our National Sport’

There will also be a photographic presentation from decades past in association with the Irish Photo Archive.

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.muckross-house.ie or by calling 064 6630804

Date: Saturday, 26th April 2014

Venue: The Schoolhouse, Muckross, Killarney.

Time: 10:30am

Cost: €10.00 (Booking essential)

For further information contact, 087 6534444 or 087 2531625

E-mail: traditionalfarms@muckross-house.ie

Iomaint sa Scoileanna Launch Night

Former National Director of Hurling Coaching in Ireland, Paudie Butler will officially launch the Iomaint sa Scoileanna initiative in Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre on Tuesday evening, April 1st. This will be a practical based hurling session for coaches of all ages, but suited to those in particular coaching in the Primary school's or clubs with children under the age of 12. Furthermore, he will field questions from attending coaches in relation to coaching at child level with primary schools and clubs.

This workshop is free of charge and all coaches, teachers, parents and children are strongly encouraged to attend. No need to register, just come along on the night!

Date: Tuesday, 1st April 2014

Venue: Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, Bypass Road , Killarney.

Time: 7:00pm

Cost: Free of charge

Iomaint sa Scoileanna A Huge Success

The South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Board, in conjunction with the National Schools in the greater Killarney / Rathmore area, are delighted to announce that they have raised €10,061.00 over the last six weeks in their fundraising Super Draw. Furthermore, they have been successful in securing a grant to the value of €5,200 from the GAA Munster Council in support of this initiative. All the proceeds will go directly to the school’s hurling coaching fund to purchase all the appropriate equipment and towards commencing hurling coaching in the National School’s in the Killarney / Rathmore area from the 1st April 2014.

Following the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the draw was held on Main Street with Bishop Ray Browne and Ger Galvin (Vice Chairperson Coiste Chontae Chiarraí) on hand to oversee both the Super Draw and the seller’s prize. Firstly, congratulations to Karen Bruton of Bridgefield, Killarney on winning the Super Draw and the prize of a 2014 Giant Defy 4 Road Bike valued at €749.00 which was kindly sponsored by O’Sullivan Cycles, Killarney. Following this, the seller’s prize of two All-Ireland Hurling Final tickets was drawn and went to Anthony King, Rathmore.

We received great support for the initiative from many of the National School’s in the areas and wish to thank all the schools, principals, teachers, parents, students and other sellers for their efforts in promoting this fundraiser. Finally, we thank all of the contributors for their generosity. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Kerry Hurling Coaching Weekend

Kerry Hurling Steering Committee are organising a “Hurling Coaching Weekend” aimed at improving the standard of coaching, planning and administration throughout the hurling clubs in the county. As part of this, an Award 1 - Child Hurling Coaching course is being run in tandem.

Further to the two practical sessions which were run the last weekend of January, the remaining theory sessions wilth be run on the following dates;

Tuesday, 18th February - 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Theory Session)

Tuesday, 25th February - 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Theory Session)

Tuesday, 4th March - 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Theory Session)

Those who have attened the practical sessions must attend the theory sessions to receive the certificate.

The Award 1 course has been designed to take account of the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years).

So by attending the workshops and the theory sessions you will be accredited with the Award 1 - Hurling Child Course.

Venue: Aerobics Room, I.T. Tralee (South Campus)

Time: As stated above

Foundation Award Hurling Coaching Course

A Foundation Level Hurling Course will take place on Monday January 20th and Monday January 27th in Legion GAA Club from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There will be no cost for taking part in this course.

It is aimed at people who are new to coaching and want to discover what is involved in coaching. Once you have completed this course, you will be able to assist in coaching children, youths and adults.

The Foundation Award Course is an activity-based course with the following modules:

• Introduction to Coaching
• Movement Skills in Gaelic Games
• Technical Skill Development
• Introduction to Games
• Coaching Children, Youths and Adults

If you or members of your club are interested, please contact your Club Hurling Officer before 19th January 2014.

Venue: Legion GAA Club

Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm both nights

Cost: Free of charge

Those who complete this course or have completed a Foundation Level Course in the past can then move to the Award 1 course which will be taking place as part of the "Kerry Hurling Weekend" on Friday, January 31st, and Saturday, February 1st, in Causeway.

3rd Annual South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Awards

The South Kerry Hurling Bord na nÓg will hold their third annual hurling awards night in the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Friday, 29th November 2013.

In attendance on the night will be South Kerry members of the victorious Kerry Minor Team who won the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship this year along with their manager, Pat Ryan. Members of the Kerry U16, U15 & U14 teams from South Kerry will be acknowledged for their achievements in hurling. There will be a special presentation to the successful South Kerry U12 hurling team who competed in the Munster U12 Hurling Blitz.

All the awards will be presented to the players by our special guest for the night, former Tipperary All-Ireland Winning Manager, Liam Sheedy. Liam will speak on his experience in the quest for the McCarthy Cup and the future of the game.

This year’s awards will also mark the launch of the School’s Hurling Coaching Initiative, which is a fundraising drive to provide hurling equipment for the sole purpose of being used as part of hurling activities in the local schools. There will also be a raffle for a wide range of prizes during the course of the evening. This event is kindly sponsored by O’Donoghue-Ring Hotels.

So please join us in celebration of the achievements of these young hurlers on Friday evening, 29th November where proceedings will commence at 8:00pm. Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

For full report, Click Here.

Denis Nagle Memorial U11 Hurling Tournament 2013

On Saturday 21st September, Rathmore hosted the annual Denis Nagle Memorial Hurling Tournament. This year saw U11 teams from South Kerry and Duhallow contest at the Rathmore GAA grounds in Rathbeg. The hosts were the eventual winners, emerging comfortably from the group stage, overcoming Banteer & Kilgarvan. A great display of the skills of hurling saw them advance to the final after a convingcing semi-final win over Kenmare.

They faced Newmarket in the final who proved to be a great opposition. The match was hotly contested with both teams leading on occasion. A strong performance from the Rathmore mid-field was the deciding factor and was enough to see them claim the Denis Nagle Memorial Cup for the first time in four years.

South Kerry Juvenile Hurling 'Guess the Score' Fundraiser

Prior to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final between Cork & Clare, the

South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Board launched their flagship 2013 fundraiser, the 'Guess

the Score' Competition. This turned out to be a huge success with the help of the South Kerry Hurling Clubs.

As we all know, the final ended up a draw; Cork 3-16, Clare 0-25.

We had one clear winner and a draw between those who were one point off the correct score. Congratulations to the winners;

First Prize:- James Ryall, Abbeydorney

Second Prize:- James Darmody, Rathmore

Third Prize:- Tom Lawlor, Ballyheigue

Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial Hurling Tournament 2013

The 4th Annual Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial U10 Hurling Tournament took place last Saturday, 24th August on the specially developed field at Muckross Traditional Farms.

This event was once again hosted and sponsored by the Trustees of Muckross House and organised in conjunction with the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg. This year saw four teams participate; Dr. Crokes, Kenmare, Kilgarvan and Tralee Parnell’s. The sliotar was thrown in for the first game between Dr. Crokes & Kenmare a little after the scheduled start-time. Both teams played with skill and intensity which was a fantastic opener for

the rest of the day’s events. This was followed by the hotly anticipated encounter between Kilgarvan and Tralee Parnell’s. While Kilgarvan showed their hurling heritage to the fore

in this game, it cannot be said that Tralee Parnells were far behind. The more the game progressed, and the day for that matter, this young side improved immensely.

Once all teams had played each other, there was a short interval for refreshments before the Shield and Cup Finals. Kilgarvan made it straight into the Cup Final where they would face Kenmare, advancing due to goal difference over Dr. Crokes. But the Shield Final was

up for decision first with Dr. Crokes facing Tralee Parnell’s. After threatening rain all day, the sky’s finally opened as these players took the field. This did not affect the game as

both teams played with heart in now slippery conditions. Tralee Parnell’s clinched the

Shield after a late comeback by Dr. Crokes. Dr. Patricia Mangan presented the Shield to

the victorious Tralee side and the runners-up medals to the Dr. Crokes team.

Kenmare and Kilgarvan then contested the Cup Final. This turned out to be a thriller. Kilgarvan got off to the best start, pointing a couple from play. But Kenmare struck back

and took the lead with a goal. Kilgarvan remained cool and struck the net also, to lead at

half time. It was the second half where Kilgarvan showed their worth, playing smart and delivering quality ball. Also, it must be said that there was some great fielding by both

teams in this game, a rarity at such a young age. Kilgarvan ran out the winners of the Cup after winning the Shield Final last year. James Mangan, son of Dr. Bill Mangan, presented Memorial Cup to the Kilgarvan team and the runners-up medals to the Kenmare team.

Future South Kerry Hurling Stars achieve success in Thurles

On Thursday, 8th August, the South Kerry U12 hurling team travelled to Semple Stadium, Thurles to participate in the Munster U12 Hurling Blitz. The team consisted of hurlers

from Dr. Crokes, Kenmare, Kilgarvan & Rathmore. It proved to be a very successful trip with the South Kerry team winning all their five games against Ferrybank (Waterford), Granagh/Ballingarry (Limerick), Cappawhite, Skeeheenarinky (Tipperary) and Kildorrery (Cork). These events are great opportunities to play teams from strong hurling counties. Also, each player got the opportunity to play in the hallowed grounds of Semple Stadium

and enjoyed the occasion. This team is undoubtedly one to watch for the future with some fine hurlers capable of displaying skill on-par with other Munster hurling clubs. Well done

to all involved.

Team: Michael Horgan (Dr. Crokes), Padraic Looney (Dr. Crokes), Owen Fitzgerald (Rathmore), Jack Foley (Kilgarvan), James McCarthy (Kenmare), Michael Lenihan (Dr. Crokes), Dan McCarthy (Kenmare), Fionn Houlihan (Rathmore), Darragh Rahilly (Rathmore), Tom Murnane (Kenmare), Tom Doyle (Dr. Crokes) Subs; Gary O’Connor

(Dr. Crokes), Cian O’Sullivan (Kenmare), Kayne Reidy (Kenmare), Patrick Brosnan (Rathmore), Ronan Foley (Kilgarvan), Dion Murphy (Kilgarvan), Ian O’Connell

(Dr. Crokes), Thomas Houlihan (Rathmore).

On-line Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the South Kerry Juvenile Hurling on-line competition,

who were announced at the recent awards night in the Killarney Plaza Hotel.

To refresh, the question was; How many times have Killarney won the County Minor Hurling Championship, (a) 0, (b) 1 or (c) 3.

The answer, of course, was 3 times. Well done to all who entered and had the correct answer. From these entries, we chose to draw for a first, second and third prize.

First Prize; Dylan Dermody, winner of a South Kerry Hurling Jersey.

Second & Third Prizes; Darragh O'Callaghan and Daniel Horgan, winners of a hurley

and sliotar signed by Davy Fitzgerald and Ben O'Connor

2nd Annual South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Awards

To acknowledge the various achievements of South Kerry juvenile clubs and hurlers, the South Kerry Juvenile Hurling Board will be holding their second annual awards night in

the Killarney Plaza Hotel this Friday, 14th December 2012.

Following another great year for South Kerry hurling, it is fitting we recognise the accomplishments of the clubs in the region. On the night, there will be presentations

made to the various clubs who have competed at the highest level in their respective competitions. We will also be acknowledging the individual players who represented

their clubs at county level.

There will be a special guest speaker on the night who is a big name in hurling, both as

a player and a manager, and who is rarely short a few words. He will make presentations along with our very own Kerry hurler, John Griffin.

There will be a raffle for a Christmas Hamper during the course of the evening and we

will also be announcing the winner of the on-line competition which was held earlier this year on the South Kerry Juvenile Hurling website.

The event is kindly sponsored by O’Donoghue-Ring Hotel Group.

Please join us in celebration of the achievements of these young hurlers this Friday

evening. Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

The South Kerry Hurling Awards will commence at 7:30pm and will be preceded by the

Dr. Crokes Juvenile Hurling Awards at 6:30pm.

For full report, Click Here.

No Fairy-tale Ending to Tralee Parnell's Magnificent Campaign

For the first time ever, the North Kerry U13 Hurling League Division 2 Final was

contested by two South Kerry teams. Also, it was great to see the newly formed club,

Tralee Parnell’s, contest in the final. However, it wasn’t to have a fairy-tale ending.

Dr. Crokes were very happy to survive and claim their first North Kerry League title.

The final took place in Austin Stack Park in ideal conditions. First and fore-most, thanks

to all those responsible for allowing us to showcase these young hurlers on a fantastic surface. Both teams were delighted with the chance to play at this venue.

As for the game itself, it proved very close encounter. Dr. Crokes dominated the first half with scores coming from Ciaran Kennedy, Dylan Dermody and Shane Kennedy. Tralee Parnell’s fought back in the second half and were unlucky not to win their first final.

Sterling performances from Lorcan O’Connor, Michael Lenihan, Gary Cronin, Padraic Looney and James Flavin, who scored two fantastic frees, sealed victory for Dr. Crokes. Afterwards, Ciaran Kennedy received the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance.