by Adam Moynihan

The central section of the iconic O’Connor Terrace is to be covered as part of an ambitious redevelopment project that will radically alter the appearance of the Fitzgerald Stadium.

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 as part of the launch of Kerry GAA’s 150 Club, a fundraising scheme that offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to help with the “first step” of the process at a cost of €5,000 a head.

Membership benefits include an option to buy 2023 All-Ireland final tickets, access to tickets for all of Kerry’s championship matches for the next five years, and a season pass that grants admission to all games under the auspices of Kerry GAA in the Fitzgerald Stadium and Austin Stack Park

There are also advertising opportunities for 150 Club members, both in the Fitzgerald Stadium and online.

Those who would like to express an interest in signing up are encouraged to email 150club@fitzgeraldstadium.com.

REBUILD

Apart from the artist’s rendition of what the new stadium is expected to look like, the literature accompanying the launch of the 150 Club is light on specific information about the rebuild. No updates on the expected overall cost of the project, potential funding from other sources, timeline for completion, or projected new capacity are included.

Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan previously revealed that the redevelopment is expected to cost in the region of €72.5 million.

Judging by the online reaction to the new plans, fans appear to be split on the prospect of a complete overhaul at the famous old ground. There is acceptance across the board that some work is needed – particularly in relation to the existing stand, the scoreboard end, and the toilet facilities – and some supporters are excited about getting a new, state-of-the-art facility.

However, others have voiced concerns about whether or not such a large scale redevelopment is a good idea. From a financial standpoint, neighbours Cork are still saddled with debt following the Páirc Uí Chaoimh rebuild and Kerry folk are eager to avoid a similar fate.

Questions have also been raised about the capacity of the Fitzgerald Stadium. It is not yet known if the revamp will lead to an increased capacity but it has been noted that the stadium is rarely full at its current size.

On the other hand, O’Sullivan has said that part of the reason for fixing up the venue is so that Kerry GAA can “entice Irish and international entertainment acts to this county”. Improvements are certainly needed if that vision is to become a reality.

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