Kerry’s Conway confident HQ will back centre of excellence

KERRY GAA chiefs are hopeful they will receive the green light to commence work on their centre of excellence project at Currans in Farranfore at the Central Council meeting of the GAA early in the new year.

The development has encountered serious delays due to concerns of GAA officials at national level over the level of debt incurred by the Kerry County Board over the redevelopment of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.

But outgoing Kerry chairman Jerome Conway is hopeful the way will soon be paved for the development of facility.

“We had almost despaired of ever getting permission to proceed with the centre of excellence in Currans,” he said.

“It must be said that Croke Park was cautious about our ability to service the loan in Fitzgerald Stadium.

“However, when it was clear that this was secure, we are confident that the Finance Committee and the Infrastructural Committee will recommend the project to management and Ard Chomhairle for acceptance.

“This will be done at the meeting in early January and will mean that we will be able to qualify for grants for the project. Munster Council has already promised €1 million to the centre.”