East Kerry/Region Coiste na nÓg

Laying foundations for the future

THE lifespan of East Kerry Coiste na nÓg has been a fruitful one as its fifty-first season draws to a close. Formed in 1967 by Fr James Linnane (St Brendan’s College), Jackie Looney (Dr Crokes) and Bernie O’Callaghan RIP (Killarney Legion), their aim was to provide competitions for young players in the district. Many great administrators and players have come through the organisation since and have continued their work.

Under Chairman Sean O’Sullivan, current officers include Tadhgie Fleming (Dr Crokes), Seán O’Keeffe (Gneeveguilla), Christy O’Leary (Kilcummin), Louise Moriarty and Sheila McCarthy (Killarney Legion). East Kerry/Region organise ‘Go-Games’ at U11, U12 and U13, leagues and championships for U14s and U16s. Senior PRO, Mike O’Mahony, along with East Kerry PR and Communications Committee, help in promoting the games and activities. Others also help with match reports and photographs and it is very much a joint effort by everyone.

East Kerry comprises 13 clubs (Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Glenflesk, Kilcummin, Spa, Dr Crokes, Killarney Legion, Fossa, Listry, Firies, Currow, Scartaglin and Cordal). It extends at underage level for leagues to form East Region with the addition of Kilgarvan-Tuosist, Kenmare, Templenoe, Beaufort and Listry- Keel.

Over 200 football games are organised annually, and great credit is due to club secretaries, delegates and referees for ensuring that games go ahead on schedule and providing neutral venues for finals. It’s fantastic also to see younger generations taking up refereeing. The games provide exciting open football and everyone is encouraged to come out and support local youngsters.

Special thanks is due to Fitzgerald Stadium for welcoming youngsters to play their finals. This is a great opportunity to play at the same venue that they watch their Kerry heroes perform. MD O’Shea’s are great sponsors in this regard.

Eoghan Ruagh and East Kerry represent the district in county U14 and U16 championships, which provides a platform for players to showcase their talents. These teams have been at the business end competing for titles in recent years. Great credit is due to all players and mentors.

Lastly, everyone is proud of the recent East Region representation on the Kerry Minor teams. The main highlights being David Clifford and Paul O’Shea captaining Kerry and bringing the Tommy Markham Cup to Killarney/Fossa and Kilcummin. All is set for an exciting 2019.

East Kerry Coiste na nÓg (seated from left) Louise Moriarty, Officer, Sean O’Sulllivan, Chairman, Tadghie Fleming, Secretary, Fergal Moynihan, Killarney Legion Chairman, (second row from left) Margaret Kerins, Scartaglen, Sean O’Keeffe, Vice Chairman, Dinny Doolin, Spa, Sheila O’Mahony, Officer, Martin Crowley, Templenoe, Christy O’Leary, Ass Secretary, Nicola Dixon, Dr Crokes, Ger Murphy, Tousist. (third row from left) Kieran O’Brien, Fossa, Mike Flynn, Cordal, John O’Shea, Dr Crokes, Jim Kennedy, Beaufort. (back row from left) Sean Regan, Kenmare, Dara Lehane, Kilcummin, Fergus Clifford, Listry, SeanO’Connor, Currow. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin