BIG FUNDRAISER: Firies GAA are holding their biggest fundraiser in 10 years. Pictured were: Brendan Spring (Secretary), James O'Sullivan (Chairman), Jerome Crowley, Liam Fell, Ger Foley and Kevin Cronin.

By Michelle Crean

Firies GAA are embarking on their biggest fundraising drive in 10 years – to help develop new sports facilities.

The club are appealing to the residents of Firies, Ballyhar and Farranfore as they begin a six-month fundraising ‘Club 600 Draw’ which will have a prize fund of €19,000.

The club has already purchased lands but now needs to fund the development of a second training facility in Ballinvarrig, close to Firies Village.

The move comes as there’s huge pressure to meet the increasing demand with growing numbers that require access to training facilities and the playing pitch in Pairc Eamon in Farranfore.

“The club currently caters for boys and girl’s teams from U6 upwards in football and also our ever-expanding hurling teams,” PRO, James Daly, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Community Games and the Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club also use our facilities in Farranfore and St. Anne's Basketball Club use the Sports Hall in Farranfore during the basketball season.”

He explained that the development of these facilities will allow greater access to training time for all club teams.

“It is also envisaged to install a walking track with low level lighting around the perimeter of the facilities for all members of the community to use. As the site contains a portion of the Old Molahiffe Railway we are working in conjunction with Kerry County Council to develop this amenity.

He added that they’re appealing to the parish diaspora who are spread far and wide who might like to contribute to this development.

Cost of draw entry is €20 a month over six months.

“There are different payment options for your convenience to enter the draw. A €5 Standing Order for 20 weeks, €100 one-off payment or €20 a month for the six months.” The first draw will take place next Wednesday, August 7 at 10pm in Henderson’s Bar, Firies.
Any interested individuals/businesses can contact any club member for tickets, email secretary.firies.kerry@gaa.ie or pro.firies.kerry@gaa.ie or contact us on Facebook or ring 087 2998231, he added.

“Together with the help of the parish and the diaspora we can develop these recreational facilities for the benefit of this generation and many more to come in the future.”