Valentia Community Games claims big win
VALENTIA Community Games Club have, for the first time, been awarded a Kerry Community Games County Award for Cultural Events in recognition of the club’s high participation across an impressive variety of Kerry Community Games events.
THE club is also to receive a National Community Games Award on December 2 in County Cavan for the Best Small Community Games Club in Kerry for 2018.
The committee of Chairman Gearóid King, Secretary Karen O’Connell, Treasurer Krista Clem O’Sullivan and PRO Sorcha Ní Mhurchú set out to increase child participation levels across a wide variety of Community Games events this year. As many children as possible who reside on the Island were encouraged to take an active part and get involved in one or more of the Community Games events.
In response to these efforts, more than 40 children took part in various events earlier this year, including art, handwriting, a variety of team sports, athletics, music, singing and recitation.
The awards ceremony took place on Friday, October 19, in the River Island Hotel, Castleisland. Gearóid King, who had no sooner arrived home to Valentia on Friday evening from a day’s work in Tralee, had to quickly turn around and hop into the awaiting car of his wife, Eimear. Entertainment for the road trip was provided by our Community Games under-16 and under-12 singing coach Mary Gallagher.
Also in attendance was club PRO Sorcha Ní Mhurchú – so the four happily headed off for Castleisland to accept the Cultural Award on behalf of the club. On Sunday, October 21, a club celebraton was held afterwards at The Royal Hotel, Valentia.Many county medals and certificates, as well as a few national medals, were on display. An evening of song, music and recitation by the kids was enjoyed by all.