3 days ago
Kerry footballers David Clifford and Gavin White launch schools blitz
Great rivalry is expected on the field as the school teams battle it out for Tadgh Ó Súilleabháin cup. His son Sean was in attendance at at the launch of the event last week as was the Kerry county board chairman Patrick O'Sullivan. The annual Garda blitz will take place at Fitzgerald Stadium on Monday, June 9.
The cup is to honour Tadhg's commitment to the promotion of Gaelic football in primary schools. In 1954, Tadhg founded the first national schools' competition in East Kerry and the Killarney Garda National Schools Blitz carries on that tradition.
The event was officially launched by Kerry captain Gavin White and player David Clifford and local gardaí who help organise the event also attended the launch as did representatives from the schools who are playing in the very popular blitz.
The 23 schools signed up including Loreto NS Killarney, Gneeveguilla NS, Holy Family School Rathmore, St Oliver's Ballycasheen, The Monastery NS, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Lissivigeen and Tiernaboul NS, Killarney and Loughguittane NS.
Also playing are Nagle Rice Milltown, Scoil Mhuire Killorglin, Glenbeigh NS, Cullina NS Beaufort, Fossa NS, Scoil Iognáid Ris Dingle,Faha NS and Knockaderry NS.
Teams from St John's NS, Kenmare as well as Coolick, Kilcummin and Anabla National schools, Barraduff NS and from across the border in Boherbue in Cork are also playing.
As well as the stiff competition for the cup there is also a two memorial trophies for the best male and female player in the tournament. The best male player will be presented with the Ó Cinnéide cup and the female player with the Paudie Twohig memorial cup.
Organiser Garda Eddie Walsh said the event which marks its 20th year is a major event every year and is down to the huge support of sponsors, local gardaí, Fitzgerald stadium and volunteers including TY students from St Brendan's college and of course the participation of the schools.
