Annual Awards Night
The 3rd Annual awards night was held in the Torc Hotel last weekend. A sell out event and a great night of entertainment was had by all. The hardworking committee Andrew Garnett, Anne Holland, Adrian O'Sullivan, Sean Kelliher, Mathilda McCarthy and Ivor Flynn did a terrific job once again. Michael Gleeson our MC on the night was brilliant with his heart felt stories of individuals being honoured and gave special mention to members that have passed away. Gerard Mangan, Chairman, welcomed the John Doyle, Pat Corcoran and Aidan Cronin families. Past deceased players that the club has remembered. He thanked our sponsors: Brendan Downes of Torc Hotel. Aidan Moynihan, Clubvitae of Hotel Killarney and Dr. Michael O'Doherty and Dr Michael Moloney of Killarney Medical Centre. The Junior team received their medals as East Kerry Junior League and O'Sullivan Cup winners. The cultural side of the club was also acknowledged with All Ireland Scor winners. Senior Figure dancers and Scor na nÓg Quiz team. And were wished every success in their All Ireland bid in Belfast this weekend in the Quiz and Set Dancing.
The following were the worthy recipients on the night.
Lifetime Achievement went to Cait O'Sullivan Darcy. She was very humble on receipt of this prestigious award and always shies away from the limelight. Tonight Cait was centre stage for all her hard work with the club for many decades.
Cultural/Social Person of the Year: Seamus Clifford. A quiet individual who always goes about his work with style and integrity.
Guest of Honour: Dara Moynihan. Dara was introduced to the packed hall with bagpipes carrying the Tommy Markem Cup. Our young prodigy has a bright future ahead of him.
Senior Player of the Year: John Doyle Cup: Dan O'Donoghue had a great year and a brilliant end to the year. A great honour to be voted by his own team mates.
Senior Lady Player of the Year: Micaela O'Connor is a strong team Player. Fought off very strong opposition to earn this award. A great ambassador for ladies football.
Junior Player of the Year: Pat Corcoran award: Jamie Spillane displayed great skill with his superb free taking and accurate scoring ability.
Minor Player: Aidan Cronin Award: Eoghan Cronin is a great defensive player with huge potential.
All Ireland Scor na nÓg:
Scór na nÓg: Best of luck to our Tráth na gCeist and Rince Seit teams in the upcoming All Ireland Final in the Waterfront Theatre Belfast on Saturday 11th February.
Tráth na gCeist team: James Lynch, Daniel O'Sullivan, Kianan O'Doherty and Louise Fleming. Coaches: Seamus Clifford and Elieen Aherne.
Rince Seit: Aine Brosnan, Erin Holland, Meghann Cronin, Orlaith Spillane, Kianan O'Doherty, Liam Spillane, Gary O'Sullivan and Cian O'Sullivan. Coaches: Triona Mangan and Mairead Mangan.
Scór na bPaistí: East Kerry Final will be held in RaceCourse on Friday evening 3rd March, commencing at 4.00pm.
Registration:
Registrars will be at the clubhouse this Friday 10th February 7.30pm-9pm collecting membership for underage/minors/senior players/competitors and general membership.
Upcoming Fixture:
The senior men start their 2017 campaign in the East Kerry Super League. The will compete in the Division 1B Group against teams Listry, Glenflesk, Gneeveguilla and Fossa.
Round 1: Sunday February 12th at 2pm, Gneeveguilla V Spa away.
Schools Link
Sem 2-17 St Flannan's 1-11
The Sem are back in the Corn Uí Mhuirí Munster Final on February 25th. They will have to wait to find out their opposition. Tralee CBS v Colaiste Chriost Ri in the other semi-final finished level after extra time on 1-18 apiece. Best of luck to captain Dara Moynihan and Niall McCarthy.
Ladies Football
Congratulations to Linda Bruggener as she lined out with the Kerry Senior Ladies in the National League. We wish Cassandra Buckley every good wish as she retires her county jersey but will continue to wear the blue and gold. Best of luck to Mags Cronin as she trades her football boots for dancing shoes at the Strictly Dancing in the INEC.
Lotto
Was held in McSweeney's. Jackpot €3,200. Numbers: 1, 2, 11, 24.
No winner: Lucky Dips , Sinead C c/o Donal Cronin
Dermot Lucey, Lucey's Bar Bantry, Mary Mangan, Coolcorcoran, Mary Horgan, Ballyspillane.
Next weeks draw in Jimmy Brien's bar for a jackpot of €3,400.
Engagement
Congratulations to senior players Eoin Cronin and Alma O'Mahony who got engaged in New York over the weekend.
Community Alert News
Donagh O'Mahoney IT Expert from Ivy Tech Solutions, will hold a talk on Thursday 16th February 8pm in the Torc Hotel on Cyber Awareness, Cyber Crime, Internet Personal Security and tips and tricks for purchasing on line especially with a Credit Card. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend.
45 Years of the 31 Card Championship Of Kerry
Welcome news for the 31 fraternity of Spa and East Kerry is that this season's championship is now in full swings with sessions being played at various venues around the district. This annual event was initiated way back in 1972 as part of the Spa GAA Social Initiative. This has also proved to be a valuable fundraiser for the club. In those early years weekly sessions were played both in the Ryan Hotel and later The Castle Heights, which combined both a card game and set dancing session which attracted card players and dancers from all over the county. Indeed it is on record that romances often blossomed during those heady nights including one Spa long serving member who was introduced to his life partner on one such occasion and who celebrates a special birthday this week. Cards are still available from committee members Dave Herlihy, Paddy B Lynch, Paddy O'Keeffe and Johnny Cronin.