KERRY’S new sporting heroes are the centre of attention – and deservedly so – this week and they will remain in the spotlight in the coming weeks following their brilliant exploits.
A classy and gritty Killarney Celtic FC covered themselves in glory on Sunday afternoon with a sensational penalty shoot-out victory over Cork side Douglas Hall at Mounthawk Park, Tralee to win the prestigious FAI Youths Cup – the first ever national title secured by the club.
The players and their mentors were welcomed back to Killarney by their delighted families and supporters on Sunday night and they received a garda escort as they were paraded through the streets on a victory lap of honour with full adherence to social distancing guidelines and all wearing face masks.
Now they can look forward to a civic reception from Kerry County Council with Cllr Niall O’Callaghan – a long-time Celtic member and former player – having already made contact with Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, to arrange the event.
With a performance masterminded by astute manager Matt Keane, assisted by Jerry Falvey and Conor McCarthy, the all-conquering squad produced stunning display in the decider with goals in normal time from Cian Doe, man-of-the-match Padraic Looney and Terry Sparling giving them the edge until Douglas Hall forced an equaliser deep into injury time.
In extra time neither side could fashion a goal but goalkeeper Adam Carey’s super saves in the shootout gave Emmet O’Shea the opportunity to seal the win from the spot which he duly did and it sparked scenes of great celebrations.
Killarney Celtic: Adam Carey, Emmet Cronin, Cian Doe, Padraic Looney, Jason Kerins, Conor Henderson, Erin Moloney, James Darmody, Terry Sparling, Evan Looney, Dylan Callaghan.
Subs: Emmet O’Shea (for Cronin); Ruairi Doyle (for Moloney), Craig Boyle O’Sullivan (for Doe), Dodwin Osieba (for Sparling), Jackson O’Mahony (for Callaghan); Keelin O’Brien, Jack O’Donoghue, Dylan Falvey, Stefan Lajtar, Paul O’Sullivan.
Today’s News Today: KillarneyToday.com is the talk of the town with more than 300,000 readers every month and 25,000 followers on Facebook. To advertise call 087-2229761
