Players of the year don’t duck a challenge

Having the quack: GAA players of the year David Clifford and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh and St Patrick’s Festival volunteer Derek O’Leary cheering on festival chairman Jason Clifford as he sets out the route for the Deenagh Duck Dash on March 18.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan

BEST GAA PLAYERS IN THE COUNTRY READY FOR THE DEENAGH DUCK DASH

They never duck when faced with a big challenge on the field so it was safe to assume that GAA players of the year David Clifford and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh weren’t going to shy away from the latest task on their home patch.

The two top footballers in the country teamed up to launch a charity duck race which will form part of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney, where they both live.

When the working day was done, busy secondary school teachers, David and Louise had some great quack and they got caught up in the spirit of the occasion along the scenic River Deenagh in Killarney National Park.

The reigning Player of the Year and Ladies Player of the Year enthusiastically demonstrated their competitive streak when they expressed confidence that their own ducks will win The Deenagh Duck Dash on the same river at noon on Monday, March 18.

But, luckily, festival chairman Jason Clifford was there to keep the peace and he even threatened to cry fowl and brandish a card at the star players – with duck yellow deemed the most appropriate colour.

Considered by many to be the greatest players of all time in their respective codes, between them, Fossa hotshot David and Corca Dhuibhne star Louise have an incredible nine All-Star awards.

Ducks will fly: Killarney St Patrick’s Festival Chairman Jason Clifford took to the water in the River Deenagh to toss a rubber duck through the air to test out David Clifford’s fielding skills with Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Derek O’Leary urging them on

But they might be tempted to swap one if their duck wins the fun-filled race on the day after St Patrick’s Day.

All proceeds from the event with go to St Francis Special School in Beaufort, Killarney which provides specialist education for young people with learning disabilities.

Festival chairman Jason remarked: “This isn’t just a race – it’s great fun for the whole family.

“Picture the scene with a flotilla of vibrant rubber ducks racing down a winding river, their owners cheering them on and all in the name of a fantastic cause”.

Super prizes await the winners, the cost of a rubber duck to participate in the race is just €5 and they can be bought online at https://stpatricksfestivalkillarney.ie/.

It promises to be one of the sporting highlights of the year – and you never never know who you might bump into on the day.

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