Still positive despite defeat

County Board PRO John O’Leary with all the GAA news

AFTER their fine win away to Donegal in the opening round, Kerry footballers were brought back down to earth by Mayo under lights in Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening last.

It must have been a frustrating outing for both players and management alike not to mention for the Kerry support in the large attendance of 9,000 people. After all, Kerry had dominated the opening half, and even Mayo manager Stephen Rochford agreed that Kerry could and should have got at least three goals, if not more, in that period.

A four point lead at the interval did not flatter Kerry in the slightest and when Mayo resumed, they wasted no time in changing the complexion of the game. Kerry held firm for a long time but eventually the pressure told and Mayo got in for the two match winning scores.

This was a tough lesson for the younger players in the panel who are learning their trade at this level, but they can only gain from the experience and no doubt days like this will stand them in good stead later in their careers.

The result apart, Saturday night’s meeting of Kerry and Mayo was a great occasion at the famed Tralee venue. The big crowd made for a tremendous atmosphere in the floodlit arena and the big Mayo travelling support only added to the occasion.

Certainly Austin Stack Park has come a long way in two years and credit to the Tralee Chamber Alliance for giving the venue its financial backing for the major refurbishments that have taken place there.

A lot has been done and there is plenty more to do; entrances at both ends of the ground have to upgraded; the terracing at the Horan’s End has to be concreted; new dressing room facilities for players and officials alike have to be built and the press facilities have to be upgraded.

Still, the will is there to get it done and hopefully, in the not too distant future, this will be a venue to compare with any of its size.

Kerry’s remaining League games are home to Monaghan in Fitzgerald Stadium on February 26; away to Roscommon on the following Sunday, March 5 and then, after a two-week break, three games on the trot starting with a home game against Dublin in Austin Stack Park under lights on March 18; away to Cavan in Breffni Park on March 26 and home to Tyrone in Fitzgerald Stadium on April 2. The final is fixed for April 9.

For the Dublin game in particular, patrons should remember that there is likely to be a capacity of 12,000 put on the sell-out attendance for this game in Austin Stack Park. Everyone, including children, will need a ticket to gain admission under health and safety regulations.

The good news is that tickets are available to purchase in advance at the discounted price of €12 and that figure included OAPs and students. Childrern’s tickets cost €5 and tickets are available at all the usual outlets including participating Supervalu and Centra Stores throughout the Country, including all Garveys Supervalu Stores, at GAA.ie and at the Kerry GAA Store in the Outlet Centre Killarney and the Pavilion in Austin Stack Park Tralee. The 20% commission applies to midnight on the night before the game only.

For the Monaghan game, children Under 16 are free and tickets may be purchased on-line or at participating stores right up to match time.

Munster Under 21 Championship

KERRY Under-21 footballers are busily preparing for the upcoming Munster championship which gets under way with a home game against Clare on Wednesday March 8 in Austin Stack Park.

The winners of that game are in semi final action the following Wednesday when they travel to Fraher field in Dungarvan to take on Waterford. The final is fixed for March 29.

Minor Leagues

THE Keanes Supervalu Killorglin Minor Football Leagues get underway this coming weekend with thirteen games down for decision in seven divisions on Saturday at 4pm.

Corn Uí Mhuirí

WELL St Brendans College Killarney are still awaiting the identity of their opponents in the Corn Uí Mhuirí final following a second draw after extra time between Tralee CBS and Colaiste Chríost Rí at Ballyvourney on Saturday last a game that finished 1-14 for the Cork side to 2-11 for the Kerry representatives.

The second replay goes ahead on Saturday next with time and venue to be confirmed.

Referees

WITH the new playing season fast approaching the referees in the county are getting ready for the forthcoming action. There second of two referees in-service courses will take place on Monday next, February 21 in Austin Stack Park Pavilion at 7.30pm.

The in service applies to both football and hurling referees who have already been trained. An information night for new referees will be held separately later in February.