Killarney Celtic News
Compiled by Jimmy O’Sullivan Darcy
Final: Dingle Bay Rovers 4 Killarney Celtic 3. Mounthawk Park was a riot of friendly noise and colour for the Kerry District League final, with our wonderful supporters out in force. Dingle drew first blood with a Donnacha Higgins goal but Celtic replied just before half-time through a very sharp Stephen Hayes.
A neat Wayne Sparling finish put us in front, but Sean Fitzgerald quickly equalized and his second, with 75 minutes gone, meant that we had to chase the game. That, understandably, saw us stretched breaking forward and no better team than an impressive Corca Dhuibhne side to punish that, with Shane Houlihan making it 4-2 with five minutes left.
Celtic never gave up – a trait that has stood them in good stead all season – and Jamie Spillane made it 4-3 late on. That was as good as it got, though, with a fantastic Dingle, league leaders all season, deservedly taking the title after a cracker of a game.
We have absolutely no complaints; a great team and a class outfit, and we sincerely congratulate them, but we are also hugely proud of our supporters, members, volunteers, and especially our hugely committed players and management after a wonderful year – it’s great to see the club back near the pinnacle of Kerry soccer.
Killarney Celtic: Roy Kelliher, David Hayes, Brendan Falvey, Brian Spillane, John McDonagh, Stephen Hayes, Fergal O’Donoghue, Gary Keane, Matt Keane, Peter McCarthy, Wayne Sparling, Jamie Spillane, Joe Hurley, Stephen McCarthy.Management: Patrick Roarty, Eoghan Donnellan, David Hayes.
Hospitality: Killarney Celtic Football For All were magnificently hosted by Cork City at Turners Cross for their vital league clash with rivals and league leaders Dundalk, with Cork City taking the honours 1-0 in a fantastic game.
Cork City simply could not be praised enough for their fantastic hospitality in the family enclosure, with supporters of both teams making them feel hugely welcome and giving warm applause when FFA took to the field at half-time.
Among the hundreds of people who were so kind to Celtic on the night were Corky the Cork City mascot and manager John Caulfield and his players who gave freely of their time signing autographs and posing for selfies afterwards. A big thank you to everyone at Cork City and all the Dundalk supporters for an absolutely fantastic occasion that our young members loved.
AGM: A big thank you to everyone who attended our AGM on Wednesday. Full report next week.
Exams: Best wishes to everyone undertaking exams at the moment. This can be a stressful time for people. Please remember that none of the many people who love you do so because of your grades.
Cups: Congratulations to the Kerry girls in the Gaynor Cup and best wishes to all the Kerry players at the Kennedy Cup next week as they bid to retain the trophy.
Tots: Our Soccer Tots programme continues on Wednesdays at 7.00pm. All welcome.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were 11, 14, 17 and 24. The jackpot winner was Ann McCarthy c/o Denis. Next week’s jackpot is €1,600 with the draw in the Fáilte on Monday night.
