Wednesday 26 September 2007

All-Ireland Champions visit Dingle


Sam Maguire heads West!
Stormy conditions fail to dampen Dingle's high spirits as town welcomes All-Ireland Champions
Driving wind and rain did nothing to deter the football fanatics of West Kerry last Saturday night as they turned out in force to greet the arrival of Sam Maguire in Dingle amid storm like conditions. Sam made its first appearance at Páirc an Ásaigh at approximately 8.30 where young members of the Dingle GAA greeted local stars Dara and Marc Ó'Sé, Diarmuid Murphy, Tommy Griffin, Ronán Ó'Flathartha and Kerry team selector, Dingle's Seán Geaney. Rathmore's Aidan O'Mahony accompanied the West Kerry boys as they made their way to a stage on the Mall Bridge where they were joined by former All-Ireland winning captain and Sunday Game panelist, Dara Ó'Cinnéide. "We never expected such a response, thanks for all your support, its great to see Dingle decked out in green and gold" added Tommy Griffin. However the homecoming also held special significance for another West Kerry player who also togged off in Croke Park on All-Ireland Day alongside the seniors. Young Michael Flannery of Dingle GAA was one of the only two underage in Kerry players to be selected to take part in the INTO/Mini Sevens display game held between the Minor Match and the Senior Match on All-Ireland day, along with Laura Sheehan of Duagh. Michael, a pupil of Dingle CBS Primary School, was one of the stars of the school team that captured the Kerry Boys Allianz League Title in Austin Stacks Park on November 17th 2006, followed up by a Mini-Sevens title in early 2007. He also lined out for Kerry in the Go Games Primary Game v Cork in Killarney 2007. Recognising Michael's achievement in representing his county on All-Ireland day, the seniors brought Michael up to lift Sam Maguire in his home town.

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