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Location of the Kerry GAA Museum

June 14th, 2011
by Weeshie Fogarty

The debate has already begun as to where a Kerry GAA museum should be situated. Killarney and Tralee have signaled their intentions to pitch for funding and permission to begin work on the project. And let's get one thing clear and that is in my opinion, irrespective where it will be based the time is long overdue for this county to have a building where all our long and glorious traditions and history can be showcased and availably for viewing to the Kerry public and visitors alike. There is such a vast wealth of Kerry GAA memorabilia of all descriptions available that is would take a massive building to house it and have on display twelve months of the year. To do justice to the project it will I expect take a vast amount of money. We are not talking here about a few rooms with photographs, medals, and other historic documents and newspaper cuttings on display. No indeed, we are talking about something I expect in the line of the magnificent Croke Park museum and if you have never visited this superb complex then do so if at all possible. It is I am reliably informed as good if not better than any of it is like in the whole of Europe.

Of course a Kerry GAA museum will not be as big and expansive as Croke Park but it will require many of the facilities, security and high tec listening and viewing screens/devices we take for granted when we visit Dublin. Correct temperatures the whole year around, top level security, the availability of all the best past Kerry games for public viewing, All ireland medals, trophies, and much much more. Ladies football, handball and of course hurling must also play a huge part in what is exhibited in the museum. It will be an on going process in relation to what will be available to visitors and I know from experience travelling to peoples homes and around the county in general that there is a vast reservoir of Kerry GAA material out there just waiting for a permanent home. Wherever the museum will eventually be sited it will I am utterly convinced be a massive attraction to locals, visitors and school tours. Best of luck to those who seek to win the approval of those who will make the final decision. So where will it be, Killarney or Tralee, a simple solution, why not have one if possible in both towns. There is without a shadow of doubt more than enough Kerry GAA material to fill the needs of both. It's long, long overdue.

While the two major Kerry towns are bidding for the museum rights down in Caherceiveen the sports lovers there are well ahead of the posse because just last week I was present to cut the ribbon as a magnificent new project was unveiled. "The Hall Champions" pays a glorious tribute to all the sporting legends that have at one time or another achieved greatness in their chosen sport. Kiernan McCarthy one of the great St Mary's players of the past with the assistance of others including Christy Riordan c/r videos has spearheaded a Fas led scheme which came to fruition before a huge crowd in the Heritage Center situated in the Old Barracks in the town centre. Thirteen beautifully prepared frames, 36 inches by 24 adorn the walls of a specially prepared room. Each one displays a beautiful collage of photographs depicting an individual, team or sport. Explanatory tex accompanies the photographs and it really is a magnificent exhibition which other areas of the county might do well to follow.

While in time other sporting legends from all over South Kerry will eventually adorn the walls Caherceiveen idols such as GAA greats Maurice Fitzgerald, Brian Sheehan, Jerome o Shea, cyclist "Iron Man" Mick Murphy, beagle hunting, athletics, three rowing clubs rowing, Over the Water, Sieve, and Caherceiveen are all available to the viewer. The histories of Caherceiveen soccer club and Caherceiveen races are also traced as a result of this outstanding work. And of course the present All Ireland junior football champions from the town that climbs the mountain, St Mary's take pride of place. A series of interviews which I conducted on the night tracing the history of each sport will also in time be availably in an audio section of the premises. It's a truly remarkable display of sporting diversity and as more and more material is added it promises to be one of the best sporting exhibitions in this county. If you have even a passing interest in Kerrys sporting heritage then a visit is a must. Well done to all involved.

Fogra; If you want to hear what life has been like for Kerry's latest Rugby sensation then listen in to my Radio Kerry Terrace Talk programme next Monday evening 6-8 pm. I spend an afternoon at the home of Ardfert man Danny Barnes recently as he re-lived his sensational season with Munster. He received an unexpected call up to the squad and helped them win the Mangier league beating European champions Leinsters in the final. Fascinating look into what life is like playing with some of the world's top players. Danny played GAA with Ardfert until the age of sixteen. I also spoke to his dad Eddie; The New Zealander has played a massive part in Danny's rise to stardom and he recounts the family's tale of emigration to his country around the time of the famine. Not to be missed.

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