A new skateboard park, which will open shortly in Tralee, at a cost of €200,000, has been dedicated to the memory of internationally famous skateboarder and Tralee native Bruce ‘Ox’ Kelliher.
He passed away, at just 48 years of age, last January and he left behind his wife Michelle, sons Ruben, Mason and Archie as well parents Evelyn and Rae of Oakpark, Tralee.
Bruce grew up in Tralee and was passionate about the provision of a skatepark for the town.
Members of Tralee Skateboard Community Group decided to honour his legacy by proposing to name the new park in his honour as Bruce grew up in Ard na Lí, a short distance from the sports complex where the new skatepark is located.
“It seems fitting that the park would be dedicated in his name, not only for his efforts and input to the project throughout the years but as a gesture of gratitude from the local and national Irish skateboarding community,” said committee member Justin McCarthy.
Bruce’s brother Graham, on behalf of the family, said: “If the youngsters of Tralee and Kerry can enjoy the skatepark half as much as Bruce enjoyed his life then we would be privileged to have it named in his honour. Ox Park is a fitting tribute”.
At a meeting this Tuesday, councillors in the Tralee Municipal District agreed unanimously to name the Tralee Skatepark Ox Park.
The new skatepark, which will be open in a number of weeks and was funded from local, Leader and Sports Capital Grant sources, was internationally designed and is a collaboration between Kerry County Council, Tralee Sports Complex and Tralee Skateboard Community Group.
A new skateboard park is also in the pipeline for Killarney and it will be located adjacent to the local sports and leisure complex on the Bypass Road.
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