CLG Lios Póil caps year with a party fit for champions

SOME 150 people made off the Skellig Hotel in Dingle ahead of the year’s end to celebrate CLG Lios Póil successes recent and not so recent – and the west Kerry outfit’s “Oíche Céiliúradh 2017” served as a warm reminder that the club has witnessed, of late, one of the brightest spells in its history.

Having suffered considerable agony in losing three Kerry Novice Championship finals earlier this decade, Lios Póil finally tasted county glory in defeating Tuosist in the 2016 decider, a victory that set the club on its path to the Munster Championship early this year.

But while those titles are undoubtedly the highlights of the side’s recent history, defeating Munster Intermediate champions An Ghaeltacht in the West Kerry League final was also an achievement to draw pride from – as well as being the perfect manner by which to mark the 50th anniversary of the club’s win in the same competition back in 1967.

“We had medal presentations to our senior team for their wins in the County Championship, Munster Championship, and West Kerry League, and we also celebrated the 1967 team that won the West Kerry League,” club legend Cathy Griffin told The Kerryman.

“We had a presentation to the surviving members of that team, and to representative of those players who have passed away.

“County Board Vice- Chairperson Diarmuid Ó Sé and West Kerry Board Chairperson Muiris Ó Fiannachta there with us on the night, and we also made presentation to our outgoing senior management: Seán Ó Deargáin, Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh, Tony Bergin, Damien Ó Súilleabháin and Colm Ó Gealbháin.”

On a night that featured a meal and entertainment worthy of county champions, the honour of being named Lios Póil “player of the year” fell to Rónán Ó Grifín, a prize sweetened by the fact that this year was particularly rich in candidates vying for the club’s greatest accolade.

But while this night of reflection will serve as a source for memories for a long while yet, the club already has its eyes fixed on 2018 and what needs to be done in the 12 months ahead.

“Our AGM is on Sunday,” Cathy said. “It’ll be at 2pm in Halla John L Ó Súilleabháin, so be sure to call in!”

Shane Moriarty and Emma Doherty with the 2016 County Novice Cup at the Lios Póil GAA Club celebration in the Skellig Hotel on Thursday night.

HEAD TO HEAD: Cathaoirleach Bord Chiarraí Thiar Muiris Ó Fiannachta deep in conversation with Danny Fitzgerald, one of the alltime great full-backs with Lios Póil and West Kerry.

Lios Póil player of the year Ronán Ó Grifín with team selectors Seán Ó Deargáin and Tony Bergin and Bainisteóir Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh.

Sineád and Noranne O’Sullivan, and Nóisín McKenna

Grace Dorgan, Samantha Axworthy and Alana O’Connor.

Órla and Bridie May Ní Chathasaigh

The 2017 Lios poil team and management at their celebration night in the Skellig Hotel on Thursday. Photos by Declan Malone