Kerry stars set to shine at major awards event

THE Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney is again the venue for the sixth annual gala banquet Kerry Sport Star Awards. The occasion brings together the crème de crème of Kerry sport as they reflect on their achievements. It’s also an occasion that acknowledges the rising stars from football to cycling and soccer to rowing.

It takes place on Friday, February 8 at 7pm when a high-class field of participants encapsulating the local, international, senior, special category, unsung heroes and the very popular juvenile category will take to the stage. Such has been the overwhelming interest in the event that the categories this year have had to be reduced in order to cater for rising attendances and to ensure a more streamlined event. But the good news is that the Kerry Sport Star Awards will also have some new categories in 2019.

Ken O’Day is the Event Organiser and he is excited ahead of the event. He is proud of the fact the awards reflect the achievements of Kerry athletes at a local level right through to European and world level. The awards are designed to recognise sports that would not normally get an opportunity to bask in the limelight of public attention, even though these athletes work and contribute every bit as hard in their chosen sport.

One of the hallmarks of the night is the fact the awards are handed out to people from the Kingdom who have achieved honours at all levels and grades. Ken is proud of this as it reflects the achievements of the athletes.

“It’s an event that has exceeded all expectations. The judging for this year has been finalised and we’re delighted to say there are a few new categories added this year such as cricket. The Special Olympics Awards were very popular last year and they’re back again this year,” said Ken.

The Valentia Lifeboat is once again the recipient of this year’s awards, which is kudos to the sterling work they do all year round. This essential voluntary service receives no government funding while operating a 365 day service helping to protect people along our coast. All raffle proceeds on the night will be donated to Valentia Lifeboat.

Going forward, Ken said that a new format will be introduced for 2019. The new system will encourage every club in Kerry, across all disciplines, to get involved by nominating their best male and female athlete. Ken added that there is no one better placed to nominate an individual than the club itself.

And while the event has gone from strength to strength, next year Ken would like each organisation to sponsor their own nomination. Ken is very happy with the sponsors over the past six years, but he is now looking for more sponsors to come on board. The clubs would sponsor their nominations and the judging panel will oversee the nominations forwarded.

“These awards are all thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, including our judging panel as it is they who draw on their many years of experience and knowledge in sourcing the awardees in their respective categories.

I would also like to thank our sponsors without whom this event could not take place. The Gleneagle Hotel has also been a great supporter of the event and we thank them. We look forward to seeing everyone on the night,” said Ken.

Tickets are now on sale at the INEC Box Office. Numbers have been reduced this year so the advice is to book them fast. Tickets are €50 and u-12s €25.

For more information contact Ken on 087 204 8677.