The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Páidí Ó Sé weekend welcomes the world to Corca Dhuibhne
KERRY All-Star forward Paul Geaney was at hand at the Croke Park Hotel in Dublin this week to launch the Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé for 2017.
The Gaelic Football festival is considered one of the sport’s most enjoyable events, and various venues around the Dingle Peninsula will host matches between February 17 and 19. Since it was founded in 1989, it has brought 13,000 players to West Kerry, and 100s more are expected this February.
The exciting event is now a genuinely international affair. More than 30 teams from 14 different countries will roll into Corca Dhuibhne for the three-day festival, with participants arriving from all four provinces, mainland Europe, the UK, and even the United Arab Emirates.
But Kerry races through the festival’s veins. Five men’s teams from the Kingdom will tog out, with An Daingean and An Ghaeltacht set to take part in the Dermot Earley senior men’s cup.
Keel, Annascaul and Lios Póil will be vying for the intermediate title, while the men of Valentia will represent Kerry in the Junior category.
In the ladies competitions, home representatives Corca Dhuibhne will bid for a third Intermediate title in a row, while Dingle and Clounmacon line out in the Junior competition.
As ever, Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry will act as the festival’s headquarters, and as well as the nightly music and entertainment, Listowel’s Billy Keane will also make a special appearance. An excerpt from a John B Keane play will be staged on February 19, and Billy will be present in the famous pub to host the night’s proceedings.