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Terrace to be covered as part of Fitzgerald Stadium revamp

Published

3 years ago

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Plans for the new-look Fitzgerald Stadium.

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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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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9 hours ago

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24 August 2026

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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New seating unveiled as Spa GAA celebrates

Published

1 day ago

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23 August 2026

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It has been a busy period at Spa GAA as the club continues to develop its ground facilities while also marking a major milestone in its sporting history.

The club recently completed further ground improvements with the installation of new seating on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

Located over the terrace area directly on the halfway line, the new seating offers an upgraded viewing area for spectators.

Club volunteer John Hannon of JH Fitout Ltd, who also coaches the Under 10 boys team, assisted with the installation work.


Alongside the developments on the pitch, over 100 people gathered for the club’s annual mass, which was celebrated by Club President Fr Tim O’Sullivan and Club Vice President Fr Michael O’Donoghue.


Following the service, Spa GAA held a special presentation to honour the 60th anniversary of the 1966 O’Donoghue Cup winning team.

All surviving members of the historic side attended the gathering, alongside family representatives of deceased players and team mentors.

The evening provided a chance for the club community to come together, reflect on past successes, and share memories of one of the most famous teams in Spa GAA history.

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