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Tralee’s gain is Killarney’s loss for proposed GAA museum

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By Sean Moriarty

 

Tralee could be after stealing a march on Killarney after a local councillor proposed to build a GAA stadium in the county town.

Back in 2012 the Kerry Gaelic Culture Museum GAA in Killarney was given the green light.

It should have been opened by 2014 - but it never got off the ground due to the economic crash at the time.

Three years later an application was made to extend the duration of the planning permission for the museum which was proposed to be built on the grounds of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.

The idea disappeared until Tralee councillor Jim Finucane asked a bi-monthly meeting of Tralee Municipal Council if Kerry County Council could draw up a plan to house a GAA museum in Tralee Court House.

A new court house is set to be built in the town as part of the Island of Geese regeneration programme in the town.

Killarney councillor and former Kerry footballer Michael Gleeson was a member of the previous museum committee.

The group included Kerry Airport secretary Liam Chute, Killarney publican Patrick O’Sullivan who was Kerry County Board Chair at the time and the Killarney Advertiser’s sports journalist Eamon Fitzgerald.

They even met with senior Board Fáilte officials but it was stopped dead in its tracks when the tourism body did not follow up on further meetings just prior to the economic crash.

The Killarney committee had made a lot progress in their attempt to build the museum including high-end meetings with Government ministers and promise of a potential bridging loan from the GAA.

Tralee Municipal District are well-entitled to make such a proposal and there is no animosity towards them on that,” Mr Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser. “We had a design, planning permission everything ready to go. We had costed it at around €4 million, which is not an unmanageable amount of money. Fáilte Ireland met us, they told us, as we were in the height of the so-called Celtic Tiger, that our project was not big enough to be considered iconic, but they promised they would meet us to follow up and we have heard nothing since.”

Mr Gleeson remained hopeful that Killarney would not be overlooked in the future. "Killarney has the [tourism] footfall to make this project financially viable," he added. "It could serve as a hub, and introduce visitors to the sporting and culture aspects of Kerry and they would radiate from here to all corners of the county and beyond."

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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