A HUGE crowd gathered in Kilteely recently to witness the official opening of an all-weather development.
Among the special guests to help open the facility was the Liam MacCarthy Cup who came with great company in John Kiely and Limerick GAA officials and players.
The development consists of a 60x30 foot indoor ball alley and viewing area, a 160 foot outdoor hurling wall an astro track and playing area as well as a club gym.
The day began with an Under-5 and Under-7 blitz verson Ballybrown.
In a hat-tip to yesteryear, 50 years ago Ballybrown were the opponents when Kilteely Dromkeen Junior Hurlers recorded a
landmark county final victory.
There was great excitement when the Liam MacCarthy Cup appeared, and club man and Limerick Senior Hurler Brian O’Grady helped to hand out the certs and medals.
John Kiely, who managed Kilteely Dromkeen GAA to an East Junior title in 2010 was welcomed to the grounds and brought upstairs to the project appreciation wall.
John, together with outgoing Limerick GAA chairman John Cregan and Eimear and Shane O’Dea pulled the curtain to
unveil this fine display listing the names of those who gave generously to help support the build.
John Kiely was very close friends with the dearly missed Robert O'Dea (R.I.P) and describved how he was instrumental in gaining his first position as Limerick Intermediate Hurling manager in 2010.
The wall and the project are in Robert’s honour and all those who have played their role in the history of the club and community who have passed.
The formalities then progressed to the stand, beside where a plaque lists the field committee who purchased the club grounds in 1987.
Just like 25 years ago, the generosity of the local and wider committee was vital to the completion of the project.
From scrap metal collections, mouse night races, Races at the Dogs, a Monster Auction, the Lip sync night in 2018 and the Project Appreciation Wall, hundreds of people have played their part.
Chairman Noel O'Dea welcomed the audience and Denny Ahern presented the story and highlights of the almost decade-long project journey.
It was described how the project benefitted from a €109,000 Sports capital grant and other funding. That, together with funds raised meant the project costs have almost been fully covered.
Outgoing Limerick GAA chairperson John Cregan spoke very well of the project and the positive impact KD GAA has had with Limerick GAA. County and Munster officials attended also.
Presentations were made to Sean O'Dea and Brian O'Grady in honour of their college (UCD Sigerson Cup 2016 / UL Fitzgibbon Cup 2022 and inter-county achievements. Éibhear O'Dea and Denny Ahern were also acknowledged for all they have done for Limerick GAA with presentations made too.
Also joining them were Adam English and Darragh O'Donovan, much to the delight of young and old alike.
John Kiely was joined by Minister-of-State Patrick O'Donovan in cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque to mark the official opening of the development.
Great celebrations followed and all in attendance were warmed up with a cup for soup and sandwiches.
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