Five days of passion at 38th Castleisland hoops hoopla

IN TODAY’S uncertain world, there’s the comfort of three Christmas reliables — groaning credit cards, frustrated shoppers and the enjoyable mayhem of the annual basketball blitz in Castleisland.

Amazingly the Kerry town is preparing for its 38th holiday hoops hoopla. But even the St Mary’s club organisers concede the continuing popularity has as much to do with community endeavour as it does free-throws.

It began in 1970 with one germ of an idea, two baskets and three divisions in the local cinema-cum-dance hall.