The first tentative steps of a major redevelopment plan for Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney has been formally initiated with the launch of a new 150 Club fundraising drive offering big match tickets and other benefits in return for a €5,000 donation over a five-year period.
The finance generated will help to cover the costs of the planning phase, including professional and planning fees which will arise during the design process.
It is part of the exciting Fitzgerald Stadium: Vision 2023 project being undertaken by the Kerry County Board, spearheaded by chairman Patrick O’Sullivan, the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee, chaired by Der Brosnan, and several local business interests who are adding their expertise and experience to the redevelopment plan.
Consultants have conducted extensive research to devise a major plan to redevelop the stadium which was built in 1936 and is badly in need of an upgrade.
A promotional campaign for the project recalls that in 1936 a dream to commemorate Dick Fitzgerald became a reality when the stadium was officially opened.
“Now, it’s time to dream again,” it states.
It was revealed last year that the initial indications were that the major upgrade works for the stadium will cost in the region of €72.5 million and the plan is to seek support from the GAA and government agencies as well as launching fundraising drives.
Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan said the venue needs “a major re-fit” as a multi-events facility to cater for the needs of the people of Kerry in the future.
Provisional architect’s plans for the new-look stadium have been released released as part of the 150 Club fundraiser.
The plans include the construction of a new double-tier stand on the Michael O’Connor Terrace side of the ground, a new single tier stand to replace the existing O’Sullivan Stand, a new all-seater stand at the Lewis Road end of the ground and a new terraced stand at the scoreboard end near Torc Terrace and St Brendan’s Terrace.
The plan is to create an ultra-modern stadium equipped to cater for big sporting occasions in a number of codes as well as major entertainment acts.
Kerry GAA officials have already met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar – who visited the stadium – Tanáiste Micheál Martin and other senior politicians to discuss their plans.
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