FAMILY AND FRIENDS:Mayor of Killarney Marie Moloney unveils a plaque in honour of former Radio Kerry and GAA pundit Weeshie Fogarty who died in 2018 at Dalton's Avenue in Killarney on Thursday. Also in photo are Joan Fogarty and her family Denise Carol-Ann Kieran Glen Spellman and grandkids Lucy and Eva Angela McAllen Killarney Town Council Patrick O'Sullivan Chairman Kerry County Board Fiona Stack Radio Kerry and Liam Maguire Legion GAA. Photo: Don MacMonagle

UNVEILING:Pictured at the unveiling of the Dalton's Avenue Roundabout dedicated to Weeshie Fogarty in Killarney on Thursday were Joan Fogarty and her family Denise Carol-Ann Kieran Glen Spellman and grandkids Lucy and Eva.Photo: Don MacMonagle

By Michelle Crean and Sean Moriarty

One of Killarney's most dedicated football men was honoured on Thursday - when a roundabout was named in his memory.

Killarney Municipal District dedicated the roundabout at the junction of Dalton’s Avenue and Marian Terrace, to the late broadcaster and sportsman, Weeshie Fogarty.

The proud Legion, basketball champion and Radio Kerry commentator was one of the town’s best loved sons.
Thursday’s event was attended by his wife Joan, daughters Denise, Carolann, son Kieran, grandchildren Eva and Lucy, son-in-law Glen and the extended Fogarty and Slattery families.
Local politicians and Legion club members were also present.
“Weeshie, as we know, made his mark in journalism and broadcasting, particularly on Radio Kerry, where his unique style and turn of phrase won audiences far beyond the Kingdom and gave him a truly international reach,” Mayor Marie Moloney told the assembled group.

“Weeshie’s voice was instantly recognisable. He had a special and unique way of talking about football and in talking about anything for that matter. And behind all of that was a tremendous passion – a passion for sport, a passion for Kerry and a passion for Killarney.
He also enjoyed much success at club and intercounty level on the playing field with his beloved Legion club and in his many years as a referee.

“It is hugely appropriate that this roundabout is within a short distance of his beloved Fitzgerald Stadium, which in many ways was his second home. I can remember hearing a broadcast in which Weeshie, speaking from the commentary box, described the vista of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, St Mary’s Cathedral and St Finan’s Hospital, where, of course, he worked for many years. The piece proved Weeshie’s deep love for Killarney and its people. This was complemented by the award-winning Terrace Talk programme which had an enormous listenership.”

Killarney Legion GAA Club said that they are "delighted and proud" that the Killarney Municipal District saw fit to dedicate the roundabout to the man who "is a legend".

"Weeshie gave a lifetime of service to the club, from the day he joined on February 3 1955, as a player, trainer, coach and officer," PRO Enda Walshe said.

"Serving in all the main officer roles, he was a key driving force behind the publication in 1979 of a 'Legion of Memories', an award-winning book tracking the first 50 years of the history of Killarney Legion."

Weeshie played for the club to the highest level, also representing Kerry at all levels culminating in winning an All-Ireland Senior medal in 1969. After his playing career ended he turned his attention to refereeing, taking charge of several County Championship finals.

Outside of the playing arena Weeshie excelled in his role as a broadcaster for over 20 years on Radio Kerry and was known throughout the country as the 'Voice of Kerry Football'. In this role he won numerous accolades including PPI Radio Awards and was inducted into the prestigious McNamee Awards Hall of Fame in 2016 for his lifelong contribution to the GAA.

He dedicated his working life to the care of others in his role as a psychiatric nurse in St Finan'sHospital, which fittingly overlooked his beloved Fitzgerald Stadium.

"It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave his all for his club, town and county. The word legend is often overused but Weeshie Fogarty was a legend,” added the club PRO.