Tralee Hosting Major Games Would Be “A Certainty” If The Money Is There

Tralee ICG Chairman Mike Culloty.

TRALEE could be all set to host an international sports event which will flock young athletes from all over the globe, but it depends on finances according to the local Chairman of Tralee ICG.

Tralee International Children’s Games are bidding to host the 2020 event, which, if successful will bring a financial boost to town and surrounding areas.

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Speaking to Tralee ICG chairman, Mike Culloty, he says the games coming to Tralee would be a “certainty”, but it will come down to finance.

“The International Children’s Games committee are behind us, I think we have the facilities and the goodwill is there. If we can convince the government to give us sufficient funding we will raise the rest privately,” said Mike.

The bid plans to have Tralee as the focal point of the games, but facilities Kerry-wide will be utilsed, with Killarney, Castleisland, Listowel and Killorglin also earmarked to host events.

This has been a long-held ambition for Tralee ICG who, due to funding difficulties, had to pull out of their bid for the 2015 games to Kerry.

In preparation for the 2015 bid, in 2008 Tralee ICG, invited the International Children’s Games executive committee to Kerry.

They completed a feasibility study in 2010 which showed they were in a position to host the games in terms of facilities and accommodation. The projected cost of the games was €1.5 million.

Following feasibility studies there were negotiations with government to look for support in terms of finance. Tralee ICG came up with a plan that they would raise €500,000 and the government would come up with the other €1m.

“Unfortunately the country hit an awful slump around that time and while we did get a considerable promise of funding from government departments, it wasn’t enough to allow us make the bid,” said Mike.

“We think with the improvements in the economy, with the projected buildings in Tralee IT and maybe some other facilities coming on board shortly, we will be in a better position to once more bid for the games.”

“We think at the present moment it will cost less than €1.5 million and one doesnt know where saving’s could be made, costs have certainly come down” he said.

In a novel move, should the bid be successful, there are plans to include Gaelic Games in the competition, with plans to invite clubs from around the world.