GARDA BLITZ IN FITZGERALD STADIUM

THE stars of tomorrow were certainly out in force this week as the Killarney Garda football tournament took centre stage at Fitzgerald Stadium. Now in its twelfth year, the tournament attracts over 16 schools from across Kerry, including schools from Cork, where 200 boys and girls contest 231 games in a single day. Such an undertaking requires plenty of assistance, which organisers’ Garda Eddie Walsh and Patsy Kelliher assuredly receive from willing volunteers.

Pipe Piper Mike Milner led the Fossa and St Oliver’s teams out to contest the final where Fossa were victorious. And there were joyous scenes afterwards when Captain Sam Buckley was presented with the cup from Killarney Superintendent, Flor Murphy. Garda Aidan O’Mahony was also on hand to present prizes.

Player of the Tournament awards went to Patrick Lyons (Fossa) and Pia Hickey (St Oliver’s) and the trophies were kindly sponsored by Tom Tobin of Killarney Trophy World. The staff at Fitzgerald Stadium also play and huge part and its thanks to men like Der Brosnan, John Lenihan and Dan Joe Lynch for making the dream of playing on the hollowed surface a reality for the children.

“The interaction between pupils, teachers and Gardaí in building community spirit is the essence of the whole day really,” said Eddie Walsh. Sponsorship is also important and Eddie was keen to thank Tom Spillane Auctioneers, Daly’s SuperValu in Killarney, McCarthy’s Londis in Rathmore, and the Kerry County Board who provided refreshments on the day.

Gardai and teachers joined primary school children as they taok part in the annual Garda Cumann na mBhunscoil Football Blitz at Na Gael GAA grounds, Tralee on Friday morning last.

Duagh National School team: May Johnston, Megan Sheehy, Yvonne White, Sadie O’Connor, Brodie Stack, Jack O’Keeffe, Eli Fitzgerald, Tom O’Connor (back) Jack Moloney, Leona O’Donoghue, May Kate Moloney, Iyanu Alusa, Mark Bambury, Jack O’Sullivan, Mark...

The Presentation Monastery NS team with Garda Mike Millner, Principal Colm O’Suilleabhain, teacher Andrew Garnett, Sgt Dave Kearney, Garda Eddie Walsh, Rebecca Kearney and Garda Karen Sheehan.

TheStJohn’sNS, KenmareteamwithGardaDaireO’Sullivan, GardaEddieWalsh(organiser) teacher RonanHussey, GardaPatrickFinnegan, SuptFlorMurphy, teacherJamesDevane, GardaPhyllis Crowley, Sgt. LeoRandlesandGardaCeciliaScanlon.

The Scoil Bhride Loreto NS team with Garda Liz Twomey, Supt. Flor Murphy, Garda Mike Millner, Garda Patrick Finnegan, Garda Eddie Walsh Organiser, teacher Edward Looney and Garda Deirdre Quinn.

The Anabla NS team with Supt. Flor Murphy, Garda Karen Sheehan, Garda James McCarthy, Garda Eddie Walsh (organiser) and teacher Fiona McSweeney.