News
Much missed Weeshie Fogarty remembered on his home patch
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
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.
Ross Castle canal silt removal
Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill TD, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will return to Ross Castle Canal to address the remaining silt once conditions allow.
Deputy Cahill raised the matter directly with the Minister following concerns from local boatmen regarding the significant amount of silt that had been left banked along the edge of the canal after maintenance works. They warned that, if left in place, the silt could simply be washed back into the canal during periods of heavy rainfall undoing the benefits of the recent clearance works.
In response to Deputy Cahill’s Parliamentary Question, the Minister confirmed that the NPWS had already cleared an entrance and exit route at the site when suitable weather and ground conditions allowed the work to proceed. Importantly, the Minister also confirmed that the NPWS will revisit the issue once lake levels reduce and conditions are suitable to facilitate safe access.
He said:
“I raised this issue after being contacted by local boatmen who were concerned that the silt left on the banks of the canal would inevitably be washed back into the watercourse following heavy rainfall. They made the valid point that the material had now been left long enough for aquatic wildlife to return, meaning its removal could proceed without causing unnecessary environmental disturbance.”
“I am pleased to receive confirmation that the NPWS intends to return to the site to complete the work when lake levels fall and conditions are suitable. This is a practical and sensible commitment which recognises both the environmental importance of the area and the need to maintain navigable access.”
Deputy Cahill said Ross Castle Canal is an important amenity and tourism asset within Killarney National Park and that it is essential it is properly maintained for the benefit of visitors, local businesses and the traditional boatmen who use it throughout the year.
“I will continue to engage with the NPWS to ensure these works are completed at the earliest suitable opportunity. Maintaining the canal is important not only for navigation but also for preserving one of Kerry’s most iconic tourism attractions and ensuring it remains accessible for everyone who enjoys Killarney National Park,” Deputy Cahill concluded.
Free entry for under 18s at Ross Castle
Young people and families can explore Ross Castle free of charge throughout August as part of a national Office of Public Works (OPW) initiative.
The 15th-century stronghold on the shores of Lough Leane will waive admission fees for all visitors under 18 from August 1 to August 31. The scheme aims to make cultural and historic sites more accessible to young people and families during the summer holidays.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The promotion applies across fee-paying OPW heritage sites nationwide, excluding Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said the initiative offers young people a memorable way to connect with history, nature, and culture over the summer break.
Ross Castle canal silt removal
Ross Castle canal silt removal Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill TD, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for...
Free entry for under 18s at Ross Castle
Free entry for under 18s at Ross Castle Young people and families can explore Ross Castle free of charge throughout...
Killarney judoka gain international experience in Bath
Killarney judoka gain international experience in Bath Eight members of Killarney Judo Club travelled to England last weekend for an...
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney — Chapter 6
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney — Chapter 6 A weekly series from Killarney Advertiser’s Jess Jukes Felicity and Auntie Sheila went...
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
