KILLARNEY ADVERTISER WK04 23.01.2026

A bridge too far as bus and rail Stations remain disconnected

A renewed call has been made for a pedestrian footbridge linking Killarney’s bus and rail stations, as local representatives once again questioned why two major transport hubs sitting side by side remain unconnected.

At last week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting, Cllr John O’Donoghue requested that Kerry County Council write to Iarnród Éireann to demand the provision of the link.

He also sought an update on potential discussions between the Council, Iarnród Éireann, and the Killarney Outlet Centre regarding a low-cost compromise: opening pedestrian access at the end of the platform to allow passengers to transition between hubs without walking out onto the public road.

The project has faced significant hurdles

in recent years.

In May 2025, the National Transport Authority (NTA) labelled the bridge a “non-runner,” citing a staggering price tag of €5 million.

This estimate is double the initial €2.5 million figure drawn up in 2019. The NTA stated in May last year that due to these costs, limited funding, and competing projects elsewhere, the bridge would not proceed at present.

Despite the setback, Cllr O’Donoghue remains defiant. “This is an annual feature on the agenda from me, and I will continue to pursue the issue for as long as I am in this chamber,” he said. “Having a train station and a bus station as next-door neighbours but not having any means of linking the two is nothing short of a Kerryman joke.”

He described the current situation as

Jessie Buckley favourite for Best Actress Oscar

Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has officially been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film Hamnet.

The news, which broke at lunchtime on Thursday, has sparked widespread celebrations across the town, with Buckley now considered a strong favourite to se-

cure the win on March 15.

This marks the second Oscar nomination for the star. She was previously nominated in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter, eventually losing out to Ariana DeBose. This time, however, industry experts see her as the overwhelming frontrunner to take home the statuette. In Hamnet, Buckley plays

a scene from a “hidden camera show,” where tourists arriving at one station are baffled to learn there is no direct path to the other.

O’Donoghue argued that the lack of infrastructure flies in the face of government ‘Active Travel’ policies and criticised previous responses from Irish Rail as being “borderline discriminatory” toward those with disabilities or limited mobility.

A potential solution lies with the Killarney Outlet Centre, which has previously indicated a willingness to engage with stakeholders about opening a walkway at the end of the rail platform. This would provide a cost-effective alternative to a multimillion-euro bridge.

“Franz Kafka once famously said ‘paths are made by walking,’” O’Donoghue added. “I will continue to walk until we have a suitable link between the two stations.”

Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, starring alongside Paul Mescal. While the film brought glory to Buckley, there was disappointment for her co-star as the Kildare man narrowly missed out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The excitement in Killarney was palpable as the nominations were announced live from Hollywood. A large crowd gathered at the Arbutus Hotel on College Street, owned by Jessie’s Uncle Sean, to toast her success. Radio Kerry broadcast live from the hotel throughout the afternoon, capturing the electric atmosphere as locals celebrated. See more on page 30

Last August, a major milestone was reached in Rathmore with the official opening of a brand-new, fully accessible footbridge. Featuring two lifts, the project took 13 months to complete and has been a brilliant result for the local community. However, its completion raises a glaring question: what is the excuse for Killarney?

Iarnród Éireann claims a Killarney bridge is unaffordable at €5 million, yet we see significant infrastructure investment just down the road. No one begrudges Rathmore its progress, but Killarney deals with vastly higher footfall. Every day, locals, families with luggage, and elderly tourists are forced to trek 400 metres in the rain, often circumnavigating the Outlet Centre; just to change from a train to a bus. If a full-scale accessible bridge can be delivered in Rathmore, it is time for the NTA and Irish Rail to stop using the “too expensive” excuse for Killarney. Our town is one of the busiest tourist hubs in Ireland; it deserves a transport link that reflects that status.

Land provision for over 4,000 housing units in Killarney

Members of Kerry County Council today adopted a variation to the current Kerry County Development Plan which has zoned sufficient residential and employment lands to meet the future development needs of the Killarney Municipal District.

In terms of lands available for employment, there are now approximately 75 hectares of undeveloped lands across the Municipal District. With respect to lands for residential development, there are now about 95 hectares of new or proposed residential lands available within the Municipal District. These lands have the potential to accommodate 4,415 units.

The newly adopted plan aims to set out a comprehensive local planning framework with clear policies and objectives including land use zoning, in the interests of the common good. The successful implementation of the Plan will have a posi-

tive impact on the Killarney MD, ensuring it develops in a sustainable manner.

In conjunction with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (KCDP), this Variation will complete the planning framework for the area and complement the implementation of the policies and objectives contained in these higher-level plans.

The principal town in the Municipal District is Killarney which is designated as a Key Town in the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy for the Southern Region

(RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 (KCDP).

Rathmore, Barraduff and Kilcummin occupy important roles as District Towns for the area as identified in the County Development Plan.

FINAL CALL

Kerry County Council has issued a final call to developers to submit expressions of interest for affordable housing and turnkey acquisitions in Killarney. The deadline for submissions is set for 4:00 pm. on Friday, February.

According to the CEO report presented at Monday's full council meeting in Tralee, the council is seeking developers for turnkey acquisitions across the county, as well as specific affordable housing submissions for Killarney and Tralee. These initiatives are aimed at increasing the local housing supply through advance purchase arrangements for residential

developments.

Enquiries regarding the Turnkey Open Call can be made to turnkey@kerrycoco. ie, while those interested in the Affordable Housing call should contact affordablehousing@kerrycoco.ie.

Speaking after the meeting, the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, made a strong appeal to developers to engage with the scheme before the February deadline. He said that the current shortage of affordable options is pricing a specific group of residents out of the town. “Killarney is currently experiencing a serious shortage of affordable homes, especially for individuals and families who do not qualify for social housing because they are above the income threshold, yet still cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market,” Mayor Grady said. He added that this gap in the market is having a "profound impact" on young families and first-time buyers who want to remain in Killarney but are struggling with escalating house prices and the high cost of living. "I wish to strongly encourage developers to express their interest in developing affordable housing on suitable sites within the town," he said.

Killarney ultra-runner Sean Clifford nominated for national awards

Killarney’s Sean Clifford has earned two prestigious nominations at the 2025 Outsider Awards following his record-breaking run of the Wild Atlantic Way last August.

Clifford has been shortlisted for both Outsider of the Year and Outdoor Adventure of the Year.

The nominations recognise his feat of covering approximately 2,700 kilometres in under 30 days. During the run from Donegal to Cork, he climbed

an estimated 27,000 metres, which is equivalent to scaling Mount Everest three times.

While many seasoned ultra-runners doubted if the 2,700km coastal route could be completed in that timeframe, Clifford proved it was possible despite the brutal Atlantic weather and exposed roads.

This follows his 2024 nomination after he broke the record for climbing all 275 Irish mountains. Unlike elite athletes

with major sponsorships, Clifford relies on a small support crew and local encouragement.

“These nominations aren’t just about me,” he said. “They’re about the people who ran a few kilometres beside me, the locals who opened their doors, the clubs that showed up day after day, and the belief that adventure doesn’t have to be exclusive or elite. It can be accessible to anyone willing to take the first step.”

For more on the awards, turn to page 24.

T OWN TALK

Charity match-day parking available for Kerry v Roscommon

Fans attending the Allianz Football League Division One clash between Kerry and Roscommon at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday, January 25, can avail of supervised parking while supporting a local cause.

The Kerry Mental Health Association is making 50 parking spaces available at its premises on Upper Lewis Road (V93 Y0YC).

The car park is located just off the bypass and is a short walk from the stadium grounds. Spaces are priced at €10 (plus booking fee) and must be pre-booked online.

All proceeds will go directly toward the Kerry Mental Health Association’s ongoing work in supporting people with mental health challenges, as well as their families and carers across the county.

KEY DETAILS FOR SUPPORTERS:

Entry: Only permitted on presentation of a pre-booked Eventbrite ticket.

Opening Times: Access to the car park is available from 12.30pm to 2.00pm.

Location: Upper Lewis Road, Killarney (V93 Y0YC).

Terms: Cars are parked at the owners' risk. Fans are kindly asked to take any litter home to help keep the area tidy. Organisers expect high demand for the limited spaces and advise early booking to avoid disappointment.

Book your space: scan QR code

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS • GOT A STORY? Call 064 6632215 or email: newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie

Carpet & Furniture Centre presents €21k to Kerry Hospice

The staff, family, and friends of Killarney Carpet & Furniture have presented a donation of €21,138 to the Killarney branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Palliative Care.

The funds were raised through a special festive initiative held in memory of the store’s late founder, Andy ‘Carpets’ O’Sullivan.

The centrepiece of the fundraiser, ‘Pictures for Palliative under Andy’s Arches’, saw the High Street laneway transformed into a winter wonderland on December 7.

Families gathered for photos with Santa and hot chocolate, while donation boxes remained in the store throughout the month.

In a generous tribute to Andy’s legacy, the O’Sullivan family and the business committed to matching every euro do-

nated by the public.

Niall O’Sullivan thanked the local community for their kindness.

"This event would not have been as successful without the time, effort, and generosity put in by all our colleagues, volunteers, and suppliers," he said.

"Your kindness has truly overwhelmed us, and we are so grateful to everyone who supported Andy’s Arches throughout December."

He presented the final cheque to Pat Doolan, Chairperson of the Killarney Branch of the Kerry Hospice.

“I want to sincerely thank Niall for his generosity and commitment,” said Mr Doolan. “The incredible amount raised will make a real difference to patients and their families. This donation honours the memory of Andy O'Sullivan in a way that directly supports the palliative care services he valued so much.”

Woodlawn Park residents install

The Woodlawn Park community have purchased and installed a new publicly accessible defibrillator.

Located in the heart of the estate, the device is now available for emergency use by the public.

To ensure the equipment can be used effectively, the close-knit community is set to undergo AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training. Residents high-

lighted that a rapid and safe response is vital during a cardiac emergency. The Killarney Cardiac Response Unit will work alongside trained local residents to provide ongoing support and instruction on how to operate the life-saving gear. The project was spearheaded by local residents Jessica O’Connor, Shane Edwards, and Catherine O’Sullivan-Hoffman, who oversaw the fundraising and installation process.

Annette Horgan, Richard Condon and Tanya McCormick when Scéal Eile was re-branded as Marguerite's at a time when mask wearing was normal. Photo: Michelle Crean

End of an era as High Street restaurant closes after 30 years

It is the end of an era for High Street this week as Marguerite's Restaurant, still fondly known to generations of locals as Scéal Eile, has closed its doors for the final time.

The closure marks the end of more than 30 years of business at the popular town centre landmark.

The restaurant underwent a major refurbishment and name change in 2021. Operated by the Condon family of Marguerite’s Home Bakery in Newcastle West, the café was rebranded from Scéal Eile to Marguerite's at that time, though the name Scéal Eile remained synonymous with the premises for many locals. In a poignant closing notice shared on social media, manager Annette Horgan expressed how difficult it was to put the restaurant’s legacy into words. She described the business as far more than just a workplace, calling it a "second home" filled with treasured memories and lasting friendships.

Annette extended a sincere thank you to the loyal customers and friends whose kindness and familiar faces supported the business over the decades. She also paid tribute to the professionalism and teamwork of the management and staff, both past and present.

The message included a special tribute to two late colleagues and dear friends, Kaye and Marie, who were remembered with love. Annette also extended her thanks to the Condon family, wishing them success in their future retirements.

"As this chapter comes to a close for me, I will carry with me the wonderful memories and the many special people I have had the privilege to meet throughout the years," she added.

Killarney native Tom Randles to open Ireland’s largest travel trade fair

Killarney native Tom Randles will have the honour of officially opening Ireland’s largest travel trade fair, the Holiday World Show 2026, this Friday.

The opening ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin, where Randles will be joined by Fiji Warrior Daniel Momo for an official photocall.

Randles, the Managing Director of Bar-

Paralympian named as ambassador for road race

Killarney Valley Athletic Club (KVAC) has officially announced the return of the Streets of Killarney 5-Mile Road Race, which is set to take place on Good Friday, April 3.

Now entering its third year following a highly successful debut in 2024, the race has established itself as a premier event on the local sporting calendar. The fast and flat five-mile course offers participants a unique route that winds through the heart of Killarney town and the scenic surroundings of the National Park.

In a significant move for this year’s event, Canadian Paralympian and Killarney resident Maddie Wilson Walker has been named the official race ambassador. Maddie, who lives and trains locally with KVAC, is a world-class athlete and double amputee who lost both legs below the knee to meningitis at age three. Her involvement highlights the importance of disability representation in sport and serves as a powerful inspiration to runners of all abilities. Maddie expressed her pride in the role, noting that she hopes

to show others that anything can be achieved regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Registration for the event is now open via Eventmaster, and organisers have confirmed that over half of the available tickets have already been sold. Jeremiah Griffin, Chairperson of Killarney Valley AC, noted that the event continues to grow annually, attracting participants from across the globe. He emphasised that the support from local sponsors is crucial for the sustainability of the club's track facility and the ongoing development of athletics for both young and old within the community.

The event is made possible through the support of a dedicated group of local businesses including Gold sponsor Reen’s Life Pharmacy; Silver sponsors Activate Gym; Daly’s Supervalu; Fexco; Gallivan’s Property Partners; Killarney Credit Union; Luna Coffee + Wine; Polly’s; and Tricel.

Pick up a copy of next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full interview with Maddie Wilson Walker.

ter’s Travelnet in Cork, was elected President of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) in April 2025.

A qualified Chartered Accountant originally from Killarney, he has spent nearly three decades in the industry, having joined Barter’s in 1996 before eventually taking over the company in 2023.

The Holiday World Show expects over 1,000 travel professionals representing 50 countries.

Kilcummin GAA honours members at annual awards do

Kilcummin GAA club rooms were filled to capacity recently as members and supporters gathered for the club’s annual awards night.

The evening served as a celebration of both on-field success and the dedicated service of long-standing club officials. A significant portion of the night was dedicated to honouring outgoing Chairperson Ciara Kelly and the outgoing Secretary for their extensive contributions to the club. Both were recognised for their leadership over the past eight years, a pivotal period that included major infrastructural developments and the historic achievement of winning the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship.

On the playing front, the club’s minor team received a standing ovation as they were presented with their County League winners' medals. Individual excellence was also highlighted with the announcement of the 2025 player awards. Philip O'Leary was named Sen-

ior Player of the Year, while the Young Player of the Year award went to Dara O'Callaghan. Jack Fogarty was also honoured as the Junior Player of the Year for his consistent performances throughout the season.

The event marked a formal transition for the club’s executive, as incoming Chairperson Marie Murphy and incoming Secretary Grainne Lenihan addressed the attendance. In their remarks, they acknowledged the vital role that volunteers play in the continued success of Kilcummin GAA and emphasised the importance of recognising the value these individuals bring to the local community. The new officers committed to building on the strong foundation left by their predecessors as the club prepares for the 2026 season.

McCarthy is new President at Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club

The Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, where members officially elected Derry McCarthy to the position of Club President.

The role had remained vacant following the passing of the highly respected Kay O'Sullivan in October 2024. McCarthy, a long-standing member of the club, will also continue his work as the Grounds Chairman for the 2026 season.

In one of his first official duties as President, McCarthy made a special presentation to Club Secretary Damien Fleming to recognise his significant playing achievements throughout 2025. The evening also saw the presentation of the Utility Trust Doubles Matchplay prizes to the various winners. The club also confirmed the addition of Niall O'Loughlin and Michael

Cronin to the committee, who will take up the roles of U16 Officers to oversee the development of the club's younger members.

The 2026 officer board was finalised during the meeting, with Sean Kelly continuing as Chairman, Damien Fleming as Secretary, and Jason O’Connor as PRO. While several key positions were filled, including Bobby Kelly as Registrar and Gearóid Cronin as Club Captain, the vacancies for Vice-President, Vice-Chairman, and Treasurer were deferred. These roles are expected to be filled by co-option at the first scheduled committee meeting of the new year. The outgoing committee thanked everyone who attended the meeting and expressed their gratitude to the local community for their continued support of the club. Work is now beginning on the course and competition schedule in preparation for the upcoming spring season at the Killarney venue.

Cahill pushes for new Beaufort bus routes in the Dáil

Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill has called on the Minister for Transport to provide additional funding for two new bus routes serving the Killarney and Beaufort districts.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, the Kerry TD emphasised that rural connectivity is vital for both local residents and the county’s tourism industry.

The first proposed route would connect

Beaufort village to Killorglin town, travelling via the St Mary of the Angels facility at Whitefield. Deputy Cahill noted that locals have already prepared a petition demonstrating significant demand for a public transport initiative along this residential corridor.

The second route seeks to link Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe with Beaufort village and onwards to Killarney town. "I am convinced that there will be

great demand for a service from Kate's to Beaufort village and onwards to Killarney town and vice versa," Deputy Cahill stated.

The Rossbeigh-based TD praised the work of Alan O’Connell and the Kerry Local Link team but stressed that further National Transport Authority (NTA) funding is required to bring these plans to fruition. He also highlighted that the Killarney to Mallow route is currently

awaiting funding after the completion of the tender process.

Reflecting on his previous calls for a "hopon, hop-off" service on the Ring of Kerry as a councillor, Deputy Cahill expressed his delight that several such services now operate. He told the Dáil that expanding this network to include populated areas like Beaufort and Cromane is the logical next step in supporting the local economy and reducing traffic congestion.

A motion of no confidence in the Road Safety Authority (RSA), put forward by Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae, was passed unanimously at the January meeting of Kerry County Council on Monday.

The move reflects a cross-party frustration with the national agency’s effectiveness, especially following a recent fatal crash on a stretch of the N22 that had already been flagged as high-risk by experts.

The motion was supported by members from across the Council chamber and reflected growing concern at the direction, priorities, and effectiveness of the RSA, particularly in the context of rising road fatalities. According to RSA figures, approximately 185 people lost their lives on public roads in Ireland in 2025 – one of the highest figures in over a decade. Eight of those deaths occurred in County Kerry. Speaking following the meeting, Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae said the figures represented a clear failure of national road safety leadership. “Despite unprecedented levels of legislation, enforcement, and penalties on our roads, fatalities are going up. That tells us that something is fundamentally wrong with how road safety is being managed at national level,” he said. The motion specifically criticised what Cllr Healy-Rae described as the RSA’s

Legacy Elite Cheerleading returned to Killarney with an impressive haul of trophies following their performance at the Future Cheer championships in Dublin on Saturday, January 17.

Competing against teams from across Ireland and the UK, the Killarney-based club secured five first-place titles. In addition to the gold medals, the athletes earned two bronze trophies and a seventh-place

N22 tragedy highlights infrastructure failures

over-reliance on expensive advertising and "spin."

He highlighted the 30km/h speed limit campaign, which cost nearly €1 million in production and media fees, while real-world engineering issues remain ignored.

WARNINGS IGNORED ON THE N22

A central issue raised during the debate was the neglect of road infrastructure

safety.

Cllr Healy-Rae pointed to warnings from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which previously identified the N22 corridor as a route where additional deaths and serious injuries were inevitable without urgent upgrades.

That warning was tragically borne out on Saturday, January 10, when a man in his 40s lost his life in a two-car collision at Dromadeesirt.

This follows years of local demands for the construction of the new Farranfore to Killarney bypass to remove traffic from dangerous, substandard sections of the existing road.

“Dangerous junctions, poor alignments, and substandard roads cannot be fixed by advertising campaigns,” Cllr HealyRae said. “Engineering and infrastructure save lives, and they are being neglected by the RSA because it is not a ‘sexy’ enough issue for them.”

While the motion contrasted the RSA’s approach with local efforts including Kerry County Council’s appointment of a Road Safety Officer and the funding of school wardens Cllr Healy-Rae warned that local authorities must also act. He urged the Council to use its own resources to fix dangerous junctions rather than waiting on central grants that may never arrive.

The unanimously passed motion now calls for a fundamental re-evaluation of the RSA’s role, demanding a shift from "slogans and messaging" to practical, evidence-based interventions that actually reduce road deaths.

Five gold medals for Legacy Elite Cheerleading at Dublin championships

finish in what was the first major competition of the new season.

Club coach Hayley Murphy expressed her pride in the athletes’ performances, noting that the results highlight the hard

work put in by the teams during recent months. The event served as a successful season opener, providing a strong foundation for the year ahead.

There is little time for rest for the local

cheerleaders, as they have already returned to training. The teams are currently preparing for their next major event, which is scheduled to take place in Dublin this coming March.

Lily MacMonagle as Sylvia for KMS'40th anniversary show

As Killarney Musical Society prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary with the production of All Shook Up, the spotlight this week falls on local performer Lily MacMonagle Shannon, who takes on the role of Sylvia.

The highly anticipated show will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12.

The character of Sylvia is the sharp-witted and confident owner of the local bar where much of the musical’s action unfolds. A central figure in the town, she is portrayed as a voice of experience and honesty. While she maintains a tough and worldly exterior, the story follows her journey toward self-acceptance and a second chance at romance.

Lily MacMonagle Shannon is a wellknown figure in the Killarney arts scene as a performer, director, and educator. A graduate of The Bull Alley Theatre Training Company and Trinity Guildhall London, she is also the founder and director of The MACademy Performing Arts School.

A member of the Killarney Musical Society since 1998, Lily’s previous stage credits include Grease, Me & My Girl, and Evita. She notably won an AIMS Best Actress award for her portrayal of the title role in Sweet Charity. Beyond her own performances, Lily has seen many of her students go on to perform at the INEC and appear on RTÉ Junior. Speaking about the upcoming production, Lily stated she is honoured to be part of the society’s landmark 40th year and looks forward to many more years on the Killarney stage.

Tickets for the three-night run of All Shook Up are currently available through Ticketmaster or via the Gleneagle Box Office.

Lily MacMonagle Shannon is a performer, director and educator and is the founder and director of The MACademy Performing Arts School. Photo: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

Coach selected for prestigious Italian football programme

Mastergeeha Football Club’s Under 12 coach Ramona Keogh has been selected for a high-profile international coaching programme in Italy.

Ramona is one of just ten grassroots coaches from across Ireland chosen to participate in this first-of-its-kind initiative.

The programme is a collaboration between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Léargas, a national agency that manages international exchange programmes.

As part of the selection, Ramona will

travel from Kilbrean to Como, Italy, to spend over a week immersed in the professional environment of Como 1907. During the trip, the Killarney coach will work directly with the staff, coaches, and various teams at the Italian club. The experience is designed to provide Irish grassroots leaders with insights into elite European coaching methods, which can then be brought back to local clubs like Mastergeeha.

The selection is a significant personal achievement for Ramona and a boost for the Mastergeeha coaching setup as she prepares for the trip of a lifetime to the shores of Lake Como.

The Europe Hotel set to reopen for 2026 season

The five-star Europe Hotel & Resort will officially reopen its doors for the 2026 season on Thursday, February 5.

Initially, the resort will welcome guests from Thursday to Saturday nights inclusive, before resuming full seven-day operations on Thursday, March 12. Guests can access the 50,000-squarefoot ESPA at The Europe, featuring indoor and outdoor vitality pools, a thermal suite, and relaxation areas. Complimentary resort activities also return, including horse riding on the hotel’s Austrian Haflinger ponies and use of the indoor tennis courts.

Dining options for the new season include The Panorama Restaurant, which features a farm-to-fork menu with produce from the hotel’s own 400-acre farm. For more casual settings, The Brasserie provides an open-grill menu, while

Riva offers Mediterranean-inspired Italian cuisine.

The hotel has announced two early-season packages: Love, Perfected: Available on the weekends of February 6 and 13, including breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a bottle of Moët & Chandon. Rates start from €750 for a Golfside Room and €805 for a Lakeview Room.

Luxe Thursday Night Stay: Available on Thursdays from March 5 to 12, featuring early 1 p.m. check-in, breakfast, and dinner in The Brasserie. Rates start from €520 for a Golfside Room and €585 for a Lakeview Room.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.theeurope.com

Pickleball popularity surges as new clubs launch in district

The sport of pickleball continues to grow in the Killarney area with the addition of a second club in Fossa and another new club on the district fringes in Duhallow.

Killarney Pickleball Club kicked off the new year by hosting two visiting clubs last week.

On Sunday, members welcomed their nearest neighbours from County Cork, the Duhallow club based near Kanturk.

On Tuesday morning, the club welcomed Fossa, their nearest local rivals in Kerry. The two groups were already well-acquainted as both clubs share a number of

players between them.

Michael Lyne of the Killarney club noted that the growth of the sport locally has been remarkable. He highlighted the social and competitive benefits of these inter-club meetings, which help build a strong community for players of all ages and abilities.

For those looking to take up the sport, Fossa Pickleball currently plays on Thursday afternoons in the Old Church. Killarney Pickleball Club continues its regular schedule at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, with sessions held on Tuesday mornings at 10am and Thursday evenings at 8pm.

Spa and Glenflesk GAA clubs in Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals

Killarney will be the focus of the national Scór stage this Saturday, as the Gleneagle INEC Arena hosts the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland Finals.

Two local clubs, Spa and Glenflesk, will carry the hopes of the county as they

compete for national titles. Representing Spa GAA is the Rince Seit (Set Dancing) team, who secured their place in the final after being crowned Munster champions in November. Joining them in the finals are the Glenflesk GAA Ballad Group.

COMFORT FOOD, GREAT VALUE, AND A WARM WELCOME AT CELTIC WHISKEY BAR & LARDER

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

COLD NIGHTS CALL FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL. OUR BRAND NEW WINTER MENU IS DESIGNED TO TEMPT YOU OUT, WITH FLAVOURPACKED DISHES AT PRICES THAT MAKE SENSE THIS SEASON.

ALL MAINS UNDER €18.00 COCKTAILS, 2 FOR €20 JOIN OUR LOYALTY CARD AND ENJOY EXCLUSIVE REWARDS A LIMITED-TIME WINTER MENU MADE FOR LOCALS.

THIS WINTER, STAY LOCAL. EAT WELL.

Woodworker wins top national award at Showcase Ireland

A Milltown-based carpentry and furniture business has secured the most prestigious prize at Ireland’s international creative expo, Showcase 2026.

Michael G O’Donoghue Carpentry was named the winner of the Overall Best Product Award during the opening day of the event at the RDS in Dublin on Sunday. The expo, which runs until Tuesday, is a major international trade fair featuring almost 400 exhibitors and attracting over 3,350 buyers from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. It is estimated that the three-day event will generate upwards of €32 million in sales for Irish designers and manufacturers.

Michael G Woodwork, operating out of Milltown, Killarney, specialises in high-quality heirloom furniture. The workshop focuses on traditional joinery techniques and hand-sculpted designs. The business was selected for the top

honour by a panel of industry experts, beating out hundreds of other brands in categories ranging from fashion and jewellery to wellbeing.

The award was presented on stage by Mary Blanchfield, CEO of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), and Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase. Speaking at the event, Mary Palmer noted that the achievements of the winners highlight the "exceptional quality, creativity, and ambition" of this year’s exhibitors.

The success for Kerry businesses continued in the Wellbeing category, where Paper + Cloud, also based in the county, took home a Best Product Category Award.

Marian Players set for ‘Treasure Island’ panto

The Marian Players Rathmore are set to take to the stage this week with their annual pantomime.

Treasure Island will run for six shows at the Rathmore Community Centre, starting this Saturday night.

Performances are scheduled for 7.30pm on Saturday, January 24; Wednesday, January 28; Thursday, January 29; and Saturday, January 31.

Matinee shows will take place at 3pm on

National Road Safety Conference to at Gleneagle Arena in March

Killarney will host a major national road safety event this spring when the ‘Safer Roads Road Safety Conference’ takes place at the Gleneagle Arena on Wednesday and Thursday, March 11 and 12.

The two-day conference, hosted by Kerry County Council, will bring together road safety professionals, collision responders, investigators, local authority staff and road-related businesses from across Ireland.

The event is not open to the general public and is aimed at those working directly in road safety, emergency response and transport sectors.

The conference will focus on improving road safety standards, reducing serious and fatal collisions and sharing practical experience from across the sector. Topics will include road design and engineering, enforcement, collision trends, emergency response, new technology, sustainable mobility and the future of road safety in Ireland and internationally.

One of the confirmed speakers is Ger O’Dea from the HSE National Ambulance Service, who will speak on ‘The Anatomy of a Crash’ and the challenges faced by emergency responders, particularly during severe weather conditions.

A number of national and international

speakers will also address the conference, with further names to be confirmed.

An exhibition will run alongside the conference, with road safety and transport-related companies showcasing equipment, services and innovations. Organisers say the event provides an important opportunity for professionals to share knowledge, examine real-life case studies and strengthen cooperation between agencies working to make roads safer.

Transition Year students offer IT help to locals

St Brendan’s College Transition Year students are continuing their Log On Learning Programme this January, offering free, practical IT help to members of the public.

The sessions are aimed at people who would like support using their phone, tablet or laptop. Help is available with everyday tasks such as sending texts, using WhatsApp or Facebook, ordering groceries online, taking photos, or getting

more comfortable with basic technology. Participants can choose what they want to learn and work at their own pace, with students on hand to give one-to-one guidance in a relaxed setting. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available during the sessions.

The Log On Learning Programme will run each Wednesday in January from 11.30am to 1.00pm.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact 064 663 1021 to register.

Sunday, January 25, and Sunday, February 1.

All proceeds from the production will go to Kerry Parents and Friends.

The ticket booking office can be reached at 085 203 1730.

The booking office, located next door to Christy’s Take-Away, is open from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Admission is priced at €15 for adults and €10 for children.

Two local outdoor amenities nominated for national awards

Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours has been nominated in the Best Irish Outdoor Experience of the Year category at the Outsider Awards, placing a long-established Killarney tourism experience on a national shortlist.

The nomination recognises a family-run business that has guided visitors through the Lakes of Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe for generations. The tours are built on local knowledge, storytelling and a strong connection to the landscape, offering visitors a relaxed and immersive way to experience one of Ireland’s most recognisable natural settings.

Fellow Killarney-based event, the Wander Wild Festival, has also been shortlisted in the same category. The dual nomination highlights Killarney’s strength as a destination for outdoor, nature-based and heritage experiences, and reflects the work of local operators in promoting the area on a national stage.

Speaking about the nomination, Donal Dux Jnr said:

“We are incredibly proud to be nominated for this award. Our tours are built on generations of local knowledge and a genuine love for the lakes and mountains of Killarney. To have that recognised at a national level is a huge honour, and it would mean a great deal to bring this award back to the Lakes of Killarney.”

The team at O’Donoghue Traditional Boat Tours is encouraging locals, visitors, partners and supporters to take part in the public vote to help showcase Killarney’s outdoor heritage. They also noted that if the award were to go to the Wander Wild Festival instead, it would still be a win for the town and its outdoor offering.

VOTE HERE:

Generous public raises over

€1,4k

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an "overwhelmingly successful" event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.

In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the

at Goal Mile

money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.

Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.

"The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group," Ms Mangan said. "It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families."

The organisers concluded by offering a "Míle Buíochas" to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

Ploughing Match to go ahead after weather delays

The annual Killarney Ploughing Match is finally set to take place this weekend at the third time of asking.

Originally scheduled for November 9 and postponed again in early December due to adverse weather, the event will now go ahead this Sunday at Coffey’s Farm in Fossa.

As the final event of the Kerry ploughing season, this year’s match holds particular significance for the local club. History is expected to be made on the

field as three members of the same family are slated to compete together for the first time in the competition's history. The club is also keeping a close eye on the performance of young member Ryan Wharton. Local organisers have expressed high hopes that Ryan will secure a qualification spot for the All-Ireland Ploughing Finals, which are held in Tullamore next September. Should he be successful, he would become the first ever member of the Killarney Ploughing Club to reach the national finals.

Join us for a casual dining experience in the heart of Killarney Food served daily from 12.30-9pm Hypnosis is the answer the Louis Eyres analytical therapy... Anxiety, Stress Fears, Phobias, Worry and Tension, Depression, Insomnia, Panic Attacks, Blushing, Stop Smoking, Lose Weight etc.

Analytical therapy TOTALLY RESOLVES the CAUSE of unconscious anxietiesleaving the sufferer free of their symptoms for life!

Louis is one of the longest practicing hypnotherapists in Ireland WITH OVER 25 YEARS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Louis will be holding a private clinic: Parkavon Hotel, Killarney

Thursday 29th January | Friday 30th January

All sessions will be on an individual basis For appointments Tel: 087 2937155

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

All-Ireland champions Kerry have the ultimate goal of retaining the Sam Maguire well in train.

It becomes serious on Sunday at 2.3 pm when they meet Roscommon in the first round of the National Football League at Fitzgerald Stadium.

They are the NFL champions of 2025 and hope that by winning their four home games in 2026 that there will be no worries about possible relegation and they will be able to trial new players.

Even though the oldies have not officially retired I contend that Kerry will not retain the Sam Maguire if they start with the same 15 as last year.

They need up to three new players to freshen up the bid for Sam and to provide competition for any established players who may be expecting to retain their places automatically.

I expect Kerry to have a strong team to collect the first points and not to have to worry about that expected revenge game away to Donegal in round two.

New blood needed if Sam is to be retained

• Kerry v Roscommon NFL preview

Certain key established players are unavailable for the next few months, recovering from injuries or being rested and minded to be fresh for the championship.

Paudie Clifford and 2025 captain Gavin White are in these categories.

The Kerry team has not been announced as this column goes to press so I expect new players who have been training and participated in the McGrath Cup to start along with established players who missed most of last season’s championship such as Diarmaid O’Connor and Dylan Casey. I expect Kerry to win.

CASH IS NOT KING

The match is scheduled as all-ticket. I don’t have a problem with that but have

campaigned through this column for special arrangements to be available for people who are not tech savvy or are not near retail outlets.

For the McGrath Cup final in the Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday last most patrons had bought tickets online and there was one entrance where a credit card was accepted, but no admission by cash.

That is an improvement, but I still feel strongly that the famous ticket van should be open to purchase tickets by cash.

That same bus is available so why not use it for games such as next Sunday’s league opener.

This is not criticism of Kerry County Board or the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee. It is

not their gig.

Last week I saw just one strong Kerry supporter well advanced in years unable to enter the McGrath Cup final.

His cash would not be accepted, and he did not have a credit card, by choice. He had to wait too long for a friend who had a credit card.

He paid for two and was refunded by the uneasy waiting supporter.

Now if it was blowing storm and a down pour how awful and embarrassing that wait might have been.

What is the forecast for early afternoon on Sunday next?

If it is a bad one, then mo dhuine and probably some more will have to rely on Tim and Ambrose on Radio Kerry or online via (the paid for) Clubber to follow the fortunes of the team he loves so well.

Irish Coffee Tasting at O'Donoghue's this Sunday

From Foynes to the cosy hearth of No. 76 College Street, join O’Donoghue Public House this National Irish Coffee Day.

To mark National Irish Coffee Day on Sunday, January 25, O’Donoghue Public House will say Sláinte by hosting An Irish Coffee Tasting Experience from 3pm. Discover the legendary story of how Irish Coffee was created on a Winters night in Foynes, County Limerick, the rich heritage of College Street and the past of O’Donoghue Public House. Guests will enjoy a live demonstration

The Kerry Darts Association marked the successful return of the Kerry County Darts Championship by presenting nearly €3,000 to two local charities.

The funds were raised during the revived tournament held at the Killarney Avenue Hotel on December 29, an event that had not taken place since 2010. The competition featured a unique "player auction" format, where every player who had participated in tournaments over the previous twelve months was

on crafting the perfect Irish Coffee using Powers Whiskey and the best part, tasting it. All within the cosy setting of OD’s. There will also be a complimentary mini-Irish coffee with any hearty main course from the food menu, served from 6pm to 9pm, all while soaking up the atmosphere of live music. To book and for more information visit, O’Donoghue Public House on Instagram or Facebook.

Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members. Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club. Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening. A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway. Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained

chef. Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability. The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team. Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub” To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

Kerry Darts Association revives County Championship to raise €3,000 for charity

auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The brisk bidding and high levels of competition across both the men’s and ladies' divisions ensured a significant prize fund for the chosen beneficiaries.

On January 10, Gary and Maureen McCormick, representing the Kerry Darts Association, attended the Village Inn in

Kilcummin to present the proceeds.

Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone received a cheque for €1,586.25, with a matching amount presented to Siobhain McSweeney and Cathal Walshe on behalf of Recovery Haven Kerry Branch.

Dale McCarthy took the title of Kerry

A Champion, while Phil Standing was

named Kerry B Champion. The Ladies Championship title was won by Julie Holstead.

Following the success of the revival, the Kerry Darts Association thanked all the players, bidders, and supporters who contributed to the substantial donation for the two local charities.

St. FestivalPatricks 2026 13 - 17 March ECHOES

OF THE FUTURE

FESTIVAL ZONE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL FOOD VENDORS.

St. Patricks Festival 2026 takes place from March 13th to 17th 2026 inclusive. Again, we will have a packed schedule of events taking place at our dedicated Festival zone at New St. carpark across these dates.

On March 15th, 16th and 17th, we are looking for local food vendors to compliment our schedule of events (set up only on March 14th). This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your offering to locals and visitors alike.

Spaces are limited and early enquiries are encouraged. Expressions of interest by February 13th 2026 to stpatricksfestival@killarney.ie

All vendors are required to provide up to date public insurance with specific indemnity to KCC & Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce

SUPPORT LOCAL . EAT LOCAL CELEBRATE LOCAL

IRISH COFFEE TASTING EXPERIENCE

This Sunday, from 3pm

Scan here for tickets

Step back in time.. ..to where it all began

Killarney erupts as local favourite Jessie Buckley secures Oscar nod

The Arbutus Hotel was the place to be on Thursday afternoon as family and friends of Jessie Buckley gathered in her uncle Sean’s hotel to witness a piece of Killarney history.

The landmark venue became a hotbed of local and national media attention following the announcement that the acclaimed actress has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Hamnet.

The excitement began in the hotel bar, where the news was announced during

a live television broadcast from Hollywood. Among those leading the cheers was Radio Kerry DJ and Killarney native Brendan Fuller, who is a cousin of the Oscar nominee. Radio Kerry and RTE broadcast live from the scene to capture the electric atmosphere as the celebration spilled out onto College Street.

Local photographer Valerie O’Sullivan was on hand to capture the moments of joy among close friends and relatives as the reality of the nomination set in.

With Buckley now a frontrunner for the prestigious award, the town is already looking forward to the ceremony on March 15.

⌘ MEDICAL MICRONEEDLING

* Collagen Induction Therapy with Exosomes

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €360

⌘ GLASS SKIN FACIAL

*Smoothes, Refines & Illuminates

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €270

⌘ CLINICARE MEDI SKIN PEEL

* Exceptional Anti Age results

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €270

⌘ DELUXE SPA PEDI

* In our Jacuzzi Pedi Chair

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €150

⌘ LASHLIFT & CURL

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €165

⌘ HENNA BROW

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €90

⌘ BROW LAMINATION

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €90

⌘ SPRAY TAN

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €80

⌘ DELUXE MANICURE

* With regular polish

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €90

⌘ HOT OIL INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €90

⌘ BACK, NECK & SHOULDER MASSAGE

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €80

⌘ EAR CANDLING WITH INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €110

⌘ LASH LONDON LASH EXTENSIONS

Receive FREE brow wax/tint €70

⌘ UNIVERSAL CONTOUR WRAP

*Inch loss, Cellulite Reduction

Buy 3 Get 4th FREE €285

⌘ FULL BODY HOT SUGAR SCRUB

Buy 2 Get 3rd FREE €140

⌘ SUNSHOWER

200 minutes €100

away Home

INSPIRED BY DANNY CASEY

Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae launches new podcast

Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne; Cllr

Jackie Healy-Rae has launched a new podcast focused on Kerry County Council meetings.

Titled The Chamber, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a clear and direct insight into what is happening inside the council chamber, from the councillor’s perspective. Cllr Healy-Rae said the idea behind the podcast is to explain what is being discussed and

decided at council meetings, and what those decisions mean for people on the ground. While there are more ways than ever for people to get their news and information, Healy Rae said that he felt there was a space for something more direct and accessible. He explained:

“The Chamber is about bringing people inside the council chamber and explaining what’s going on, without jargon or spin.” Each episode will provide updates from council meetings, outlining

key motions, discussions and decisions, and offering a councillor’s perspective on local issues that affect everyday life from infrastructure and services to planning and community matters. The first episode, focusing on the January full council meeting, is now available, with further episodes planned on a regular basis following council meetings. The Chamber is available on Spotify and via Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae’s social media channels.

Mercosur delayed after MEPs vote

The EU-Mercosur trade deal has been delayed following narrow vote in the European Parliament. MEPs in Strasbourg voted 334-324 in favour of referring the Mercosur Trade Deal to the European Court of Justice. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher said the right result was obtained, saying he voted to refer the deal to the Court. He believes there are many issues regarding the trade deal. He stated: “The issues of sub-optimal beef entering the European Union; supporting possible deforestation of the Amazon, and the potential removal from the land of indigenous communities mean that the deal is not acceptable.” The proposed agreement has sparked widespread opposition among farming communities in recent weeks. Farmers in both France and Ireland staged protests, warning that the deal would severely damage the agricultural sector. Despite this, EU member state leaders voted to approve the deal two weeks ago. Ireland, France, Poland, Austria and Hungary opposed the agreement. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen described the trade the deal as critical for the European Union.

Over a quarter of a million people sought help from SVP in 2025

260,799 requests for assistance were recorded by The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul (SVP) in 2025, which is a 6% increase on 2024. December requests were 12% higher than last year, reflecting the extra pressure on households during the winter period. Food-related requests were the largest category, with SVP receiving 112,772 requests for food assistance in 2025, up 8,548 on 2024. For four months of the year, food requests exceeded 10,000 per month. Requests for energy-related support also rose significantly. In 2025, SVP received 33,224 requests for energy assistance. November 2025 was SVP’s highest-ever month for energy requests.

Louise Bayliss, SVP Head of Social Policy, said these figures capture only a fraction of what households are facing in the wintertime. She said: “Figures show that over 300,000 households are in arrears on their electricity bills and more than 180,000 are behind on gas. In recent years, energy credits provided vital relief. Without them, many households are now struggling to cope, especially those on the Fuel Allowance who face the highest risk.” SVP is calling on Government to take a holistic approach to tackling poverty - recognising that households are being hit simultaneously by rising energy, food and housing costs, while temporary costof-living supports have been withdrawn.

European leaders text about Trump in group chat

European leaders often message each other about Donald Trump’s latest shenanigans in a private group chat, according to news reports.

News outlet Politico revealed the existence of the chat this week, citing a source familiar with the arrangement. The source told Politico that the group is very useful and effective when events move quickly. The source said: “It tells you a lot about the personal relationships and how they matter.” The group chat is reportedly called the “Washington Group” and is said to have been created after a group of European leaders visited the White House with Ukrainian President

Volodymyr Zelenskyy last August. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Finland’s Alexander Stubb, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among those who are reported to be in the chat. Politico reported that their approach for the past year has mostly been to keep calm and respond to his policy actions rather than taking the bait of his provocative words. This week alone, Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne, while also sharing private text messages from Macron on social media. He is also adamant on claiming Greenland. It’s fair to say the group chat must have been very busy.

Beckham’s family feud

Brooklyn Becham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, went on a very public Instagram rant this week, accusing his parents of trying to sabotage his marriage to actress Nicola Peltz Beckham.

It has long been speculated that the Beckham family were at war for several years, however it was only fully confirmed by Brooklyn himself this week. He said he is estranged from his parents and doesn’t want to reconcile with them. In a series of posts on Instagram, he accused

his parents of being controlling and manipulating media narratives. He claimed that his mother cancelled making Nicola’s wedding dress in the eleventh hour forcing her to find an alternative last minute. Brooklyn further alleged that his parents attempted to pressure him into signing away the rights to his name prior to the wedding. He said he had tried to keep the tensions private for years but felt compelled to speak out now. David and Victoria Beckham have not yet responded publicly to the claims

Cork man to appear on The Apprentice

Glengarrif entrepreneur Conor Galvin is set to appear on the upcoming series of BBC’s The Apprentice, which returns for its 20th season later this month.

Lord Sugar selected twenty business plans out of thousands of entries, and Galvin’s was among those chosen for the programme.

As the only Irish candidate on the season, Mr Galvin said he is hoping to prove to Lord Sugar that he has what it takes to secure the £250,000 investment.

Mr Galvin is the founder of Press Print Paper, a creative business he launched six months ago. He applied to take part in The Apprentice in the hope of expanding the company and bringing it to a wider audience.

According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, Press Print Paper specialises in transforming special moments into timeless, vintage-style newspaper prints. The business serves clients across Ireland, the UK and beyond, offering a nostalgic charm for weddings, events and celebrations.

Its photo-booth-style printouts provide guests with unique, personalised keepsakes, designed in a 1920s theme and available in both colour and black and white.

The first episode of The Apprentice series 20 will air on Thursday, January 29, on BBC One.

Biddy’s Day festival returns to Mid-Kerry

The Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival began yesterday and is running until February 2. The festival is taking place across Killorglin, Cromane and the wider Mid-Kerry region, bringing together craft, music, language, ritual and community in the lead-up to St Brigid’s Day.

At the heart of the festival is the ancient Biddy tradition, rooted in Imbolc and the honouring of St Brigid, a time associated with light, renewal, creativity and protection. Over twelve days, the festival offers a wide mix of family-friendly, traditional and contemporary events, culminating in its most anticipated moment of the year: The Biddy’s Parade. The parade, taking place on Saturday January 31, is the centrepiece and defining event of the festival. On parade night, Killorglin town is transformed as Biddy groups from across Mid-Kerry gather in straw hats and traditional costume, carrying Brídeógs through the streets in a powerful procession of fire, music, movement and celebration. The parade is free, open to all to join in or support, and remains one of the most atmospheric and visually

striking expressions of living Irish folklore in the country. Fire performers, live music and street celebrations follow, before the night continues into the town’s venues. Founded in 2017, the Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival has been instrumental in reviving a tradition that had been in serious decline. From just two active Biddy groups less than a decade ago, the region now supports a growing network of groups, with children, families and new communities actively involved. The 2026 festival continues this work, blending heritage with creativity and ensuring the tradition remains relevant, inclusive and alive.

My name is Kuba Kierzkowski, I’m 19 years old and I am a student in Kerry College in Tralee where I study Digital Media Production. For my work experience, over the course of ten weeks I am working in journalism and writing articles for the Killarney Advertiser. This week I am writing about AI.

AI: How we’ve been using it unknowingly

Since the launch of multimodal AI models to the public in the early 2020s, individuals have considered embracing this new side of technology.

Some have joined the bandwagon of investing in artificial intelligence, while others have outright abused its use beyond the intended or recommended scope. Some people have begun to convince themselves that anything remotely tied to the mention of AI is bad or should be avoided. People have a right to be concerned about artificial intelligence in this day and age. However, denying the fact that it has been serving us for several decades is a concern in itself; existing since the mid1950s, it has only taken on more of our responsibilities as time went on, playing a part in many older technologies as well.

1. AI in Common Household Appliances

Even basic devices such as printers, ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, and WiFi routers use AI to perform their tasks. We have come to terms with these devices over the years, seeing how they have replaced more dangerous, slower, or resource-heavy methods of preparing food or providing heating and cooling for the house. We have accepted them for their duties over time.

2. AI in Modern Search Engines

Have you ever searched for something and wondered if you would get the same results on another website? Sponsors affect each search engine or website, which is why Booking.com often appears at the top when using Google. While using the same prompt on other sites might yield similar answers, even the follow-up sites can differ. Google may recommend Trivago as a follow-up, while Bing sug-

gests Lastminute.com, Yahoo! points to ParknaSilla resort, and DuckDuckGo recommends Airbnb. The top search results vary because each engine has dedicated partners for their specific company.

3. AI in Smart Devices

Smart devices such as fridges, televisions, and smartphones use artificial intelligence to perform tasks and function based on your manual settings or voice commands. Voice-activated devices run on AI to recognize sounds or words and process them into the desired output— though this is not always perfect. Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are AI that perform tasks when connected to other devices, such as turning appliances on or off. Smartwatches, especially those built for health tracking, also use AI to calculate various factors, such as step counts, or to provide reminders about health and diet.

SAT 21ST - SUN 22ND FEBRUARY 2026

2- DAY INTENSIVE ORAL & AURAL FRENCH COURSE IN KILLARNEY

FOR LEAVING CERT 2026 STUDENTS

Final chance to book a place on Brú na Páirce’s intensive Oral & Aural French course for Leaving Cert 2026 students taking place in Killarney on the weekend of 21st & 22nd February.

Delivered by highly experienced Irish and native French teachers, our intensive course will provide you with the knowledge and confidence, both orally and aurally, to achieve the highest possible grade in your Leaving Cert exam through:

• A comprehensive set of notes covering a wide range of topics

• Interactive group work

• Continual individual feedback throughout the course

A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE SO BOOK NOW!

Visit brunapairce.ie for information on our Oral Irish and Oral French Mid-Term courses and our Summer Irish and Maths Courses

Devine and O’Sullivan top seeds for Galway International Rally

Four-time Rally of the Lakes winners Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan are the top seeds for next weekend’s 2026 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally.

The Derry driver will compete in a Škoda Fabia Rally2, with Noel O’Sullivan of Muckross continuing as co-driver.

While Devine is the reigning 2025 Tarmac Champion, the pairing are still seeking their first outright win on the Galway event.

The rally was officially launched on Friday last, January 16, at the Connacht Hotel, Galway, which is one of the associate sponsors for the 2026 event.

At the launch, Clerk of the Course Mark Parsons confirmed that over 100 entries have been received to date.

Other Kerry representation on the entry list includes Kevin O’Donoghue who will compete in a BMW M3, Mossie Costello is entered in a Ford Fiesta Rally4, and John Corrigan will contest the event in a Subaru Impreza.

FINANCESECTION

|

McGuire Liston

ADVISOR DIRECTORY FOR KILLARNEY

Lewis Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry liam@mcguireliston.ie 064 6632255

Dermot Cronin Old Market Ln, Killarney, Co. Kerry kerrymortgagecentre@eircom.net. 064 662 2775

Work-related fatalities rose sharply in 2025

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has published provisional figures showing that 58 people died in work-related incidents in Ireland during 2025, representing a 61% increase on the 36 who died in 2024.

The agriculture sector, with 23 deaths, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities representing 40% of all work-related fatalities last year from a sector employing approximately 4% of the workforce.

The construction sector recorded 10 fatalities compared to 5 in 2024, while 5 fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector, compared to none last year.

The leading causes of fatalities were being hit or crushed by falling objects, incidents with machinery or vehicles, and falling from a height.

The figures show that 19 of the 58 victims (33%) were aged 65 or over, with the oldest victim aged 88. According to the data 40% of the victims were self-employed.

Commenting on the figures, Mark Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of the Health and

Safety Authority, said:

“The increase in work-related fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning. Every death is a tragedy, and each one represents a life lost and a family devastated. We recorded our lowest ever fatality rate in 2024 and, while annual figures can fluctuate, this sharp rise serves as a stark reminder that employers and workers alike must stay vigilant and avoid complacency when it comes to workplace safety.”

The HSA have confirmed they will deliver a comprehensive programme of riskbased, evidence-led workplace health

of

Insurances.

and safety inspections across all sectors of the economy over the coming year. Those sectors that pose the highest health and safety risks will be targeted with a range of enforcement, compliance and awareness-raising interventions.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE

New rental reforms coming on March 1

A hot topic in recent weeks and months has been the new proposed changes to rental legislation in this country, and it looks set be remain so over the coming weeks.

In June of last year, the government approved new policies intended to strengthen rent controls and tenancy protections for new tenancies entered into from March 1 this year.

It is important to note that tenancies already in place prior to March 1 will NOT be impacted.

Some of the key changes proposed are: New tenancies created from March 1 2026 will be subject to Tenancies of Minimum duration. What this means is that tenants will automatically enter into a rolling 6-year tenancy. During this 6-year term landlords will only be permitted to end the tenancy in specific situations such as:

• The tenant is not meeting their obligations

• The property no longer suites the tenants need.

Smaller landlords (those with threeor less tenancies) are permitted to terminate the tenancy in cases where financial hardship requires the sale of the property or in the case of the landlord or a direct family member requiring the property to reside in.

The sale of the property is no longer a reason for terminating a tenancy during the initial 6-year term. If a landlord intends to sell the property, they must do so with the sitting tenant in place. This will certainly have an impact on the market value of the property given the property cannot be bought by an owner occupier intending to live there. At the end of the six-year tenancy smaller landlords may end the tenancy if they intend to sell, require the property for

themselves or a direct family member, intend undertaking major renovations or intend to change the use of the property.

These situations do not apply to larger landlords (those with four-plus tenancies). They can, however, end tenancies if tenants are not meeting their obligations or the property no longer suits the tenants needs.

In determining rent, new tenancies created from March 1 can be rented for full market rent in circumstances where the previous rent was below market value and the tenants vacated voluntarily or breached their obligations. Thereafter, rent increases will be capped at the rate of inflation according to CPI or 2%, whichever is the lower. For existing tenancies, rent increases will be capped at the rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is the lower. To date

has seen a mass exodus of smaller landlords from the market nationwide. We expect this will continue up to March 1. The effectiveness of these proposed rental changes remains to be seen in the longer term.

VACANCY FOR MONDELEZ RATHMORE

Electrician

Why are we recruiting?

Mondelez Ireland Production Limited, Rathmore, Co. Kerry

Position Type: 6-month Contract

WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS ANALYST

Mondelez Rathmore is looking to backfill the role of a Warehousing & Logistics Analyst due to a MDLZ Project assignment. The role will be for a 12-month period.

Salary: Competitive salary offered

Requirements of applicants:

What will the role involve?

• You must be a qualified Electrician (Level 6 QQI or equivalent in electrical senior trade).

• Preferred experience in Allen Bradley PLC controls and logic.

You will execute warehouse operations in terms of service, cost, health and safety, quality, food defence, sustainability, legal requirements and policy compliance. You will also work collaboratively with key internal and external (third-party logistics vendors) business partners to ensure effective management, timely solutions and execution. You will be responsible for activities such as inventory management (stock reconciliation), interface monitoring, invoice management, tender support, third-party performance management and pallet management. You will perform all daily activities in terms of planning and logistics within the manufacturing facility.

• Preferred maintenance experience & problem-solving.

• We operate 24/7 on 8hour shifts Monday – Friday, 12hour shifts Saturday – Sunday.

What you will bring

• Experience with Microsoft applications, especially with excel

• Enjoys teamwork

• Proactive

A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledge:

Please email your CV to iehrsolutions@mdlz.com

• Experience in logistics operations, or supply chain function in general as an asset

• Analytical thinking

• Good knowledge of ERP, preferably SAP

• Good time management and communication

Mondelez Production Limited is an equal opportunities employer

How do you apply?

Forward a current Curriculum Vitae plus a Cover Letter by email to: michelle.perkins@mdlz.com

Mondelez International is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Canvassing will disqualify applicants from consideration

Sales Account Manager

Join Ireland’s leading trade printer and grow your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.

KC Print Ltd is seeking a Junior Account Manager to join our expanding team in Killarney. This is a permanent, full-time, on-site role offering excellent training and career development opportunities.

About the Role

• Manage a portfolio of customer accounts and build strong client relationships

• Learn to generate estimates and process orders

• Communicate with customers via email and phone

• Gain hands-on experience across all departments (Production, Stores, IT, Accounts) to understand how our business operates

• Use internal systems including databases and estimating tools

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 3 years sales/customer service experience

• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Excellent telephone manner and communication skills

• A proactive, positive attitude and a willingness to learn

• Good time management and organisational skills

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• Permanent, full-time position

• On-site role with free parking

Apply Please

Killarney National Park

National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, Muckross Road, Killarney Co. Kerry.

DINIS COTTAGE

TEA ROOM CONCESSION

NPWS are inviting tenders for a 3 year concession contract for Dinis Cottage Tea Room in Killarney National Park to run from April to the end of September every year for the 3 year period. This contract involves a 7 day a week opening. A site visit is recommended to understand the requirements before the submission of the tender proposal.

To arrange a site visit or for further information please contact Padruig on 087 2589306. To receive tender applications please contact permitsknp@npws.gov.ie

• Tenders need to address all aspects of the tender specifications

• Start and end dates maybe subject to change

Successful candidate will be required to provide the following

• Tax clearance

• Health and Safety statement

• Proof of public liability insurance as laid out in the tender documents The Department does not bind itself to accept the highest or lowest price on any tender submitted.

Tender can be emailed to above email address or posted in sealed envelopes marked DINIS COTTAGE TEA ROOM CONCESSION TO PADRUIG O’SULLIVAN

Killarney National Park

Muckross Road,Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 N673

FRONT OF HOUSE

Full-Time Position Available

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised individual to join our team. This is a busy, flexible role that involves a diverse range of duties across both companies. Primary point of contact for visitors and phone queries, handling communication professionally.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

• A proactive, self-motivated individual who can work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect role for you.

Killarney National Park

National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, Muckross Road, Killarney Co. Kerry.

DEENAGH LODGE

TEA ROOM CONCESSION

NPWS are inviting tenders for a 3 year concession contract for Deenagh Lodge Tea Room in Killarney National Park to run from April to the end of September every year for the 3 year period. This contract involves a 7 day a week opening. A site visit is recommended to understand the requirements before the submission of the tender proposal.

To arrange a site visit or for further information please contact Padruig on 0872589306. To receive tender applications please contact permitsknp@npws.gov.ie

• Tenders need to address all aspects of the tender specifications

• Start and end dates maybe subject to change

Successful candidate will be required to provide the following

• Tax clearance

• Health and Safety statement

• Proof of public liability insurance as laid out in the tender documents on any tender submitted.

The Department does not bind itself to accept the highest or lowest price on any tender submitted.

Tender can be emailed to above email address or posted in sealed envelopes marked DEENAGH LODGE TEA ROOM CONCESSION TO PADRUIG O’SULLIVAN

Killarney National Park

Muckross Road,Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 N673

TO LET: 3-Bedroom House in Killarney, quiet location, in the Woodlawn area. Contact 085 1542875.

TO LET: 2-Bedroom apartment in Glenflesk. 2-Bedroom house in St. Mary’s Terrace. Also, 4-bedroom house in Barraduff. Contact 086 8136888.

TO LET: Looking for professional female to share a quiet friendly home, Killarney

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Fibreglass Boat 18FT, OSM, with CW Trailer. Contact 087 2393333.

WANTED

WANTED: Childminder wanted for 2-yearold little girl, Monday-Friday, from September 2026. Phone or text 086 1050898.

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE: MUSIC LESSONS - piano, fiddle, and guitar. Garda vetted. Leaving Cert Music grinds and Online Option also available. Tel John: 087-6801392 or Maggie: 087-6961681.

AVAILABLE: LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENGLISH - Personal Tuition - Phone 086 8493075.

AVAILABLE: Experienced qualified carer available to work in clients home, day or night shift. Qualifications and references provided. Please contact 089 4696774.

AVAILABLE: Need a helping hand at home?

PROPERTY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

• Painting & decorating Interior & exterior (Fencing, Walls)

• Spray Painting • Fixing of doors and windows

• Power (Driveways,washingDecking Patios, Paths, Gutters & Fascias)

• Carpentry (Timber floors, Paneling, Skirting Boards)

• Garage Clearouts • Gardening & • General maintenance Tele: 0892006623 Email: complexcare47@gmail.com

town centre. Fully furnished double room. References required. €800 per month. If interested please send a short message about yourself and work routine to 086 8868577.

WANTED: Houses and apartments to rent in the Killarney area. Contact 086 8136888.

WANTED: 3-Bedroom house in Killarney area, with HAAP Scheme. Tel: 089 4116125.

Experienced, reliable cleaner based in Killarney, offering long/short-term house cleaning. Trustworthy and Thorough. Call 085 8559760 for details.

ANIMALS

FREE TO GOOD HOME: Looking for permanent loving homes for 5 month old kittens. For more information contact 086 8872663.

FREE TO GOOD HOME: 5yr old German Sheperd Dog. All vaccinations up-to-date and microchipped. Looking for good home as relocating where no pets allowed. Contact 083 0673013.

ANIMALS: HUG: Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds. For further details please contact us on 087 6932090 or email info@homesforunwantedgreyhounds.ie

ANIMALS: Adopt, Don't Shop - Rescue pups and kitties are looking for loving homes at KLAWS. Visit our website: www.klaws.ie or contact us by phone: 087 9704480, or email: klawskenmare@gmail.com

IN MEMORIAM

9TH ANNIVERSARY O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Donal (Donie) O’Sullivan Droumadeesirt, Kilcummin, Killarney who died on 29th January 2017.

If we could visit heaven Even for a day Maybe for a moment The pain would go away.

I’d put my arms around you And whisper words so true That living life without you Is the hardest thing to do.

No matter how we spend our days No matter what we do No morning dawns or evening falls When we don’t think of you.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by your wife Noreen. **

Love says little, but means so much Love is a feeling, a look, a touch Love is a gift and I give it to you From a daughter whose heart is broken in two.

Sadly missed and deeply loved by your daughter Helen.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 25th January at 11.30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

20TH ANNIVERSARY O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Kayleigh O’Connor Inchicullane, Kilcummin who passed away on 2nd February 2006.

When tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name Kayleigh And took me by my hand.

The angel said my place was ready In heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.

But when I walked through heaven gates I felt so much at home

For God looked down smiled at me And told me “welcome home”.

So when tomorrow starts without me Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me I’m right there in your heart.

Loved and Missed every day by Dad, Mum, Ailbhe and Cillian. xoxo

Anniversary Mass for Kayleigh on Thursday 29th January at 7.30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

10TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of Bridie O’Shea Woodlawn Park, Killarney who passed away on 25th January 2016.

God called your name so softly

That only you could hear And no one heard the footsteps Of Angels drawing near.

The golden gates stood open God saw you needed rest His gardens must be beautiful He only takes the best.

Sadly missed by Joe, Oli, Joann, Bríd and grandchildren.

22ND ANNIVERSARY

O’ LEARY

In loving memory of Gerry O’Leary late of Dooneen, Kilcummin and Ballydribeen, Killarney Who died on 21st January 2004.

Remember Me To the living, I am gone, To the sorrowful, I will never return, To the angry, I was cheated, But to the happy, I am at peace, And to the faithful, I have never left. I cannot speak, but I can listen. I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea, As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,

Remember Me

Remember me in your heart: Your thoughts, and your memories, Of the times we loved, The times we cried, The times we fought, The times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

Sadly missed by your sons Keith and Nigel, daughters-in-law Elaine and Sally, and grandchildren Muireann, Aideen and Lily. xxx

27TH ANNIVERSARY

REMEMBRANCE BREEN

In loving memory of Jacqueline Breen, 95 Pinewood Estate, Killarney whose anniversary occurs on 23rd January. Memories are like threads of gold They never tarnish or grow old Wherever we go, whatever we do Memories keep us near to you. Forever in our hearts.

Love from Dad, all the family, extended family and friends. xxxx

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 31st January at 6.15pm in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

50 IN MEMORIAM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY

MCSHARRY

In loving memory of a wonderful Dad, Brother, Uncle and Friend Jack McSharry Port Road, Killarney 27th January 2025.

Lovingly remembered on his First Anniversary.

Deeply loved and sadly missed by his beloved son Mark, Mark’s mother Sheila, Mark’s brother Edward, Jack’s sisters Maureen and Eileen Ann, his nephew Brian, Brian’s partner Edel and his grandnephew Mason, Mary, Tony and Cusack family, the Morrissey family, his close friends Denny O’Connell and John O’Leary, his many friends, and his work colleagues at Scotts Hotel.

We would like to thank the Killarney Gardaí, the Killarney First Responder group and the Ambulance Service for attending to Jack at his sudden and unexpected death.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Fr. Kieran O’Brien, for attending to Jack, for his support with organising the funeral and celebrating Jack’s life. Special thanks to all his friends who did readings, gifts and his close friend John for the meaningful Eulogy. To Sharon Lyons for the beautiful music at mass and his friend Henry Bartlett for the moving music at Aghadoe Cemetery.

A special thank you to O’Shea’s Funeral Home for their professionalism and care. Our heartfelt thanks to all who were involved in the guard of honour, Scotts Hotel, St. Brendan’s College, Mastergeeha Soccer Club, Kilcummin GAA Club, the Flesk Valley Rowing Club, the wider Rowing Community and the Killarney Judo Club.

To Maurice O’Donoghue & family thank you for generously providing a beautiful meal at Scotts Hotel after the funeral and Jack’s work colleagues for their attention and kindness.

We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all who offered their condolences, who travelled far, sent Mass cards and flowers, and reached out to sympathise with us on our sad loss. Your kindness, support, and continued thoughtfulness throughout the year have brought us comfort.

“People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Penned by Mother Theresa and gifted to Jack by his great friend, the late Fr Donal O’Connor.

Jack’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday 24th January at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

MCSHARRY

In loving memory of Jack McSharry Port Road, Killarney 27th January 2025.

No one knew that morning What sadness that day would bring When a heart of gold stopped beating And we could not do a thing.

You never said goodbye to us Perhaps its just as well For we could not have said goodbye To someone we loved so well.

Forever loved and missed by Maureen, Eileen Ann, Brian, Edel, Mason, Tony, Mary and the Cusack family. -

1ST ANNIVERSARY

MCSHARRY

In loving memory of Jack McSharry Port Road, Killarney 27th January 2025.

You always had a smile to share A laugh, a joke, a time to care Someone to talk to, kind and true

His strength, his wisdom, the way he was.

Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say. Remembered by the Morrissey family.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

HICKEY (NEE TANGNEY)

In loving memory of Peggy Hickey (nee Tangney) Countess Grove, Killarney and formerly of Gearahmeen, Black Valley 21st January 2025.

Always in our thoughts, Forever in our hearts.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Tim, brother Bobby and his wife Mary, nieces Maria and Martina, and nephews Owen and Kieran.

Anniversary Mass for Peggy will be held on Saturday 24th January at 6.15pm in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked You for many favours. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favour). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own Heart where Your Father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour not mine. Amen. Say for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. SMOC

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY

O’CONNOR In loving memory of Niamh O’Connor Killarney and Castleisland who died on 22nd January 2025.

On Niamh’s first anniversary, we her family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us during this sad and difficult time, especially our extended family and friends.

A special thanks to the many people who attended Niamh’s removal and funeral mass, particularly to those who travelled from Tralee, Castleisland and further.

And to those who sympathised through visits, mass cards, kind messages and phone calls.

To Fr Kieran O’Brien, thank you very much for your guidance, support and thoughtful words at the mass and during the year.

To all those at O’Shea’s funeral home, particularly Mike, thank you for your kindness, understanding and professionalism in arranging Niamh’s funeral.

A special thanks also to Annette and the girls who cared for Niamh and helped her in every way they could.

To the Randles family, especially Bernadette, thank you for the outstanding hospitality and kindness shown to the extended family and all of Niamh’s friends on the day of the funeral.

1st Anniversary Mass for Niamh on Sunday 1st February at 10.30am in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

1ST ANNIVERSARY O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Niamh O’Connor Killarney and Castleisland who died on 22nd January 2025.

They say there is a reason

They say time will heal

Neither time or reason Will change the way I feel.

Gone are the days we used to share But in my heart you are always there.

Love always, Mom. **

Deep in our hearts your life is kept To love and cherish, not to forget. May the winds of heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear “How much we love and miss you”.

Lovingly remembered by sister Elizabeth, brothers Daniel, Sean and Billy, sisters-in-law Laura and Kamila, brother-in-law Alan, nephews Stephen, Evan and Cillian, and niece Laura.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY

O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Margaret (Peggy) O’Connor (nee O’Brien) Creamery Stores, Knockatagglebeg, Kilcummin, Killarney who died on 27th January 2025.

As we remember Margaret on her first anniversary, we, her family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who supported us during this sad and difficult time, especially our extended family, friends and neighbours.

A special thank you to the many people who attended the funeral home, funeral mass and month’s mind.

To those who sympathized through visits, mass cards, text and online condolences. We wish to express our gratitude to O’Shea’s Undertakers for their advice, kindness, professionalism and support at all times.

Special thanks to Fr. Padraig Kennelly and Fr. Tom Looney for celebrating Margaret’s funeral mass. Thank you to Maura Reen and Anita for the beautiful music and singing.

We are grateful and thankful to Dr. Pat Daly and all the staff at Castleisland Medical Centre, and Sheehan’s Pharmacy, Killarney.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Kilcummin Community Care and Kilcummin ICA for providing a guard of honour.

As it is not possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude. The Holy Sacrafice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear

How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here.

First Anniversary Mass for Margaret will be celebrated on Sunday 1st February at 11.30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Teresa O’Connor (nee Bartley) Bridgefield, Upper Lewis Road, Killarney 26th January 2025.

Of all the special gifts in life

However great or small

To have you as a Friend

Was the greatest gift of all.

You were always such a special friend

So caring, kind and dear

My heart is filled with sadness

Knowing you’re no longer here.

Áine.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & 1ST ANNIVERSARY

O’BRIEN

In loving memory of Mary O’Brien Brewsterfield and The Shop, Glenflesk, Killarney.

Our beloved Mary completed her life’s journey on 27th January 2025. Remembering Mary on her first anniversary we, her family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who supported us and sympathised with us following Mary’s passing.

Thanks to all who attended the funeral, those who travelled long distances, sent Mass Cards, Condolence messages on RIP.ie and privately.

A heartfelt thank you to all who cared for Mary, the wonderful HSE home help team, her GP and all at Park Medical Practice, the staff of Tralee General Hospital, the amazing kindness and professionalism shown by the Palliative Care team. Many thanks also to St. Joseph’s Day Care Centre, Rathmore.

Thanks to Fr. Jim Linehan, Fr. Tadhg Doherty, and Deacon Thady O’Connor for a lovely mass. Thanks to Paud, Mary and Irene for the beautiful music and singing at the mass, and to Ben, who sang at the grave.

Thanks for the wonderful service provided by O’Shea’s funeral Directors.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a sincere expression of our gratitude.

Deeply loved and sadly missed by her devoted children Donie, Kate, Noreen and Denis, and their families.

First Anniversary Mass for Mary was celebrated on Saturday 17th January in Glenflesk Church.

2ND ANNIVERSARY

O’CONNOR

In loving memory of Jeremiah (Jerome) O’Connor Cloonteens, Kilcummin, Killarney who passed away on 23rd January 2024.

God looked around his garden

And he found an empty place He then looked down upon the earth

And saw Jerome’s tired face.

He put his arms around him And lifted him to rest

God’s garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best.

Sadly missed, loved and remembered today and every day by Sheila, Mary, Michael, Ian, Geraldine and families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 24th January at 7.30pm In Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

2ND ANNIVERSARY GALLIVAN

In loving memory of Peg Gallivan late of Knocknaskeha, Killarney who died on 22nd January 2024.

When we are in need of comfort We walk down memory lane There we see you smiling We talk with you again.

And as we wander slowly back We seem to hear you say Don’t grieve, don’t cry We’ll meet again someday.

Always remembered and never forgotten by your loving family.

2ND ANNIVERSARY AHERN

In loving memory of Henry Ahern Farranfore, Co. Kerry who passed away on 27th January 2024. May his soul rest in peace.

Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day

Unseen, unheard but always near Still loved, still missed, still very dear.

Always remembered and sadly missed by Maureen, Dan, John, Helen, Henry, Mary, and extended families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 31st January at 7.30pm in St Gertrudes Church, Firies.

3RD & 5TH ANNIVERSARIES

CAHILLANE

In loving memory of Teresa and Bertie Cahillane

Scrahan Mews and late of Lakeview, Fossa, Killarney

Teresa who died on 31st January 2023 and Bertie who died on 23rd January 2021.

When nights are cold and stars are few We close our eyes and think of you

A silent hope, a silent tear

A silent wish that you were here.

Our memories of you are precious

Your presence missed so much You will always be remembered And loved by all of us.

And when old times we do recall Its then we miss you most of all.

Always loved and remembered by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass on Wednesday 28th January at 6 15pm in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

2ND ANNIVERSARY FITZGERALD

In loving memory of Catherine Fitzgerald Arbutus Grove, Killarney who sadly passed away on 27th January 2024.

I think of the things you used to say And all that you would do At some point every single day My thoughts will turn to you.

To lose you was a bitter wrench The pain cut to my core I cried until my tears ran out Then I cried some more.

This wouldn’t be your wish for me

That I would be forever sad So, I try to remind myself Of the happier times we had.

I know I can’t be with you now And you cant be with me

But safe in my heart you’ll stay That’s where you’ll always be.

Always loved and missed so much. Your loving husband Jerry. xxx

Catherine’s Anniversary Mass will be on Tuesday 27th January at 6.15pm in St. Marys Cathedral, Killarney.

2ND ANNIVERSARY FITZGERALD

In loving memory of a dear sister Catherine Fitzgerald (nee Cotter) Arbutus Grove, Killarney who passed away on 27th January 2024.

Of all the special gifts in life

However great or small

To have you as our sister Was the greatest gift of all.

May the winds of love blow softly And whisper in your ear “We love and miss you Katie And wish that you were here”.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal

But love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Deep in our hearts, your life is kept To love and cherish not forget. No more tomorrows we can share But yesterdays are always there.

A silent thought, a secret tear Keeps your memory ever near In our hearts forever. xxxx

Loved and missed every day, your sisters Mary, Eileen and Margret, brother David, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. RF

2ND ANNIVERSARY FITZGERALD

In loving memory of Catherine Fitzgerald Arbutus Grove, Killarney who passed away on 27th January 2024.

In the stillness of the evening, your voice we hear,

A gentle whisper, always near. Your laughter rings in every breeze, Your love, a warmth that never leaves. You taught us strength, you taught us grace, In every challenge, we see your face Through tears and joy, you stood so tall, A guiding light through it all.

Though you’re gone, your spirit stays, In every dawn, in every day.

We’ll carry you, Mom, in all we do, Forever grateful for loving you.

Sadly missed and remembered by her loving daughters Emma and Jennifer, son-in-law Kieran, Jennifer’s partner Tom, and grandson Finley.

3RD ANNIVERSARY

CRONIN

In loving memory of Frank Cronin Derrynafinnia, Clydagh Valley, Killarney who passed away 27th January 2023.

No matter how life changes No matter what we do

A special place within our hearts Is always kept for you.

We cannot bring the old days back When we were all together

The family chain is broken But memories live forever.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by brother Danny, sisters Noranne and Mary, sisters-in-law Noreen and Joni, brother-inlaw Mick, nieces, nephews, grandnephew Mikey, and extended family.

4TH ANNIVERSARY O’DONOGHUE

In loving memory of Tom Joe O’Donoghue Knocknageeha, Gneeveguilla who died on 28th January 2022.

No longer in our lives to share

But in our hearts you are always there. Go dtuga Dia glóir a bhflaitheas duit.

Sadly missed by your wife Peggy, sons and daughters Niall, Josephine, Sheila, Denis, Brigid, Tomás, Padraig and Michael, and their families.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 25th January 2026 at 9.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Gneeveguilla.

4TH ANNIVERSARY O’CONNELL

In loving memory of Ders O’Connell Curragh, Aghadoe, Killarney who died on 25th January 2022.

Those special memories of you

Will always bring a smile

If only we could have you back.

Just for a little while.

Then we could sit and talk again

Just like we used to do

You always meant the world to us

And always will do too.

Always loved and remembered by your wife Mary and family.

Anniversary Mass will be on Sunday 1st February at 10.00am in the Prince of Peace Church, Fossa.

4TH ANNIVERSARY

LOONEY

In loving memory of Timmy Looney

Coolgreane Park, Killarney who died on 25th January 2022.

A light is from our household gone

A voice we loved is still

A place is vacant in our home

That never can be filled.

Lonely is the home without you

Life to us is not the same

All the world would be like heaven

If we could have you back again.

How dearly we loved you

And prayed you might live

But Jesus just beckoned

And we had to give.

God gave us strength to bear it

And courage to fight the blow

What it has meant to lose you

God alone will ever know.

Our family chain is broken

Nothing seems the same

But as God calls us one by one

The links shall join again.

Always remembered and forever loved, your loving wife Nuala, Joanne and Tony, Paudie and Margaret, Timmy and Sharon.

Granda

If heaven had a number

I’d call you on the phone

To say how much I love you

And tell you to come home.

So rest in heaven dear Granda

And thanks for all you’ve done

We trust that God has given you

The crown you’ve truly won.

Remembering and loving you always, your grandchildren Stephen, Makaela, Chloe, Padraic, Keelan and Alex, and great-grandchild.

Anniversary Mass for Timmy on Saturday 24th January at 6.15pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

4TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of David O’Shea

Springfield Lodge, Rookery Close, Killarney whose 3rd anniversary occurs on 22 January.

Looking back with memories

Upon the path you trod

We bless the years we had with you And leave the rest to God.

Lovingly remembered by your loving wife Kay. x

4TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of a Special Dad David O’Shea Rookery Close, Killarney who died on 22 January 2022.

Dear Dad and Grandad Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day

Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed, so very dear. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, your daughter Caroline and grandsons Conor and Aaron.

4TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of a special Dad David O’Shea Rookery Close, Killarney who died on 22 January 2022.

Thinking of you dear Dad and Grandad But that is nothing new We thought about you yesterday And the day before that too.

We’ll think about yoiu tomorrow And as the years come and go We’ll think about you forever Because we love you so.

Rest in Heavenly peace Dad. Your loving daughter Aine, son-in-law John, and grandchildren Daniel and Sarah Louise.

4TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of our Dearest Dad David O’Shea Rookery Close, Killarney who died on 22 January 2022.

Dad

We lost a father with a heart of gold And how much we miss him, could never be told. He raised us with love and helped us along If we follow his footsteps, we’ll never go wrong.

Loved and missed every day, your loving daughter Colette. xxx

4TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SHEA

In loving memory of David O’Shea Springfield Lodge, Rookery Road, Killarney who died on 22 January 2022.

God called your name so softly That only you could hear And no one heard the footsteps Of angels drawing near. The golden gates stood open God saw you needed rest His garden must be beautiful He only takes the best.

Sadly missed and always remembered by your sister Mary Bridget.

3RD ANNIVERSARY FOLEY

In loving memory of Liz Foley

Barleymount West, Killarney who died on 20th January 2023. Your friendship was a gift That I will forever cherish Though I grieve your loss I celebrate the beautiful person you were. Missed by your forever friend Kay O’Shea.

27TH ANNIVERSARY MORIARTY

In loving memory of our dear Mom Hannah Moriarty (nee Griffin) Upper Tullig and late of Fossa who died on 23rd January 1999.

No matter how life changes No matter what we do A special place within our hearts Is always kept for you.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her loving family. xx

5TH ANNIVERSARY MCGILLICUDDY

In loving memory of Catherine Mc Gillicuddy (Nee

Bounard,

who passed away on 27th January 2021. May she rest in peace.

Along the road to suffering

You found a little lane

That took you up to heaven

And ended all your pain.

You may be out of sight

We may be worlds apart

But you are always in our prayers

And forever in our hearts.

Always loved and fondly remembered by your sister-in-law Laura and family. Miss you. xxx

9TH ANNIVERSARY

O’SULLIVAN

In loving memory of Kathleen O’Sullivan late of Celbridge, Co. Kildare and Kilcummin, Killarney, Co Kerry whose 9th anniversary occurs on 26th January.

Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family.

Wife

Gone are the days we used to share But in my heart, you are always there. The gates of memory will never close I miss you more than anyone knows. Your loving husband, Andrew. Mom May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we miss you and wish that you were here.

We love and miss you everyday Mom. Love Sean, Trevor, Clare, Damien and Richard, daughters-in-law Keira, Jennifer, Sarah and son-in-law Peter.

Nanny

Wonderful memories woven in gold

This is a picture we tenderly hold Deep in our hearts, a memory is kept To love, to cherish, to never forget.

We love and miss you Nanny, Cian, Ava, Evan, Daniel, Saoirse, Peter, Jack, Annabelle, Kate and Mila.

Kathleen’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 25th January at 11.30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin.

the Most Holy Mother, I knock, I ask that my prayer will be granted (Make your request). Oh Jesus, has said all you ask the Father in my name, he will grant through the intercession of Mary, the Most Holy Mother. I humbly beg and urgently ask the Father in thy

6TH ANNIVERSARY

MURHILL

In loving memory of Hugh Murhill Killegy Lower, Muckross, Killarney who died on 21st January 2020.

We hold you close within our hearts

And there you shall remain

To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.

So Rest In Peace, dear loved one And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you

The crown you’ve truly won.

Your life was a blessing

Your memory a treasure

You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by your loving wife Susan, daughters Jemma and Kaylyn, your sons John and Hugh Daniel, and grandchildren Amelia and Thomas. xxxx

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 8th February at 9.30am in Muckross Church.

6TH ANNIVERSARY

MURHILL

In loving memory of Hugh Murhill Killegy Lower, Muckross, Killarney whose anniversary occurs on 21st January.

We will always have memories To cherish and hold Of a wonderful brother More precious than gold.

Sadly missed by your brothers John, Donie and Frank, sister Margaret, and their families.

A beautiful memory dearer than gold Of an uncle whose worth can never be told.

Fondly remembered, your nieces and nephews. xxx

15TH ANNIVERSARY

RIORDAN

In loving memory of Michael Riordan Cockhill, Kilcummin who died on 22nd January 2011.

I often sit and think of you At quiet times in the day

Of all the things we used to do And the things you used to say.

I often think of times we shared We never were apart And all of these are locked away Kept deeply in our hearts.

Forever loved and sadly missed by your sister Sheila and family. x

6TH ANNIVERSARY

LUCEY

In loving memory of Denis Lucey late of Lisbabe, Headford who died on 26th January 2020.

Sometimes we just sit quietly Reflecting for a while Imagining your voice, your face Your warm and loving smile.

For it’s so lovely to recall The happy times we had When you played such a special role As both husband and dad.

And at this very special time We only wish you knew That we’d give all the world today For one more hour with you.

But we still have my memories And since we’ve been apart It comforts us so much to know That you’re right here in out hearts.

Sadly missed and forever loved by your loving wife Mag and sons Danny and Séan. xxx

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 25th January at 11.00am in the Sacred Heart Church, Barraduff.

6TH ANNIVERSARY

LUCEY

In loving memory of Denis Lucey Lisbabe, Headford, Killarney who died on 26th January 2020.

To lose someone so special Is really hard to bear It hardly seems believable That you’re no longer there.

You left us far too early Before your time, it seems And now you’ll never have the chance To fulfil all those dreams.

However hard it is though We’ll take comfort in the thought Of all the memories we have And the happiness you brought.

You always lived life to the full But ours won’t be the same Until the day when we can see Your smiling face again.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by your heartbroken mother Mary, sisters Sheila and Bernardine, brothers Patrick and Daniel, and their families.

8TH ANNIVERSARY CORBETT

In loving memory of a special mom Mary Corbett late of Holy Cross, Firies who passed away on 23rd January 2018.

There are no words to tell you mom What losing you has meant But now each day brings memories Of happy times we spent.

You’d want us all to smile again And that’s just what we do Every time we reminisce With loving thoughts of you.

You’re with us when each new day dawns And when we say goodnight Our guardian angel here on earth And heaven’s shining light.

Lovingly remembered by Niall and granddaughter Emilia.

8TH ANNIVERSARY CORBETT

In loving memory of Mary Corbett late of Holy Cross, Firies who died on 23rd January 2018.

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she lived You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back.

Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her.

Or you can be full of the love that she shared You can remember her and only that she is gone.

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what Mom would want Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Sadly missed, we think about you every day Mom, your daughter Maria, son-in-law Malcolm, and granddaughters Clara and Saoirse.

15TH ANNIVERSARY MCCARTHY

Cherished memories of

on 22nd January 2011.

Sadly missed along life’s way Quietly remembered every day No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts, you’re always there. Lovingly remembered by Darragh and family.

12TH ANNIVERSARY

O’DONOGHUE

In loving memory of Michael O’Donoghue Derryreague, Clonkeen, Killarney who died on 23rd January 2014.

It does not take a special day For me to think of you

Each Mass I hear, each prayer I say Is offered up for you.

Will those who think of Mike today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Very sadly missed by your loving wife Anne.

Anniversary Mass for Mike on Sunday 25th January at 9.30am In Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Clonkeen.

12TH ANNIVERSARY O’DONOGHUE

With love I remember my dear brother Michael (Mikie) O’Donoghue late of Derryreague, Clonkeen, Killarney who died on 23rd January 2014.

Brother

There is always a face before me

A voice I would love to hear

A smile I will always remember

Of a Brother I loved so dear.

Deep in my heart lies a picture

More precious than silver or gold It’s a picture of you Brother

Whose memory will never grow old.

Too dearly loved to be forgotten by your loving sister Maura.

12TH ANNIVERSARY O’DONOGHUE

In loving memory of our Uncle Michael (Mikie) O’Donoghue late of Derryreague, Clonkeen, Killarney who died on 23rd January 2014.

Uncle

We want to tell you something Uncle

So there can be no doubt

You’re so wonderful to think of But so hard to do without.

Sadly missed and always remembered by Donal, Eileen, Padraig, Rosemarie, and families.

GUBU agus An Poc ar Buile SPORT

SEE OUR COLUMNISTS’ COVERAGE OF THE WEEK IN SPORT EAMONN FITZGERALD & SEAN MORIARTY

"Unbelievable, unprecedented"

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

GUBU (Grotesque, Unbelievable, Bizarre, Unprecedented):the acronym was the joint invention of Taoiseach Charles J. Haughey and his political arch-nemesis and lifelong opponent Conor Cruise O’Brien.

The Cruiser coined the acronym GUBU from the adjectives of Haughey’s words ‘grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented’, said during a press conference in August 1982.

Taoiseach Charlie was explaining why murder suspect Malcolm Macarthur was arrested in the apartment of the then Irish Attorney General Patrick Connolly. GUBU Daingean Uí Chúis, well, not quite, but still close enough. Omit the gro-

tesque, and the term fits the scene just after Mikey Geaney kicked the winning point, and Paul Geaney had the good sense to kick the ball well wide instead of trying to tap over a close-in free.

The Eagle landed and the Cup was raised in the January cold. Familiar club songs echoed to celebrate the Westerners’ victory, a tradition highlighted over the years by the powerful voice of Seán O’Sé.

He was laid to rest in Bantry on January 13, just short of his 90th birthday. Two days later, Daingean Uí Chúis had to be ar buile to deliver the Cup.

Mark O’Connor, Tom O’Sullivan and many more ensured that the Club Canister, the ultimate senior club title that evaded West Kerry greats such as the O’Sé brothers Dara, Tomás, Marc and Uncle Paudie: Dara Ó’Cinnéide, Aodhgán

Mac Gearailt et al would travel over Blennerville Bridge on Monday of this week. Daingean Uí Chúis’ dramatic AET 0-23 to 1-19 win over St Brigid’s, Rocscommon was a thriller.

It was another Late Late Show by the Kerry club side. Hauled back to level pegging at the end of normal time, they became the supreme survivors in the 2025 club campaigns. What An Ghaeltacht did we will also do was the spur for these archrival neighbours in West Kerry. Congratulations to Daingean Uí Chúis, An Ghaeltacht, and Ballymacelligott on making history, as they are the first clubs in the same county to win all three All-Ireland club football titles. Kilkenny is the only other county whose clubs won all 3hurling titles in the same year.

MATURE REFLECTION

The critics of the criteria on which teams qualify to play on the various grades have been having a field day.

Time for mature reflection. Stats. don’t tell lies; sometimes they also don’t tell all of the truth.

Since the All-Ireland senior club football championship was introduced in 1971, Kerry have won it just seven times: East Kerry, Castleisland Desmonds, Laune Rangers, Austin Stacks, Daingean Uí Chúis, all with just a single title. Dr Crokes won it twice. How come Austin Stacks, with a plethora of Kerry All -Stars and one from Cork (Denny Long), doesn’t win more titles?

Divisional board teams have been debarred from the senior competition since 1972. East Kerry were the only divisional board team to win in 1971, the inaugural year.

Seven titles in 54 years is a very poor return for a county that leads the way with 39 All- Ireland Senior Football Championship titles.

Thanks to the foresight of Seán Kelly,

Kilcummin/Fossa/MEP, he extended the All-Ireland club championships to include junior and intermediate grades. I digress.

Enter the spirit of Matt the Thresher associated with the character Matt Donovan, an ordinary small farmer from the classic novel ‘Knocknagow, by Irish writer Charles Kickham.

In the novel, Matt Donovan, also known as Matt the Thresher, finds himself in a sledgehammer-throwing contest with an English Officer, Captain French.

During the contest, Matt threw the hammer so far that he broke all records, to the delight of the Irish supporters overcoming the English challenge.

After winning, Matt says: “It’s for the sake of the little village and for the honour of the old home.”

This quote reflects Matt’s commitment to his village and the respect he holds for his home. The original Matt the Thresher restaurant is located in Birdhill, County Tipperary and was a great place to stop for a meal on the old road to or from Dublin. David v Goliath

The club championship invokes resilience, adaptability and self-belief in David v Goliath epics such as we had with the three Kerry club winners. The hit song of today recalls the pride of the club and parish.

‘All I have to remember is the pride that I felt.

‘Round the Páirc Uí Chinnéide where the boys never knelt’

You win in your own county, and then you travel on the road to Croker to prove that your small club could be the best in the country.

It was first held in 2002 as an unofficial tournament and has been an official GAA championship since the 2004–05 season.

Kerry clubs have had the most success, winning the junior competition twelve times. The current junior champions are Ballymacelligott, stretching back the

years to Finuge’s opening win.

Kerry clubs have also dominated the intermediate series, winning eight All -Irelands. Tyrone clubs come next, winning three, so the gulf is there.

I believe that the toughest battle Kerry clubs have is to win out in Kerry, and they can have All Stars such as David and Paudie Clifford in their ranks, brilliant inter county All- Ireland winners and yet play junior for Fossa.

No rule is broken. There’s the nub, the facility to play with your small club, where the rising tide lifts all boats, and this particular boat sailed ashore to glory in January 2023.

What a memorable day. They defeated Stewardstown Harps (Tyrone) 0-19 to 1-16. I met Fossa people at Croker that day, that day on their maiden voyage to Croke Park to see Paudie lift the Cup so dear to the hearts of the winners.

Kilcummin had done likewise in 2017, lifting the Intermediate Cup. The shining light for this writer in Croke Park was Kevin McCarthy, the brilliant wing forward, and I believe that his personal score in that final still stands as a record. Kevin played with the Kerry minors in

2011 and 2012, and he lined out at under 21 level in 2015 but did not progress to senior intercounty like his illustrious brother Mike, a brilliant defender. Correct but inaccurate?

Those who complain that the system favours Kerry clubs are correct. Continue the argument. Kerry’s grading system is wrong, and clubs outside of Kerry are at a huge disadvantage. Correct, but why do I ask?

Yes, Ballymacelligott, All-Ireland Junior champions, played in Division 1 of the Kerry County league, Kerry, after all, has only nine senior clubs, and they are joined by seven divisional board teams for the Kerry SFC.

Meath has 16 senior clubs. When you have just nine senior clubs, there are some very strong clubs and players at intermediate and junior levels. Should Kerry have more senior clubs?

The use of so many divisional board teams in Kerry has been a very significant factor in Kerry’s All- Ireland wins. They spawned stars such as John Egan, Aeroplane O’ Shea, the Spillane brothers, the O’Sé clan, including Uncle Páidí, Tom Pender from Keel and many more.

1924

Kerry has organised its clubs, including the divisional board teams, since 1924 wheb The Irish Civil War ended in 1923 and the enlightened Kerry County board in the new Free State adopted the system as we know it today.

It has worked, so why change it?

I believe that the divisional board system, geographically based, has contributed very significantly to winning 39 intercounty titles.

If it works, why change it? One must add that you need quality players to win the Sam Maguire, whether they come from Ballydonoghue, Fossa, or Beaufort.

It means every player in Kerry has access to senior championship football with their club or division.

No one is left behind. So small rural clubs are protected and less likely to transfer to the larger urban clubs. I admit there are exceptions, but they are rare. Look at all the players from small clubs at minor and Under 20’s who blossom with Kerry.

NO CHEATING

Kerry are not cheating; they are working the system incredibly well within the laws and structures laid down by the GAA.

Incidentally, Ballynacargy Westmeath are urging their county board to adopt the successful Kerry system of grading. Access for all players to play in their county’s various championships is a key factor in Kerry’s successes. Why should the law -abiding Kerry County Board be hauled over the coals? Other counties may well adopt or adapt the successful Kerry structure. Time will tell. One must add that a winning structure alone will not suffice. You need quality players. The Irish seanfhocail capture that so well, but they pale in translation. You know the ones about the racehorse and the donkey or the efforts to create a silken purse.

St Paul’s ready for the biggest game of the season

| By Enda Walshe

The biggest game of the season so far takes place this Saturday night, with the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre playing host to the clash of the Northern Conference leaders Dublin Lions and the joint leaders of the Southern Conference Utility Trust St Pauls Lakers.

That Luke O’Hea’s side are in that position is both a compliment to the team and coach. Having lost their opening two fixtures they have embarked on a 9-2 run which has catapulted them up the table. The player deserves huge credit for their level of performance as does the coach as he has engineered some great results, particularly on the road. But now the hard work really starts.

That begins with the visit of the marauding Lions from the capital who themselves have been on a massive run. They have gone seven out of seven in recent months with notable wins over the Titans and Portlaoise Panthers.

Their latest win over Malahide showed everything you need to know about their prowess. Russell Marr, the 6 ft 3 guard has made a name for himself as a prolific scorer and durable defender. This is best highlighted by his 34 point and 5 steal showing in that Dublin Derby and he will need serious defending. Liam Osinuga has really settled into the team since joining in 2021 while Aran Lee has averaged 13 points in his 12 games to date.

Tiago Pereira has previous experience of the league with the Drogheda Wolves and his season high of 21 points against no lesser team than Ulster University mark him out as one to watch. Ignacio Folgueiras has had limited minutes in recent weeks for the Lions but the former

Limerick Eagle can be devastating on his day. Tiernan Howe, Harvey Killeen , Neil Kavanagh and Mo Sabic all help form what is a deep squad.

The Lakers last tasted defeat back in mid-November against National Cup finalists Limerick Sport Eagles and their momentum has been generated by a trio of wins over the Galway clubs, namely Maree, Titans and Moycullen, a derby win over the Cougars and fine away wins over Moy Tolka Rovers and Carrick Cruisers. That run has helped Steve Kelly be crowned December Player of the Month , with the same player not far off consideration for the November gong. Eoin Carrolls scoring averages are creeping up but it's his rebounding that has been a real feature for the team. He is the only homegrown player in the top ten stats in that department and is closely followed in seventh place by team mate Sam Grant. The battle under the boards was pivotal to the Titans wins and will be equally so here. Mark Sheehan and Jack O Sullivan are now regularly shooting in the mid-teens , a stat that must be maintained to challenge for honours while the squad is boosted by the return of Pablo Murcia to training. Marko Bencic will be available for the game but the squad will be without Rui Sariava. Oisin Spring always brings the hustle with him but has also weighed in with important scoring interventions also while Darragh O Callaghan has shown his importance to the squad.

The Lakers won't travel outside the confines of the town again until the 21st February with their sole away game being the Killarney Derby on Thursday February 12th. If you gave them this position at the onset of the season they would have taken your hand off. Now is the time to push it on. Tip-off is at 7.30pm.

Battle for ‘Town Champions’ title in rugby club fundraiser

The Gleneagle INEC Arena is set to host one of the most anticipated sporting social events of the year on Friday, February 6, as Killarney RFC launches the ‘Killarney Town Champions ’competition.

The high-energy night will see the town’s premier sports clubs go head-to-head in a ‘Fittest Club’ style challenge mixed with a ‘Tops of the Tow’ atmosphere to determine who is the ultimate champion. The event features a powerful lineup of

REELING IN THE YEARS: Luke O'Hea in action for Abrakebabra Tigers, Tralee, back in 2005. He is now the man in charge at St Paul’s.

REMAINING FIXTURES

Dublin Lions (H)

Saturday January 24 7.30pm

Portlaoise Panthers (H) Saturday January 31 7.30pm

Tipp Talons (H)

Team North West (H)

Killarney Cougars (A)

Limerick Sport Eagles (H)

Templeogue (A)

Drogheda Wolves (H)

Maree (A)

local clubs including Kilcummin GAA, Dr Crokes GAA, Glenflesk GAA, Killarney Athletic FC, St. Paul’s Basketball, and the hosts, Killarney Rugby Club. Teams of four from each club will battle through a series of fitness challenges and eliminations.

A pre-recorded kicking challenge held at the rugby club’s grounds in Aghadoe will also form part of the scoring. Popular local radio personality Brendan Fuller will act as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Monday February 3pm

Saturday February 7 7.30pm

Thursday February 12 8pm

Saturday February 14 7.30pm

Saturday February 21 7.30pm

Saturday March 7 7.30pm

Saturday March 14 7pm

While the primary goal is to

for the new Killarney RFC Clubhouse Development at Aghadoe, the event is designed to benefit the entire local sporting community.

Tickets are priced at €20, and in a unique

move, any participating club that sells a ticket retains €10 for their own funds. Tickets can be purchased directly from the clubs or via Eventbrite. Doors open at 7:00 pm with the first challenge starting at 8:00 pm.

St Paul’s share the lead as business end of the season approaches

| By Enda Walshe

It's very much game on in the Dominos Women’s Super League with only one game separating the top five. Killester and Utility Trust St Paul’s currently lead the way with eight wins each but Brunell, Glanmire and Trinity Meteors are all in hot pursuit.

The remaining playoff spots are currently occupied by Flomax Liffey Celtics, Waterford Wildcats and the improving McEvoys Cavan Eagles.

You would venture to say that only events of a catastrophic nature would deny St Pauls of a berth but the requirement to finish as high in the standings as possible remains the carrot on a stick, with a home quarter-final the reward. With seven games remaining the short trip up the newly revamped N22 to the Fr Matthew’s Arena is first on the agenda with the subsequent weekends seeing three home games, against the Ca-

van Eagles, Trinity Meteors and Flomax Liffey Celtics respectively.

By the time they set off on their travels again to Killester, Glanmire and Brunell, everyone will be all the wiser as to what will be required.

Surprisingly this weekend's opponents, Fr Matthews, are yet to secure a win.

Surprising for the fact that they are always a very competitive opponent and in the past have made their Arena a fortress.

But they can lean on some impressive performances if they are looking to garner some confidence. They were very close to success in their two battles with Portlaoise Panthers while they gave the all-conquering Killester a belly full of it in their own patch back in October. The evergreen Grainne Dwyer is still pulling her weight at this level while in Laila Blair they possess the league’s top scorer, some feat when you consider their position.

The signing of Stacie Jones in December

has brought some improvement while Saidbh Fitzgerald and Tralee native Holly O'Brien wont lack for effort. After a substandard performance against Glanmire in mid-December St Paul’s have really got back to the standards they had previously.

A hard fought win over Brunell was followed by an epic triumph over Waterford Wildcats while the Panthers win was ruthless and efficient. Those trio of wins have helped them to the summit but they must be wary of a team looking for its maiden win. The form of Tara Cousins, Maisie Burnham and Lovisa Hevinder has been central to their success with the trio combining for an average of nearly fifty points per game. But the Irish contingent have certainly made their presence felt. Lorraine Scanlon is having the season of her life, Leah

REMAINING FIXTURES

McMahon improving with every outing, and back in the frame following a concussion enforced absence.

The commencement of the National Football league will mean Siofra O’Shea will again be juggling her commitments but her influence on the team has been clear.

Deirdre Geaney is offering great options for coach James Fleming and the form of Denise Dunlea is hugely encouraging. Lynn Jones continues to show great example, something youngsters like Naoise O Connor and Clodagh O'Sullivan are tapping into.

These are the type of games you must be wary of , considering you will be well fancied. With a trio of home games to follow thereafter, a win is a must to continue the push for honours. Tip off in the Fr Matthews Arena is at 5pm.

March 8 2pm

From surprise packages to seasoned contenders

Corn Uí Mhuirí Semi-Finals preview by Rob Kelly

The 2026 Corn Uí Mhuirí has reached the semi-final stage, with just four teams remaining in the hunt for Munster schools glory.

• Tralee CBS v St Francis College

Rochestown - Saturday January 24 at 12.30pm in Cill na Martra

Favourites for the competition Tralee CBS are still in the reckoning after they overcame their Killarney counterparts St Brendan’s College Killarney 0-12 0-9 last Wednesday in a hard-fought game Austin Stack Park.

• Presentation Secondary School Milltown v Clonmel High School – Saturday January 24 at 12:30pm in Mallow

The two surprise packages of this year’s Corn Uí Mhuirí will meet in the semifinals, Presentation Milltown only made their debut in the competition in 2022 will contest their first semifinal, an extremely youthful side with only a few players in their final year.

Key players for this Milltown side include 2024 Kerry Minor full back Michael Lynch, who is one of select few finished this year others include Marcus Clifford

and Listry duo Danny Murphy and Killian Fitzgerald.

Clonmel CBS, representing the Premier County, were not expected to progress beyond the group stages but gathered momentum as the competition developed. A crucial victory over Pobascoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare in a do-or-die group match saw them advance at the expense of the Kerry school. They followed that up with arguably the shock result of the tournament, defeating Clonakilty Community College in the quarterfinals. Clonakilty had swept

through their group unbeaten, including a notable victory over record champions

St Brendan’s College, yet it was the Tipp side who prevailed by 1-6 to 0-5 in a low-scoring affair, not the usual scoreline since the introduction of the new rules but the Tipp outfit advanced.

Clonmel’s standout performers include Dylan McCormack and Conor Freaney, who struck 1-4 and 1-3 respectively against Kenmare, Waterford minor Andrew Ryan and Mikey Guire in particular will look to dominate the middle third against Milltown’s pairing of Brian Mangan and the highly rated Lynch.

Milltown’s youth will be tested by a Clonmel side full of confidence and judging by the teams the Tipperary outfit have already overcome, this will not be an easy task for this Milltown side but if Danny Murphy and Lynch can produce their best form, the Kerry school may just have enough to edge it, just about.

Verdict: Presentation Secondary School

Milltown

Sinead Galvin secures personal victory as Ireland falls to Scotland

Killarney badminton star Sinead Galvin delivered a strong individual performance representing Ireland at the Scottish International Masters Championships in Glasgow last weekend.

Despite Galvin winning her match in impressive fashion, it was not to be for the national side as Scotland proved too strong overall.

The highly experienced Killarney club player was selected for the Irish squad following a string of top-form performances, including a recent victory at the Leinster Masters Open.

Carrying high hopes into the international fixture at the Sir Craig Reedie Centre, Galvin justified her selection by securing a hard-fought win in her category. However, the depth of the Scottish team across the various age groups eventually told on the scoreboard with the home side claiming the overall victory with a 25-15 match score.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Killarney talent central to Kerry FC preparations as new season looms

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

The influence of Killarney soccer continues to grow at Mounthawk Park as Kerry FC ramps up preparations for the 2026 Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1 season.

Local star Luke Doolan made a significant impact in the first competitive action of the year, starting in the 2-0 victory over Cobh Wanderers in the Grandon’s Toyota Munster Senior Cup.

The win, secured by outstanding strikes from Sean McGrath and Sean O’Connell, earns the Kingdom a place in the quarter-finals.

Manager Colin Healy is utilising the provincial competition to integrate new signings and welcome back key figures.

Perhaps most significant for Killarney supporters is the return of prolific scorer Ryan Kelliher. The striker missed the

majority of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament. His return to fitness is seen as a massive boost for the club's attacking options.

The squad is also bolstered by new signing Kieran Cooney, a defender who arrived from Finn Harps, while Cian Brosnan remains the cornerstone of the group as the club's most experienced player with 40 appearances to date.

Kerry FC opens their league campaign away to UCD on February 13. Following the massive success of providing buses for the 1,000 fans who travelled to the FAI Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers in 2025, the club has confirmed they will again provide spectator transport for away fixtures this season.

The first home game at Mounthawk Park is scheduled for Friday, February 20, against Athlone Town FC, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

SPORT NOTES

Fossa GAA

Fossa GAA weekly notes begin with the latest club lotto update. The numbers drawn on Saturday January 18 for a jackpot of €5,850 were 3, 4, 14 and 15. There was no jackpot winner on this occasion. The €40 consolation prizes were won by Moira Dineen, Niall Myers, both online, along with Sarah Randles, James Houlihan and John Lyne. Lotto tickets remain available from club sellers and can also be purchased online through the Fossa GAA Clubforce page. Fossa GAA is delighted to be participating in the GAA National Club Draw for the first time. This initiative is particularly important as all money raised from tickets sold by Fossa GAA remains directly within the club, supporting facilities, teams and future development. Members are encouraged to purchase tickets through Foireann, where the draw can be accessed by logging into a personal account and selecting Enter Draw. A number of executive members are also available to enter members into the draw through their own Foireann accounts. Physical tickets will be available shortly and will be circulated in the coming week. The club is hopeful that members will both buy and sell tickets, with excellent prizes on offer, details of which are available on the club’s Facebook page. Continued support for this draw is greatly appreciated as it directly benefits the club.

Spa GAA

Spa GAA is now accepting entries for Scór na bPáistí, a wonderful cultural

competition for primary school children representing their club. This much-loved event includes a wide range of categories such as dancing, music, singing, drama, recitation and quiz, ensuring there is something for every child to enjoy. Scór na bPáistí provides an excellent opportunity for young people to build confidence, express creativity and take pride in representing their club. Spa GAA has a strong tradition of participation and success in Scór over many years, and new entrants are always warmly welcomed. Further details and entry information are available from Anna O’Connor. Tickets are now on sale for the Spa GAA Awards Night, which will take place in Hilliards on Saturday February 7. This event promises to be an enjoyable evening celebrating the achievements and dedication of players, volunteers and supporters throughout the club. Tickets can be purchased through committee members and early booking is advised.Club membership for the season is now open and can be completed through the Spa GAA website. Members are encouraged to renew promptly as membership supports the ongoing work of the club both on and off the field.Spa GAA continues to promote health and wellbeing through its Walk Under the Lights initiative. Club floodlights will be on every Tuesday night from 7.00pm until Tuesday February 10, inviting members and the wider community to enjoy a safe and relaxed walk around the club’s walking track. This initiative is suitable for all ages and

SPORT NOTES

fitness levels, whether participants prefer a brisk walk, a gentle stroll or simply a chance to chat with neighbours while getting some fresh air.Supporters are reminded that the best way to stay up to date with Spa GAA news, fixtures, results and events is by downloading the ClubZap app and subscribing to Spa GAA. The club website also carries regular updates and information.

Fossa Bridge Club

Fossa Bridge Club held its weekly competition on Thursday January 15 with an excellent turnout and competitive play throughout the morning. In the North South section, first place was claimed by Ciarán Broadbery and Marie Moloney, with Anne Looney and Michael McHugh finishing second. In the East West section, first place went to Hazel O’Connell and Kathleen Coen, followed by Patricia Lynch and Ann Clerkin in second place. Congratulations are extended to all players.Members are reminded that President Margaret’s Charity Fundraiser will take place on Thursday January 29. The chosen charity for this event is Comfort for Chemo, which is currently fundraising to build and equip a state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit for the people of Kerry. Members are encouraged to support this very worthy cause and the club looks forward to a strong attendance. The club was saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed member Danielle Fromont. Danielle was a valued part of the club community and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Sympathy is extended to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.Bridge continues every Thursday morning at 10.00am in The Castlerosse Hotel, with new members always welcome.

Glenflesk GAA

Excitement is already building in Glenflesk with the announcement that Flesk Fest is returning this year, bigger and better than ever. The dates for this year’s festival are Wednesday June 18 through to Saturday June 21, marking a change from the traditional July slot. Over four action-packed days, the community can look forward to music, sport, family fun and plenty of entertainment, all in support of Glenflesk GAA. Further details and updates will be shared on the club’s Facebook page in the coming weeks and months. As part of its Healthy Club initiative, Glenflesk GAA would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part in the Irish Life Ireland Lights Up Walk and Couch to 5K programme. The Glenflesk GAA walking track will be lit every Monday and Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm for the next seven weeks. This initiative is open to all and provides a safe and welcoming environment for community members to stay active during the winter months.

Fossa Rowing Club

Fossa Rowing Club members travelled to Limerick last weekend to compete in the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships, with UL hosting a vibrant and busy event featuring clubs from across the country. A strong Kerry presence was evident throughout the day and Fossa rowers enjoyed both competitive racing and the camaraderie of meeting friends from Cahersiveen Rowing Club Sive.The club was represented by a talented underage squad who performed with great determination and enthusiasm, setting personal bests across the board and competing admirably against the best rowers in Ireland. The Fossa rowers taking part were Noah Slattery, Adam Murphy, Tim Madde, Kallina Poul, Eoin Murphy, Cilian O’Donoghue and Conor Jack O’Neill.A special word of congratulations goes to Kallina Poul, who produced a phenomenal performance by winning her heat in the under 14 girls category and finishing an excellent sixth overall. She followed this up with another sixth-place finish in the 500-metre event, a remarkable achievement at national level.The club also extends sincere thanks to coaches Conor, Declan and Laura for their dedication and support throughout what was a long and busy day. Their commitment continues to play a vital role in the development of young rowers at Fossa.

Kilcummin

Community Notes

The Kilcummin Community will host a 31 Card Drive Memorial Tournament in the Klub Bar on Sunday February 1 at 4.00pm in memory of Dermot Brady Moynihan. This partners event

will include trophies for winners and a wide range of spot prizes. All proceeds from the day will be donated to Comfort for Chemo, and the community is encouraged to come out and support this meaningful fundraiser.Samaritans Ireland has expressed sincere thanks to the Kilcummin community for its generous support of the Annual Christmas Church Gate Collection. This support is deeply appreciated and makes a real difference. The Samaritans Freephone number is 116 123 for anyone who may need support. Kilcummin Community Care continues to meet every Tuesday from 11.00am to 2.00pm in the GAA hall. A hot dinner is provided and free transport is available. Anyone interested in attending is invited to contact Mary Doyle for further information. Enrolment forms are now available for Anabla Play and Learn Preschool. ECCE places are available for children from two years and eight months, with subsidised National Childcare Scheme places also available for children from two years and six months. Preschool sessions run from 9.00am to 12.00pm Monday to Friday, with part-time care available from 12.00pm to 2.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Further information and enrolment forms are available by contacting the preschool directly.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

The Ladies Section at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club recently held the Annual Mary Geaney Team of Three Scramble, with thirteen holes played on O’Mahony’s Point. First place with a score of 46 nett was claimed by Jane Dwyer,

Mary Geaney and Pat Collins. The runners-up on 47 nett after a countback on the last nine holes were Ursula Daly, Liz Kelleher and Annette Sheehan.Third place, also on 47 nett after a last nine countback, went to Eimear O’Donnell, Geraldine Rosney and Moira Quinlan. Fourth place on the same scoreline was secured by Kathleen Wall, Ann Stuart and Mary Shanahan, while Amy Arthur, Dolores McSweeney and Abigail Graham finished fifth with 47 nett. Sixth place went to Marie O’Brien, Carmel Fitzgerald and Kathleen Rice on 48 nett after a last nine countback, followed by Mary Sheehy, Kate Anu Culloty and Anita O’Sullivan in seventh place. Eighth place was claimed by Annette McNiece, Miriam Murphy Wood and Aoife Twomey with 49 nett.The next ladies fixture will take place on the Killeen Course on Sunday January 25 with an eleven-hole Scotch Foursomes competition.

Killarney Valley Athletic Club

Killarney Valley Athletic Club has enjoyed an outstanding period of performances, highlighted by a remarkable achievement from Sarah Leahy, who broke the Irish National 50-metre record at the Meeting Indoor Locarnese event in Locarno, Switzerland. Sarah recorded a superb time of 6.41 seconds, marking a major milestone in her athletic career. A number of club athletes travelled to the National Indoor Arena in Dublin last weekend to compete on the track. Sarah Leahy also ran 7.49 seconds in the 60 metres, while Keelie O’Connor produced an excellent series of performances, running personal bests of 7.90 seconds and 7.68 sec-

onds in the 60 metres and winning the 200 metres with another personal best of 25.92 seconds. Naoise O’Connor recorded a new personal best of 8.45 seconds in the 60 metres, achieving it twice, and along with Maddie O’Riordan also ran strongly in the 200 metres.Charlie Clarke made an impressive senior debut, running 7.40 seconds and then a personal best of 7.38 seconds in the 60 metres before winning the 200 metres in 23.74 seconds, another personal best. In middle-distance events, Maria Murnane placed second in the 800 metres with a new personal best of 2.20, while Conor Kissane won the 1,500 metres in a personal best time of 4.10. In the field events, Jordan Lee recorded the leading throw of the day with a distance of 11.09 metres.Tickets for the Streets of Killarney Five Mile race are selling quickly, with the event having sold out in each of the past two years. Those wishing to take part are advised to secure tickets early. Anyone interested in joining Killarney Valley Athletic Club can contact the club by email for further details.

Kilcummin GAA

reland Lights Up returns to Kilcummin GAA as part of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge. Members of the public are welcome to join walks at the Kilcummin GAA Walking Track every Wednesday night from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, with the floodlights on to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Participation is open to everyone and club membership is not required. For health and safety reasons, only therapy or assistance dogs are permitted on the walking track and club grounds. The Ireland Lights Up programme runs for five weeks and concludes on Tuesday February 11.There was no winner of the Kilcummin GAA lotto draw held on Monday January 12 for a jackpot of €6,000. The numbers drawn were 1, 8, 19 and 25. Consolation prizes of €50 were won by Cillian O’Gorman, Katie Crowley from Knockancore, Sean Finnegan from Cockhill and Fr Donie Sheahan from the United States. The next draw will take place on Monday January 26 with a jackpot of €6,250.

Killarney Swimming Club

The first long course fifty-metre meet of the year took place over three days at UL during the Gerry Ryan Memorial Gala. This meet marked the first qualifying opportunity for Age Group, Youth and Senior Summer Nationals later in the year. Killarney Swimming Club enjoyed an excellent weekend, recording numerous personal bests, twenty-three qualifying times for Summer Nationals and five medals overall.

Evan O’Donoghue had an outstanding competition, winning a gold medal in the 400 individual medley and three bronze medals in the 100 breaststroke,

200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley. Sarah Quirke also impressed, claiming a silver medal in the 200 butterfly.Congratulations are also extended to Aoife Coffey and Aoibhin Heinemann, who achieved qualifying times in several events for the McCullagh International Open Meet in February, which will take place at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.

Dr Crokes

Dr Crokes membership is now due and can be renewed through the club app, which members are encouraged to download. Continued support through membership is vital to the ongoing success of the club.Fr Paddy’s Cards continues every Wednesday night at 8.00pm in the clubhouse, with all welcome to attend. The club lotto draw took place on Sunday January 19, with numbers drawn 5, 14, 16 and 18. The jackpot of €17,300 was not won, with eight patrons matching three numbers and receiving €50 each. The next draw will take place on Sunday January 26 with a jackpot of €17,600.Dr Crokes Bingo continues every Sunday night in Saint Mary’s Parish Hall, with doors opening at 7.00pm and the first game starting at 8.00pm.Congratulations are extended to Dingle on their victory in the All-Ireland Club Final. The club also offers condolences to Dave O’Connor and the wider O’Connor family on the passing of Dave’s aunt. May she rest in peace.

Deer Park Pitch and Putt

The latest Sunday draws at Deer Park Pitch and Putt included a Two Ball Betterball competition. First nett honours were claimed by Gearoid Cronin and Margaret O’Brien with 36 and a half. The gross prize went to John McGrath and Dan Kiely with a score of 46, while second nett was secured by Sean O’Brien and Dan Kiely with 38 and a

half after a back nine countback. Members are reminded that club membership will be due from Saturday March 1. Membership rates will remain the same as last year, with further details to follow in the coming weeks

Killarney Celtic

Killarney Celtic enjoyed a dramatic weekend of fixtures, highlighted by a thrilling comeback win in the KDL Premier. Celtic overturned a two-goal deficit at half-time to defeat Listowel Celtic 3–2, with Liam Spillane scoring twice and Matt Keane adding the winner. Celtic B continued their strong form in the KDL Championship with a 3–0 win away to AC Athletic, while the under 13 Premier side maintained their perfect league record with a 4–0 victory over Castleisland. At national level, the under 17 side exited the FAI Cup in heartbreaking fashion after a penalty shootout defeat following a thrilling draw with Leeds AFC.Congratulations are extended to Rory Murphy on being named to the under 13 Team of the Week.

Killarney Athletic AFC

Killarney Athletic AFC continues to develop strongly both on and off the pitch. The club’s 300 Club draw for the season is now open to new members. This monthly draw, which features six winners each month and €1,000 in prizes, remains the club’s primary fundraiser and plays a crucial role in supporting ongoing and future projects at the club grounds. The Underage Awards Night and Bingo will take place on Wednesday February 18 at the Killarney Oaks Hotel from 7.30pm. This promises to be a great night celebrating the achievements of young players and the dedication of coaches and volunteers. On the pitch, the Senior A team recorded an impressive 4–0 victory over Mainebank in the KDL Premier

A. Goals came from Evan Doona, Oisín O’Sullivan, Terry Sparling and an own goal, rounding off a strong and controlled performance. At under 17 level, Killarney Athletic enjoyed a dominant 3–0 win away to Tralee Dynamos, with Leo Allen scoring all three goals in an excellent team display. The under 15 Premier team also produced a superb performance, defeating Killarney Celtic 5–0 in the local derby. The girls under 12 team travelled to Listowel and returned with a fantastic 5–2 victory, displaying excellent teamwork and determination throughout. Congratulations are also extended to the under 15 girls Ella Crowley, Lillian Slattery and Esme O’Sullivan on their Munster Final win with Kerry, with Lillian converting a decisive penalty.

Mastergeeha AFC

Mastergeeha enjoyed a strong series of results across multiple age groups. The under 13 Division 1 team secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory away to Killarney Athletic, with Warren O’Boyle scoring both goals in a composed performance that earned him Man of the Match honours. In under 13 Division 2 South, Mastergeeha B recorded an impressive 3–0 win over Killorglin B, with goals from Conor Murphy, Ronan O’Neill and Cillian Cronin. The under 15 Division 3 team also enjoyed success, defeating MEK 6–3 in an entertaining encounter.The club is immensely proud of its players who represented Kerry at inter-county level. Four under 13 girls helped Kerry secure the Munster title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Waterford, while four under 12 girls competed bravely in the Munster Final against North Tipperary.There was no winner of the Mastergeeha lotto draw held on Friday January 16 for a jackpot of €4,000. The next draw will take place on Friday January 23 with a jackpot of €4,200.