Firies and Killarney part of Children’s Games team

IN 2005 Kerry was represented at the International Children’s Games a team of 20 athletes from Tralee. Now, 15 years later, the Tralee team also includes members from Killarney and Firies and is heading to Hungary for the 2020 event, to be held in Kecskemet from June 30 to July 5.

This will be Tralee’s 14th time competing at the games – essentially a mini Olympics for teens – and, as has been the case since 2009, they will be the only Irish side among the 107 teams.

The 18-strong team selected for Hungary will feature 10 athletes in track and field; three in judo and five in swimming.

Swim coach Ger McDonnell has previously travelled with the ICG to the games in Thailand, Bahrain and Scotland and is looking forward to the experience in Kecskemet.

“The competition is extremely tough but this will help our athletes to bring the very best out of themselves. This swimming squad are extremely hard working and driven athletesarguably the best group that we have ever sent to the Games.”

This will mark the fifth time that Kerry School of Judo will have players representing the club at the Games, much to the delight of head coach Danny Roche.

“Our athletes have fought and performed well at National Level and are thrilled to have the opportunity to compete in Hungary It will be a wonderful experience for everyone,” he said.

The Track team is comprised of six female and four male athletes, who are coached by 2006 and 2007 Tralee ICG athlete Dearbhail Foley. Tralee ICG chairman Mike Culloty said the Games are a tremendous experience for young athletes.

“There is so much to be gained from a social, cultural, educational and sporting perspective for our athletes through participation at the

Games, the world’s largest annual Youth-Sport event in the world, that the effort made to ensure participation each year is continually rewarding and satisfying for all of us involved,” he said.

“The participation of athletes from Kerry is simply not possible without the support of families, local communities and local businesses. As a voluntary organisation within the local community, we are acutely aware that without that level of support the athletes would never have this opportunity or experience this level of competition at such an early stage of their sporting lives. We are most grateful and appreciative of this support.”

Photo by Joe Hanley. John Byrnes, Ger McDonnell, Derabhail Foley, Paula Henry and Mike Culloty.