The Kerryman (North Kerry)

Kilbrean Park is the jewel in the crown

- BY MIKE RICE

IN 1997 the clubs purchased seven acres of land at Knockanane West now known as Kilbrean Park to continue to build on the hard work of the previous years.

In the following years two sand pitches and a flood light training pitch were developed to enable the first game to be played in 2000.

The next milestone in the facilities developmen­t was the building of the dressing rooms and club house.

The club had the privilege of having one of the stars of Irish soccer, Packie Bonner, officially open the new dressing rooms and grounds in 2003.

Since then the club has continued its progress, with increasing club membership the clubhouse has been significan­tly extended with two further dressing rooms and a meeting room added in the 2009.

Most recently the grounds have been further improved with the tarring of the road and car park, the fitting of footpaths and pitch side fencing and the railing in the training pitch.

The club continues to invest in the pitches on a yearly basis through the sanding, maintenanc­e and equipment used to ensure excellent playing and training surface for all members and the community to use and enjoy.

The grounds are a credit to all involved from grounds workers and volunteers, to players, parents, supporters and coaches for their hard work and time involved with the club.

FUNDRAISIN­G

IT takes substantia­l funding to sustain running and developmen­tal cost at Mastergeeh­a FC, and over 25 years ago the club started one of its main income streams the weekly Lotto which is still going strong today.

The club has had many fundraisin­g ventures from Easter egg hunts and raffles, novelty soccer games, race nights and nights at the dogs, quizzes, special raffles and with the latest bingo.

Also in 2019 the club ran the well supported inaugural Joe Doyle Over-35 Memorial Tournament in honour of their long serving treasurer.

All of these events have been well supported by the soccer membership and community, and by the kind sponsors making a significan­t contributi­on to the clubs continued developmen­t.

In addition to the use of the facilities by members the club also caters for a wide range of organisati­ons and users.

The grounds at Kilbrean Park have hosted Kerry Schoolboys and Girls League interleagu­e games and cup finals.

The Kerry Community Games host the hugely successful U-12 boys, and U- 13 and U-15 girls competitio­ns at Kilbrean Park on an annual basis.

Kerry Stars, local schools and local community games also use the facilities for their events.

One of the proudest days for the club was the hosting of the FAI Junior Cup Semi Final between Killarney Celtic and Sheriff YC three years ago.

The huge crowd that attended the game were hugely impressed with the excellent facilities at Kilbrean Park.

SOCIAL EVENTS

THE club have been involved in many social events over the years. They annually host a very successful FAI Summer Camp with over 100 kids attending. With the help of their social committee the club has organised parades, end of season BBQ’s and presentati­ons.

In the past club volunteers took part in fundraisin­g for the Share A Dream Foundation and did the Biddies for charity. The club have also supported many worthwhile causes with coffee mornings in aid in Kerry Hospice held every year.

 ??  ?? Mastergeeh­a’s 2019 Under-13 team that played in the Kerry Schoolboys Cup. The club has a vibrant underage academy producing young players and teams
Mastergeeh­a’s 2019 Under-13 team that played in the Kerry Schoolboys Cup. The club has a vibrant underage academy producing young players and teams

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