News
Skatepark gets the official seal of approval
By Michelle Crean
Skateboarders from Killarney and beyond will be delighted to hear that plans for the €220,000 new dedicated state-of-the-art skatepark have been given the official seal of approval.
The new fun facility for anyone interested in the sport will be developed at Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre and it's hoped to be up and running early next year.
Six councillors in attendance at Wednesday's Special Killarney MD Meeting, held in the ANAM Cultural Centre in town, voted in favour for it to go-ahead. Cllr John O'Donoghue was absent from the meeting.
There were 26 submissions for the skatepark, the majority of which agreed that it would be a positive addition for the youth of the town.
The skatepark's surface will be constructed using a smooth durable concrete to minimise noise pollution. Access to the facility will be by way of 1.8m wide concrete footpaths located within the grounds of the complex.
The skatepark will be insured and maintained by Kerry County Council and there'll be a 2.4 high perimeter fencing surrounding the facility with two lockable access gates, and CCTV.
The skatepark opening hours during winter are planned from 9am to 6pm and during the summer from 9am to 9pm, as agreed by the councillors at the meeting. During the night it'll be closed to the public with no lighting to discourage any anti-social behaviour.
The Council have agreed to co-fund the project in the amount of 30% and it's hoped further funds will be made available from the Sports Capital Grant which will be announced this November.
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The idea for the project was suggested by Cllr Donal O'Grady three years ago to give skateboard enthusiasts a dedicated place for the sport in town. Many sites were looked at and plans had been ongoing in the background with the support of Town Manager Angela McAllen and County Manager Moira Murrell.
During Wednesday's meeting Cllr Grady positively welcomed the project and thanked everyone involved for their support.
"I'm so grateful to everyone who was involved, including my fellow councillors," he said. "I thank Kerry County Council, they put a lot of work, certainly our county manager, she's put a lot of work in there providing the site. It's something that we as a Council can be very proud of, I've no doubt in my mind about that. We have a lot of work to do to iron it out to make sure it's top of the range."
He added that the KDYS came on board to represent the youth of the town which he's also very grateful for.
In their submission, Killarney Skatepark Committee, signed by Chairperson Sean Murphy and Secretary Barry Coen, said that "the group is committed to supporting the building of a purpose built facility in Killarney for skateboarding, BMX riding, rollerblading, scooter and or other craft that may join the realm of extreme sports in the future".
"Through this letter, we wish to pledge our full support for a skatepark; a project which we firmly believe has the potential to benefit the wider community. Skateparks are proven amenities in providing an opportunity for (young) people to socialise in a safe environment, through a sport which offers significant physical and mental benefits. We also believe that the skatepark will diversity what Killarney has to offer to the many tourists who visit our town each year, in turn supporting local businesses."
Councillor Niall Kelleher welcomed the skatepark and said he "was absolutely blown away by the engagement from the community" for this project.
A special commemoration took place at Fitzgerald Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary of the sudden passing of former Dr Crokes player, officer, and selector Tim (Timmy) Keogh.
All-Ireland winning Kerry and Dr Crokes manager Pat O’Shea unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of Mr Keogh, who died suddenly at the stadium on 24 May 1976 while watching the East Kerry Under-12 final between Dr Crokes and Legion.
Pat O’Shea, who played in that fixture as a nine-year-old, delivered a moving address reflecting on the tragedy and his memories of Killarney half a century ago. He described Mr Keogh as a dedicated family and community man who led the way for the Dr Crokes club.
O’Shea recalled how the match was halted and the young players were brought into the dressing rooms, leaving an indelible mark on the town. He also paid tribute to Mr Keogh’s late wife, Kathleen, and noted the bittersweet memory of neighbours and Legion icons Weeshie Fogarty and Johnny Culloty rushing to his aid on the sideline.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Eamonn Keogh detailed his father’s extensive contribution to the black and amber. Timmy Keogh served as club treasurer through the 1950s and 1960s alongside Donie Sheahan and Michael O’Connor, and was a selector for the famous Dr Crokes senior team that won seven consecutive O’Donoghue Cups between 1956 and 1962.
Eamonn thanked Fitzgerald Stadium Chairman Der Brosnan and his committee for permission to erect the monument. He welcomed members of the Keogh, Fogarty, Culloty, and Randles families, alongside several players from the 1976 under-12 panel and MC Denis Coleman.
Eamonn paid tribute to Pat O’Shea’s legendary status in the GAA, noting he remains one of only five managers to win both an All-Ireland senior inter-county championship and a senior club title.
Fr Tom Looney spoke of receiving the tragic news via a letter from his mother while serving in Peru 50 years ago, praising Mr Keogh’s legacy with Dr Crokes and local employer Hilliards. Fr Tom performed a blessing alongside Franciscan Friary Guardian Br Pat Lynch and Fr Billy Hoyne.
The commemoration concluded with a musical performance of ‘Buachaill ón Éirne’ and ‘The Parting Glass’ by Timmy’s son, Don Keogh, on concertina, and his cousin, Máire Breathnach, on guitar.
The large attendance included Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, East Kerry Board officials Dermot O’Connor and Noel Kennedy, Dr Crokes President Jackie Looney, Chairman Eoin Brosnan, and Juvenile Chairman David Byrne.
Two young local girls showed great business initiative on Saturday ahead of the Kerry v Donegal match at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Erin McSweeney and Jessie Doolin set up a sweet stall outside a house on Lewis Road, catching the thousands of football fans walking towards the grounds.
The enterprising pair did a busy trade selling soft drinks, sweets, and chocolates to the passing crowds before throw-in.
Their match-day venture also caught the attention of the national sports media, with a photograph of the girls at their stall captured by Sportsfile photographer Stephen McCarthy ahead of the game.
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