Connect with us

News

Could Fitzgerald Stadium host the Rugby World Cup in 2023?

Published

on

At the launch of the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Scheme on Thursday evening were front from left, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry football manager), Patrick O'Sullivan (Kerry Co. Board Chairman), Colm Foley (Development Committee Chairman) and Der Brosnan (Fitzgerald Stadium Chairman). Back from left are Pat O'Donoghue, Mike Moynihan, Diarmuid O'Se, Maurice O'Donoghue, John C O'Shea, Micheal O'Donoghue, Tatyana McGough, Weeshie Lynch, Stephen O'Sullivan and Andy O'Sullivan. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

P

PLANS are underway to ensure Fitzgerald Stadium is well placed as a possible host venue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The stadium’s finance committee has launched a new development scheme in the lead-up to yet another Munster football final at the iconic Killarney venue.

The new scheme, the fourth of its kind, aims to further enhance facilities at the stadium on big match days, bringing it right into contention as a host venue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The current stadium capacity is 39,000 and it is fully compliant with all health and safety regulations.

Among the proposed enhancements to the stadium are the upgrading of the terraces, especially at the scoreboard end; upgrading of the seating in the covered stand; new shops, toilet facilities and access turnstiles at the St Finan’s side of the ground; and the addition of a floodlighting system.

Kerry County Board chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, who along with Kerry senior football manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice and Colm Foley, chairman of the Development Committee, launched the new scheme on Thursday, outlined the reasons for the launch of the latest development scheme. “We want to develop on the work ethic and commitment that has brought Fitzgerald Stadium to what it is today,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“We want to go further and have a facility that will continue to be a symbol of Killarney’s ability as a venue that will match and compete with other centres of excellence.”

Mr O’Sullivan added: “It is the hope and determination of the stadium committee and the county committee to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.”

The cost of the development scheme subscription is €1,000 per year for five years and the benefits of subscribing include two free stand tickets for Kerry/Cork Munster Championship games at the stadium as well as two free tickets for games held under the auspices of the Kerry County Committee at the stadium and two free tickets for an All-Ireland Final involving the Kerry senior team.

The stadium committee, under the chairmanship of Colm Foley, includes county committee chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, Pat O’Donoghue, Maurice O’Donoghue, Michael O’Donoghue, Conor Hennigan, Mike Buckley, Der Brosnan and Andy O’Sullivan.

 


 
At the launch of the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Scheme on Thursday evening were front from left, Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry football manager), Patrick O'Sullivan (Kerry County Board Chairman), Colm Foley (Development Committee Chairman) and Der Brosnan (Fitzgerald Stadium Chairman). Back from left are Pat O'Donoghue, Mike Moynihan, Diarmuid O'Se, Maurice O'Donoghue, John C O'Shea, Micheal O'Donoghue, Tatyana McGough, Weeshie Lynch, Stephen O'Sullivan and Andy O'Sullivan. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

Advertisement

News

Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

Published

on

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

Continue Reading

News

Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

Published

on

By

The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport