One of Kerry’s most famous GAA clubs made a welcome return to action yesterday.

Forced to disband two years ago due to a lack of numbers, Valentia Young Islanders are back thanks to an influx of players from their underage teams. A notable addition to their ranks is former soccer player Shevket Dzaparow, who settled in the area after fleeing his native Crimea last year following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The club’s most famous son is the legendary Mick O’Connell, while Ger O’Driscoll and Ger Lynch also won All-Ireland SFC medals with Kerry during the Mick O’Dwyer era.

Valentia’s first adult game since 2021 was against Sneem/Derrynane in the South Kerry League in their home pitch of O’Connor Park yesterday, and while the result didn’t go their way, it was great to see them back.

well done to the lads and management, great to have the colours of Valentia back in action🧡❤️ #clubisfamily#valentiayoungislanders pic.twitter.com/6IYranhGHn

— Valentia GAA (@ValentiaGAA) February 19, 2023

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