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Killarney sporting and cultural museum back on the agenda

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Municipal District Council is to make a second attempt at securing a cultural and sporting museum on the grounds of Fitzgerald Stadium.

A previous attempt, in the height of the Celtic Tiger, failed to get off the ground because Fáilte Ireland refused to honour a commitment to visit the proposed site and meet with a local committee.

It was also claimed, that at the time, the centre would only qualify for national funding if it was deemed a site “of iconic importance”, and to qualify for that status it needed to cost in excess of €5 million.

The Killarney committee had costed the project at €3.5 million and had secured a free site on the grounds of Fitzgerald Stadium.

At the time the committee had secured a €0.5 million bridging loan from the GAA in Dublin and planning permission was granted. It is not certain if that permit is still valid today.

PROPOSAL

Earlier this week elected members of Killarney Municipal Council met online with senior Fáilte Ireland officials to outline plans for the Kerry area over the next five years.

This prompted Cllr Michael Gleeson to reignite the initial proposal and he brought a motion before Wednesday’s KMD meeting.

“I was overwhelmed by the level of support I received from my elected colleagues,” Cllr Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser. “Hopefully, by now the term “iconic” has been removed from the lexicon of Fáilte Ireland officials. This project will enhance the town – we badly need an all-weather indoor facility for those rainy days.”

Mr Gleeson added that the new museum, if it gets off the ground, would feature all aspects of Kerry sport and culture and will not be a stand-alone GAA museum.

“It will cover everything from Sliabh Luachra to Slea Head,” he said.

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Generous public raises over €1,400 at Christmas Day Goal Mile

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day. The annual fundraiser, which took place in […]

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Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

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Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

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Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

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