Focus turns to the McDonagh Cup after league campaign

THE Kerry senior hurlers ended their interest in the Allianz Hurling League on Sunday last when they went down to Westmeath by 1-20 to 0-17, Carlow and Westmeath will now contest the Division 2A final.

Well done to all who were involved in the Kerry league campaign and they will now look forward to the new Joe McDonagh Cup, a Tier 2 hurling competition. 6 teams will compete – Meath, Carlow, Kerry, Westmeath, Antrim and Laois.

Kerry fixtures are: Saturday, 5 May v Carlow (away); Saturday, 12 May v Laois (home); Sunday, 20 May v Westmeath (home); Sunday, 3 June v Meath (away) and Sunday, 10 June Antrim (away). The final is fixed for the weekend of June 30.

County Leagues

THE 2018 Credit Union Co. senior hurling league Division 1 will commence on this weekend. On Friday evening Abbeydorney are at home to Ballyduff under lights at 8pm. On Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day, Crotta O’Neill’s v Ballyheigue; at 12 noon. Other first round pairings are: Lixnaw v Kilmoyley and St. Brendan’s v Causeway (first named at home, details on club Facebook pages).

Clubs

TRALEE Parnell’s hurling Academy for children born from 2005 – 2013 continues on Tuesday next, 20 March from 6pm at Tralee Sports Complex.

As usual, equipment is available to borrow and all boys and girls are welcome. Further details on the Tralee Parnell’s website. The club will also hold an Easter Hurling Camp from Monday, March 26 to Wednesday, March 28. To book a place, text 085-1355566.

Shane Nolan and Colum Harty will run a Hurling Development Camp at Crotta GAA field in Dromakee from April 3-6. Details on the North Kerry Hurling Facebook page.

Finally congratulations to Ardfert National School on winning a national award last night in Kilkenny for their promotion of Gaelic games and culture.

Brian Cody was the guest speaker and of course the school won the co hurling Cumann na mBunscol title last year.