Kerry County Council (KCC) is to organise a joint civic reception for the county’s three club football teams which won All-Ireland titles this year.
Dingle, An Ghaeltacht and Ballymacelligott claimed the senior, intermediate and junior All-Ireland club championships respectively.
This is the first time in Gaelic football history that three clubs from the same county have won all three titles.
At the January full council meeting, the executive said civic receptions would only be possible at municipal district level because a resolution, passed in 2019, limited the number of full council civic receptions to two per year.
Full civic receptions have already been approved this year for Killarney actress Jessie Buckley and Tralee student, Young Scientist of the Year winner, Aoibheann Daly.
Councillor Charlie Farrelly read aloud the council’s 2019 protocol, which stated that a third full civic reception would be possible in exceptional circumstances.
Councillor Anne O’Sullivan urged that the reception proceed, describing the achievement as unique and a once-off.
She said the victories have uplifted spirits across the three parishes.
Director of Corporate Services and People Development, Martin O’Donoghue told members that there is insufficient space in County Buildings to host a joint reception, compliant with fire safety regulations.
Other venues are to be considered.
As the proposal set aside a previously adopted resolution, a roll call vote was held.
Notwithstanding the existing protocol, the joint civic reception for the three football clubs was approved unanimously.
Councillor Jackie Healy Rae called for the council’s Corporate Policy Group to review the civic honours policy, saying it was “no longer fit for purpose”.
