Kerry Person of the Year 2018

On Thursday 18th January, 2018 at a star studied gala event in the Great Room of the Shelbourne Hotel, a truly “Great” claimed the accolade of Kerry Person of the Year 2018.  Colm (Gooch) Cooper, GAA pundit, legendary Kerry Footballer, winner of five all Ireland Medals, eight All Stars and every major honour in the game has been named as the Kerry Person of the Year for 2018 by the Kerry Association in Dublin.

The Kerry Person of the Year award, now in its thirty ninth year, recognises an individual who has shown leadership, brought honour to the county, and performed services to Kerry to such an extent that could be described as being beyond the norm of everyday life.

During her tribute to Colm Cooper, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Keelin Kissane said: “this award is presented in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to Kerry football and for the joy, honour and pride that he has given to us all by his exceptional ability, humility and good grace on and off the field”.

She noted that he is one of the most admired figures in the history of the GAA and has provided us with many moments of magic.

She went on to say that “we are delighted to honour Colm for all that he has done for the people of Kerry – we hope that this recognition by his own will go some small way to show how much we have admired and appreciated his achievements and all that he has given to the game and to the people of Kerry over many years”.

Evenings such as these bring Kerry people living in Dublin and indeed from other parts, together to enjoy such prestigious occasions.   Anyone who wishes to become a member of the Kerry Association in Dublin can do so by logging onto our website: https://www.kerryassociation.ie/kerry2019/application-form/

The Award will be formally presented to Colm at the Association’s annual Oiche Chiarraí which will be held at the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin on Friday, 2 March 2018.

Laochra Chiarraí Award 2018

The Laochra Chiarrai 2018 Award was announced on Thursday 18th January by Kerry Association Chairperson, Keelin Kissane.   The Special Olympics Clubs of Kerry, which comprise five clubs namely Kerry Stars, Tralee Together, Skellig Stars, North Kerry Eagles, and the Kerry Fairways Golf Society, received the award in recognition of their tireless and valuable work in promoting sports and sports events for people with an intellectual disability.

Although Special Olympics is first and foremost a sports organisation, it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport as it’s also about fun, friendships and team spirit; it’s about a feeling of belonging, and ultimately improving quality of life.  Special Olympics changes lives in so many different ways.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Special Olympics Clubs of Kerry by Michael Murphy of the Kerry Fairways Golf Society Special Olympics Club and Martina McCarthy of Kerry Stars, who spoke on behalf of the athletes.

The award will be formally presented to Special Olympics at the Association’s annual Oiche Chiarraí event which will be held at the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin on Friday, 2 March 2018.