KILLARNEY may be worried about attracting the tourists in the close season but the town is certainly experiencing no problems in luring living legends from the world of soccer.
Former Republic of Ireland and Glasgow Celtic netminder, Packie Bonner, was first to arrive to pass on valuable tips of the trade to enthusiastic soccer coaches at Mastergeeha's state-of-the-art new headquarters in Killarney.
It was part of an FAI coaching course that proved invaluable to local club officials but it was Paul McGrath that stole the show when he turned up in the town days later.
The former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland star one of the most popular and talented players to ever wear the green shirt of Ireland was based at Ryan s Hotel where he hosted a soccer clinic for wide-eyed kids, anxious to learn from the undisputed master of class defending.
And there was more than one chant of ooh-aah Paul McGrath when the star turned up in The Laurels bar that night where he willingly discussed soccer matters with star-struck locals and willingly posed for a succession of photographs with the minimum of fuss.
And maintaining his reputation as a nocturnal creature, McGrath later moved on to The Crypt nightclub where he mingled with locals and happily signed autographs on beer mats and till receipts.
McGrath also found the time to get in a couple of frames of snooker at The Cue Club on High Street during his two-day Killarney visit.
