Ballydonoghue reign again in North Kerry
Plans to tap into corporate brains trust for help
KERRY GAA plan to formalise a committee charged with doing everything in its power to incentivise young talent to remain at home in Ireland and not have their heads turned by the lure of potential contracts from the Australian Football League (AFL).
Addressing delegates at Monday’s annual Convention in Killarney, county committee chairman Tim Murphy said the GAA can never compete with professional sport on a financial basis, but it can do plenty to persuade young players who are being approached by AFL clubs that there is a viable and attractive alternative.
To that end, the ad hoc committee set up last year in Kerry to deal with actual and potential approaches to young footballers looks set to be formalised to continue its work.
“There has been much talk over the past number of years about the AFL and their scouts poaching our players. I have been consistent in my view that as an organisation the GAA can never compete with professional sport – it is simply not possible,” Mr Murphy told delegates. “What we can do is endeavour to create as attractive an environment as possible here at home and convey to our players the benefits of remaining in Ireland, while also assisting them with educational opportunities, career advice and enhanced employment prospects.
“I am happy to advise that the ad hoc committee set up this year has worked well and it came as a great boost in October when David Clifford confirmed that he was committed to Kerry for at least 2018. I hope to formalise this committee next year and ensure that any other players considering a move are given the benefit of choosing an attractive alternative to remain at home.”
In a broad-reaching and thoughtful first chairman’s address to Convention, Tim Murphy outlined his objectives for Kerry GAA in 2018, which include the completion and publication of a threeyear Strategic Plan by June; the further development of the Finance Committee and the maximising of funding opportunities; and the setting up of a voluntary commercial body by year end comprising of successful Kerry people from the corporate and business world who will assist the Executive with financial strategy and commercial fundraising.
DESPITE the inclement weather, the allure of Christmas shopping or, indeed, the North Kerry football final played in nearby Listowel, the Moyvane Community Centre was the focal point for the many badminton enthusiasts from all corners of Kerry last Sunday where the Newtownsandes sponsored 32nd annual tournaments were hosted by the local club.
Divisions 2 to 5 were catered for on Sunday last and the many supporters present were treated to a feast of top class fare with the division 3 men’s section in particular providing many rip-roaring encounters, indeed just two points separated the top three pairs.
OVERALL RESULTS
Division 5 Michael Corridan Garage Trophy Mixed Doubles
Fiona Buckley (Moyvane) and Padraig Hanrahan (Moyvane) defeated Molly Nolan (Moyvane) and Andrew Nielzieloki (Listowel) 22-20, 21-15
Division 5 Plate
Marella Murphy (Listowel) and Niall O’Hanlon (Causeway) defeated Eileen Roche (Moyvane) and Frankie Flaherty (Ballyheigue) 30-28
Division 4 Eileen and Tom Roche Trophy Mixed Doubles
Rita McCarthy (Listowel) and Padraig Kearney (Moyvane) defeated Marie Kennelly (Moyvane) and Brendan O’Carroll (Ballyheigue) 21-15, 21-17
Division 4 Plate Men
Ivan O’Brien and Noel O’Carroll (Ballyheigue) defeated Paul Hayes (Listowel) and Maurice Lawlor (Ballyheigue) 30-15
Division 3 Brosnan’s Bar Trophy Mixed Doubles
Carmel Hudson (Moyvane) and Kieran Crehan (Killarney) defeated Jeab Workman (Killarney) and William Flaherty (Moyvane) 21-17, 21-18
Division 2 Mail Road Cross Garden Centre Trophy
Helen Browne (Moyvane) and Maurisz Tusinski (Killarney) defeated Ruth Concannon (Castleisland) and Donncha Moloney (Moyvane) 21-19, 21-19