Boost for Kerry hurling as Tralee CBS to join Harty Cup ranks

Coach Mark Ryall feels the time is right to test themselves at a higher level. 

Coach Mark Ryall, who, along with Kerry senior hurler Daithi Griffin (Pictured), is in charge of hurling in the Green, feels the time is right to test themselves at a higher level. Pic: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

Kerry hurling has received a major boost with the news that Tralee CBS are to join the Harty Cup ranks for 2024/25.

Back in the 2009/2010 season -  in an effort to promote hurling in the county - a combined team of Kerry colleges became the first Kingdom team to take part in the Harty Cup, but the draw for the groups wasn’t kind to the newcomers.

They were paired with St Flannan's, West Waterford Colleges and DLS Waterford in Group B. Despite giving a good account of themselves; they did not win a game.

Coach Mark Ryall, who, along with Kerry senior hurler Daithi Griffin, is in charge of hurling in the Green, feels the time is right to test themselves at a higher level. 

“I think the lads have earned their place as we have won a C, D and an E. I suppose Covid prevented us from winning a B, as we were down a body or two and we lost the B Final last year by just two points and we are only missing one player from last year’s team. 

"They are all on the age so we think they will be good enough to hold their own. We applied last year but were not successful but delighted to have got the nod for the season ahead.” 

Ryall said that he is not afraid of the challenge that awaits.

“We have played a lot of the teams up along and beat most of them so we feel we are not far away and can give a good account of ourselves. 

"It’s great for the school to say that we are playing a football and A hurling but it will great Kerry hurling too down the road, if we are able to compete at that level. 

"Unless you test yourself at this level, you will not know where you are at.” 

Tralee CBS will boast players who have played in this year’s SHC, including Luke Rochford (Ballyduff), Darragh Corridon and Daire Nolan (Kilmoyley), as well as Liam Óg O’Connor (St Brendan's). 

Ryall and his charges are looking forward to the Harty Cup draw next month.

Meanwhile, Kevin Jordan from Thurles Sarsfields has been appointed to referee the Garvey's Supervalu Kerry SHC final on Sunday week between Ballyduff and Abbeydorney.