Grounds get major revamps

Two of the most famous GAA grounds in the country - Semple Stadium in Thurles and Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney - have been approved for major redevelopments.

An €18 million Semple Stadium revamp will increase the 53,000 capacity to around 55,000. The work will include a complete refurbishment of the old stand (Ardán Uí Chuineain) and the changing rooms. At the newer Ardán Uí Riain stand new seating and a new VIP lounge will be installed.

The terraces at the Killinan and town ends of the stadium will also be improved. Funding will be provided by Croke Park, the Munster Council and Tipperary County Board, as well as fund- raising programmes, with work on the old stand to begin later this year.

The Fitzgerald Stadium plans were announced at the venue yesterday by Sports Minister John O'Donoghue, along with GAA president Seán Kelly and Kerry County Board chairman Seán Walsh. The capacity there is set to increase from 41,000 to around 55,000. A total of €3 million in development funding was announced at the launch.

Since 2001, the Fitzgerald finance and management committee has worked on a refinancing plan which successfully overturned a €1 million deficit, mainly through fund-raising campaigns as well as Government support, including €400,000 in 2005.

"The planned development at Fitzgerald Stadium should be seen in the context of the dramatic increase in Government funding for sport over the last 10 years," said O'Donoghue.

"In 2006 we are planning to make a total investment of over €243 million, compared to €17 million in 1997."

Joe Shannon, the chairman of the Fitzgerald Stadium Finance Committee, welcomed the development work: "Fitzgerald Stadium is a ground of strategic importance, not only to the Kerry County Board and the GAA nationally, but is also vital to the town of Killarney and surrounding towns. Munster final weekends alone currently generate a €20 million spend and the increased capacity will attract higher profile games and concerts, with increased revenue for the local area."