By Michelle Crean

Firies locals in need of an All Weather Pitch to help serve the community are appealing for support to help fund it.

Construction of the long awaited All Weather Pitch at Firies National School has finally commenced and so far, just over €17,000 has been raised of their €30,000 goal.

The plan is for construction to be finished in time for the school's reopening in September so that the youngsters, as well the rest of the community can enjoy its use.

Firies Sports Facility, a community based sport and recreation facility, offers an inclusive programme of sport to all ages and ability levels and includes a collaboration with Firies NS, Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club and Kerry Parents and Friends to encourage enjoyment, maximise participation and help people achieve their personal best.

The state-of-the-art pitch will measure 60m x 40m and will contain a high density prefabricated shock pad system, surrounded by rebound fencing. A 1.8m concrete footpath will hug the perimeter of the pitch, and floodlights will be installed to ensure the facility can be used in the evenings. Retractable goal posts will also be included. There's also plans to install a cabin with two wheelchair accessible toilets and a storage area for sports equipment.

The school's principal, Claire Doyle, has said that the children are “so excited” and are looking forward to “not playing in the mud”, and “not having games cancelled due to conditions”, once the new facility is up and running.

“It has been difficult to support physical education with our current sports facilities,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.
“I would appeal to the community, past pupils, at home and abroad, to support to buy into this project which will be there for many generations to come as a vital community resource.”

Before heading in to the summer break the children themselves worked hard to begin the fundraising efforts by taking on water games, hula hoop challenges, team games and more.

BENEFIT

Many clubs and community groups in Firies and beyond will benefit hugely, regardless of age, social disadvantages, gender or disability, as every person will be able to access Firies Sports Facility.

"This facility will not only benefit people’s physical health but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Firies NS endeavours to be a very active school and we have a very extensive physical education programme that includes athletics, football, hurling, basketball, rugby, soccer, yoga, dance, orienteering, gymnastics and swimming to mention a few. Unfortunately, our school field is water logged for many months during the school year and many of the activities that we endeavour to have our children participate in are cancelled. As a result our children are disappointed and not in a position to receive the basic physical activity that they are entitled to," she said.

"We are sincerely grateful for all donations received to date. However, we still need help in order to make this dream a reality. We hope to reach our goal with the help of our fantastic community, those near and far, who may be in a position to donate."

To donate, search GoFundMe: 'Firies Sports Facility All Weather Pitch'.