TIM MURPHY ON...

Infrastructure FITZGERALD STADIUM

VERY significant monies have been expended in Fitzgerald Stadium over the past number of years. Unfortunately Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 was unsuccessful and will have an obvious negative impact on the immediate development of stadium. Notwithstanding this, the Board is committed to developing the Stadium in a carefully planned and controlled manner at all times being cognisant of finances.

The Fitzgerald Stadium Committee, under the Chairmanship of Der Brosnan, and the Finance committee, under the Chairmanship of Maurice O’Donoghue, are an example to all of us as to what can be achieved when a collective effort is made. The Stadium Committee run an extremely efficient operation and the Finance Committee have attracted many new members to join the scheme which in turn goes to paying down the current debt.

The development of Fitzgerald Stadium is in my view of strategic importance to the entire south west of the country and something that we in Kerry GAA or the national GAA cannot achieve on our own.

If our country is serious about hosting a Rugby World Cup or similar event in the future now in the time to start investing in the stadia upgrades. I would call on Government to realise the importance of this very necessary development and our Úachtarán

Aogáin O Fearaghail has stated recently there is a strong case for the level of funding that was promised by Government to continue, regardless of the unsuccessful bid. We will continue to work with Croke Park to secure this much needed funding required for our stadia. Without any significant investment by Government it will simply not be possible.

AUSTIN STACK PARK

THE Board has made a significant investment in Austin Stack Park over the past while. Over €1m has been expended on the facility and the new Committee under the Chairmanship of Tony O’Keeffe and Secretary Éamonn O’Sullivan are also working on a longer term strategic plan for the development of the Stadium.

The hosting of the Mayo and Dublin League games in Tralee under lights proved to be a huge success and underpins our commitment to Austin Stack Park. The carnival like atmosphere on both nights was commented upon by many and despite reservations from some quarters surrounding the capacity of the Stadium both nights proved to be a fantastic success. In 2018 Galway will play in ASP on Sunday February 25 while Kildare will play there under lights on St. Patrick’s night. We look forward to many more big games and events there over the coming years.

The investment we made has been acknowledged by the Town and reciprocated accordingly. Such initiatives and collaboration are to be encouraged.

Vincent Linnane

TWO days after our win over Dublin in the Allianz League Final we lost our long time friend - Vincent Linnane. Vince was first and foremost a family man but outside of his family Vince’s heart and soul lay in Austin Stack Park.

He developed a deep love and affinity with the stadium over many years and he has been the one constant at all stages of its development. The recent upgrade works on the pitch, the lighting and the Pavilion enhancement gave Vince a tremendous personal