It’s said that sport and politics should never be mixed but when it comes to two of the most exceptional players Kerry has every produced, obvious exceptions can be made.
Roads and services, housing and health, ditches and bridges were all on the agenda at a meeting of Kerry County Council this Monday.
And so too were David Clifford and Louise Ni Mhuirteartaigh who just happen to be two of the greatest GAA players of all time.
The more mundane and routine business of the meeting was just about to conclude when Cllr Niall Kelleher interjected to congratulate Kerry’s shining stars on securing the prestigious players of the year awards at the weekend, making it a magnificent double for the Kingdom.
David was honoured at the All-Stars banquet in the RDS on Friday night when he won the top award the game has to offer for an unprecedented two years in a row.
And the following night in the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin, it was Louise’s turn in the spotlight when she was deservedly selected as the top player in the country by her peers.
Cllr Kelleher congratulated both players on their remarkable achievements and he also praised the other players in both the male and female codes who were included in this year’s All-Star teams.
David had no opportunity to enjoy the celebrations as he was on duty in the county intermediate final in Tralee on Sunday and although Fossa were pipped by a point by Milltown-Castlemaine, he stole the show by kicking a remarkable 12 points – six from play – to prove why he is considered the best in the land.
Louise, meanwhile, got quite a surprise when she reported for work on Monday as her teaching colleagues in the Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School in Tralee marked her great achievements with a special celebration.
Posting a snapshot of a cake presentation on X, the school said: “Our own superstar, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh – four All-Stars and, now, a player of the year. So well deserved. A Kerry legend we are proud to call a colleague”.
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