News
Fitzgerald Stadium funding row ends up in the High Court
Kerry GAA are remaining tight lipped on the implications a High Court hearing could have on the redevelopment of Fitzgerald Stadium.
Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan revealed an ambitious redevelopment project that will radically alter the appearance of the iconic grounds last year.
The central section of the O’Connor Terrace is to be covered as part of the plan.
A new tier is to be added to the top of the terrace with a roof that will stretch roughly from one 20-metre line to the other, according to newly released drawings.
The Scoreboard End will get a new terrace and the Lewis Road End will be converted to an all-seater uncovered stand. The existing O’Sullivan Stand will also be replaced with a new stand.
Plans for the revamp were unveiled this time last year but it now appears they could be up in the air following the Government’s decision to end what is known as the Immigrant Investor Programme.
The Immigrant Investor Programme is a pathway for non-EEA nationals to secure immigration permission to Ireland on the basis of long-term investment of a sum of money in a project that has been approved for that purpose by the Department of Justice and other Government stakeholders.
The scheme ended in February 2023.
The GAA County Board has been working on the project since early in 2022.
It is understood that before the scheme was scrapped Kerry GAA had submitted its plans to redevelop the stadium.
Kerry GAA has now launched a High Court challenge in a bid to overturn the Justice Minister's refusal to include its application for inclusion in the now-discontinued scheme.
It is also understood that one or more investors were willing to up to €27m in donations to fund the refurbishment under the scheme and the Minister’s decision puts that investment in jeopardy.
In January, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that "no valid investor application was submitted,” by Kerry GAA and on that grounds the application was refused.
Kerry GAA say there was a valid application and on that grounds it has taken the case to the High Court.
Kerry GAA officials refused to comment on the situation, when contacted by the Killarney Advertiser, given the sensitive legal implications of the case.
Several other voluntary bodies from across the country are in a similar situation.
The initial case was heard in High Court in Dublin this week but has been adjourned to give all parties more time to provide additional documentation, and will return before the court later in July.
Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins
Motorists in Killarney are being urged to exercise extreme caution as the annual deer rutting season gets underway, causing animals to stray far beyond their usual habitats inside Killarney National Park.
The autumn mating season sees deer becoming highly active and unpredictable, leading to increased sightings and collisions on local roads outside traditional park boundaries.
Two separate incidents highlighted the growing hazard on local routes this week. A reader contacted the Killarney Advertiser to warn drivers after spotting a deer roaming near Tiernaboul towards the school on Sunday afternoon around 7.30pm.
Later that same night, in the early hours of Monday morning, a local driver collided with a deer near Kerry Airport around 1am while returning home from an event.
Despite attempting evasive action, the motorist struck the animal, which died at the scene and temporarily blocked the road before local Gardaí were alerted to clear the obstruction.
The driver sustained substantial vehicle damage, requiring repairs to the bumper, headlamp, and internal components, leaving her facing significant garage costs and time off the road.
Gardaí and road safety advocates advise motorists travelLing during early morning and late evening and remain vigilant along tree-lined routes.
Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins
Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins Motorists in Killarney are being urged to exercise extreme caution as the annual...
Kerry Airport CEO addresses chamber luncheon
Kerry Airport chief executive Adrian Neilan addressed local business leaders at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce luncheon at...
The Brehon raises €2,850 for Jack and Jill Foundation
The Brehon Hotel and Spa raised €2,850 for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation after hosting a closest-to-the-pin golf simulator...
Five local postmen retire with 185 years service
Five local postmen retire with 185 years service RETIREMENT NIGHT: Pictured at the retirement party held at Killarney Racecourse on...
New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square
A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
