News
Government needs to help voluntary sporting organisations
&
The Government needs to step up and help all voluntary sporting organisations in their darkest hour by putting a substantial package together, a councillor has said this week.
Kerry County Councillor Michael Cahill has said the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt far and wide throughout the community, in businesses, domestically and basically in every facet of human life.
He said we must not forget all of the volunteer sporting bodies, from rowing to GAA, basketball to soccer, athletics, rugby, drama, dancing and many more, who cater for peoples’ health and entertainment every day of the year and who depend on the public donations and sponsorship to keep the show on the road.
"It would shock many people to know how much it costs to run a small sized sporting club in this day and age in order to provide facilities for our youth and entertainment for the not so young,” said the Fianna Fail Councillor.
"Insurance must be provided for participants, the public, buildings and contents etc. Lighting, heating and water must be on hand and paid for. Affiliation to county and national bodies must be paid in order to take part in competitions.”
He added that other costs include maintenance of grounds and buildings which constantly require updating.
"If your club is small but progressive, you can be sure that expenditure of €100,000 is a conservative estimate of what needs to be raised to keep it afloat," stated Councillor Cahill.
"All of these voluntary groups presently have their activities shut down which means there are no gate/door receipts. Because other businesses such as pubs, etc are closed there is no opportunity to sell club Lotto or collect sponsorship," he said.
"We have to ensure their survival in the same way as all of our family businesses and financial support is vital if we are to be successful. Our Government needs to help all our voluntary sporting organisations in their darkest hour and put a substantial package together. They simply do not have any cashflow or income at this time.”
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.
Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.
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...
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on...
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
Grady demands Killarney traffic review
Killarney councillor Martin Grady has called for an urgent review of traffic management across the town following severe delays along...
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...
