Proposals currently under discussion regarding a major redevelopment of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney should ensure the inclusion of a GAA museum to tell the story and share the history of the game in the county, a local councillor has insisted.
With discussions underway on a suggested multi-million euro project at the stadium located between Lewis Road and Dalton’s Avenue, Cllr Michael Cahill said a museum charting all that has happened in the sport in the county since its formation would be of enormous interest to people from all over.
“There are GAA museums in many counties throughout Ireland but who has a bigger or more colourful story to tell than the Kingdom of Kerry with its great history in the sport.” he asked.
Cllr Cahill said a state-of-the-art facility would attract visitors from all over the globe to Kerry to learn the true story of Kerry GAA, as told by Kerry people.
“It would create employment locally, in its creation temporarily and permanently when up and running. This is an opportunity the GAA and Kerry should not miss out on,” he said.
Although some councillors in Tralee are lobbying for the museum to be developed in the county town, Cllr Cahill insists that Killarney is the perfect location for such a facility.
“It is a great tourist town, readily accessible by road, rail and air and there is no place better to locate a GAA museum than Fitzgerald Stadium within walking distance from the town centre,” he said.
Cllr Cahill maintained that when the weather is not suitable for walking in Killarney National Park or cycling the Ring of Kerry or on the greenways, there would be no better way to spend a few hours than learning the wonderful history of Kerry football, hurling and handball.
“There is a need for additional all-weather facilities in Killarney for the tens of thousands of visitors that come to the town every year and, indeed, for the locals when the weather is not suitable for the beach or outdoor pursuits,” he stated
Cllr Cahill’s motion was seconded by Kerry Independent Alliance councillor, John O’Donoghue whose uncle – former councillor Michael Gleeson – has long being lobbying for a GAA museum in the stadium.
Discussions are currently taking place between the Kerry GAA and business interests regarding a €72.5 million redevelopment of Fitzgerald Stadium which is badly in need of a major upgrade.
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