Kerry GAA fans meet their heroes at Night of Champions
IT’S one of those special occasions where the stars of Kerry GAA get to mingle with their loyal band of followers. And so it was on Friday last as Kingdom Greyhound Stadium hosted Kerry GAA’s ‘Night of Champions’, which is now an eagerly anticipated event and an important fundraiser for Kerry teams as they head into the cauldron of another championship campaign.
Unfortunately, Kerry’s hurlers were unable to attend as they were busy taking care of some important business against Antrim. But the music, family fun and selfies carried on regardless.
Fashion is now part and parcel of the event and the Best Dressed Lady Competition went to Mary Kirby from Ardfert for her stylish contribution to the evening, receiving a prize sponsored by Jasmine Boutique. The Kerry Rose for 2018 also mingled with racegoers in what will be one of many engagements for Celine O’Shea as the Rose of Tralee Festival draws ever closer.
Kerry County Committee Chairman Tim Murphy said they are very pleased with the event which is one of the most successful fundraising events in the year. He praised the organising committee Chairman, Christy O’Connell, and its Secretary, John Joe Carroll, who were bolstered by a hardworking committee.
“They’re given the task to organise this every year and they’re an example of how a sub-committee within the GAA should work. They have their brief and they set up making it their business to complete it, which they do extremely efficiently,” Tim said.
Luckily the rain, which had threatened to spoil the party, stayed away which made for a better atmosphere as the likes of David Moran, Eamon Fitzmaurice and James O’Donoghue signed autographs and took selfies for their adoring fans - something Tim said is important to understanding what the Kerry team stands for.
“It’s very important as it’s an opportunity for children and families to see the starts. It’s an important statement from our perspective. It was very disappointing that our hurlers couldn’t be there as it clashed with their big game against Antrim. But all in all, it was another great event,” Tim added.