Expanding annual Sandra Keane U-13 Memorial Blitz is fitting tribute to Kerins O’Rahillys footballer

THE fourth annual Sandra Keane U-13 ladies football blitz will take place this Saturday at the John Mitchels Sports Complex, Tralee at 10am.

The tournament, which is run by the North Kerry ladies football board, has been a massive success since it was first initiated in 2013. Secretary of the board Frank McLoughlin explains why they organised the tournament in the first place.

“Basically we wanted to honour the memory of Sandra Keane,” he said. “Sandra was a great servant of Kerins O’Rahilly’s ladies football club, and not only did she play for the club, but she also managed teams and was a great supporter until her untimely death in 2007. The tournament gives plenty games to clubs in the north Kerry area and it’s great preparation for the upcoming county championships.”

Frank explained how the original competition was a low-key affair but that it has now grown over the last few years.

“We originally envisaged a small tournament to be held in a Tralee venue over a couple of hours, but the success of the tournament has meant that we have had to expand. There are now 16 clubs taking part, fourteen from Kerry, which adds up to 320 players playing for four different trophies. It really is a full day of football.

“Last year four Kerry clubs were victorious at the various levels, and the although it is a serious football competition, there is a massive fun element to it as well,” Frank said.

Frank is encouraging as many supporters as possible to come along to the John Mitchels club on Saturday and to give all the young players the support that they deserve.

“I’m sure lots of parents will come to support, and maybe enjoy a tea or a coffee as well,” he said. “It is a good family day out and a great event to honour Sandra who really gave her heart and soul to ladies football.”