It’s safe to say that you could count, on one hand, the number of houses in the Castleisland area which didn’t have a representative at the welcome home receptions for the defeated Kerry ladies teams in 2022 and 2023.
At the 2022 post All-Ireland Senior Ladies Championship final reception it poured rain on the waiting crowd on Upper Main Street.
The rain masked the tears that came with the release of emotion when the team of great women arrived, heads bowed on their way to the platform. But we gave it Killarney anyway.
Castleisland Denied 2024 Celebrations
This time last year the tears were clearly visible on a palpable autumn evening on the old railway yard as the bus carrying our heroines arrived and the ladies took on the long march from the Back-of-the-Forge to the front of the library to meet their adoring and appreciative public – and we gave it Killarney again.
This year, in victory, that adoring public in Castleisland is being denied the opportunity to celebrate with the ladies their greatest hour in over three decades and that in spite of having five members on the team and waves of talent just waiting for their time to shine.
This year, the powers that be have given it Killarney in earnest and an ‘Official Homecoming Reception’ in the Glebe Car-park in that town where the team is expected this evening at 7:30pm. Fans can buy a ‘Supporters’ Jersey’ and, for €5, an autograph book.
It’s Pure Killarney
There is a lot of disappointment in Castleisland at this turn of events this year. While the women and men involved deserve every ounce of adulation and praise due after what they’ve been through together over recent years.
There are people wondering if they and their little girls will be allowed to get a glimpse of the team bus on the bypass or if it will pass through the town ?
The planners have probably made a very astute, crowd funneling, financial move – but it’s pure Killarney.
The hope is that the team and management will be afforded the opportunity to come to Castleisland some evening or night over the coming weeks.
I’m sure Castleisland won’t be the only town or village feeling let down – how must our county capitol of Tralee be feeling ?
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
