The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tralee Parnells retain Dr. Mangan Memorial Hurling Tournament title
THE ninth annual Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial U-10 Hurling Tournament took place last Saturday, with the group stages run-off during the week and the finals in Muckross Traditional Farms last Saturday. This event was hosted and sponsored by the Trustees of Muckross House and organised in conjunction with the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg.
As per previous years, the group stages took place on Wednesday evening at Dr. Crokes GAA Club on Lewis Road with six teams competing totalling over 80 young hurlers from the South Kerry region. Following some great hurling in both groups on two pitches, the finalists were confirmed for Saturday: Plate: Kenmare/Kilgarvan vs. Rathmore, Shield: Firies vs. St. Pat’s, East Kerry with the main event for the Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial Cup between Dr. Crokes and, defending champions, Tralee Parnells.
On Saturday, the Plate Final was the first game contested. This was an entertaining game between Kenmare/Kilgarvan and Rathmore, both teams displaying great skills on a warm, sunny afternoon in Muckross. Kenmare/Kilgarvan proved too strong for Rathmore, pulling away in the second half and emerging as winners of the Plate which was presented to them by Bishop Ray Browne.
Due to prior commitments of teams, the fixtures saw a slight re-shuffle with the main event of the day, the Memorial Cup Final, played at the earlier time of 12:45pm.
Tralee Parnells came out strong with determination to retain the title and proved too much for an understrength Dr. Crokes contingent. Some of the goals in this game were spectacular and worthy of teams in grades above them. The Cup and medals were presented to Tralee Parnells by Dr. Patricia Mangan.
The last game on the schedule, the Shield Final, was thrown-in by Dr. Patricia Mangan at 1pm. This turned out to be the most riveting contest between Firies and St. Pat’s, East Kerry that had all present on the edge of their seats. Both teams put everything into this game which exhibited all the skills of hurling and some great team play. Some well taken points and a secure defence ensured St. Pat’s, East Kerry came out on top by a solitary point. Both teams were commended for their heroic performance in what turned out to be the main event of the day. Once again, Dr. Patricia Mangan presented the winning team with the Shield and medals.
Well done to all teams who participated in this year’s Dr. Bill Mangan Memorial Hurling Tournament for making it the success it was, in particular to Firies and St. Pat’s, East Kerry, who put on a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Many thanks to the Trustees of Muckross House and the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg.
Photographs of the competing teams are on the Muckross website and the South Kerry Hurling Coiste na nÓg Facebook page.