HE might be a Rebel by birth and at heart but Killarney Garda Mike Milner is now officially a Kingdom warrior following Kerry’s opening Munster Senior Hurling League clash with Limerick on Sunday.
Although born and reared in the west Cork town of Dunmanway, Mike has transferred his sporting allegiance to his adopted county and he proudly pulled the green and gold jersey over his head for the first time at the Gaelic Grounds.
He was introduced from the subs’ bench and he chipped in with a point to play his part in a very respectable performance which saw Ciaran Carey’s side notch an impressive 18 points against one of the elite hurling counties.
Elevated to the top tier following their Christy Ring Cup success last season, Kerry will face much sterner opposition this year but they gave a great account of themselves before eventually losing out on a 2-23 to 0-18 scoreline.
Versatile Mike is equally comfortable with a hurl or a football in his hands and he has been one of the star performers for Killarney’s Dr Crokes in both codes in recent seasons, becoming a key midfielder with the senior footballers as well as impressing in the Intermediate Hurling Championship campaign.
Proud of his great achievement on Sunday, Dr Crokes tweeted a snapshot of Mike in the Kerry jersey with the message: “Well done to Mike Milner who made his debut in the Green & Gold today.”
In an intriguing development, the sporting Garda could now play a part in plotting the downfall of his home county as Kerry play Cork in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday next, a game that is the first part of a double bill that will also see footballers in McGrath Cup action against Clare.
And, of course, it’s not just on the sporting stage that Mike has been exhibiting his talent. He linked up with dance partner, Kellie-Ann McSweeney, to give a fleet-footed performance to triumph in the inaugural Killarney Strictly Come Dancing charity stageshow last March.
