KERRY’S fastest ever mile runner has pledged his full backing to the Killarney microtrack project planned for the grounds of St Brendan’s College.
Frank Conway, who still holds the Irish Colleges 2,000 steeplechase record, set in 1985, said it can serve as a wonderful community magnet and an invaluable community resource.
The Dooks native, who earned an athletics scholarship to Providence College in Rhode Island and won the famous Wanamaker Mile in Madison Square Gardens, has become a major advocate for the South/East Kerry Community Track Group’s Project for which grant aid has been sought.
“Under the right conditions, Killarney could become a destination hub for recreation and sports, something we need a lot more of across Ireland,” Conway stated.
He said the fact that the facility will be located within 200m of the centre of Killarney and 100 metres from almost 2,000 secondary school students was hugely positive but families will also have access and this builds on the number of other amenities in the immediate vicinity.
“Already, track and field volunteers are mapping their schedules to provide mentoring sessions to aspiring athletes from 4pm onwards, just in time for the end of the school day.
“Additional resources will also be available to adults and masters level athletes, which is encouraging since this is one of many high growth areas in international sports participation,” Conway added.
“With vision, dedication and the right amount of accessible amenities, Ireland can be leader in the world of track and field.”
The total cost of the project has decreased by €22,000 to €314,000 and an application for LEADER funding has been submitted.
The land on New Road would be leased, on a long-term basis, to the community group and full planning permission has been secured.
