Major upgrade for Fitzgerald Stadium to be announced

The Kerry GAA County board is set to reveal a major re-development plan for Fitzgerald Stadium in the coming weeks.

A joint effort between the county board, the Fitzgerald Stadium sub-committee and other key stakeholders in the county will be announced next month the Killarney Advertiser understands.

Last year the Kerry GAA chairman Patrick O’Sullivan revealed that the refurbishment of the stadium could cost as much as €72.5 million.

In November last year he briefed a government delegation that included Leo Varadkar and other ministers before the cabinet re-shuffle that occurred around Christmas time.

“All these meetings have been positive towards the planned project,” said O’Sullivan at the time.

Speaking the Kerry County Board’s annual general meeting in Tralee late last year

Mr O’Sullivan said: “Fitzgerald Stadium is regarded as home for the Kerry senior football team when championship begins.

“However, right now the stadium needs a major refit upgrading it to a multi-event centre to cater for the needs of the people of Kerry into the future.

“It needs to be modern and comfortable for our spectators not only to enjoy big GAA games but also to attract some of the finest Irish and international entertainment acts to this county.”

Der Brosnan, chairman of the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee, told the same meet- ing.

“When we spoke with the International Rugby Board, they said the location of Fitzgerald Stadium was a template for international stadiums due to its location. The most important thing is that the stadium is within walking distance from the town.”

Now it seems this dream is set to take its next step towards reality. A major fundraising drive will be announced in a few weeks along with potential drawings of the planned re-development.