The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killarney sings the blues after historic season
THE blue half of Killarney celebrated in style last Saturday evening as over 250 members of the Killarney Athletic Club gathered at the Racecourse to mark what has truly been an historic moment in the club’s 52 year existence.
Winning the Premier League for the first time was reason enough to hold a party, but to win the Greyhound Bar Cup only ensured that a double celebration became a necessity. Club Chairman Michael O’Shea said the year’s achievements on the field needed to be recognised, especially given the club had only just avoided relegation last season.
“This just had to be recognised. The club is 52 years old and it was our first time winning the league and this culminated with only our second ever win in the Cup. It was a bonus winning the league, but to also win the cup was special,” said Michael.
For team manager, Stuart Templeman and his assistant Alan Brady, the night was a fitting culmination to a season’s end as their chapter in the history of the club’s annals is now assured. The evening also hosted the annual awards ceremony which recognised the contribution of the players and personnel who keep the club in rude health throughout the year.
It was also significant that Ger Daly should have picked up the ‘Club Person of the Year Award’ for it was Ger’s management that helped steer the club away from relegation last season; an achievement that helped lay the foundations for success this season.
“When I took over as Chairman three years ago, I envisaged a 5-year plan for our club; so to achieve what we did this year is just phenomenal. This season’s success is over 4 years in the making and the players buying into the whole concept was also crucial,” added Michael.
“My focus has always been on the underage structure of this club, which thankfully we’re very strong in at the moment. We’re improving all the time and you need to have a solid underage structure to be successful at senior.”