KDL to install

all-weather pitch

The soccer clubs in Kerry may have been very disappointed with the lack of grants in last week’s government allocation.

But it was a particularly bitter pill to swallow for Kerry District League secretary John O’Regan. The KDL application for grant aid to help pay for the installation of a FIFA standard all-weather was turned down again, the third time it has been rejected.

But the League’s senior management team are determined to drive forward and roll out the new carpet this autumn.

Despite a shortfall of €51,000 at present, Mr O’Regan looked forward to a new pitch and a new season.

“At the end of September, there will definitely be bulldozers in Mounthawk Park but in the meantime I will ask that anybody who can help us financially to contact me on 086 2656605.”

The management are asking clubs to support their fund-raising initiatives.

“If the clubs gave their undivided support to the Johnny Giles Walk of Dreams, KDL would be able to apply for a grant from that fund.”

He ruled out any FAI support in the current climate.

“When the FAI had money, John Delaney was very good to Kerry and I’m sure that, in time to come, when they get some money, we will get a helping hand. But the bottom line is that we will have to do it ourselves.

“An all-weather pitch is essential as we have 23 clubs using our facilities.”

The new pitch will take 8 weeks to install so clubs will be able to avail of the facility in late November.

Killarney Golf Club’s Catriona Griffin has added to her growing reputation with a wonderful week of golfing success.

The 17-year-old secured the prestigious Connacht Girls title in Loughrea on Tuesday with a wonderful 3 round total of 226 in what were tough and testing conditions over the three day event and then went on to qualify in the top 6 in the Munster Seniors in Castletroy before going on to claim the U18 Munster Girls Senior Open De Courcey Trophy with a 4 round total of 230.

The Mid-Kerry girl has been in a rich vein of form this summer and now that she is free from exam pressure she has been able to concentrate fully on her golf.

She qualified second in the Ulster Girls and was also a top 5 Qualifier in the Leinster Girls tournament before going to finish 5th last weekend in the Carlow Senior Scratch Cup.

The Castlemaine girl’s handicap is now at a new low of 3.8 and if she maintains this level of performance Griffin looks like a near certainty to make the Irish Girls team that will compete in the Home Internationals.

Griffin fired an opening round of just one over par to take a big lead in Athenry and her overall winning margin was a clear 5 shots from Clodagh Warden in second place.

To complete a wonderful week for Killarney Golf Club, 13-year-old Valerie Clancy finished in third place in the Connacht Girls, finishing 6 shots behind Griffin. Killarney’s other teenage sensation, Mairead Martin, competed for Ireland in the European Girls’ Team Championships in Skalica, Slovakia.