Tralee to retain teams

University status shouldn’t effect Sigerson side

IT Tralee (ITT), which is to join forces with Cork IT (CIT) and become the new Munster Technical University (MTU) in January of next year, is expected to keep its independent identity for the purposes of Gaelic Games under the restructuring, The

Kerryman has learned.

A firm decision has yet to be taken, but a source at the Tralee college indicated that it was likely that Tralee and Cork would retain their own teams for the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups. The move wouldn’t be altogether that unusual as, for example, Mary

I – which is part of the University of Limerick – competes independently of its parent college.

A decision for MTU Tralee and MTU Cork to compete independently of one and other would reflect the logistical difficulties of competing as one entity. It simply wouldn’t be feasible to train collectively across two campuses which are over 100km apart.

If confirmed, it would be positive news for Kerry football and hurling – where Tralee competes at Ryan Cup level, one below the Fitzgibbon Cup – as it will give more young Kerry players the opportunity to compete at inter-varsity level.

Both of the campuses – the current and soon to be former CIT and ITT – are understood to be in favour of retaining their separate GAA teams, but it is considered possible, if not probable, that certain other sports – athletics, for example – may see athletes competed under a united MTU banner in inter-varsity competition.

For the purposes of team sports, however, with the necessity for collective training that’s less likely to happen.

Given Tralee’s proud tradition in the Sigerson Cup – the college won a hattrick of titles in the late 1990s as Tralee RTC with Jim McGuiness captaining the side in 1999 – it would be a real fillip for the town and for the GAA in the county if its continued existence as an independent entity is confirmed later this year.

Graham O’Sullivan of Dromid Pearses in possession of the ball in a senior football club challenge match against Listry at Listry GAA pitch. GAA training and challenge matches continue to take place ahead of the official GAA restart of competitive matches from Friday 17 July in an effort to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Photo by Sportsfile