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Terrace to be covered as part of Fitzgerald Stadium revamp

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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.

For all the latest updates on Kerry GAA, follow Adam on Twitter @AdamMoynihan

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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