Sports stars set for star-studded event in Siamsa

A SERIES of high-profile figures from the world of local, national and international sport will attend a series of panel discussions on recreation and sport at the launch of the new five-year strategy of the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership later this month.

The launch of the new Strategic Plan 20172022, which is open to members of the public, takes place on the night of Monday, 27 March at 7.30pm at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee and will be attended by the Minister of State for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan and the Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy.

Among the guest speakers for a panel discussion on the benefits of sport and physical activity will be former rugby international, Keith Wood, Kerry senior football manager, Éamonn Fitzmaurice, world champion swimmer Ellen Keane and Gavin Hennigan, who achieved a record-breaking 5,000km solo row across the Atlantic. This panel will be chaired by local fitness consultant Joe O’Connor.

Focussing on the theme of sports policy into the future a second panel will include Minister Patrick O’Donovan, CEO of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, and the Partnership’s new chairman and former minister, Jimmy Deenihan. The panel will be chaired by Úna Moynihan, lecturer in Sports Development, Community Studies and Strategic Planning at the Institute of Technology Tralee.

Speaking ahead of the strategy launch and panel discussion, chairperson of the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership, Jimmy Deenihan said it was a plan for everyone.

‘ The objective here is to maximise the number of people leading an active lifestyle and I am confident that it will have an impact on the health of people in the county.”

“Kerry has so much to offer in terms of recreation and physical activity which Is all linked to improved physical health and well-being,’ he said.

‘We have a fantastic line-up of speakers for the panel discussions, each with their own perspectives on what can be done to increase participation in sport and recreational activities,’ said Mr Deenihan.

There is no admission fee for the event and it is open to all members of the public though advance booking is required through the Partnership’s website and Eventbrite link: https:// krspstrategicplanlaunch.eventbrite.ie.

Book early to avoid disappointment.