Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership Chairman, Jimmy Deenihan officially opened the new extension to Knocknagoshel Gym at 7.pm on Friday evening.
“I am delighted to open this wonderful facility which is providing a very important service for the local community,” said Mr. Deenihan.
“The provision of facilities similar to the Knocknagoshel Sports & Recreation Centre in all parts of the county is very much part of the strategy being pursued by the Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership. It is important that all of the people of Kerry have convenient access to quality sport & recreational facilities,” he said.
The gym is run by Knocknagoshel Sport and Recreational Association Ltd and is located at Willie Walsh GAA Park.
Much Needed Facilities
The company was founded in 2001 when Knocknagoshel GAA Club and community groups within the parish joined forces to form the company to provide much needed facilities and jobs in the area.
The facility employs a manager, two full time and four part time staff. Staffing is funded by Pobal under its Community Services
Programme.
In 2011, the gym area needed to be increased to accommodate new equipment and satisfy the demands of increasing membership.
With funding secured from the Deptartment of Transport, Tourism and Sport under its sports capital programme in 2012, DW Consultancy Ltd., Community Funding, JP McManus Benevolent Fund and Kerry County Council Community funding the project was able to proceed.
A Special Day
Chairman, Dan Neligan welcomed all on behalf of management and staff to the opening and in particular Mr Deenihan and wished him well in his new role
“This is a special day for all involved in the facility here in Knocknagoshel. It is the coming together of Knocknagoshel GAA Club and the local community. It’s aim is to provide and improve important services in terms of recreation and health for the people of the locality with the help of local and central funding. The company would like to thank all those who made this possible.
“We would like to thank Lee Roche Construction Ltd. and Kennelly & Murphy Engineering, project manager, for the excellent work in the constructing and management of the project.
We wish to thank the directors, the building committee, staff members and manager Kathleen Cremins for all their hard work during the project and in particular all who supported the gym over the years.
Rural Social Scheme
We would like to thank the Rural Social Scheme for their great work and the media outlets for their support and coverage,” Mr. Neligan concluded.
Tribute was payed to the late Tom Greaney who passed away recently and who made a major contribution to the project. Others who were remembered included Jim Murphy founder member of the company. Jim was instrumental in securing the first Social Economy Scheme for the facility. Noreen O’Regan, director for many years and Patrick Downey whose great work on the river project is well remembered. The extension was blessed by Rev. Canon Mangan P.P. Knocknagoshel.
Viewing took place from 6pm to 9pm with special offers of Yearly memberships at €100 available for one week only. Three month membership at €50 – plus three weeks free.
Sponsors were also thanked for their support for the draw and a free draw took place for yearly memberships and many other great prizes.
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