News
Terrace to be covered as part of Fitzgerald Stadium revamp
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
Killarney hotels achieve top global rankings in Readers’ Choice Awards
Two leading Killarney hotels are celebrating major international accolades following the publication of the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Killarney Royal Townhouse was named the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in the US edition of the global awards, securing top placement among the country’s finest properties based entirely on votes cast by international travellers.
Pat McGrath, General Manager of Killarney Royal Townhouse, expressed his pride in the achievement:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. To receive this recognition directly from travellers makes it particularly special, and we are immensely proud of our team, whose genuine care, warm welcome and attention to detail shape the guest experience every day.”
Meanwhile, sister property The Killarney Park achieved a double success in this year’s voting, earning inclusion across both Atlantic editions of the prestigious travel guide. The family-owned venue was ranked No. 8 in the US Readers’ Choice Awards and No. 5 in the UK Readers’ Choice Awards.
The annual awards represent one of the travel industry’s longest-running honors, with almost 800,000 readers submitting votes to rate their favorite global travel experiences.
Marcus Treacy, Managing Director of The Killarney Park, welcomed the dual honors:
“Recognition such as this means a great deal to us because it comes directly from the people who have spent their time with us. As a family-owned hotel, knowing that what we have created here in Killarney continues to resonate with guests travelling from around the world is something we are enormously proud of.”
The strong showing by both local venues underlines Killarney’s standing as a world-class hospitality hub for international visitors.
Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s
World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.
The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.
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